The Fringe, May 2023

ISSUE 225, MAY 2023

Future planning underway for Waitipu

A plan to guide future development for recreation and experiences at Waitipu in the Waitākere Valley has been adopted by Waitākere Ranges Local Board.

would also help to identify measures to mitigate future extreme weather events.

It also asks the council to urge Government to delay and defer the implementation of the National Policy Statement on Urban Development (NPS-UD) while it is carried out and that discussions are then held between the council and Government on how to proceed with intensification in a way that keeps Aucklanders and their homes safe.

It comes following the significant weather events in early 2023 which left almost 300 homes red-stickered and 1600 yellow-stickered, with hundreds of people made homeless as well as claiming the lives of several people.

Vulnerable

Waitākere Ranges Local Board Chair, Greg Presland, says that the recent events have highlighted how vulnerable Auckland, and in particular the west, is to these events.

Waitipu, formerly the Waitākere Quarry (above), has native forest and a pond and is home to native birds, flora and fauna. The plan includes recreation opportunities for unique experiences. How these can be developed within the park will require more investigation as the plan’s outcomes progress.

“Our area’s unique ecology sets us apart. There has been a long-standing commitment to reinstate Waitipu so that people can enjoy its natural beauty. I’m pleased that the remediation is a step closer,” says Waitākere Ranges Local Board Chairperson Greg Presland.

“This plan is useful as it will inform future development of Waitipu as a local park should funding become available. For some time now the local board has advocated for funding for the project, and we intend to continue to do this,” he says.

Currently, there is no public access to the park. In 2022, stakeholders and the public provided their input to the draft plan. There was strong preference for activities like walking and dog walking, picnicking, nature play, environmental restoration, and mountain biking.

“The feedback has been very helpful to us. Thank you to everyone who has taken the time and been a part of the consultation process,” Greg says.

Mana whenua worked with staff to help guide the development of the plan. Te Kawerau ā Maki have a long and important connection to the Te Henga area and Waitākere River Valley.

Their guidance on restoring the mauri or mana of the site, which has been heavily degraded through quarrying, leaving the mature native forest in its natural state and the importance of cultural design and storytelling, is reflected in the final plan.

Work in the future will continue to be a collaborative effort between mana whenua and the local community.

Calls for audit of infrastructure following storm devastation

Auckland’s infrastructure requires an urgent audit to assess its ability to cope with extreme weather events in the context of climate change and increased intensification, according to Waitākere Ranges Local Board.

At its recent meeting, the board unanimously supported a motion, presented by member Sandra Coney, calling for the audit, which

“Recent weather events have raised the question of whether Auckland’s infrastructure can cope with the increased level of intensification, especially in the context of climate change and the council’s climate emergency,” he says.

“The events have also strengthened the case for greater environmental protection and restoration of both the urban forest and areas of indigenous forest such as the Waitākere Ranges.”

The motion also calls for a pause of Plan Change 78, which allows for dwellings of up to three storeys on a site without the need for a resource consent, while the audit is underway.

“Increased intensification can involve an increase in impermeable surfaces, which increase the speed and volume of stormwater run-off, risking flooding and slips,” says Greg.

“Plan Change 78 is impacting the majority of Auckland, and for the ranges this means parts of Glen Eden, Tītīrangi, Sunnyvale and Swanson.

“With greater intensification than was previously planned, and much occurring in low-lying and steeper areas, the risk of significant flooding and slips in future events is high.

“It would not be prudent to press on with such an increase in intensification when the current infrastructure clearly cannot cope with significant rainfall, with the cost of damage currently estimated at over $500 million.

“So, the board is calling for an audit of Auckland’s infrastructure to adequately assess our ability to cope with future events, with the aim of increasing our resilience and ability to cope with the kind of events we are seeing more and more frequently.”

Planning Environment and Parks Committee

At its meeting on 2 March, the council’s Planning, Environment and Parks Committee approved a scope of work to investigate the effects of the recent extreme weather events and what implications these might have for the council’s infrastructure and policy settings. This will include a review of current and forthcoming plan changes to the Auckland Unitary Plan.

Glen Eden is one of the areas experiencing increased intensification.

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Robbing Peter to pay Paul

The great benefit of living through numerous decades is that you see crises cycling through and learn lessons from the responses to them, writes DAI BINDOFF.

I want to be clear that this is not aimed at any politician; it is simply some reflections on how the lessons of recent history can apply to the crisis that Auckland allegedly faces.

