PONSONBY NEWS - APRIL'13

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WEDDINGS AND CIVIL UNIONS: celebrate love and commitment – P50

APRIL 2013 |

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MEET THE HERNE BAY HUSTLERS: the new under 85kg team at Ponsonby Rugby Club – P116

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WHAT’S INSIDE THIS MONTH

photography: Michael McClintock

photography: Michael McClintock

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020 Above left: Another successful PONSONBY MARKET DAY brought many locals and visitors to the strip; Above right: NIKKI FITZGERALD and MICHAELA SANGL of YOGI KIDS demonstrate their skills at the PONSONBY COMMUNITY CENTRE OPEN DAY

006 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR 007 FROM THE EDITOR 008 DAVID HARTNELL:

030 U3A PONSONBY 031 EAT, DRINK AND BE MERRY 038 LAURAINE JACOBS 046 PONSONBY NEWS READERS

ONE MINUTE INTERVIEW

010 SHALE CHAMBERS:

ARE EVERYWHERE

WAITEMATA LOCAL BOARD

012 JOHN ELLIOTT: SOAPBOX 018 NIKKI KAYE, AUCKLAND CENTRAL MP 020 JACINDA ARDERN: LABOUR LIST MP AUCKLAND

022 PIPPA COOM: GREY LYNN 2030 025 K’ROAD BUSINESS ASSOCIATION

050 WEDDINGS 058 JAY PLATT: WE CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT 060 ANGELA LASSIG: LETTERS FROM MAUDIE 062 FASHION + STYLE 068 LIVING, THINKING + BEING 072 LANI LOPEZ – HEALTHY LIVING

074 JOHN APPLETON 077 HELENE RAVLICH: NATURAL BEAUTY 084 PONSONBY PEOPLE & THEIR PETS 087 FUTURE GENERATION 097 HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS 106 STREET NAMES 116 SIDELINE WITH GEORGE BERRY 121 ARTS + CULTURE 128 OUT & ABOUT 130 PONSONBY PINK PAGES COVER PHOTOGRAPHY: Michael McClintock

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LETTERS + EMAILS

PLEASE SEND LETTERS TO info@ponsonbynews.co.nz

RINGO DIDN’T MAKE THE FRONT COVER! Relegating the wonderful photograph of Ringo Star and the staff at Harvest Wholefoods to page 15 in favour of Dante and his delicious pizzas on the cover reveals a truly myopic approach to news, not bettered since the Daily Mail favoured Cheryl Cole’s boobs over the invasion of Iraq.

STEPHEN PICARD (Gluten-free Beatles fan), St Mary’s Bay HEADLAND SCULPTURE ON THE GULF Thank you for mentioning the success of Headland Sculpture on the Gulf 2013 on Waiheke Island in the March edition, you always highlight the great initiatives in our community PN! I would like to however highlight that this year’s event was even more successful than you published, in that we had no less than 45,000 people - up from 32,000 in 2011.

Being voted by the New York Times number 35 of the top places to go in 2013 in the first week was phenomenal, and it astounded us how many Americans immediately hopped on a plane and came! Thank you to everyone who gave their time, money, creative talents, and energy that enabled us to present such an amazing spectacle of sculpture in the extraordinary Waiheke landscape, and for everyone who came to support us. DEBORAH KELLAND, Director, Headland Sculpture on the Gulf.

IN SUPPORT OF WESTMERE BUTCHERS Having just opened last months issue, the first thing I see is the letter from Mr Evans.

I find it quite ironic that we live in Grey Lynn and yet drive to Westmere Butchers as we find the quality of the meat and the level of service the best we have had anywhere.

While we did enjoy reading the February article on the Grey Lynn Butchers and ventured in for only the second time in our seven years of living in Grey Lynn, we found that most of the meat was vacuum packed and in small quantities. While we were able to buy Alpaca, for the first time (and nice to try) and Veal (not always easy to buy) we will stick with Westmere Butchers, and I think a lot of the locals will agree, hence the very crowded shop most weekends. SUSAN MCMENAMIN, Grey Lynn STREET NAMES COLUMN - MARCH ISSUE I enjoyed the article on the naming of Amiria Street in the last issue. A wonderful lady who deserves to be remembered. If I may be permitted a minor quibble, you tell us that the former name was Mercer Street, as did an earlier story in the excellent book Urban Village, but I believe that the name was Mercer Road. I walked past it 10 times a week during my last seven years at Ponsonby School, knew someone who lived there and sometimes bought a tasty iceblock from the shop on the corner. When the name was changed I believe Amiria Street was deemed more appropriate because it is quite small.

ALAN TOMLINSON, Herne Bay THANK YOU! Thanks Ponsonby News for all your great articles. I enjoyed “Mediterranean magic”, the article on Croatia was really lovely and the photographs were amazing.

ROSIE HUNTER, by email

Views in Ponsonby News reflect the author’s, and not those of Alchemy Media.

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THE WATER WOULDN’T BE FIT TO DRINK So went out the cry when the council was forced to look seriously at sourcing water from the Waikato after the 1994 drought. There was opposition to it across the board.

The Greens launched a petition calling for local authorities to review the project and persuade Watercare’s shareholding councils that there was no support for the proposed pipeline. Waitakere City Council argued against it despite the promise it would solve any future water shortages. People on the NorthShore voted against the introduction of Waikato River water into Auckland’s water supply. The ARA rejected it on Maori cultural grounds and Labour joined the dissenters because it had the pip with the Alliance Party who was pushing for it as the best option. The general public went ‘eurgh’ at the thought of drinking water from the polluted river.

Well they needn’t have worried because there’s been no widespread outbreak of cholera or dysentery reported in our city since the pipeline was finally developed in the mid 1990s and now provides 20 percent of our water supply.

Watercare went to enormous lengths to build a multi-barrier treatment system at Tuakau that removes all pathogens, hormones and chemical substances.

A membrane filtration system with microscopic pores screens out bugs such as giardia and cryptosporidium.

So who should we thank for being able to enjoy our endless summer free of water restrictions? In 1990 Bruce Jesson joined Jim Anderton’s Labour party splinter, the New Labour Party, and stood as a candidate in the Panmure electorate. In 1991, much to general surprise, he was elected to the Auckland Regional Council as an Alliance candidate, becoming chair of the Auckland Regional Services Trust between 1992 and 1995.

The Trust under his stewardship pushed for the pipeline and in Mike Lee’s words, “Bruce Jesson can be rightly credited as the father of the Waikato pipeline.”

In this case a quote from Goethe seems appropriate. - Water its living strength first shows, when obstacles its course oppose.

Pity poor Wellingtonians this summer as they suffer a severe water shortage just as Aucklanders did during the 1994 drought. Central government doesn’t often make Auckland’s requirements a priority but in this case we are blessed with a plentiful water supply. No more ‘if it’s yellow, let it mellow, if it’s brown flush it down! For we Jafas, repeats of this wonderful Mediterranean summer are more than welcome! (DEIRDRE TOHILL) PN

PONSONBY NEWS LETTER OF THE MONTH RARE DISEASE DAY GENERATES AMAZING LOCAL SUPPORT Thanks to the editorial in Ponsonby News we were contacted by Frances, a student at the New Zealand College of Massage. She offered to make muffins and sell them for a donation in aid of Rare Diseases Day. She made 85 muffins and raised $107.10 from students and staff. We had never met Frances before, but she read the article you ran and phoned us – true community spirit.

In total $2,821.30 was raised in our community for Lysosomal Diseases New Zealand. We were overwhelmed with the generosity of people. Local cafes, Catroux, Rabbit Hole, Salta and Icing on the Cake, which Brett frequents with the kids, had collection boxes. As did Herne Bay Pharmacy and Herne Bay Post Shop. A parent from school got his work colleagues at Chorus behind the cause and raised $737. Bayfield School and Preschool and Dairy Flat School (my old stomping ground) also had amazing gold coin days.

It’s amazing how people took time out of their busy lives to take notice of a little girl in our community who has been dealt a raw gene. We are very appreciative of your support. The money will be used by Lysosomal Diseases NZ to support families like ours , to research and to fight for access to medicines.

LISA AND BRETT ARCHER, Ponsonby From the editor: Lisa Archer’s letter wins her an hour’s massage at Aroha Healing.

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LISA ARCHER with FRANCES HORTON PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

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FROM THE EDITOR

TO CELEBRATE NEIGHBOURS’ DAY AOTEAROA LAST MONTH, THE GREY LYNN BUSINESS Association held a West Lynn Street Party. The event was well attended by the locals and fortunately the weather held, allowing everyone present to enjoy the live music and food on sale.

On the same night around 100 locals gathered at Tin Soldier to celebrate the launch of Luke Dallow’s new business, the Dedwood Brewery Co. Later we attended Jane Daniels fashion event at Bolliwood, organised by Harvey World Travel, Ponsonby.

ON SATURDAY 16 MARCH, THE PONSONBY COMMUNITY CENTRE HELD THEIR ANNUAL open day. This event allowed visitors to learn about some of the activities held regularly there.

I was encouraged to learn Hot Hula dancing and fortunately for me, MPs Nikki Kaye and Denise Roche were also novices! It turned into a busy Saturday as Ponsonby Market Day was held on the same day. All along the strip, locals gathered, there was live music and plenty of stalls. The action went on into the night with White Night, part of the Auckland Arts Festival, and busy nights were reported at our local galleries.

I’M SURE I’M NOT ALONE WHEN I SAY BRING ON SOME RAIN PLEASE! WE’VE HAD a long hot summer, which has had its downside along with giving us plenty of beautiful weather.

The change in season is always eagerly anticipated. The winter wardrobe gets its airing and many of us look forward to changing our diets and sampling new food. Each month, from this issue and with our emphasis on healthiness, The Healthy Food Guide is providing a new vegetarian recipe for readers to try. This month’s bean, pea and lemon risotto is on page 44 and I managed to get some of my greens from the Grey Lynn Farmers Market. Surprisingly, there are around 30 to 40 varieties of veges and fruit on sale every Sunday, and I encourage you to come along and enjoy it.

photography: Michael McClintock

THROUGHOUT THIS ISSUE, WE HAVE SOME IMPORTANT MESSAGES FROM SAFE, whose aim is to make significant improvements in the lives of animals by raising awareness, challenging cruel practices, changing attitudes and fostering compassion so that they are no longer exploited or abused.

FOR OVER 80 YEARS SAFE HAS BEEN ONE OF THE STRONGEST VOICES IN NEW Zealand defending animals against cruelty and abuse. SAFE is a non-profit charitable organisation financed solely through the goodwill of the community. SAFE is dedicated to changing attitudes and nurturing compassionate values by educating the public about the inherent value of animals.

(MARTIN LEACH) PN

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DAVID HARTNELL’S ONE MINUTE INTERVIEW WITH RICHIE HARDCORE Ponsonby resident Richie Hardcore is not only a Thai boxing champion but an all round nice guy.

YOU WERE BORN RICHIE STEWARD, WHY DID YOU CHANGE YOUR SURNAME TO HARDCORE? My last name is still Steward, my middle name is Hardcore. I changed it legally a few years back. Hardcore is my ring fight name, and also my radio name. I used to do a radio show called Viva La Hardcore. Hardcore is a style of music and the culture I grew up in that really shaped me. People knew me from that as Richie Hardcore.

Coupled with the ring name it just stuck, everyone knows me as Richie Hardcore now.

WHEN DID YOU START THAI BOXING? Aged 16 or 17 and still at high school, I had my first fight when I was 18. A career in fighting has been an amazing journey that’s taken me all over the world where I’ve met incredible people.

LAST TIME YOU TURNED OFF YOUR CELL PHONE? In the movie theatre last week. I hate it when people use their phones in the cinema.

I’ve been known to cuss out at some strangers.

DISAPPROVE OF WHAT? Casual racism, sexism and homophobia. We all, myself included, need to be more mindful of our language and the impact it can have.

COMFORT FOOD? Ice-cream, organic preferably. I like to pretend organic calories don’t count.

INSECURE ABOUT WHAT? I’m less and less insecure as I grow older, but I still find myself feeling anxious and awkward after being too open with people I don’t know. I meet people and talk to them like old friends and then freak out that they think I’m creepy and weird. So I guess I’m insecure about being taken the wrong way.

SOMETHING VERY FEW PEOPLE KNOW ABOUT YOU? I think I have a public persona of being very happy and positive all the time, but I can actually be very melancholic.

IDEA OF PERFECT HAPPINESS? Being truly in the moment with someone you’re in love with and you know loves you right back!

WHY DO YOU LIKE THE PONSONBY AREA? The people are amazing. It’s such a great, eclectic mix of interesting and talented people that create a real community where you can walk anywhere and bump into someone and have fascinating conversations. The people, and I can buy organic groceries within walking distance from my house.

CHANGE ONE THING ABOUT YOURSELF. I’d like to be honest, all the time. I lie, usually by omission, sometimes, but it’s still a lie.

LIFE MOTTO? “You don’t have to be the best, your best will do”, is something Lollo Heimulli, my old Muay Thai coach used to say. That stands out.

BEST THING ABOUT YOUR LIFE? The people in it. I’m surrounded by awesomeness, it’s inspiring.

WHAT CAN’T YOU LIVE WITHOUT? Huge fan of my iPhone 5. I know it’s silly and materialistic, but it’s a useful tool!

WHICH WEBSITE DO YOU VISIT THE MOST? I would love to say something cultural like, The New York Times or something, but I’d say Facebook.

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photography: Nicole Beaver

WHAT MOTIVATES YOU? Anger at seeing so much human suffering that is preventable if we just had the political will and a more empathetic society. I’m pretty driven to try and address a lot of the social injustice that stems from socio-economic inequality in some small way. I’m lucky enough to have the time and resources to work to help others, I think it would be an affront to those less fortunate not to at least do a little to try and make some difference in the lives of those less fortunate.

RECURRING DREAMS? Nope, not while I’m sleeping anyway.

GUEST LIST FOR A DINNER PARTY? Natalie Portman would be amazing; I totally have a crush on her. She’s beautiful, intelligent and well educated, and apparently hilarious. Ryan Gosling, because I’d love to see if he lives up to all the hype about what a swoon inducing dreamboat he is.

Joseph Stiglitz would be rad, because he could teach us all a whole lot about how to deconstruct neo-liberal capitalism. And the comedian Dave Chapelle, because he’s hilarious and is really socially conscious.

DO YOU HAVE A PARTY TRICK? Not drinking alcohol.

YOUR FIRST PET? A cat called Garfield. Not original, I know, but I was like nine, let me off.

BEST HOLIDAY? The first time I went to Buenos Aires with my now ex, that was incredible. *sigh*.

ANY TATTOOS? I have a LOT of tattoos, my left arm is a full sleeve, my right arm is pretty much a full sleeve, my legs are both filled up below the knees, chest, upper and lower back. I’m summoning courage to do my ribs, but I’m afraid of the pain! They’re a combination of positive affirmations and acronyms like PMA, melancholic images of heartbreak and lyrics from songs.

THOUGHTS ON GAY MARRIAGE? I one hundred percent support gay marriage, love is never wrong. My friend Mike King recently invited me to be in Tamati Coffey’s recent advert supporting gay marriage alongside a bunch of actually famous New Zealanders. It was an honour to be alongside lots of super talented people promoting equal rights for all. I’m very proud of that. (DAVID HARTNELL) PN

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CHAIR’S WAITEMATA LOCAL BOARD REPORT: SHALE CHAMBERS THE MAYOR AND DEPUTY MAYOR LAUNCHED THE DRAFT UNITARY PLAN last month in the ‘Indian summer’ sun at the Viaduct to a sea of local community representatives eager to check up on how their ideas have been taken on board and how the whole plan has been brought together.

The Unitary Plan is the eager child of over two years detailed work by council planners, urban designers, and landscape and heritage architects over-seen by elected representatives, and with advice from community, professional and business groups to create a city that we can all live work and play in over the next 30 years. A compact city.

A city with a high-quality built environment. A city that protects our natural environment alongside our unique character and heritage. A city that promotes a variety of transport modes so that like all great cities public transport, cycling and walking are an important part of the mix.

Now it is you the public who need to have your say. Yes the document is huge. All the maps and documents are at local libraries and in the Waitemata Local Board offices in Graham Street for those wanting to pore over them. Online they can be accessed at www.shapeauckland.co.nz.

Deputy Mayor Penny Hulse at THE UNITARY PLAN launch at the Viaduct with her son and grandson

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For most people, you will wish to be assured council has the ‘big picture’ right.

Commentators from the right and left largely agreed at the launch that the council has got its vision right. It gives council the tools to manage growth in an integrated way.

It balances demand for new housing and business development to strengthen social and physical infrastructure. It requires those building in the city to preserve and protect the places we value.

The places we all value are our local neighbourhoods; the streets we live in and our local shops and eateries. We want council to have got the residential, business, commercial mix right, and the rules that govern the interface between those uses right.

We all love living in our Ponsonby and ‘fringe’ heritage and character streets. We have also watched apartments and town houses spring up around us now for two decades and accept those new neighbours into our midst. Young professionals who can’t afford the big villas. Retired folk from big villas, who now want a home without a big section or maintenance.

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Now more folk, often our children and grandchildren, want to live here. The challenge is to keep them nearby without reducing the character homes and areas in our community.

We want to modernise our homes at the rear without changing the character that made us buy here. We want our neighbours to be respectful of homes when they renovate.

We want a say if character homes nearby are to be demolished.

The Unitary Plan proposes to keep the character homes and shopping areas that were zoned for protection in the old Auckland City Council’s plans. As a member of the political working group working on the Unitary Plan I helped lead the debate for an improvement to the existing rules for character and heritage residential houses and heritage overlay local centres like Ponsonby, Parnell, and Grey Lynn. With help from local community groups and cases highlighted by the media recently, I managed to persuade the council decision-makers that demolition in these character areas should be fully assessed for notification. In addition all pre-1944 suburbs are to be assessed before demolition of any building is to be permitted.

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Moreover the heights of commercial buildings in those heritage overlay town-centres are preserved and will not be subject to the heights in other town centres … six and eight stories. Residential homes in character areas … the old Residential 1 and 2… near the town centres will also not be subject to new zoning.

For the past 20 years homes that are presently Residential 6 and 7 have been able to be intensified. This is where some of our new town houses and apartments have sprung up on the edges of Residential 1 and 2. This will continue as our communities evolve.

One of the biggest tasks of the Auckland Council was always going to be trying to join together all the district plans into one coherent and cohesive document; the Unitary Plan. It is a huge challenge for politicians, communities, residents, businesses and planners alike.

I urge you to play your part in making it better by making a submission. If you think a mistake has been made, tell us. We are holding a public information and feedback meeting, tailored to our local issues, on Thursday 18 April, 5.30pm-8pm at the Auckland Town Hall and I invite you to attend. (SHALE CHAMBERS) PN Contact me: shale.chambers@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

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WEST LYNN STREET PARTY AND TWILIGHT MARKET Thursday 21 March 1. Locals gather outside Moa; 2. The Little Grocer, Alia de Jaltasyrras and Erin Cave; 3. Organic candy floss made locally.

Continued on P12

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JOHN ELLIOTT: SOAP BOX AN OPEN LETTER TO AUCKLAND CENTRAL MP NIKKI KAYE

harder than greenfields development on the city fringes. But he said, “This town has a phobia about height. The Unitary Plan has to make widespread infill development easy with provision for height. We can’t allow the politicians to hide behind community nimbyism and the cave dwellers.”

DEAR NIKKI, I LOOKED FOR YOU AT THE LAUNCH OF THE DRAFT UNITARY Plan on Friday 15 March. I don’t think you were there - in fact, I did not see one National Party MP. Denise Roche and David Clendon were there; so were Phil Twyford and Phil Goff. I know how busy you must be, now that you have cabinet responsibilities as well as constituency ones. But this Unitary Plan is a big deal for Auckland. If implemented well, it will help to enhance Len Brown’s vision of the world’s most liveable city.

I admit at the outset it will be hard to implement. You will remember that it was your Government’s sidekick, Rodney Hide, who imposed the Super City on Aucklanders.

Tough stuff Nikki, but tough measures will be essential if the Auckland Council’s plan to house 60 - 70% of new Aucklanders inside current city boundaries is to succeed. It may not happen. Udale again: “If we find in 10 years or so that greenfields development has been a great success, and brownfields and infill has been disastrous, we may have to change tack.” But in the meantime we must try. The compact city is the city of the future, and urban sprawl has become a dirty word internationally. And so we don’t need central government, with its threats and outdated urban philosophies trying to heavy us. So Nikki, please call off the dogs.

The Unitary Plan will provide the rules governing the implementation of the Auckland Plan, and shape building heights and density, preserve character and heritage, protect and enhance our environment, protect our rural boundaries from excessive urban sprawl, keep our open space zones, and plan the infrastructure around roads, rail, schools and commercial developments. Many hours have gone into the draft plan, and many more hours will go into consultation with all interested Aucklanders. This plan represents best international urban planning practice, and that brings me to my gripe.

We do not need South Islanders like Nick Smith and Amy Adams threatening us with a new crown entity to make us follow the will of central government.

Inner city Aucklanders need have little fear that character and heritage will not be protected. There will be little or no population intensification in Grey Lynn (with the exception of four storeys on Great North Road), nor Ponsonby (with the exception of Ponsonby Road and Jervois Road). As long as infill or terrace housing is well designed, and questions of noise, enough open space, and protection of the amenity of existing housing, are addressed, it need not be as Udale fears - that nimbyism will rule.

Los Angeles has long recognised the error of its ways. Len Brown is right - we don’t want unconstrained urban sprawl that would turn Auckland into another Los Angeles.

Denny Zane, ex mayor of Santa Monica says that developers in California, are becoming new urbanists. The car used to be the signal of adulthood, says Zane.

A 2011 US survey of 18-24 year olds found 46% chose internet access over a car.

“I think the drive model is basically broken,” says Amanda Eaken, deputy director of sustainable communities with the National Resources Defence Council. “We’re in a different era to when petrol was cheap. People talk about affordable housing. We talk about affordable living. If you add up all the cost of the driving to get to that dream home, then the old model doesn’t work anymore.”

Former McConnell Property CEO Australian Martin Udale, who now heads Essentia Consulting Group, spoke eloquently at the housing seminar on the launch day of the Unitary Plan. Udale admitted that infill brownfields development would be infinitely

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We need to be thinking ahead to the Auckland our grandchildren will inherit. We missed the opportunities former Mayor Robbie tried to persuade Aucklanders to adopt way back in the 1960s. We cannot wait any longer. We must act to make Auckland a more liveable city, but we must do it ourselves - not because of threats from central government to do it their way. As commentator Rod Oram stated recently, “The Government is bulldozing aside deep analysis, multifaceted solutions, beneficial outcomes, common sense and public desires.”

Nikki, why is your Government at war with Auckland? Please urge your colleagues to get over the fact that Len Brown beat John Banks. And just finally, ask your colleagues to swat up on all the facts that lead to housing affordability. Cheap land on the city fringe is not the only factor, but please do note that the plan does earmark 160,000 new dwellings in rural areas.

You, Nikki, have impressed even hardened old Labour supporters with your hard work for Auckland Central. Now you are in Cabinet there will be other ways your influence in Wellington will help your constituents. You are our spokesperson in Wellington, so I repeat, please call off the dogs. (JOHN ELLIOTT) PN

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WEST LYNN STREET PARTY AND TWILIGHT MARKET, Thursday 21 March Continued from P10 1. David Hartnell and Somboon Khansuk; 2. Hanne Vibeke demonstrates her weaving and spinning skills.

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LOCAL NEWS MULLING OVER THE FUTURE WITH FIBRE BROADBAND I WAS PACKING UP THE KIDS’ ROOMS RECENTLY, PUTTING OLD TOYS INTO the attic for them to give to their children. It struck me, will that box of plastic figurines have any relevance for my grandchildren? I’m about to get our house connected to the ultrafast broadband Chorus has been laying in the neighbourhood, and the cusp of technology change we’re on seems so momentous to me, that it’s challenging my assumptions.

I’m in a family of four, with children who’re nearly ten and 12 years old. Even though I’m more old school than most when it comes to kids’ entertainment choices (we have a limit on “screen time” time each day, so as well as two kids who’re happy to read and draw, and do other creative play) together we have two iPhones, one iPad, a PSP, one iPod, and an internet connected Samsung TV with a camera for Skypeing.

It’s time for an overhaul of our home connectivity, and I’m going to get everything linking when we’re on fibre. I’ve heard the installations can be challenging at this early stage, but Chorus doesn’t charge the ISPs to connect me, so I’m expecting the installation to be free. I am particularly interested to see whether they will connect my house from the street by digging underground or going overhead, the latter suits me and the garden! I am not sure what will happen with my alarm system, maybe I’ll keep my copper line in as backup? No one’s taking it away at this stage.

I’m still choosing a plan. I am told my pre-teens are going to be burning through data like a hot knife through butter in the next few years. Not sure whether to go for a service of speeds of 100 megabits per second (Mbps) from the internet and 100Mbps to the internet, or something less. I do like the fact that some ISPs are selling uncapped plans. Snap, Orcon and Slingshot are among the providers selling residential services in Auckland so far. I really need to think about what we will be using fibre for, not just now, but over time.

As far as entertainment goes, I am keen to get the Apple TV Box and see what it does.

Apparently they’re around $120 and you can start downloading movies. Not that my son knows it yet, but a high speed connection will be great for gaming too. It’ll be good for viewing the kids’ online portfolios of video, animations and all the cool things they’re now doing with e-learning in school. Ponsonby Intermediate is connected to fibre and is having a ‘Bring Your Own Device Week’ soon. My son is taking his iPod, so I’ll be keen to view his creations without any delays, knowing they’re in a safe place for the never never. Unlike the ceiling, which is not the most reliable repository, but now holds the old pirate ship, cars and animal collection. Not to mention the photos….aaaargh I have a stack of old negatives, and stuff I should get digitised.

This mad property boom is making me think about do-up potential and the value of our house going forward. Having fibre will definitely be a bonus. I’ve always loved working away from the office and have spent time running my own business from home, so ultrafast broadband will future-proof me there. Certainly I could move my accounts into the cloud and I could use a cloud solution for backup and storage. I could get rid of the server under my desk and save some cost going forward. Quality video conferencing will be ideal, both for touching base with the grandparents and for work. Fibre will mean I can be logged on and the kids can be doing their homework at the same time without the connection going down. Ah…I can see peace and calm on the horizon, with things working as they should. Now I just have to get around to digitising those photos. (ANNA VERBOEKET, Stakeholder Relations Manager, Crown Fibre Holdings and Westmere resident) PN

LOGICAL SYSTEMS – ONE STOP SHOP FOR ALL MAJOR IT BRANDS, SUPPORT AND SERVICE LOGICAL SYSTEMS WAS ESTABLISHED IN 1994 AND THROUGH CONSTANT growth has become one of the largest Apple service providers in New Zealand. With over 18 years of experience in the industry, Logical Systems is an authorised retailer and service provider for Apple as well other major IT brands.

you don’t lose your valuable photos and documents, with backup support provided.

You can order your new Mac /computer, iPad, latest tablet PCs through them as well as the latest accessories and software. iPhones and iPods can also be purchased and finance arranged for any purchase over $500 subject to approval and availability.

The staff and technical support group are well trained and technically sound to give the correct software and hardware advice and support. As an authorised Apple service provider, Logical Systems has one of the fastest turn around service times in Auckland. All work is covered with three months warranty or the remainder of the warranty from purchase, whichever is longer.

Logical Systems office, retail and service centre is located in Eden Terrace making it a central hub to the Auckland fringe. There is ample free parking and they are open Monday to Saturday. If you need a new Mac, PC, iPad or iPod, require IT technical support or service give Logical Systems a call, you’ll be pleased with the level of service! PN

Logical Systems also is able to provide support should you wish to upgrade your Mac or computer, transferring data from your old Mac or Computer to the new, so

LOGICAL SYSTEMS, Unit 4 - 1 Porters Avenue T: 09 302 1012 www.logicalsystems.co.nz

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LOCAL NEWS: DEIRDRE TOHILL

photography: Roger Whitefield

FREEMANS BAY RESIDENT PUBLISHES ‘PNEUMATOLOGY OF MATTER’

FROM ALASKA TO AOTEAROA WHEN LOCAL PHOTO JOURNALIST, ROGER WHITEFIELD WAS ASKED BY a mate to take some photos of the planned Wharetana Bay protest on Waiheke he was presented with a golden opportunity that eventually led to an even better one.

A nephew of Sir Keith Holyoake had been given fast tracked council consent to build on an historic site almost at the water’s edge. When a barge approached with two prefabricated units, protestors stood in front of it waist deep in the sea as it was about to dock. Seven were arrested, the attendant press was rounded up and marched off the property, but no one thought to check out Roger and he took a brilliant set of photos as the event unfolded.

Greenpeace activist, Susi Mewborn took part in the protest and was so delighted with Roger’s work that she recommended him to Major Arc Trust when she was contacted by the production company about a documentary they were planning. Susi is one of the founding members of the Greenpeace movement in the UK. She and her fellow member, Denise Bell were instrumental in Greenpeace acquiring a rusty old trawler, ‘The Sir William Hardy’. Canadian activist, Rob Hunter gave Susi a book of American Indian prophecies co-written by Inuit William Willoya and Vinson Brown called ‘Warriors of the Rainbow’. They immediately decided the perfect name for the vessel they were restoring should be ‘Rainbow Warrior’.

Finding the authors to ask for permission and their blessing was unsuccessful given this was before the days of Google’s all seeing eye, so the ‘christening’ went ahead because Susi felt there wasn’t a breach of copyright. Decades passed before she finally tracked William (Willie) down and when they eventually met he simply said, “Finally”, and what’s more, he loves the story of how the ‘Rainbow Warrior’ came to be named. In 1981 Susi left Greenpeace to do a four year degree in Human Ecology in America. When she heard of the ill-fated bombing she flew immediately to New Zealand to have a say in what should be done with her ‘ship’ and has stayed here in New Zealand on Waiheke ever since.

The team at Major Arc was looking for stories for their documentary trust when Emily McDowell contacted Susi for some ideas. The outcome was a doing a film shoot with Willie in Alaska over a year ago, then they brought him to Aotearoa in February. Susi was able to fulfill her long held desire to take Willie by Maori canoe to her ship’s burial ground. The crew went with Willie, Susi and the Rainbow Warrior’s Ngati Kura kaitiaki on a Department of Conservation launch to where it was sunk, out by the Cavalli Islands. A diver took down a seal carving from Willie, and a badge from Susi’s days crewing with the Rainbow Warrior to place in the sunken ship. In Susi’s words, “we placed a taonga on the Rainbow Warrior, cried many tears, sang many songs. The fabulous Roger Whitefield who took those iconic photos of the Wharetana Bay protest has been with us on this incredible journey.”

Roger expected that after reading Willie’s writings he would be meeting a deeply spiritual man but on the contrary, found him to be just an average seeming guy who enjoys life, drinks a few beers and smokes cigarettes. He also observed Willie’s humble manner, probably stemming from his upbringing and hard life growing up in Alaska. Vinson Brown has a different take on Willie and describes him as having a lot of the old Indian spirit that comes from living in the wilderness close to nature. The prophetic dreams come from the Indians of Asia as well because both have one thing in common, bad treatment from the conquering Europeans.

Roger has other projects in mind and has set his sights on Len Brown. He wants to do a series of ‘day in the life of’ stories and has spoken to the driver who chauffeured the last three mayors. According to him Len Brown is the hardest working of them all. Mind you Len would have to be, now we are a super city. Let’s hope Roger gets this off the ground because it would be a winner. (DEIRDRE TOHILL) PN

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Local resident David Gunn has a masters degree in physics and a doctorate in philosophy. His research interests include the interpretation of physical theory, metaphysics, and the history of philosophy, all of which feature in his recently published book Pneumatology of Matter.

WE MISSED THE LAUNCH AT THE LEYS INSTITUTE LAST MONTH. WAS IT A GOOD EVENING? There was quite a crowd, and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. I had a good time discussing the book and signing copies. Great venue too.

HOW DID YOU DEVELOP AN INTEREST IN PNEUMATOLOGY? In fact, I’ve never been interested in pneumatology as a subject in its own right.

In my book I needed a word that means the opposite of ‘mechanical’, and I was unable to find any word more suitable than ‘pneumatical’. That this word also means mental or spiritual is something I make use of in the book, though I do not preserve the term’s traditional association with immaterialism.

IT SOUNDS LIKE AN INTERESTING READ. WHAT IS THE BOOK ABOUT? In the first place it’s about matter, as the title indicates. But it’s also, and ultimately, about mind or spirit, and its relationship to matter. Pneumatology is the science of spirit. It’s a rather disreputable science nowadays. And in putting forward a pneumatology of matter, I’m reviving a rather disreputable idea: that matter has its basis in spirit, that it originates in such. But I’m also proposing that spirit is itself material - however paradoxical that may seem - and that, consequently, matter cannot have any transcendental or immaterial origin. It cannot, for example, be the product of a supernatural creator. My arguments in the book are all based on the principles of modern physics.

IS THE BOOK SELF-CONTAINED? OR IS THERE A SEQUEL IN THE PIPELINE? Yes, to both questions. Pneumatology of Matter stands on its own, but I’m also working on a second book, which explores more thoroughly the results derived in the first book. PN

FLASH CITY TO OPEN ON PONSONBY ROAD TWO HANDS TATTOO STUDIO owner Stefan Sinclair has recently returned from New York and is opening a new venture in the building next door – Flash City.

It’s a second tattoo studio, but this one is built on the concept of Flash – where a design is chosen from a selection on the wall, as opposed to having it designed for you as a custom piece. The space will also house a traditional barbershop, where barber and Ponsonby resident Tim ‘Smokey Joe’ Castelow will offer sharp cuts and traditional razor shaves.

Doors open as of 2 April and for the first two weeks there will be a guest barber: Rowan Duley from Melbourne - and a guest tattoo artist: Bert Krak from New York. The Flash City plan is to host more international guest artists, going forward. PN FLASH CITY, 125A Ponsonby Road, T: 09 376 6999 www.flashcity.co.nz PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

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NIKKI KAYE: AUCKLAND CENTRAL MP

IMPROVING OUR TRADE RELATIONS AND FOOD EXPORTS ECONOMIC GROWTH IS IMPORTANT TO ENSURE WE CONTINUE TO IMPROVE our standard of living and be able to pay for good public services. For a country of our size, a fundamental element of economic growth will be strong export performance.

To be competitive on the world stage, we will also need to see tradable sector growth.

New Zealand’s partnership with Brazil has a great deal of potential. Brazil is the world’s sixth largest economy, and proved resilient during the 2008/09 Global Financial Crisis.

It is expected that Brazil will continue to grow. This is a great opportunity for New Zealand to grow GDP by nurturing exports with such emerging markets.

As Minister of Food Safety I have recently met with the President of Myanmar and the Prime Minister of Thailand, and have learnt the importance of our food exports.

I am constantly making decisions that I hope will improve our food systems here and abroad. More than half our exports are food so this is an important part of our New Zealand history and future. Approximately 160 countries buy our products, which is no mean feat. However, we do need to continue to be competitive amongst other contenders in the world market to ensure success. Economic links will help us to boost our exports - this is why trade relations with other countries are important.

Recently, New Zealand took steps to do this in Chile as well. The two countries signed a revised Agriculture and Cooperation Forward Agenda. Particular commitments that will be of benefit to the New Zealand economy include promoting innovation in our respective agricultural sectors and collaborating to confront common challenges.

The Prime Minister has recently visited various South American nations in order to boost New Zealand’s trade relations. South American markets are interested in what New Zealand has to offer in the agriculture and dairy sector.

Furthermore, New Zealand will be investing $6 million over the next five years in Myanmar’s dairy farming capabilities. This will be done through our foreign aid programme, but can also be seen as a commercial opportunity for both countries.

New Zealand will also look to establish long-term trade relationships in the wider south-east Asia region.

This is a significant market for New Zealand because of our expertise, experience and product quality. The dairy sector is New Zealand’s single largest export, with $13.7 billion per year in earnings. Our economy relies on the production of food for export more so than any other country. Related exports include machinery, systems and processes, specialised technology and expertise in geothermal energy.

As we look to grow exports and New Zealand’s economy, it is clear that encouraging achievement in this industry will continue to play a vital part in building our economy.

New Zealand investment in Brazil is estimated to have reached $NZ350 million, with the majority of that amount being in the agribusiness sector. Recently, an agreement was made to look at encouraging this trade further by reducing trade costs and barriers, such as tariffs.

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This agenda also focuses on science and innovation, education, climate change, resource management, and trade and investment. New Zealand’s strategic partnership with Chile is shaping up to be rewarding to our export sector and economy as a whole.

