34 PAGES OF HOT SUMMER FASHION + HAIR AND BEAUTY
ponsonbynews.co.nz
AUGUST 2011
Cor blimey, the Barmy Arm y is coming t o Po n s o n b y
JACK FLASH... PONSONBY ADOPTS ENGLAND DURING RWC!
16,987 Published 5 August, 2011
ARCH HILL, PONSONBY, COXS BAY, FREEMANS BAY, HERNE BAY, GREY LYNN, ST MARY’S BAY, WEST LYNN AND WESTMERE PLUS SELECTED BUSINESSES IN HIGH STREET, CHANCERY, CBD, KINGSLAND, MT EDEN, NEWMARKET, NEWTON + PARNELL COPIES DISTRIBUTED TO HOMES AND BUSINESSES IN
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DEADLINE – 20TH OF THE MONTH August 2011 PONSONBY NEWS EST: OCTOBER 1989 – Incorporating the Ponsonby Community Newsletter (PCNL) CELEBRATING 22 YEARS OF PUBLISHING HISTORY!
The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied
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WHAT’S INSIDE THIS ISSUE 008 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR 009 FROM THE PUBLISHING TEAM 010 PONSONBY BUSINESS ASSOCIATION 012 DAVID HARTNELL: ONE MINUTE INTERVIEW
016 JACINDA ARDERN 018 PIPPA COOM: GREY LYNN 2030 020 NIKKI KAYE: MP AUCKLAND CENTRAL 022 SHALE CHAMBERS: WAITEMATA LOCAL BOARD
026 JOHN ELLIOTT: SOAPBOX 029 K ROAD BUSINESS ASSOCIATION 031 SIDELINE WITH GEORGE BERRY
010 034 FATHER’S DAY 036 JAY PLATT: WE CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT 045 LEIF WAUTERS: SUM OF US 048 FASHION + STYLE
066 D&M 060 LETTERS FROM MAUDIE:
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TKSTORE
108 DENISE CLEVERLEY: THE PONSONBY GARDENER
ANGELA LASSIG
065 BEST DRESSED AWARDS 066 FABULOUS HAIR + BEAUTY 076 HELENE RAVLICH: NATURAL BEAUTY 080 LIVING, THINKING + BEING 082 DENISE L’ESTRANGE-CORBET 084 JOHN APPLETON ON HEALTH 088 HOROSCOPES: MISS PEARL NECLIS 092 PONSONBY NEWS READERS
120 THE BOYS BOOK CLUB 121 STREET NAMES 131 REAL ESTATE UPDATE 135 PONSONBY PEOPLE & THEIR PETS 138 ARTS + CULTURE 146 PONSONBY NEWS OUTLETS
ARE EVERYWHERE
094 EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY 099 THE MISS JONES INTERVIEW 101 FUTURE GENERATION 107 HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS 145
COVER PHOTOGRAPHY: Michael Ng www.ngfoto.com; STYLING: Martin Leach
PONSONBY NEWS+ is published monthly, excluding Januaryy byy ALCHEMY MEDIA LIMITED P.O. BOX 47-282 Ponsonby,y, Auckland T: (09) 378 8553 or (09) 361 3356 www.ponsonbynews.co.nzz
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Editor/Publisher
MARTIN LEACH; M: 021 771 147; E: martinleach@xtra.co.nz or martin@ponsonbynews.co.nz
Associate Publisher
JO BARRETT; M: 021 324 510; E: joannebarrett@xtra.co.nz
Deputy Editor
JAY PLATT; M: 021 771 146; E: jayplatt@xtra.co.nz or jay@ponsonbynews.co.nz
Business Development and Fashion Editor
JULIE ROULSTON; M: 027 211 7169; E: julie@ponsonbynews.co.nz
Contributing Editor
DEIRDRE ROELANTS; M: 021 261 8439; E: deir@orcon.net.nz
Proof Reader
RICHARD GRAVENOR
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ANYA VERYASKINA; E: pn4anya@gmail.com
Designer
MELISSA PAYNTER; E: melissapaynter@orcon.net.nz
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LETTERS + EMAILS
PLEASE SEND LETTERS TO info@ponsonbynews.co.nz
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NIKKI KAYE’S VISION FOR TRAMS The Herald’s Brian Rudman recently criticised Nikki Kaye’s ‘vision’ reported in Ponsonby News for a tram network linking Auckland’s inner suburbs. He accused her of being hypocritical given that her own Government wants to cut public transport development in favour of more roads - and more gridlock. I disagree with Rudman on all counts. Nikki Kaye should be congratulated for once again standing up to her party and putting the interests of Auckland ahead of the vested interests of Wellington. Her Government plans to take $14 million a year of public transport funding away from Aucklandand. Steven Joyce is putting every possible obstacle in the way of us having a good integrated public transport system.
THE SOHO DEVELOPMENT I would like to offer my congratulations to all those that managed to halt progress of the Soho Development in Ponsonby. This group of individuals and businesses I am sure must be overjoyed with the knowledge that, instead of an innovative development with new retail shopping, cafes, offices and cinema, we will now be enjoying the view of a carbon-copy, bland-as-dishwater Countdown Supermarket (not even a New Zealand owned supermarket, which should be what Ponsonby stands for – local people supporting our local business and community). What a fantastic addition to Ponsonby’s already struggling consumer offer (we’ve all seen the recent closures of many boutique businesses in Ponsonby). Whilst the Soho development wasn’t ideal and required some tweaks, I laugh out loud that my prediction of something much worse filling that hole has eventuated. I have friends who had planned leases in the development for shops that would have been a welcome addition to our community. It is so disappointing. JUSTIN MARSHALL, Grey Lynn
JULIE ROULSTON, MARTIN LEACH, JO BARRETT + JAY PLATT
photography: Michael Ng www.ngfoto.com
Unlike Rudman, I believe trams could be an important part of Auckland’s transport solution. Trams provide a much smoother platform for morning commuters to read their daily paper… including Mr Rudman’s column. GLENN WHITE, Ponsonby
MOURNING THE LOSS OF 81 PONSONBY ROAD I see we are about to lose another old character building from the strip without so much as a whimper from the Council’s Heritage Committee. I hope its replacement lasts at least half as long as this one did. ROSCOE THORBY, Ponsonby PN
FRENCH INFLUENCES IN PONSONBY NEWS Wow! What an incredible cover. It was great to read last month’s issue about some of the French businesses in and around Ponsonby. I’ve always loved visiting Paris which I did last year for the fifth time. There are certainly a number of French treats to enjoy closer to home. I enjoyed reading the Glengarry wine column about En Primeur and also the French inspired menu. I certainly hadn’t appreciated all the healthy ingredients in French cuisine!
photography: martin leach
Many thanks Ponsonby News for a thoroughly great read each month! FIONA BOLTON-RILEY, Grey Lynn BABY PAUA AT SIDART I was alarmed to read the Sidart recipe in last month’s issue. Although it sounded delicious, it used baby Paua! I hope they’re not pillaging the stocks! We all watch Coastwatch after all. SANDRA SMITH, Sandringham SIDART RESPOND: The Paua (Abalone) are grown in Hawkes Bay (www.pauafresh. co.nz) in specially designed tanks in land-based facilities. They are bred, raised and harvested in extremely low-stress environments to ensure that they reach the table tender, succulent and ready to eat. GREY LYNN POST OFFICE CLOSURE What concerned my family most about the recent closure of the Grey Lynn Post Office, was the lack of consultation by NZ Post with local residents. The decision was made, and any supposed consultation was merely a token gesture, after the event. We are also concerned that the people’s bank, Kiwibank, and the bill paying facilities will no longer be available in Grey Lynn. When the officer from Head Office in Wellington banged on about having to make a profit, we wondered whether social capital and community spirit has any place, any longer in a society obsessed with the Almighty dollar. When money becomes more important than people, a society is starting to decay. ROSEMARY HEAPHY, Grey Lynn
Views and opinions published in Ponsonby News as expressed by their authors are not necessarily those of Alchemy Media Limited.
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LIKE US! www.facebook.com/ponsonbynews WITH ONLY FIVE WEEKS UNTIL THE FIRST MATCH - NEW ZEALAND VS TONGA at Eden Park, the PN team is delighted to find our ‘adopt a second team’ for Ponsonby during Rugby World Cup is England. (Grey Lynn is adopting Samoa). To welcome the Barmy Army and other visitors, Viv Rosenberg, manager of the Ponsonby Business Association promises to give the strip a festive, celebratory look and feel. To tie in with our adopted team, the PBA has organised a retro vintage red London Transport bus which will make a loop from the city centre to Ponsonby Road every Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 4pm – 8pm during the weeks of the Quarter Finals, the Semis and the Finals. The bus will ferry people ‘free of charge’ up to our strip. It will be clearly signed with Ponsonby branding and to create a fun atmosphere, it will also include entertainment – drag queens et al. Ponsonby News hasn’t seen it yet, but to assist visitors, the PBA is producing a dedicated map of Ponsonby, listing every business on the strip. We’re informed it has been beautifully designed specially for local businesses. Copies will be available at all the cafes, restaurants and retail stores from the end of August and it will be widely distributed at key points in the city, including the British Consulate. P10 LIKE MANY, WE ARE STILL PEEVED ABOUT THE SWIFTNESS OF THE NZ POST shop closure in Grey Lynn. In our letter’s page one local agrees with us about the lack of consultation by NZ Post with the local community. At a meeting chaired by our colleague John Elliott, locals felt no matter what they said, the decision had been made, and any supposed consultation was merely a token gesture, after the event. Like us, the writer is also concerned that the people’s bank, Kiwibank, and the bill paying facilities will no longer be available in Grey Lynn. There is an upside. Most of the old services will be available at the Amcal Pharmacy, directly opposite But we say to NZ Post, “when money becomes more important than people, a society is starting to decay.” P10 WE HAD NEWS LAST MONTH THAT ‘SOHOLE’ MIGHT BE FILLED IN. THE general feeling is that new owner Progressive will do a good job developing the hole. But as John Elliott points out a number of questions remain. Other than a Countdown Supermarket what else will Progressive put on the site? Even the largest supermarket would not take up 40,000 sq. metres. What else will Progressive add to a supermarket on the site? Hopefully not a K-Mart! And is a cinema still a possibility?
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FROM THE PUBLISHING TEAM Just remember Progressive, its all about “consultation, consultation, consultation.” If you want to keep the locals onside. P30 YOU MAY FEEL WE’RE A BIT AHEAD OF THE GAME WITH OUR FATHER’S DAY editorial in this issue. It falls on Sunday, 4 September, so we’re suggesting getting yourselves organised to celebrate dear old Dad’s special day. We only have one dad and they are very special people. P34 OUR COLLEAGUE JULIE ROULSTON IS ALWAYS PERKIER AND EXCITED AS WE approach the end of the month. She starts by bringing bunches of the first spring flowers to PNHQ! As she says, “equally charming and upbeat new season’s fashion is hitting the racks in greater Ponsonby’s wealth of boutiques.” This month, she and photographer Michael Ng have ‘seven of the best’ new season’s looks. P50 We know we won’t be seeing much of our fashion scribe shortly. This really is Miss Roulston’s favourite time of the year with New Zealand Fashion Week on Monday 29 August and finishing on Saturday 3 September. Julie tells us that Ponsonby designers will be better represented than ever this year. We’ll see at least 12 locals - WORLD, Annah Stretton, new menswear label Egoist, Hailwood, Helen Cherry, Workshop Denim, Jimmy D, Juliette Hogan, Miranda Brown, Taylor, Stolen Girlfriends Club and Zambesi. Opening Fashion Week - a matter of much excitement among the industry cognoscenti is Ingrid Starnes. She, until recently shared with Miss Crabb, but the designer recently opened a new store in with Tessuti in the Hellaby’s building, No. 224 Jervois Road. MELISSA VASTA WAS VERY EXCITED TO LEARN SHE WAS THE WINNER OF OUR $3,000 ‘WIN A Ponsonby Wardrobe’ last month. This year a total of 1,250 entrants entered, compared to around one thousand shoppers last year - P61 ARE YOU A FABULOUS DRESSER - OR DO YOU KNOW SOMEONE WHO IS? Would you like to win a VIP New Zealand Fashion Week experience? Nominations are open for the Ponsonby News/Lexus of Auckland City ‘Best Dressed’ awards. Nominate yourself, or a fabulous dresser you know - P65 FINALLY, A BIG WARM WELCOME TO SOME NEW BUSINESSES IN THE THREE Lamps area - Kilt, Ponsonby Time, Red Letter Day. We hope you’ll support these newcomers and all our businesses. It’s a tough world out there and as we say, THINK GLOBAL, SHOP LOCAL. PN
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VIVIENNE ROSENBERG
PONSONBY BUSINESS ASSOCIATION
PONSONBY’S PLAN TO WELCOME VISITORS TO OUR STRIP IN SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER Ponsonby is famous for a reason and the PBA has devoted a lot of time to develop a program to welcome locals and visitors alike to showcase our ‘true magic’ over September and October. It includes events, cultural festivals, heritage walks, art installations and more. Details will be posted on our website and on Facebook and Twitter as well as in Ponsonby News. There’ll be no excuse for missing anything, so make sure you watch out for the programme guide and join us in the fun.
In order to make sure we encourage as many people as possible to visit Ponsonby during the Rugby World Cup period, we will organise a free bus service. To tie in with our adopted team, we’ve hired a beautiful vintage Red London Bus to travel a loop from the city centre to Ponsonby Road every Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 4pm – 8pm during the weeks of the Quarter finals, the Semis and the Finals. The bus will ferry people ‘free of charge’ up to our Strip. It will be clearly signed with Ponsonby Branding and to create a fun atmosphere, it will also include entertainment. We will have Drag Queens on the bus and along our Strip. They will spend time entertaining our visitors on the bus and along the Strip moving to various venues, bars and restaurants. They will interact with all, encourage sing- a- longs, create photo ops and contribute to building unforgettable memories in a ‘money can’t buy’ way. As part of our promotional plan for this period we are designing and publishing a dedicated map of Ponsonby. It lists every business on our Strip and has been beautifully designed especially for our members. Copies will be available at all the cafes, restaurants and retail stores from the end of August and it will be widely distributed at key points in the city, including the British Consulate. Reaching visitors before or as they arrive in Auckland to inform and promote our Strip will be a key factor to our success in driving foot traffic. We have produced a 60 second segment to make sure no one misses out on what our famous strip has to offer. It will feature on Air New Zealand from August to December this year. PN It’s going to be fun! Look forward to seeing you all on the Strip. www.ponsonby.org.nz
photography: martin leach
One key program we will be involved with is ‘Adopt a Second Team’. This is a citywide program run by the Auckland Council. It’s designed to encourage local community engagement and to create a festive environment that reflects the visiting nations and their culture. Ponsonby has adopted England as our second team and we plan to welcome them in true Ponsonby fashion! From the end of August, our Strip will be ‘dressed’ with brightly coloured promo material to give us a festive, celebratory look and feel. We will hang brightly coloured flags on the flag posts, string bunting between the lamp posts all the way down our Strip and tie plenty of balloons around the trees and posts.
POSTAL SERVICES CROSS ROAD BUT NO BILL PAYING, NO KIWIBANK The Kumars at No. 580 Grey Lynn’s Postal Services will continue across the road at Grey Lynn Amcal Pharmacy, but NZ Post has made no provision for bill paying to continue in Grey Lynn, and Kiwibank has also gone. Sunil Kumar and Bhawna Ben, the owners of Grey Lynn Amcal Pharmacy, just across the road at 580 Great North Road, are happy to take over the postal services, but they too are as disappointed as other Grey Lynn business people and residents that bill paying facilities and Kiwibank services will go from Grey Lynn. The Kumars, like everybody else, were disappointed with the lack of consultation by NZ Post over the closures. They agree that the local community should have had a genuine opportunity to discuss a possible closure, and come up with arguments for retaining the Post Office. Then the Post Office could have made an informed decision. However, Sunil is concerned that a few people are threatening to boycott his pharmacy because he has taken on the postal services. “We did not seek the services,” he told Ponsonby News. “We didn’t even know the Post Office was going to be closed. They approached me looking for an expression of interest, and I put my hand up,” adds Sunil. The Amcal Pharmacy is well-known for its exceptional service. Apart from their 18 years experience dispensing medicines and prescriptions, Sunil and Bhawna have provided photocopying, passport photos, laminating, ear piercing and many other services for their wide variety of customers. Sunil even put a new battery into a watch for an old customer just a few days ago. Grey Lynn Amcal Pharmacy has a reputation for supporting local schools, sports clubs and other worthy organisations. Sunil and Bhawna like to help locally, and have a thick file of letters and certificates of thanks for their generosity. The Postal Services will be another opportunity to extend this outstanding service ethos to the Grey Lynn community. A feature of Sunil’s philosophy is his constant desire to keep upskilling himself, and Bhawna too. So, he will almost certainly take to the addition of Postal Services to his business like a duck to water. He will have help from two of the Post Office’s staff, including long term manager Jacinta, who will spend a month helping the pharmacy get up to speed, before she takes a well earned rest after 26 years service across the road. The Kumars plan a low key opening, which will have taken place by the time this article goes to print. Let’s hope their enthusiasm, professionalism, and service orientation is not marred by unfair protest against them for taking on the Post Services and ensuring they remain in Grey Lynn.