Local government exists solely to share the delivery of the greatest public good for the greatest number. There is a net cost for that, and it must be paid. We cannot defer today’s legitimate costs. We cannot ‘shrink to success’. A contracting economy is made worse by reduced economic activity whereas spending stimulates the economy.

The last 50 years have shown that the response to a crisis must be bold. In the ‘70s, borrowing to build massive new infrastructure was the very bold response to the Oil Shocks. Most of this infrastructure still serves, and the costs of building and borrowing are long forgotten.

The financial crisis of the ’80s was savage – and my generation of young parents paid with mortgage interest rates of 19% and more. But a bold response – also savage –left us with a hugely expanded economy that was among the strongest in the world.

Barak Obama’s bold response to the Global Financial Crisis saw the USA back on its feet quickly, while the austerity imposed on Greece condemned that country to – well, austerity.

Watching the torments as the new(ish) council struggles to write a budget, it seems that there must be a better – more objective – way to run our politics. Haven’t we already had enough of passing costs on to the future?

There should be five legal pre-requisites for election to public office:

1. A commitment to work for an objectively defined vision of public good for the greatest number.

2. Acceptance that all public political statements must be based on demonstrable facts or at least on wellreasoned arguments and be tested to ensure they are.

3. An understanding that cost cutting means “payment deferred – at compound interest”.

4. An understanding that payments deferred are bequeathed to future tax and rate payers.

5. Acceptance that costs shifted from one public purse to another is “robbing Peter to pay Paul” but the public pays irrespective of who sends the bill.

It is too easy to say: “costs are too high”, “debt is too high”, “there are too many bureaucrats”, “there is too much red tape”, etc. Let aspirants show their facts, or at least reasoned argument.

Continued on page 6 >>

Every issue of The Fringe (and the Tītīrangi 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.

Optimism remains for Te Whau Pathway

Despite the current economic climate and the Council looking everywhere for savings, the outlook for Te Whau Pathway Project still seems positive.

Council is taking a cautious, but potentially positive, approach of pausing while it deals with what it sees as more urgent matters, while leaving the door open to re-visiting the discussion when that is done. That is encouraging.

Most councillors – even the fiscal conservatives – see merit in the project. They understand that it’ll never be cheaper to build – especially with $35 million, on offer from the government. It is projected to generate 80 construction jobs, potentially inspire a local tourism industry, help reduce road congestion, emissions and land and water pollution and help to mitigate Climate Change. All of these are official priorities, locally and nationally. The very considerable social benefits will add further value.

If the project is dropped, the Government’s $35 million will be lost along with the 80 jobs. The $9 million of the public’s money that has already been spent will also be lost along with the cost of refunding some government money, potential compensation to contractors, and consigning expensive construction materials already on hand to scrap. The total loss may well be greater than the costs of continuing.

Council, Government, AT and Waka Kotahi all prioritise cycling and having a region-wide cycle network. Yet what was always missing from official plans, was a connection between the North-western Cycleway at Te Atatū and the hub of cycleways that is developing in the vicinity of New Lynn’s Olympic Park. That connection is Te Whau Pathway

Te Whau Pathway passes through or near 33 parks and schools, and through four major suburbs – home to nearly 90,000 people and growing. As with all public facilities, it will

have a wider catchment and in opening up access to one of the most beautiful waterways in Auckland, it has the potential to attract Aucklanders everywhere, and tourists. It will create a link between the two harbours and will acknowledge important local histories – such as the Māori portage for taking waka overland between the two coasts.

“Westies” Ross Clow and Iris Donoghue MNZM formed Te Whau Coastal Pathway Environment Trust to drive the project ahead. It comprises community members along with members of the three western local boards. This Trust inspired $7 million of the $9 million spent so far. Just over $2 million came from TTCF profits raised in Portage and Waitākere Licensing Trusts venues and Local Boards gave over $5 million. The Trust entered into an MoU with the council to share the project, and partnered with iwi and local organisations such as the Whau River Catchment Trust.

Sections of pathway have been built and the pontoon at Archibald Park renewed.

There is no doubt that Auckland needs the pathway as a potentially significant contributor to encouraging people out of cars – especially as the population grows. For West Auckland it is another way of connecting growing communities; providing options for healthy recreation, commuting and moving around neighbourhoods; giving future generations safe ways to get to school, to cut down the “school run” and reduce road congestion and pollution; and increasing community resilience.

While it waits for funding decisions, Te Whau Pathway Environment Trust is continuing its advocacy work, keeping the project in the public mind, creating public events, weed clearing and planting, building relationships with schools and monitoring water quality – and looking forward to a resumption of construction in the relatively near future.

https://www.playcentre.org.nz/centre/laingholm/

Early childhood education with a difference; children and their families play and grow together.