Boosting our economy through strong trade relations with partner nations will also be pursued through an international student programme, which hosts Chilean high-school students in New Zealand 100 students will benefit from the opportunity to develop their English language skills, and most will study in Auckland for six months.

I believe that opportunities like these will have a positive impact on New Zealand’s economic well-being. It is important that we continue to foster trade relations and produce high quality goods competitively, so that we can not only boost economic performance as a nation, but also the living standards of all New Zealanders. PN HON NIKKI KAYE, MP for Auckland Central www.nikkikaye.co.nz

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JACINDA ARDERN

LABOUR LIST MP AUCKLAND

TIME FOR A SHARED VISION FOR AUCKLAND

the Gulf, volcanoes, and the rural hinterland. A more democratic super city with active governance from the council and central government working together.

Utter the words ‘unitary plan’ around the dinner table and usually, you’d probably cause a stifled yawn - but certainly not right now.

Unfortunately though, much of the heat around the debate over the future of Auckland, is in fact coming from Wellington.

Sadly, we are some way off achieving that right now, with the debate between council and central government continuing not only over the issue of housing, but whether we need the city rail link, a project that in my book is simply a given if we want to transform our city.

When it comes to formulating the vision for Auckland for the next 30 years, central and local government simply cannot afford to be singing from two different song sheets, and yet that is exactly what is happening. From where I sit, Len Brown is humming a song constructed specifically for Auckland, while the Government has instead picked a 1950s American show tune.

Ultimately there can be no doubt - what we need is a progressive and bold vision for this city, and a shared vision at that. The unitary plan is the beginning of that vision.

It’s time for Auckland to tell the Ministers sitting in their Wellington offices, drawing motorways across our city, what we really think, and before it’s too late. Have your say on the unitary plan, visit www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz PN

The cause of all the debate seems to have stemmed from one question – how do we ‘grow into’ becoming a more liveable city?

JACINDA ARDERN, Labour List MP based in Auckland Central www.jacinda.co.nz

We all know that the demand for housing in Auckland has long outstripped supply.

As the pressure comes on, central government politicians, like National Party Minister Nick Smith, are advocating that to meet demand, Auckland needs to spill out beyond our metropolitan urban limit. For me, this spells absolute disaster, and sits counter to everything we know about building modern urban environments.

Why would we resort to a 1950s LA style version of urban sprawl, where we have no regard for public transport links and simply carve motorways through to the outer edges of Auckland?

The alternative to urban sprawl, and Labour’s vision for Auckland, is something quite different. We have the absolute potential to be a highly liveable, job-rich powerhouse for the New Zealand economy where our children choose to stay and call home. Plus be a magnet for investment, visitors and migrants. It just requires the right planning.

We can be a 21st century compact city with great public transport, public spaces and thriving urban neighbourhoods. A city that protects and celebrates its natural taonga:

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PONSONBY MARKET DAY Saturday 16 March 1. Zen Ku and Mina Oh of Shokuzen Restaurant; 2. Chris Reed and Gemma Russell of Relapse Acoustic play at Pintxos; 3. Dasha and Liza Shieff of Bebabo; 4. Sam Gray and Linz Ariell of Marvel Menswear; 5. Tina and Jasmine Plunkett with Auckland Labour List MP Jacinda Ardern.

Continued P129

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PIPPA COOM GREY LYNN 2030 NEWS The inorganic collection is currently underway in the central suburbs of Auckland. The collection appears to be an effective way to encourage the re-use of unwanted junk. Unfortunately, even though some useful scavenging does occur, the majority of what goes out on the kerb ends up in landfill at great cost to ratepayers.

Take the example of someone putting out a broken washing machine. There are people in the community who could either fix this or re-use as many parts as possible. On the side of the road however the cord is more likely to get cut off for quick cash from the metal leaving the rest of the machine useless.

‘Guidelines for working to zero waste events (2011)’ and the ‘Get your Rubbish sorted -your guide to rubbish and recycling’ are also available on the council website. This information is really worthwhile consulting when you first start planning an event and helps get all the relevant people on board such as stallholders and volunteers.

A crucial decision is the waste contractor for the event. Some are great at separating waste into recyclables, organic waste and landfill while others will just take all as ‘one lot’ to landfill.

The Grey Lynn 2030 Waste Away group have been promoting a plan for a network of local resource recovery centres as a big step up from the inorganic rubbish collection.

The aim is to have a permanent drop off service so that the majority of unwanted stuff is re-used, recycled, fixed, re-purposed or passed on. The centres have the potential to create local jobs and develop new skills in the community especially for young people.

www.greylynn2030.co.nz

Local events like the West Lynn Street party and the Richmond Road School Gala have benefitted from the Waste Away team’s expertise. They are happy to provide advice by emailing greylynn2030wasteaway@gmail.com or get in touch to attend their next meeting. (PIPPA COOM) PN

A move away from the biennial inorganic collection also means much less waste going to landfill and valuable resources are ‘mined’ reducing the need to exploit our ever decreasing natural resources. The group are therefore really pleased that the Waitemata Local Board has fully embraced the concept of resource recovery, voting last month to support working with neighbouring local boards to develop a community recycling centre and the investigation of whether a council owned site on Normanby Road might be a suitable location.

In the meantime when the inorganic collection hits your street consider alternatives like using Freecycle before dumping stuff or check out the Auckland Council website for guidance on ways to reduce your waste. The Waste Away group also LOVE zero waste community events. It can be a big challenge for an event to go to zero waste so the group are very supportive of organisers taking steps towards this goal. Once people have experienced a zero waste focussed event they tend to feel very satisfied with the results and benefits especially when measuring how much waste has been diverted from landfill.

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TRICIA READE of the Waitemata Local Board and PIPPA COOM of Grey Lynn 2030 at the WEST LYNN STREET PARTY last month

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JOHN ELLIOTT: LOCAL NEWS 1

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ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO - A PONSONBY TALE (PART 2) Home With a Military Cross On His Chest - A True Anzac Hero Yes, the fairy tale was completed when the proud, distinguished, decorated, World War 1 veteran, Alex McRae Forbes, married his sweetheart Grace Wyatt who had waited so loyally and lovingly for his return. The photograph shows the newly-weds leaving 1 Arnold Street, Grey Lynn, Grace’s childhood home, for their honeymoon.

The old autograph book mentioned last month, now treasured by Grace’s granddaughter, Janice, contained many lovely verses and cartoons.

A cartoon showing a tar, that is a returned sailor, was drawn in Grace’s autograph book by a near neighbour, and friend, Fred Phipps of number 10 Arnold Street, Grey Lynn.

He was surely a guest at the wedding.

Another friend, A. Stephens of Sale Street, Freeman’s Bay, drew a cartoon of a notorious local character of the time, The Waitemata Pirate.

An Auckland News report of 1885 reported that John Dignan, alias Ginger, alias The Waitemata Pirate, was sentenced to one month imprisonment by Judge Gillies for stealing the yacht Ariel. Dignan was constantly in trouble about that time. Whether the drawing was just of a high profile character of the time, or that Stephens, Grace or Alex knew the pirate, is not known.

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Grace and Alex went on to have five children, including Heather born in 1936. The newly-weds set up house on the North Shore, at Stanley Point. Heather trained as a photographer, and has produced a beautiful, highly illustrated book of her father’s distinguished military career. Among the treasured photos are ones of the troop ship HMNZT Willochra, which carried Alex and other servicemen to Europe. One shows the ship in ‘dazzle’, striping painted along the side to confuse enemy radar.

Heather’s book contains touching post cards home from Alex to Grace, several of which are shown here, as well as the well creased photo of Grace carried everywhere

by Alex until his return home.

Alex was promoted to captain, and was nominated for a Victoria Cross. However, his Military Cross was just reward for his military service. Alex’s medals are shown, with his Military Cross on the left.

After their marriage, Alex went back to his old firm Leightons Printers in High Street, City, where he remained for another 40 years. It would be the only job he ever had, apart from his dedicated work defending our democratic way of life, in Europe, in the Great War. The moving letter dated 25 September 1916 shows how tough the fighting is, how much Alex is missing Grace, and poignantly tells how he is the only officer left in his company. And it was still another two years before he got home.

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As Anzac Day approaches once again this month, it is right that we should remember our comrades who served their country so gallantly, so many years ago. Alex was an outstanding example of those heroes. (JOHN ELLIOTT) PN

1. Grace and Alex leaving 1 Arnold Street after their wedding; 2. Letter home to Grace; 3. Captain Alex McRae Forbes; 4. Alex’s medals with MC on left; 5. Troopship in ‘dazzle’ and Grace’s creased picture carried in Alex’s wallet throughout war.

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LOCAL NEWS WILL A PIECE OF LOCAL HISTORY COME TO AN END? An iconic Richmond Road heritage building crumbles further into disrepair, but its owner the United Church of Tonga is not allowed to demolish it.

HOW WOULD YOU LIKE OUR CITY TO MOVE YOU?

Locals wonder why the church doesn’t repair it. “I think it’s the most beautiful building around here,” says Helen Potts, who works close to the church, “Surely there’d be an architect in the community who could take it on for free and redesign the inside to meet halfway with the church’s needs… I would be devastated if they tore it down.”

Thousands of Aucklanders congregated on the Karangahape Road Glass bridge on 23 March to view wondrous sights of the city’s possible future. For Urbis Designday 2013, Resene collaborated with Matter architects to explore the journey of connection between the people of Auckland and the usability of their surrounds. They realised a dream for many by activating the unused motorway ramp which ends at Nelson Street with a giant scale temporary art installation.

The Classical-Italianate styled building, otherwise known as Carlile House, was originally built for “orphaned boys of good character” according to its title deed in 1886.

But repairing Carlile House is not an option for the church. “We just don’t have enough money for renovations,” says president of the church, Reverend Sione Lea.

Supported by students from AUT they created an evolutionary sculpture; ape to man to vehicle back to cycle, all surrounded by 360 tiny bicycles in a rainbow of colours. They hope to create a space in our minds that like the Highline in New York it could become a people space with trees, cyclists, skaters; not just a slab of concrete sunbathing in the nothingness.

Restoration is estimated to cost between $1-2 million. “We want to build a community house for youth and a hall [on the land] we can use for church meetings. Even if we renovate the building it won’t accommodate our needs,” says Reverend Lea. Requests to have the building demolished have been denied as it is protected under category one of the Historic Places Trust. “It’s our duty to inform and to guide, for the preservation of originality,” says Antony Phillips, the administrator for NZ Historic Places Trust.

Carlile House is earthquake stable and so is not a candidate for demolition. “We have sent a request to the council to demolish the building, which they have denied, so we will keep pushing,” Reverend Lea says.

Forgotten assets exist within the working city, they sit in the physical world, but have passed from the functional present. The architects believe that through a reversal of history, these places present a beautiful hope for the future. Colour became the key to open the city’s eyes.

Analysing man’s kinetic evolution, this installation took guests on a physical journey from the overbridge of Auckland’s iconic K’ Road, culminating in some wonderful surprises and a Jungian translator throwing prayers at the gods of transport. Embrace the spectrum of potential! PN

The training institute for boys closed in 1908 and was turned into Richmond Road Children’s Home for the next two decades before briefly housing Hukarere Maori Girls’ School following the Hawkes Bay earthquake in 1931. An evangelical outreach mission used the building as its Church Army headquarters from 1931 until 1969, before it was used briefly as a remand home for the Department of Social Welfare. The building became the Auckland Alternative School, Summerhill, in 1973 until the current owners, The United Church of Tonga, bought it in 1976.

The church is meeting with Mayor Len Brown to discuss the future of the building.

(SARAH HARRIS) PN www.historic.org.nz/TheRegister/RegisterSearch/RegisterResults.aspx?RID=9584

RECENT TRAFFIC WOES A TASTE OF THINGS TO COME THE CHAIR OF AUCKLAND COUNCIL’S INDEPENDENT TRANSPORT FUNDING working group says the traffic woes of recent times are just a taste of things to come for the city. “Slow vehicle speeds through the central city, buses backed up and frustrated motorists, are a timely reminder of the need for Aucklanders to think ahead and consider new and innovative ways to solve our transport problems,” says Stewart Milne, Chair of the Consensus Building Group (CBG) on Alternative Transport Funding.

The statements come as the CBG launch their Keep Auckland Moving campaign aimed at raising awareness of the growth challenges facing Auckland and of the need to find an extra $400 million for transport each year for the next 30 years. “Recent suggestions like putting up screens around accidents and spreading out the closing times of businesses will not solve Auckland’s fundamental problem - one million extra people over the next 30 years.”

The group, established by Auckland Council to find alternative revenue sources for funding improvements to Auckland’s transport network, consists of representatives from a broad range of organisations. They are tasked with reporting back to Auckland Council in July this year on their preferred recommendations for raising the additional transport revenue needed to complete the Auckland Plan transport programme.

Options on the table include the consideration of changes to existing revenue sources, such as rates and fuel taxes, alongside some innovative new ideas based on overseas experience.

For a look at the campaign visit www.keepaucklandmoving.org.nz.

“Aucklanders need to come clean - recent woes are just a taste of things to come.

If our transport network cannot cope with a mid afternoon accident on the Southern Motorway, then we have no hope of supporting a population increase exceeding the total population of the Wellington region,” says Milne.

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The CBG will seek public feedback on their proposals following the release of a discussion document at the end of April. PN

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LOCAL NEWS

NEW GREEN LINEAR PARK TO RISE FROM INDUSTRIAL SITE A GRAND, 38M-WIDE GREEN PARK, WALKWAY AND CYCLEWAY AND A SLOW -speed street will begin to wind its way through the heart of the Wynyard Quarter as work on the revitalisation of Daldy Street began last month. Reclaiming a swathe through formally private, industrial land, Daldy Street will eventually provide a continuous green link from Victoria Park to the tip of the future Headland Park, planned for Wynyard Point.

Halsey Street, on the eastern edge of the Wynyard Quarter will be revitalised at the same time and will link the quarter with the existing Viaduct Harbour pedestrian promenade. Both streets frame the Wynyard Central precinct that will be developed in a staged way over the next five to 80 years to house New Zealand’s first innovation precinct of established and emerging ITC and digital media businesses, commercial office space, and around 1000 residential units. The development will be funded through a partnership between Waterfront Auckland and the private sector.

These two streets are going to be beautiful spaces that will be easy to navigate and a pleasure to spend time in.” $29 million has been budgeted for the street transformations which are part of the ongoing regeneration for 18.5 ha of prime waterfront land in Wynyard Quarter over the next 20 years by council organisation Waterfront Auckland. Stage 1 of the project will see the revitalisation from Pakenham Street north towards the water’s edge. Stage two will see the revitalisation of the streets between Fanshawe and Pakenham streets.

The project will be completed in stages from August 2013 to November 2014 to ensure there is access to and around Wynyard Quarter throughout the duration of the construction programme. The first stage of the project is expected to be completed by 2014. PN

Auckland’s Mayor Len Brown says he is happy to see the momentum of the waterfront redevelopment continuing. “As Waterfront Auckland turns its mind to partnering with the private sector to develop places for people to live and work, the continuing transformation of the public spaces such as Daldy Street is vital. We are looking to leverage our investment in this area to ensure that we get the right partners that will ensure the next stage of the development of this area continues to give Aucklanders the magnificent waterfront they have seen take shape so far.”

Waterfront Auckland Chief Executive, John Dalzell says connecting Victoria Park with North Wharf will help to open up the waterfront even more. “Waterfront Auckland prides itself in creating spaces that are designed as places where people want to be.

WITHOUT ARTISTS THERE IS NO ART

Essays’ and ‘The Habit of Continuously Running’ exhibitions plus her work for White Night as part of the Auckland Festival.

THIS IS THE MISSION STATEMENT OF THE NOT FOR PROFIT ORGANISATION, Artists Alliance established in 1991. Formerly the New Zealand Society of Painters and Sculptors, the alliance waxed and waned for a few years till at a meeting of all members the question was raised “Do we liquidate or invigorate?” The vote was overwhelmingly cast for invigoration. Artists realised they had to become more professional and decided to appoint an administrator of a centre that would be a trusted source of information for the visual arts community.

Amberleigh Carson is also a practicing artist who first studied art history at Victoria University and has a Bachelor of Fine arts from Elam School of Fine Arts. She went on to manage a local gallery for several years, then worked as an executive assistant for an art consultant before taking up her current role as online communications co-ordinator at Artists Alliance.

Long term member, Maggie Gresson applied for the job and commenced her employment in 1999. She has a Bachelor of Visual Arts Degree from AUT and describes herself as a lapsed painter. She has also had many years of publishing experience and arts management and has helped advance the professional interests of visual artists In New Zealand for over 14 years. Such was her efficacy in the job, once the alliance started to receive funding she was elevated to the position of executive director.

Michelle Beattie is a practising artist who graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Whitecliffe. She started working at Artists Alliance as an intern on the organisation’s 2011 Internship Programme and is now employed there as logistics co-ordinator. She gained valuable skills and experience co-organising the ‘Field

This small team carries out a multiplicity of tasks. First there’s managing the subscription database which currently has over 700 artists, art workers, tertiary institutions and arts organisations. These subscribers receive four issues each year of ‘Art All’, the magazine the alliance publishes plus a raft of other benefits. They hold professional development workshops throughout New Zealand and run a mentoring and internship programme. They also publish ‘Appliance’, a bi-monthly minimagazine aimed at the younger, emerging artist.

Other benefits include a monthly e-newsletter full of useful tips, news and the opportunity to advertise and promote events and exhibitions via the website and magazine. Most importantly subscribers have access to the alliance’s full website which has a wealth of information about opportunities, events, exhibitions, resources, arts law, copyright and marketing.

PN

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ROB THOMAS: WAITEMATA LOCAL BOARD MEMBER STARTING SOON: CONSTRUCTION ON OUR FIRST WALKING / CYCLING HIGHWAY ALONG COX’S BAY CREEK LAST MONTH, I WAS WALKING THE WOBBLY BOARDWALK THAT MEANDERS by the Cox’s Bay Creek with a local journalist. We were discussing the dilapidated state of the path and its imminent replacement to form a more suitable walking and cycling track. The journalist unexpectedly tripped on a loose plank and took a potentially hazardous tumble. Thankfully unharmed, however, this brought home the hazards presented by our aging city infrastructure.

I immediately posted a picture of myself holding the offending boardwalk plank on the council’s @aklcouncil Twitter page, and recounted the incident to our Parks advisor.

As a result, the boardwalk was shut down until further assessment could be completed.

When this was received, we learned that whilst the boardwalk was structurally sound, 20 planks would need to be replaced in the interim, before work began later in the month on a replacement structure.

The Cox’s Bay Creek boardwalk is a vital conduit connecting Cox’s Bay to Grey Lynn.

Each week hundreds if not thousands of locals in the greater Ponsonby area use the walkway. If you’ve been along the path yourself, you’ll know that it’s a picturesque route that winds and undulates its way along the creek, through mangroves and sheltered by a variety of trees packed with birdlife. It’s enjoyed by runners, dog walkers, school children, mums with pushchairs, wheelchairs, tricycles and bicycles – all trying to squeeze their way along its 1.2 meter width.

As a member of the Waitemata Local Board, I share the parks portfolio with fellow board member Jesse Chambers. At a monthly parks meeting, renewal of the Cox’s Bay Creek boardwalk was being discussed. I quite literally halted the meeting and walked out of the room to place an immediate hold on the pending resource consent that would clear the way for the existing boardwalk to be replaced with an exact replica. Given the issues of the past, this would not be a suitable long-term move to protect and enhance this stunning city asset. As a consequence, the Waitemata Local Board has reallocated funding to widen the proposed replacement boardwalk to 2.5 metres.

BUILDING A HEALTHIER AUCKLAND Our city is growing fast with an estimated 85 more people added to our community every day. For some Aucklanders, the recently revealed Draft Unitary Plan is as exciting as a slap in the face with a wet fish. But if you can summon the patience to dig through the layers of rules and regulations to view the big picture, you’ll see how this plan will shape the world in which we live. It’s impossible to underestimate the importance of both our current and future built environment. How the plan for Auckland is engineered – right down to matters such as the Cox’s Bay boardwalk – has major ramifications on how our future social and physical environment promotes good health and economic prosperity.

Something else that will impact on our society is the current epidemic of obesity. I read somewhere that New Zealanders are now the third fattest nation on earth after the US and Mexico. As a consequence, more Kiwis die of heart attacks as a percentage of population than any other country in the world. The Heart Foundation puts this down to unhealthy living, a growing incidence of obesity and diabetes.

This relates to what I said earlier in that part of building a healthier, safer environment is reducing our national healthcare bill. If government spending on healthcare continues to grow at its current rate, it will represent 40% of all government expenditure by 2026.

This is simply not sustainable from either an economic or quality of life perspective. So the major opportunity that I see in the Auckland Plan and the Draft Unitary Plan is to create connections between our built environment and the impact this has on creating better health for Aucklanders. PN ROB THOMAS, Waitemata Local Board Member, www.robthomas.co.nz

Meantime the existing structure has been closed. I commend the council’s parks team for acting so swiftly, and for delivering the first section of a potential walking and cycling greenway that could continue through the heart of Grey Lynn.

Construction of the new Cox’s Bay Creek boardwalk will begin after the Easter weekend.

Total cost of the project will be $358,254, broken down into $269,426 to cover the initial renewal project and a further $88,828 in additional funding. Construction will take 12 weeks to complete – and then we will have a walkway that we can all be proud of. I’d like to thank the Cox’s Bay Park Advisory Panel for their support on this initiative as well as local residents Andrew, Grant and Russell for their constructive feedback. And of course, many thanks to the local journalist whose unscheduled trip proved to be such a catalyst. I hope the next visit is smoother!

A major achievement was putting together a code of practice for artists and dealers in New Zealand. It was researched and written by Karl Chitham who is a long standing board member of the alliance and curator of art at the Rotorua Museum.

The content has been produced in consultation with the Contemporary Fine Art Dealers Association.

FIRE SERVICE APPREHENSIVE OF AN ABANDONED FIRE HAZARD

The code of practice is essential because there are some horror stories around of artists being ripped off because they feel so grateful someone has liked their work. In one instance an artist was asked to lend his paintings for a show, the only reward being free exposure for his work. One of the paintings got damaged and he was paid a pittance to do the repair. He later found that the person who put the catalogue together was paid more than he was.

THE PONSONBY FIRE BRIGADE IS CONCERNED THAT AN ABANDONED house in a prosperous Ponsonby street will follow in the fiery footsteps of the three-house blaze on West End Road. Firemen are keeping a close eye on the house at 38 Prosford Street since its disrepair was discovered in 2011. “We noticed it during a routine hydrant check. We deemed it a risk to the houses next door,” station officer Grant Reay says. “It doesn’t take a lot to get things going, someone driving past could toss out a lit cigarette. The houses are pretty close around this area, fire can spread just like it did on West End Road.”

At the end of the day, there wouldn’t have been an event if it wasn’t for the artist so he was the kingpin from whom benefits flow to others such as the person who hung his work, the caterers who supplied the sustenance, the floor sweeper who cleaned up when the show ended and so on. How often are artists asked to donate a work to charity auctions? Non-stop and they are unfailingly generous in response.

On 3 March a house fire on West End Road quickly got out of hand and spread to the houses on either side. Firemen have role-played fire emergencies with the house, running through what they would do should a fire take place. “Our plan is to do an exterior attack. This means we go in with the aim to contain the fire, stop it spreading, not to save the house,” says Mr Reay.

Of course nothing like this body of endeavour could be done without money and Artists Alliance receives significant funding from Creative New Zealand and the ASB Community Trust. It’s surprising how low a profile the Artists Alliance has considering they have been beavering away for 20 years at 1B Ponsonby Road and certainly deserve well earned recognition for their commitment to the arts.

(DEIRDRE TOHILL) PN

The pre-1914 villa has been left boarded up with the garden steadily taking over. Rubbish, furniture and newspapers dating back to the 1950s fill the house, providing fuel for a fire and showing tell-tale signs of a hoarder. Old cars covered in vines litter the garden, including a 1980s Humber in the shed. Neighbour Peter Tuck says the owner of the house, Arthur Howes, hasn’t been sighted for three years, rates are unpaid and a detective has called him trying to locate Mr Howes.

(SARAH HARRIS) PN

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LAURA CAYGILL: LEYS INSTITUTE LIBRARY NEWS TS ELIOT SAID THAT APRIL WAS THE CRUELEST MONTH, AND EVEN THOUGH it has been hard bidding farewell to our lovely, long, hot summer we at Leys have to disagree with the poet. He was, of course, talking of April in the northern hemisphere “breeding lilacs out of the dead land” – but here in Auckland Easter has already been and gone and autumn has well and truly begun – and we love it! With the colder weather comes more time to curl up and read some good books, one of our favourite pastimes.

We were delighted to have author Sue Orr come to talk to us for New Zealand Book Month at the end of March, an event which always inspires me to read more New Zealand writing – a good thing to do in the lead up to the Auckland Writers and Readers Festival in May. There are many great international authors coming to speak as well, such as Carlos Ruis Zafon and Patrick Ness, two of my personal favourites.

We will be posting info about the authors featured at the festival on our Facebook page throughout April, and make sure to come in and pick up a booklet outlining the programme if you haven’t already so you can design your own festival timetable.

Don’t forget our book clubs for those who love hearing about new and interesting books and discussing what they have read. Our next book Club meeting is Wednesday, 24 April at 10am and our next Teen Book club meeting is Friday 26 April at 4pm.

Newcomers are always welcome!

There’s so much going on we recommend checking out our Facebook page, Leys Institute Library Ponsonby, where we’ll be updating you on new events, displays, and goings on around Auckland Libraries. Remember that library membership is free and you can join at any age – why not sign up your wee one before Wriggle & Rhyme or Storytime? Our children’s room always has a great selection for kids of all ages.

All the best for a cosy autumn from the Leys Institute team – we look forward to recommending a good book for you when you pop in to see us. (LAURA CAYGILL) LEYS INSTITUTE LIBRARY, 20 St Marys Road T: 09 374 1315

This autumn we’re happy to announce the return of our popular Tales by Twilight series. The evening storytimes are a great chance for family members who can’t make it during working hours to come along with the kids and enjoy some stories and songs.

This year we are having a series of three sessions on Fridays 5 April, 3 May and 7 June, all at 6-7pm. We’ll close the library as normal at 5.30pm and reopen at 5.50pm.

Kids can come in their pyjamas (and grown-ups too!) and bring along a blanket and a teddy bear to snuggle up with.

For any kids who fancy themselves a bit of a superhero we have some great events on these school holidays. The theme for activities throughout Auckland Libraries over the two week period is “heroes and villains”; we have some exciting activities planned, including a visit from the local community constable who will be popping along to help out with a special storytime on Wednesday 1 May. Please note that we will be closed for ANZAC Day on Thursday 25 April, but the rest of the holidays will be packed with craft activities featuring the likes of Star Wars and Doctor Who. (The popular game of ‘Pin the bowtie on the Doctor’ might make an appearance, too!) And we’ll finish off the holidays with our second Tales by Twilight on Friday 3 May.

RADIO PONSONBY’S THIRD BIRTHDAY Turning three is a big moment in anyone’s life. When you are a small, community radio station in a city reputed to have the highest amount of radio stations per capita in the world, making it to three is something worth making a song and dance about. Just as well making songs and dancing is a Radio Ponsonby specialty.

If you too like songs and dancing we suggest getting along to Revelry Bar on Ponsonby Road on Saturday 6 April for the official third birthday party. There will be plenty of top-shelf tunes provided by a selection of Radio Ponsonby djs and it’ll only cost you a smile to get in. You may even pick up a drink or two on Station Manager Mike Marshall (he has a notorious rubber arm).

As well as being birthday month, April also sees the addition of the infamous Cryptid Factor radio show to the on-air lineup. Hosted by Rhys Darby, David Farrier and Buttons the show is radio Jim, but not as we know it. It is hard to describe but if you like mythical creatures, then this is for you. Best to tune in Thursday evenings for a taste...

Radio Ponsonby is here to support, serve and entertain our community. Our show hosts generously donate their time free-of-charge and for that we are truly thankful. If you feel like saying thanks our studio in the heart of Ponsonby Central is always open for gifts, a ‘nice one’ or a well-timed high-five.

If you are interested in supporting the station via advertising or sponsorship, please contact dave@radioponsonby.co.nz. We have a fantastic local audience who are always interested in learning more about local businesses, developments and events.

You might be surprised at how affordable community radio can be.

Speaking of events, if you have an event, function, product launch or party that you think Radio Ponsonby may be able to help with, let us know. We are able to provide sound systems, djs, live broadcasts and good times.

To keep up-to-date with all the latest Radio Ponsonby news and developments feel free to find and ‘like’ us on Facebook. It is also a good way to win free stuff if you are that way inclined. www.radioponsonby.co.nz PN

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PONSONBY U3A: MARCH 2013 LOCAL WRITER JAMES GRIFFIN BEGAN HIS TALK TO THE March meeting of Ponsonby U3A with a question for us to ponder. Why are 18 to 49 year olds the most significant group driving TV ratings?

He went on to say that he calls himself a ‘writer’ because that is what pays his mortgage and feeds his family. After training as a teacher, then a journalist, James joined the Drama Department of TVNZ in 1985 as a trainee script editor. There he discovered he loved writing and since then has had a long career as a writer, creator and developer of drama and comedy for film, television and theatre, a newspaper columnist for the past 10 years, as well as speech writing. But writing for television is his great love, which he keeps coming back to.

For many present it was a trip down memory lane when he spoke of his first writing credits on the drama series ‘Gloss’ in the late 1980s and other series such as ‘Mercy Peak’, ‘Spin Doctors’, ‘Serial Killers’, as well as the early days of ‘Shortland Street’ where he both edited or wrote 115 episodes. He talked about his creative collaboration with Rachel Lang in the more recent series ‘Outrageous Fortune’, ‘The Almighty Johnsons’, and the currently screening ‘The Blue Rose’.

James explained that the process of turning dreams into drama is not sitting at a computer, writing, but spending many hours in meetings, sitting around a table talking, creating and U3A members DOUG and JANET WILLIAMSON who spoke to the March meeting about their developing storylines and characters, often around a breaking trip to visit the Bomber Command memorial in London story in the news. It was fascinating to gain insights into the stories behind the dramas. In ‘Outrageous Fortune’ the breaking story at the time, During the war in Holland, Ian Kuperus’s father had been saved from certain was the big difference in pay between men and women and how the honest and starvation, along with thousands of other Dutch residents, from a life-saving food good matriarch was trying to do the best for her family. With the ‘Almighty Johnsons’ parcel drop by a flight of Lancasters over the country, the Germans having taken all the food from Holland to feed themselves. Ian Kuperus offered the trip to the bomber a story was created around men and the tall poppy syndrome. command veterans to honour this effort. Doug and Janet spoke of the highlights of James certainly gave us an appreciation of the work and life of a writer. As for the trip for them. the pondering of the influence of 18 to 49 year olds on programming; surely it isn’t because the TV networks and advertisers feel this is the age group with the Guest speaker for the April meeting will be editor/publisher of the Ponsonby News, spending power. We know about the power of the pink dollar, what about the power Martin Leach. He will talk about his life in London and his move back to New Zealand in 2001. In 2004 he took over the Ponsonby News and has taken it from of the grey dollar we asked? a 24 page newsletter to the popular 132 page monthly magazine it is today. The U3A members Doug and Janet Williamson were the 10 minute speakers. They were 10 minute speaker will be Annie Webster. part of a group of five World War II veterans and ‘minders’, who were sponsored

by Auckland entrepreneur and philanthropist, Ian Kuperus, to visit the Bomber Visitors and new members are welcome at U3A meetings, which are held on the Command memorial in Green Park Piccadilly last September. Although they were second Friday of the month. (NOELINE CREIGHTON/PHILIPPA TAIT) PN all naturalised New Zealand citizens, who had been seconded from the RAF to the New Zealand bomber command during the war, they were not deemed eligible for NEXT MEETING: 9.45am, Friday 12 April. First Floor, LEYS INSTITUTE, 20 St Marys Bay Road. ENQUIRIES: Norman Stanhope T: 09 376 6406 New Zealand funding to the memorial unveiling in June.

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EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY THE ART OF COFFEE: BYZANTIUM’S ZHE LU palate, with an ingredient list that included ginger, orange, fresh cream and brown sugar. “I gave it to a lot of the staff here to try before I left and they said it was pretty good,” says Zhe with a smile, and it sounds pretty delicious to me!

The barista has become a highly valued member of staff - anyone who’s run a café or an eatery that serves it knows that customers can be very fussy about their coffee. And rightly so, if they’re paying out money for a daily hit of the good stuff then they want it to be good. With competition fierce between independents and the chains, a good barista plays an essential role when it comes to serving great coffee, and keeping them coming back for more.

Another key part of the competition involved utilising presenting skills and providing a running commentary as you prepared your signature beverage, which Zhe - who was born in Northern China - says was a real challenge as English is his second language. “I practised and practised,” he says, “and my confidence increased over time.” He acknowledges that it was hard at first though, especially when you consider that nerves were added into the mix.

Today baristas are commanding more and more respect as an integral part of a coffee serving business and are no longer out of place when mentioned in the same breath as the head chef or the maître d’, and competitions have sprung up all over the world to allow them to compete and celebrate great work.

Zhe has worked as a barista for around five years now, starting in the coffee business when he found a part time job in a café whilst studying graphic design. “I was really quick from the start, which is very important when it comes to making coffee,” he explains, “and I grew to really love the work.” When there’s a queue a barista really needs to be able to work fast.

Customers can get a little cranky if they have to wait for their all-important caffeine fix. It’s important that every movement is precise and almost rhythmic, as one false step can see milk burn or the taste of a long black go from pleasantly sharp to bitter. A steady hand when pouring milk never goes amiss either - especially when creating latte art - and a good barista often thrives under pressure.

One of the most well known is the World Barista Championship, which this year is being held in Melbourne in May. New Zealand will be represented by Nick Clark from Flight Coffee in Wellington, who won the Huhtamaki New Zealand Barista Championship last month.

Also competing was one of Ponsonby’s best in the business, Zhe Lu from Café Byzantium at the Williamson Avenue end of Ponsonby Road. Although he didn’t place he did a damn fine job, and as a first time entrant is itching for the chance to compete again and hone his skills. “It is a world class competition,” he tells me, “so we all had to do so much preparation in advance. My boss encouraged me to enter and I started work on it two months before I went to Wellington for the finals.”

Part of his preparation involved creating a ‘signature drink’, which involved a lot of creativity and a lot of taste testing. The end result was a burst of flavour for the average

photography: Jo Barrett

THE ART OF MAKING GREAT COFFEE HAS DEFINITELY been elevated in prominence over the last decade, with your local barista no longer just someone who pulls coffee with a smile but can’t wait to leave work and head to the park.

Speaking of pressure, Zhe is already looking forward to the chance to compete again, saying with a smile “it was not just about what I did for the judges but also the chance to learn so much from the other competitors. I met great people from Christchurch, Wellington and Dunedin, so I know now that wherever I go in New Zealand I can get free coffee!” (HELENE RAVLICH) PN BYZANTIUM, 80 Ponsonby Road T: 09 376 3695 www.cafebyzantium.co.nz

COOKED TO PERFECTION! Located on popular Jervois Road, Taisho Yakitori Restaurant is a must-visit restaurant when in Ponsonby.

The business has been running for four years and an established reputation as a very good Japanese restaurant.

High praise in a review from Canvas magazine has made diners flock to Taisho Yakitori Restaurant to try its tasty Japanese food.

The main attraction and the specialty of the restaurant is the charcoal grill. The coal is specially imported all the way from Japan, to allow the yakitori skewers to be infused with a smoky taste. Taisho Restaurant can cater for large groups and special functions in a private upstairs room. Something different to try is the fresh, raw fish fillet sashimi dish or the homemade dumplings.

The dining room has a large lantern which was custom made in Japan to add to the dining space and makes for a more authentic atmosphere. Taisho is a licensed restaurant and BYOWs are also allowed. With takeaways also offered, it’s like having a restaurant experience right in your own home!

The menu has been revamped and redesigned in addition to new food being added on, to make your experience here even better. With food cooked to perfection, Gordon Ramsay won’t have a kitchen nightmare here! *If you bring this editorial next time you come, you will receive a FREE bowl of edamame beans. Only available until end of April 2013* PN TAISHO YAKITORI RESTAURANT, 190 Jervois Road T: 09 378 0746

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LIZ WHEADON: WINE, GLORIOUS WINE

A SHINING LIGHT FROM THE BAY The Gimblett Gravels wine growing region was created following the 1876 floods; after the floods subsided, the Ngaruroro River had changed its course and exposed a gravel river bed in the warm sun filled valley that we now know as Gimblett Gravels. The light, stony soils in the Gimblett Gravels are low in nutrients and completely free draining.