We Photoshopped a London Transport bus onto Ponsonby Road to give an indication of what an old Routemaster would look like in the ‘hood’
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Grey Lynners can keep up the pressure for bill paying services and kiwibank to be restored to Grey Lynn by protesting to NZ Post and to politicians. In the meantime I’m sure Grey Lynn Amcal Pharmacy and its owners Sunil and Bhawna will provide an excellent postal service, given their historical reputation as an outstanding local business. (JOHN ELLIOTT) PN PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)
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DAVID HARTNELL’S ONE MINUTE INTERVIEW WITH MIRIAMA KAMO I think Miriama Kamo is the best New Zealand TV presenter since Angela D’Audney and Judy Bailey, her presentations are always so professional and her pronunciation is impeccable. She is one of the nicest people both on and off screen. FAVOURITE HOLIDAY TO DATE? I tend to have ‘learning’ holidays, ie: I rarely go anywhere just to relax. So, the last incredibly fulfilling holiday I had was to Cambodia where my partner Mike and I sat in on the war crimes tribunal and the first trials of former Khmer Rouge commanders. It was a time I’ll never forget. We also visited Vietnam, Thailand, and Malaysia in the same trip. We also travel to Germany fairly regularly. Last year I enrolled in a fulltime month long language course – it was a wonderful time! FAVOURITE KIND OF BREAD? I’m not big on bread. I try to stick to gluten free breads – there’s a wonderful seven grain gluten free bread at Harvest Wholefoods which I love. ANY PETS? We have a wee dog called Flo, or Floey. We actually named her Florence Elizabeth, thinking it’d be hilarious hearing the vet call her name out in the waiting room. But she’s only ever really been Floey. She’s gorgeous, and is well known around our neighbourhood – we like to think it’s because she’s so cute, but actually her fame might be as much to do with her unfortunate yapping habit. Bring on the dog whisperer! WHAT TV SERIES WOULD YOU NEVER MISS? I’m also a bit of a sucker for ‘Desperate Housewives’. IF YOU HAD A FRAGRANCE LINE, WHAT WOULD IT SMELL OF? I love ylang ylang, lavender, and the natural peachy smell of my partner Mike. FASHION WEAKNESS? TK Store in Ponsonby, and just about anything designers Mena and Kiri Nathan create. BEST THING IN YOUR HOUSE? My family and puppy Floey – but if we’re talking inanimate objects, probably an antique couch we bought off Trademe. WHAT IS YOU GREATEST REGRET? Shona MacFarlane (artist and personality) once said to me ‘spending time on regret is my greatest regret’ – she’s right, it’s a terrible waste of time, and I’m far too indulgent of it!
IF NOT BROADCASTING WHAT OTHER CAREER PATH WOULD YOU HAVE TAKEN? I dabbled with the idea of being a Pulitzer prize winning author – sadly, it just didn’t take.
YOUR BIGGEST SELF-INDULGENCE? Food, it’s my greatest expense and most indulgent pleasure.
WHAT DRIVES YOU? My family, I want them to be proud of me. And I want to be an example to the younger members. The mortgage and my desire to travel are good drivers too. And my work, I’ve been really fortunate in my career and have been offered some wonderful opportunities. Right now, I front TVNZ7’s News at 8 bulletin, which has offered some of the most growth giving and professionally satisfying experiences of my career. It’s an excellent hour long commercial free nightly bulletin with interviews on TVNZ7.
HOW DO YOU HANDLE FAME? I don’t have an overwhelming burden of it, so, rather easily. WHAT STAR SIGN ARE YOU? Libra – I am the walking definition of it. Always striving for balance, so often lacking in it. IF YOU COULD CHANGE ONE THING ABOUT YOURSELF, WHAT WOULD IT BE? I’m pretty happy with who I am, faults and all. I would do something about my sweettooth though if I could, but it’s the chocolates fault – it’s just too good!
I also front Sunday on TV One, which is an unparalleled privilege. When you are given these opportunities you are driven to do your best, which tends to make for a very happy career and life. (DAVID HARTNELL) PN
HOW BIG IS YOUR TELLY? I’m not sure, it’s a flatscreen, but not one of those really big ones. We bought it from my sister last year after going three to four years without one. FIRST JOB? I had a paper-round, every day after school I delivered The Star in south Brighton. THE BEST THING IN YOUR TV STUDIO? I love our TVNZ studios, I feel familiar with every part of what I’m allowed to touch/ wrangle. And it’s filled with people I enjoy working with. IF YOUR HOUSE BURNT DOWN, WHAT WOULD BE THE FIRST THING YOU’D GRAB? Apart from the family and puppy, it’d probably be my computer which is stocked with all our photos.
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WHAT’S HOT AT STRAWBERRY SOUND DANIEL JURY
LOEWE DESIGN WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU WENT SHOPPING FOR A TELEVISION? DID you find what you were looking for? In today’s high tech, high speed world of changing technology you could be forgiven for needing a little nap in the car between visits to the multitude of retailer stores selling televisions. The sheer number of options and features can be overwhelming and trying to filter through them can be even worse, especially when most of the TVs on the market today seem to look like the same unit with a different badge on the front. Technology is changing so fast that you can’t help but worry that if you buy something today it will be obsolete in a few months, superseded by the latest model at a quarter of the price with a 5D holographic screen and an integrated thingamajig that actually emits smells from scenes in the movie you have just seen in 3D. Damn! If only you had waited a few more weeks! Ok so full HD is pretty standard now and it will be a few years before the next step up in resolution takes place. High refresh rates and LED screens are also readily available……so what does it all mean? It means that with so many choices around people are looking for a product that has a point of difference, something that stands out….something sexy. Quality and style have become even more major factors when choosing the right TV for your home and at Strawberry Sound we offer a brand that encompasses all of theses qualities and more. Loewe (pronounced lur-va) is a premium German brand that has been working with electronics since the creation of its first radio in Siegmund Loewe’s Berlin workshop back in 1923. Since then Loewe have become leaders in their field and established themselves as the maker of arguably the world’s best televisions. I have often heard Loewe being described as the BMW or even Porsche of the television world, partly because of its heritage and partly because of its reputation and styling. I know from experience how frustrating switching from input to input can be, especially if you have a separate sound system connected, so along with the expansion of their audio range for 2011 Loewe has continued to address an issue that many
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manufacturers have struggled with, simplicity and ease of use. Loewe televisions are extremely intuitive and plenty of thought has been given to the set up and menu structures to ensure you don’t have to struggle with the technical side. With so many included features and options available this is essential to maintaining your comfort….. and sanity. As important as performance is to Loewe, design is equally addressed. The new range of LED panels is beautiful to say the least, and some of my personal favourites in the range are the new Loewe Individual televisions. Super slim, timelessly minimalist, with a great view from all angles, they are manufactured with extreme precision to ensure that surface gaps are uniquely narrow creating a completely slim and sleek silhouette. Make no mistake these are more like works of art or designer furniture than technology and will integrate seamlessly with your living space. Loewe has decided not to integrate speakers into these panels; instead it is left up to you to decide how you would like your audio set up. I really like this decision, the design of the screen is not affected and many audio options become immediately available to you. One of the options is the Loewe Sound Projector. The Loewe Individual Sound Projector generates real surround sound from just a single device. Its elegant exterior hides 40 small directional speakers which work on the principle of sound focusing and use the walls of your living space as a reflective surface resulting in genuine 5.1 sound. The Sound Projector offers an optimum alternative to a conventional 5.1 surround system. All this without annoying cabling and speaker adjustment. The measuring microphone provided automatically records the spatial dimensions of your living room and optimises the Sound Projector accordingly. As a true surround system, the Sound Projector naturally has the standard Dolby Digital, DTS and Dolby ProLogic II decoders. Having only scratched the surface of the new Loewe range I will say this: If you are looking for style, build quality, multi room/multi device connectivity and a huge range of audio combinations, head into strawberry Sound for a coffee and a chat. We will help put together the perfect system for you. (DANIEL JURY) PN STRAWBERRY SOUND, 23 Williamson Avenue T: 09 376 0286 www.strawberrysound.co.nz
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JACINDA ARDERN LABOUR LIST MP AUCKLAND
RECENTLY I WAS AT THE WESTPAC STADIUM FOR WHAT WAS PERHAPS THE worst-kept, but by far the most important, secret announcement of the year: the release of Labour’s tax policy. Regardless of whether people felt like they knew what was coming, they turned out en masse: economists; journalists; business groups; unions; corporates - they were all there because this announcement was bold, brave and, for me, the right thing to do. It has been said that introducing a capital gains tax is political suicide. I take a different view. Standing by and doing nothing while the country’s economy becomes a housing market with a few extras added on and we sink into more and more debt and rising unemployment - that is the real threat. The Government has presented to us its view of how to get out of this hole we’re in: sell our assets (or our ladder, as it were). Our assets are, after all, the very thing that’s actually producing revenue for us right now. And then there’s Labour’s plan, which includes keeping our assets and introducing a capital gains tax. Under our plan, a CGT would be set at 15%, exclude the family home, and would apply to the sale of shares, investment properties, and companies, but only on gains made after the law is passed. That does mean that it will take time for the true impact of a capital gains tax to set in ($78 million in year one) but, over time, it will have a dramatic impact ($26 billion in total over 15 years). Not only will it allow us to keep our assets and get us out of debt at the same time as the
Government’s own projections, it will lead to a much needed shift in our economy away from the housing market and towards the productive economy by creating a more even playing field for all forms of investment. There’s an added bonus for people in the Auckland housing market in particular. The general consensus is that a CGT would remove the tax bias towards property investment, easing up on demand and making buying a first home just a little bit easier. What gets me in all of this though is that I truly believe that there are a pretty significant group of people in the National party who agree with this policy. I would include the Finance Minister Bill English in that. And how could he not? The Treasury, tax working group, IMF, and the world bank all believe we need one. In fact of all the OECD nations, New Zealand, Switzerland and Turkey are the only countries without one. Anyone who says that we wouldn’t be able to administer a CGT effectively is not only ignoring that ours would be extremely simple, they’re also saying that we’re not as clever as all the many, many other countries who have already done it, including Australia. It’s time we owned up to the fact that unless we’re bold; unless we’re willing to make some big calls, not only will we be stuck in an economic rut, we will be leaving the next generation without any hope for ever climbing out. Big calls aren’t easy, but I will proudly campaign on this policy. Not only is it the right thing to do; it’s our ladder. PN For more information visit www.ownourfutre.co.nz or www.jacinda.co.nz
SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE FIRST FOR TRAM TRACK INSTALLATION A NEW INNOVATIVE ENGINEERING TECHNIQUE WAS DEPLOYED TO INSTALL tram tracks on Auckland’s waterfront last month. It’s been over 50 years since trams last graced the streets of Auckland, but come August electric trams will run in a clockwise direction in Wynyard Quarter along Jellicoe Street, Halsey Street, Gaunt Street and Daldy Street. As part of the track construction, contractors have been faced with the challenge of installing tram tracks on a revitalised Jellicoe Street, an area which will soon be home to ten new restaurants and bars and increased foot traffic. The answer? A special grout that acts as a shock absorber and significantly reduces sound and vibration. The technique involves using a specific type of polyurethane which gets poured into a trench where the tracks sit . This technique has come with its own challenges, as the polyurethane grout has a consistency of water when it’s poured into the track trenches and turns solid in less than 10 minutes. This is the first time the installation method has been used in the southern hemisphere and Gary Harris from Jesmond Construction, who’s managing the works, says it’s proving to be a challenging process. “It’s not an easy process considering the tracks need to be set to exact specifications down to the millimetre. It’s also a southern hemisphere first which means there’s not a wealth of information out there. However, we’ve mastered it now and the tracks are looking great.” Waterfront Auckland Chief Executive John Dalzell says the team is proud to bring trams back to Auckland and the most modern engineering and technical advice has been used. “The pleasing thing is that the design and intellectual property knowledge we’ve learnt will be able to be used again in any further developments. This is especially relevant given the possibility of the tramway being extended to Britomart Transport Centre in the future. That will be evaluated as part of the Waterfront Masterplan consultation,” he says. In addition to the final stages of the tram track installation, contractors have started connecting the overhead wires from which the electric trams will run. The works are happening at night (with the exception of Friday and Saturday) and are expected to take up to three weeks to complete. Waterfront Auckland is also preparing safety tips for cyclists, pedestrians and motorists unfamiliar with the presence and operation of trams and tram tracks. For example, when tram tracks are wet they can become very slippery so cyclists should avoid cycling on the rails and if they need to cross the track they should do so with their wheel at a 90 degree angle to avoid getting stuck in the rails. PN To find out more please visit www.waterfrontauckland.co.nz, and sign up to the newsletter for regular updates.
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PIPPA COOM GREY LYNN 2030 NEWS
SYNCHRONICITY IS A BEAUTIFUL THING SMART TECHNOLOGY JUST GOT SMARTER, thanks to Antony Powell at RebootIT. It’s quite incredible these days the amount of technology we use. There’s the computer at home, another at work, a laptop or iPad while we’re on the go, and don’t forget about the smart phone, which gives us access to email and internet services from virtually anywhere.
SOALA WILSON and TANYA THOMPSON from the Grey Lynn Business Association who have been organising the working bees
GREY LYNN SHOUTS FOR SAMOA Manu Samoa’s historic win over Australia in July has Grey Lynners even more excited about hosting the team as part of the Adopt a Second Team programme. Manu Samoa is a perfect fit with an area that has a long association and strong connections with our Pacific Island neighbour. The Grey Lynn Business Association has joined up with the Samoan community and church groups to organise “Grey Lynn shouts for Samoa” for our adopted team. One of the highlights of the events planned is an historical walk to be led by Samoan Grey Lynner Reverend Mua Strickson-Pua. The walk will be an opportunity to acknowledge the many Samoan sporting legends with ties to Grey Lynn. Other events include street parties and a community cultural festival. Details will be made available on the Grey Lynn Business Association website including a launch date for a “Taste of Samoa” as we prepare for the arrival of the team into Auckland on 1 September.
While all these devices have been designed to make life easier, sometimes they can have the opposite effect, particularly if they’re not ‘in sync’. Antony Powell, from RebootIT, explains. “It’s a common problem. You’re working or organising your life from different places at different times, and juggling multiple devices. It’s vital that they communicate with one another otherwise you’re going to experience double-ups and confusion. If you open an email in one place, you don’t want to have to open the same email again someplace else. Similarly, if you update your calendar or contact list on one device, this should be reflected across the board.” Luckily getting your computer, laptop and phone talking to each other is not as hard as it sounds. Particularly if you give Antony a call, and get him to sort it out for you! With his service you can either use his domain name (which is igotmail. co.nz) or purchase your own. There’s no set up cost, and just a small monthly management fee applies. “If you’re unsure about your current set up” says Antony, “I’d be happy to talk to you about it and offer suggestions. Without obligation of course.” PN You can reach Antony Powell at RebootIT on T: 09 815 0677 or M: 021 432 184.