Te Whau Pathway Trust chairman, Tony Miguel and cycling advocate Simon Vincent at a recent Bike Fun Day.

Dancing into the moonlight

The inaugural Last Stand Music Festival took place early last month at the Waima Reserve, Tītīrangi with a perfect mix of music, a sold-out crowd and beautiful weather.

DJ Saul warmed up the crowd with an eclectic mix of modern remixes before Pita Turei from Te Kawerau ā Maki led a poignant and humorous opening ceremony welcoming everyone to the festival. A short introduction from festival organiser David Oakes brought on the first act, Alba Rose, performing a stripped back performance of guitar and vocals.

After a short interlude, Local three-piece sibling act Brother Sister picked up the pace with their uplifting blend of electro-driven synth pop delivering fun, punchy and irresistibly danceable tunes. The Carnivorous Plant Society quintet (top right), New Zealand’s favourite psychedelic jazz band, then took the crowd on a journey igniting the imaginations of kids and adults alike.

A short spell of showers graced the park before a stunning double rainbow augmented the set of feature act Lawrence Arabia (centre right) who performed a set of guitar and vocals interspersed with keyboards.

As the sun began to set, closing act Arjuna Oakes with his full band (bottom right) treated the crowd to an upbeat set of diverse sound-scapes with revellers dancing into the moonlight.

The Last Stand is preparing for a repeat festival around the same time next year dependent on funding from sponsors. If you’d like to sponsor the festival or help out in any way please email David on mdoakes1@gmail.com.

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>> Robbing Peter to pay Paul, continued from page 3

The law of unintended consequences lies in wait for cost cutting for its own sake. And as always, the public will pick up the tab.

Prior to 1989, the Auckland Regional Authority provided our regional infrastructure and services, but it came under the control of cost cutters. Three years later, its new chairman, the late Colin Kay, told me that cost cutting had added 11% infrastructural debt on top of annual costs. His point was (obviously) that Auckland had gone backwards, and ‘cost cutting’ was really ‘cost increasing’.

This also threatened the 1990 Commonwealth Games. Planned key venues at Mt Smart were junked in the cost cutting, leaving the city and government to pay for alternatives. The ARA may have saved money, but the public paid anyway. The cost may even have increased because the ARA could have achieved economies of scale.

Deferred payment always increases costs. Costs increase with time and repairing neglect costs more than maintenance.

Cost cutting by seeking the lowest bidder will often see corners cut, quality sacrificed and whole-of-life costs magnified and bequeathed to the future.

Costs can, however, be cut by demolishing bureaucratic silos. One government agency scuppered infrastructure that was designed over 18 months by another agency and a Council CCO. The CCO’s next solution was also scuppered.

One silo at the second of those government agencies knew about the new design, but after a year of work, a second silo vetoed the concept. That wasted millions.

Public good argues that borrowing isn’t automatically bad. Debt and credit are the same thing, and they allow us to have something today at an affordable cost.

Public good argues that the Airport Shares can be a revenue-earning asset for ever, but they can only be sold once.

Public good also argues that every retrenchment has a cost and if that cost becomes too great, catastrophe awaits.

All of which raises the questions: Is it a demonstrable fact that the council cannot afford another $300 million? Is it a demonstrable fact that we should not borrow to cover any gap; or is the gap even just a perception? Is it a demonstrable fact that the only choices are to raise rates or slash $300 million from the budget and/or sell the airport shares?

Do our youth and younger adults want older generations making decisions like these that they will not be around to see, or suffer the consequences of?

Do the young see new values, new priorities and new ways of thinking that should be explored? It’s their future. Have they been asked?

I don’t know the answers to any of those questions, but history does demand that they should be answered.

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Welcome to Street Feast! The stories behind the food ...

Winning over the West

Churly’s Rise, one of seven food and beverage operators within Tītīrangi’s Street Feast is all about the craft beer. And the lager, the wine and the cocktails – because what they do is match up what the people of Tītīrangi want with a great vibe and product offering.

The team are a friendly group aged under 30, and all live close by. They ooze energy and camaraderie, they always seem to have time for a chat, and with impeccable professionalism they are doing a great job of helping to make Street Feast a popular place to hang out for a drink and a bite to eat.

Ironically, while boutique craft beer is what they do best, at their microbar in Street Feast, Tītīrangi they sell just as much lager, wine and cocktails – because out here, that’s what people want.