KATE RADBURND in Barrel Hall

Chris Pask had the perfect perspective of this area; working as a local top dressing pilot, he looked down and believed that it would be an excellent area to grow grapes and planted vines in Gimblett Road in 1981. From the start the wines were award winning, with the 1985 Cabernet achieving five stars in Cuisine magazine.

The story at Pask is really a tale of two talented people, Chris Pask and Kate Radburnd.

In 1990 Kate Radburnd joined Pask; a graduate of Roseworthy College, Kate is a senior wine judge and has been awarded the prestigious Sir George Fistonich Medal for her services to the wine trade. Kate has worked over 30 vintages in the Hawkes Bay and is somewhat of a master at what she achieves there. In 1993 Kate became the co-owner of Pask and was appointed the managing director in 1999.

Pask has grown to now have 90 hectares located around the local landmark, Roy’s Hill. There’s a number of ranges of wines that are exported around the world, winning acclaim everywhere they go. Pask produce excellent Merlot which is widely planted in their vineyard. It’s their Chardonnay that recently caught my attention, namely the Pask Declaration Chardonnay 2011. The Declaration range is only produced in exceptional vintages and from their top vineyard sites. The 2011 Declaration Chardonnay is made from 100% Mendoza Chardonnay off their low yielding vines on the Gimblett Road vineyard. Carefully harvested and lightly pressed, racking to new French oak, indigenous fermentation and aging for 11 months in French barriques. It’s a delicate style of Chardonnay with a very youthful expression right now – looking through that, there’s so much waiting to express itself, I just hope I am patient enough to age some of this.

Pask Great Long Lunch

The Pask range of wines starts with Roy’s Hill, a selection of fruit driven wines, then the Gimblett Road selection, where Kate has the opportunity to express the unique growing conditions of this region, then the Declaration range. There is another string to her bow – the Kate Radburnd range – an aromatically focussed range.

You’ll find the Pask range at all Glengarry stores and online. Throughout April we’ve got many of the Pask wines open on Friday nights for tastings and Kate in Auckland to host some events. Check out the tasting page on our website for more details.

(LIZ WHEADON) PN www.glengarrywines.co.nz www.glengarry.co.nz

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WHAT’S HOT AT SABATO A MEMORABLE EVENING WITH A LOVED TROUBADOUR LIMITED EDITION SABATO RECIPE CARDS WE HAVE OFTEN TOYED WITH THE IDEA OF A COOKBOOK, BUT WE wanted any recipes we published to stay as useful and current as possible – our range is always evolving, and we are constantly sourcing new ingredients while finding fresh ways to cook with old favourites. So it is with great excitement that we can announce the launch of our latest project: a limited edition series of brand new Sabato recipe cards!

These very special cards are designed to help you make the most of your Sabato ingredients, while celebrating a wide variety of seasonal produce. Each set contains 12 individual recipe cards, featuring an image of the finished dish on one side and step-by-step instructions on the reverse, with a clever collapsible plastic stand for easy display in the kitchen – all of which can be tucked away in their own special cover sleeve.

For our first edition (Autumn/Winter), we’ve enlisted the creative talents of chef, food editor and TV presenter Julie Le Clerc, who has developed and tested each of the dishes you’ll find inside. Recipes range from simple yet delicious weeknight dinners (think salmon with black olive crust) to easy antipasti (gorgonzola and pancetta arancini) and delectable desserts such Limoncello ricotta cheesecake.

Beautifully presented, these are a gorgeous gift idea – especially when accompanied by one or two ingredients to get them started! Available instore, online and through selected retailers. PN SABATO Limited , 57 Normanby Road T: 09 630 8751 www.sabato.co.nz

EARLY LAST MONTH THE LONGROOM hosted an evening with acclaimed poet, Sam Hunt to support Variety – The Children’s Charity for disadvantaged kids.

Given his unique ability to attract and mesmerise a crowd it was no surprise to find the Longroom packed with fans all set to enjoy him deliver recitations of his poems in his own inimitable style. As usual he gave the performance his all, dressed in his signature skinny trousers and workman’s shirt as he paced the floor in time to the cadence of his recitations.

There was humour and pathos, quips directed at attendees, and requests from the audience for favourite poems. He also delivered stanzas by Yeats, Dylan, Hughes and Baxter all stored in his prodigious memory. There’s no doubt Sam is a true poet of the people and his Laureate was awarded not before time!

This event was a rare opportunity to hear Sam perform in an intimate setting for the trifling sum of $45 plus a complimentary glass of Matawhero wine. The proceeds went towards Variety’s Gold Heart Scholarship programme which is part of the Future Kiwi Kids wider programme, and helps talented Kiwi kids who are sick, disabled or disadvantaged to achieve their dreams. Up to $5000 per annum is awarded to 20 children who have already achieved a suitable level of proficiency in the arts, sport or education despite the difficulties they undergo.

Successful recipients are assigned a leading professional or celebrity who encourages and supports them throughout the year. Some mentors from the 2012 programme include singer Elizabeth Marvelly, dancer Nerida Cortese, Paralympic swimmer Cameron Leslie and actress Antonia Prebble.

There are other Variety programmes as well. Variety Voices is a group scholarship for talented young disabled people or able bodied facing challenges, which enables them to rehearse and perform together at events.The Future Kiwi Kids and Laptops for Learning programmes were instigated by the economic crisis of 2009 when child poverty became a major and growing problem in New Zealand. Education can be the impetus to achieving a better life and research has demonstrated that access to personal IT devices has the ability to improve literacy rates. In conjunction with the Warehouse, Variety provides laptops to low decile secondary schools, enabling pupils to use digital devices as part of their in-class learning and to take them home if required. Today’s students need to be proficient with technology and many low-income families are not in the position to provide this opportunity for their children.

Variety relies on public generosity to help bridge the digital divide and give Kiwi kids the means to reach their full potential in life. No matter how big or small the donation it enables Variety to enrich the lives of Kiwi kids through these programmes. Sam’s outstanding performance at the Longroom was generosity itself and helped raise Variety’s profile as well as provide funds for the charity. Hopefully many of those who took delight in the entertainment he offered will be motivated to do likewise.

(DEIRDRE TOHILL) PN

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EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY JOY BONG IS BACK! Joy Bong has been on K’ Road for 14 years but had a name/menu change and was known as Monarchy for the last two. Now, with new owners Apple and Joe, they are back as Joy Bong and we are delighted to be reconnected.

We love everything about Joy Bong.

The food has always been great, the service is friendly and efficient and the ambience is perfect.

Often in restaurants we tend to have the same dishes but a good tip if you’re with friends is to try their platters. The Joy Bong platter consists of deep fried spring rolls as well as fresh spring rolls, tom yum prawns, red curry fish cakes and smoked salmon.

For mains, the lemon grass chicken is always popular, as is the north eastern style steamed fish. Another dish worthy of praise is their pad Thai gai.

If you have room for dessert, we recommend the dessert platter, which consists of coconut Thai cake, green bean Thai cake, black sweet sticky rice with Thai custard.

Naturally, they offer a take away service and did we mention what a great place this is for functions, birthdays and celebrations. They are open seven nights for dinner from 5.30pm to late. Lunch is available week days from 11.30am to 2.30pm. PN JOY BONG THAI, 531 Karanghape Road T: 09 377 2218 www.joybongthai.co.nz

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JOHN ELLIOTT: LOCAL NEWS WE LOSE ANOTHER VETERAN BUTCHER THE BAD NEWS IS THAT LONG TIME (35 YEARS) PONSONBY BUTCHER, BRIAN Hall, is downing his knives and hanging up his apron. The good news is that the premises, next to Prego on Ponsonby Road, will still house a butcher, and a bright go-ahead young couple, according to Brian.

Brian Hall served his apprenticeship with AMC (Auckland Meat Co) in Mt Albert, then spent five years with AMC on College Hill, the last two as manager, before buying out Bill Ritchie on Ponsonby Road.

When Brian heard it was for sale, he asked, “How much do you want for it?”

“Not sure,” replied Bill. Then later he asked for $19,000. Brian went home, chatted with his wife and they said, “Why not?”

Brian has seen great changes in his 35 years. There were 10 butchers in Ponsonby when he started. Now he is the only one left. Of course it reflects changes in buying habits - the growth of supermarket shopping, and the reduced amount of meat some people are eating these days.

But Brian and then son Wayne who joined him 17 years ago, adapted to the new conditions. They have always prided themselves on their superior service - Superior Meat, Superior Service and now sell much more high quality meat like fillet steak and rack of lamb.

Although Brian is fit and lean, he always said he would retire at 65. Now, at nearly 66, is the time he believes. And so what is a fit guy like him going to do with his life? You can’t imagine Brian lounging around in an easy chair for very long.

“I’m going to travel for a while,” he says, “while my wife and I are still fit and well. Then I might do a day or so of work a week. I’ll see how I feel.”

Talk about relaxed. He tells me he and Wayne have always got on really well together, taking turns at being boss. Strikes me Brian is so calm and non-confrontational, it would take a massive outburst from Wayne to unsettle him.

Fiona, next door at Amcal Pharmacy will miss Brian and Wayne. She has been their neighbour, and they have shared a landlord, for 32 of the 35 years Brian has been there. That landlord has always been fair too, Brian assured me. Fiona has gone in each morning for ages and cut the crossword out of the Herald to do during her breaks.

Superior Meats service has always been rewarded with customer loyalty. While Ponsonby News was interviewing Brian, in comes well known real estate agent Tim Collins-Smith. Tim still gets his meat from Brian even though he has actually quit his home in Rose Road, and now lives at Muriwai.

“That’s loyalty for you,” smiles Brian, and it is such an important part of Superior Meats success, that you couldn’t stage that incident even if you tried. “Ponsonby people have been great to us,” Brian tells us. “We’ll miss all our loyal customers.”

Brian is enthusiastic about the two young guys, Adam and Jeff, who are taking over.

“They’ll be good,” he assures us. And we hope they will too. If they have half the personality and dedication to service like Brian and Wayne, they’ll be a raging success.

But we’ll still miss Brian, a Ponsonby identity, still positive and smiling 35 years on. We wish him well in retirement. (JOHN ELLIOTT) PN

PANE E VINO RESTAURANT SUPPORTS GOOD CAUSE WHAT BETTER WAY TO SPEND AN EVENING THAN WITH FRIENDS AND enjoying a delicious meal at Pane e Vino restaurant. Brighten Foundation founder and CEO Giuseppe Martegani did just that with friend Pane e Vino owner Tito sharing The foundations’ latest project; running youth initiatives in orphanages in countries such as the Philippines, Thailand, India and Malaysia. Since that conversation and having read the history of Burma’s refugees fleeing the atrocities of the country’s dictatorship, Tito now supports these programmes.

Giuseppe started The Brighten Foundation in 2011 to help young people in orphanages around the world. Since The Brighten Foundation was formed it has successfully run the week long programmes in six countries and worked with over 800 young people. All children take part in life skills activities as well as arts, music and sports. The transformation in the young children is so inspiring.

In 2013 The Brighten Foundation is running programmes in Thailand, Burma, Laos and Malaysia. To get to these countries Giuseppe has been very fortunate to have people like Tito supporting him.

Pane e Vino restaurant helped the foundation in a fundraising venture where they kindly donated a percentage of their takings to assist with the camps. In addition Tito has prepared a book, ’Delicious Italian fast food prepared in 20 minutes’ available for sale at Pane e Vino restaurant. All proceeds from the sale of the book are gifted to The Brighten Foundation.

The Brighten Foundation relies heavily on donations and volunteers and values any support that enables them to continue to do the good work in these countries. PN To find out more about THE BRIGHTEN FOUNDATION go to www.brightenfoundation.org, or call Giuseppe M: 021 161 7538

36 PONSONBY NEWS+ April 2013

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY FREEMAN & GREY: A NEW COMER TO PONSONBY ROAD The day we chose to pop into Ponsonby Road eating house Freeman & Grey happened to be St. Patrick’s Day, which really could have gone either way. The spot could have been the site of sheer chaos and harried stuff, but rather it was pleasantly jolly and the service was nothing short of superb.

Apart from The Pogues on heavy rotate and a special Irish breakfast on the menu it was pretty much business as usual, and we took a seat inside as outside it was fair hosing down. Apparently the verandah upstairs is most definitely the place to sit on a sunny day, or the courtyard at the front downstairs if you’re in the mood for some serious people watching. Inside was fine for us though, and it was nice to be in a pub-slash-bar venue that doesn’t smell like an old drunk the day after a busy Saturday night.

The brunch menu covers the usual suspects, and upon examination it appears the lunch signature is that all the dishes on offer are $14. This keeps things wallet friendly for sure, but when our meals arrive it’s clear that a few of the ingredients may have been skimped on to keep things that way. I have the open chicken sandwich with avocado and beer-battered fries, and the ciabatta and chicken with tasty mayo is mellow but satisfying, although the serving quite small if you turned up with a big appetite on a Friday lunchtime and wanted to enjoy it with a few pints. Unfortunately the guacamole was clearly not created in house, but the fries were pure joy and I could easily have ordered another bowl’s worth as a side!

My other half goes for the falafel wrap with salad and declares the filling the winner of the day but that salad has clearly seen better days, whilst our four year old tucks straight into the blueberry pancakes with berry compote and mascarpone and - thankfully - doesn’t complain that the latter has been substituted with cream after the kitchen ran out of the Italian favourite.

Last up, the beverage list wasn’t huge but was well edited, and I’d definitely come back to try some of the wine options on offer. On the day I’d gone for a Bloody Mary that sadly used a cheap-ish brand of tomato juice from a plastic bottle and although ordered as “spicy” was pretty low on fire, but the selection of wines looked inspired and the beer - according to the beer drinker in the family - was exactly as it should be.

After we left we decided that when it comes to dining in, brunch and lunch are probably not the best time to hit Freeman & Grey, but the service was so good that we’ll definitely be back - perhaps for a wine in the sun and to taste a few of the 16-something small shared plates that are on offer in the evening.

Ooh and if you were wondering - I was! - about the name? It’s purely geographical - the friendly new local lies at the border of Freemans Bay and Grey Lynn.

(HELENE RAVLICH) PN FREEMAN & GREY, 43 Ponsonby Road T: 09 378 6496

PANE E VINO owner TITO CUCCINIELLO and BRIGHTEN FOUNDATION CEO GIUSEPPE MARTEGANI The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE – 20TH OF THE MONTH April 2013 PONSONBY NEWS+

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LAURAINE JACOBS: THE SEASONED PALATE

THE WONDERFUL SATYA SOUTH INDIAN RESTAURANT TIME FLIES WHEN YOU’RE EATING WELL. TEN YEARS AGO I WROTE A RAVE review about the tiny South Indian café, Satya, in Hobson Street (for Cuisine.)

A decade has passed and I am still enjoying the simple cuisine served up by Swamy and Padmaja Akuthota. A lot has changed in that time. Their café moved from Hobson Street to K’ Road, and the Akuthotas have opened a string of restaurants and cafés in Sandringham, Mt Eden and Great North Road, around the corner from Ponsonby Road. And you’re reading it here first that there are plans afoot to open a spice store in Ponsonby later this year.

In that first review I wrote, “There’s nothing quite like a home cooked meal, with its attendant nurturing flavours. That is exactly what has made Satya such a popular place with those in the know. Owners Swamy and Padmaja hail from Hyderabad in Southern India and are dedicated to cooking authentic food from their homeland. They grind their own spices regularly for their dishes and also import special pastes and ingredients. The dishes are influenced by the owners’ Ayurvedic philosophy and are mainly deliciously light and healthy.” It’s all still true today.

My favourite is the Great North Road branch. It has a friendly feel, with the brick walls and roof of the old shop front restaurant adorned with colourful saris, and the comfortable chairs all backed with bright silk covers. It is constantly busy with an eclectic parade of regulars; couples dining away for a night out away from the kids, groups of bright young things sharing plates and bottles of wine, Southern Indian family groups, and locals who pop in for a quick Thali plate (an inexpensive set selection of curry dishes that includes rice and chutney).

The menu is almost bafflingly extensive, and features lots of vegetable choices as the Akuthotas are steadfast vegetarians. Not to be overlooked are the specialties in the lighter entrée section. I couldn’t eat at Satya without ordering the dahi puri, crisp little squares with a topping of potato, yoghurt, spices and tamarind. These treats are famous but there are several other snacks to share including light-as-air little puffs filled with curry and the wonderfully crisp samosas.

Wafer-thin rice and lentil pancakes called iddlies arrive at the table rolled up in an impressive display of kitchen art, served with accompanying condiments of chutney and yogurt. The same delicacies are folded into dosa with carrot and coconut chutney tucked between the layers. Yoghurt is an essential ingredient of many Satya dishes; the kitchen staff make their own yoghurt, and it’s used for sauces, marinades and in many of the curries and dishes.

Diners can choose from a vast range of dry and juicy curries and Southern Indian specialties, including many chicken, prawn and lamb dishes. There’s the ubiquitous butter chicken and it’s a fine example. Fish and vegetarian dishes are plentiful, and I especially enjoyed a very spicy Apollo yoghurt marinated fish enhanced by wonderful smoky flavours. The cubes of fish sat on top of a riot of crunchy raw vegies, but I did think it was a pity this food had not been presented on a larger plate. However this is all simple home-style fare and food presentation and styling is hardly the number one attribute of the restaurant. It’s all about tasty food.

Indian breads, whether the crisp poppadoms or the flaky paratha and stuffed naan arrive at the table fresh and hot, with accompanying raita and chutneys and make a great starter for a large group or while waiting for friends.

SATYA owners SWAMY and PADMAJA AKUTHOTA

ENJOY A MOVIE WITH A GLASS OF WINE AND SUPPORT PURPLE CAKE DAY PURPLE CAKE DAY INVITES YOU TO the screening of ‘A Small Act’, a multi -award winning film by Jennifer Arnold.

Proceeds from the film support the Kenyan charity featured in the film, the Hilde Back Education Fund, along with children’s education initiatives in Haiti and Nepal.

A free glass of wine will be provided by Toi Toi Wines and juice will be available.

With clarity and grace, ‘A Small Act’ is a compelling story of how one small act can change lives. The feature-length documentary follows the intersecting lives of a Holocaust survivor in Sweden, the Kenyan man whose education she funded and three hard-working, endearing children from poor families in rural Kenya.

View the film’s trailer here: www.purplecakeday.org “An extremely well put together story with some genuine human graft. It’s a very, very likeable film.” - GRAEME TUCKETT, National Radio film reviewer.

The film showing will be held at The Kitchen, 14-16 Maidstone Street, Ponsonby on Thursday 11 April with drinks and nibbles from 7pm. The film starts at 8pm.

Tickets are $25 on the door or $20 pre sales. PN Details and ticket sales are on Eventfinda: www.eventfinder.co.nz/2013/ a-small-act-film-screening/auckland/grey-lynn

The staff are pleasant and helpful but not always particularly highly skilled. In conversations with Swamy Akuthota over the years I have come to recognise he and his family are very humble people and generous in the care and support of others.

I asked him once how he finds staff and he told me that when someone comes in seeking a job and they really are in need, he hires them. He is also the only restaurateur I know who opens his restaurant on Christmas Day to the needy and lonely and serves a slap up banquet at no charge. Very, very admirable!

Satya never turns away anyone who brings their own wine in, but there is a well-priced simple wine list. Can you imagine the mentality of the diners I spotted leaving the table, rushing along the road to purchase their own BYO bottle and carrying it in clad in a paper bag? Some people just don’t get it! Do try the traditional Indian drinks like lassi, masala tea or South Indian coffee. A meal here is a real treat for those with an adventurous palate and do not be afraid to ask them to go lightly on the spices if you’re wary of hot spicy food. (LAURAINE JACOBS MNZM) www.laurainejacobs.co.nz SATYA, 17 Great North Road T: 09 361 3612 www.satya.co.nz PN

38 PONSONBY NEWS+ April 2013

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

CELIA HAY: NZ SCHOOL OF FOOD & WINE SOUR CREAM ORANGE SYRUP CAKES Baking is fast, easy and fun and having dessert should not be frowned on as it signals the “end of the meal”, says Celia Hay of the New Zealand School of Food & Wine.

INGREDIENTS: 125g butter 150g caster sugar 200g plain flour 1 teaspoon baking powder 3 eggs Finely grated zest 1 large orange 125g sour cream 1 tablespoon orange juice 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

Pre-heat the oven to160oC. Grease and flour 8 ramekins or one 20cm cake tin.

Rub together the butter, sugar, flour and baking powder until pale crumbs.

Make a well in the middle and add one egg at a time until incorporated.

Stir through the yoghurt. Add the orange and orange zest.

Bake for 30 – 40 minutes until a skewer comes out clean.

ORANGE SYRUP 100ml orange juice ½ c caster sugar 100ml water.

1. Put in a small pot and simmer until thickened (coats the back of a spoon).

2. Whip cream to garnish.

3. As soon as the cakes come out of the oven, spoon over the syrup. Serve with freshly whipped cream. PN NEW ZEALAND SCHOOL OF FOOD & WINE, Level 3, 104 Customs Street West www.foodandwine.co.nz

A PONSONBY LOCAL BREW IS BORN Last month publican and well-known Auckland identity Luke Dallow unveiled Dedwood, his new Ponsonby craft beer for locals to be consumed by the famous to the hard working man.

The creation of Dedwood started with Dallow making test batches in the tin shed behind Chapel. From his first batches, he quickly found the flair and the important taste factor for the brew. Every week Luke also brews 20 litres in a special vat at Tin Soldier, which is poured when the batch is ready. On tap at Tin Soldier are two premium Dedwood Beers, Ponsonby Road Pilsner and The Ponsonby Road Lager.

To celebrate our unique community a special Hall of Fame leaders board was unveiled at the launch. Twenty dedicated beer mugs and nameplates encapture the leading newsmakers and shakers of today. PN TIN SOLDIER, 151 Ponsonby Road T: 09 378 1719 www.thetinsoldier.co.nz

DEDWOOD BREWERY CO LAUNCH, Thursday 21 March 1. Janet Wilson, Luke Dallow and Bill Ralston; 2. Sally Ridge and Warren Fenning.

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE – 20TH OF THE MONTH April 2013 PONSONBY NEWS+

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EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY RIPE DELI LAUNCHES A FRESH BATCH OF RECIPES Following the success of their 2010 cook book, Ripe Recipes, Angela Redfern and her talented team at Ripe have whipped up a fresh batch of recipes with their second book – Ripe Recipes - A Fresh Batch.

In the 11 years since Ripe first opened, the vibrant delicatessen has gained a reputation for creating healthy, delicious homemade style food using only free -farmed and free-range products and the best of local ingredients.

Ripe Recipes - A Fresh Batch is a collection of over 140 healthy-tasty recipes broken down into easy to follow sections, from finger food to ‘lunch faves’ and fresh salads packed with goodness though to scrumptious deli dinners and gooey decadent desserts. The book also features fun themed menus based on celebration days at the delicatessen, like Mexican day, Friday Pie day and Cheesecake day.

Angela, owner of Ripe Delicatessen, says “With A Fresh Batch we wanted to showcase how to create delicious food that’s healthy and tastes great with health benefits, without compromising on taste.”

This shines through in the salad section, which is bursting with flavour and health in equal proportions. Like the Ripe Red Quinoa salad studded with goji berries, which are sweet and tangy as well as high in antioxidants and vitamin C. The Ripe bakers have even managed to sneak some goodness into their baking with the surprisingly addictive Quinoa Fruit Cookies or the Orange and Lemon Polenta Loaves with chia seeds.

And if you’re not sure what goji berries or chia seeds are, you can look to the new “Nutrition Bites” section on most pages, which Nutritionist, Nellie Pigot has written.

These handy, easy to read ‘bites’ of information highlight the health benefits of some of the ingredients included in the recipes.

But don’t fret, you will still find plenty of decadent recipes in the latest book like the Pink Powder-Puff cake, covered with meringue or the luscious Lemony Slice with a melt-in -the mouth shortbread base. After all it’s all about balance!

With A Fresh Batch, Angela collaborated with head chef Pip Wylie and chef Amy Melchior to bring unique new flavours to the table. “The whole team at Ripe had a part to play. Some were even kind enough to let us include their secret family recipes in the book” Angela says.

The stunning photography captures the vibrant freshness of each recipe and once again Michelle Ineson has lent her creativity to the pages with whimsical pen and ink illustrations.

Written in Ripe’s signature easy to read and fun style, filled with quirky anecdotes and now new handy nutrition bites, Ripe Recipes - A Fresh Batch will appeal to all food lovers and will have even the most inexperienced cook creating simple, fabulous dishes that are nourishing for the soul and great for the taste buds! PN RIPE DELI, 172 Richmond Road T: 09 360 6159 www.ripedeli.co.nz

THE PONSONBY NEWS TEAM SAY life is too short… so always eat well and drink good wine! www.ponsonbynews.co.nz

40 PONSONBY NEWS+ April 2013

CULINARY MEETS COUTURE Three iconic local fashion labels - Trelise Cooper, Trelise Cooper Boardroom and Kylee Davis - will offer a snapshot of their Autumn/Winter 2013 collections in late April, as part of a Designer Showcase Luncheon taking place at the five star Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour.

The event will be the first in what is expected to become an ongoing series of Designer Showcase Luncheons held by the Sofitel in collaboration with its partner New Zealand Fashion Week.

The three course menu - accompanied by a glass of New Zealand wine upon arrival - is aimed at those seeking a taste of luxury and business people looking to entertain.

The ‘Designer Showcase Luncheon’ will take place in the Boulevard Room, Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour, 21 Viaduct Harbour Avenue, Auckland on Wednesday 24 April 2013, 12pm.

Tickets are $99* with limited, allocated seating: www.iticket.co.nz.

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY A HERNE BAY LOCAL: DELLOWS KITCHEN From the minute he delivers a beautiful smoked salmon starter to our table it is clear that Paul Yen is passionate about food.

Paul Yen is the chef and owner of Jervois Road café Dellows Kitchen and from the minute he took the helm at the popular spot his aim has been to give customers an experience of ‘fine-dining, café style’. Fine dining was his first love as a chef, starting in the kitchen at the renowned restaurant Mikano on Auckland’s waterfront at Mechanic’s Bay. His early career saw him rising from high school food runner to chef in less than five years, and his ambition is clear in his culinary vision for Dellows. The café’s website calls him a “self-confessed food fanatic”, with a focus on “producing high quality food from raw ingredients”, and what he serves up to us one sunny afternoon is most definitely that.

Dellows Kitchen was placed in Metro magazine’s ‘top five cafes’ in the fresh menu category in 2012, and gets a big tick from me for utilising organic and free-range whole ingredients where possible. They are also more than happy to alter their line up dishes to suit any dietary needs – so if you’re gluten- dairy- or nut-free, vegetarian or vegan, Paul and his team are happy to prepare the dishes on their menu to suit.

We spent a lazy lunch sampling some of Paul’s latest menu, which is designed to be eaten as the cooler months roll in but is fresh and tasty as well as hearty. You most definitely won’t leave hungry here either - the servings are on the larger side so come with an empty tummy!

Sitting nicely alongside an all day breakfast menu featuring all of the usual suspects, the lunch menu is where you see Paul explore his creativity and utilise the best seasonal produce he can get his hands on. The mushroom risotto with parmesan cheese and truffle oil was prepared exactly as a risotto should be, with just the right amount of creaminess and a generous amount of funghi stirred throughout.

The Grilled Chicken Salad - which came with haloumi, baby spinach, sweet corn, croutons and basil mayo was dense and definitely a true ‘meal’ as opposed to just a salad, whilst my personal favourite was the light and delicious Crispy Squid Ring salad with rocket with tomato, carrot, capsicum and red onion served with Wahoo dressing. The Cajun Chicken and Chorizo Open Sandwich was filled with flavour and will definitely hit the spot too, with a side of perfectly cooked fries.

As well as a great cabinet selection Dellows has a Fresh Catering menu available on weekdays and weekends with free delivery for orders over $100.00 and fresh, gourmet frozen meals for those short on time who still want to enjoy a home cooked meal.

Pick one up from the café when you’re in the area, ready to take home and heat - too easy! Paul also apparently supplies fresh school lunches to local schools in Herne Bay,

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

Point Chevalier and Westmere via ezlunch.co.nz, an online school lunch service that connects suppliers with local schools.

We didn’t sample the coffee when we were in for lunch but the word on Jervois Road strip is that it’s good - and fast. You can even text your order to Dellows Kitchen on M: 022 300 5905 and officially jump the queue! (HELENE RAVILICH) PN DELLOWS KITCHEN, 212 Jervois Road T: 09 378 6156 www.dellows.co.nz

DEADLINE – 20TH OF THE MONTH April 2013 PONSONBY NEWS+

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PHIL PARKER: WHOSE WINE IS IT ANYWAY?

KIM & ERICA’S LOVEBLOCK Recently I was lucky enough to be invited to an exclusive gathering at the Auckland home of Kim and Erica Crawford, for the launch of their new Loveblock label. Kim’s previous label, Kim Crawford has been absorbed by USA’s massive Constellation Brands wine company (which also owns Nobilo NZ).

The new venture is a labour of love for Kim and Erica, with Kim returning to his winemaking roots and also taking up organic viticulture for the first time. Says Kim,” My aim is to deliver to you, in the bottle, what the grapevine produces. It’s not up to me to be so presumptuous as to what the soil says is right.” To that end, Loveblock wines incorporate organic and stringent biodynamic winegrowing practices.

Loveblock Farm comprises 73 northerly hectares overlooking Marlborough’s Awatere Valley. Also a further eight hectares have been purchased in Central Otago’s Bendigo region – named the Someone’s Darling vineyard.

The Marlborough vineyard produces Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Riesling and Chenin Blanc, plus a few unusual varieties such as Tempranillo, Gewürztraminer, Muscato and Saint Laurent. The Someone’s Darling vineyard is dedicated solely to Pinot Noir.

Distribution is almost exclusively in the USA through Terlato Wines International. Wine doyen, Anthony Terlato was in New Zealand for the launch and I had the privilege of interviewing him the day before. Tony Terlato is called ‘the Father of Pinot Grigio’ for introducing Italian Pinot Gris to the American market in 1979. He is very impressed with the Loveblock range and will be importing Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir.

LOVEBLOCK PINOT GRIS 2011 $23.95 Floral aromas with a delightful soft palate of poached pear, quince and a hint of Turkish delight.

LOVEBLOCK GEWÜRZTRAMINER 2011 $23.95 A medium sweet style with flavours of melon and spicy ginger cake, but with a clean slightly crisp finish.

Clockwise: ANTHONY TERLATO; LOVEBLOCK bottles; KIM CRAWFORD

LOVEBLOCK BONE DRY RIESLING 2011 $23.95 A tiny 1.4 gram per litre of residual sugar (compare that to a can of Coke at 150 g/L).

Yet, surprisingly soft on the palate, with flavours and aromas of apple sauce, lime and honey. Clean, dry finish.

LOVEBLOCK SAUVIGNON BLANC 2012 $23.95 Crisp and racy typical Marlborough style, with flavours of stone fruit, fig and tomato leaf.

LOVEBLOCK PINOT NOIR 2011 $33.95 My personal favourite out (of a great line-up). Smoky spice aromas, with a glorious ripe, full palate of summer red fruits, with black cherry and mushroomy savoury hints.

(PHIL PARKER) PN Read Phil’s blog at nzwineblogger.blogspot.co.nz Phil Parker is a wine writer and operates Fine Wine & Food Tours in Auckland. www.insidertouring.co.nz

42 PONSONBY NEWS+ April 2013

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY JAMMING AT ONE 2 ONE IT WAS THE 21ST SEASON AT ONE 2 ONE ON PONSONBY ROAD IN MARCH. The café celebrated its 21st birthday in musical style on a Thursday night with a range of talented local musicians. This particular Thursday Jam Nite was graced by some stunning voices and instrumentalists.

The night was hosted by Nigel Gavin, an absolutely phenomenal guitarist, who performed multiple times over the night and never ceased to surprise and amaze me. Chris Priestly, the previous owner and founder of the café was on hand to add his voice to numerous songs as well.

Thursday nights at One 2 One have become well known and well attended.

Musicians and groups get up to perform three or four numbers and are almost always joined by someone on a complementing instrument for a ‘jam’. Early on in the night a harmonica was heard numerous times from somewhere in the crowd, adding its voice to a blues number.

OH!SO CAFE’S SPICED FALAFEL BURGER WITH SALTED CUCUMBER AND THICK YOGHURT With summer drawing to an end, this is a nice, light alternative to a beef burger that will take us into the cooler autumn evenings.

Go all out with lots of spice in this one as the thick yoghurt and cucumber will cool it down a little and wash it all down with a nice cold glass of Croucher Pilsner.

It takes a day to drain the yoghurt. Place a clean tea towel into a colander over a bowl.

Pour 500g of natural unsweetened yoghurt into the centre of the tea towel and fold over the edges to cover. Place in the fridge for 24 hours.

Peel the cucumber then slice thin ribbons from the outside with a vegetable peeler (Don’t use the soft centre). Place the ribbons in a bowl and sprinkle on a generous pinch of sea salt. Refrigerate for an hour before using.

FOR THE BURGER - MAKES 4 1 tin four bean mix 2 tins chick peas 20gms curly parsley ½ white onion 3 cloves garlic A generous pinch each of ground, cumin, cayenne, coriander and paprika 1 egg to bind FOR THE COATING 2 cups soft fine breadcrumbs 2 beaten eggs with a splash of milk Plain flour Soft burger buns

EXTRAS 500g unsweetened yoghurt ½ cucumber tomato and avocado

The café itself has a wonderfully warm and inviting atmosphere, from the coffee paraphernalia all along the walls to photos of the regulars that have played at One 2 One over the years. Thursday 14 March was full with a crowd of enthusiastic music listeners who were treated to an array of different genres and musical talents.

Nigel Gavin opened his small set with a cover of a Frank Zappa number, and proceeded to display a tremendous range of skills, performing blues, jazz and accompanying a flamenco guitarist at a small ‘solo-off’ later in the night. A rendition of Ziggy Stardust by another performer was met with massive applause. A few songs that were written for or about One 2 One were dusted off for the occasion.

There were more string instruments in One 2 One that night than many people will see in a year, including the usual guitars, violin and mandolin. But also on display were a banjo and a Dobro – a lap steel guitar. These two were joined by a guitar and mandolin and featured in a country/western/bluegrass group.

Perhaps the highlight of the night was young Eden Roberts. She performed three original songs, using loop pedals, a guitar and a range of vocal harmonies. One of the songs was her first composition on piano, and for someone so young she has an incredible mastery of multiple instruments. It wasn’t her first night performing at One 2 One, and as a local she performs regularly in the area. If you have the chance to hear her perform you should definitely take it.

A fantastic night out that was further augmented by the birthday cake and a perfectly in tune rendition of happy birthday sung for the café. Congratulations are most definitely in order for 21 successful years and here is to many more years of musical evenings to come.

If you have a free Thursday night any time soon, put One 2 One first on your to-do list. You will have a fantastic night, full of music and stories. The staff are welcoming and extremely friendly, the food is fantastic, and drinks are aplenty.

You never know, you might see me up on stage performing next time, I certainly will sometime in the not too distant future. (FINN MCLENNAN-ELLIOTT) PN ONE 2 ONE, 121 Ponsonby Road T: 09 376 4954 www.one2onecafe.co.nz

Pulse all the ingredients together until you get a thick paste. Divide into four balls and lightly coat in flour then the beaten egg mixture. Roll in the breadcrumbs until covered, then again in the egg and breadcrumbs. Deep fry at 190 C until the Falafels are golden brown then leave to rest on a paper towel. Toast the burger buns and lay on thinly sliced tomato and avocado, set on the Falafel and top with a good dollop of the yoghurt and cucumber ribbons.

This works well as finger food for a party too. Just make the Falafels the size of a $2 coin and use mini burger buns. PN OH!SO CAFÉ, 29 Crummer Road, T: 09 360 0700 www.ohso.co.nz The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

photography: James Marshall

Peel and slice the garlic, then place in a small ramekin, cover with oil and roast in the oven at 180 C for about 15 minutes until golden. Finely dice the onion and fry until light brown. Drain and wash the chick peas and mixed beans. Place in a food processor with the parsley, spices, onion, garlic, oil and all, egg and good pinch of salt and black pepper. (Add extra cayenne and paprika if you like it hot!)

IAN SINCLAIR and NIGEL GAVIN

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EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY HEALTHY FOOD GUIDE RECIPE MAKE THIS DELICIOUS RISOTTO WITH INGREDIENTS already in your cupboard. Not only does this risotto look great on the plate, it more than delivers on taste and it’s healthy, too. Low in fat, high in fibre and low in sodium.