As part of the festivities expect to see the local shopping areas decorated in Samoan colours and looking scrubbed up for the occasion. The business association has teamed up with EcoMatters Environmental Trust to tidy up Grey Lynn and West Lynn. A huge volunteer effort of planting, cleaning, painting, weeding has taken place throughout July. The Grey Lynn RSC has generously provided a venue for the organising committee to meet and refreshments for volunteers. The Rugby World Cup has given us the opportunity to celebrate far more than sport. Grey Lynn 2030, with support from the NZ Lottery Grants Board is taking part in the nationwide REAL New Zealand Festival. ‘Grey Lynn Creates’ is a week-long festival to be held from 25 September – 2 October, celebrating creativity and sustainability in our local community. A popular event from the Grey Lynn 2030 week 2009 is back with local artists opening their studios to the public on free Art Studio Tours. Participating artists include Ronald Andreassend, Carolin Casey, Karen Chan, Gerry Copas, Craig Ellis, Jude Graveson, Annette Isbey, Chuck Joseph, Karl Maughan, Garry Nash, Isla Osborne, Fiona Rennie, Louise Rive, Peter Veisnik and Hanne Vibeke. This group represents a diverse range of interests, with practices including photography, painting, screen printing, ceramics, glass, weaving and other object and installation methodologies. Pop-up Window Galleries in West Lynn will pair artists and local shops including Isla Osborne in Richmond Road Pharmacy, Sam Miller-Walters in Dalston, Shelley Jacobson in Monterey Coffee Lounge, and Rachel Williams in Vanilla Ink. The ‘Grey Lynn Creates’ programme also incorporates Kraftbomb and the Grey Lynn Farmers Market. The full programme is on the ‘Grey Lynn Creates’ website with details getting finalised all the time. The ‘Grey Lynn shouts for Samoa’ activities, the tidy up campaign and ‘Grey Lynn Creates’ are all coming together with teams of volunteers and the resources of the Grey Lynn Business Association, Grey Lynn 2030, church and service groups. Overall it looks like it is going to be a big win for our community worth celebrating during the Rugby World Cup. (PIPPA COOM) PN www.glba.co.nz www.greylynncreates.co.nz www.greylynn2030.co.nz
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NIKKI KAYE: AUCKLAND CENTRAL MP
AUCKLAND CENTRAL ON THE CUSP OF TRANSFORMATION I HAVE BEEN FORTUNATE TO VISIT MANY OTHER CITIES IN THE WORLD from Bruges to Barcelona. None in my view are as generously gifted with natural resources as Auckland. From the beautiful Hauraki Gulf with its islands, to the beaches of the North Shore, to the volcanic cones peppering our city, to the rugged and green Waitakere ranges, to our expansive Waterfront. I think many Aucklanders instinctively understand how precious it is to live in this city but have felt let down by unwieldy Government structures, a lack of good planning, funding and long term vision. We have now a chance to ensure our city lives up to its potential. However, It requires courage and collaboration across the political spectrum. Having met with representatives from the Auckland Council to work through the central Auckland masterplan, I intend to give them as much support as possible to progress it. It is important that we understand the national significance of central Auckland and to invest in this place which is our home. In a single day more people will travel, work, visit and study in central Auckland than the whole population of Hamilton. There could be over 200,000 people a day in this five square kilometre area. The challenge that we have is to demonstrate the value of investing in this area, not just to residents but also to the rest of New Zealand. We know that over 80% of our visitors to New Zealand will come to Auckland and their impression of our country will be hugely influenced by their experience in central Auckland. Under the new Auckland Council we have the opportunity to both deliver and fund a central city masterplan that could transform central Auckland to be a place that we are all proud of. I want to acknowledge that there are parts of the city that have had some stunning transformations like Britomart and the newly revamped Aotea square. Many of us are eagerly awaiting the re-opening of the Auckland Art Gallery and the opening of Q Theatre. The development of these spaces into state-of-the-art facilities will substantially contribute to Auckland becoming a truly international city. Another key resource to deliver this transformation is the establishment of the Waterfront Development Agency (WDA) as part of the Auckland governance reform. By removing the bureaucracy surrounding the governance of Auckland’s CBD waterfront, we are now able to promote, encourage and facilitate a well-planned and implemented redevelopment of one of Auckland’s greatest natural assets. Under Bob Harvey’s leadership the WDA is transforming Wynyard Quarter into a fantastic area with a sweeping city plaza surrounded by cafes and restaurants, all of which will help the transformation of our waterfront and provide much needed urban regeneration of our city.
complement the CBD rail link. The concern that I have is that I do not believe the Auckland Council have yet been able to demonstrate even with the new link bus route how they will fix central Auckland’s congestion and get people around and across the city in a timely manner. It makes economic and environmental sense to me to investigate a tram transport option that utilises the middle of the road to support the several hundred thousand people moving in this small area each day. There could be additional benefits in providing a tram option that links up visitor attractions, just like that of Auckland Zoo and MOTAT. I hope that the Auckland Council can partner with the Government to progress both the Tram loop investigation and the CBD rail link. I am awaiting a decision from the Mayor and the New Zealand Transport Agency to see if they support this. You can visit my office or my website at www.nikkikaye.co.nz to sign a petition that Grey Lynn resident Geoff Houtman and I will be presenting to Parliament on the trams. If we do this then we will be able to be confident we are not repeating the mistakes of the past by providing only half solutions to our transport system. By reducing congestion we will reduce our emissions and have a healthier atmosphere for us all to enjoy. We also need to help make central Auckland more friendly to pedestrians and cyclists. I support greater pedestrianisation of areas like Queen Street and investment in cycle infrastructure. We need to ensure our city is clean. There will also need to be a strong policy surrounding inner city issues such as rubbish disposal. At the moment I am working with the Council to progress these issues. I also support more green spaces in our city for residents, central city children and visitors to enjoy. We have never been in a better position to progress the transformation of our central city. There will be no one policy that will deliver it and part of it will be about local and central Government working together. I can see a central city in the future that is clean, has thriving creative green spaces, beautiful restored heritage buildings, a word-class waterfront and just maybe a few trams gliding through Ponsonby and Grey Lynn. PN (NIKKI KAYE) www.nikkikaye.co.nz
The second vital element in the transformation of Auckland’s CBD is the Auckland spatial plan. This document will allow us to plan for and deliver social, cultural, environmental and economic infrastructure and services across the city – infrastructure and services that experienced significant underinvestment for more than half a century. Public submissions were open until the end of May, now it is up to Auckland Council to take those submissions and develop a plan that will lead the city into the following decade. This plan will need to address issues such as central Auckland transport and congestion. The Government’s $340 million investment in the Victoria Park Tunnel will help get thousands of cars off our central city roads. There is much healthy debate around public transport already. Many of you will have been next the discussions around the CBD rail link and my call for a feasibility study into a tram loop into the Western bays to
NIKKI KAYE HOLDS GEOFF HOUTMAN’S PETITION FOR AUCKLAND TRAMS: It asks the House of Representatives to consider whether legislation will be required to facilitate the extension of Auckland’s tram system as part of an integrated system that complements the proposed CBD rail link with the aim of reducing congestion in Auckland. PN
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CHAIR’S WAITEMATA LOCAL BOARD REPORT: SHALE CHAMBERS MYERS PARK HAS ALWAYS BEEN a good place for demonstrations. In the 1970s and 80’s it was at its zenith, and it is still a good venue today. Anti-apartheid, anti-nuclear testing, anti-battery hens… heck anti anything, and Myers was a good place to start or finish with a band playing and lots of camaraderie.
With the support of the Local Board, there is to be a trial parking zone in St Marys Bay and the learnings from this will inform the policy review. The trial will cover most of St Marys Bay and will have a blanket two hour time restriction although residents will be able to purchase permits which will allow an exemption. Most other cities in the world with managed commuter parking in residential streets take this approach so hopefully we will follow up their lead to a sensible solution for local residents.
Well this hidden gem of an inner city park is due some attention, as part of a more child-friendly Auckland city centre. Such is the nature of changes in the city centre over the past 20 years that new apartment dwellers need a playground for their children and themselves that is safer, better lit and with better sightlines.
One of the new playgrounds for Ponsonby News readers will be the new Wynyard Quarter, down at the Waterfront. It is set to become more local and visitor friendly over the next few years. The first stage North Wharf is set to open 6 August.
We will keep all the wonderful historic features and statues that make it unique, and even the statuesque phoenix palms, that are now considered by authorities a weed, will stay. They are part of the iconic park and safe when well maintained! Myers Park upgrade proposal is one of the 16 key parks priorities for the Local Board Plan that you should have received in your letterbox last month. We have 98 local parks and five Regional Parks in Waitemata. With 48% of our population under 30 years of age we are grasping this as an opportunity to engage youth in what our city has to offer.
There will be loads of new seafood influenced eateries and a revitalisation of the wharf which retains its character and working wharf. Wynyard Crossing is the interim pedestrian and cycling bridge over Viaduct Harbour, which will lead you to the new Viaduct events centre and public seating, artwork and access to the water’s edge by way of steps.
Developing Green links, drinking fountains in all parks, Meola and Coxs Creek restoration, better management plans and a new village square at 254 Ponsonby Road are just some of the projects proposed in our new Local Board Plan.
By the end of September Silo Park at the Western end of Jellicoe Street will be complete, and the Local Board is excited by the prospect of electric trams making a comeback to Auckland at the waterfront on a single track loop. Not to mention the proposed new home of the Auckland Theatre Company in the new ASB Bank headquarters complex to be sited on the corner of Halsey and Jellicoe Street in 2013.
Our Waitemata Plan has been spotted by the influential Auckland Transport Blog which extols its virtues in its ‘Exciting ideas in Waitemata Local Board Plan’ post. It dissects and analyses it from the little improvements in street design, part pedestrianising of Queen Street, making cyclists feel safer through high quality cycling infrastructure, to an audit of intersections to make it safer for pedestrians. So please use the form that’s been delivered into your letterbox, and look at the libraries and online so you can put in your submission before 8 August. St Marys Bay and Ponsonby residents worried about commuter parking in their streets will be able to take heart from an Auckland Transport review of residential parking.
The Viaduct Events Centre is opening 3 August and the first function to be held there is the Art Fair running from 4-7 August, which will be a visual feast of paintings, sculptures, photography, installations and multimedia works by 200 top Australian and New Zealand contemporary artists. You may have missed the first event by the time you read this, but there will be a whole lot more great events coming up that you will want to catch. (SHALE CHAMBERS) PN Contact me: shale.chambers@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
AUCKLAND’S BIG SPRUCE-UP BEGINS AUCKLAND WILL LOOK ITS BEST COME THE START OF RUGBY WORLD CUP 2011, thanks to the city’s Town Centre Tidy-up initiative.
addition property owners and businesses will be encouraged to make their premises sparkle.
People in 39 town centres from Wellsford to Pukekohe will be rolling up their sleeves to tidy up their main streets in time for the Tournament’s kick-off on 9 September. People interested in volunteering for their local Ponsonby tidy-up on Thursday 25 August between 3pm - 5pm should contact Viv Rosenberg at Ponsonby Business Association on either T: 09 360 9301 or M: 021 677 3000; viv.rosenberg@ponsonby.org.nz
Auckland Council will help town centres by providing a project co-ordinator and additional resources such as rubbish bags and rubbish collections, paint and cleaning supplies.
The tidy-ups will involve anything from painting shopfronts and planting or weeding gardens, to water blasting and rubbish removal, and will be carried out by volunteers from the local community.
“These sort of activities create community pride and strengthened local networks. I’m sure anyone who takes part will be pleased they contributed to making their town centre shine. If we get RWC 2011 right, all our visitors will return home singing Auckland’s praises and New Zealand will feel the benefits for years to come.”
Auckland Mayor Len Brown says RWC 2011 is Auckland’s chance to shine. “From picking up rubbish to making shop windows sparkle, communities can get together to ensure that the tens of thousands of visitors are welcomed with pride.” Business Associations will lead the tidy-ups and will determine the specific needs of their areas. The tidy-ups will generally be undertaken in half a day, but in
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Len Brown says the tidy-ups will have benefits well beyond the final whistle of RWC 2011 and he encourages Aucklanders to spare a few hours to help out.
The tidy-ups will be completed in time for town centres to start displaying their dressing materials as part of Auckland’s Adopt-a-second team programme where 34 Auckland communities will adopt one of the visiting teams. PN More information: www.auckland2011.com PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)
RE:AB - FIT + HEALTHY MAINTAINING YOUR SKIN OVER WINTER by Kirsty Wilkinson, owner of re:ab on Selbourne WE REGULARLY MAINTAIN LIFTING AND TONING of our bodies and so often forget our face. We have a number of wonderful options at re:ab on Selbourne that will not only help you to maintain your skin but that will also give you a great experience along the way. FACIAL RADIANCE Many types of stress and tension that come in and out of our lives over the years can leave their imprint on our face. Tension caught in the muscles of the face can cause lines and sagging. When this tension is released muscle memory is ignited and the face will spring back to a natural state. Facial Radiance is a natural face lift technique situated at re:ab on Selbourne. Facial Radiance is an anti-aging and stress relieving massage technique, useful as 80 per cent of our stress is held in the head, face, jaw and neck, often causing us to age prematurely. This one hour treatment offers overall rejuvenation at the cellular level and will leave you looking and feeling younger! Facial Radiance will lift and tone your face, release tension from the jaw, open blocked sinuses, release overall head and neck tension and more.
HOUSE OF ANGEL BEAUTY THERAPY CLINIC House of Angel is a boutique beauty therapy clinic located with our team at re:ab on Selbourne. Dora and Ania adopt the European old traditions of their homelands with many years of international experience, advanced and high grade treatments. They offer traditional beauty treatments like waxing, tinting, facials, pedicures, manicures, body treatments and make-up, and also special treatments like micro-pigmentation, microdermabrasion and lash-treatments. House of Angel’s products fit with re:ab’s holistic philosophy by using all-organic (Ilcsi) and natural remedies (Environ, Priori, Jane Iredale). House of Angel’s winter specials will help you combat the harsh environment that winter brings to our skin. Peels are the ideal treatment for winter, helping you to remove the layers of dead skin cells left from summer and hydrate the skin. Dora also highly recommends that you moisturise as often as you can. And don’t forget to keep your water intake up! PN RE:AB ON SELBOURNE, 2 Selbourne Street T: 09-360-2929 www.reab.co.nz
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LOCAL NEWS PONSONBY U3A - JULY 2011 10 minutes was not long enough for member Gordon Macfarlane, retired Auckland City Town planner, to cover Auckland’s historical development from its official founding in September 1840. The first plan of Auckland was produced by Surveyor General, Felton Mathew and supplanted 10 years later by plans produced by Charles Heaphy. These latter plans largely set the pattern for present day Auckland and the roads generally followed the extensive system of tracks made by Maori in the region.
AUCKLAND INSIDER: NEW APP SEES NEW ZEALAND THROUGH FRESH EYES THIS IS NOT YOUR AVERAGE TRAVEL APP. THAT MAY BE SOMETHING OF AN understatement. When Jules and Effin Older set out to create an app about Auckland, they intended to describe museums and beaches, hotels and scenic walks. But they quickly discovered that Auckland Tourism had already made that app. After a long moment of silent handwringing, the Olders shifted gears. The Olders — who are travel journalists, children’s authors and videographers — created an app that reflects their quirky style, their personal interests and strong opinions. Their new app, Auckland Insider, does just that. It names the best and worst shows on New Zealand television and the absolute best time for watching the tube. It describes the most interesting museum in Auckland and the most disappointing. It identifies ‘false friends’ — words that mean one thing in New Zealand and quite another in the rest of the world. Auckland Insider reveals the difference between a pav and a sav, a hangi and a tangi, skiteophobia and ophidiophobia. To let readers test their New Zealand knowledge, it also includes the Kiwi Quiz. Test question: What’s koru, koro and Coro? Hint: One of them is the worst show on New Zealand television. There are also Kiwi phrases, movies about New Zealand, and introductions to Auckland’s islands and volcanoes. Plus Guaranteed Confusion and The Zen of Travel and The Haiku of the Realtor. That’s why the Olders say, “This is not your average travel app.” PN Auckland Insider is available through Apple’s App Store under travel and through Sutro Media at http://sutromedia.com/apps/Auckland_Insider_Guide
Although town planning had been raised as a public issue as early as 1900, it took until 1926 for an Act of Parliament to be enacted and it was not until 1930 that the first Town Planning Officer was appointed in Auckland. Two main factors are dominant in town planning, one being land use and the other transportation. His talk covered these topics plus housing, roading, different methods of transportation, Legislation including the Resource Management Act 1991 and included his thoughts on actions, inaction and missed opportunities. In the early 1970s the idea of a rapid rail system was dropped like a hot potato when it was costed at one billion dollars. Early maps of Auckland were circulated and it was particularly interesting hearing of the early settlements of St Mary’s Bay, Herne Bay, Karangahape Road, Ponsonby, and later the Freeman’s Bay Reclamation Scheme. It was also good to hear of the heritage features and factors in these localities which must be preserved. The Guest speaker was Sir Don McKinnon, Acting Director of the Auckland War Memorial Museum, and for 21 years MP for Albany, a former Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs and from 2000 to 2008 Commonwealth Secretary General. He spoke fluently without notes, holding the attention and interest of all present with his fascinating presentation about international organisations. He began by suggesting there were a variety of reasons why people joined organisations or clubs: to meet new people and increase social contacts, to share common interests with others, to learn and develop new interests and understandings. There are always membership fees to join and members need to feel they are getting something out of a group to continue belonging. Apparently international organisations are just the same, big international clubs to facilitate and improve relationships, region to region and country to country. They serve a variety of purposes from trading arrangements, security relationships, and foreign relationships. He spoke of well known organisations like the Pacific Forum: ASEAN - Association of South East Asian Nations, APEC – Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, NATO – North Atlantic Treaty Organization: SEATO – South East Asian Treaty Organisations, now dissolved and the UN, the EU, the Commonwealth and the Arab League. In the year 2000 there were 300 international, intergovernmental organisations. It is quite taxing for countries deciding which groups to belong to and where they will receive the most benefit. Because of the costs involved in belonging, some countries have little representation like some Caribbean and African states. He mentioned that New Zealand does not have Embassies in every country because it is a very costly exercise. After the breakup of the USSR in the 1990s there were suddenly 13 new countries. He spoke amusingly and interestingly of many overseas meetings he had attended. Following his talk he responded to a barrage of questions including what to do about tyrant dictators, the Middle East and Palestine. Members had many more questions to ask but he needed to get back to the Museum. His position as Acting Director comes to an end in a few weeks after which he states he will attempt to retire again! I’m sure all members of Ponsonby U3A would agree that belonging to this particular organisation (which is international) is very worthwhile. (NOELINE CREIGHTON) PN The next meeting will be held at the Leys Institute St Mary’s Bay Road at 9.45am on Friday 12 August. As it is the Annual General Meeting there will be no 10 minute speaker. The guest speaker will be Professor Lynette Ferguson, of Auckland Cancer Research Centre and Head of Discipline of Nutrition, University of Auckland. VISITORS WELCOME: Contact Norman for further information T: 09 376 6406.