“When we opened our doors we put in a feedback box and asked what people wanted. It worked really well and was very constructive”, says General Manager Upokoina George-Yates. “We are here for the long-haul and we want to acknowledge the people that support us.”

The first two years have been tough at times thanks to the pandemic lockdowns but as time goes on, the formula

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.

May

w – May 15 The Hands that Made Crown Lynn, Ngᾱ ringa raupᾱ o te Toi Uku, an exhibition of large posters to launch a major research project for Te Toi Uku Crown Lynn and Clayworks Museum. The museum is looking to find the people that worked in the factory and want to hear their stories; Great North Gallery, Mainstreet, Avondale. Phone 827 7349.

w – 21, Nākirokiro’anga – Learning – The Transmission Of Hope, a solo exhibition created by Clinton Mata-Etu-Rau Hewett. Upstairs Gallery, Level 1, 418 Titirangi Road. Phone 817 4278.

w – 27, Dal. Auckland-based ceramicist Jino Jeong embraces the wonderful irregularities of the moon jar whilst also experimenting beyond the traditional technique; Corban Estate Arts Centre, 2 Mount Lebanon Lane, Henderson; 10am-4.30pm daily. Phone 838 4455.

w – 27 May, Low Carbon Luxe. Christine Brimer, Bernadette Casey, Barbara Wheeler present their domestic tableaux of artisan home wares that showcase creative solutions to textile waste; Corban Estate Arts Centre, 2 Mount Lebanon Lane, Henderson; 10am-4.30pm daily. Phone 838 4455.

w – 28, Still life, new works produced during Ayesha Green's residency at Parehuia-McCahon House; Te Uru, 420 Tītīrangi Road. Phone 817 8087.

w – 28, Unbeautiful evening. An exhibition of works by Samoan artist Andy Leleisi’uao, damaged when his South Auckland home and studio were flooded in late January. The works reflect on how, just as water cycles through its various properties, a new process in life begins; Te Uru, 420 Tītīrangi Road. Phone 817 8087.

w – July 2, Cellular memories and planetary designs: three works by Elizabeth Thomson who has devoted much of her career to exploring both the order and randomness she finds in the physical world, ; Te Uru, 420 Tītīrangi Road. Phone 817 8087.

w 2, Workshop: calming your nerves by using your senses with Katherina Kercher; Tītīrangi Library, 500 South Tītīrangi Road; 10am-12pm; Free. Register at ‘Eventbrite Titirangi Library’ or visit the Library.

w 5 – 7, Printopia Festival Of Original Print, a print-filled weekend of talks, demos, workshops, live printing, a print fair and exhibitions. Meet artists, learn about their process, try it yourself and buy some original prints. For; Corban Estate Arts Centre, 2 Mt Lebanon Lane, Henderson; Friday, 6-9pm, Saturday and Sunday 10am-3pm. Visit www.printopia.nz for the full programme.

w 7, Pony Rides, Huia Road Horse Club; 436B Huia Road, Laingholm; 3-4pm; $5 per child per ride. Phone 027 499 1732.

w 9, 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 10 and 17, Tai chi for over 50’s with Rachel Derham, Tītīrangi War Memorial Hall, 500 South Tītīrangi Road; 9.15-10.05am; Free.

w 10, Time to Dance with Sue MacRae, Tītīrangi War Memorial Hall, 500 South Tītīrangi Road; 10.30-11.45am; Free.

w 11, Meditation session with Jogyata from the Sri Chinmoy Centre; Tītīrangi Community House, 500 South Tītīrangi Road; 10.15-11.30am: Free.

w 11, Let’s talk menopause, a sharing of stories and support; Tītīrangi Library, 500 South Tītīrangi Road; 6-6.45pm; Free.

w 12 and 19, Morning Qigong with Quintin Derham; Tītīrangi War Memorial Hall, 500 South Tītīrangi Road; 7.45-8.45am; Free.

w 12, 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, West Auckland Men’s Rebus Club, guest speaker and morning tea; Friendship Hall, 3063 Great North Road, New Lynn; 10am-12noon. Phone Vince 021 189 6822.

w 12, Flicks presents Cairo Conspiracy (M), a new release from Rialto; Tītīrangi Theatre, Lopdell House, 418 Tītīrangi Road; 10.30am, 5.30pm and 8.15pm; $15/$12/$10. Bookings taken for evening shows, by text 0210 222 5558.

w 13, The Crown Lynn Collectors Market, browse a huge range of Crown Lynn and New Zealand Studio pottery,; New Lynn Community Centre, Totara Avenue, New Lynn; 9am-1pm; $2 entry. Phone 827 7349.