BEAN, PEA AND LEMON RISOTTO 3 cups liquid vegetable stock 1 tablespoon olive oil 2 spring onions, chopped 1 clove garlic, finely chopped 2 cups arborio rice 400g can butter or cannellini beans, drained, rinsed 1½ cups frozen peas 1 lemon, zest 1 cup rocket leaves 4 tablespoons Cheesy crumbs (see recipe, below) STEP 1: Heat stock. In a separate non-stick pan heat oil.

Cook onions and garlic until softened.

STEP 2: Add rice and stir to coat with oil and flavourings.

Cook for a few minutes over a medium heat.

STEP 3 : Add stock ½ cup at a time, stirring well after each addition. Once the liquid is absorbed, add the next ½ cup and stir occasionally to help rice become creamy.

Repeat this process with the remaining stock.

STEP 4: When most of the liquid is absorbed, add beans, peas and zest. Heat for a few more minutes. Stir in rocket. Sprinkle with cheesy crumbs garnish to serve.

CHEESY CRUMBS 1 slice wholegrain or sourdough bread 2cm chunk parmesan cheese handful fresh parsley fresh or dried chilli, to taste (optional) Place all ingredients in a blender or mini-chopper and whiz to make chunky breadcrumbs.

TIP: To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free stock and for the cheesy crumbs use gluten-free bread.

Recipe reprinted from Healthy Food Guide magazine with permission from Healthy Life Media Ltd. RECIPE WRITER: Niki Bezzant.

STYLING AND FOOD PREP: Sarah Swain.

PHOTOGRAPHY: Melanie Jenkins.

Find more vegetarian recipes using everyday ingredients plus other healthy delicious recipes in Healthy Food Guide magazine, on sale in supermarkets and bookstores for only $5.90 or subscribe at www.healthyfood.co.nz. PN

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EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY

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JANE DANIELS WINTER FASHION LAUNCH @ BOLLIWOOD, PONSONBY Thursday 21 March Bolliwood was packed last month when designer Jane Daniels threw a travel, cuisine and fashion fiesta. Jane is an ambassasor for the Innovative Travel Company and she described her journey in Rajasthan and Morocco. The event was organised by Harvey World Travel in Three Lamps, in conjunction with Singapore Airlines. 1. Leena Bhikharidas, Christine Lineham, Jane Daniels, Nan Sima, Carol Wisker, Usha Sima, Hardeep Singh, Caroline Sowden and Duncan McKenzie; 2. Two models wearing Jane Daniels. 3. Bridgid Davis, Tony Reardon, Jane Daniels and Jaime Randell; 4. Models wearing Jane Daniels.

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PONSONBY NEWS READERS ARE EVERYWHERE 1

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1-2. SOMBOON KHANSUK looking through the puppet show theatre made by LYN DALLISON at the “Between Ties” exhibition at WESTMERE BEACH. Artist CAROL LEE-HONSON and JAN ZUCKERMAN, a visitor from Hokitika at the “Between Ties” exhibition, WESTMERE. 3. Local agent NICK FISTONICH from Harcourts Ponsonby sent us this photo of himself and ANNA SCARBOROUGH taken in Koh Samui, THAILAND. 4. We were just emailed this shot of DJ PHIL (well known on Radio Ponsonby) and PENNY CASSIE outside the Fern & Kiwi, on Clarke Quay, SINGAPORE. 5. ROSS THORBY, “Mayor” of Franklin Road is currently cruising on the QUEEN MARY and told us, “we’ve seen pods of hector dolphins and some seals. Yesterday, I’m told when we sailed around Stewart Island, we saw sharks but I wasn’t on deck at the time. Oh and there are heaps of whales, but they are usually based around the on board buffet!”

6. Fortune from KAREN MILLEN in NEWMARKET gave us a chuckle when she told us, “We do work around here. Sometimes.” PN

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PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

TRAVEL BREAKS: THE NEW THERAPY!

INCREDIBLE INDIA

By Chris Lyons, Director, World Journeys The sensory overload this country brings both delights and overwhelms the first timer, but take time to get to know India and you will fall in love with the experience.

From the sleek modernity of New Delhi and the glorious palace hotels of Rajasthan to the ethereal glow of the Taj Mahal at sunrise, the vibrant colour, scent and sounds of India never fail to impress me.

I have never travelled anywhere else with such an intensity of colour as is found in India. Rajasthan, a land of vast deserts, camel trains, ancient forts and temples, is the ‘jewel in the crown’. The spices piled high in the market, the brightly coloured turbans, and the decorated elephants at the Amber Fort all make this part of India a photographer’s dream.

The Taj Mahal in Agra, some 200km from Delhi, deserves the effort to arise early and experience it at sunrise when visitors are fewer and the light creates a dreamy hue.

Intricately inlaid precious stones cover the walls, the monuments, the tombs. No photo or movie does this shrine justice - you must see it through your own eyes. Built by Shah Jahan in honour of his dead wife Mumtaz , he was imprisoned after being overthrown by his son and thus could never complete a black marble facsimile of the Taj across the river that was going to become his own tomb. One of the great tragic love stories of history!

India has endured thousands of years of conflict and generated incredible wealth, leaving a legacy of beautiful palaces and fortresses. Some Maharajahs’ palaces are now the most gorgeous hotels where mere commoners can now stay in the opulence that was the hallmark of past Indian royalty. The most picturesque of these is the Lake Palace Hotel in Udaipur where the James Bond film “Octopussy” was filmed.

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Religion is also central to everyday life in India. Nowhere more so than in the holy city of Varanasi on the banks of the River Ganges – the ultimate pilgrimage location for Hindus. The river comes alive at sunrise with people bathing in her holy waters and worshipping the rising sun. The many burning ghats on the banks of the river are used for cremations – if you die in Varanasi you go straight to heaven!

Another icon of India is its Bengal tiger. Ranthambore National Park is famous for its tiger population. If tigers elude you, you’ll also find exotic species such as the chital, sambar, muntjac, and Indian Pangolin to name a few. The bird life is also prolific and beautiful.

Travel around India has become so much easier over the years, bringing excellent hotels and vastly improved tourist services. A visit to India affects everyone differently, but many become so enamoured with her mystical charms, they start planning their return as soon as they arrive home. PN

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TRAVEL BREAKS: THE NEW THERAPY!

photography: Liz Handy

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Our friend CHARLES HANDY, describes himself as a social philosopher and was photographed by his wife LIZ, reading the magazine in Bressingham, Diss, NORFOLK. Handy has written 20 books and has been rated among the Thinkers 50, a private list of the most influential living management thinkers. In 2001, he was second on this list, behind Peter Drucker, and in 2005 he was tenth.

In 1998, the Handy’s published ‘The New Alchemists’, How visionary people create something out of nothing. Ponsonby News’ Editor, Martin Leach, who moved to London, aged 18, is the only New Zealander to be featured in their book.

When the Harvard Business Review had a special issue to mark their 50th Anniversary they asked Charles Handy, Peter Drucker and Henry Mintzberg to write special articles. In July 2006, Charles Handy was conferred with an honorary Doctor of Laws by Trinity College, Dublin.

PONSONBY NEWS READERS ARE EVERYWHERE Dear readers Please keep sending us your holiday snaps reading your favourite magazine, we love getting them! Photos need to be in high resolution (300dpi), so please email them to info@ponsonbynews.co.nz without reducing the size.

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AIR NEW ZEALAND HOLIDAYS OFFICE OPENING, PONSONBY Saturday 9 March 1. Air NZ Holidays Ponsonby team, Ria, Susan, Dot, Zarine, Michelle, Yoko, and Michael; 2. Cameron Taylor of Accor, Anne Finch of Air NZ Holidays, and Air NZ Holidays Stores GM Jonathan Watts.

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CELEBRATE LOVE AND COMMITMENT

WEDDINGS AND CIVIL UNIONS THE WEDDING EVENT OF THE YEAR On Sunday 5 May, New Zealand’s top wedding specialists will come together for the 18th annual Bride & Groom Show, showcasing the latest and greatest in the wonderful world of weddings.

It will be a real party atmosphere in the beautiful grounds of Auckland Ellerslie Event Centre, as visitors meet with designers, taste cakes and bubbly, listen to live music, view portfolios, bouquets and table settings, as well as marquees and cars in the gardens. “As New Zealand’s biggest wedding show, it’s a one-stop destination with everything you need to successfully plan your wedding,” says Lesley Walker, Editor -in-Chief of Bride & Groom magazine, “and having everything in one place makes it so much easier.”

One of the highlights of the Bride & Groom Show is the glamorous fashion parade, which runs three times during the day, displaying beautiful gowns from top bridal designers. Plus, there are numerous discounts, giveaways, door prizes, special offers, goodie bags and major prizes, including a luxury honeymoon in Tahiti and a Dream Wedding Package worth over $25,000!

“The Bride & Groom Show brings the pages of Bride & Groom magazine to life for one day and is the perfect place to see the hottest wedding trends this year,” says Leslie.

“Whether you are just engaged or seeking the perfect finishing touch, the show has inspiration on every aspect of wedding and honeymoon planning.”

BRIDE & GROOM SHOW, Ellerslie Event Centre 80 Ascot Avenue Remuera. Visit www.brideandgroom.co.nz for more information. PN

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CELEBRATE LOVE AND COMMITMENT

WEDDINGS AND CIVIL UNIONS WALLACE COTTON: ENJOYING BEING PART OF THE PONSONBY COMMUNITY After moving into their fabulous light and airy new store in the buzzing Ponsonby Central development, the team at Wallace Cotton are revelling in their friendly new neighbourhood and are enjoying introducing Ponsonby locals, tourists and visitors from afar to the goodies on offer from the New Zealand owned and operated success story that is Wallace Cotton.

Since the new Ponsonby store opened in November 2012, Michele Stutton, store manager is loving the ever changing view and energy that Ponsonby Road creates.

The tempting array of homewares and bed linen on offer at Wallace Cotton ensures many a delighted customer leaves the store ready to re-create the look in their homes.

Coming from an advertising background, indulging her passion for beautiful bed linen has been an easy and fun transition for Michele. She is also relieved to be so close to the Bikram Yoga studio on Ponsonby Road to work off all the delicious food on offer at all the Ponsonby Central eateries!

Jason Jeffery is making the most of his fantastic customer service gained from working in the travel industry. He has also recently renovated his Ponsonby Villa and has had a great deal of fun decorating the bedroom with Wallace Cotton luxury.

Alice Renouf and Amelia Murray both from Devonport are especially loving being surrounded by the fashion aspect of Ponsonby Road.

With the latest autumn range in store now, the team at Wallace Cotton is looking forward to creating warm and cosy new looks for their customers this season. PN WALLACE COTTON, Ponsonby Central, 138-146 Ponsonby Road T: 09 360 6133 www.wallacecotton.com

PARTY DJ COMPANY – MAKING YOUR WEDDING OR SPECIAL EVENT ONE TO REMEMBER DAVID IS A LOCAL WESTMERE RESIDENT and is the founder of Party DJ Company. He has over 20 years experience as a DJ and providing professional photography for a wide range of events, especially with weddings.

David can help make your wedding one to remember with music personalised to your individual requirements. Included in the basic four hour package is quality DJ equipment, a wireless microphone, various lighting effects to make the atmosphere special, a bubble machine and a mirror ball (if required).

Music is based on the specific music you would like on the night, then they use their professional judgment to fill in the gaps. Requests can and will be played if they fit in with your pre-function briefing.

He also does social or formal photography package which start at the beginning of the reception or ceremony and include the fun photos, the speeches and the ‘real’ cutting of the cake. He captures all of your guests having fun mingling and celebrating throughout the event from start to finish.

All the photos will be delivered to you on a personalised printed DVD ready for photo shows, emailing, printing or posting on Facebook within a week (photo printing on the night is also available).

If it’s perfecting the bride and grooms ‘first dance’ that’s required, then David can help there too! With years of dance training he specialises in ballroom, Latin and modern jive (known as ‘Ceroc’), David is passionate about dance and can provide extra knowledge and confidence for the dance floor with a simple routine to impress your guests.

He also does kids discos at your home or at a hired hall (games included), school disco’s, 21st, 30th, 40th birthday parties etc. and corporate functions. PN PARTY DJ COMPANY, T: 09 376 1272 or M: 021 727 893 www.partydj.co.nz

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CELEBRATE LOVE AND COMMITMENT

WEDDINGS AND CIVIL UNIONS SAY “I DO” TO MARRIAGE EQUALITY IN NEW ZEALAND They say that every little girl grows up dreaming of getting married. When this little girl became an adult, that seemed like a dream that could never be realised.

Today, however, we might be on the verge of change.

The select committee recommended that the bill be passed by Parliament. When MPs voted on it again (only a few days ago) it was passed by 77 votes to 44.

While all this has been happening in New Zealand, the rest of the world hasn’t stood still. There have been huge steps forward for marriage equality in France and Britain. The US Supreme Court is also currently considering two significant marriage equality cases and President Obama has stepped into the mix again, saying in his inauguration speech: “Our journey is not complete until our gay brothers and sisters are treated like anyone else under the law – for if we are truly created equal, then surely the love we commit to one another must be equal as well.”

In the last few months marriage equality has felt like an idea whose time has come. First there was President Obama announcing that his position on marriage equality had evolved. Then British Prime Minister David Cameron said: “Conservatives believe in the ties that bind us. Society is stronger when we make vows to each other and we support each other. I don’t support gay marriage in spite of being a conservative. I support gay marriage because I am a conservative.”

Against this international backdrop there were politicians throughout New Zealand stating their support for marriage equality. Then, just as polls were showing that the majority of New Zealanders support marriage equality, Louisa Wall’s Marriage (Definition of Marriage) Amendment Bill was drawn from the parliamentary ballot and our MPs started debating the issue.

All that remains for marriage equality to come into effect in New Zealand is for the third and final parliamentary vote on the bill to pass. That vote should happen soon.

THE AUCKLAND PRIDE PARADE float for NZ Marriage Equality

Once the bill was drawn from the ballot it was voted on for the first time and passed by 80 votes to 40 (one MP didn’t vote). In her speech to Parliament on the night of the first vote, Nikki Kaye (MP for Auckland Central) said: “I hope that we are on the cusp of passing a piece of legislation that will strengthen the rights and freedoms of a significant group of New Zealanders.”

It was clear from the widespread support for the bill, both within Parliament and in the wider community, that many people shared her sentiments.

From there, the bill was referred to a select committee, which considered just over 20,000 public submissions (with a slight majority in favour). Those in favour largely argued that all New Zealanders should be treated equally by the law and that same sex couples form relationships with the same level of love, commitment and mutual responsibility as heterosexual couples and so should have the same avenues for legal recognition of their relationships.

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Marriage equality isn’t a fait accompli though.

Information on what you can do to help (and free downloadable postcards for sending to MPs) can be found on the website of the New Zealand Campaign for Marriage Equality (www.nzmarriageequality.co.nz).

Being a part of changing history is a special experience – Jacinda Ardern (Labour List MP based in Auckland Central), recently commented that “I remember campaigning for civil unions back in the day – in many ways marriage equality feels like the final step and I feel absolutely privileged to be just a small part of that. We have always been a country that has carved out a path on issues of equality and I’m proud that we’re doing that again.”

It seems fitting that the final words on the subject should go to Louisa Wall, the bill’s author. In introducing the bill to Parliament Louisa noted that the bill “will enable marriage equality between consenting adults, underpinned by principles of love, fairness, and equality of opportunity for all New Zealand citizens”. In a country that has always prided itself on giving everyone a fair go, that seems like an admirable objective for a piece of legislation that will finally enable the dreams of many little girls to come true.

(JACKIE RUSSELL-GREEN) PN

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MILLY NOLAN

PRETTY BUT PRACTICAL FOR YEARS, THE PERVADING LAW OF ALL OBJECTS HAS BEEN THAT ‘FORM follows function’. When this isn’t the case you run the risk of winding up with an object that has a lot of icing and no cake - so to speak. Luckily however, designers sometimes strike the perfect balance between both form and function, so that an object is both pleasing to the eye as well as practical – proving that you can’t always judge a book by its cover. Here’s my pick of innovative everyday items that show an appreciation for fine design as well as functionality.

TAPAS BOARD BY EGO, $200 This Danish designed Tapas Board is made from solid natural bamboo - 300 times harder than oak, so will last you a lifetime - as well as being environmentally friendly and biodegradable. The set includes two bowls for olives, dips or tapenades, which conveniently sit securely in the indentations in the board. If you wish - turn it over and hey presto, you have a chopping board also. Handy and good-looking!

SPAGHETTI DOSER BY NORMANN COPENHAGEN, $48 This foldable Spaghetti Doser, designed by Serge Atallah for Scandinavian homewares brand Normann Copenhagen, makes measuring spaghetti servings easy - so that no food goes to waste. Its functional design means it is convenient to store in a drawer.

PALACE PALAZZINA CONTAINER SET BY SELETTI, $130 A visionary concept by Auteur Souvenir for Italian lifestyle brand Seletti, this container set is both practical and decorative. Made from fine dolomite porcelain, this stack of two containers and one rooftop container represents the famous Italian building, Palazzina. Use everyday to store tea, coffee, sugar or the like, or as bowls for dips, olives, nuts or sauces when entertaining.

MODE SALAD SERVERS BY ROYAL DOULTON, $40 Minimalist yet elegant in design, these lime wood salad servers will perfectly complement any modern dinnerware. Plus, thanks to their clever design, they very niftily slot into each other for easy storage in your kitchen drawer.

SALT & PEPPER TWIN GRINDER BY BODUM, $50 Rather than having to reach across the table for the salt then the pepper, this clever number easily switches between salt and pepper so you can season your food both swiftly and efficiently. Its powerful ceramic gears make it extremely easy to use – as does the window showing when the grinder needs to be refilled.

SALAD BOWL & SERVERS BY EGO, $280 Made of bone china porcelain, this salad bowl is not only lovely to look at but is well thought out also. Its raised surface in the middle of the bowl helps you present your salad beautifully, while also serving as a holder for the bamboo salad servers to avoid any annoying slips of the spoon.

SPICE SPEED RACK BY SOHO SPICES, $100 Designed by New York brand Soho Spices, the functional design of this spice rack not only shows off the various array of colours and textures of your spices, but also means easy access for flavouring your food – stick it to the fridge or suspend on the wall above your oven.

SI-TIME HOURGLASS BY SELETTI, $75 Not only will you be proud to have this stylish, free-standing hourglass on display in your kitchen, but you will also be able to keep a watchful eye on the time, whether it is to get out the door to work in the morning or to time a meal in the oven.

(MILLY NOLAN) PN All products are available at www.mildredandco.com

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CELEBRATE LOVE AND COMMITMENT

WEDDINGS AND CIVIL UNIONS

PUKETOTARA LODGE PERFECT FOR WEDDINGS, CIVIL UNIONS AND HONEYMOONS Select Puketotara Lodge as your choice of Bay of Islands wedding venues, it offers a private and peaceful venue for your special day.

Whether you chose to get married at the lodge or next to the beautiful Puketotara River in front of the vineyard is up to you. Maybe a marquee on the lawn or Marsden Estate for the reception, again you choose. Call to discuss any queries you may have or make a time to come walk the grounds and see if Puketotara Lodge feels right for you.

Set amongst 30 acres of native bush and lush northland pastures, Puketotara Lodge is the perfect blend of luxury Bay of Islands accommodation.

Just five minutes from Kerikeri, there’s a host of tourist attractions like the Stone Store Basin, the historic Pear Tree Restaurant, Marsden Estate Winery, Ake Ake Vineyard and your choice of golf courses.

For those wanting a private retreat you need never leave the property. Listen to the bird song as you stroll amongst the beautiful orchard or olive grove, wander through stunning native bush or visit one of the three waterfalls on the property. You can picnic on the bank of the Puketotara River or take a dip.

The rooms are designed to make you feel a little bit spoilt with a sitting area to relax in privacy, air conditioning, a separate bathroom and ensuite (King size rooms have a spa bath). Each with its own private entrance, the rooms are north facing and open onto a sunny deck with magnificent views. The private pet friendly cottage is perfect for honeymooners wanting their own space and kitchen facility. PN PUKETOTARA LODGE, 1608 E State Highway 10, Kerikeri T: 09 407 7780 stay@puketotaralodge.co.nz www.puketotaralodge.co.nz

DON’T MISS THE MAY PONSONBY NEWS+ DEADLINE COPY DEADLINE: SATURDAY 20 APRIL PUBLISHED: Friday 3 May (Please be on time, as any material arriving after deadline may incur a 20% surcharge)

SPECIAL FEATURES: A-Z Cafes & Restaurants + Mother’s Day (12 May) + Richmond Road.

TO BOOK ADVERTISING: ask about our special positions!

Jo Barrett on 021 324 510 or T: 09 361 3356 or 09 378 8553 E: joannebarrett@xtra.co.nz W: www.ponsonbynews.co.nz

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New advertisers receive 250 words of editorial when booking a minimum of a quarter page advertisement.

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JAY PLATT

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT EFT ‘KiddeeTamdee’ Nuvo large square box $54.95 @ Object Room www.theobjectroom.co.nz; Glass and silver trimmed vases $39.90 each @ Chambers www.chambersnz.co.nz; ‘Hex’ copper bowls by Tom Dixon Large $300, Medium $215 and Small $105 @ Simon James Concept Store www.simonjamesdesign.com; Jonathan Adler salad servers $159 @ Askew www.askew.co.nz; Mortar & Pestle $72.95 @ Millys www.millyskitchen.co.nz; Lee Broom ‘English Cut Crystal Bulb and crown (complete set) $525 @ Bob and Friends (wedding registry available) www.bobandfriends.co.nz; Mathew Boulten ‘Candelabra’ by Giuseppe Chigiotti $485 @ Indice www.indice.co.nz; Jonathan Adler photo frame $129 @ Askew www.askew.co.nz

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WE CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT ‘Blossom’ fruit bowl by ‘Alessi’ $439 @ Askew www.askew.co.nz; Missoni ‘Passion Flower’ cushion $985 @ Tessuti www.tessuti.co.nz; Large old fashioned’ Timer’ $89.90 @ Republic www.republichome.com; AREAWARE Distortion candlestick $59.95 each @ the Object Room www.theobjectroom.co.nz; 100 reasons to panic about getting married $18.90 @ Askew www.askew.co.nz; Donna Wilson “Pouffe’ $950 @ Bob and Friends (wedding registry available) www.bobandfriends.co.nz; Classic looking clock $315 @ Republic www.republichome.com PN STYLING: Jay Platt PHOTOGRAPHY: Danilo Santana David, Fisher Santana

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ANGELA LASSIG: LETTERS FROM MAUDIE

The monthly jottings of a free-spirited Ponsonby dressmaker of the 1920s, as imagined by Angela Lassig.

VERMONT STREET, PONSONBY 15 APRIL 1925

Dear Sybil , [i]

My beau’s name is George and he lives in Herne Bay. Not far away at all! I met him by accident, literally, but that is a story I shall leave for May when you are in Auckland. We can have a good long chat about it when I take you to my club for afternoon tea. Did I tell you that I joined the Lyceum Club[ii]? It’s on the top floor of Smith & Caughey and is rather posh. Of course while we’re there we can have a good inspection of the autumn model frocks. It never hurts to see what the competition is offering!

George is a carpenter, having been taught the skill by his father who is a craftsman of great talent. George’s parents are lovely. I happened to meet them first actually, before I even set eyes on their son. Mr. Andrews used to be a teacher of crafts at the Wanganui Technical College and still takes the odd private student even though he is retired. George works out of his father’s studio in Herne Bay and does the most wonderful carving! He is at present making a dresser for the kitchen of a very lucky lady. It is quite plain but beautifully put together and is fitted with the prettiest pink glass that is impressed with butterflies.

George had two pieces left over that I believe he is using for a little cabinet for me! I pretend that I haven’t seen it but I have twice glimpsed it when I have been to visit. I know it is for me as he quickly covers it up with a blanket when I enter the studio! Aren’t I lucky!

I’m about to make some fudge - some for me and some for George - as he apparently ate the last lot I gave him on the way home! They were meant for his parents!

Anyway, back to dear George. So far we’ve been out five times! I am feeling a little bit guilty about my orders as I have got myself ever so slightly behind through taking some afternoons and even two whole days off when I really ought not to have. I shall have to speed up my work pace or be more honest with George when I really do need to stay in and finish an order.

So far we’ve been to the pictures (Rin-Tin-Tin in ‘The Lighthouse by the Sea’ at the Britannia), a concert (chamber music at Queen’s Hall in Paget Street), on two steamer trips (for picnics at Kawai and Waiheke islands) and a little afternoon party held by one of George’s friends in Margaret Street. I suppose you think it odd that we haven’t been dancing yet? This had been my first idea for an outing and in fact - I can hardly believe that I did this - I suggested that he take me dancing at the Casino De Danse[iii]! It simply came out of my mouth when I was pouring him a second cup of tea during out first proper chat alone. By the way, he really likes my sponge roll!

When George declined my invitation I felt like running out of the room, never to return but as it was my house and George was my guest, I simply withdrew for a good twenty minutes, my excuse being that the milk had turned and that I had to pop out for a fresh bottle. When I returned, George was sitting on the verandah and begged me to sit with him. It was then that he (took my hands!) and, in a very soft voice, told me about his war wound that prevented him dancing or even walking very far or standing for long periods without suffering a lot of pain. Poor George was bayoneted in two places in his right leg while serving in France.

Apparently it went right through in one place and caused him so much agony that he blacked out. When he awoke he was in a field hospital. After that he was sent to an English hospital in Walton-on-Thames for recuperation and then back home. He has a stick that he really should use as it takes the pressure off his leg but of course he doesn’t like using it. I have insisted that he use it whenever we go out, as I can’t bear the idea of him being in pain for the sake of vanity. He is a silly sometimes but I’m very proud of him!

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By the way, my new workroom is almost finished. Depending on the weather, it should be all completed by your arrival in May. I hope to hold a little party to celebrate - probably an afternoon soiree - depending on the weather. You can meet George properly then!

I have to tell you something funny before I close! In one of the second hand shops along Ponsonby Road, in fact the one nearest the Britannia, I almost fainted when confronted by a whole cabinet full of false teeth displayed prominently by the counter!

Now one pair of false teeth seen outside of the mouth of the wearer is enough to turn my stomach, so imagine a whole caseful!

I had to ask Mr. Tatton[iv] what on earth he was thinking and learnt, to my astonishment, that there is a huge demand for good used false teeth!

Apparently the price of a new pair is out of the reach of a lot of people.

I can tell you that I immediately resolved to clean my teeth immediately after eating from now on!

In fact I should probably give George all the fudge to take away! Well, dearest Sybil, I am looking forward ever so much to seeing you in May. Until then, stay well and make sure you are vigilant in cleaning your teeth!!

With much love,

Maudie xx

[i] Sybil, a Napier dressmaker, is Maudie’s very best friend [ii] The Lyceum Club took up residence in Smith & Caughey’s current premises in 1929 [iii] Short-lived 1920s dance venue located at 160 Ponsonby Road [iv] Henry Tatton, second hand dealer, 267 Ponsonby Road (in 1925)

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illustration: Michael McClintock

I have to tell you…I have fallen in love! Yes, finally, and mother can hardly contain herself ! It will be so embarrassing if this one doesn’t work out as I think she’s written to EVERYBODY and hinted that I’m practically married!

Even though I am only a mere twenty-five, I’m sure that she had given up on me ever finding someone that I liked well enough to go out with for more than a week. Well this has been three weeks - isn’t that a turn up for the books!

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FASHION + STYLE

JULIE ROULSTON: RETAIL SUPERSTAR OF THE MONTH Kyleigh Burniston, Vanilla Ink HOW DID YOU COME TO BE A RETAIL SALESPERSON? I’ve bounced back and forward over the years between Interior design, prop and model construction and fashion retail. I go where the shoe fits. Vanilla Ink is my glass slipper.

WHAT BROUGHT YOU TO VANILLA INK? I took on the position as cover for a lovely lady on maternity leave. Luckily for me that lovely lady decided to be a full time mum.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR BRAND/STORE? I love that Vanilla Ink makes fashion approachable. Susan’s designs allow women to make a statement that is uniquely their own.

WHAT MAKES A STANDOUT RETAIL SALESPERSON? I coax people gently to step outside their comfort zone. To try things that they normally wouldn’t try. I love it when a customer leaves in the outfit they’ve just bought. That’s when I know I’ve done my job.

TELL US ABOUT A MEMORABLE SALE YOU’VE MADE THIS YEAR... I had a gorgeous women that had shopped all day for a dress for her 40th, she was at her wits’ end and literally in tears. We found her an outfit that made her feel invincible! It really vexes me that certain fashion retailers can be so hostile.

IF YOU COULD WAVE YOUR WAND AND HAVE ANYONE IN THE WORLD WALK INTO YOUR STORE RIGHT NOW, WHO WOULD IT BE? Am I allowed to bring them back from the dead? My Godfather Wilfred. He died when I was 15. I have so many questions I never got to ask him. I would dearly love his guidance on life, the universe and everything!

IF YOU COULD WAVE YOUR WAND AND HAVE ANYONE IN GREATER PONSONBY WALK INTO YOUR STORE RIGHT NOW, WHO WOULD IT BE? Anyone of the amazing staff at Jafa, with a chilli cheese muffin, I’m totally addicted!

WHERE DO YOU SHOP? To be honest, I don’t enjoy shopping. My daughters know the drill: we get in, we get out quick, before mum loses the plot!

NAME SOMEONE YOU THINK IS AN EXCELLENT GREATER PONSONBY RETAIL SALESPERSON? Rachel Edilson at Dear Reader. She cracks me up everyday and she always brings me a copy of the Herald on Wednesdays, I love Viva. PN VANILLA INK, 438 Richmond Road T: 09 376 1913 www.vanillaink.co.nz

THE MILLHOUSE – DRESSING WOMEN IN STYLE FOR FABULOUS DESIGNER FASHION IN SIZES 14-24, LOOK NO FURTHER than The Mill House in Mt Eden. They cater for the plus size woman who wants to look and feel fabulous everyday.

Each season, owner Annette Ryan and manager Alicia Rewcastle personally select their extensive range from over 20 talented local and international designers. Consequently, at The Mill House there’s something to suit every taste with collections from designers as diverse as Moss, Trelise Cooper, Paula Ryan, Chocolat, Obi, Sakaguchi, Kathleen Berney, Optimum and Visage. Always on the lookout for new designers to offer their customers, this season they have added Ioanna Kourbela and Megan Salmon to their stable.

The Mill House can dress you for almost any occasion from stylish casual wear and outfits for the office, to sensational special event wear. They also offer a fantastic choice of gorgeous accessories to complement and give individuality to any look.

With parking available behind the store, The Mill House customers enjoy a relaxed and luxurious shopping experience with personal styling advice from their friendly staff. The Mill House prides itself in offering exceptional service and each team member understands body shapes and how to dress plus sizes.

With new season collections in store and available to view online, make sure to visit The Mill House soon for exciting designer fashion to enhance and flatter the plus size figure.

THE MILL HOUSE, 471 Mt Eden Road T: 09 638 8924 www.themillhouse.co.nz

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Many Ponsonby fashionistas were to be seen at the Britomart Series, public fashion shows held in the Atrium on Takutai from the designers including Juliette Hogan, Kathryn Wilson, Zambesi, WORLD, Kate Sylvester, taylor and Trelise Cooper.

1. Doris de Pont and Tejo van Schie; 2. Helen Ravlich and Kathryn Wilson; 3. Wendy Petrie and Paul Blomfield; 4. Trelise Cooper runway; 5. Julie McWhirter, Jodi Sweetpants, Erina Emery and Danny Beh.

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JULIE ROULSTON WINTER TRENDS FROM LOCAL DESIGNERS PART 1* In these digital days, seasonal fashion trends develop faster and are more easily identified than ever before. But it’s the unique spin each designer puts on a trend, that makes for a special garment that will endure way beyond the last days of – in this instance - Winter 2013. Ponsonby News asked some of our favourite Ponsonby designers to name a trend that speaks to them this season and show us how they’ve interpreted it.

TREND: ANIMAL EVERYTHING Deanna Didovich for Ruby: “You can’t go wrong with a bit of animal! This season we’ve done an animal print on a silk linen base, in our Cupid styles. Instead of the traditional animal print colours, we’ve used a soft pink and ivory to make it more modern.”

which is not only machine washable, but also has the most amazing matte soft-touch finish. Must-get!”

Andrea Moore: “I love possum fur and I love the idea of taking a pest fur and transforming it into a really high fashion piece. Possum is so soft and it dyes up beautifully. Fur can soften and glamorise a strong design element like a shoulder.

TREND: MONOCHROMATIC Turet Kneufermann (TKStore): “Simplicity is beautiful. Clean design gives a sense of calm and strength... There is a safety in classic, bold colours, and most importantly, a look should be about the wearer.

A single colour allows the person to shine, and gives an impression of confidence.”

Vicki Taylor (taylor Boutique): “The dramatic contrast of a strong black and white outfit is a classic pairing that always looks polished and sexy. At taylor we have always believed a sharp contrast and a strong silhouette are timeless fashion essentials. This season keep your outfit fresh and current by mixing textures and monochromatic prints, or add one piece that is two toned into your outfit.”

Marc Moore for Stolen Girlfriends Club: “The inspiration for the Dead End collection manifested itself from the impending ‘doomsday’ saga as the Winter 2013 Launch coincided with the end of the Mayan Calendar. The Camo Snake print emerged to be our very own ‘urban camouflage’ built for survival in this post-apocalyptic world that is unkind. From a distance we wanted to generate an illusion of camouflage, it’s when you get up close and personal that you can distinguish that the print is made up of a myriad of multicoloured snakes.

In essence we wanted to adhere to the classic SGC mantra ‘sweet yet sinister’. We encourage our wearers to go a bit deeper, scratch the surface to expose something a little more ominous lurking in the shadows.”

TREND: ORNATE DETAILING Deanna Didovich for Ruby: “For our A/W 13 collection, ‘Mr Destiny’, we’ve used a sequin-embellished silk chiffon in our more luxurious pieces. It was a great way of incorporating embellishment but in a subtle and fresh way.”

TREND: LEATHER AND FURTHER Turet Kneufermann (TKStore): “Leather makes you feel hot and ultra-feminine combined with oversized, relaxed knits.

We have been running the Diablo Pant for several years in a row now, and due to demand, have made more this season for people to be able to replace their well-loved pair! This year in particular, we were able to get an extremely high quality leatherette,

Andrea Moore: “We are all about colour. Tangerine is a new red, and offers vibrancy and colour saturation to an exciting, glamorous result. Women are really embracing colour and the individuality that colour gives them.”

TREND: TANGERINE Juliette Hogan: “When we were selecting fabric for the winter ‘13 range we instantly fell in love with the ‘morange’ colour. We thought it was the perfect way to brighten up a girl’s winter wardrobe.”

*Look out for Part 2 of our Trends piece in Ponsonby News May. PN

ANDREA MOORE

RUBY

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JULIETTE HOGAN PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

FASHION + STYLE

STOLEN GIRLFRIENDS CLUB

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Herne Bay resident Kathryn Wilson launched her Winter 2013 to VIP customers at an evening function at Flying Fish Studios on 26 February. Guests drank Veuve Cliquot, and dozens of shoeboxes were piled into the back of a BMW 3 series wagon. No waiting around for Kathryn Wilson fans – the shoes and boots could be purchased in guests’ sizes then and there.

1. Julia Ford and Rebecca Lawson; 2. Kathryn Wilson and Chanel Ammon; 3. Kathleen Waite and Robert Trathen.

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FASHION + STYLE PDH SALON FOR CHILD CANCER Sunday 7 April will be a particularly good hair day at Freemans Bay salon PDH. Salon co-owners Peter Dutton and Kat Omundsen are opening their salon for business for the day, with 100% of proceeds going to the Child Cancer Foundation. Peter and Kat will cover all the running costs, the PDH stylist team are working for free, and L’Oréal are coming to the party supplying all product used on the day, free of charge.

All you need to do to make a booking is call us. The only fine print - Peter and Kat request ‘no existing PDH Salon patrons please’. PN PDH SALON, 24 Centre Street, Freemans Bay T: 09 366 6485 www.pdh.co.nz

JEAN JONES - BRIGHT, FRESH AND WELCOMING THIS IS WHAT THE NEW JEAN JONES PONSONBY STORE IS ALL ABOUT! The store has had a much needed makeover and the fabulous staff Debbie and Glenda are thrilled with the fresh and bright new refurbishment; they would love you to come and check it out!