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STEVE HILSON TELLS PONSONBY NEWS ABOUT BMW SELECT Returning from BMW in the UK last year Jerry Clayton BMW Dealer Principal Steve Hilson is injecting European trends into the Auckland motoring lifestyle, Future Proof Finance – BMW Select – at Jerry Clayton.
On commencing your finance agreement, you can select the contract term that best suits your needs – 24, 36 or 48 months. And to ensure you only pay for what you need you can tailor the contract further by choosing 10,000, 15,000, 20,000 or 25,000 annual kilometre allowance.
“BMW Select is a flexible financing programme for customers who want the security of Guaranteed Minimum Future Value out of their new car. In simple terms, controlling the devaluation on your new BMW. We recognise customer demand locally and are adapting popular overseas trends”
You may want to place equity into your finance contract either as a cash deposit or using the value of your trade-in. In this way you can set the repayments to suit your budget. At the end of your BMW Select contract you have a number of options which provide you with flexibility and a Guaranteed Minimum Future Value option giving you security and options.
BMW Select agreements accounted for approximately 95% of all finance contracts written within the UK BMW dealership. Steve puts the success of BMW Select down to “Savvy consumers wanting win-win deals that come with true peace of mind.”
• • • •
For instance, should the market value of your car be less than the Guaranteed Minimum Future Value at the expiry of the term, the customer can simply walk away (subject to mileage and condition being as per the agreement.). Conversely, should the market value be greater than the residual value, the customer then capitalises on the equity in the vehicle. BMW Select offers unprecedented choice and flexibility and greater affordability. Usually repayments under the programme are lower which makes driving a BMW more affordable than you may think.
Trade in your BMW Refinance Your BMW Take ownership of your BMW Return your BMW
If you would like to know more about this exciting new finance product, please contact Jerry Clayton’s Business Manager, Steve Mottershead T: 09 488 2000 who will provide you with expert advice regarding the BMW Select Programme, tailor the finance agreement to best suit your needs and demonstrate just how wise a decision the BMW Select programme really is. Flexibility, security and peace-of-mind - with BMW Select, driving a BMW becomes even more rewarding. *New Agreements are subject to status. PN JERRY CLAYTON BMW, 445 Lake Road Takapuna T: 09 488 2000 www.jcbmw.co.nz
JERRY CLAYTON BMW LOVES EXPERIENCING PONSONBY Visit the Jerry Clayton Showroom at 445 Lake Rd Takapuna, five minutes from Shelley Beach Road, sit down and talk BMW Select or take a test drive during the month of August and be in to win the ultimate BMW Experience – dinner for 4 at Ponsonby’s newest restaurant Moo Chow Chow and travel in style with a chauffeur driven BMW 7 Series.
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photography: martin leach
JOHN ELLIOTT: SOAP BOX
ACQUIT CRIES THE NUMBER PLATE Gary Gotlieb loves to win. At the tender age of 66 Gary Gotlieb still competes in ocean swimming races. He was a triathlete, winning New Zealand age group races and competed at a number of world meets, until his back gave out. He spent some time lying on the floor in court rooms, while judges told him to go home. Recovered, Gary returned to his first love - swimming, (he had been a University water polo blue and representative surf lifesaver) and still comes in the top three in his age group at National open water and ocean swim meets. He and his wife also walk and cycle together. You can see them striding around Herne Bay and Ponsonby most weekends. Gary loves to tell you how he beat someone half his age - there must be 33-year-olds all over New Zealand shivering in their wetsuits, frightened they will meet Gary Gotlieb at their next ocean racing meet! But it is in his professional capacity as a criminal barrister that Gotlieb is best known for winning. He has ACQUIT emblazoned on the number plates of his red lexus, often parked outside his Ponsonby office. And that moniker has seen many a defendant walk free after Gary Gotlieb has won another acquittal. Gary attributes his love for debate and argument, and his success at it, to his secondary school principal at Cashmere High School in Christchurch, Terry McCombs, later Sir Terrence McCombs, who came from a long line of distinguished Labour Party members of parliament. His mother Elizabeth was the first woman M.P in New Zealand. Terry followed her into parliament as the member for Lyttleton, becoming Minister of Education in the Nash Government. He lost his seat at the bitter 1951 election, and returned to teaching. At that time parliament’s loss was Gary Gotlieb and his fellow students’ gain. McCombs encouraged senior students to debate issues, including how he ran the school. Students could be as critical as they liked, but had to put up a reasoned argument for their point of view. Gotlieb loved it. McCombs even called Gary’s parents in to school to ask them what their son was going to do when he left school. “He should become a lawyer,” McCombs told the Gotliebs. And so he did. Enrolling at Auckland University, Gotlieb was involved in student politics and became student president. It was an interesting time on campus. Tim Shadbolt was at the height of his popularity, and spoke weekly on campus. This was invaluable training in the Public arena. Gary loves to tell how he used these skills in Public meetings (something which seems to have largely disappeared). As a final year school student he and others made the front page in the Christchurch Press by taking on Mable Howard at her election meeting and getting thrown out. It was their intention to attend all political party meetings but after that Terry McCombs suggested they take a less active role. He ran the campaign for extended drinking hours (to get rid of six o’clock closing). At a meeting at the Town Hall he challenged John A Lee, who was on the committee opposed to the change, by referring him to one of his books and chapter without mentioning the detail (due to his respect for John A Lee). He reflected and told the packed meeting this young man has bought me to my senses and I resign from the committee.
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Pandamonium and front page of the Herald the following morning. This developed a friendship between the two. Gary proudly boasts a signed copy of every one of his books. He has also fought hard against city bureaucrats who held up the Tepid Baths refurbishment. Initially 30 years ago when it was going to close and of more recent times He is proud of his involvement in the nearly ready, upgraded, Tepids. Gary will do hundreds more lengths when the baths open early next year. For someone who is pretty opinionated, Gary has a very compassionate view of society and the law, “if you don’t have a society which cares for the underprivileged, you have the demise of your society.” Gotlieb is a firm believer in the jury system. He said he’d rather have a serious case judged by a jury, than a judge alone. Although experts give their evidence, it is still up to the jury to weigh up the whole case and declare their verdict. On the right to silence debate, Gotlieb agrees with Warren Young (of the Law Commission) that you can’t force people to talk, and people who are not particularly articulate can be manipulated and have words put in their mouth. One area of concern for Gary Gotlieb is the amount of law change being pushed through parliament under the current administration. He believes much of this is being pushed by bureaucrats who have never been lawyers. Civil libertarians like Tom Shand and Ralph Hannan (former National party cabinet ministers both) would be turning over in their graves. Gary Gotlieb knows that some people are underprivileged “from go to whoa”, and he hates the thought of locking some of these people up and throwing away the key.” Forty years ago when I was a young lawyer visiting prisons, there was a teacher in every jail. Trades were taught, and rehabilitation actually did happen. Now prisons cry they have no budget for this.” Another point Gotlieb makes is the importance of making sure young people get out of bed and have work to go to. If they have nothing to do they get depressed, lose confidence and pull the blankets over their head. Gary can’t get over the huge payments to CEOs of SOEs.”It’ s out of all proportion to their productivity,” he thinks. “People just a rung or two down the pecking order get 50 times less, and that’s wrong.” Gotlieb says you need politics of fairness and social justice. When it comes to issues like Foreshore and Seabed, or doing away with the Privy Council, Gary is remarkably sanguine. He believes our justice system is pretty good overall, but he wouldn’t be averse to more legal cooperation with Australia. Gary Gotlieb learnt to speak out for what was right as a senior student at school, and he has never looked back. When Keith Holyoake, former Prime Minister was 72, he once said “as a fellow approaching early middle age”. It strikes me that Gary Gotlieb will be invoking “early middle age” for many years to come. As he swims his lengths at the newly refurbished Teps he will still be looking for competitors less than half his age who he can beat in ocean swims. Don’t expect the A and the C to disappear from Gary’s number plate anytime soon. QUIT is not a word that has ever been part of his vocabulary. (JOHN ELLIOTT) PN PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)
The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied
DEADLINE – 20TH OF THE MONTH August 2011 PONSONBY NEWS+
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LOCAL NEWS: DEIRDRE ROELANTS
A FRANKLIN ROAD SAGA FOR WEEKS AND WEEKS WE WALKED PAST IT AND WONDERED. WHAT ON earth was going on behind that big black screen taking up a large part of the pavement in front of number 4 Franklin Road? There was a lot of activity going on behind it, that’s for sure! photography: Deirdre Roelants
Ponsonby residents are justifiably proud of their famous street and like to be informed about what’s going on there. Eventually the screen was removed and we were privy to what it had been hiding. The venerable old ‘leaning wall’ was no more, now replaced by a brand new structure that would ideally grace the front of a Belgravia mansion. The story goes back to 2008 when an anxious citizen complained to the council about the leaning wall of Franklin Road and the danger it posed to the passing parade. The council responded with great immediacy and decreed the wall be straightened or demolished. No quarter was given and the job had to be completed in 28 days. George Farrant, Manager of Heritage, came to the rescue, persuading the Council to give the owners time to assess the situation. Engineers were consulted and concluded that any attempts to straighten the wall would result in its collapse. The council made no imposition on what replaced the wall as long as it retained the land behind.
Once plans were completed Aden took fiberglass moulds of the pillars and over the period of a year, assembled the wall in pieces off site. Once the black screen was in place he and his team demolished the old wall, carefully preserving the wrought iron work and like the phoenix a new wall rose out of the destruction.
There were plenty of other impositions however. The tree that was partly affecting the wall had to be removed and with Council Arborists’ consent this proceeded, causing great consternation to tree lovers, particularly one lady who went to the extreme measure of laying in front of the bulldozer. Faced with an estimate of $170,000 to straighten the existing wall, which was a doubtful possibility anyway, the owners decided to go for broke and build a new wall with a foundation and internal structure that would withstand the test of time.
The owners were then required to reinstate the footpath which is no patch-up job but what the council should be doing to the entire length of Franklin Road. The new wall is very splendid but hasn’t the character of the original, part of which is still in place round the corner on Arthur Street. The owners intend trying to match the new with the old but have reservations on how to replicate the original layers of paint. Meanwhile everybody agrees we have the next best thing and the owners are more than grateful to Aden Bolton for what he has achieved.
Aden Bolton of SPC Formwork was called upon to do the job. He is an ex Elam Art School student and convinced the owners that a replica was the way to go. He is a wizard with concrete and called upon engineer, Doctor Hugh Fendall to come up with the design.
A more detailed account of what had to be overcome before the project’s completion has been posted on the wall for interested parties to read. This is a gracious gesture to all of us who have been very concerned about what was happening to a wall that had been in place since 1884 and was a landmark in our street. (DEIRDRE ROELANTS)
WHAT BETTER PLACE TO BROWSE THAN A LIBRARY
His younger brother, Thomas was a real mover and shaker. A Leys Family Trust was established and due to his influence as co-owner and editor of the Auckland Star he was able to pick up and run with William’s torch. Coral Ridling’s booklet details the steps that resulted in the establishment of a library in the pseudo-Gothic building we are proud of today. The Leys family involvement in the Institute lasted for ninety-five years. Our new Community Librarian, Niki Wright replaced Juliana Austen in February this year and her enthusiasm for the role is palpable. It is quite different from her previous position at Auckland Central where she worked in information and resources. She enjoys the community involvement which doesn’t happen in a large city library and thinks the recent amalgamation of all libraries is fantastic. Readers can now access books and CD’s from throughout the whole system and the Institute has two full time and six part time staff to cope with the increased work load. Children’s services are an important part of the library. At 10.00am on Thursday there’s a Wriggle & Rhyme programme for 0 to 2 year olds that provides movement experiences which stimulate brain and body development and early literacy skills. Parents or caregivers also take part in order to learn the activities they can use at home. This programme is hugely popular and with about forty parents and babies participating there are often eighty people in the children’s room on a Thursday
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morning. There’s no evidence of a comparable programme outside of New Zealand. Library Storytimes that happen on Tuesdays and Fridays at 10.30am are just as popular with up to seventy people regularly in attendance. photography: Deirdre Roelants
PARTICULARLY IF IT’S A COMMUNITY library and the Leys Institute Building houses one that is quite exceptional. Coral Ridling’s short history of the institute, titled “One Man’s Dream” is a tribute to William Leys who arrived in Ponsonby with his family in 1868. He was eleven years old, went to Newton Central School and was running his own bookbinding business by the time he was twenty. William was a philanthropist and dreamed of establishing a Mechanics’ Institute to further the education of poor children in the area who had left school and were leading aimless lives. In his will there was a legacy of $5,723 to “light the torch”.
Activities for adults include a book club with a difference that meets on the first Wednesday of the month at 10.00am. The library chooses two fiction and two non-fiction titles for discussion.
On Mondays at 12.00pm a French conversation group gathers in the meeting room and there have been a few events for older folk as well. Cath Tizard has given a talk about her memoir and Alexa Johnson’s on “Ladies bring a plate” had a great turnout. Librarians have always looked for ways to impart information and with free Wifi in place many backpackers find their way to the Leys Institute to use this service. Niki expects a large influx of visitors during the World Cup! Technos can also bring along their laptops and download ebooks from the library website. Before gaining her Master of Information Studies at Victoria University, Niki taught history at both Auckland and Epsom Girls Grammar schools. Managing Leys Institute is an extra delight because of her interest in things past. She took me on a tour of the labyrinthine building which is steeped in history and houses all sorts of interesting artefacts from a very different era. A steep staircase leading to a basement room is lined with a collage of early paperback covers and further down in the little museum a whole wall is inscribed with signatures including one by the great Dr Seuss himself! After all the Leys Institute was the first library in New Zealand to have a children’s facility. Yes libraries ain’t what they used to be, they are much better. We are so lucky to have such an excellent one in our area where we can borrow not only printed books, but also audio books, music CD’s, DVD’s, and utilise a Downloadable Media site all for free. (DEIRDRE ROELANTS) PN PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)
The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied
DEADLINE – 20TH OF THE MONTH August 2011 PONSONBY NEWS+
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LOCAL NEWS KIWI CLASSIC MADE HERE IN PONSONBY THE THIRD RELEASE OF WHAT IS FAST BECOMING AN ICONIC PIECE OF Kiwi music folklore is about to hit the shops, and it seems only appropriate that it is produced right here in Maidstone Street, Ponsonby. The Great New Zealand Songbook Souvenir Edition is a special 4 CD collection that brings together classic Kiwi tracks from the last thirty-plus years. It’s manufactured by Forge Media. Based in Maidstone Street, Forge is New Zealand’s only complete inhouse CD pressing and offset print capable company. “Several of the bands featured on The Great Kiwi Songbook performed live at the Gluepot back in the days,” says Forge Key Account Manager Phil Rose. “So the fact that we’re producing the album just up the road has a nice symmetry to it.” The Great New Zealand Songbook truly is a 100% Kiwi-made product. Forge produce the CDs from small plastic pellets that are then melted and pressed against a metal pressing master to create the CD. A silver foil is applied and the CD is then screenprinted. While this is all happening (to the tune of around 20,000 CDs being produced a day), the offset printing press in the next room is producing the full colour covers and CD sleeves. Everything is then assembled in-house and dispatched to distribution centres.