w 13, 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 13, Tītīrangi Folk Music Club presents The Underdrones, Helen Douglas and Mark Murtley Sanders on pipes, floorsingers in first half; Tītīrangi Beach Hall, bottom of Tītīrangi Beach Road; 8pm; $15, members $10, under 18 free. www.titirangilivemusic.co.nz or text Cathy on 021 207 7289.

w 15, 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 16, 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 17, Chair Pilates with Sue Nash, Tītīrangi War Memorial Hall, 500 South Tītīrangi Road; 11am-12pm; Free.

w 17, Combined Waitākere Rebus Club; St John’s Hall, 247 Edmonton Road, Te Atatū South; 10am-Noon. Contact Philis on 838 5361.

There is so much happening in and around our community, including many regular events, that we can’t fit everything into these listings. If you can’t see the event you’re interested in, visit:

www.fringemedia.co.nz/ourplace

Places to go – Things to do

w 17 – 20, Lopdell Film Festival; Tītīrangi Theatre, Lopdell House, 418 Tītīrangi Road. Visit www.lopdellprecinct.org.nz for all details and full programme. Phone 817 2583.

Wednesday 17, Official opening. Live music from 7pm, Film at 8pm.

Thursday 18, Films showing at 6pm and 8pm

Friday 19, Films showing 10.30am, 4pm, 6pm and 8pm.

Saturday 20, Films showing 2pm, 4pm, 6pm and 8pm

w 20, New Lynn Lions Club $1 Book Sale: Books, Magazines, CDs, DVDs, LPs and jigsaw puzzles; New Lynn Friendship Club Hall, 3063 Great North Road, New Lynn (down the driveway by the traffic lights); 8am-4pm. Contact lianne.sloan@xtra.co.nz.

w 23, Tītīrangi U3A – informal learning for people 60-years plus, guest speakers, study groups; West Lynn Garden, 73 Parker Avenue, New Lynn; 1pm. Contact Jan George, 027 478 4119 or jan@jangeorge.co.nz.

w 25 – 28, Capture a pop-up exhibition by PK Photography; Lopdell House Seminar Room, Level 1, 418 Tītīrangi Road. Phone 817 4278.

w 26, 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 26, Tītīrangi Folk Music Club presents Friday Folk’n’Jam, 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.

w 26 – June 18, Vantage, Members Photography Exhibition as part of the Auckland Festival of Photography; Upstairs Art Gallery, Level 1, 418 Tītīrangi Road. Phone 817 4278.

w 27, 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.

June

w June 2 – July 13, Ngā Whetu. While some herald the Māori New Year with the Matariki star cluster, others are unable to see Matariki from their region and celebrate a star named Puanga instead ...; Corban Estate Arts Centre, 2 Mount Lebanon Lane, Henderson; 10am-4.30pm daily. 838 4455.

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

w June 9, West Auckland Men’s Rebus Club, guest speaker and morning tea; Friendship Hall, 3063 Great North Road, New Lynn; 10am-12noon. Phone Vince 021 189 6822.

New dad and hip-hop musician

MELODOWNZ was at the Maranga Rise Up Aotearoa benefit concert at Parrs Park in late March. He was there to support the victims of Cyclone Gabrielle and his musical collaborator Troy Kingi who was among the eight acts sharing their talent for free. Live streamed by Whakaata Māori, Maranga raised over $700,000.

MELOWDOWNZ also played to his hometown Avondale whānau at The Hollywood last month, touring his new album Lone Wolf.

Art & About with Naomi McCleary

A Watchful Eye!

It has been heartening, and continues to be so, to hear voices from across the region claiming, indeed shouting out, the integral role of local body funding out in the community at the coal-face of our lives; CABs, libraries, arts organisations, cultural events, groups protecting the environment. Submissions to the Auckland Council proposed budget normally attract around 10,000 responses; this year in excess of 30,000. Hallelujah!

The impacts of the proposed services cuts are potentially drastic. So many examples: libraries are the community’s living rooms; so much more than a repository of books. A place to hang out, a provider of online access, a room to be with people, sometimes simply for warmth. Our trained librarians hold a treasury of information about books, engage children in the magic of stories, link folks to other services, often comfort people on the margins. They cannot be replaced by volunteers. Reduced hours means reduced access, safety and enjoyment.

Arts and cultural organisations, whether small or large, depend on core grants from council. It is a partnership. For the regular and dependable support, agreed 'outcomes' are delivered and reported on. It is the lifeblood that keeps all those local and regional places and programmes ticking over.