Jean Jones offers great looking styles made in New Zealand for New Zealand women and with 40 years experience they know what works for New Zealand body shapes.

Always available, always fresh and designed for the season, this complete range of high quality garments provides real value for money.

Their range of clothes is designed particularly for women aged 25 and over making Jean Jones a great store for mothers and daughters to shop together. So step out in colour this winter and brighten up those cold dark days with their beautiful autumn and winter palette which consists of vibrant greens, purples, reds, oranges plus more!

As a New Zealand owned nationwide chain of women’s fashion stores they manage their business from design to manufacture to retail. This means they are faster to market with new garments and more flexible in production than overseas manufacturers. Local manufacture means they can quickly restock to ensure the most popular sizes are always available. PN JEAN JONES, 183 Ponsonby Road T: 09 360 0363 www.jeanjones.co.nz

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LOCAL NEWS: DEIRDRE TOHILL

A GENTLE FORM OF YOGA Chair yoga is one of the gentlest forms of yoga with no complicated poses or complex movements and is very easy to practice no matter what your physical condition. It’s ideal for people who don’t want to lie on the floor but would like to do versions of the twists, hip stretches, forward bends, and mild backbends. These can be done seated on a chair and participants enjoy the health benefits of traditional yoga of improved muscle tone, better breathing, stress reduction, and a sense of well-being. It’s widely practiced in the United States and has recently arrived in New Zealand.

Tracy Adshead has run classes in the UK for four years and when she returned home found there was no one teaching it back here so she teamed up with Marilyn Gravette who has been teaching yoga in Auckland for many years, and they have a class at the Grey Lynn Community Centre every Tuesday from 11am to noon.

Classes cost only $15 for the waged and $10 for the unwaged. They believe ‘yoga is for everyone and everybody. As we age our strength and fitness declines, often due to lack of use. We need to keep moving - we may just need to alter the activity.’ Their classes are endorsed by Sport Auckland and Green Prescription.

Taking part in a class was a real education. Marilyn and Tracy work in tandem so while one demonstrates the exercises, the other is able to watch and help with the movements when necessary. It’s not restricted to a particular age group and people in their 40s work alongside 80 year olds. I spoke to lovely Simon Mercep who attends regularly because it fits in with his work schedule. He has attended Marilyn’s regular classes for years but finds the chair yoga just as beneficial. An older lady in the same class said after a few weeks her balance had improved no end.

An interesting innovation is the use of spiky rubber balls to achieve myofascial release.

I learned that fascia is the tissue that wraps pretty much every muscle and tendon.

When healthy it allows all muscles to move fluidly but when scar tissue is caused by wear and tear or injury, the body releases inflammation chemicals that cause the fascia to bind to itself, shortening and reducing mobility.

By applying pressure to scar tissue the body breaks it down and stretches the tightened fascia, restoring movement, reducing pain and increasing blood flow through the area.

At the class we rolled the rubber balls along the bottom of our feet for a few minutes and then squeezed them with our hands. This myofascial release improves hip and back pain and is included at the beginning of the training session.

Because this form of yoga can be done from a chair it’s a great desk job tension reliever. When people get caught up in an assignment, especially when working at a computer, the body just locks into one position and muscles tense up. Generally this isn’t felt till the end of the working day but by taking a few minutes out during the working day to perform just one or two chair yoga postures, tenseness in shoulders and back will be reduced. The yoga stretches are very rejuvenating but it’s important never to push the body to the point where it causes pain. Practiced on a regular basis, chair yoga will increase strength and flexibility.

Should anyone doubt the efficacy of yoga read ‘Waking’ by Matthew Sanford. At the age of 13 a motor accident in Iowa left him paralyzed from the chest down. His memoir takes the reader inside the mind of a boy whose life has been shattered. To help himself rebuild from the ground up he rejected traditional medicine and turned to yoga as the centrepiece of his daily life. He now teaches yoga from a wheelchair and specialises in adapting it for people with disabilities. He has also founded a non profit organisation ‘Mind Body Solutions’ and speaks nationally in the United States about the mind -body relationship.

There’s a powerful message here. We all have two choices, to go down the pathway of decay, or we can go down the pathway of keeping active and keeping the brain working with the body. Meanwhile I’m off to buy two of those spiky rubber balls from the $2 shop. (DEIRDRE TOHILL) PN Enquiries: gravette@xtra.co.nz

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HOROSCOPES

MISS PEARL NECLIS

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♋ Cancer (the Crab): 22 June - 22 July

♑ Capricorn (the Goat): 23 December - 20 January

You’re a lot stronger than you think and you have the resources and capability to back you up. What you have to do now is believe that you can do anything and take comfort in the security and knowledge that you’ll cope.

You’re always in a rush to get on and do something else, sometimes even before you have finished your previous project. You may be losing out on opportunities with your restlessness, fortunately so far no one has noticed.

♌

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Aries (the Ram): 21 March - 20 April You don’t always have to make your mind up straight away when deciding what’s real or what’s fake in your life. If something unexpected comes along, you’re usually able to shift up a gear and carry on as though nothing has changed.

Taurus (the Bull): 21 April - 21 May If you’re afraid of change now is not the time to show it, especially as it will have an impact on your life. Don’t let other people, who judge, have anything to do with the way you behave or conduct yourself.

Gemini (the Twins): 22 May - 21 June You have been listening to a voice inside you growing for a while now and it shouldn’t be ignored. You’ll learn something that will be beneficial to you, your family and everyone that comes into contact with you.

Leo (the Lion): 23 July - 21 August You can often retreat into yourself and this can sometimes make it difficult for your close friends and allies to judge how you’re really feeling. You really should move on from any past mistakes and make sure your future is positive.

♍

Virgo (the Virgin): 22 August - 23 September You need to be careful you’re not coming across as uncaring this month as you can be quick with your answers to problems that need a bit of time and patience to sort out.

Remain confident though as you still need to remain in charge.

Libra (the Scales): 24 September - 23 October Giving up is never an option especially if you’re unsure about where you’re going next.

You can’t rely on your emotions as they seem to be a bit off at the moment, instead you should start trusting the people around you.

Scorpio (the Scorpion): 24 October - 22 November Something from your past has resurfaced and has sparked feelings within you that you are having problems deciphering, your concentration will inevitably suffer. Thankfully you are always able to work out what’s going on by being rational.

Sagittarius (the Archer): 23 November - 22 December You can plan whatever you do in your life but sometimes it’s hard to plan someone else’s especially when your input is not welcome. You should stop interfering if this is the feedback you’re getting and let mistakes be made, it’s not your mess.

Aquarius (the Water Carrier): 21 January - 19 February You should be able to enjoy the freedom of knowing that you can relax and enjoy the company of your peers whilst your creative juices are replenishing. Now that you have accepted that your light might shine brighter than everyone else you are now able to be yourself.

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Pisces (the Fish): 20 February - 20 March You are always able to charm and convince others that your point of view is the correct one. However you may soon realise that your allure is wearing off and friends may only be paying you lip service.

STAY ALIVE: DETECT AND SURVIVE This year’s key messages from the Melanoma Foundation are: • While you’re more at risk if you’re over 50, with 70 per cent of melanoma cases occurring in people over 50 years old, younger people still do get affected.

• Kiwi youth need to start checking their skin on a yearly basis.

• It’s never too early to start checking your skin – build the habit of doing so now.

• Look out for moles that seem to be changing, are irregular in size, or are a funny colour – spot the signs, because spotting the signs early could save your life.

• Routine and regular self-checking is the vital step to detecting melanoma.

• Get your family to check the skin on those hard to see places – the back of your neck for example.

• If it is detected early and it’s thin, melanoma can easily be treated with surgery.

• Don’t become another statistic – check your skin regularly and go see a doctor immediately if you notice a change.

• By checking your skin and being aware, you can help change the horrifying statistics around melanoma in New Zealand.

• Melanoma is the most serious kind of skin cancer and New Zealand has the highest incidence rate in the world with around 300 Kiwis losing their lives to the disease each year. In comparison, we’ve had only 263 deaths on our roads in 2012.

• Melanoma does not discriminate – it can affect anyone, anywhere. PN For more information about melanoma, the Melanoma Foundation and activities, please visit www.melanoma.org.nz

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LIVING, THINKING + BEING

DOUBLE DIGITS FOR MALONEY’S BARBER SHOP What was making headlines 10 years ago, in 2003?

Ten years ago Maloney’s Barber Shop opened the doors with one barber, Julian, who’d been cutting in Ponsonby since 1994. With the ongoing support of local clients and the growth of the Victoria Quarter, we’re now a team of thousands: five awesome barbers (Julian plus Roger, Sue, Calab and Dan – what a crew!) and a legion of loyal customers.

photography: Rabie Alburaiky

• Saddam Hussein was captured in Tikrit by the U.S. 4th Infantry Division • Herne Bay became Auckland’s first suburb to have an average million -dollar price tag • Lance Armstrong won his fifth Tour De France (with a little help from his ‘friends’) • New Zealand’s population reached 4 million • Maloney’s Barber Shop opened at 1/192 Victoria St West • Arnold Schwarzenegger was elected as Governor of California • Evangelical Christian based political party Destiny New Zealand was formed • New Zealand lost out on both the Rugby World Cup and the America’s Cup… ...can you spot the one positive news headline above?

The team at MALONEY’S BARBER SHOP (from left): Dan, Calab, Sue, Roger and Julian

TO CELEBRATE THIS MILESTONE WE HAVE A COOL GIVEAWAY AND AN EASY NEW WAY TO SHOP. Thanks to our neighbours Platinum Sports Co in the newly refurbished Victoria Park Market, we have a Nike+ TomTom GPS Sportwatchh worth $200.00 (pictured) to give away to one lucky customer - just come into the shop for a cut during April to be in to win.

And here now is our Facebook store for those of you wanting a top up of your favourite products from American Crew, Joe Grooming, Layrite and Triumph & Disaster. Just visit www.facebook.com/maloneysbarbershopand click on to the ‘shop’ tab to order from the comfort of sitting on your backside.

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LANI LOPEZ: HEALTHY LIVING LIGHTEN UP WHAT A WONDERFUL SUMMER WE’VE HAD. BRILLIANTLY BRIGHT WITH months of wellness boosting warmth and sunshine. But summer can be a season of excess, leaving us carrying some excess. Here’s the easy way to lighten up.

Weight isn’t the issue, wellbeing is. Weight-loss is just a tool to get there. Your healthy weight and shape is unique to you so set goals specific to you, important measures are blood pressure, heart rate, healthy cholesterol. Have your doctor or naturopath help you set yours.

WEIGHT-LOSS WINNERS Eating too much isn’t the only cause of excess weight so changing food intake is only one of many tools, use them all: Exercise Daily. Start walking 15 minutes a day, work up to five 50-minute sessions per week at higher intensity; running, swimming, cycling, tennis, squash, gym, power-walking.

Eat Fresh. Make fresh fruit and veges the foundation of your food. Nothing processed, and have protein (meat, eggs, fish, nuts) in every meal. Avoid sugar, make honey your source of sweetness.

Snack Healthy. Have healthy snacks on hand all the time, nuts, bean dips, carrots, celery, snacking regularly cuts food cravings.

Eat Slow. Think about everything you eat and chew it, enjoy it, every mouthful. Stop before you are full and drink water with every meal.

Cook Slow. Long cooking lowers GI of even starchy foods, reducing sugars increasing energy availability in healthy foods. Legumes are a potent immune food ideal for soup, stew, casserole or curry. Load your dishes up with helpful herbs like thyme, ginger, turmeric and garlic.

Writing is Right. Set your goals, write them down. We under estimate our food intake so diary all you eat.

Find a Friend. You can not do it alone, enlist a friend into exercising with you. Talk every day about your goals and what you’re doing, get those you live with to eat like you and your success rate soars. Facebook friends count, I will happily be your weight -loss partner.

I call these ‘weight-loss winners’ because they never fail, put them into your daily life and you will achieve your optimal weight. Stick with them and you will maintain your healthy weight.

Make this a summer to remember and lighten up before winter.

If you need support on this join me on facebook.com/lanilopez.com to trade goals, support, recipes and just encourage each other to lighten our load.

(LANI LOPEZ BHSc, Adv.Dip. Nat.) PN Lani Lopez BHSc, Adv.Dip.Nat, our favourite naturopath, is a clinical nutritionist, author of ‘A to Z of Natural Health a NZ Guide’, specialist formulator of Naturopathic Supplements and the founder of Lanilopez.com. Email comments or health questions to naturopath@lanilopez.com or find her on facebook/lanilopez.com

WHAT IS THE AROHA HEALING POINT OF DIFFERENCE? Aroha Healing represents the full healing power of love.

Clients experience a completely unique, revitalising and balancing treatment that is individualised to how they are feeling on the day.

If there is one thing that Rosanna Marks from Aroha Healing can guarantee, it is that you will have never experienced anything like it – the feeling comes from deep within her, and is extended via her hands.

“When our clients are ready to let go and change, the process of Aroha Healing begins, and slowly, after time, commitment to homework, and regular bodywork sessions, outmoded thought processes and old conditionings change.

The person begins to radiate even more beauty and confidence,” she says.

Aroha Healing feels the process is simply about letting go and self love. Massage can be quite structured and often concentrates on the physical elements; muscles, skin and tissues. Rosanna has realised after many years of working with the body, that in today’s society people need something deeper, more nurturing with a powerful feeling to balance the mind/body disconnection we have created in a world of automated conveniences.

When Aroha Healing bodywork is experienced, clients can enjoy the journey to deep emotional and physical healing and clearing – and it is quite a journey.

During one to two hour sessions, clients learn how to let go, and allow themselves time out of their head space. They give themselves permission to fully receive nurturing touch without guilt and fear – and surrender completely. PN AROHA HEALING, 3 Maidstone Street T: 0800 mindbody (0800 646 326) www.arohahealing.co.nz

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JOHN APPLETON ON HEALTH

IMMUNOTHERAPY AND ITS ROLE IN THE TREATMENT OF CANCER LAST MONTH, SCIENTISTS AT UNIVERSITY OF TUBINGEN IN GERMANY (ONE of the oldest Universities in Europe) released a paper ‘Milestone of Cancer Research’ in which they report how anti-cancer immunity is capable of driving cancers and single cancer cells into permanent growth arrest. Scientifically they say that this permanent growth arrest is called ‘senescence’.

They say that ‘their new data now explains how immunity and immunotherapies can efficiently control surviving cancer cells and thus protect from cancer and metastases’.

Researcher Prof Martin Rocken notes that ‘this new therapeutic strategy offers the opportunity to develop new cancer immunotherapy that should be less aggressive, with relatively few side effects but highly efficient. He says that “it is likely that in the future we will not primarily try to destroy cancer with ever more toxic regimen; instead we will focus on strategies that restore the body’s immune control over cancers.”

This has to be a very exciting development in cancer research because it is widely known that current treatments such as chemotherapy can damage the immune system. As I see it our endeavours re immunotherapy should focus on: 1. Boosting and restoring immune function so that we have a strong ‘army’ to attack cancerous cells. We all have cancer cells in our bodies often referred to as circulating tumour cells and our immune system is dealing with these every day.

It is only when our immune response is overwhelmed that cancers can manifest.

2. Providing direction to our immune cells so that they know ‘where to look’ when it comes to attacking cancer cells. Cancer cells have special defences that can enable them to hide from the immune system.

When it comes to boosting the immune system – the first intervention we can make is to reduce stress. Stress brings about the release of a hormone called cortisol which the brain recognises as the ‘fight or flight’ hormone and other functions of the body are halted until the stressful situation passes. The immune system is signalled to slow down. With chronic stress the immune system is permanently in low gear thus opening the door for disease to manifest. Exercise and meditation are great ways to reduce stress. Renowned Australian cancer survivor Ian Gawler www.gawler.org acknowledges the significant role that meditation played in his recovery.

Diet is also extremely important given that 70% of our immune cells reside in the digestive tract. Sugar and many processed foods have a negative impact on our immune system so it make sense to focus on real food – plants and fruits that contain the nutrients that our bodies require to function optimally. This is why many people with cancer turn to vegetable juicing. Drinking lots of pure water is another way to boost the immune system. Dehydration causes the body to release histamine and when there is high histamine the body releases cortisol the stress hormone.

Specifically when it comes to immune boosting ‘foods’ goat colostrum is something I have looked into after reading an article in ‘New Zealand Doctor’ about its use with melanoma. I can email this article if anyone is interested. High quality goat colostrum

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(powder) is available from Australia and it’s not too costly. Medicinal mushrooms have repeatedly shown to be powerful immune stimulators. There’s an excellent product known as ‘Host Defense My Community’ www.hostdefense.com which I have used myself.

When it comes to immunotherapy hyperthermia would be high on my list. Hyperthermia (Greek ‘to overheat’) is known to boost immune function and it can potentiate (increase) the effect of other treatments including chemotherapy and intravenous vitamin C. ‘What cannot be cured with fire must be deemed wholly incurable’ Hippocrates - 400 BC. Recently I visited the National Institute of Integrative Medicine in Melbourne www.niim.com.au where I had the opportunity to observe the use of hyperthermia in the treatment of cancer. The Niim Clinic (a charitable society) is arguably one of the most advanced in the world. It was founded by Prof Avni Sali (MBBS – PhD – FRACS FACS FACNEM) who is often referred to as the ‘founding father’ of integrative medicine in Australia.

The hyperthermia unit is amazing to say the least. It’s incorporated into a room set up as a ‘Faraday Cage’ (copper cage to screen the room). The treatment is offered as part of a study into the use of hyperthermia and for an hour the patient is heated to up to 40.5 degrees. At the clinic they use high dose intravenous nutrients particularly vitamin C in conjunction with the treatment. At high doses vitamin C is believed to work as a chemotherapeutic agent creating hydrogen peroxide in the cancer cell which is toxic to the cell. In normal cells this doesn’t happen which is the reason why intravenous vitamin C is not associated with side effects.

When it comes to providing direction for our immune system Gc-MAF www.gcmaf.eu is something I have looked into. GcMAF is a substance made in the body and is involved with ‘directing’ the immune system. Apparently cancer cells send out an enzyme called nagalase which inhibits production of Gc-MAF. GcMAF is ‘taken’ by self-injection.

Cancer cells can protect themselves with a protein ‘coating’ (fibrin) thus preventing the immune system from ‘seeing’ them. The use of proteolytic enzymes (trypsin/ chymotrypsin) which ‘digest’ this defence mechanism has been talked about for 150 years since Scottish scientist Dr John Beard proposed the use of protein digesting enzymes as a treatment option for cancer. He wrote a book about it which can still be bought today “The Enzyme Treatment for Cancer and its Scientific Basis”. Today American Doctor Nicholas Gonzalez in New York specialises in the use of enzyme therapy www.dr-gonzalez.com The above is a starting point for learning more about immunotherapy. The research from Tubingen University has certainly caused me to reflect more deeply on this approach to disease. (JOHN APPLETON) PN APPLETON ASSOCIATES, T: 09 489 9362 john@johnappleton.co.nz www.johnappleton.co.nz

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

LIVING, THINKING + BEING

TEENAGE MAKEUP WORKSHOP AT THE MAKEUP SCHOOL The Makeup School is excited to have extended their Ponsonby premises! This will allow extra space for their Full Time Diploma students and will also house an exciting new business venture.

Their new studio is a light-filled space and is perfect for up to 16 people at any one time. The studio will also be used for workshops for teenage girls, who currently have practically no option available to them in the way of makeup and skincare lessons.

Gabrielle Jones, a co owner of the school and who has a teenage daughter felt the need to create a course where teenage girls can learn how to look after their skin properly.

But it doesn’t end with just skin care. “Many teens apply makeup with little knowledge, we teach an age appropriate makeup regime in a fun and caring environment using top performing products like Dermalogica’s teenage skincare range ‘Clean Start’ and MAC cosmetics” says Gabrielle.

Interest in such a course is high amongst parents who say they feel ill equipped to help their daughter themselves. TMS decided to launch their three day Teenage Makeup Workshop as a holiday program between each school term.

“We offer a warm environment where the girls can come alone or with a friend, can be themselves and leave feeling really positive and looking fantastic” says Di Ensor, the other owner of the school.

Some girls wearing makeup need guidance, others have never picked up a brush but would like to know more! With all the school balls coming up why not do your own makeup and possibly a few friends too! PN THE MAKEUP SCHOOL 46 Brown Street T: 09 376 6660 E: info@themakeupschool.co.nz www.themakeupschool.co.nz

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE – 20TH OF THE MONTH April 2013 PONSONBY NEWS+

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CLARE CALDWELL

THE ART OF LIVING

“We cannot do great things on this earth. We can only do small things with great love.” This beautiful quote from Mother Theresa is one I like to try to be constantly mindful of. As we charge around multitasking with our heads full of glorious ego-fuelled goals, we often forget that the most exquisite, often seemingly small transient encounters and actions we perform, are the most profound. They are what make us uniquely human. The impulse comes from an energy of love.

The other day while walking through my neighbourhood, I saw an elderly woman waving at me. As I approached she gestured she needed help to cross the busy road. Taking her little frail arm in mine, I tenderly guided her safely through the traffic and onto the other side. We had no common language but she trusted me completely with her vulnerability. When we reached the other side she turned and beamed up at me, cupping her two hands together in a gesture of blessing and prayer, her little wrinkled face radiant with gratitude.

That was the moment: the transient, small moment of great love passing between two complete strangers.

Maintaining this energy of great love is to me one of the biggest challenges we all face, especially in our increasingly achiever-orientated and aggressive societies. This energy doesn’t thrive on accolades or recognition – it is found in the stillness of being fully present and open-hearted in each and every moment, gently holding that ground without judgement or fear. To me this energy has an eloquence and a power that goes beyond words.

In a DVD I watched recently about Mother Theresa and the Little Sisters, they entered a ward of abandoned severely disabled children, left behind in a war zone. One child was close to death, his hands rigid and claw-like, his little face closed and lifeless. One of the sisters began stroking and rubbing his little deformed limbs, holding and speaking to him lovingly. She literally loved him back to life!

photography: Michael McClintock

We can’t all be Mother Theresa or even close but next time we catch ourselves “self-talking” in a negative or angry way, maybe we can bring more consciousness to how all these different energies affect our quality of life, and choose to replace them with small things done with great love. PN Clare (Claudie) Caldwell is a creative arts therapist who runs a small private practice from home. She is voluntary team leader of creative therapies at Mercy Hospice Auckland, College Hill, where she has worked for the last ten years. She is also a freelance artist.

Enquiries: T: 09 836 3618; M: 021 293 3171; E: clare.e.caldwell@gmail.com Hula instruction by MARY NIUMATA of HOT HULA FITNESS

76 PONSONBY NEWS+ April 2013

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

HELENE RAVLICH: NATURAL BEAUTY 1

GUINOT – 25 YEARS OF FRENCH BEAUTY IN NEW ZEALAND The name Guinot has been synonymous with the kind of luxurious, French beauty regime practised by the average Parisienne for decades now, and this month it celebrates an amazing 25 years in New Zealand, with local business BeautyCare the exclusive distributor since it first arrived on these shores.

2

Founded in France over 40 years ago by Rene Guinot, a well-known chemist, the collection of skincare products, now known throughout the world as Guinot Paris, began with a focused approach to treating the skin in the form of the now much -loved Hydradermie treatment. The year was 1965 and at the time, all salon treatments were applied manually, with the results hard to quantify and quite literally “in the hands” of the average therapist.

Then the dashing Monsieur Guinot officially arrived on the scene and revolutionized the world of aesthetics by presenting his new Hydradermie Treatment, which was a sensation from the moment it launched and still a popular treatment today. The principle: a gentle ionization process that makes the skin more receptive to the specific active ingredients that are applied to it subsequently. The results were so astonishing that beauty therapists immediately insisted on forming an exclusive clientele and the Guinot legend was born.

Today, Guinot Paris skincare as well as the professional treatments are available in spas/salons throughout the world and in New Zealand its fans can be found the length and breadth of the country thanks to the work of the wonderful Olivia Savidan and her mum Frances Jeffrey at BeautyCare. Olivia and Frances constantly amaze me with their knowledge of - and eye for - amazing new product lines, and they have been passionate about Guinot from the moment Frances first discovered it.

The Guinot collection includes a wide range of beauty care options, covering three specific categories - face, body and sun. But in each category, the company’s philosophy of professional expertise as a guide to product usage is an important part of its skincare message, and it is the synergy of the professional services and the retail products that makes it such a highly-respected – and loved – range.

Over the years the brand has constantly tested and released an incredible array of new products and multi-award winning treatments, including the original Hydradermie and 2005’s Hydradermie Lift, which took things to the next level by giving a “lifting” effect, with micro-currents for stimulation and two draining electrodes.

Redcurrent and Endomitriosis New Zealand hosted High Tea at the Langham on 20 February, to celebrate their alignment to raise awareness of the condition, which affects 6% of New Zealand women.

Limited edition iPhone covers priced at $29.50 went on sale in all 10 Redcurrent stores across New Zealand in February (Queenstown will be the 11th Redcurrent store and opened in March). Half of all the proceeds of the iPhone covers’ sales will go to Endomitriosis New Zealand.

1. Deborah Bush (CEO Endomitriosis New Zealand), Rebecca Kain (Redcurrent) and Endomitriosis New Zealand Ambassador Myken Stewart; 2. Jessie Gurunathan, Dame Pieter Stewart and Miriama Kamo.

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

The most recent new treatment unveiled by the brand – and exclusively in New Zealand via the marvellous BeautyCare - is the express Hydraclean Facial. It uses Guinot’s patented Thermoclean Electrode machine to offer clients of all ages fresh and glowing skin in just 30 minutes. And despite the speed at which it does its stuff, Hydraclean is not just a shortened version of an existing treatment. Over the past two years, Guinot has been developing the Thermoclean Electrode machine specifically for this treatment, and it has delivered - with long-lasting results in less than half the time of a standard facial. If you’re as time poor as I am you’ll be equally as excited about this - stellar results in half the time is like music to the ears!

Olivia and Frances are always looking for amazing new lines to bring into the country and are often boarding planes in search of the best of what’s new, but Guinot has definitely stuck around this long for a reason. If you haven’t tried it yet then I highly recommend that you give it a whirl, and to BeautyCare and Guinot here’s a heartfelt Joyeux Anniversaire! (HELENE RAVLICH) PN DEADLINE – 20TH OF THE MONTH April 2013 PONSONBY NEWS+

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HELENE RAVLICH: NATURAL BEAUTY

THE PERFECT BASE FOR HEALTHY SKIN: ANTIPODES MINERAL FOUNDATION I FELL IN LOVE WITH THE ANTIPODES SKINCARE BRAND FROM THE MOMENT I met founder and creator Elizabeth Barbalich back in 2006, when the Wellington -based brand was still in its infancy. With a background in pure science, she’s a firm believer in the importance of scientifically validating her organic beauty products so that they don’t just feel delicious and are kind on your system and the planet - they actually work. Like, really work!

Many products in the Antipodes range have received international awards for performance, and Elizabeth is also often complimented on the brand’s creativity: the poetic names of products (Reincarnation Pure Facial Exfoliator, Aura Manuka Honey Mask), the enticing mixes of delicate yet exotic fragrances and the beautiful packaging design. It’s the whole package really, and clearly women around the world agree as Antipodes is now sold in nine countries and some 300 stores throughout New Zealand.

You can buy Antipodes in South Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, the United Kingdom, Italy, Canada, Slovenia and Australia as well as on their website and international retailers include seriously big names like Whole Foods Market, Selfridges, Sephora, Planet Organic, David Jones, MYER, Fenwick and online retailing giant ASOS. Elizabeth’s mission statement back in 2006 was: “A desire to create premium scientifically validated organic beauty products from fully sustainable sources which can be used every day by everyday women”, and that still stands today.

But on to the latest big news for the brand, which is the release of their very own foundation, which has been scientifically shown to improve skin health. Called Antipodes Performance Plus Mineral Foundation, it is dermatologically approved for normal and sensitive skin and completely fragrance free, whilst giving the healthy, flawless appearance of a soft and dewy second skin.

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I’ve been using it for a few weeks now and can vouch for the fact that - unlike many mineral foundations - it is seriously hydrating, mainly due to the fact that it features Antipodes’ revolutionary Vinanza Performance Plus as a key ingredient. An antioxidant-packed extract from sauvignon blanc grape seeds and the skin of the superfruit kiwifruit, Vinanza helps powerfully protect and build resistance to damage caused by environmental aggressors and pollutants, whilst extract of mamaku black fern helps foster cell renewal, making for an everyday essential item for plump, healthy, youthful skin. This means that regular application of this pot of goodness helps reduce facial flushing, while Australian-sourced earth minerals help balance oil production, rescue blemished skin and provide the most natural of tones. Magic!

It’s available in three shades at the moment and is super easy to apply once you know how. Sprinkle a small amount of foundation into the lid of the pot, then cover your makeup brush - I like Antipodes’ matching natural hair kabuki brush - with foundation, and tap off excess before applying to your freshly moisturised skin in circular movements. For total skin perfection, simply layer more foundation on areas of concern, and you can even mix a little with rosehip oil to hydrate and cover dark circles and crepiness around the eyes.

Antipodes have also released an equally gorgeous complementary product to covet called Antipodes Performance Plus Skin-Brightening Mineral Finishing Powder.

A translucent, silky smooth powder, it maximises the length of time your make-up stays on, and minimises unwelcome shine and open pores by refining your complexion with a perfect matte finish. It also contains the magical Vinanza Performance Plus, and can be reapplied as often as you need throughout the day.

I’m a huge fan of mineral makeup and have tried pretty much every brand out there over the years and this is definitely one of the best - and a great reason to buy (and love) local. (HELENE RAVLICH) www.antipodesnature.com PN

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

PLANET AYURVEDA: ASK DOCTOR AJIT Each month, DR AJIT, Australasia’s most experienced Ayurvedic practitioner answers a reader’s question. Please e-mail yours to info@ponsonbynews.co.nz

Q: A:

It’s been such a wonderful summer, which sadly won’t last forever.

Please give me some tips to prepare by body and spirit for autumn.

JENNIFER SMITH, Grey Lynn.

This is where Ayurveda, the ancient health science of India, can provide some valuable insights in managing this seasonal transition. It helps us understand that each season brings different qualities to the environment and it is these qualities that have a direct impact on our bodies. Ayurveda’s unique message is that it is important to live our lives in harmony with the seasons by making changes to our diet and lifestyle to keep the body in balance as it is balance that is the key to health and happiness.

Ayurveda recognises that each season has unique characteristics and qualities.

In autumn, the environment is dominated by cold, rough, dry and erratic qualities.

Because we are exposed to these qualities every day, it is natural that they will have an impact so our bodies start feeling cold, dry and rough. These qualities start manifesting in the body with problems like dry and rough skin, chaffed lips, thin dry hair, stiff and tight muscles, feelings of anxiety, fatigue and tiredness, particularly in the afternoon and disturbed sleep.

In our bodies these qualities are also the principle characteristics of Vata, one of the three intelligences that govern all bodily functions. Vata is the energy of movement in the body. It operates like a benevolent director of transportation causing everything in the body to move in a smooth and orderly fashion so that it arrives in the right place at the right time.

However, when these qualities start accumulating in the body, it can aggravate the Vata Dosha. When Vata becomes aggravated, it can become hyperactive, manifesting in a restlessness in the body and a mind that won’t slow down. It can also, due to its erratic nature, become hypo-active, resulting in sluggishness in the body and mind.

This is further compounded by our busy, stressful and erratic lifestyles that further aggravate Vata so unless we are able to bring this intelligence back into balance we will start to suffer serious health problems.

All Ayurvedic treatments are based on the simple principle of introducing lifestyle and diet changes with opposing qualities to bring the body back into balance while avoiding things that can cause further aggravation. Therefore in autumn, Ayurveda recommends the following routines to keep the body in balance: • Prepare an autumn de-tox drink. Each morning drink a glass on warm water in which you add, ½ teaspoon of grated ginger, ½ teaspoon of honey, ½ teaspoon of lemon juice and ¼ teaspoon of Ajwain powder. This will help to flush out toxins from the body and counter any sluggishness in the stomach in the gut.

• Take 10 long, deep slow breaths at least three times a day. When Vata becomes aggravated our breathing can become shallow. Regular deep breathing will help balance this.

• If your digestion is feeling sluggish or constipated (which is common during autumn), soak five prunes overnight. Around morning tea time the next day, mash and drink them in a cup of warm water.

• At least three times a week, massage yourself with warm, cold pressed black sesame oil or Planet Ayurveda’s Vata Oil. This will sooth dry, rough skin and counter stiff and tight muscles. It will also help to improve circulation.

• Eat only warm cooked foods and easily digestible proteins and steamed or stir fried green vegetables.

• Avoid cold, dry, rough foods like salads, corn chips.

• The two principle organs that are governed by the Vata Dosha are the nose and ears so it is particularly important to give them special attention during autumn.

Each morning, lightly apply warm sesame oil to both ears and nasal passages with a cotton bud.

• During the day, snack on a handful of soaked and peeled almonds and raisins.

• At night, warm a glass of non-homogenised milk and add ¼ teaspoon each of cardamom and cinnamon powder. Drink about an hour before bed. This will help relax the nervous system and give you a good night’s sleep.

If you are able to incorporate some of these routines into your daily life, you will find that you will remain unaffected by the seasonal changes and keep your body in balance during this time of transition. (DR AJIT) PN

If readers have any health concerns they are welcome to contact me at my clinic, PLANET AYURVEDA WELLNESS CENTRE, 41 Gillies Avenue T: 09 522 5390 or email info@planetayurveda.co.nz

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE – 20TH OF THE MONTH April 2013 PONSONBY NEWS+

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INNER DEVELOPMENT & WELLBEING – TRISHA MARTIN

BOOK REVIEW THE LEADER WHO HAD NO TITLE: A MODERN DAY FABLE ON REAL SUCCESS IN BUSINESS & IN LIFE

by Robin Sharma (RRP $26.00) I love any book that can take you on a journey and even better if it imparts a bit of wisdom that you can weave into your daily life. Robin Sharma is a master at using modern day fables to deliver powerful messages. Probably best known for his international bestseller “The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari”, Sharma believes there are certain skills and attitudes that allow you to rise to extraordinary success.

The Leader Who Had No Title offers a story designed to help people from all walks of life to achieve great things. Blake DiFranco is down on his luck, trying to make ends meet. His job is unsatisfying, and he is disenchanted with the world around him. One day, an enigmatic friend offers him a life-altering opportunity: spend a day studying with a mysterious group of teachers and learn the secrets of limitless success. The next morning, he embarks on a journey to discover the true meaning of the LWT philosophy - Lead Without a Title.

In The Leader Who Had No Title, you will learn how to create spectacular results, awaken your inner leader and have the professional and personal life you have always wanted.

Regardless of what you do within your organisation or the current conditions of your life, it is absolutely essential for you to remember that you have the power to show leadership where you are now planted – and shine at brilliance in all that you do. This powerful book shows you how to claim that staggering power.

Robin Sharma is one of the world’s most highly respected leadership experts. He is devoted to the mission of helping organisations develop people who Lead Without a Title so that they win in this period of intense change. His clients include Microsoft, GE, FedEx, IBM, Nike, NASA, Yale University, and The Young Presidents Organisation.

(TRISHA MARTIN) PN PATHFINDER BOOKSHOP, 182 Jervois Road T: 09 378 6269 www.pathfinder.co.nz

HOW CAN NEW ZEALAND LIFESTYLES BECOME SUSTAINABLE? Research has shown that New Zealanders would need at least two Earth planets to sustain our current lifestyles compared with a ‘fair Earth share’ of one. Some estimates put this number as high as five Earths.

Two papers released today by the Royal Society of New Zealand explore how many people, and to what standard of living, can New Zealand support sustainably.

The papers argue that sustainability is not a simple trade off between the economy and the environment.

The papers explore a number of areas where the issue of sustainability is a factor that might constrain our ability to create ever-more well-being: climate change, food production, water quality, native biodiversity, transport and fisheries.

The society’s Chief Executive, Dr Di McCarthy, says the papers offer a framework for looking at how New Zealand generates well-being for New Zealanders and our trading partners, and presents strategies for how to operate within the constraints in our resources. The framework allows New Zealanders to consider the risks to well-being faced due to our dependence upon these finite resources.

“The use of our land, water and other resources, and our levels of well being and prosperity are not simple tradeoffs between the economy and the environment. Instead, the relationships are complex and interwoven.”

When managing a river, for example, there is not a simple trade off between the economy and the environment through taking the water out for irrigation and leaving it in for recreational users.