Quality Control. Forge printer DYLAN BOLLAERT and Key Account Manager PHIL ROSE check the covers as they come of the press The first Songbook saw the light of day in 2009 and was originally promoted to homesick Kiwis living abroad. It was such a hit (both here and overseas) that it begged a sequel, which duly came along as The Great New Zealand Songbook Volume Two in 2010.
The Great Kiwi Songbook is the brainchild of St Heliers-based music publisher Murray Thom of Thom Music. Murray started his career working for CBS Records and at just 23 became the company’s Managing Director for New Zealand. Suffice to say he knows about music. “Murray has an almost uncanny instinct of knowing what the music-buying public want,” says Phil. “The compilation albums we’ve produced for him here at Forge over the last nine years or so have all been big sellers.”
With the latest Great New Zealand Songbook Souvenir Edition, which is slated for release in August to tie in with a certain high profile rugby event, Murray Thom wanted to create something extra special. He looked to Forge to make it happen. “It’s been designed as a collector’s piece,” Phil Rose says. “There are four CDs in special slipcase packaging, along with booklets and a cover that features silver foiling.”
It’s an eclectic mix that covers the full gamut of musical tastes, with titles that include Espresso Guitar, Music for Wine Lovers and albums featuring Carl Doy, Rob Guest and Nathan Haines. Out of them all, the Great New Zealand Songbook, with it’s cheeky reworking of Dick Frizzell’s classic Four Square character on the cover, has been the big one. To date, over 150,000 copies have been sold.
Murray Thom and co-producer Tim Harper were involved in the production every step of the way, checking colours with the team at Forge as the sheets literally came off the press. “I had a very clear vision of what I wanted,” Murray explains. “As usual, Forge has delivered. It looks and sounds great. Keeping everything 100% Kiwi is the icing on the cake.” www.forge.co.nz PN
SOHO — AT LEAST THE HOLE WILL BE FILLED IN! Locals are pleased a new development for the Soho hole has been proposed. The general feeling is that Progressive will do a good job developing the site. But a number of questions remain. Other than a Countdown Supermarket what else will Progressive put on the site? Even the largest Supermarket would not take up 40,000 sq. Metres. Why would Progressive want two Supermarkets – one on each end of Williamson Avenue? Progressive owns K-Mart. Will they turn the Foodtown Supermarket into a K-Mart? Will their development at Soho Square include other shops? Will it be like 277 Newmarket? What are their plans for traffic mitigation? Is a cinema still a possibility? And so, you see, there are still as many questions as there are answers, and it is very important that Progressive do the local consultation that the Marlin group refused to do. It will certainly do our hearts good to see that hole filled in, but we aren’t out of the woods yet, and it’s still possible that Marlin’s mixed use proposal, albeit demanding much greater site coverage than resource consents allowed, may have been a good option - much scaled down. Let’s hope we don’t have to cry, “come back Marlin, all is forgiven.” Just remember Progressive, its all about, “consultation, consultation, consultation”, if you want to keep locals onside. (JOHN ELLIOTT) PN
SEARCH FOR TOTO - JO COTTON FROM MORE FM - IN THE WET AND WINDY WESTERN PARK! 'My dogs are cute enough to try out for Toto but if one got it and the other didn't.. It would be all kinds of awkward. Kind of like when those ginga twins were on New Zealand’s Next Top Model that time! Panic attacks and tears. Plus they couldn't be trusted not to relieve themselves all over the yellow brick road so... They're gonna sit this one out'.
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PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)
SIDELINE WITH GEORGE BERRY
BRINGING HISTORY BACK IF YOU’RE LUCKY ENOUGH TO REMEMBER the 1987 rugby world cup, you’ll be looking forward to a possible repeat of those memories in September and October this year. If you’re like me and weren’t old enough to have rejoiced in that moment and have only ever felt an overwhelming sense of disappointment every four years since, you’ll be eagerly awaiting the same dates with a slightly different reason for that sense of hope.
Limited edition retro STEINLAGER cans at the Cav
Regardless of your own personal circumstances you’ll be pleased to know the New Zealand Rugby Union and one of its major sponsors have teamed up once again to celebrate the occasion. They’ve also added a slice of nostalgia in an effort to replicate those glory days of 25 long years ago.
Back in 1987 the beer of choice was Steinlarger, and the brand with its red and white logo was embroidered alongside the silver fern on the All Black jersey. They were then, and still are now, one of the major sponsors of our countries’ national rugby team. Over the last quarter of a century the Lion Nathan Brand has evolved with not only Kiwis’ developing beer drinking pallet, but it has also, like the All Blacks, spent a season or two in a slightly different playing strip. Probably the most famous of its turn of colour was the green, red, and white, made famous with its connection to Sir Peter Blake’s heroics in guiding Team New Zealand to victory in the Americas Cup in 1996. Hoping to eclipse that effort the NZRU and Lion Nathan got together for the limited release of the white and silver can. In a full show of their unwavering 25 years of support they’ve also gone All Black with their bottles, switching from the now trendy green, Steinlarger will be served in bars and pubs around New Zealand in black bottles. No matter if you’re in a bar on Ponsonby Road, at the final at Eden Park, or sheltering from the Antarctic weather in Invercargill, when you order a Steinlarger you’ll be drinking it from a piece of history. The initiative was unveiled on 28 June at none other than the Cavalier Tavern in College Hill; to a pack of waiting media and dignitaries Lions Nathans new Managing director Rory Glass and NZRU CEO Steve Tew revealed the 2011 secret. “It’s a commercial relationship that continues to grow and adapt to the ever changing landscape,” said Tew, “the rules and regulations seem to get tighter and tighter every year, but without the support of companies like Steinlarger and Lion Nathan, there would not only be a totally different form of rugby being played in this country, but we would be very, very lucky if we had a level of grass roots rugby in New Zealand at all. “It’s been a long time coming with the NZRU trophy cabinet filled and emptied many times over the past two and a half decades, and despite the uncanny parallels, the one thing that’s been missing from our shelves, which disappeared at around the same time as the William Web Ellis Trophy, was a little white 330ml can. If you take a look closely at the spot just under the Steinlarger logo you will see a message: WE BELIEVE, a message of support and a notion that no matter where their journey takes them New Zealand will be right there beside the All Blacks.” (GEORGE BERRY) PN
Former All Blacks: A J WHETTON and GRANT FOX The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied
KIWI RUNNER BRAVELY ATTEMPTS WORLD FIRST NEW ZEALAND’S MOST WELL KNOWN ULTRA MARATHON RUNNER, Lisa Tamati, is about to attempt what no woman in the world has done before; complete the La Ultra -The High race, a 222 km nonstop ultra-marathon in the Himalayan Ladakh province in Northern India. The event is run over the two highest passes in the world going up to 5,400 metres in altitude and starts on 11 August. Only one man, Mark Cockbain from England completed the inaugural event last year, while the other competitors ended up in hospital with altitude sickness. Only 20 runners have been invited to run this event, all of whom are ranked at the top of the world and are extremely accomplished ultra-marathoners. This extremely tough event will provide many challenges including temperatures ranging from a possible -10 to 40°C and at the altitudes this course covers there is approximately 50 percent less oxygen in the atmosphere which will be a huge obstacle for the runners. Lisa says “this is unquestionably the hardest race I have ever attempted. I have a cameraman and a photojournalist in my crew, so I am excited about the amazing footage and photos we will get of the spectacular views over the whole Himalayan and Karakoram mountain ranges. Of course I am nervous about competing in such a brutal event but you never know what your body can cope with until you try it under extreme conditions and this certainly will be a true test of that.” Lisa Tamati will be attempting to post blogs and updates throughout the race. RACE HISTORY: The race started after Dr Rajat Chauhan had the idea and approached the Indian army, who train up in this area and have their base in Leh, to ask whether it would be humanly possible to do this. Based on their experiences and research he said that it would not be possible without having breaks to acclimatise to the altitude. And so the challenge was born. The race is hoping to highlight issues surrounding Himalayan water supplies. The Himalayas are the third biggest supplier of freshwater in the world (behind the two poles) and feed rivers that are a source of water for over a billion people. Lisa Tamati is New Zealand’s most well-known Ultra Marathon and desert runner. She has run the equivalent of more than two and half times around the equator and completed over 130 Ultra Marathons in 25 countries. She was Maori sportswoman of the year in 2008 and nominated for New Zealander of the year in 2010. In 2009 she ran the length of New Zealand for charity, completing over 2,250 km in 43 days. She is also the author of an autobiography “Running Hot.” PN More information on the race is available on the race website at www.thehigh.in You can also be kept up to date at www.lisatamati.co.nz
SCOTT WALLACE of DBB and NZRU boss STEVE TEW DEADLINE – 20TH OF THE MONTH August 2011 PONSONBY NEWS+
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SIDELINE WITH GEORGE BERRY
EYE ON A DIFFERENT PRIZE SOME WOULD SAY BEING ONE OF 14 MEN AS PART OF A TOUR GROUP with 250 women would be the equivalent of sticking your head right into the Lions mouth. Others like the men themselves, would say a dream come true.
He went on to say that he’s been on plenty of sporting trips, like the Australian Open and the Hong Kong sevens, but this trip is totally different and significantly more enjoyable.
I recently bumped into this particular group of fellas, who booked individually to travel to Singapore for a 10 day excursion to the Netball World Champs.
“It’s not a boozy holiday with the boys that you stay out partying all night and wake up with a hangover. There may be 250 women on our trip but there are over two thousand Kiwis here from all over the country and nearly three thousand Aussies, with the male to female ratio very similar to the same as our tour. “If I’m still single you can guarantee I’ll be booking in for 2015 in Australia,” said Richard from Hamilton.
With an average age of 45, the majority of these men were single, and signed up to the trip of sport, shopping and sightseeing with the hope of not only having a good time, but with the added bonus of potentially bumping into Mrs Right. Initially I wondered why someone would do such a thing, but during a quiet afternoon beverage with a couple of the guys they were soon working to convince me that a tour like this is not only the best possible place to find a mate, but also a lot of fun. Pete from Cox’s Bay described the trip as fun, interactive and that the ladies on the trip know how to have a good time, and whether you find that special someone during the 10 days or not, you often meet like-minded people and your circle of friends is enlarged with positive effects back home.
PASSING IT ON LOCAL LEAGUE LEGEND AND NOW COACH OF THE PT CHEV PIRATES, STACEY Jones is teaming up two of his highest priorities on 6 August; all in the name of making life a little better for a youngster suffering from cancer, if only for a day. The Former Kiwi is a Camp Quality Ambassador; Camp Quality is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to bringing fun, hope, and happiness to children living with cancer. The organisation provides week-long getaways for kids aged 5-16, as well as year-long support for the children and their families.
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With this in mind I quizzed the organisers of a couple of tours and as if in synchronised fashion, they all explained that they do nothing to pair people up and are by no means matchmakers, but what people do in their own time on the tours is totally up to them. None of the organisers would be drawn on if they had experienced anything like this before but said there looks to be an increasing market for a tour like this. So if you’re single, love sport and to travel, keep an eye out… an organised tour like this could be coming your way soon. (GEORGE BERRY) PN
Jones had arranged to host a number of the children and their families at the Fox memorial semi-final on 9 July but unfortunately the event was called off due to bad weather. However, true to the gritty playmakers determination that the show will go on, the occasion has been re-scheduled. 25 of the kids and their families will mix and mingle with Jones and the players before their game on 9 August. Camp Quality passionately believes in the power of fun to help children and their families overcome the challenges of living with cancer. Good on you Stacey, it’s great to see you continuing to make a difference both on and off the field. (GEORGE BERRY)
PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)
The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied
DEADLINE – 20TH OF THE MONTH August 2011 PONSONBY NEWS+
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HAPPY FATHER’S DAY! SUNDAY 4 SEPTEMBER
LOCAL FATHERS Ponsonby News talks to some local dads about Father’s Day and what being a father means to them.
When the kids were young it was pretty cool to see the excitement from them on Father’s Day, running around after me and trying to cook breakfast and burning toast only to get Mum to fix it for them. As they have got older Father’s Day is more about enjoying each other’s company. This year I am hoping it will have something to do with the Rugby World Cup!
SIMON DEW, one of the owners of the Harcourts Ponsonby Office, is dad to two girls, Jessica, 18 and Sylvia, 15.
LUKE DALLOW, owner of Chapel Bar and Bistro, is father to three children – Max, 9, Florence, 7 and Gus, 4.
Father’s Day hasn’t been celebrated in our household for some time. In fact the only one I can remember was when the girls were little. They came home with art works that they had created under the direction of their teachers.
I haven’t really thought about what I will be doing for Father’s Day this year. Normally it’s a bit of a sleep in, breakfast and then you get on with the day. It’s not quite like Mother’s Day where you get pampered a lot! I don’t want any more hankies and socks this year please.
My wife Susan obviously got into the mood of the thing and in the lead up there was lots of conspiratorial whispering and secret giggles. On the morning of the day in question I was brought breakfast in bed with the cards and pictures and a photograph of Sylvia dressed up in my clothes with an enormously padded stomach (almost certainly Susan’s input!). Since then I think the girls feel that I am sufficiently revered every day so that a particular day of reverence would be gilding the lily! Being a father is fundamental to who I am now. It is impossible to conceive of any other reality. Whilst you may love your partner with profound passion the connection to your children is something more fundamental and you know that for the first time in your life that there is something that is more important than yourself. I was very fortunate to have a very loving and involved father. I find the best moments with my girls are a bit like the best times with my dad - times when you laugh at a silly gag or just enjoy their company in an everyday setting.
But joking aside they are pretty special days. The first one when I was a new father was probably the most memorable for me. It means a lot to me to be a father. All three births were really special moments, holding that little thing in your arms. It’s unconditional love as a father. I enjoy seeing them achieve things and being involved in their lives. But I also have to say that behind every great father is a great mother. That will give me brownie points won’t it?! (KAREN PHELPS)
JASON WITEHIRA, owner operator of New World Victoria Park supermarket, has four children – Henare, 23, Christie, 22, Stephan, 19 and Joseph, 17. I take real pride in being a father and seeing the kids grow into independent people with good values and respect. To me being a dad is about being responsible, honest and consistent. This is not always easy due to work and other things. It’s about being there for my children when things are challenging for them. It can be a pretty hard world out there and when things go wrong I am happy to be there for them and tell them I love them no matter what.
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PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)
HAPPY FATHER’S DAY! SUNDAY 4 SEPTEMBER
Above left: GEORGE and ROWENA LEACH catching crayfish at Pourerere Beach in the ‘60s. Top right: GEORGE and JOCK, a Navy mate from the H.M.N.Z.S. ‘Pukaki ‘ and ‘Lochlan’; Bottom right: VICKY, DAVID, SUSAN, MARTIN and DONNA visit Santa in the cave at the PDC, Palmerston North (Wendy was absent from this shot)
REMEMBER DAD...
she pushed you too far and you said to her, “Oh for god’s sake Stephanie, you’ve got more yap, than a drover’s bitch”. That was classic George Leach.
NO MATTER WHAT ANY OF MY OTHER SIBLINGS’ memories of the past are...you did your best and for a Barnardo boy, who didn’t have much love in your early days - you inspired me to go back to London, where I enjoyed some of the best year’s of my life - I will NEVER be able to thank you for giving me that courage to go on my own at 18! I mean Feilding to London back seemed like a huge step to me.
I thank God you met Fay. The ‘new’ Mrs Leach. She is an angel and cares for you like no-one else has. You both care for each other... you both look out for each other. So that wink, you cheekily gave Fay at The Greerton Bowling Club, five years ago was the best wink ever. You landed the right partner!