Festivals get Funding

West Auckland arts venues have been awarded funding for their annual festivals through Council’s Regional Event Grants Programme.

Six applicants were allocated a total of $176,500. They included Te Pou Theatre ($12,000 for its Kōanga Festival 2023) and Te Whānau o Waipareira ($15,000 for the Matariki Ki Waipareira).

“Supporting our venues has a direct effect on supporting the artistic community. Now, more than ever, arts can be a source of inspiration and hope. I’m very pleased for Te Pou Theatre and Te Whānau o Waipareira,” says Waitākere Ward Councillor Shane Henderson.

Funding for events is based on their role in increasing social cohesion and improving a sense of identity and belonging.

“West Auckland arts organisations benefit our area and give it its distinct artistic identity. We know people love to attend these festivals,” says Waitākere Ward Councillor Ken Turner.

The Kōanga Festival celebrates all things drama from contemporary Māori storytelling, performances, experimental works, workshops to expert panels.

We may not realise the quantum of those services until they start to starve and fold. So keep alert to the conversation at city hall over the next month.

Category 1 Historic Place

On March 22, the Heritage New Zealand team, led by the Hon Marion Hobbs, came to the Corban Estate Arts Centre for a formal recognition of the listing of the entire estate as a Category 1 historic place. This is quite remarkable. There are few industrial precincts that qualify for this. We tend to think of heritage listings as major buildings such as the museum, civic theatre or the old art gallery.

Dal, at Corban Estate now.

The board and staff whānau had always been aware of the Corban's story, and this interest was heightened last year during the 20th anniversary of the arts centre with the unveiling of a heritage wall in the homestead foyer. The

There are people in life who shape who you are. Always there to give

advice, comfort and love. When the time comes to say goodbye, talk with us and we’ll guide

through a farewell as special as your loved one.

She

Let

process of assessment for listing is rigorous and through that process the CEAC team became aware of the even deeper history of the quirky buildings and open parkland. The event, on a sunny afternoon, was an affirmation that, as Maurice Shadbolt wrote, 'What are we, if not our stories'. The day culminated fittingly with bubbles and club sandwiches. There is now a very readable document which charts the history; there are layers of protection which may be vital in the future; there are constraints, but these are minor compared to the benefits.

Complete Contrast

In the Homestead Gallery two exhibitions reflect both ancient lore and contemporary concerns.

Low Carbon Luxe, by Wellington artists Christine Brimer, Bernadette Casey and Barbara Wheeler, speaks to climate change through a domestic tableaux of artisan homewares, drawing on the skills that humans have employed for thousands of years to transform the unwanted and discarded into new and desirable items.

The textile and clothing industry is one of the most impactful in the world. In order to address the climate crisis we must address what we clothe and protect ourselves with: overproduction, overconsumption and discarding of mountains of resource intensive textiles is the alternative.

Dal (translated to ‘moon’ in Korean) by Auckland-based ceramicist Jino Jeong centres around the traditional Korean pottery form, the moon jar. Originally made during the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), the moon jar has recently become a symbol of Korean culture and history, appearing in museums and gallery spaces, including the 2018 Winter Olympics in P’yǒngch’ang, where a large-size moon jar served as the Olympic cauldron. Through the shaping of clay, Jeong nods to the rich history of the moon jar while celebrating the glorious imperfections shared by artists and the artworks they create. Allowing Taoist thought to guide his artistic practice, Jeong believes that, instead of desiring more, we must accept what is in front of us to admire beauty in all its forms.

That’s Your Funeral

Death is a taboo subject for many and the idea of planning your own funeral may be quite off-putting but Morrisons Funerals receives enquiries every week from people wanting to plan for, prepare and pre-pay their funeral.

Morrisons Funerals, have been looking after families in Auckland for over 100 years, and in West Auckland for 28 of those years, and have always prided themselves on being receptive to the needs of families. Increasingly that need is to sit and listen and record people’s wishes for their post-life care. The End of Life Choice Act, which came into law in November 2021, has also provided families and individuals the opportunity to meet with a funeral director and talk through their wishes.

Your own perceptions of “what happens next” may be influenced by the loss of a loved one or by funerals you have attended. A well-run funeral will appear seamless with a casket in place or carried in, beautiful flowers, music, photos appearing on the chapel screen and an eloquent minister or celebrant sharing the story of someone’s life. But how does that all come together?

Increasingly families are requesting and indeed are encouraged to decide on many elements of a funeral so it truly reflect the wishes of the deceased. What are the favourite flowers or songs? What casket is best? Because of the taboo nature of death in many cultures, these questions and many more can create upset and confusion for families. At the saddest time of people’s lives, there can be disagreements and disputes.