Different user groups will value the water differently. Raft companies may wish to see a year-round consistent flow to continue their tourism operations; recreational kayakers may value peak flows for challenging paddles; anglers may wish to see minimum flows maintained to ensure fish survival; iwi and environmental groups may want annual flushing to remove algae to ensure river health; farmers may want flow available in spring and summer for irrigating pastures. Sustainable management of the river will take into account the viewpoints of all user groups.

Dr Suzie Greenhalgh, Portfolio Leader of Governance and Policy for Landcare Research, and speaker at the launch of the paper at the Royal Society of New Zealand said: “Our responses to constraints in our natural resources must recognise that there are many connections between the economy and the environment.

“Each connection has its own characteristics, leading to its own tool-kit of responses to ensure continued or even increasing benefits. Setting environmental limits and trading within those limits is only one approach. Other approaches include optimising for co-production of benefits, managing resources with the aim of maximising total value produced, and optimising management for many different values.”

“For freshwater, increases in pastoral agriculture have resulted in a seven-fold increase in the use of nitrogenous fertiliser over the past 20 years, and the volume of water allocated for irrigation has reached or exceeded current limits in many areas. Both of these are affecting our freshwater lakes, rivers and streams.”

New Zealand currently produces enough calories for 20 million people and enough protein for 45 million people. The overall well-being that New Zealand can generate using the finite resources available to us depends upon how we manage and use those resources. For example, shifting dairying off leaching-prone land and onto more suitable land can reduce overall nitrogen pollution without reducing overall output and farm profitability. A study to model land use north of Lake Taupo found that nitrate leaching could be reduced by 8% and soil erosion by 14% with no change to farm income and food, wool and wood production by moving dairying off leaching-prone land.

Despite options for better performance, our progress towards better use of those resources is, in many cases, slow. While New Zealand’s economy has grown by 68% over the past 20 years, our greenhouse gas emissions have only increased by 20%, so some progress is being made in decoupling economic growth from emissions. However, this progress is not rapid enough yet to halt the growth of our overall greenhouse gas emissions, despite our extensive potential supplies of renewable energy. PN www.royalsociety.org.nz

80 PONSONBY NEWS+ April 2013

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE – 20TH OF THE MONTH April 2013 PONSONBY NEWS+

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LIVING, THINKING + BEING

INSIDE THE HIGHER THOUGHT TEMPLE The Higher Thought Temple on Union Street was built in 1928. During the depression years of the 1930s it was an active centre of spiritually uplifting community activities.

The building is now owned by Builders of the Adytum (B.O.T.A.), whose aims are consistent with those of the original owners. The interior has changed little over the years. It features some wonderful stained glass, a large, original Croft pipe organ and the ancient admonition to seekers of truth, ‘Know Thyself.’

So what goes on inside the Higher Thought Temple? Occasionally the building is used for organ recitals, but mostly it is used for the meetings of B.O.T.A. Builders of the Adytum, is an international organisation whose curriculum includes the study of Qabalah, Tarot, Hermeticism, Alchemy and Astrology. It does not promote any special doctrine or creed.

Qabalistic healing rituals, meditation sessions and Tarot discussion groups are held every month. The emphasis is upon incorporating principles and knowledge into daily life – particularly in ways that contribute to mankind and other forms of life.

We are living in an exciting period of history that is witnessing a major shift in human consciousness. Now more than ever there is an urgent need to develop ourselves in order to accomplish this. The Law of Attraction is always at work and the fact that you are reading this suggests that this message resonates with you on some level.

“At the Higher Thought Temple we are all students, visitors and new members are always welcome”. PN THE HIGHER THOUGHT TEMPLE, 1 Union Street For more information www.bota.org.nz

82 PONSONBY NEWS+ April 2013

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

PONSONBY PEOPLE + THEIR PETS: ASK ALEX Each month Dr Alex Melrose answers readers’ pet related issues. email yours to: alex@vetcare.net.nz As you know our chocolate Poodle has been struggling with liver cancer for some time now and I am sure I am no different from other fur baby parents in that I am torn as to whether now is the right time to put her to sleep, and I guess you get asked for guidance on the topic a lot. She had a scan last week and bloods with you guys explaining that she’s not good, and even though it hurts unbelievably, given her recent battles over the last couple of years it was not a surprise to get such bad news. You explained that it might only be weeks that we have left and I don’t want to keep propping Bubbles up if it’s not best for her.

Q:

My difficulty is that right now she is doing ok and is her usual self – happy, eating well, socialising with us, and stepping outside to enjoy the garden. Apart from her swollen belly that appeared very recently it is hard to know that she is unwell. Am I being too hasty in making “the call” just yet? Or am I doing the right thing? My head says it is better for her to slip away tomorrow while she is not distressed knowing her last days were still quality, but there’s a little voice inside that says not yet. KARLA, by email.

I’m very sorry the news has been so grim. You guys have done a magnificent job looking after her. Until recently the Denosyl meds, Milk Thistle and Liver Diet have really helped support Bubbles, keeping her liver functioning and preventing build-up of toxins. If it was me I would wait until she had experienced say a couple of consecutive bad days of loss of energy and appetite and at that point, let us help one last time to do what needs to be done.

A:

The chance of her suddenly collapsing with no deterioration prior is very unlikely (although not impossible), we have her on good pain meds, and I struggle greatly with electing euthanasia while the little souls in our care are still relatively comfortable and happy, even when I know it’s temporary. Having said that, I agree the time is near and I totally respect your choice, we’ll be here to help you with any decisions around assessing quality of life. Kindest regards in these really tough times.

(DR ALEX MELROSE, BVSC MRCVS) PN VETCARE GREY LYNN, 408 Great North Road T: 09 361 3500 www.vetcare.net.nz

PONSONBY PEOPLE AND THEIR PETS: KATE CAUGHEY AND RIO KATE CAUGHEY IS AN INTERIOR DESIGNER AND HOMESTAGE STYLIST AT THE Look Ltd in Ponsonby. Her dog Rio is a seven year old Toy Poodle. She tells Ponsonby News: “Rio has been fortunate enough to be allowed to accompany me to work for the last seven years that I have been working here. You could say he’s a ‘working class dog’ and a popular wee character in Maidstone Street. I’m a very lucky lady to have my little sidekick with me in the workplace!

Kate has had Rio since he was 14 weeks old. He came to be Kate’s partner in crime when she lived on her own in Vermont Street in 2006. “I chose him out of six puppies from a breeder in Onehunga,” says Kate. “When I picked up each puppy for a cuddle they all jumped from my arms, apart from Rio who just nuzzled his head into my neck and fell asleep. I melted - he was the one!”

Kate and her friend Shelley had a naming brainstorm for the new puppy over a bottle of wine, shortly after he arrived home. They were thinking of Toyboy / Porn Star names as he was a toy poodle. Shelley suggested Ricco, then it was shortened to Rio - “It just really suited him!” Kate says.

Rio and Kate’s favourite thing to do together is run up and down a dog-friendly beach playing fetch with a stick. And maybe share a Mr Whippy icecream...Kate tells Ponsonby News readers not to worry, Rio just has the bit at the end. Rio’s favourite food of his own is lamb bones - and cheese morsels as a treat! His favourite flavour of dog food also happens to be lamb although he does like to mix it up.

Rio’s best friend is Teddy, his apricot toy poodle cousin. Ted ‘works’ at The Look too and they have been known to lead each other astray with mischief-making tendencies.

Rio’s girlfriend is Polly, a very gorgeous and friendly King Charles spaniel who he sees on walking dates in the park. Rio does play ‘hard to get’ so their relationship is on tenterhooks. PN The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE – 20TH OF THE MONTH April 2013 PONSONBY NEWS+

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PONSONBY PEOPLE + THEIR PETS

IS A RABBIT RIGHT FOR YOU? Rabbits make wonderful pets. They’re affectionate, cuddly, intelligent, athletic, and full of personality, but need lots of care and attention every day of their five to 10-year lifespan. If you’re thinking of adopting a rabbit, check out these rabbit tips to help decide if a rabbit is right for your family.

COMPANY: Rabbits are social, playful and love attention. They like to be handled and cherished every day. A rabbit will suffer if left alone for hours on end in a hutch.

EXERCISE: Rabbits are athletic so need lots of exercise and space to run. Rabbits can be toilet trained and live indoors or out.

FOOD: Rabbits need fresh water, fresh grass, and fresh hay daily. Other greens include dandelions, puha, doc, and cabbage with occasional treats of fruit. Avoid beans, breads, nuts, and grains.

HOME: Setting up a home for your rabbit can be lots of fun. Rabbits like being underground so boxes, baskets, and tunnels are great to hide and play in.

CHILDREN: Rabbits are great pets for children (8yrs+). An adult should supervise and ensure the rabbit is being cared for properly.

GOOD NEWS FROM PONSONBY VETS

HANDLING: To hold your bunny, put one hand under the chest, support the hindquarters with the other hand, and cradle against your body. Don’t pick rabbits up by the ears.

Harry is a one-year-old, male, Persian cross, who came into the clinic because he was straining to toilet, and vomiting.

GROOMING: All that soft fur needs some maintenance and regular brushing to keep it cuddle-tastic.

On clinical examination, Harry had a very large bladder which couldn’t be expressed.

He was very tense and grumpy due to the pain of having an overfilled bladder.

He was admitted urgently for treatment, as a blocked bladder is a very serious, life -threatening condition.

ONE BUNNY OR TWO?: Rabbits like company but not all bunnies are friends so need to be slowly introduced to help them bond. At SPCA you can adopt a pair of bunny buddies who are already bonded.

HEALTH: Keep a regular check on your rabbit’s health so you can take them to the vet if anything seems amiss. PN More tips at www.spca.org.nz or visit SPCA at 50 Westney Road, Mangere.

Blood and urine tests were taken which showed he had a large amount of blood and protein in his urine. Harry was put on fluids at a very high rate, to begin flushing through the urinary system. Toxins usually passed through urine build up in these cases and damage the kidneys; this build up could also have caused Harry’s vomiting.

Once he had received sufficient fluid, he was then given an anaesthetic and a urinary catheter was passed up his urethra to unblock the bladder. When the urine from the bladder was spun down and examined under the microscope, crystals were seen, along with a large number of red blood cells. A softer urinary catheter was then placed and attached to a collection system. Harry was given pain relief and continued IV fluids – at a much lower rate. Once the urine in the collection system was running clear, Harry’s catheter was removed and urination monitored while he remained on fluids for another day. He was then sent home.

Since he went home, he has done well. He has been eating and getting used to the new diet he now has, which will help prevent crystals building up in the bladder again.

Diet can be an important factor in blocked bladder cats, as it affects the pH of the urine.

If the urine becomes too alkaline, struvite crystals can form. Cats that have a blocked bladder once are more likely to become blocked again, so they are usually restricted to a urinary diet such as Hills c/d. They will often be on both wet and dry c/d for several years at least to prevent recurrence of the condition. (GARETH DUNKERLEY) PN PONSONBY VET, 46 Pollen Street T: 09 360 0961 www.petvet.co.nz

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PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

PONSONBY PEOPLE + THEIR PETS

ANIMALOSOPHY: DR MEGAN ALDERSON

CATS, CAGES AND CLAWS MY CAT RON HAS ANGER MANAGEMENT ISSUES, JUST WHEN WE THINK he is becoming a mentally stable four-legger, settling in to our happy pet-friendly home, a disturbance will send his kitty aura spinning with terribly bad behaviour the result. The lightning change from ‘kitten eyes’ and ‘paddy paws’ to ‘karate-attack -cat’, occurs for nothing more than a doggie misdemeanour, forgetting a meal, or god forbid something new taking place in our Ponsonby residence.

The recent arrival of grand puppy, Mako, sliding ‘boxer wiggle’ sideways through the front door has done nothing to improve Ron’s mood swings. We live in fear and it is not until Ron actively seeks medical attention, usually once a wound on the top of his head is at the desperate stage, do we know his state of physical health. Cats are subtle patients though, small signs often mean big things and late arrival for care means they present in dire straits health wise. With elderly pets it is not until they are very ill, very sore, very skinny or very quiet that owners brave getting them in a cage and bringing them in, which is often too little, too late.

As a vet I’ve always wondered if cat owners were less diligent than dog owners when it came to care of their pet (dogs come four times more frequently to the vet than cats). With a propensity to limbic explosions using teeth and claws along with loud nerve-rattling protests even the bravest cat owner needs to weigh up the seriousness of illness to justify the level of distress that may come with a trip to the vet.

photography: Martin Leach

Consider the saying ‘they think they’re the cat’s pyjamas’, a 1920s lingo describing someone who presumes themselves to be stylish or special-which of course all cats are. The true meaning, I am sure cat owners agree, is that cats would rather when feeling poorly stay at home in bed as after all 75% of illnesses will improve of their own accord.

As we shift to cooler weather check out our Grey Paws page on our website for our guide to keeping your aging cat healthy. Don’t let the trip to the vet put you off looking after your feline best friend. Remember, house calls can be arranged if they just don’t want to get out of bed! (DR MEGAN ALDERSON) PN

WILMA SURVIVES PONSONBY ROAD ESCAPE The following post drew 380 LIKES, the most we’ve ever received on our facebook page.

THE STRAND VETERINARIAN, 114 The Strand T: 09 377 6667 www.thestrandvet.co.nz

“My name is Wilma and I am a 17-week-old chocolate labrador. I would like to thank all the people on Ponsonby Road who helped me on Wednesday 20 February.

“My owner tied me up outside il buco around 5.15pm and went into Subway. While I was waiting, I got a fright, pulled the table over and escaped, running away as fast as I could. I ran across Ponsonby Road, past SPQR, across Richmond Road and down Mackelvie Street. A number of people ran after me, cars swerved to avoid hitting me, cyclists followed me and people in cafes and bars put down their glasses and joined the chase!

“I ended up running back to my home on Murdoch Road and was eventually reunited with my mum. I was safe and well after my ordeal. Once again, a big thank you for helping me.”

It appears we weren’t the only ones smitten with this beautiful dog and the happy ending. We wanted to know more and went to meet Wilma and her owner Rosie Oliver.

Rosie told us she came from a farm in Matamata, just down the road from Hobbit Town.

She and her partner wanted a chocolate lab as the pair used to have a black lab, who passed away last July.

Wilma loves her walks down Ponsonby Road and likes to check out all the people in the cafes and shops. She had a great time at the Pride Parade in February and met a drag queen with the same name! She loves her dog training sessions at Barkley Manor, she has won three second place ribbons.

Rosie tells us she is such a lovely calm, laid back intelligent puppy who adores the companionship of their other dog Rufus, a staffy cross and we could see that the two dogs are inseparable.

Rosie concludes, “we’re very pleased the speed limit is 40 kms along Ponsonby Road, which has saved Wilma’s life. A very big thank you to all the people who helped Wilma.

There’s such great community spirit in Ponsonby! PN The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

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LOOK ... WHO IS IN THE ZOO!

THE WEKA, A BIRD WITH A FEISTY AND CURIOUS PERSONALITY THE WEKA, OR WOODHEN, MAY BE A FLIGHTLESS BIRD, but it more than makes its mark with its famously feisty and curious personality. Sharing The High Country habitat in Auckland Zoo’s Te Wao Nui with the cheeky kea, weka are endemic to New Zealand - that is, they are only found here.

The Auckland Zoo partnership is a natural extension to the current activities, and will utilise our expertise to bring back and manage a wide range of endangered New Zealand species on the island, with potential species including kiwi, saddleback and even takahe, as well as a giant weta, skinks and geckos.

Weka occupy a wide range of habitats, including forests, sub alpine grassland, sand dunes and rocky shores. Currently, four sub-species of weka are recognised – North Island, Western, Buff and Stewart Island. Weka are now rare in many places where they were once common, and are classed as a vulnerable species with a range of factors threatening their survival.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT There are plenty of opportunities for the public to become involved in the restoration of Rotoroa Island. The island directly manages volunteer and day events, while Auckland Zoo’s schools programme has introduced Rotoroa Island day trips where students can become involved in a wide range of activities including monitoring reptile stations and checking tracking tunnels.

ROTOROA ISLAND’S RENEWAL One place where you can see weka in the wild is on Rotoroa Island in the Hauraki Gulf. Here, a large number of weka roam freely, having grown from an initial population of three pairs.

Auckland Zoo has recently entered into a partnership with the Rotoroa Island Trust to establish a wildlife sanctuary on this 82ha jewel, nestled off the east coast of Waiheke. Off limits to the public for 100 years, Rotoroa Island has been a place of sanctuary for people recovering from addiction.

In 2005 it ceased this role and closed, then re-opened in 2011 for all to enjoy as an arts, heritage and conservation estate. Some 20,000 pines were felled and 400,000 New Zealand native plants of close to 50 different species planted.

To find out how we’re progressing on Rotoroa and to check out opportunities to get involved, keep an eye online at www.aucklandzoo.co.nz or www.rotoroa.org.nz INTREPID TRAVELLERS - APRIL SCHOOL HOLIDAYS Discover the world at Auckland Zoo these holidays. Pick up our passport on arrival to begin your trek through Africa, Asia, South America and other exciting destinations.

You’ll be in to win some great prizes, including the ultimate prize of an intrepid family trip to Borneo. Daily from 9.30am, 20 April to 5 May. PN Further details at www.aucklandzoo.co.nz

PN

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FUTURE GENERATION RECREATE NZ LAUNCHES NEW PROGRAM: SEEKING SUMMITS On a beautiful Saturday in February this year, Recreate NZ took eight youths with disabilities white water rafting on the Rangitata River in South Canterbury as part of their brand new adventure based programme called Seeking Summits.

Recreate NZ, a registered charitable trust based in Grey Lynn on Surrey Crescent, designed this program with the intention to provide an unforgettable experience for these young guys and to push the limits in a safe and fun environment. Seeking Summits incorporates extreme adventure activities such as multi-day back country walks, kayaking, bungy jumping in Queenstown and of course white water rafting.

Eight Recreate youth and staff flew down to Christchurch where they met with four others and from there they drove to Peel Forest, just north of Geraldine. The group stayed at the Peel Forest Outdoor Centre out of the hustle and bustle of the cities in a perfectly serene spot just by the river. The grade of the rapid was perfect, the sun was out in full force and the water temperature brought a sense of shock as people jumped in the river.

The feedback Recreate has received has been overwhelming, as one parent has attested: “Thank you so very much for giving our family members such a wonderful weekend.

Although he has very limited speech it was very obvious my kid had just the greatest time. The opportunities you all work hard to present are great, and this last weekend was just fabulous. The Seeking Summits programme sounds mighty - how exciting - offering my son experiences that if it wasn’t for Recreate I very much doubt he would ever get. Thank you is such a little phrase, inadequate really when trying to express how I really feel - but it is all I have – many, many thanks.”

Recreate would like to give a big thank you to Pub Charity for sponsoring this programme and to the Peel Forest Outdoor Centre for making this possible. For more photos, videos and stories of this programme, you can like Recreate NZ on facebook or visit www.recreate.org.nz PN

CHILDREN’S BOOK REVIEW CURIOUS EXPLORER’S ILLUSTRATED GUIDE TO EXOTIC ANIMALS A TO Z by Marc Martin. Penguin Viking, $30.00 This beautiful alphabet book proves that A-Z books do not have to be text books. From armadillo to zebras, chameleons to quetzals, these exotic animals will surprise and delight. No curious explorer should be without Marc Martin’s stunning celebration of strange and beautiful creatures from all over the world.

Here is a book of wonder, a unique and breathtaking treasure from one of Australia’s most outstanding new talents.

Marc Martin joins fellow illustrator, Graeme Base, in turning an alphabet book into a treasure to be kept forever. PN DOROTHY BUTLER CHILDREN’S BOOKSHOP, 1 Jervois Road T: 09 376 7283 www.childrensbookshop.co.nz

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FUTURE GENERATION

KAREN WALKER PREMIERES CHILDRENSWEAR This April, Karen Walker will collaborate with Japanese mega -retailer, Uniqlo, in a one-season collaboration which will see Karen Walker childrenswear’s debut. The collection, ‘KW2 by Karen Walker’, will be available in Uniqlo’s 262 premier stores around the world including the United States, Japan, China, United Kingdom and Hong Kong.

The creative concept behind the collection is child geniuses. It features Karen Walker’s signature alphabet prints mixed with new, hand-illustrated florals. Karen Walker says, “We drew inspiration from the look of Karen Walker collections and with a little help from my five year old, Valentina, we picked out some of our beloved signature styles such as frill hem sweatshirt dresses and boat pants and restyled them for kids. We then added plenty of fun new prints including super-cute maths grid, biro doodles of flowers, a trumpet and of course, the Karen Walker bunny.”

The collection will comprise 18 pieces of mix-and-match styles including dresses, tops, pants and skirts for girls aged 5-13 (Asia) and 3-11 (U.S.A. and Europe). Prices start from US$16 for a t-shirt. Karen Walker says, “As a brand with working parents in the team, we wanted to create a fun and spirited kids’ collection that used high quality utility fabrics and would be kid-friendly and a great price… We’re thrilled that kids worldwide can now wear Karen Walker.”

Uniqlo is a brand of Fast Retailing Co. Ltd. a leading global Japanese retail holding company that designs, manufactures and sells clothing under seven main brands: Comptoir des Cotonniers, g.u., Helmut Lang, J Brand, Princesse tam.tam, Theory, and Uniqlo. With global sales of approximately 928 billion yen for the 2012 fiscal year ending 31 August 2012, Fast Retailing is currently the world’s fourth largest apparel retail company, and Uniqlo is Japan’s leading specialty retailer. Past Uniqlo collaborations include Jil Sander, Phillip Lim, Alexander Wang, Opening Ceremony and Cacharel. PN

KING’S COLLEGE STUDENTS HELPING OUR COMMUNITY King’s College students have already raised well in excess of $25,000 for charities Kiwi Can and St John at their annual runathon in March. The runathon has become an integral component of the college’s many fundraising and charity events, which are organised by the school’s students.

The runathon is a part of the King’s College community service programme, which was created around the concept of doing something for the wider community and provides a real opportunity to help those in need. There are more than 500 students involved in the programme which is 100 per cent voluntary and often conducted in their own free time.

Under the guidance of Warner Wilder, Chaplain at King’s College – the community service programme was introduced so that students appreciate the importance of giving back to the community. They are involved in a wide range of activities including a refugee visiting programme, Outreachers reading programme and work at Kids First Hospital, Totara Hospice and in rest homes.

Jamie McDell, rising Kiwi pop star and student at King’s College in 2009 and 2010 performed at the college to support the students participating in this year’s runathon.

“King’s has given me so much. I started singing in the chapel band, which really brought me out of my shell and if there’s anything I can do for King’s I will always try and help,” said McDell. PN

Chaplain at King’s College, WARNER WILDER, past student and Kiwi popstar, JAMIE MCDELL and King’s Headmaster, BRADLEY FENNER

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KINGS COLLEGE, Golf Drive, Otahuhu T: 0508 464 546 www.kingscollege.school.nz

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

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MEET THE TEACHER NAME: Kylie Hoyle SCHOOL: Ponsonby Primary CURRENTLY TEACHING: Year 3 HOW DID YOU COME TO BE A PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHER? I have always liked being around children, and from a young age I thought that teaching would be an exciting and rewarding career.

WHERE DID YOU TRAIN? Otago University.

WHAT BROUGHT YOU TO PONSONBY PRIMARY? Ponsonby is a very vibrant and lively area, and Ponsonby Primary has a real community vibe that I wanted to be a part of.

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVOURITE THINGS ABOUT BEING A TEACHER? Every day my students come into the classroom so excited and enthusiastic about learning. It is really rewarding to see how much they grow and develop throughout the year.

HIGHLIGHT OF YOUR TEACHING CAREER? Finishing my first year as a beginning teacher and becoming fully aware of the bond that I had formed with each child in my class. It was nice to see how much they had enjoyed their year in my classroom.

LOW POINT OF YOUR TEACHING CAREER? The current government issues surrounding education. As a teacher, I just want to see the children learning and developing.

HOW WOULD YOUR PRINCIPAL DESCRIBE YOU? Enthusiastic about teaching and hardworking. I asked her and she said “You are a person born to teach. Children are the focus of everything you do. You have a superb rapport with all of the children and your teaching skills are of the highest quality.”

HOW WOULD OTHER TEACHERS DESCRIBE YOU? They say I am a team player, a contributor. I help around the school with sport. I am fun and always get involved.

IF YOU COULD WAVE A MAGIC WAND IN YOUR CLASSROOM... I would have a little quiet box that I could hop into every now and then when the classroom is getting a bit rowdy (i.e. after lunch when it is 27 degrees outside!)

FIVE TIPS FOR MUMS AND DADS OF PRIMARY SCHOOL KIDS: 1 All children will develop and learn at their own pace and in their own way – there is no magic formula.

2 Encourage children to give everything a go. They should not be afraid of failing and making mistakes.

3 Read with and to your children every day.

4 Encourage your children to get involved in extracurricular activities.

5. Teach your children to swim – New Zealand is surrounded by water after all. PN

BAYFIELD MUSIC ON THE FIELD Music on the Field is Bayfield School’s main fundraising concert for 2013 and a special day out for the whole family.

Involving an array of famous local musicians and entertainers, the event has become an iconic part of Bayfield School’s special character. With live local music, entertainment for the children, fabulous food and fine wine, Music on the Field is an opportunity for you to support local children at a local school.

This year the musical line-up includes ANIKA MOA, BROOKE DUFF, THE DOZEN and DJ DAN AUX (GEORGE FM) more announced soon. “We love that this iconic event brings together the wider community and are so very grateful to the many businesses and individuals who get behind the concert each year it’s held” says Sheryl Fletcher, Principal of Bayfield School.

There will be plenty of fabulous food, sure to tempt your taste buds, from Gourmet Burgers, Andiamo Green Thai Chicken Curry, Prego pizzas, samosas, ice creams, hot dogs and a salad bar to cupcakes and candy floss.

The kids will be kept happy with bouncy castles, fire truck rides, face painting, movies, kids only toyshop, and more. “We are proud to come on board and support Bayfield School with its fundraising efforts this year, including Music on the Field. We love the community spirit, supporting our local musicians, and helping to build a better Bayfield” says Nicola Kelland of Kellands, Bayfield Schools Key Sponsor for 2013.

So get the date in your diary now, Saturday 13 April midday till 5.30pm! You sure won’t want to miss it! For where to purchase tickets or find out more visit www.musiconthefield.co.nz PN

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BILLY HARRIS: KIDS IN THE COMMUNITY

STRAP ON YOUR SEAT BELTS, PUT ON YOUR HELMETS... IT’S BRONSON GLEYE Readers are advised to warm up for this story about Bronson Gleye, because you’re going to get puffed just reading about him.

Bronson gave an early clue for the action packed life he was about to lead by realising, at just nine months, that walking was a lot quicker than crawling, and then finding new and inventive ways of escaping the cot that was holding him back from all the things he wanted to do.

Since then he’s got his teeth into everything you can think of, becoming a jack of all trades and master of, well, practically all of them. Bronson’s main sports are soccer and surf life saving. He plays for Western Springs premier 12th grade team and is a national gold medal winning surf life saver and current club Iron Boy – contested over the beach flags, sprints, board, diamond and surf swim events - for his age group at Red Beach Surf Club.

He’s also a top swimmer, and at last year’s inner city swim champs, representing Ponsonby Primary School, he won backstroke, breaststroke 25m and 50m, freestyle 25m and 50m, butterfly, medley and relay. Those results are all the more remarkable when you consider that in a sport where the top athletes train anything up to 10 times a week Bronson trains just once at Trent Bray’s Swim School. Swimming lengths in a pool isn’t something he enjoys, certainly not enough to sacrifice his sleep for the 5am starts required by committed swimmers.

Did we mention trampolining? Under the tutelage of Justin McKenzie, Bronson represented Auckland on the double mini and large tramp last year and with his good flexibility, core strength and spatial awareness – useful to avoid landing on your head – Bronson can do all the moves like twists, flips and half outs. On the ground he can do flick flacks and sommersaults.

Bronson also plays softball, flipper ball, rugby, league and any other school sport available. He represented Ponsonby in every inner city team, and his contribution was recognised with the award of Sportsman of the Year.

Away from school he surfs, wakeboards, snowboards, skateboards, scooters, and mountain bikes. And then when he feels his adrenaline levels getting a little low, he’ll do things like bungy jump off the Harbour Bridge and sky dive from 12,500 feet. As you do. And to show that he’s more than just a sports junky, Bronson is also a keen musician. He plays the drums, and last year was in the rock band, school band and marimba group, and at his new school St Kents is in the school band. Oh, and he’s been voted prefect at St Kents as well.

But it hasn’t been all fun and games for Bronson. Far from it. He’s had more than his share of downtime, enduring injuries that would make an All Black wince. All have been to his monster size 10 feet, which are useful as flippers in swimming events, but which seem to get in the way out of the pool.

In 2011 he broke his ankle while volleying the ball in a soccer match, an injury which was misdiagnosed for several weeks as a sprained ankle. He strapped it up for his school Inner City Rugby Tournament only to have a bone in his other foot broken when it was stood on by a very large opponent. So the day before Bronson and his family went on a surfing holiday to Australia he had both feet in casts and only just kept his sanity on the holiday by having access to a mobility scooter.

BRONSON focuses before his event at the Nationals at the time of writing, though it’s probably safe to assume he did okay). He’s got a reputation to uphold, being the current inner city champ winning all events in the pool last year and receiving the Barfoot Cup, for best overall swimmer.

Whew. Busy times for the 11 year old, but they’re about to get busier if he’s to achieve his ambitions of becoming an ironman, a pro surfer, the fastest white man on the planet and a rock star.

He thought about becoming a professional soccer player too, but realises that would be pushing it. (BILLY HARRIS) PN Do you know of a kid in the community we should write about? He or she might be doing something interesting in academia, the arts, sports or anything else. Drop me a line at billyharris2000@hotmail.com

But on returning home, the reality of injury set in and Bronson struggled with frustration and depression over what seemed like an interminable three month recovery period.

He learned new personal development skills to find happy places so his mood swings did not affect the whole family. He also learned empathy for all the other children who for one reason or another – illness, shyness, lack of sporting ability – sit on the fringes, wishing they could be out there running around too.

Last year he injured himself again, seriously breaking his big toe in two places while chasing his big brother Damien up concrete stairs. It’s been another six months of anguish until he was given the all clear last month to resume sports again.

Not surprisingly, Bronson has picked up where he left off, taking part in the swim sports at school last month and winning four out of six events. He represented St Kents in the Eastern Zones meet last week, swimming in four of the five events (results unknown The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

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FUTURE GENERATION REPORT FOR DUTY AT MOTAT’S MILITARY MONTH Riding on the success of MOTAT’s renowned Military Weekend, an annual MOTAT event for more than a decade, MOTAT has amplified the action to include a whole month of military-themed activities, experiences and displays.

MILITARY WEEKEND MOTAT will launch into Military Month with its annual Military Weekend on Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 April.

WHAT’S GOES ON AT THE ISABEL FISH ACADEMY? THE ISABEL FISH ACADEMY IS MADE UP OF A TEAM OF CUTTING EDGE educators, specialising in communication and acting techniques. Students come to a beautiful, spacious studio and have enlightening experiences, lots of laughs and interactions which help them gain confidence and find their personal power. All this is done with the wisdom of an experienced, supportive director.

A typical session consists of many things, including discovering how your breath fuels every word and movement, and how to work with your body language and speech. They explore the most effective ways to engage audiences and playfully improvise while learning physical and emotional vocabularies. They always discuss what is learnt.

A wide range of people come to The Isabel Fish Academy, all types and ages, including high-powered corporate leaders, business people and artists. Many parents see great value in what they offer. Judges, professors, doctors, lawyers, bankers, accountants, politicians, scientists, IT specialists and media whizzes have sent their children to the academy.

Amongst riveting firepower displays and military vehicle rides, military volunteers will be re-enacting famous battles, this year focussing on the North Africa campaign and the Long Range Desert Group.

The results past students have experienced is vast, they have helped many people to dazzle audiences and friends with their beauty, energy and intelligence. Professionals have advanced their careers. Students have won many awards, competitions and enjoyed outstanding academic success.

Kids will love learning how to camouflage a helmet, making their very own wartime medal or creating a propaganda poster to take home at MOTAT’s ‘Make and Take’ activities. What’s more, special exhibit ‘The Armoury’ will give visitors of all ages the chance to mirror a real soldier and try on armour ranging from medieval chain mail to a modern bulletproof vest!

The Isabel Fish Academy offers qualifications with a fantastic track record with the Trinity Guildhall of London examinations. Many students have received the top mark for Auckland or New Zealand. In 2012 99% of their students received a grade of distinction (85%+). PN

MOTAT’s world-class collection of wartime memorabilia will also be on display including military aircraft from MOTAT’s multi award-winning Aviation Display Hall and military vehicles dating back as early as WWI.

THE ISABEL FISH ACADEMY, 40/2 St Benedicts Street Studios, Newton T: 09 376 7123 www.isabelfish.co.nz

For an exhilarating military experience like no other, with something for every member of the family, get to MOTAT for Military Weekend!

“SOLDIER, SOLDIER” HOLIDAY EXPERIENCE Get the troops ready for action! From 20 April – 5 May, MOTAT is holding a holiday experience like no other that will give kids an idea of what it is like to be a soldier.

A ‘Boot Camp’ Commando course will put kids through their paces. With a drill instructor giving the orders, kids will have fun earning their stripes as they tackle a thrilling obstacle course.

Kids will also love discovering how codes have been used to win wars in MOTAT’s ‘Code Cracker’ activity and they’ll have the chance to make their very own medals, propaganda posters and learn how to camouflage helmets with the interactive ‘Make and Take’ activities on offer.

MOTAT’s favourite little fire truck, Little Flick, will also be dressed in military attire to transport kids around MOTAT soldier-style. So come down to MOTAT and let the memories and munitions abound! PN MOTAT, Great North Road and Meola Road Western Springs T: 09 815 5800 www.motat.org.nz

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CASS EVERARD is a student at ISABEL FISH ACADEMY

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

FUTURE GENERATION PONSONBY MONTESSORI KINDERGARTEN PROVIDES HOLISTIC HIGH QUALITY PROGRAMME Ponsonby Montessori Kindergarten (PMK) has served Ponsonby and the surrounding community for over 20 years in a warm, friendly and welcoming atmosphere. PMK provides the important foundations for young children as they begin their journey of “learning for life”. A small nurturing centre, licensed for 30 children delivers a holistic high quality Montessori programme in a newly renovated environment.

The Montessori philosophy uses specialist equipment and practices to develop a child’s concentration and focus along with their literacy and numeracy skills while also assisting in developing self-management. Extra-curricular activities by experienced visiting tutors, a working garden and a modern playground contribute to all children receiving a quality education at PMK. A high teacher to child ratio caters to the individual needs of every child with trained and dedicated staff providing quality language models while developing reciprocal relationships. Their well trained, strong, supportive team is committed to ensuring that their quality programme and learning environment aligns with both the Montessori philosophy and the New Zealand Early Childhood Curriculum.

Enrolments are currently being accepted. The educator, manager and owner is an experienced educational leader and well-versed in the transition to school process.

Shelley welcomes visits from interested parents.

Examine their website or call to make a time to view the centre in operation. They are holding an Open Day on Saturday 13 April, 9am-1pm – so come along and see the Kindergarten for your self. PN PONSONBY MONTESSORI KINDERGARTEN, 244 Richmond Road T: 09 376 0021 www.ponsonbymontessori.co.nz

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GOT A LEGAL QUESTION? ASK MICHAEL@METROLAW.CO.NZ

PONSONBY PROFESSIONALS

Email Michael with your question and include PONSONBY NEWS in the subject line. Michael Hemphill, a partner of the firm will answer one topical question each month.

Q:

I have just received the distribution rights for a range of heat pumps.

Although I have been involved in this industry for a while I haven’t been involved in running a business myself. I am particularly concerned about our terms of trade, what sorts of things should I be including?

The purpose of terms of trade is to put down in writing the general basis of contractual arrangements between you and your customers. Terms of trade should make clear the responsibilities and obligations of each party while making the enforcement of those terms as easy for you as possible. You want to spend your time selling and delivering your goods, not enforcing your contracts!

A:

Terms of trade will depend to some extent on your industry norms, but there are some general things that you should include to make your life easier. Your terms of trade should include terms of payment. Whether payment is due on delivery of goods or on the 20th day of the following month this needs to be recorded. In addition you may wish to consider a default interest rate and cancellation rights for non-payment to make enforcing your rights as easy as possible. You will also want to be able to charge on any collection costs including legal costs to the customer.

over the same goods. There are time deadlines when actions or registrations need to take place under the PPSR. If your customer goes bankrupt or into liquidation a PMSI will ensure that you can get your goods or if they have been sold, the full proceeds from them. Without a PMSI or other charge you may lose your goods and full value for them as you will rank as an ordinary secured creditor to someone who is insolvent!