Remember when mum and I had that row and she called me a dirty little queer? It was 1981 and bad timing as you’d just been diagnosed with leukemia. I felt gutted by that comment from my own mum... the mum who’d always treated me as her favourite! But dad, I recall you driving me to Palmerston North airport...and you simply said, “you’re my son, and I love you, no matter what.” You may have forgotten those words... I NEVER have! These days, however, like Derek in “The Catherine Tate Show’, I should have responded to mum with... “Gay dear. Who dear? Me dear? Oh no dear!” You have always been funny, flirty, broad and very open-minded - something others could learn from. I’ll never forget Stephanie, the receptionist at Dometts in Feilding, when
The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied
On all my emails, dad, you inspired me to sign off with... “IF YOU’RE GOING THROUGH HELL... KEEP GOING,” which is a quote of Churchill’s. I always remember how much you admired the great man. Finally, dear George, dear Dad, at your grand old age of 83, it upsets me to see you having had four strokes and serious pneumonia - so fragile, so poorly, so vulnerable, but you’ve still got fire in your belly... and to want the latest iPad at your age makes me appreciate you even more. I was saddened, however, when you asked me if you had been a good father. You were and are still fantastic George and I enjoyed making the 45 minute movie tribute to you - ‘My Dad, the Salty Sea Dog’ last Christmas. I wish we’d been a bit closer growing up...BUT you were always a very loving, caring father and I am thinking of you with great fondness on this Father’s Day - Sunday, 6 September. (MARTIN LEACH) PN
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JAY PLATT
happy fathers day HAPPY FATHER H
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f th T
happy fathers day HAPPY FATHERS D DAY
happy fathers day HAPPY FATHERS DAY H
happy fathers day HAPPY FATHERS DAY H
happy fathers day HAPPY FATHERS DAY CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT Remote tidy $37 @ Askew www.askew.co.nz; Victarinox Original Swiss Army knife $105 @ Askew www.askew.co.nz; Non conformist Gnomes by German Artist Ottmar Horl $195 @ Design55 www.design55.co.nz; Sigg Heritage 1L waterbottles $49.90 each @ ecostore www.ecostore.co.nz; Gaetano Pesce Resin vase from Milan, Italy $800 @ Design 55 www.design55.co.nz; Furi Cooks Knife $119.90, Utility Knife $89.90 @ Askew www.askew.co.nz; Klaxton trumpet Bike Horn $38 @ Pylones www.pylones-newzealand.com STYLING: Jay Platt; PHOTOGRAPHY: Danilo Santana David, Fisher Santanta
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WE CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT
Y
happy fath
HAPPY F H FATH
happy f HAPPY F H
happy fathers day HAPPY FATHERS DAY H
happy fathers day HAPPY FATHERS DAY CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT Non conformist Gnomes by German Artist Ottmar Horl $195 each @ Design55 www.design55.co.nz; 1930’s Audi Autounion silver F1 racing car $129 @ airships www.airships.co.nz; Paris house 3 fold wallet $199 @ World Beauty www.worldbrand.co.nz; PO ZU Men’s Dez footwear $299.00 @ ecostore www.ecostore.co.nz; ‘Kenzo Tange’ gymnasium sauceboat by Giuseppe Raimondi $558 @ indice www.indice.co.nz; the Herb farm Men’s Skincare pack $45.90 @ ecostore www.ecostore.co.nz; Camouflage watch $79 @ Askew www.askew.co.nz PN
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HAPPY FATHER’S DAY! SUNDAY 4 SEPTEMBER
PLACES TO SPEND FATHER’S DAY Looking for a great place to spend part of next month’s Father’s Day? Welcome to the Ponsonby News guide to the local parks right on your back doorstep. Fingers crossed for a warm sunny day!
FOR A QUIET FATHER’S DAY SALISBURY RESERVE • Where: 19 Salisbury Street, Herne Bay. • What: A small reserve set around a petanque club. • Why bring Dad here: If you want a quiet place to spend Father’s Day, perhaps with an older father, with a game of petanque thrown in then this could be the place. VERMONT RESERVE • Where: 98 Vermont Street. • What: Small local park with children’s playground. • Why bring Dad here: Good to pop into quickly on the way home from brunch. OTHER SMALL PARKS TO TRY: • Brown Reserve, 14-16 Brown Street. • Moira Reserve, 14 Moira Street. • St Mary’s Reserve, 15-17 St Mary’s Bay Road.
FOR YOUNGER DADS WITH KIDS COX’S BAY RESERVE • Where: 44-66 West End Road, Herne Bay • What: This 14 hectare reserve has a sports field and some nice walkways. • Why bring Dad here: Perfect for a younger father with kids as there is plenty to keep the little ones entertained. Play a game of football or cricket on the sports field or there are also volleyball and tennis courts. Or take a relaxing walk around the creek area from West End Road in the north to Richmond Road in the south through mangroves and native vegetation. There is a playground and barbeques are available.
FOR A BARBEQUE GREY LYNN PARK • Where: 69 -71 Williamson Avenue. • What: Covering approximately 10.5 hectares most people will be familiar with this park from visiting the Grey Lynn Festival. • Why bring Dad here: It has barbecues so makes a nice place to have lunch. The kids can be kept entertained in the playground, flying fox, basketball and volleyball courts, skate park and paddling pool.
FOR MOUNTAIN BIKING ARCH HILL RESERVE • Where: 89 Ivanhoe Road, Grey Lynn. • What: Large scenic reserve with playground. • Why bring Dad here: Enjoy mountain biking in the heart of the city. There are two mountain bike trails - a beginner trail for families and riders of all ages and an intermediate trail for more advanced riders.
FOR NATURE WESTERN SPRINGS • Where: 859 Great North Road, Western Springs. • What: This park is a wildlife sanctuary surrounding a natural spring-fed lake. The lake is a refuge for eel, chickens, swans and ducks – you can even coax all of these animals into taking food. Around the shores and wetlands look out for pukeko, teal, Australian coot and shovelers. • Why bring Dad here: This park pretty much has it all. Its close proximity to the zoo and MOTAT makes it an ideal place to spend Father’s Day.
FOR WALKING WESTERN PARK (NOT TO BE CONFUSED WITH WESTERN SPRINGS) • Where: Access from Beresford Street, Hepburn Street, Smith Street, Tahuna Street and Ponsonby Road, with a new entrance at Hopetoun Street where a viewing platform looking out to the harbour has been built. • What: Covering approximately eight hectares, this area was vested in Auckland City Council in 1875. Discover walkways through mature trees through a sloping valley. • Why bring Dad here: The park has a fitness trail for a healthy post-brunch Father’s Day walk.
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FOR SWIMMING (FOR THE VERY BRAVE!) POINT ERIN PARK • Where: 94 Shelly Beach Road. • What: Four hectare park with playground and tables. • Why bring Dad here: Because it is adjacent to Point Erin pools and if the weather was warmer, you could always combine a day in the park with a swim.
FOR STUNNING COASTAL SCENERY COYLE PARK • Where: 528 Point Chevalier Road. • What: Covering nearly five hectares this park has fantastic harbour views. It is edged by steep cliffs so keep an eye on the little ones. There is a barbeque, tables and playground area. • Why bring Dad here: Access paths lead from the park to Point Chevalier beach, along with a number of small paths down the cliff side perfect for taking in the beautiful scenery. If you are brave you could take a dip in the ocean if it is high tide. (KAREN PHELPS) PN
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LOCAL NEWS Every day 55 New Zealander’s are hit with the news that they have cancer. At this difficult time the Cancer Society offers hope. Cancer Society’s annual Daffodil Day Appeal takes place on Friday 26 August, and gives us all a chance to make a real difference to the lives of thousands of New Zealanders living with cancer. Cancer is a leading cause of death in New Zealand with 8,000 people each year losing their battle with this disease. But with the help of the Cancer Society through Daffodil Day we can all play a part in reducing the incidence and impact of cancer. Together as a nation we can help create hope for families living with this disease. “This has been an extremely difficult year for our country in terms of natural disasters but we shouldn’t forget that every day 55 kiwis diagnosed with cancer face their own personal crises.” Cancer Society Auckland Chief Executive John Loof said. “Daffodil Day is a significant day for the Cancer Society and for all New Zealander’s as we can all play our part in creating a country with less cancer.”
DAFFODIL DAY NEEDS YOU! Daffodil Day is just around the corner and the Cancer Society urgently needs more volunteer collectors to hit the streets on Friday 26 August. “Being a volunteer collector is a fun, easy and rewarding way to help the Cancer Society and people affected by cancer in your community now and in the future,” says John Loof, CEO Cancer Society Auckland. “Latest figures show that almost 20,000 people are diagnosed with cancer each year in New Zealand and around 6,000 of those people are Aucklanders. But with your help there is hope”. Money raised this Daffodil Day will help provide free support and information services, fund important scientific cancer research and implement health promotion initiatives to reduce the risk of certain cancers. The Cancer Society receives no direct government funding and is reliant on donations to provide these services free of charge to people affected by cancer. A few hours is all it takes to make a difference. To become a volunteer collector this Daffodil Day please call T: 09 308 0240 or sign-up online at www.daffodilday.org.nz
No matter which cancer a person is diagnosed with the Cancer Society is there to help. The Society offers a range of free supportive care services designed to meet the diverse needs of the patient, their family and whanau and beyond. With free nursing and information services, counselling, accommodation, as well as volunteer drivers the Cancer Society Auckland is never far away. Research and Health Promotion are also part of the Cancer Society’s focus, with a commitment to reducing the incidence of cancer in New Zealand. This year marks the 21st anniversary of Daffodil Day, and once again all New Zealander’s are encouraged to reach deep into their pockets and give generously to make a real difference to the lives of people with cancer.
THE BHANA BROTHERS store on Ponsonby road sell thousands of bunches of Daffodils on Daffodil Day
Celebrating your 21st birthday is a real milestone, and with Daffodil Day turning 21 this year John Loof wants all Aucklanders to stand alongside him and make a pledge. “Every year we celebrate another birthday, we acknowledge another year where cancer has not conquered. Let’s all get behind Daffodil Day and work in unison to help create a city, and a country, with more birthdays and less cancer.” Sponsored by The National Bank, Daffodil Day will see a swarm of volunteers hit the streets to assist in one of the most important fundraising and awareness campaigns in the country. In Auckland alone, more than 2,500 volunteers are expected to donate their time and assist in spreading awareness and hope throughout the city. By donating, wearing an iconic daffodil pin or hosting a workplace event on Friday you’re giving hope to many. Funds raised on Daffodil Day are crucial to reducing the incidence of cancer and ensuring the best cancer care for everyone in New Zealand both now and in the future.
WAYS YOU CAN DONATE
ON THE STREET Make sure you have cash in your pocket on 28 August to give generously to the Daffodil Day collectors. In exchange you’ll receive a Daffodil pin to wear proudly. ONLINE Pop online to www.daffodilday.org.nz and enter your nominated donation amount and credit card details on the secure and easy online donation form. CALL 0900 311 11 You can make an instant $20 donation by calling T: 0900 311 11. This will be automatically charged to your telephone account. TEXT Never carry loose change? Fear not! You can make an instant $3 donation from your mobile phone by texting ‘daffodil’ to 883. PN
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photography: Lisa Crandall
WITH YOUR HELP THERE IS HOPE
A NIGHT-IN WITH TIM TIM WAKELY’S DVD CHOICES This month to celebrate ‘Father’s Day’ I thought it would be fitting to review recent DVD releases that may appeal to Dads. THE ADJUSTMENT BUREAU George Nolfi’s film The Adjustment Bureau will have intellects, action nuts and hopeless romantics at the edge of their seats. Nolfi’s ‘smart film’ combines a typical Hollywood love story with a strong intellectual backbone that will leave you scratching your head. The Adjustment Bureau centres around young popular politician David Norris (Matt Damon), who by chance discovers that people who manipulate destiny have determined his life. However, when Norris goes against his makers to pursue the beautiful Elise (Emily Blunt); Norris must begin to fight for a life that he once thought he had free will over. In this film Matt Damon and Emily Blunt successfully portray believable torn apart lovers who long to be with each other. In spite of this, Damon’s acting ability in this film is hardly challenged, as his character’s passive aggressive behaviour is largely reminiscent of his most famous role Jason Bourne. George Nolfi’s clear simplistic cinematic style successfully delivers a clear, fast paced, action flick that most will enjoy and understand. The Adjustment Bureau is a great choice, especially if you are unsure about what film to hire out from your local video store. Finally, a word of caution, this film may make you paranoid about people who wear hats. FASTER Warning, if you are wanting to watch a stimulating, complex or art-house film I strongly recommend not hiring this film. Faster is a straightforward revenge action flick that offers nothing new to this growing complex genre.
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The simplistic offerings in this film are clearly seen in the boring action sequences, lack of dialogue and in the non-imaginative names of the characters. However, director George Tillman made a good decision to explore the stories of the supporting characters instead of focusing solely on Driver’s (Dwayne Johnson aka the Rock) predictable revenge rampage. Overall, the acting in this film is laughable, however, actors Billy Bob Thornton (Cop) and Maggie Grace (Lily) deliver a passable performance. If you want to watch a boring unimaginative action flick I highly recommend watching Faster. Personally, I would only watch this film for its superficial qualities and to reminisce on how cool The Rock (Dwayne Johnson) was before pursuing an actual acting career. I AM NUMBER FOUR Dj Caruso’s film “I am Number Four” is a sci-fi action packed blockbuster that will not fail to disappoint the senses. This is because Caruso’s eye-catching masterpiece contains the perfect amount of CGI and eye-candy. I am Number Four centres around teenager John Smith (Alex Pettyfer) who struggles not to draw attention to his heroic secret. When his secret is uncovered John and his guardian Henri (Timothy Olyphant) swiftly move to the small remote town aptly named Paradise. However, in Paradise despite John’s efforts he fails miserably to blend into the crowd especially as his hunters are fast approaching. Along with the overwhelming and intense special effects the cast also feature as part of the films aesthetics. Personally, I believe that director DJ Caruso made a conscious decision to cast good-looking actors as the characters to serve as part of the on-screen spectacle. Alex Pettyfier is broodingly handsome, Diana Argon is obviously stunning, Teresa Palmer is a “babe” while Timothy Olyphant is the epitome of a 21st century man. Additionally, the film’s plot is very strong and with the open ended storyline it will leave you guessing about what is going to happen next. Generally, this film is pretty good. There is nothing terrible or horrifying to say about this film as it is straight to the point cool. PN
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TIM WAKELY MY DAD… OPPOSITES ATTRACT AND TWO PEAS IN A POD ARE SAYINGS THAT I WOULD use to describe the relationship that my dad and I share. To the untrained eye we appear as complete opposites, but at the end of the day we are more similar than I would want to admit. This is because the unpredictable nature in this fire and water relationship can cause a lot of steam to take place. My Dad is athletic, emotional, unworldly, hates to be told what to do. While I am an impulsive, creative, attention seeking Aries. Over the years many battles have occurred between this fish and ram such as: learning how to drive, homework, asking how each other’s day has been as well as my Dad’s lack of culinary skills. In this father and son relationship, it’s our similarities that bring us together. To my mother’s dismay both of us share a deep love for anything B-grade. If there is anything B-grade on television, no doubt this fish and ram will be watching it. For example, it was a very sad day in the Wakely household when Mother Hen wouldn’t let Father Rooster watch the films, ‘The House Bunny’ or ‘Don’t mess with the Zohan’; as she didn’t believe these ‘belly laughs’ were up to standard. Additionally, my dad and I have the same retarded sense of humour, as we always know how to make each other laugh. My Dad and I share the same life values, which I believe has helped to shape me into a respectful, hard-working and good-humoured person. Our relationship is far from perfect. To this day we still continue to have the same arguments and name-calling battles that we have had since I was young. But, at the end of the day none of these petty arguments matter, as we both know that we are each other’s biggest fan. Our relationship is more about supporting each other throughout the triumphs and tragedies that we both may face. My Dad has always supported me in all endeavours that I have pursued as he is more about encouragement, rather than disapproval. I am so lucky to have Keri Wakely as my Father because without him I wouldn’t be half the person that I am today. (TIM WAKELY) PN Today Keri Wakely resides in Clive, Hawkes Bay. Here you can find him enjoying many of his favourite activities which include riding his bike, walking Barney the dog, harassing the neighbours or watching a B-grade classic on Triangle TV.
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LOCAL NEWS THE ART OF THE STAYCATION I love the term ‘staycation’, which describes a vacation you do at home, or not far from it. It can be a wonderful alternative to a long, expensive, painstakingly planned trip and the time and money you can save are significant, not to mention the joy of just a ten minute drive to paradise! One of the most fabulous places to stay in Auckland is Mollies Boutique Hotel in Herne Bay, and whenever I have friends coming from overseas that like things a little more on the luxe side I recommend it as a stellar place to lay your head. I was lucky enough to spend a night at Mollies myself recently as part of their deliciously named Winter Spa Escape package, and have to say that Auckland’s only Relais & Chateaux Hotel definitely did itself proud when it came to an amazing property, incredible food and exceptional service. New owners acquired Mollies early in 2011 and the winds of change have definitely swept through its elegant corridors, making for one very special place to stay. Both the hotel and its day spa have a new sparkle in their eye, and it’s brilliant to see the latter transformed into a serious player on the local landscape. From the minute you step into its otherwordly atmosphere you know you’re somewhere rather special, and on a cold Saturday afternoon it was the best place I could be. The Sanctuary Day Spa offers a full range of treatments, but I was there for what was to be an incredible massage. My therapist Sharon Moriarty described it as a “ritual” treatment, and for a blissful two hours I experienced soothing massage, breathing techniques, reflexology and aromatherapy, making for legs like jelly when it was time to leave! Thankfully it was only a one-minute shuffle to my room where I had a glass of champagne and an open fire waiting. To follow was a five-course degustation with matching wines prepared by Head Chef Lance Tripp, and I can honestly say it was one of the best I’ve had in Auckland for a very long time. Mollies Winter Spa Escape Package for two people includes Suite style accommodation for one night, the aforementioned dinner with matching wines for two, a one hour Tandem Massage, breakfast for two served either in the privacy of your suite or on the terrace and a complimentary late checkout of 12pm. Costing $1000.00 + GST for two, the offer is valid until 31August 2011 and is available to New Zealand and Australian residents.