As naturally caring and empathetic people, funeral directors can ease the fear and unknown and provide time and space for people to ask questions.

The peace of mind that can come from letting a funeral home know your wishes post-life, and helping to ease the burden for your family, is worth the brave move of walking into a funeral home and leaving an hour or so later knowing That’s Your Funeral sorted.

– Trish Williamson. Manager, Morrisons Funerals

Sustainable solutions

Keeping food scraps out of rubbish

A new food scraps waste service is kicking off across Auckland and residents in urban areas should now be receiving new 23-litre food scrap bins for kitchen waste, writes JADE

REIDY.

The weekly ‘rukenga kai’ collection will take place on the same day as your rubbish collection. Every ratepayer in the designated areas will pay an extra annual charge on their rates of $71.28, whether they use the bin or not.

By November, over 500,000 households in Auckland will be getting this service and the council estimates that around 39,000 tonnes of food waste can be diverted from landfills.

The Council’s general manager of waste solutions Parul Sood says, “Food scraps make up 45 percent in weight of rubbish collected from the kerbside each year. This diversion is the equivalent carbon emissions saving to taking 10,000 medium-sized cars off the road annually.”

The collected waste will be trucked to a storage facility in Papakura (where the service has been trialled), and then to a central processing plant in Reporoa – halfway between Rotorua and Taupō. New anaerobic digestion processes in closed tanks without oxygen break down the waste into biogas and nutrient liquid fertiliser. It’s the first time this technology will be used on a large scale in New Zealand.

Sandy Johnston, a Woodlands Park pensioner living on a fixed weekly budget says she is perplexed by the council's decision to charge everyone.

"Why is it discouraging the many like myself who contribute to local soil health by composting? And why isn’t it being run on a pay-as-you-use system like the orange stickers we use for rubbish now?"

The council says its decision to spread the cost equally across all ratepayers was based on equity. A wider customer base makes the service more affordable to all Aucklanders.

And, although councillors in 2022 voted in a new Climate Action Targeted Rate, the new service is not being paid through the 10-year CATR, as it is planned to be permanent.

Rukenga kai can complement composting, Council says, as the new service can take kitchen waste that shouldn’t be composted, such as dairy, meat, fish and shellfish, bone, egg shells, meat, citrus, grains and bread. That’s cold comfort to plant-based households like Sandy’s.

The service is not expected to result in more trucks on the road as empty trucks travelling between the Waikato and Auckland will be put to other uses. The council adds that the fertiliser produced will be used in Auckland to grow greenhouse tomatoes.

Ecomatters is managing the service in West Auckland. Contracted staff will be going out into the community to help educate people about using it. To find out more, including whether your property is in the collection area and when to expect bin delivery, go to aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/rubbishrecycling/food-scraps-collections.

To avoid smells, you might want to freeze your meat and bones waste until rubbish day. Garden waste will not be accepted.

If you feel inspired to start your own home composting, Compost Collective workshops (https://compostcollective. org.nz/events-calendar/#espresso_calendar) are free, with several running in our area in May.

You can also download the Foodprint app that connects you to cafés, restaurants and supermarkets selling heavily discounted food at the end of the day that would otherwise be thrown out. The app notifies you when food is “ready to rescue”. The aim of Foodprint is to reduce the 50,000 tonnes of annual food waste produced commercially in this country. – additional reporting from Fiona Drummond

Rosemary (rosmarinus officinalis) had many traditional uses.

It was said to improve memory, fight depression, ease muscle and joint pain, treat indigestion, clear skin infections, heal wounds, stimulate hair growth and ward off the plague!

Body & Mind

Specialist in Pain Management:

• Internal & Neuro-Muscular Pain

• Post Trauma & Post Operation Care

• ACC Registered Provider

Mobile/WhatsApp: 021 0777 070

Email: rosahdunn@gmail.com

Clinic Address: 13 Totara Avenue, New Lynn

Today it is generally recommended to soothe aches and treat skin conditions and, taken internally it is thought to manage minor stomach upsets. Rosemary extract can inhibit several types of bacteria and Rosemary essential oil can be used as a stimulant, to relieve sore muscles and joints, and to ease headaches. It can even relieve cold and flu symptoms. Rosemary is also a great additive for roast meats and vegetables, adding a fragrant, savoury note.

Give your feet some love ~ Your body will thank you

Health in Hand

Having graduated with Honours from Auckland’s School of Reflexology, Marysia has created a tranquil space in her home, and has been practising since 2021.