Old terms of trade often have retention of title clauses (commonly known as Romalpa clauses). However under the PPSA these may not be sufficient to protect goods against third parties for example in a liquidation. You should consult with a lawyer when writing up your terms of trade before you start trading. They will be able to advise you on how to use the PPSA to the greatest effect for your business. (MICHAEL HEMPHILL) PN Disclaimer - This article is for general information purposes only. If you have a legal problem you should seek advice from a lawyer. Metro Law does not accept any liability other than to its clients and then only when advice is sought on specific matters.

METROLAW, Level 2, 36 Williamson Avenue T: 09 929 0800 www.metrolaw.co.nz

It is worth considering whether you could have shorter terms of payment or payment terms that dovetail with your payment obligations as this will ease your cashflow which can often be a barrier to growth.

Because you are providing goods and this may often be by lease or credit your terms should allow you to register a charge under the Personal Property Securities Act 1999 (PPSA). The PPSA can ensure any goods that you provide to a customer, whether by lease or on credit, are secured by a charge against the customer. This will give you rights under the PPSA to re-take possession of the goods in the event of non -payment or give you preferential rights to those goods on liquidation or bankruptcy of the customer.

If your terms of trade include the right provisions then you should have a Purchase Money Security Interest (PMSI). A PMSI ranks higher than any other security interest

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PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

PONSONBY PROFESSIONALS LOGAN GRANGER

ARE YOU READY FOR THE 1 APRIL CHANGES? WITH THE NEW TAX YEAR FAST APPROACHING, THERE ARE SOME IMPORTANT changes you may need to be aware of. The key changes are to KiwiSaver, student loans and some tax codes. Employers with payroll systems will need to check they’re ready for the changes.

KIWISAVER CONTRIBUTION RATE CHANGE For all pay periods starting on or after 1 April 2013, the contribution rate for employers and employees increases from 2% to 3% of gross salary or wages.

A minimum of 3% will need to be deducted from each contributing employee’s pay. You don’t need to change the employee contribution rate if it’s either 4% or 8%. If no rate is selected use the default rate of 3%. The rate change will also apply to employees who belong to a complying fund. Employee and net employer contributions to a complying fund are paid directly to the complying fund.

You’ll also need to contribute a minimum of 3% as your compulsory employer contribution for all eligible employees.

All employer cash contributions to a superannuation fund (including KiwiSaver schemes and complying funds) are liable for ESCT (employer superannuation contribution tax).

The exception is if the employee and employer have agreed to treat all of the employer contribution as salary or wages under the PAYE rules.

EMPLOYING PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOL CHILDREN From 1 April 2013 employers must deduct PAYE from salary or wages or deduct tax from schedular payments made to school children. The details will need to be included on the Employer monthly schedule (EMS/IR348).

deduction from 1 April is 3% of gross salary or wages. If the employee is under 18 years of age, employers don’t need to make employer contributions. Employers don’t have to make KiwiSaver deductions from schedular payments.

ML AND ML SL TAX CODES CAN NO LONGER BE USED From 1 April 2013 employees using either the ML or ML SL tax code need to have PAYE deducted using the tax codes M or M SL (if they have a student loan), unless they’ve given their employer a new IR330.

STUDENT LOAN REPAYMENT RATE INCREASE The student loan repayment rate changes from 10 cents to 12 cents from 1 April 2013.

WHEN IS A “SCHOOL FEES” PAYMENT CLAIMABLE? To claim school fees as a donation, the school must have donee status. State and integrated schools have donee status but you will need to check for private schools.

The payment must not be for services, for example, a school trip.

School fees paid into the general fund of a state school are claimable because the service would have been provided even if the fees had not been paid.

The maximum of all rebate claims is your taxable income, after deducting losses brought forward.

If you have any further questions, would like to discuss this matter or are even looking for an accountant to sort out your financial woes please do not hesitate to contact LOGAN GRANGER. PN

They will need to complete a Tax code declaration (IR330) form by 1 April 2013 and give it to their employer so tax can be deducted at the correct rate.

Disclaimer – While all care has been taken, Johnston Associates Chartered Accountants Ltd and its staff accept no liability for the content of this article; always see your professional advisor before taking any action that you are unsure about.

Note - The automatic enrolment rules for KiwiSaver don’t apply to employees under 18 years of age. If the employee is already a KiwiSaver member the minimum employee

JOHNSTON ASSOCIATES, 202 Ponsonby Road T: 09 361 6701 www.jacal.co.nz

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PONSONBY PROFESSIONALS FREE BUSINESS NETWORKING EVENT Daniel Hunt & Associates (DHA) is sponsoring a free networking event for business owners on Tuesday 30 April 5.30-8pm

DHA Tax Principals: DANIEL HUNT and SHARON COHEN

Guest speaker, Natasha Thomas, a senior investigator for the Inland Revenue Department, will provide a tax update outlining IRD’s small business tax focus for 2013.

Afterwards, there will be an opportunity for attendees to mingle and network with other local business owners.

Based in Parnell, DHA are chartered accountants and tax specialists, assisting their clients with advice, compliance and training. They are committed to offering solutions tailored to the specific needs of each client, leaving business owners free to focus on what they do best.

Reflecting this ethos, DHA have a range of accounting packages to provide varying support for businesses, from basic compliance needs to setting up strong strategic planning and key performance monitoring.

Any business looking for a better way to handle compliance requirements or improve its performance can contact DHA or speak to a representative on the night.

Visit www.dhatax.co.nz for more information or to register your interest. PN DANIEL HUNT & ASSOCIATES, 2 Heather Street, Parnell T: 0800 DHA TAX

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HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS NEW FUND SUPPORTS ‘ZERO WASTE’ GOAL A NEW GRANT SCHEME OF $500,000 TO FOSTER FRESH IDEAS AND SUPPORT projects to help reduce waste going to landfill in the Auckland region launches this month. The Waste Minimisation and Innovation Fund (WMIF) opens on 1 April for applications from community groups, businesses, iwi / Maori organisations and educational institutions with great ideas and existing projects for waste reduction and minimisation.

The fund is one of the first actions to emerge from the Waste Management and Minimisation Plan (WMMP), adopted in June 2012, which has an aspirational goal of Zero Waste by 2040. “This new fund is exciting because it is part of a whole new way of doing things,” says Councillor Noelene Raffills, who led the WMMP hearings process.

“We need to get our waste sorted, and this grants scheme will bring forth a whole raft of fresh initiatives and businesses to help us achieve our goal of making Auckland the world’s most liveable city.”

The WMIF has an annual pool of $500,000 to disburse through two funding rounds.

The first round opens on 1 April and closes on 30 April. The second round will be in October. Projects will fall into three main categories: small grants ($250 to $5,000), medium grants ($5,001 to $25,000) and large grants (grants over $25,000). A project can receive up to 50 per cent of its cost from the fund, with sources of additional funding and support to be secured by the applicant.

The WMIF can support a broad range of projects to reduce waste going to landfill, from the development of feasibility studies, business cases and surveys, through to infrastructure design and development, equipment and plant, pilot programmes and workshops. Project owners will need to demonstrate how their initiatives incorporate the key strategies and principles of the WMMP. The key areas of focus for the fund are resource recovery, commercial waste, organic waste and community and behaviour change.

For more information about the grant scheme and to apply for funding, visit the Auckland Council website at www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/funding and select the ‘Environmental and Heritage’ link, or call T: 09 301 0101. PN

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HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS APPROACHABLE TEAM - TALENTED DESIGNERS - EXCELLENT RESULTS Bespoke Interior Design is an Auckland based Interior Design Company that is passionate about Design and Architecture.

At Bespoke their philosophy is that good design should be accessible and affordable to everyone. Creativity, flare and originality must be balanced with a consideration for their client’s needs, taste and budget. A well designed interior can dramatically transform the way you live, feel and operate in your everyday life.

The team at Bespoke Interior Design will undertake any project irrespective of size with professionalism, energy, enthusiasm, experience and talent. Designing and creating a one off scheme for you. So whether it’s a new build project, a renovation or just a few new accessories they can help.

JANE MCAULAY-FRAME

Their approachable team of interior designers work closely with their clients to ensure successful end results. This is achieved through good communication, integrity and understanding your brief and budget. Within the building industry they have long lasting relationships with other professionals such as architects and builders and have a great team approach to projects.

Bespoke Interior Design owner and senior designer, Jane McAulay-Frame is originally from Scotland and has been in beautiful New Zealand for 10 years! With 15 years of experience as an interior designer she has designed a wide range of interiors both in the UK and here in New Zealand.

If you would like to discuss any current or future project, big or small, the team at Bespoke Interior Design would love to be a part of the process. PN BESPOKE INTERIOR DESIGN, T: 09 820 2165 E: info@bespokedesign.co.nz www.bespokedesign.co.nz

Kenwood launched their gorgeous brightly coloured new range - K-Mix - at a standout launch at Main Course on Tuesday 5 March. Masterchef runner-up Jax Hamilton was the MC, and fittingly media guests had to compete to create the very Macaroon towers that had been Jax’ Masterchef downfall.

Ponsonby designer Andrea Moore spoke on fashion, colour and dressed the models to stunning effect. (JULIE ROULSTON)

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HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS NEW ‘MUST HAVE’ TOOL GIVES AUCKLAND HOUSE-HUNTERS THE EDGE Hunting for the perfect home in Auckland’s fast-paced and competitive housing market just got easier with a new app for iPad from Barfoot & Thompson.

Offering customisable searches, high-resolution imagery and property documents in an easy to navigate format, the location-aware app helps house-hunters hone in on potential properties from thousands of listings around the city.

“Whether you are relaxing in a wi-fi zone or out and about over the weekend, this app puts the neighbourhood at your fingertips, with imagery and information that all but takes you to the front door,” explains IT Manager Stephen Barfoot. “With instant access to information-rich listings at the tap of a finger, buyers can condense their lengthy house hunts and more quickly identify the homes that might be right for them.”

STAND-OUT FEATURES INCLUDE: • interactive map with listing previews • school zone overlays • show open homes within the week, day or hour • documents like titles, floor plans and auction information • contact the salesperson straight from the app As thousands of people search and compete for a new home in Auckland each day, Stephen says the application offers potential buyers a real edge.

“Those old adages that knowledge is power and timing is everything are definitely applicable to the Auckland market these days. With a 1300-strong sales force regularly adding listings and contributing to property information, this is a must-have tool that can deliver the detail you need to take the next step towards purchase with fewer clicks and calls.”

To download for free, visit www.barfoot.co.nz/ipad or search “Barfoot & Thompson” on iTunes. PN

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HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS WHAT ROLE DOES YOUR AGENCY PLAY IN SUPPORTING OUR LOCAL COMMUNITY? Ponsonby News asked all the local real estate office managers, a simple question.

JOHN WILLS, Custom Realty Born and bred in Grey Lynn, Custom Residential are proud to specialise in the local area. We genuinely love it here!

Whilst the team is working hard securing the best outcomes for local sellers and buyers, we also really enjoy being part of fundraising initiatives in the local community. As proud ambassadors of the local area, we believe that in working together and supporting community organisations everyone benefits.

We’ve built some rewarding long-term relationships with Grey Lynn School, Richmond Road School and Ponsonby Community Toy Library. A slight departure from this is our sponsorship of local residents’ BMW racecar.

We’ve cooked up sausages galore in the last couple of years! Donning aprons and chef hats and serving hundreds of hungry students and their families, we’ve supported Grey Lynn School raise funds for the enhancement of their outdoor area. We’ve also helped send Grey Lynn School students away on school camp.

Being right at the coalface with hands-on help is what we do - it’s not simply about making a donation.

beaches, the raising of funds for the Christchurch Appeal, raising funds and provisions for the City Mission, involvement with Ronald McDonald house and much more.

All this is insignificant however, when compared with our daily activity. We are acutely aware that every sale we make affects local people’s lives. Our mantra of “We get you more” is not simply a hollow cliche.

We get you more because we live and work and are proud to be active participants in our community. Every fibre of our commercial existence, every office discussion, every strategy planning meeting has the intended result of achieving the best possible price we can for each individual person entrusting us to sell their home.

Although we may measure our commercial success by the number of annual sales, our entire focus is on achieving the maximum result for each individual home owner.

It is this drive that has resulted in our recently being awarded the 4th place out of over 1000 Ray White offices across eight countries.

Our global success is based upon our local, individual community focus.

We are proud of the role we play in our community.

NICOLA KELLAND, Managing Director, Kellands Real Estate Ltd

Richmond Road School Annual Gala is always a hit. The last couple of years our support has involved hiring and manning the bouncy castles. In 2012, through the gala, we contributed to the raising of $17,000 to employ learning assistants.

We are very excited to announce that Kellands are the key sponsor for Bayfield School for 2013; we will be assisting the school with their fundraising efforts and are committed to help them build an even better school. This sponsorship starts immediately with Music On The Field on 13 April.

Ponsonby Community Toy Library provides a fantastic toy and party equipment hire service for its members in the local area. We are delighted that we have been able to help them out by replacing their children’s party chairs and tables. We have also donated 16 top of the range kids’ scooters to meet the perpetual demand from members. Most recently, we were involved in their 20th birthday celebrations.

Our commitment to sponsorship began many years ago with the Look Good Feel Better Charity organising a house tour of some of Auckland’s beautiful homes. Since then, we have been the Platinum sponsor for Auckland Grammar Rowing Club, as we felt closely aligned with the hard work and dedication that a rower must have to succeed, and the similar qualities required to be a successful in real estate sales.

We’re also known for putting a team forward in local fundraising quiz nights – this is not, however our forte!

In 2011 we sponsored the tennis tournament for Mercy Hospice, a fabulous event with many of our sales people participating. In 2012 we sponsored Auckland Grammar Art Expo, raising much-needed funds for the school.

ROSS BRADER, Professionals Lochore’s Real Estate Licensed REAA 2008 We originally opened our Professionals office at Ponsonby in 1996 and subsequently relocated to 338 Pt Chevalier Road, with another branch also opening in 2011 at 483 Richmond Road. During the last 17 years over 2,000 local people have bought and sold homes through us in the Ponsonby to Pt Chevalier area, so it is only fitting that we repay that support of our business through sponsorship and fundraising for many local community initiatives.

This year Kellands has been a major sponsor for ‘White Night’ in Remuera, part of the Auckland Festival of Arts. It was a wonderful evening of Art, Music, Robotics, Sculpture and Dance.

We are a relatively small company compared with the large franchises, so the funds we can allocate to sponsorship and the types of sponsorship that we commit to, are carefully considered. But I think we punch above our weight to support a variety of causes in our markets.

In recent times these have included the Westmere/Grey Lynn and Pt Chevalier Plunket groups, the West End Tennis Club, Indulge Wine and Food Festival at Pt Chevalier School the local BISC (Business in Support of Community) Group, Carols by Candle Light at Coyle Park, Christmas Lights, various tournaments, quiz nights and we also print several groups newsletters through our printer for free.

Since 1995 we have also, as part of our New Zealand wide franchise group, assisted in raising over $3,500,000 for the Child Cancer Foundation and used those funds for family places and three holiday homes - in Taupo, Arrowtown and Hastings. These holiday homes give children and their families coping with cancer an opportunity to take a holiday, relax, and spend time together to recuperate and enjoy themselves in a stress free environment.

Each year we consider many sponsorship proposals from local community groups and we are keen to assist wherever possible in the years ahead, so please feel free to run any ideas past us.

SIMON DAMERELL, Damerell Earwaker t/a Ray White Ponsonby The Damerell Earwaker Group, trading as Ray White Ponsonby, Grey Lynn and Pt Chevalier, are acutely aware of our community responsibility.

Over the years we have been involved in the native planting within the majority of local schools, planting local stream banks, the annual clean up of Cox’s Bay and surrounding

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RAY WHITE PONSONBY cleaning up Cox’s Bay and surrounding beaches PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

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HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS RACHEL DOVEY, Residential Manager, Bayleys Real Estate Ltd Bayleys principal sponsorship is of the Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind’s Guide Dogs Services. The company has so far raised more than $2.4 million for this cause.

In the Ponsonby area, Bayleys’ major community project is Through a Child’s Eyes, which assists 15 local schools with the growth of their art, design and culture programmes.

As well as providing funding and book vouchers, we facilitate the exhibition of the artwork at the College Hill New World around September each year.

We are always blown away by the depth of talent that comes out of this programme.

Bayleys is also major sponsor of the Ponsonby Primary School Fireworks Fiesta, which raises money for school resources and is widely enjoyed by the community.

We are also the principal sponsor of the Westmere Kids’ Triathlon, a family event which encourages family fitness, participation and team work. All children taking part receive a goody bag and t-shirt.

Attached to the event are fun activities and stalls, with the key objective to raise money for a school hall and for other nominated groups or charities – one year it was for a primary school in Christchurch to support their efforts with rebuilding their school after the earthquake.

We also are a key sponsor of the Western Springs Football Club, a commitment that allows the club to have additional support and resources. This club has a large membership from the surrounding areas of Ponsonby, Grey Lynn and beyond.

Bayleys is big on the community, and we are always keens to support more community initiatives.

WAYNE BULOG, Branch Manager, UP Realty Like all companies in the area, be they real estate or otherwise, I’m sure that we would all like to believe we contribute and are a part of this very vibrant community.

My team and my office are supporters of a couple of sports teams/clubs and minor supporters of Bayfield School (books) along with donations to various school’s building funds over the years. My team, as individuals and parents, are an active group in relation to participating on school boards and kindergarten committees, sports clubs, etc.

We certainly enjoy the community we are a part of and welcome having discussions with community based groups.

TIM IRVINE, Manager, Barfoot & Thompson, Ponsonby Barfoot & Thompson, Ponsonby plays a major part in our local community and it ranges from major fundraising for Starship to running a sausage sizzle for Mercy Hospice on Ponsonby Market Day. We are a family orientated company, who every year with the help of local businesses, help raise money for our main charity Starship. We were part of a young author competition which Bayfield School was one of only six out of 100 to have their entry published.

We are very interested in the Schools and have a Barfoot & Thompson, Ponsonby Cup for the best inner city swimmer. We are involved in Ponsonby Primary School in various forms and provide the auctioneer at their annual fundraiser. We are one of the main sponsors at the Grafton Cricket Club Super 6s held every year at Victoria Park, with over 100 kids playing. We were also proud sponsors of a Ponsonby Year 6 Rugby team.

BAYLEYS sponsors Westmere Kids’ Triathlon. Pictured: WENDY PETRIE

ANDREW COSGRAVE, Manager, Barfoot & Thompson, Grey Lynn Barfoot & Thompson Grey Lynn is heavily involved in the local Grey Lynn community though a variety of different sponsorships. This year the branch was the major sponsor of the Grey Lynn School’s annual Aloha night, which is the foremost fundraising event for the school.

The office also contributes to St Joseph’s Primary School Ukulele Group, and to a variety of touch rugby teams in Grey Lynn and Cox’s Bay as well as local netball teams. The office is a major sponsor of the annual Samoan sports’ awards, and an annual Breast Cancer awareness walk in Cornwall Park.

Throughout the year, the office contributes to Starship Children’s hospital through participation in a number of fundraising events – charity auctions, quiz nights etc.

Barfoot and Thompson is a five-star sponsor of the Starship Foundation which guarantees an annual financial contribution, as well as additional fundraising activities such as the Magic of reading programme. This gives every child who spends a night or more in Starship Hospital children’s ward a new book.

We sponsor the Ponsonby Bowling Club every year and a number of the agents are involved with Barnados, Red Cross, Kidney Kids, Radio Lollipop and City Mission on an annual basis.

Grey Lynn Barfoot and Thompson is actively involved with the Grey Lynn Business Association which has been responsible for many local initiatives including the improving of the Surrey Crescent/Grey Lynn Shopping precinct – street parties at Grey Lynn and West Lynn and the unitary plan submission known as the Grey Lynn plan.

The Grey Lynn office of Barfoot & Thompson was the major sponsor and provided office space for public submissions on this plan.

We enjoy the community involvement and it is particularly satisfying seeing the response from recipients be it big or small.

Individual salespeople in the office contribute both financially and personally to the community – it’s our way of ‘giving back’ to Grey Lynn. PN

ARE YOU SELLING? ‘you can’t sell a secret... good marketing makes a difference every time’ www.ponsonbynews.co.nz

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ASK AN ARCHITECT: PAUL LEUSCHKE Each month Grey Lynn resident and architect Paul Leuschke of Leuschke Kahn answers readers’ property related questions.

Email yours to jane@leuschkekahn.co.nz

Q: A:

What is your opinion of us staying in the house while we undertake an alteration to it?

There is a joke that builders have two prices, one if you vacate the house and one if you stay in it during the alteration. The price is much higher if you stay in the house.

Renting and still paying a mortgage is expensive so we all understand the reason to want to stay in the house. Storing your belongings can also be costly.

It is always best to ask your builder but generally for all but the very modest alterations or very contained alterations, it is better to leave the house. There is nothing more time consuming to the builder than the owner asking daily questions of him and his sub -contractors when the owner is living in the house.

NAME THE ROBOT! Robot creator, Martin Horspool has created a new robot, which is on loan to Grey Lynn Community Centre. Made from found objects, “she” is as yet unnamed so the Community Centre are having a naming competition.

Cath, the centre’s manager says, “She is a wonderful addition to the Community Centre team and is our metallic guardian angel.”

The competition closes on 15 April 2013 and the winner will receive a personal tour of Martin’s Robot Gallery.

Entries go into a box at the Grey Lynn Community Centre. PN

Staying has complications. Building sites are dangerous and as the builder is responsible for site safety you can put him in jeopardy with Health & Safety if you stay.

If you have children there is more risk of an accident. The builder will need to work around your stuff, being careful of dust and dirt. If something is broken or stolen this can lead to conflict with your builder over who is responsible. And remember all the while you are living in a work zone, starting at 7.30 each morning, with hammers, skill saws and mud.

The length of the proposed alteration needs to be considered. We can all camp out for a few weeks but it gets progressively more difficult to have a normal lifestyle, the longer the alteration takes. There is also the interesting subject of insurance cover. It is always best to inform your insurer of any items being stored on site while the alteration is happening.

However there are exceptions. We are currently designing an extension which is separate from the existing house and only has a small link between the new and old.

Two pavilions really. In this case the owners can stay and will only be inconvenienced when the new link is joined into the old house. (PAUL LEUSCHKE) PN www.leuschkekahn.co.nz

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THE HISTORICAL BOROUGH OF PONSONBY AND GREY LYNN

STREET NAMES: ARTHUR STREET OUR CITY FATHERS HAD A PENCHANT FOR naming streets after Queen Victoria and members of her family. Prince Arthur, the Duke of Connaught, was her third and favourite son and the last British Prince to command a major formation in battle and the first to fill the position of Governor General of a self governing Dominion, namely Canada.

Victoria made no bones about who were the favourites among her large brood. When Arthur was born she declared he was ‘a fine large boy’ who met her heart’s desire and according to his father he ‘glided into the light of day and was received by his sisters with jubilates’. Victoria’s absolute favourite was Arthur’s younger sister, Beatrice who spent a life of servitude to her mother but Arthur was permitted to have a career in the army and the civil service.

Arthur was blessed with exceptional good looks and at only four months, much to the queen’s delight, he was larger than a child of the same age who was son of one of her keepers at Balmoral. At the age of five he was introduced to the so-called heroics of war when he attended the queen’s presentation of medals to soldiers and sailors who had returned from the Crimean war. Eventually he was removed from the care of his governess and Sir Howard Elphinstone, who was awarded the Victoria Cross for services in Crimea oversaw his education, but with a lot of interference from his mother.

When the Prince Consort died Elphinstone became substitute father of the 12 year old. Victoria’s interest in the boy’s welfare remained undiminished and she plagued Elphinstone with letters of advice, though heavily reliant on him to bring up her son.

They moved into the Ranger’s House, Greenwich Park and Elphinstone promised the Queen that every room had a thermometer so the temperature would not exceed 60 degrees! There’s no doubt Elphinstone was a good influence in Arthur’s life, setting high standards of social behaviour but the boy’s wider education was limited and he never developed logical thought processes that proved a handicap in his later life.

Arthur’s military ambitions were fulfilled when he enrolled at the Royal Military College at Woolwich. A long and distinguished career followed including service in South Africa,

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Canada, Ireland, Egypt and India. He impressed the Canadians mightily and was given the title of ‘Chief of Six Nations’ by the Iroquois enabling him to sit in the tribe’s councils and vote on matters of tribal governance. There was hope Prince Arthur would one day return as Governor General. This hope was eventually realised in 1911 and was the summit of his career.

He got into a ‘bit of bovver’ after the outbreak of war when he interfered in military protocol prompting Robert Borden, the Prime Minister to opine that Arthur “laboured under the handicap of his position as a member of the Royal Family and never realised his limitations as Governor General”.

When the time for Arthur to marry loomed, The Queen’s preoccupation with the choice of his wife knew no bounds. Even though he claimed there wasn’t need for ‘much hurry’ she set about finding the right Princess, and back in those times there was an abundance of them all over Europe. Eventually his eldest sister, much to Victoria’s annoyance, introduced him to Princess Louise Margaret, an ‘unadvisable’ Prussian princess. The couple privately and mutually decided to become engaged and the Queen simply had to be content with imposing all sorts of conditions, such as where the marriage took place and even where the honeymoon should be spent. Even though all this interference irritated Arthur he explained to his chosen princess, ‘Mama will always look at everything in her own light and will not allow anybody else to have any views of their own’.

Even though happily married there was always room in Arthur’s life for other women and for many years he maintained a liaison with Léonie Leslie, Lady Randolph Churchill’s sister, while still remaining devoted to his wife, but this did keep his contemporaries guessing! After Louise died he continued to preside over various state functions till 1928 when he finally withdrew from public life.

Arthur died at the great old age of 91, as did his elder sister, the Duchess of Argyll making them the two longest-lived of Queen Victoria’s nine children.

(DEIRDRE TOHILL) PN

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HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS TSUNAMI SIREN TESTING FOR DAYLIGHT SAVING AT NOON ON SUNDAY 7 APRIL, AUCKLAND CIVIL DEFENCE WILL BE TESTING the north and west coast tsunami sirens to check operational performance and familiarise residents with the siren tones.

These tsunami sirens are tested by Auckland Council Civil Defence twice yearly. In the event of a tsunami, parts of Rodney and Waitakere will be alerted by a series of sirens.

However, the public is not required to do anything for these series of tests, except be aware of them.

The tsunami sirens are located in Rodney at Point Wells, Whangateau, Omaha and Waiwera. In Waitakere, sirens are located at Bethells Beach Te Henga, Piha North, Piha South, Karekare, Whatipu, Little Huia, Huia, Te Atatu South, Harbour View Road, Te Atatu Peninsula North, Westpark Marina, Hobsonville Airbase (Harrier Point) and Herald Island.

The test sequence will be three sets of tones, each signalling a specific action. They will sound for one minute each and there will be 15 seconds between each set. In an emergency, tones will sound for longer.

The siren patterns and the way they will sound in an emergency are: ALERT (dash – dash – dot – dot) sounds for 15 minutes and indicates threat of tsunami. Evacuate beaches, prepare for full evacuation and monitor the radio or television for more information.

EVACUATE (dot – dot – dot) continuous bursts for 15 minutes indicates immediate evacuation to the nearest safe high ground and to avoid using personal transport unless essential.

ALL CLEAR (continuous tone) sounds for five minutes indicate threat has passed.

Return to premises if they have not been affected, and follow directions of the emergency services if your area has been affected.

For more information about the north and west coast tsunami warning system go to www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz.

Aucklanders can set their phones up to receive text message alerts and can also download the free ‘Auckland Civil Defence’ application on any smartphone handset, including iPhone, Android and Windows devices. For everything you need to get ready for an emergency, go to: www.getthru.govt.nz.

DON’T MISS THE MAY PONSONBY NEWS+ DEADLINE COPY DEADLINE: SATURDAY 20 APRIL PUBLISHED: Friday 3 May (Please be on time, as any material arriving after deadline may incur a 20% surcharge)

SPECIAL FEATURES: A-Z Cafes & Restaurants + Mother’s Day (12 May) + Richmond Road.

TO BOOK ADVERTISING: ask about our special positions!

Jo Barrett on 021 324 510 or T: 09 361 3356 or 09 378 8553 E: joannebarrett@xtra.co.nz W: www.ponsonbynews.co.nz

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REAL ESTATE UPDATE: KAREN SPIRES ARE WE HEADED FOR A HOUSING BUBBLE? THERE’S CHATTER IN THE CAFES AND RESTAURANTS OF JERVOIS ROAD that Auckland’s housing market will soon find itself in a precarious ‘bubble’ stage. Word on the street goes something like, ‘Property values have risen too high, prices have to go down’.

It’s important to note that the country’s leading financial and banking economists are forecasting otherwise.

Auckland Unitary Plan has indicated housing will instead need to intensify. All this will make historic communities - like Ponsonby, Herne Bay and St Mary’s Bay - all the more sought after.

Last time Auckland’s property market experienced a so-called ‘bubble’ was between 2005 and 2007. It dipped during the recession, which hit hardest in 2008 through ‘til early 2010. The market started recovering in mid-2010 and gathered momentum this summer - perhaps spurred along by buyers who didn’t buy homes in 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011 and now feel confident investing in Auckland property. Yet here we are, back to talk about ‘bubbles’. As Tony Alexander puts it, the doomsayers were wrong then and they are wrong again now.

BNZ chief economist Tony Alexander for example debunks the ‘bubble’ theory in his recent report on the housing market - where he explains why current values will, at the very least, continue to show good growth. Firstly, he points out our population is growing. Statistics NZ figures show many expatriate New Zealanders are returning home, and the waves once leaving for Australia have reduced to a trickle. Over the next 10 years, statisticians say Auckland’s population will increase by 65 people a day on average. They believe that within a generation, 5.19million people will live in this city.

In reality, the only challenge facing the property market in Herne Bay and St Mary’s Bay is that many of these homes are at the very top end of the market. Due to the dollar values involved, such properties will always exist in their own buyer microclimate.

There probably won’t ever be scores of buyers fiercely bidding against each other and pushing prices up. It’s a specialised market, but it is possible to get a great result - since 2011 I’ve sold 20 properties for more than $2.25million, several upwards of $4million.(KAREN SPIRES) PN

Added to this is the realisation that land is running out. There’s opposition to the idea of developing any more of the fertile farm land on Auckland’s outer limits, and the

Karen Spires is a Bayleys Real Estate ‘Top Achiever’ – placing her sales data among the top five percent of salespeople within the company.

THE FUTURE LOOK OF PONSONBY AND HERNE BAY BAYLEYS AUCKLAND CENTRAL RESIDENTIAL MANAGER RACHEL DOVEY reviews the recently released Auckland Unitary Plan and its implications for residential property in Ponsonby and Herne Bay. Selected parts of Ponsonby and Herne Bay face vastly different futures under Auckland Council’s Unitary Plan – with major developments at one end of the scale, and no change whatsoever at the other end of the spectrum.

The Unitary Plan is very clear in its call for the city to grow ‘up’ rather than ‘out’.

Central to the type of development which will be seen in Ponsonby and Herne Bay over the coming 20 years is the fact that Ponsonby Road, College Hill and Jervois Road are all substantial arterial routes linking the CBD with the inner-west environs. All three roads are also major commercial, retail and hospitality zones immediately bordering residential quarters. And all three roads are well served by transport networks to the city.

However, under the council’s definition, much of Ponsonby Road, College Hill and Jervois Road is deemed to be inefficient and underutilised. The council notes that while many buildings in those streets may have considerable character or heritage appeal from a visual perspective, at only one or two stories high, they could be ‘reconfigured’ to encompass a greater number of residential dwellings as three or four storey blocks.

The Auckland-wide move is now toward ‘mixed use’ zones allowing for low-rise residential and retail/office developments along selected spinal networks – a-la Ponsonby Road, College Hill and Jervois Road. We have already seen this style of development creeping up College Hill, established on the corner blocks of Picton and Collingwood streets, and of course proposed for the famous Erawan Thai restaurant in Jervois Road.

The pace of reconfiguration will gather momentum over the next 20 years as property owners/developers seek to maximise the efficiency of current landholdings.

For many of the character and heritage retail and commercial premises, that could mean demolition of current structures, while potentially retaining existing frontages, or potentially demolishing existing premises altogether and rebuilding totally new,

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taller, structures in heritage or character styles. As such, I believe much of the focus for future residential development in Ponsonby and Herne Bay will be focussed directly on these three roads. Meanwhile, once off Ponsonby and Jervois roads, my interpretation of the council’s Unitary Plan is that there are virtually no available landholdings suitable for the type of housing intensification extolled in the report.

Additionally, there are a range of factors which would inhibit such high density residential developments in the side streets off Ponsonby and Jervois roads, including: • Already ‘small’ section sizes down to some 400 square metres, which are unsuitable for subdivision or further intensification • The prevalence of high-value homes – with little appetite from existing owners to sell off any of their spare land • Lack of off-street parking in already narrow and congested roads • An intelligent, vociferous, and potentially litigious local populous which could, and would, quickly rally against any proposals to change the nature of their immediate suburban neighbourhood.

While there is a justifiable element of NIMBY (Not In My Back Yard) from homeowners in the streets running off and running parallel to Ponsonby Road, Jervois Road, and College Hill, it may well be a different scenario for owners of commercial premises directly along these routes.

Yes, the wider community may well rally against such developments and the potential loss of character structures – as it has done with the proposal to demolish the landmark Erawan Thai Restaurant. But as we have seen with SOHO, bigger elements in the commercial sector are usually well prepared to pursue their ambitions over the long haul.

The challenge for architects over the coming decades therefore is to design visually appealing, high quality, new buildings which maintain the quirky character of Ponsonby and Herne Bay - encapsulating its early 20th century charm - while meeting the requirements of housing Auckland’s growing population within the existing and constrained land space. (RACHEL DOVEY) PN

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UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL: WAYNE WRIGHT Antiques Dealer Wayne Wright established his first antiques store in Christchurch in 1965. Wayne never foresaw the day that he would be moving that store to Auckland but since the unforeseeable events of 22 February 2011 he knows that he made the right decision. Buying two old villas on the corner of Crummer Road and Pollen Street and setting about restoring them has been an ambitious project. Wayne and his wife Diane travel to France every year, where they own an old typical Quercy house in a village in the south-west of France. During that time they travel around Europe purchasing stock to bring back to their store, where they are enjoying meeting clients both new and old.

WHO IS YOUR PARTNER? Diane, who, when she is not working with me at Wayne Wright Antiques, is at Trelise Cooper’s Parnell Store styling beautifully dressed women.

WHERE DO YOU LIVE? We live and work from our house/es at 16 Crummer Road, (the two blue villas on the corner).

WHERE DO YOU SPEND YOUR HOLIDAYS? We work/holiday at our house in France. While based there we will usually manage a week or so on the Mediterranean Coast somewhere. We’re still to adventure further north and make new discoveries.

WHAT’S YOUR PERFECT SUNDAY? A balmy day over at Waiheke visiting family.

Paradise only half an hour away!

WHAT WERE YOU GOING TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UP? I’m not sure when exactly I ‘grew up’ but I started trading (brass and iron beds) with an uncle in the early 60s and it kind of grew from there (and I am still waiting to ‘grow up’ I guess!)

YOUR BEST FRIEND WOULD SAY OF YOU... “Understand why you left mate, but miss you all the same...”

YOUR MOTHER WOULD SAY OF YOU... “Teddy Boy - Done Well.”

WHAT ARE YOUR VICES? Travelling, wine, buying clothes and shoes, more wine, not disposing of any of my ridiculous amount of clothes and my shoe collection - and Glengarry’s is dangerously close!

WHO’S YOUR ULTIMATE ROCK ICON? Can only be Elvis!

WHAT WEBSITES DO YOU BOOKMARK? Graham Beattie’s Book Blog.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE PONSONBY CAFE? Definitely OhSo - so close, so convenient and such good coffee!

AND YOUR FAVOURITE PONSONBY RESTAURANT? Pane e Vino - Tito and his team go out of their way to make it a warm and friendly place to be. The food is great too, they do a special potato dish just for me!

FAVOURITE PONSONBY STORE? The new Ponsonby Central - an amazing array of choices! Still lots to discover for us.

WHAT’S YOUR BEST-KEPT PONSONBY SECRET? Ken and Deborah from Whitespace Gallery who know Ponsonby and Grey Lynn so well and have shared so much with us (and they have outstanding, world-class exhibitions). We are enjoying being here so much.

WHAT’S INSPIRED YOU RECENTLY? Having support from local antique dealers and working on becoming the Grey Lynn Antiques Quartier!