Above: MOLLIES BOUTIQUE HOTEL in Herne Bay; Below: CHUAN SPA at THE LANGHAM
Another spot that I love for a night away at any time of year is The Langham Hotel, which is once again super close to town as well as deliciously luxurious. They constantly have some fabulous promotions on the go, in one of the most glamorous spots in town. And every time someone asks me the spa I most recommend for a very special treat for themselves, friends or loved ones, I always start with Chuan Spa at the Langham. Chuan isn’t just a spa to me but an experience – and it’s definitely one that lingers. A veritable oasis in the inner city that never fails to make me smile, it also usually leaves me with a bright new outlook as well as some seriously great skin, and I always make sure that I arrive early to experience their Tr-bathing ritual, which makes things even more gorgeous. The reason for my most recent visit one rainy Auckland afternoon was to experience their A Perfect Day promotion, which starts – or ends with - a Langham Signature Champagne Afternoon tea followed or preceded by a Natura Bisse Diamond Magnetic Body Ritual (a blissful 90 minutes long). Heaven? You have no idea! My final tip? Turn off the phone and leave the laptop at home – when it comes to a staycation, silence is golden! (HELENE RAVLICH) PN
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LEIF WAUTERS: SUM OF US
RAINBOW YOUTH BRINGS POT OF GOLD TO LOCAL SCHOOLS There are gay kids in our schools! That’s right folks, reports show that roughly 7% of secondary school students identify as being not entirely heterosexual. That may not sound like a huge number, but you should remember that many more still have too much internalised fear to step forward. Besides, this represents hundreds of future contributors and possible leaders of the greater New Zealand community. So where can these growing gays and lesbians find support and guidance in the Auckland area? It’s hard for parents to understand the day-to-day struggles and doubts that can batter their self esteem, plus appropriate role models that are anything other than affected TV stereotypes are rare. One well-established option is Rainbow Youth, a group that’s been providing stalwart support to our questioning youth since 1989. It’s truly a safe space where embracing diversity is a mantra not only heard within their walls but it’s being brought to Auckland area schools through a Student Workshop program that’s opening the mind of our future society. Rainbow Youth, which survives without any government funding, is uniquely for and governed entirely by youth who are under the age of 27, although the non-profit is guided by supportive adults, including Executive Director Tommy Hamilton who’s been at the job for about three years. Having mentored and volunteered with various youth groups for much of his life, Tommy is amazed by the kids at Rainbow Youth and their potential impact on the world. “I really enjoy seeing young people create social change. They’ve changed my perspective on the world and keep me inspired.” It’s not all gum drops and lollipops, though. There are still many issues faced by GLBT youth in New Zealand, particularly among trans-youth. These are gender-questioning kids who are coming of age and realising their souls weren’t necessarily paired with the right bodies. You can imagine how this can be a much greater challenge for many people, especially families and peers already grappling with GLBT acceptance. Being told Jenny is now Johny can be a seemingly insurmountable hurdle for their consciousness to bear. This is where the groundwork being laid in Auckland schools by Rainbow Youth is so valuable. For over 10 years these youth-facilitated workshops have been happening in schools around the area and the message they bring to our young minds could inspire any generation. According to the workshop’s materials, the aim is for participating students
The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied
to develop the skills to enhance their personal growth, to strengthen their interactions with others, and to take a more active role in creating a healthy community. These are all adult-sized goals being bravely undertaken by the youth of today and the message is being well received by their peers, with “99% of the student feedback spanning six separate colleges giving the usefulness of the workshop 10 out of 10.” The kids taking advantage of Rainbow Youth’s programs aren’t just college age. Participants start at 13 years old, with most social and ethnic groups represented. Although a small majority of them are Caucasian, the span includes Asian, Pacific Islanders and Takatāpui, or queer Maori. As mentioned, particular emphasis is given to supporting transgender youth, with approximately one new call coming in from a gender-questioning kid somewhere in the country each week. This still may not sound like a huge number, but each call represents a struggling youngster who can’t find support within their community, or worse yet lives in fear of it. Combating bullying, homophobia, transphobia and increasing the awareness in New Zealand culture of queer youth is an essential aspect of creating healthier communities. This is happening bit by bit every day as the gap between straight and gay worlds is bridged. “The way youth are engaging their communities is changing”, according to Tommy, “and it’s vital that queer youth have a strong understanding of how to deal with their straight allies.” It can no longer be about us and them, as it’s been in the past and continues to be in many societies where that gap is still very wide. Through the Rainbow Youth workshop program the seeds of a socially-inclusive society are being successfully sown, at least around the Auckland area where the groups are highly sought after. You can easily invite them to your neighbouring school by contacting priscilla@rainbowyouth.org.nz. You can also donate to this invaluable organisation, or simply learn more about their great work, by visiting www.rainbowyouth.org.nz (LEIF WAUTERS) PN
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Photography: Grant Bowyer
INKIN’ AROUND PONSONBY
Left: The team at DERMAGRAPHICS – Mel Metz, Emma Mackley, Sherilyn Matthias and Darryn Watkins; Right: Stefan Sinclair of TWO HANDS TATTOO
I HAD ADMIRED TATTOOS ON OTHERS FOR MANY YEARS BEFORE MY FIRST lover bought me the gift of ink for my 24th birthday. It was a simple turtle, one of my favourite and most powerful animal totems, with a rainbow-coloured, Mayan yin-yang on its back. Like the way people say that whatever you’re doing on New Years Eve you’ll do for the rest of the year, every tattoo since then has mirrored my turtle. They’ve all been vibrantly, colourful blends of mythic and primal images that each mean as much to me today as they did the first day I got them.
Stefan started right out of school at Streetwise Tattoo in Newmarket. His art studies lead easily into designing unique work for people, which got him invited to bring his tattoo style down to Hamilton for a while at Studio 801. Nowadays his designs lean towards smaller, intense pieces no more than one or two sessions long, similar to his own first piece. It was a half Maori/half Celtic armband melded with the logo from punk band Crass, and it was done in 1995 by one of the other mainstays of the Ponsonby tattoo community.
I now live in New Zealand, a country where body art is deeply ingrained in the people and the culture. It’s almost like being back in San Francisco where all my ink was laid, except here it’s not just cool but part of society’s fabric. Perhaps its roots come from the traditional Maori ta moko, or via boat from neighbouring cultures that equally cherished body art. A part of it could have even been infused by the sailors of the early 20th century whose tattoos were simple, single-session images that reminded them of where they’d been or where their hearts were left.
Dermagraphics on College Hill was started by eccentric tattooist Phill Matthias in 1986 and has been run by his wife Sherilyn since a freak automobile accident took his life in 2005. During its history in the area the shop has seen the entire industry flip, with tattoos coming out of the shadow of their Polynesian and sailor-influenced roots to become recognised by the art world.
Wherever it came from, New Zealand is now considered the most tattooed country on Earth. I used to feel special, but not here where an estimated quarter of the country has some sort of body art. It’s ok, though. I’m glad to be part of a tribe in this country that crosses every ethnicity, age and gender. Although there’s a large number of Auckland parlours adding to this cultural wave, the diverse and vibrant Ponsonby area touts three visionary shops that includes the longest-running joint of its kind in the city. That’s the best place to start – at the beginning – with Merv at Auckland Tattoo Studio. It was 1969. The 747 took its maiden flight, the legendary Stonewall riots in New York started the global gay rights movement, and Merv began laying ink at his first shop in Auckland. This wasn’t his first career, however. He’d started out as a boy training to be a jockey in Hawkes Bay. It was during those young years of racing and horse training when his side-line started. Having picked up the art from his father who had tattooed folks during WWII, Merv would travel over to the freezer works in Wanganui on pay night and set up shop in the bar across the street, grinding ink into tattoo-hungry labourers until dawn. After leaving the horse world, he shifted up to Auckland and pursued tattooing full time. Over the decades he’s had four shops in the same general area of town until moving to his current home in Ponsonby nineteen years ago. During that time he’s done every type of tattoo on a continually changing demographic that’s shifted from 90% men at the start to the broad cross-section he works on today, and you can see his own body art has come a long way as well since he scribed the letters “NZ” on his wrist as his first tattoo way back when. Down the block is Two Hands Tattoo, one of the youngest shops in the hood which was opened by visionary tattoo artist Stefan Sinclair in 2005. He now employs a strong lineup of young ink-slingers who are very excited by their careers and motivated by the artistry they can explore at the shop. The impact of their work can be seen throughout Ponsonby, on bus shelters and billboards promoting their neo-classical classic and etching-inspired body art. “We like to push the envelope with new designs”, says Stefan, who only started advertising when the shop moved to Ponsonby from Upper Symonds Street last year. They’ve had a great following for many years, with some of the momentum coming from a general shift in the attitude towards tattoos. “People are much more confident about their tattoos, and there are way more people who already have tattoo work coming in to get more.”
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“Tattoos have become more personal”, reflects Sherilyn. She has seen body art shift from being just individual ‘flash’ pieces to being larger commitments of commissioned art with skin as the canvas. She points out that there are two different kinds of people who do tattoos, tattooists who generally copy artwork and tattoo artists who draw freehand art onto the skin before cementing the designs with ink. Both are genuinely beautiful, but you need to know who you’re hiring and what you’re paying for. Tattoo artist Darryn is the old dog at Dermagraphics, with 17 years at the shop. The biggest change he’s seen is that “people are thinking ahead more and planning on long-term designs”. This still hasn’t kept people from being deluded by shows like Miami Ink. “These shows don’t lead people towards realistic expectations.” He’s often amazed by how people come in wanting a huge piece, only to be shocked by the amount of time it’s going to take, except for tradesmen and those that have more ‘physical’ occupations. “They have a better grasp of practicality and effort.” There are some great choices for quality work in the Ponsonby area. You can tap into Auckland Tattoo’s decades of experience by calling Merv at T: 09 376 7217, check out Two Hands’ savvy designs at twohandstattoo.tumblr.com, and learn more about Dermagraphics’ wide range of styles at www.dermagraphics.co.nz. Whether you’re looking to get your first tattoo or planning on adding to an already large gallery of body art, the experts at these studios have a few tips you should take to heart before the needles takes to your skin. (LEIF WAUTERS) PN
A FEW TIPS FROM THE EXPERTS: • Find someone you’re comfortable with by doing research, checking out their work online and visiting their studio. • Make sure they have an established reputation and will work you through the experience. • Consider where the tattoo will go, especially when you want it in an easily seen area that can impact your job. • Tattoos often take longer to do than they do on TV so allow plenty of time for larger pieces to be completed and don’t rush your tattooist or artist into rushing through something that will be on you forever. • Once you’ve found someone, trust their judgement and be open to suggestions. Remember, they know a lot more about what will look good on your skin than you do.
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FASHION + STYLE TESSUTI AND INGRID STARNES JOIN FORCES IN HERNE BAY Earlier this year Tessuti did a bit of a magic trick. After more than 20 years providing the best personal luxuries, gifts and homewares they briefly upped and disappeared! The store near Three Lamps was looking to find a new space, but as the lease ended the perfect site was yet to appear. So rather than compromise they packed the shelves into storage and went on the hunt. Well, the two-month wait was well worth it – their new store in the beautiful heritage Hellaby’s building on the corner of Albany and Jervois is the kind of site owner Ali McIntosh had always dreamed of. “It has been so great to see all our customers and friends from the years come in and say ‘we’ve missed you – so glad to see you back!’ and we are very happy to be in this light, beautiful building that so suits the store.” The new store still stocks the Missoni home, Herve Gambs, Tsè & Tsè, L’Artisan, jewellery, and L’Occitane essentials that they helped introduce to the country, but they have also teamed up with up and coming designer Ingrid Starnes to offer something a bit new for the area. “Ingrid Starnes is a designer that we love. We are really excited to be able to have her in the store with us to make this mix of her beautiful clothes and all things Tessuti.” Ingrid Starnes is a relatively new label, only five seasons on the scene. Ponsonby News readers will know her as having shared the Miss Crabb store in Ponsonby for the last eight months. Designer Ingrid Starnes has loved meeting the locals at that store. “It has been so great being in with Kristine and learning from and working with her. It was only meant to last for three months but it went so well we carried on for eight, but now it is time for Kristine to have her store back!” Ingrid is a designer that loves to work with traditional craft techniques and lovely fabrics to make modern classics. She doesn’t make trend-driven pieces for a season; rather she tries to make pieces women will love for years to come - something that has been well received by visitors to the store. “It has been lovely to meet new customers and have them try the clothes, we feel so lucky to have had such a great welcome. This mix of fashion and homewares is something that we have seen working really well overseas and we are so excited to be able to work with Tessuti to make sure there is always something new and fresh as a reason for people to come visit the store.” With a debut appearance at New Zealand Fashion Week coming up for the label and a few exciting events planned through the store it is going to be an exciting couple of months ahead for the new partnership, so be sure to pop in and say hello to Tessuti and Ingrid Starnes, they promise they won’t be disappearing again! PN TESSUTI & INGRID STARNES, 224 Jervois Road T: 09 376 4802
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...AND TH E LIVIN G IS EASY
r? ishing their promise of better weathe Enjoying the first spring flowers? Rel son’s fashion is hitting the racks in Equally charming and upbeat new sea pages. es - seven of the best for you on these Greater Ponsonby’s wealth of boutiqu Get in quick!
Black Box One Teaspoon ‘Almost Innocent’ Dress $179 One Teaspoon ‘Mayan Maxi’ $239 Maurie & Eve ‘Karolina’ Spike heel $399 Black Box, 35B Surrey Crescent, Grey Lynn T: 09 378 0073 www.blackboxboutique.co.nz
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tkstore Black Perfect Shirt $199 – arrives late September
– “pop your name on our waiting list for when they arrive!”
Dress Shorts $269 tkstore, 50 Brown Street, Ponsonby T: 09 3612020 www.tk.net.nz
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WORLD Corporate Zulu Dress $525 WORLD Ponsonby, 97 Ponsonby Road T: 09 378 0897 www.worldbrand.co.nz
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Starfish Jess Jacket $239 Can’t Stop Corset $206 Bombshell Skirt $179 Terra Plana Caeclia heels $224 Starfish, 186 Ponsonby Road T: 09 376 0572 www.starfish.co.nz
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Workshop Denim Sherie Shirt Dress $259.00 Workshop, 74 Mackelvie Street, Ponsonby T: 09 361 3727 www.workshop.co.nz
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Loobie’s Story at Vincent Geisha Girl Dress $299 Essential Jacket $249 Jaipur Scarf $125 Loobie’s Story at Vincent, 100 Ponsonby Road T: 09 376 3243 www.loobiesstory.co.nz
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PHOTOGRAPHY: Michael Ng www.ngfoto.com MODEL: Jane from Clyne Model Management www.clyne.co.nz HAIR: Alan Wang at Servilles Ponsonby www.servilles.co.nz/salon/salons/ponsonby MAKEUP: Smashbox www.smashboxcosmetics.co.nz
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Vanilla Ink Athena dress/coat (Minotaur) $345 Vanilla Ink, 438 Richmond Road T: 09 376 1913 www.vanillaink.co.nz
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FASHION + STYLE
JULIE ROULSTON PONSONBY DESIGNER TO OPEN NEW ZEALAND FASHION WEEK The glamour and buzz that is New Zealand Fashion Week is set to happen a little earlier this year, and in a brand new venue to boot. The Rugby World Cup has seen organiser and Ponsonby resident Pieter Stewart and her team bring the event forward: it kicks off on 29 August and finishes on 3 September, with the evening of the 2nd and the Saturday 3rd forming Fashion WEEKEND – the public arm of the event. The move to the new venue isn’t so much a matter of distance – Fashion Week is to take place just a little further down Halsey Street at the brand spanking Viaduct Events Centre – but of logistics. There’s been a lot of head scratching to home the event’s many layers: the shows themselves, registration, buyer helpdesks, exhibitor space, the ‘green room’ or backstage area, hosting and partner spaces, catering, space for media and photographers, and the much loved Sunday Star Times Designer Garage Sale. Ponsonby designers will be better represented than ever this year. You can’t argue that WORLD has pulled off yet another coup – the live New Zealand’s Next Top Model finale will take place at their show at 8pm on the Friday of Fashion Week. (You can’t buy tickets to this show but you can win one as part of the Ponsonby News/Lexus of Auckland City ‘Best Dressed’ awards - see page xx). Ingrid Starnes, who has recently opened a new store with Tessuti at 224 Jervois Road, is not only making her New Zealand Fashion Week debut but will be opening Fashion Week – a matter of much excitement among the industry cognoscenti. “It has been a very busy and exciting year so far, with the opening of our beautiful new store on Jervois Road” says Ingrid. “I’m really looking forward to Fashion Week!” Then, working from A to Z: Annah Stretton is to show and is also repeating her show for Tuesday Night’s StarJam charity event. New menswear label Egoist, whose new retail store is at the Western Park end of Ponsonby Road, will hit the runway as part of the New Generation Show.