Reflexology supports you in getting into a deep relaxation to harmonise the mind, body, and soul.

It is based on the principle that all parts of our body, organs and glands have a direct relation with reflex areas on the feet and hands, as well as the face and ears. The pressure and massage techniques used in reflexology are designed to promote the body’s ability to heal and nourish itself. Clients have described the treatment as magical.

The perfect balance for health

Osteopathy first sparked Kim’s interest over 20 years ago, following the birth of her eldest child. Both she and her daughter benefited greatly from having osteopathic treatment so Kim decided to make osteopathy a career.

Graduating with Honours in 2009 with a Masters in Osteopathy, Kim worked as an associate in a variety of clinics until deciding to open her own practice, focusing on supporting mothers, babies and children.

Kim believes osteopathy has the perfect balance to help with the health, happiness and wellness of an individual. She loves the challenge of combining these aspects to create an individual treatment approach for her clients.

“I believe osteopathic treatment sets the individual up for lifelong good heath and well being,” says Kim who enjoys working with families from babies to adulthood.

“Fall in love with your feet – I look forward to treating them.”

Memorabilia retro vintage goth art stuff is really hot

Well, a big gidday to y’all.

In case you didn’t recognise me without the mullet, it’s me, Lizard. My exposed noggin is due to the most unfortunate coming together of the aforementioned ‘business in the front, party in the back’ hairstyle and a 1953 Revo electric house fan.

Fuelled by alcohol and spontaneity, Shaz and me were engaged in a wee snog over the kitchen bench when, somewhat ironically, my KISS belt buckle got entwined in the straps of her just-imported-from-Bali, ‘genuine’ Gucci shoulder hobo bag. As I leaned back to free myself, I overcompensated and yep, chopped off me mullet in the fan. For a while I considered running with a ‘pageboy’ but then decided to leave that classic look to the likes of Ringo Starr. So it’s the tonsured look for me.

Since I’d recently air-bagged White Van and dropped him on some 24-inch sick-as rims, me and Junior decided to cruise down to the Beach Hop. We’d always planned on going but juggling between raising the kids, reporting to the dole office, skinning the possums and keeping a close eye on the crop, if you get my drift, I never got round to going.

We planned a few weeks back to try and make some stuff to sell at the Hop to get more gas money. White Van now has a 429 cu in Ford truck engine I scored out of the wrecked Thames Forestry F-250. He sounds great but drinks more than Shane Gowan at a Pogues reunion gig held in a Jameson distillery.

Chardonelle and Crystal M had long since stopped playing with their Barbie and Bratz dolls so Junior and me thought we’d customise them. Memorabilia retro vintage goth art stuff is really hot right now.

We started with glueing a platinum blond wig, with black roots still showing, onto Ariel. Then we put heaps of classy

blue eye shadow on Yasmin Bratz. Junior put some cotton wool under their sparkly T-shirts and they really looked pregnant.

I then took the voice parts out of a Teletubby, Po I think, and revoiced it. It’s classic. Little Mermaid says ”Billy Bob Bob, get the hell out of my back yard” and Trashy Barbie says “Damn, I’m constipated again.” We gave Ken doll a mullet and soaked him in stale milk so he had that ‘been up for days’ smell. Mopey Jesus is a whizz with a felt-tipped pen so drew Ken doll a mean tattoo sleeve and a few hickies on his neck. He turned out awesome. We even pierced his septum and used a key ring as a nose hoop.

Totally into it by now, we converted an old Matchbox caravan into a trailer park tiny home. I cut down some tooth picks and made a set of wee wooden pallets as steps. We trimmed a tiny stained green rug and finished the interior with a broken black and white TV. From Katel I think? I've had it on the mantel for yonks.

We might have got a bit carried away when we painted Papa Smurf black and gave him an afro with a huge gold chain around his neck. His pull cord said, “I pity the fool.”

We never actually made it to the Hop. We found out that Shaz’s mum’s retirement village, Lastadays Resthome, was having an open day, so we rocked up there instead. (I can’t resist asparagus rolls.) The dolls went down a treat. Edith, a sweet old thing, is even going to crochet tiny little jackets for some of Charisma’s littlest Pet Shop animals. Soooo cute. Anywho, just remember, you can break a rule that shouldn’t have been a rule in the first place. Or, as the great Willy Nelson said, “When it’s time to leave this world, for a better home someday. The only thing you get to keep, is what you gave away.”

Be cool. Later, Lizard.

Ra y Percival

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