THE HOUSE IS ON FIRE AND YOUR FAMILY IS SAFE - WHAT DO YOU SAVE? I found that out really quickly during a spectacularly violent earthquake and all I could think about was ‘get me out of here’ (five guys and a forklift from Caxton Press next door). Diane would say phone, laptop and chargers!

ONE THING YOU HAVE LEARNED ABOUT LIFE IS..? If you miss the bus you weren’t meant to be on it! Enjoy it while you can!

WAYNE WRIGHT ANTIQUES, 16 Crummer Road, Ponsonby T: 09 378 9096 www.waynewright.co.nz PN

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EELING UNACCEPTABLE IN PUBLIC PARKS Auckland Council is reminding residents that eeling is not allowed in public parks following the recent discovery of an eel trap in Western Springs.

Western Springs Lakeside Park, also known by its customary Maori name, Te Wai Orea ‘Waters of the Eel’, is a historically significant place where eels flourished before European settlers arrived. The lake is home to both native eel species, the shortfin (Anguilla australis) and longfin (Anguilla dieffenbachii), along with several other species of fish and birds.

Local and Sports Park Manager, Mark Bowater, says eeling and trapping eels in our parks is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.

“We must protect our native flora and fauna, especially these eel species which have cultural and historical significance.

“Our eels mature into adults in freshwater lakes and streams, and migrate to the sea to breed. Most take 20-30 years to mature, but some females are over 80 years old before they travel through available waterways and across damp ground to the sea,” he says.

All forms of fishing, other than the use of small hand-held nets by children for educational purposes, are not permitted in Western Springs Lakeside Park.

In addition, under council’s bylaw and the Reserves Act, it is illegal to kill or injure any animal in a public place or take or willfully destroy any animal.

If you do come across an eel trap, or see people eeling in public parks, please contact Auckland Council on T: 09 301 0101. PN

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KIRK LAFFERTY - MY FAVOURITE ROOM KIRK LAFFERTY IS A RETURNING INTERNATIONAL TRAVELLING CHEF, and part-time photographer/book designer/artist. He lives with his Mexican wife, mixologist Laura Lopez, at the top of Crummer Road right above Whitespace gallery “with a better view” says Kirk. A long term Greater Ponsonby resident, Kirk lived in Ponsonby, Grey Lynn and Freemans Bay for some 10 years before moving overseas in 2000. On his return in 2011, he headed straight back to his ‘hood’.

Kirk’s favourite room is his living room. “The amount of greenery and additions give it a very lived-in, art gallery feel” he says. He and Laura use the room for entertaining, dinner parties, and cocktail parties - “one seems to run into the other at our place,” Kirk continues. “We live in an apartment so crazy over-the-top parties are out of the question... the dinner party with cool conversation and an on-hand Mexican mixologist is the height of social existence for me. It’s really nice to cook in my own home, and be able to sit down between courses and take in the sunset with friends, just sitting back and enjoying existence every now and then. We go out less as a result of making our home a beautiful place to relax in.”

The living room is Kirk’s favourite because of the view, which has stunning sunsets every night coming straight into the room. “The high roofs also give a small room a much more open, ambient sense which makes up for the lack of space,” he says, “but that was before we decorated - it is what you bring into a space which makes it really your own.”

Kirk’s favourite thing in the room ‘by far’ is the picket fence trinket dining table which forms the centerpiece. He says “It’s a functional artwork in progress and matches the picket fence bedstead I made for our room. The fake grass fluorescent green carpet adds to the colonial, pastoral, kiwiana feel I was after. Having space to amass a collection of my own photography prints on the walls is nice. As well as a few donated artworks I also have quite a few ceramic works including a killed gingerbread man bottle, a water pitcher with devils’ horns and a crazy man with a fish on top of his head from my artist sister Jo-anne Raill. There is a sprinkling of artifacts, toys and reminders of the last three and a half years spent in Mexico, including a dias de la morte candelabra. We bring it out when we put up an alter to celebrate the lives of our favourite people who are no longer with us, once a year.”

Kirk finishes, “a room reflects your personality, which in this case is bright, lively and artistic with a touch of childish insanity.That probably sums up myself and Laura quite well.” (JULIE ROULSTON) PN

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REAL ESTATE TIP OF THE MONTH - LEILA MORRIS IS THE FIRST OFFER REALLY THE BEST OFFER? THERE IS THE OLD SAYING THE FIRST OFFER IS THE BEST OFFER AND sometimes I wonder if that is always true. Nowadays, many properties are for sale by auction and we experience that often buyers prefer to make a pre-auction offer, either to avoid the competition of the auction room or to find out the approximate price a vendor is willing to sell their property for.

Here at Barfoot & Thompson, we are receiving numerous email notifications about the acceptance of pre-auction offers and auction dates being brought forward. In many cases these offers are increased by new bidders or by the buyer who made the original offer. One way or the other it seems that the first offer is normally increased in a competitive situation.

But what about when an offer is made on a property marketed with an asking price?

Is the first offer always the best offer and how does the vendor know? In this case the ideal situation would be for an offer to come in after the first open home and ensure the agent has already established strong market feedback.

Again, like I said in my last Tip of the Month, it is important and absolutely necessary that the home owner and their engaged real estate agent work together and trust each other in a professional manner. At the end of the day, only the vendor can make the decision to sell but that decision should be a well informed one.

(LEILA MORRIS) PN

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SIDELINE WITH GEORGE BERRY

FRENCH FARE FOR KIRWAN’S BLUES Pre this year’s Super Rugby season there was plenty of chatter about one of the Blues players heading to France, now it’s about the French heading down under to face the Blues.

It looks fairly assured that centre Rene Ranger will leave Auckland to further his career offshore later this year, but if he’s still fit come 11 June he’ll get the chance to square off against his soon to be adopted country.

Whether he makes the All Blacks or not, a Tuesday night match at Auckland’s North Harbour Stadium is well and truly in the pipeline, Les Bleus versus Sir John Kirwan’s Blues.

When I was first made aware of the French sides plans to be based in the City of Sails during their three week tour I wondered if a midweek match would be on the cards, a kind of rugby tour of old.

And with the international window opening up a significant gap in the Super Rugby competition the Blues swiftly swooped on the potential opportunity.

Although I must admit I did raise an eyebrow at their choice to play at North Harbour Stadium, given their lack of positive results at Eden Park.

Just as the Chiefs have signalled their intentions to travel to Argentina in search of top quality opposition during the break, the Blues are now the second franchise to jump at taking on international calibre opposition.

John Kirwan’s side have made a positive start to their season, and he deserves to be commended for instilling belief into his young squad and some pride in the blue and white jersey.

A stunning win over the Hurricanes and a right royal whipping of the Crusaders, Kirwan seems to have injected the severely lacking elements to a side the city deserves to be proud of. And if there’s to be any real measure of how his side are tracking it should be the clash against the French.

The final contest ahead of a two week break, and the simple fact that Kiwis love to beat the French (almost as much as beating the Australians) should provide all the motivation Kirwan’s side needs. They will be without their All Blacks, yes, but I doubt that All Blacks coach Steve Hansen is going to throw out his rule book and select anyone too far from the tried and true, so expect the fresh faced Blues squad to be close to full strength.

The French will also bring a full strength side down for their end of season tour. After attending a number of French games of rugby this year I can assure you the pain of their Rugby World Cup loss in 2011 is still strong. There’s little more they talk about when they know you’re from New Zealand, and I’m sure the word revenge wouldn’t be unfair in describing their levels of motivation. (GEORGE BERRY) PN

THE HERNE BAY HUSTLERS NEED LOCAL SUPPORT THIS IS THE FIRST YEAR FOR THE HERNE BAY HUSTLERS, AN UNDER 85kg rugby team, a group of players who all come from the local community.

A team of the people for the people. We are looking to make our mark on the grade and on the local area and we’d love your support.

Auckland club rugby can be a daunting place for your standard young professional, But with every player strictly weighed by the referee before each game, there is no flouting the system. There is plenty of nudity, by players, who ditch their underwear in a last bid to make the weight, but if you can’t get under, you’re out.

The weight limit makes for fast-paced rugby and it’s a great spectacle to behold from the sideline. The forwards are often as quick and nimble as the backs. There is tonnes of heart and it’s very competitive, which makes for highly entertaining viewing. With 200 dozen cans of Speights awarded to the ultimate winner, it’s hardly surprising!

The Under 85kg grade is the most popular grade in Auckland, hosting between 25 and 30 teams each season, and now Ponsonby has a new team to be proud of. The Herne Bay Hustlers are playing out of Ponsonby Rugby Club, based at Western Springs just five minutes away from Ponsonby Road.

The official season does not start until April, so if you think you want to have a run around and see if you’ve got what it takes, you’re welcome to come down to training on a Wednesday night. There’s now no better motivation to lose that beer belly to get under 85kgs and join a team close to your home.

We are still on the lookout for a new backs coach, so if you can take a team to glory, and feel that you could have more success than Pat Lam had last year, please contact me.

Make sure to get your copy of the next issue of Ponsonby News which will include our full draw including all our home games that will be held down at Western Springs, under lights, on Friday nights.

What better way to kick off the weekend’s festivities than coming down to support your local team and having a few very competitively priced drinks from the bar? And ladies, just remember, its not the size of the wave, more the motion of the ocean.

We are also looking for sponsors – like any team we need gear, cold beer and any help we can get. If you interested please get in touch. (TIM KERR) PN M: 021 985 454; E: tim.kerr00@gmail.com www.ponsonbyrugby.co.nz

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COACH ANDY BOWMAN AND MANAGER BRICE CLARK

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SIDELINE WITH GEORGE BERRY MARTIN - MAKING EVERYONE A WINNER Being that Bruce Martin now plays for the Auckland Aces we’d better lay claim to him before anyone else gets their claws into him. And given his wizardry with the ball for the Black Caps during the test series against England it’s hard to see how the New Zealand selectors have overlooked him for such a long time.

Sure, it’s easy to draw comparisons between him and a fine wine reaching maturity, but the fact he’s a regular wicket taker must suggest the former selectors had been playing it too safe in leaving him on the shelf for so long.

COMMENTARY WITH A DIFFERENCE When the Blackcaps head on tour it’s almost impossible to get decent ball by ball commentary.

If you’re at work and away from the TV the only solution in the past seemed to be Radio Sports’ intermittent coverage, but when the New Zealanders head to the United Kingdom in May, another option awaits: Test Match Sofa.

I was recently invited on as a guest commentator during the Black Caps second test and have to say it’s a refreshing change from the current mundane, same old same old, that’s been offered up until now.

32 year old Martin, who has now played in just four tests in his career, three of them in the past month, is far better than a bowler charged with just holding an end while the wicket taking responsibility fell upon the shoulders of the seamers, a role that other than former skipper Daniel Vettori was often viewed as one for a New Zealand spinner.

Perhaps he would have been a long shot at unseating Vettori for a regular spot in the side, but given nearly half of New Zealands cricket tours are to the sub continent Martin deserved more reward for his efforts to date.

New Zealand may well have secured their first win in Sri Lanka long before last year if Vettori and Martin had been unleashed together.

His abilities with the bat aren’t too shabby either.

Whilst focusing on the English team and their tours around the world, lucky for us Kiwis, New Zealand is about to embark on the return leg of England’s tour of New Zealand.

41 in the first innings in Dunedin and 4 for 43 with the ball, Martin showed he is more than ready for the responsibility bestowed upon him in a national side. They weren’t just cheap wickets either, Jonathan Trott, Matt Prior, Stuart Broad and James Anderson all sent packing due to Martins heroics.

Test Match Sofa is a bunch of mates, best described as cricket fanatics, who love nothing more than having their say about how things should have, or could have, been done. A year after their inception the crew of regular commentators have quickly honed their skills, taking their home made commentary from the pub, to now be on offer to every other cricket enthusiast everywhere.

He then repeated the dose in the first innings of the second test. In trying Wellington conditions Martin was a key figure in removing the English with 4 for 130 off a whopping 48 overs. He then spent an age at the crease in a one man crusade with the bat, trying to insure his side avoided the follow on, scoring 21 not out.

Their banter and regular bashing of the Aussie cricket team isn’t too far off the mark either.

Rain may have been seen as the saviour of New Zealand’s hopes in Wellington, but perhaps Martin should be given a fair amount of the credit.

Both current and former internationals regularly drop by and even the odd comedian finds themselves with a beer in one hand, and a microphone in the other being quizzed about how Peterson or Trott should have played the last shot.

You’ll also find their one sided opinions both eye opening and ear opening as I did, but the ultimate point to their humour is often well placed.

The archive of stories, known as the Blogroll are also worth a read if you have a spare few moments.

The pitches in the United Kingdom look poised to offer up similar conditions to the England tour of New Zealand, so surely he can make plans to be boarding the plane for an English summer as the Black Caps gear up for their return tour.

The only question remining is will coach Mike Hesson revert to type and select a fit Dan Vettori or reward Martin and stick by the left armer who’s helped the coach slide back towards the winning circle rather than the losers lane his side were headed down. (GEORGE BERRY) PN

The description of one of their commentators says it all really. “Muslim friendly stand up comedian Aatif (although I’m sure there’s more to his name than this) grew up in a dynasty of mediocre cricketers, he developed into a useful batsman of great promise.

However, his career careered off a cliff when he discovered other more practical ways to philander.”

Or Manny who I felt was possibly the only one of the lot that spoke any real sense on the night I was there; “Manny started playing the game aged five and somehow managed to talk his way into his high schools 1st XI. His cricketing highlight was being selected for UAU (combined universities) to play Kent 2nd XI in 1978.

However the fact still remains that he should have been 12th man and was only selected when one of his fellow players’ car broke down on the motorway. The choice apparently between him and the Pavillion cat was very close.”

Highly worth a listen – and best of all – you can have it on while you’re at work, and apart from the laughing, your boss won’t notice a thing. (GEORGE BERRY) PN

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STILL FAMOUS IN NEW YORK AFTER ALMOST 10 YEARS IN HERNE BAY, THE LOCALS’ FAVOURITE BED LINEN store is closing down. Harrowset Hall has been an iconic destination for those looking for high quality bedding and beautiful design accents for their home.

In spite of their many loyal clients, the increased competition from cheaper outlets in Ponsonby, including Australian chain stores who constantly discount, plus online sellers, has made it too difficult to continue trading in its current location.

Harrowset Hall is focusing on its website business in line with many brick and mortar stores who are embracing the transition to clicks and mortar. Luckily, Harrowset Hall recognises the need to touch and feel textiles particularly when making bed linen purchasing decisions so they still have their other store located in Nuffield Street, Newmarket. This store continues to blossom and has a steady flow of customers both locally and further afield, including overseas tourists who rave about the wonderful store. They still get customers clutching the tiny article about Harrowset Hall that featured in the New York Times in 2006!

Herne Bay and Ponsonby locals alike will miss their stunning window displays and beautiful merchandise but the team at Harrowset Hall encourage you all to visit and snap up a bargain in their last Hurrah in Herne Bay. PN HARROWSET HALL, 87 Jervois Road T: 09 361 5647 Shop 7 Nuffield Street Precinct T: 09 524 4452 www.harrowsethall.co.nz

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ARTS + CULTURE DRIVING MISS DAISY IN AUCKLAND Two of New Zealand’s most iconic actors, George Henare and Annie Whittle join forces in the Tadpole Productions presentation of the classic Pulitzer prize winning play “Driving Miss Daisy”, to be performed at the historic PumpHouse Theatre on the shores of Lake Pupuke in Takapuna this May. The Auckland show will also feature Phil Peleton as Miss Daisy’s son, and will be directed by well-known theatre and TV personality Louise Wallace.

Henare and Whittle follow legendary pairings who have showcased Alfred Uhry’s timeless play on stage and screen, such as Jessica Tandy and Morgan Freeman, Vanesssa Redgrave and James Earl Jones and, most recently, Angela Lansbury with James Earl Jones.

Tadpole Productions was formed last year to bring quality theatre to the northern region of Auckland and 2012 saw two acclaimed plays staged by the group –“ The Lion in Winter” and “Last of the Red Hot Lovers”. Auckland audiences are in for a treat with their first show this year.

Spanning 25 years just prior to the civil rights movement, the story of “Driving Miss Daisy” revolves around the warm-hearted, humorous and affecting study of the unlikely relationship between a rich, aging, crotchety southern widow and her proud, softspoken chauffeur, hired by her son to avoid further disastrous car accidents.

Bookings are open for strictly limited season - 8 - 19 May. T: 09 489 8360 or book online at www.pumphouse.co.nz

SHOWING AT BLACK ASTERISK GALLERY EMMA BASS - IMPERFECT II Preview: 18 April 6.30pm; Artist’s Talk: 20 April 1pm Exhibition: 19 April – 8 May When a talented artist hits upon a subject that suits their temperament, one thinks of McCahon’s waterfalls, Siddell’s cityscapes, Hammond’s birds. So it is with Emma Bass and her photographs of beautiful, vulnerable flower arrangements.

Viewers of Bass’s first show on this theme in 2012 will recognise the creative mind behind Imperfect II, but will note some subtle changes. Works that are unashamedly theatrical, baroque or surreal can be found. The sense of drama has been heightened, as has the intensity of colours. Black backgrounds have been introduced in a few works.

In this second show one looks for new points of interest or emergent elements.

Here, in addition to the changes noted above, it is the vases. Bass’s ever-growing collection of flower- holders now begins to assert itself. A notable example is ‘Pohutukawa 8.26am’ where a Peter Muller porcelain piece from Germany has a magical meeting with our native pohutukawa. A walk around the exhibition looking at the vases as the primary subject puts an entirely new slant on things.

BLACK ASTERISK GALLERY, 10 Ponsonby Road M: 021 040 1168 www.blackasterisk.co.nz EMMA BASS POPPIES

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ARTS + CULTURE SHOWING AT OREXART TERRAIN 16 April – 7 May RICHARD MCWHANNELL: Grey Lynn artist Richard McWhannell presents a trio of atmospheric nocturnes concentrating on the landforms of Karekare on Auckland’s west coast.

RICHARD MCWHANNELL - ‘Seeing Red Nocturne, Pararaha’ 2012, Oil on linen, 195 x 240 mm

GLOBE-TROTTING LOCAL MUSICIAN: PHIL STOODLEY AS I WRITE THIS ARTICLE LOCAL MUSICIAN PHIL STOODLEY IS ON A GLOBE -trotting adventure through South-East Asia. He’s spent the last eight months travelling and performing across Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand and many other countries. In this time he also released his debut solo album, ‘No Surprise’, an album that brings together many influences and styles. He informs me that he is interested in many different musical genres, having been brought up on hard rock and blues before moving through reggae and later funk to contemporary jazz. Having such a wide variety of interests makes putting together an album that is cohesive, difficult. However, Phil does this brilliantly, mixing all his styles into a wonderful collection of music.

I spoke to Phil, a Ponsonby local, when he was in Cambodia, about to head to India.

He’s been getting a great response to his music wherever he goes and he tells me that he performed at a Kiwi bar in Singapore and “jammed some Katchafire” on an island off Malaysia with a local band. The experience and discovery of traditional music in Asia has been exciting and he’s had a few ideas for new projects when he arrives home. He told me that he hoped he would manage to learn a little of the sitar when he was India. It will be exciting to see the added influence of Asian music into his musical style on his return.

McWhannell is considered one of New Zealand’s foremost figurative artists and his landscapes continue his ‘observational’ style of painting. He acknowledges Constable and Cézanne and the whole landscape tradition of painting in his comment, ‘you paint what you know of a place, rather than just what you see.’

ROSS LEWIS: Grey Lynn artist, but English born and classically trained Ross Lewis presents works drawing on the great traditions of landscape painting in the late 1800s.

These are works done with a huge nod to the past but pull us right into the present by being composites of place rather than site specific. Lewis re-creates history almost as we imagine it.

JOHN MADDEN: Madden ‘feels’ his landscape. The dramatic west coast of Karekare is depicted in his expressionistic style. He ROSS LEWIS - ‘Loch’ 2012, Oil on works from numerous watercolour studies canvas, 1500 x 900mm and allows the forms to emerge in the process of painting as much as from the subject itself. His landscapes are reworked over months and sometimes years to achieve the final look.

Phil spent about a year working on tunes and riffs for the album, which he recorded in a studio at his own home. Some songs he had been working on and writing since the beginning of the process and others were composed and recorded as he went.

One of my personal favourites is the track ‘Say What You Mean’, which Phil told me was recorded live for the album. This beautifully sparse and heartfelt ballad is a great example of what happens when the creative juices of recording an album get going.

One of the other highlights of the album, ‘Walk Forward in Motion’, shows off Phil’s exquisite production skills. A mixture of pop and electronica it is brought to life in a romantic steam punk world by a video directed by Russian award-winning Andrey Shushkov. From the opening track, ‘We Don’t Talk Anymore’, an upbeat and catchy pop tune, to the acoustically driven ‘Feeling Strange’, and the French themed ‘Falling Apart’ the album has a great diversity of material.

JOHN MADDEN - ‘Pararaha South Side Looking to Whatipu’ 2013, Oil on canvas, 760 x 1520mm OREXART, 6 Putiki Street T: 09 378 0588 www.orexart.co.nz PN

Despite loving his time touring as a solo artist, and having successfully released ‘No Surprise’, Phil tells me that he’s looking at the possibility of getting into a band once he returns to the “real world”. He misses the collaborations that go with a team situation. He would even look at taking a break from lead vocals and just playing guitar, something he thinks would allow more creative juice to flow. “When the ego is out of the way, the creativity is always more fluid,” he says, meaning being back from lead position and not competing over the frontman vocals.

Finally, I asked Phil when Ponsonby could expect to see him back in his old local haunts. He said he would definitely be back later in the year to play a bunch of shows.

So keep an ear open for Phil Stoodley in concert in Ponsonby.

He has a new music video due for release soon for the title track of the album, which was filmed recently in China Town, Kuala Lumpur. Check out his website for this in the near future as well as a news blog of his activities in Asia. ‘No Surprise’ is available for free download at www.philstoodley.com (FINN MCLENNAN-ELLIOTT) PN

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ARTS + CULTURE SHOWING AT LAKE HOUSE ARTS CENTRE WOOD SCULPTURE LIVE 2013 Sculpture large and small will be the focus at Lake House Arts Centre during April. For 10 intense days from 17 – 27 April Lake House will be humming with the sound of chainsaws and power tools and the rhythmic beat of hand carving.

Wood Sculpture Live 2013 will be the seventh wood carving event held at Lake House. Every two years, up to 30 New Zealand and international artists gather to create beautiful sculptures from rough hewn logs, pushing themselves hard to complete their sculptures in time for the official opening and awards ceremony.

The Lake House gardens then return to their normal tranquil state and become the venue for the completed outdoor wood sculptures. This year the sculptures will be in situ from 28 April to 26 May, giving the public ample opportunity to visit this significant outdoor exhibition.

While there, visit the lovely Lake House café gallery, grab a coffee and view some woodcuts from the Studio Printmakers Collective. There will also be an exhibition of small works from the wood sculpture artists displayed in the Becroft Gallery from 19 April to 12 May. Major sponsors of Wood Sculpture Live 2013 are the Devonport/Takapuna Local Board, Creative Communities, the Becroft Foundation and Benefitz.

For more information about Wood Sculpture Live event contact the Event Coordinator Lisa Rogers T: 09 486 4877 or email manager@lakehousearts.org.nz LAKE HOUSE ARTS CENTRE, 37 Fred Thomas Drive, Takapuna www.lakehousearts.org.nz Facebook: www.facebook.com/woodsculptureliveatlakehouse.

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ARTS + CULTURE

PETER SIDDELL – ‘Western Walk’ Oil on canvas, 1991. Catalogue estimate $120,000 - $180,000 - to be offered at auction 11 April

NEW ZEALAND MASTERPIECES ON EXHIBITION AT ART+OBJECT Exhibition: 5 -11 April Auction: 11 April Newton based auction house ART+OBJECT will offer a range of major artworks it claims is the finest selection it has ever assembled. A feature is five works from the estate of Gordon Walters (1919 – 1995).

A+O Managing Director Hamish Coney explains, “This catalogue will provide art lovers an opportunity to view a near survey of significant canvases by one of our most important artists. His achievement is celebrated by the Walters Prize which is regarded as one of the most prestigious awards in New Zealand.”

Also included in the catalogue is a large five panel canvas by Peter Siddell (1935 -2011) entitled Western Walk depicting the iconic west coast beach Karekare which according to Coney is a must see, “Aucklanders identify with the west coast beaches of Piha, Muriwai and Karekare as being a fundamental element of the Auckland experience. This magnificent work which measures 1.4 x 3 metres will be instantly recognisable to many viewers. Sir Bob Harvey has written a very moving essay in the catalogue which explores the artist’s love of Karekare which I am sure many Aucklanders will respond to.”

The catalogue also includes major works by Colin McCahon, Ralph Hotere, Richard Killeen, Michael Parekowhai, Shane Cotton, Bill Hammond, Peter Robinson, Andrew McLeod, Tony Fomison, Pat Hanly, Michael Smither and Dick Frizzell. PN The catalogue can also be viewed online at www.artandobject.co.nz ART+OBJECT, 3 Abbey Street, Newton T: 09 354 4646

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UPTOWN ART SCENE Now a regular part of the Auckland Arts Festival, White Night on 16 March saw 40 art exhibitions across Auckland open until late at night. In the uptown area of the Ponsonby /K’Road/Great North Road ridgeline, it was great to see the warm evening invigorated by people strolling and involving themselves in the art.

There was the very busy opening of the new OREXART space in Putiki Street, strong painting shows at Whitespace and Black Asterisk, art-making workshops for the public at Artstation, Masterworks, and mural painting around the Vinegar Lane development. There were video projections at the New Zealand Film Archive, Starkwhite and in the Cross Street Arcade.

The stand-out for us was at Objectspace, the public gallery at 8 Ponsonby Road, with its stunning collection of sculptural clothing by Jo Torr. Her combinations of Victorian fashion and Pacifica motifs seamlessly mix these cultures to tell a beautiful story of our history. This show, Islanders, is on throughout April, so don’t miss it!

This month, our picks from the 14 uptown art galleries include: Light Sweet Crude, a group show opening 12 April at Hopkinson Cundy, featuring local maestro Peter Robinson, newly represented by the gallery; Linda Roche’s beautiful exploration of paint at Black Asterisk; and if you haven’t seen it yet, get to Hany Armanious at Michael Lett, on until 13 April.

One person’s ceiling is another person’s floor, so get around all the galleries.

They’re making our area THE vibrant heart of New Zealand’s art scene, and there’s something for all of us. (WILL PAYNT, STUDIO ART SUPPLIES) PN

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ARTS + CULTURE SHOWING AT WHITESPACE 9 - 27 April, Le Tumau by Andy Leleisi’uao “Andy’s prescient talent for seeing who we are, what we are like and what we do is a signature of his art.” (RON BROWNSON) Whitespace is delighted to present Le Tumau; a comic book project by Andy Leleisi’uao. The story unfolds around a central character Vetu Fasi and takes us on a journey through a parallel Polynesia.

GAYLENE EARL adding final touches to Cosmos acrylic on paper

FINE ART FINDS ITS HOME AT MURIWAI The 2013 Muriwai Arts group show “HOMECOMING” 13-21 April Weekends: 10am-6pm, Weekdays: 10am-4pm Open studio weekend: 13-14 April only Familiar faces, original works. Muriwai Arts turns it on again this year.

An easy 40 minute drive from Ponsonby Road, this beautiful west coast environment provides the perfect backdrop for what promises to be an exciting and inspiring day out.

The new Jasmax-designed Muriwai Surf Club/Community Centre has just opened its doors, and Muriwai Arts now finds itself with a purpose-built, permanent home in which to platform local talent on a regular basis. The stage is set for a truly spectacular first event: a week-long exhibition aptly themed “Homecoming.”

The playful narrative is accompanied by Andy’s powerful and beautifully rendered drawings. Le Tumau will be available free to download after the exhibition - for details contact Whitespace.

Andy was awarded a scholarship to attend AUT and received a Master of Fine Arts with honours in 2002. He has exhibited throughout New Zealand and has been involved in solo and group exhibitions in Australia, Rarotonga, Germany, Taiwan, and the USA. His work is included in the permanent collections of Pataka Museum and Art Gallery, Te Papa Tongarewa, Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki, the Chartwell Collection, and the Wallace Arts Trust collection. PN WHITESPACE, 12 Crummer Road T: 09 361 6331 www.whitespace.co.nz

The line-up includes over 40 experienced and emerging local artists including Maree Wilson, Todd Douglas, Donna Hanson, Roy Mason, Alan Preston, Gaylene Earl, Finn Scott, Alan Ashworth, Caroline Herdson and many more. It will comprise all-original works across a variety of media, (photography, painting, ceramics, carving, jewellery, sculpture and weaving), all works are for sale and gold coin donations appreciated.

During Homecoming’s opening weekend selected artists will also open their home studios to the public, giving visitors the opportunity to view workspaces, hear about the inspiration behind the creations and discover techniques. PN For a list of artists, a preview of the works and to download a map, visit www.muriwaiarts.co.nz

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ARTS + CULTURE SHOWING AT AUCKLAND ART GALLERY TOI O T MAKI ANGELS & ARISTOCRATS: EARLY EUROPEAN ART IN NEW ZEALAND PUBLIC COLLECTIONS; Until 16 April In a fresh informal manner, author, media personality and Senior Curator, Mary Kisler reveals the changing meanings of artworks from the 13th to 19th centuries, bringing their stories alive for today’s audience.

Drawn from Kisler’s acclaimed 2010 book, Angels & Aristocrats brings together artworks from the collections of five New Zealand galleries: Auckland Art Gallery Toi o T maki, Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetu, Dunedin Public Art Gallery and Whanganui’s Sarjeant Gallery. Auckland Art Gallery will be the largest with an extra 38 paintings and sculptures.

‘Angels & Aristocrats is an exciting culmination of a long project celebrating the rich variety of early European art collected by New Zealand’s public art galleries since the 19th century’, says Kisler. ‘Initially, these collections were made through the generosity of private individuals who were eager that the nation’s emerging museums should reflect the great institutions of Britain and Europe.’

Also included will be a recent Gallery acquisition never before exhibited in New Zealand: the 17th century portrait of Margaret Hughes, the first professional stage-actress in England and mistress of Prince Rupert of the Rhine, cousin to King Charles II. ‘Like the book, The Angels & Aristocrats exhibition would not have been possible without the support of all the institutions involved’, says Kisler. ‘With the help of Auckland Museum, a selection of artifacts, including examples of private collections of beetles and butterflies, porcelain and Staffordshire dogs will add intriguing insight into the collecting practices of earlier centuries.’

CARLO CERESA, A MAN WITH A CHILD, oil on canvas, Mackelvie Trust Collection, Auckland Art Gallery Toi o T maki

A new print-on-demand service enables the selection and purchase of Giclée fine art digital prints of the exhibitions’ historical artworks. In addition, ‘Artbites’ are scheduled daily at 12.30pm; the 10-minute talks are on selected works in the exhibition.

Entry is free.

The touring exhibition has completed successful seasons at Dunedin Public Art Gallery and at Te Papa in Wellington. With each host gallery adding from its own collection, Angels & Aristocrats at Auckland Art Gallery will be the largest with an extra 38 paintings and sculptures. PN AUCKLAND ART GALLERY TOI O T MAKI, Corner Kitchener and Wellesley Streets T: 09 379 1349 www.aucklandargallery.com

J BOURJINON, STILL LIFE WITH FRUIT AND SHELLFISH 1657, oil on canvas, Auckland Art Gallery Toi o T maki

JACOPO AMIGONI, BACCHUS AND ARIADNE, oil on canvas, Collection of the Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetu

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ARTS + CULTURE SHOWING AT BLACK ASTERISK GALLERY CODE & REVERIE Preview: 4 April; Exhibition: 5 – 17 April Through two very different mediums and practices Linda Roche and Carolyn Williams find common ground in the aesthetic derived from the coding or system that operates across their work. The two artists have long recognised a shared affinity for the seemingly oppositional relationship between notions of code and reverie; the analytic precision inherent within one and the vague, wandering dreamy character that underpins the other. Codes and systems drive their work.

GEORGIA CLARK

PAUL CHAPMAN

SHOWING AT NOOK GALLERY GROUP SHOW – PAINTING, ILLUSTRATION AND PHOTOGRAPHY Opening: 1 May from 6pm

JESSIE GREEN

New to Ponsonby Road, Nook Gallery will have its inaugural opening with a group show featuring various artists’ works ranging from painting, illustration and photography.

Linda says of her process, “It’s not how I respond to materials but rather how materials respond to my system. I establish a set of systems up front, proceed according to these pre-established parameters and then step back to allow paint and process to determine what happens in between.”

Much of Carolyn’s work is an attempt to create visual codes of the unseen.

Carolyn’s sculpture looks to the incompleteness offered by interpretations and translations as a way of providing a speculative space, a space for reverie, from which and into which otherness can be alluded to; a potential site for the unseen.

BLACK ASTERISK GALLERY, 10 Ponsonby Road M: 021 040 1168 www.blackasterisk.co.nz

PIC COMING

Nook Gallery aims to be an exhibition orientated space, dedicated to showcasing emerging artists. There will be a steady cycle of exhibitions and in the future both solo and curated shows compromising great art at affordable prices.

Nook is seeking proposals from artists and designers wanting a new platform to show their work, in a fun, relaxed environment with a like-minded dealer.

Nook is a small but powerful space where they would love to meet you and hear your ideas, or help those of you looking to purchase art and find the perfect piece to suit your space or needs. Nook, and its artists are passionate about producing high quality, reasonably priced art.

Go to their website and sign up to their mailing list to be in the loop with what’s on, upcoming shows and other exciting news. Artworks can also be viewed and purchased online, where lay-by is available. PN NOOK GALLERY, 54 Ponsonby Road M: 027 522 7710 www.nookgallery.co.nz

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photography: Michael McClintock

photography: Michael McClintock

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Continued from P20

PONSONBY COMMUNITY CENTRE OPEN DAY

PONSONBY MARKET DAY

Saturday 16 March

Saturday 16 March

9. Hot Hula Fitness Class; 10. Tina Reid and Mary Niumata of Hot Hula Fitness.

Continued P130

6. Buster Fisher-Johnson and Tausani Ah Chong of Spin 33 Crew; 7. Fairy Rose Blossom of The Fairy Shop, with Libby; 8. Mickael Napierala, Claude Pommier, Alex Roux and Eliot Pommier of La Cantine du torchon.

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PONSONBY COMMUNITY CENTRE OPEN DAY Continues from P129 11. Denise Roche of the Green Party, and Auckland Central MP Hon Nikki Kaye; 12. Rob Matamu, Denise Roche, and Carly Puletiuatoa; 13. Martin joins in on the Hula class; 14. Sunny Paul, Sally Weanley and Gwen Shaw of Ponsonby Community Centre Board, with Tricia Reade of Waitemata Local Board.

PONSONBY NEWS OUTLETS FREEMANS BAY

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GREY LYNN

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HERNE BAY

Herne Bay Post & Stationers, 240 Jervois Road Five Loaves & 2 Fish, 206 Jervois Road Icing on the Cake, 188 Jervois Road Momentum, 182 Jervois Road

KINGSLAND

Atomic, 420c New North Road

MT EDEN

Citta Outlet Store, Corner Enfield & Normanby Road Sabato, 57 Normanby Road

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NEWMARKET

Planet Ayurveda, 41 Gillies Avenue Studio Italia, 96 Carlton Gore Road Taylor Boutique, 1 Teed Street

NEWTON

Benediction Café, 30 St Benedicts Street Design 55, 55 Upper Queen Street

PARNELL

Ponsonby News is published on the first Friday of each month excluding January.

Copies go quickly so be quick to collect yours from any of the following outlets. The issue is also published on our website www.ponsonbynews.co.nz

Jane Daniels, 2 Birdwood Cresent Essenze, 285 Parnell Road Parnell Community Centre, 545 Parnell Road

PONSONBY

Artstation, 1 Ponsonby Road Barfoot & Thompson, 184 Ponsonby Road Chapel Bar, 147 Ponsonby Road Fitness Trainer, 36 Jervois Road Harcourts, 89 Ponsonby Road Leys Institute, 20 St Mary’s Road The Longroom, 114 Ponsonby Road Mag Nation, 123 Ponsonby Road Ponsonby Community Centre, 20 Ponsonby Terrace Spa Ayurda, 213 Ponsonby Road Whitespace, 12 Crummer Road WORLD, 97 Ponsonby Road

WESTMERE

Glengarry, 164 Garnet Road PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

THE PONSONBY PINK PAGES

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