Always a hot ticket, Hailwood will show, as will Helen Cherry and Workshop Denim (both from the same stable), whose return to the event after a six year absence is much heralded. If we can claim Hailwood as a Ponsonby Designer, we’ll call Jimmy D our own too – he’s represented at Children of Vision in St Kevin’s Arcade and his dark punk/gothic style is another that the industry are learning more and more to love. Juliette Hogan has created a cult-like following for her ladylike dressing and clever use of sheer pleats in particular - though after last NZFW’s particularly sexy outing it will be really interesting to see where she will take her brand next! Miranda Brown and Taylor will make a welcome showing in the New Zealand Merino show. Ruby – the surprise hit of NZFW 2010, are back for 2011, as are Starfish, who held the honour of opening last year’s Fashion Week in its first eco-show – they will also be in the Merino Show. Every cool kid in town will want to see Stolen Girlfriends Club, and it’s worth noting that with the implementation of higher fashion elements like Summer ’12’s stunning Karl Maughan print collaboration, their label goes beyond its fairly young, street origins. Zambesi will have showed at every New Zealand Fashion Week since its inception (Trelise Cooper is the only other designer to have done so) and anyone with any industry cred will make sure they’re at the show - never mind the label’s large and genuinely loving
JULIETTE HOGAN
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FASHION + STYLE fan base. If the S/S 11/12 collection is anything to go by, expect to be somewhere between very satisfied and enraptured, depending on what level of Zambesi fetish you’re subject to! The New Zealand Weddings Magazine Bridal Collection debuted at Fashion WEEKEND last year to a hugely favourable response, and will take place during the week as well as at 10.30am on this Fashion WEEKEND’s Saturday - if you think that’s an early start, pity the models and hair/makeup crew who will have a crack-of-dawn call. Anna Schimmel, Crane Brothers and Sera Lilly are among the eight labels who will show. Designer shows are by invitation only and at the discretion of the various designers, but Fashion Week runs Designer Selections Shows (a total of six throughout the week and weekend); Fashion Weekend (housing the Sunday Star-Times Designer Garage Sale) is specifically for the public. There are seminars from the likes of Doris de Pont’s Fashion Museum; a DJ and band lineup organisers are describing as the best ever, and four shows free to Weekend ticket holders: Friday Night’s Late Night Seduction show and on Saturday the New Zealand Weddings Magazine Bridal Collection, the super-popular Phoenix Cosmetics Makeup Show, and The Race Days at Ellerslie Show. On top of that, Raise Up - Walk the Line and Fantasia will do good for youth and raise funds for CanTeen respectively. Note for photo buffs – Michael Ng, who shot this month’s cover and the new season fashion spread on pxx – is New Zealand Fashion Week’s official photographer. Nothing but the best for you, dear Ponsonby News reader! PN NEW ZEALAND FASHION WEEK, 28 August to 3 September, Viaduct Events Centre, Halsey Street, www.nzfashionweek.com
TAYLOR
INGRID STARNES The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied
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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.
Dear Cousin Vera I’m so proud of myself ! I’ve just knitted a jumper. Even though it was perhaps a bit too ambitious for my beginner’s skills, it’s turned out quite nicely! I think that it’s so passable as to be worn in public. I got the idea from a Vogue magazine that featured the latest in sports wear in the winter resorts. Then, when I was last at cousin Kitty’s house, I spied a new Fleisher’s knitting manual that had a very similar style illustrated and I thought to give it a try. I love Fleisher’s as they have such original patterns and having just read Vogue, I’m convinced that their claim of offering the most advanced sweater fashions in Europe and America is absolutelyy true. Having the approval of smart women everywhere I figure that it would be well worth my time to knit. My ‘Deauville’ sweater would be right ght at home in any European country club. I just need to find myself elf a handsome young (perhaps that doesn’t really matter!) male le companion who will whisk me off to the South of France for a spot of promenading. Let me describe cribe it to you. It’s a straight hip-length style with a lovely shawl collar trimmed at the bottom of the v-neck with a tassel. It has long slightly flared sleeves edged with thicker knitted bands. The same style of band is repeated around the hem. A long knitted sash with a large tassel to each end f. finishes it off. he pattern’s I followed the ation and used a sea recommendation ur for the main part and off-white -green colour ds. I’m going to wear it with a walking for the bands. rom smart Scottish tweed that I’d been skirt made from de which happily has the same green in keeping aside ieu of alpine resorts and sunlit seaside a stripe. In lieu promenades,, I think a sojourn to Domain will have to suffice. If you’re in Auckland this weekend to see your mother, do oin me. I’ve been told that the flowers in the feel free to join Temperate house are spectacular this year. We could go to the tearooms oms afterwards for tea and scones. lanned outing isn’t quite as eventful as my I hope my planned last one! On the last sunny Saturday before all this ghbour Mrs T and her husband asked rain, my neighbour me if I’d likee to go with them to Auckland zoo. oid zoos as I I usually avoid eing animals don’t like seeing locked up in cages and it’s melly, but also quite smelly, d, as I I acquiesced, et out needed to get e. When of the house. we got there most of the animals were sleeping n the unusually which, given warm day, I completely understand. Being very fond keys, Mr and Mrs of the monkeys, T had taken along a bag of h which they peanuts with
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managed to coax the animals from their slumbers. However, once they had indulged themselves the monkeys then swung their way to the back of the cages and curled up once again to sleep. A disappointed Mr T proceeded to try and entice the monkeys back to their perch at the front of the cage by jangling a bunch of keys. Unable to concentrate on his nap, one of the large male monkeys slowly swung his way towards Mr T and then, in the blink of an eye, snatched the keys from Mr T and made his way back to his friends. I had to suppress a laugh and I must say that it serves Mr T right for teasing them. At first shocked and then panic-stricken as he recalled that six of the keys were from vehicles left for repair at his motor mechanics business – Mr T sat on a bench with his head between his hands. Being a cool-headed sort, I set out fo for the kiosk, purchasing more peanuts (this time for me – I was famished!) and enlisting the help of the zooke zookeeper. To Mr T’s great embarrassment, a large crow crowd had gathered at the enclosure. After elbowing oour way to the front of the throng the keeper then proceeded to coax the key thief to the front of the cage…this time with bananas. Well it worked… but just n not in the way we had hoped! Just as the keepe keeper reached in to grasp the collar of the culp culprit, the cheeky thing dropped the keys into th the drain in front of the cage! After two hours oof watching the keeper k along the drain to and Mr B flushing the keys the nearest manhole, I was ready for home. I should add that the keys were successfully retrieved. I really do don’t think that I should anticipate an invit invitation to the zoo again for some time, th thank goodness! tha I took some photo I must add that -graphs of the animals with my box brownie camera with the thought of sending them to my godch godchild Rosie in Gisborne. Once developed however I had to laugh! All but h one of the animals was headless! I’m not quite sure how this happened as I regard myself as rather competent in the art. A burst of creative ingenuity had me deciding to glue down each photograph oon a separate page of d a sketchbook and ask Rosie to draw the heads for me! backgro She can also draw in the backgrounds too if she wishes – that should be fun don’t you th think? Well, dearest, I think that’s my news for this letter but I should have some more to cchat about should I see you up here on the weeke weekend. I do hope that you can make it. With w warm thoughts, co Your cousin,
Maudie xxx PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)
illustration: 99designs
VERMONT STREET, PONSONBY AUGUST 1923
FASHION + STYLE
JULIE ROULSTON
TEXAS RADIO SHOPPER WINS $3K WARDROBE ‘Win a Ponsonby Wardrobe’ winner MELISSA VASTA with SHAVVAH ALDRED of Texas Radio, Ponsonby
MELISSA VASTA SHOPPED AT TEXAS RADIO IN JUNE, RECEIVED A ‘WIN A Ponsonby Wardrobe’ goodie bag, and entered the draw to win a $3,000 wardrobe. In mid July Labour list MP for Auckland Central, Jacinda Adern, drew Melissa’s name from a total of 1,250 entrants to win vouchers valued at $3000 from 10 Greater Ponsonby boutiques. It’s exciting to note that recession and all, the ‘Win a Ponsonby Wardrobe’ competition drew 25% more entrants compared to last year. Ponsonby News puts together the promotion with assistance from Viv Rosenberg and the Ponsonby Business Assocation/ It is aimed to encourage shoppers and reward them for giving local fashion businesses their custom during June. Shavvah Aldred, coowner of Texas Radio says, “Win A Ponsonby Wardrobe is a fantastic initiative to drive shoppers to Ponsonby. Texas Radio has participated and we have had great results. All our customers love the idea and they especially love receiving their goodie bags!” She continues, “Texas Radio has been on Ponsonby Road for four years now and we have a huge following for our boutique designer brands. We are true advocates of supporting our community and giving back and this is why each year we get behind this great initiative. “We were extremely excited when we received the call that our customer, Melissa Vasta, had won the competition! She was ecstatic when she received the phone call about her win and more so when she came in to collect her vouchers and meet with Martin from Ponsonby News. Melissa lives in the CBD, so it’s great to see we have drawn shoppers from outside Ponsonby, making our area a much desired fashion destination.” Ponsonby News’ latest incentive to celebrate fashion in Greater Ponsonby is the Ponsonby News/Lexus of Auckland City ‘Best Dressed’ awards. Winners get VIP New Zealand Fashion Week experience which include tickets to the WORLD show with its New Zealand’s Next Top Model finale. Read how you can be part of the fun on P65. (JULIE ROULSTON) PN
NEW WEBSITE FOR CRANE BROTHERS Now you can buy some of your favourite product online from an edit of continually changing things Crane Brothers have selected. Murray Crane says “we aren’t a highly technical business but we’ve realised that all of us are either very busy or extremely far away, so sometimes being able to get things done this way is more convenient. For those of you who are living abroad or in isolated regions like Hampstead Heath…or Hawera there are now added services like secure online payment solutions, International DDP and free shipping.” There will be one-off items such as vintage and dead stock pieces. Some products will be available exclusively online and you will also be able to do things like order spare buttons and cloth samples or grab a post card with your order. Crane continues “Obviously we always prefer to see you or have a chat so that has been made easier as well with a new free call number and a designated customer care email address.” PN CRANE BROTHERS, 2-4 HIgh Street T: 09 377 5333 www.crane-brothers.com The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied
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FASHION + STYLE
JULIE ROULSTON THREE CHRISTCHURCH RETAILERS NOW CALLING PONSONBY HOME Relocations to Ponsonby following the February Christchurch earthquake now number three ‘fashionable’ businesses, with Annex @ The Design Foundry in Maidstone Street the latest to make the move north. Starfish was the first to essentially rehouse its Christchurch store in Ponsonby in the former Wallace Rose site, even bringing their Christchurch manager up to helm the store. Anita says, “Everyone has been so welcoming, We’re loving the feel and the vibe and we definitely fit in in Ponsonby. We’ve still been able to help our Christchurch customers via email and phone, too, which is really good.” Plush by Carolyn Barker – across Ponsonby Road from the Mini Garage - was forced to relocate from Christchurch when the recent quakes left owner/ designer Carolyn Barker without premises for her boutique clothing store. “I loved Ponsonby straight away,” says Carolyn, “it reminds me of the High Street precinct/Lichfield Lanes in Christchurch. I love the feel of its historical architecture”. February’s quakes rendered Anne Wilson’s Annex store unusable, so a plan to move north at the end of year was brought forward and “commando missions” to extract things from within the Christchurch premise were executed. The ‘soft design’s store is now the first retail business (aside from the cafe) at the new Design Foundry, offering the likes of vintage European linen, Martin Popplewell’s new cushions, ceramics from New Zealand and Australian artists, paper, and clothing from brands like Petit Bateau and 3 Dots. Response has been very good. “People who have found Annex have been very excited about it” says Anne who, like Starfish, is still servicing her Christchurch clients remotely. (JULIE ROULSTON) PN
THE TRAVEL WARDROBE: these maps make delightful works of art and are priced at $165. Available from ANNEX, 14 Maidstone Street, Ponsonby T: 09 378 6018 www.annex.net.nz
FANTASIA SAINTS AND SINNERS 2011 Fantasia 2011 ‘Saints and Sinners’ will be a glittering lingerie spectacular supporting the KidsCan Charitable Trust. Based on the Victoria’s Secret lingerie show, this year’s theme is ‘Saints and Sinners’ providing a platform for New Zealand designers and well known lingerie brands to show off their hottest ranges in an amazing runway show. This year features designs by Andrea Moore, Annah Stretton, Carlson, Kingan-Jones, Kiri Nathan, Lily and Ming, Liz Mitchell, Michelle Yvette, Ooby Ryn, Paula Herbert, Sabatini, Sally Ridge, Sera Lily and Yvonne Bennetti. Lingerie brands Berlei, Bravista, Elle MacPherson, Farmers and The Pyjama Co. Dessous are also showing off their hottest collections. LIMITED VIP TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE AT $185PP VIPs will be treated to pre show hosting, champagne and gourmet finger food, followed by the red hot lingerie show and entry to the exclusive VIP after party. Your ticket price also includes entry into the Fashion Weekend from 4pm. GENERAL ADMISSION TICKETS ARE $70 PP Ticket price includes entry to NZ Fashion Weekend from 4pm valued at $30 and the lingerie show. A live auction will be held at the end of the lingerie show with exclusive, high end packages available for guests to bid on. All proceeds from this event will go to KidsCan Charitable Trust. Thanks to the following supporters: Trillian Trust, NZ Fashion Week, Woman’s Day, iSite, Boston Digital, Smashbox and the New Zealand Herald. PN To purchase tickets go to www.iticket.co.nz or call KidsCan on T: 09 478 1525
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FASHION + STYLE URBAN HEALTH RETREAT A HIT Jerry Clayton BMW partnered with The Department Store to host an Urban Health Retreat at the end of July, in a pampering and truly informative evening for over 80 women. The luxury car showroom joined forces with Stephen Marr and wife Lucy Marr of Lucy & the Powder Room to showcase their respective businesses. Result: The Urban Health Retreat brought healthy food and wine together with top notch speakers presenting on skincare, hairstyling and wellbeing concepts, in what thread.co.nz editor Megan Robinson described as “one of the classiest events of late.” Tim Lightbourne of Invivo Wines presented his recently launched Bella, and Dr Libby Weaver - author of new bestseller, Accidentally Overweight - gave a captivating presentation on beauty from the inside out that left many in the audience, well, hungry for more! Guests were then chauffeured in the new 5 Series BMW to The Department Store where Stephen Marr’s session team demonstrated what Lucy described as “rush hour do’s” - the quick, effective and super-pretty sewn-hair do impressed all. Attendees then heard from the informative and charming representative from Bio-Actives skincare. Lucy Marr herself is a huge advocate of natural and organic skincare and created the Sans range, used and sold at Lucy & The Powder Room. A key take-away fact: sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen - and Lucy recommends you look for a minimum of 18-20% zinc oxide in the ingredients list. As Ponsonby News’ representative at The Urban Health retreat, Fashion Editor Julie reports “…between a car dealership - albeit luxury - and a male event manager - those boys sure know how to show a girl a good time!” (JULIE ROULSTON) PN
WHIPPERSNAPPER – WILD ABOUT 100% PURE MERINO WOOL FOR KIDS! There’s nothing quite like hearing the squeals and laughter of kids playing together outdoors, or watching the glee on their faces as they whoosh down a snowy slope. Kids love to play outside, to run free and explore their world. Whippersnapper is designed to keep kids enjoying great adventures no matter what the temperature. If you buy only one piece of warm winter clothing this season, make it something from our stunning merino wool Snow range just released. Available for boys and girls in size three to 10 years. We have a heavier weight 100% merino zip-front hoodie with snuggly warm trackpants to match, a sleeveless vest and a long sleeve crew neck top. Colours are beautiful shades of dark charcoal, or soft greymarle, mushroom grey pinstripe with cherry red lining plus solid black, hibiscus pink, and pacific blue. Great new long sleeve tops for baby too! Stripes and plains in sizes six months to two years. Discover the wonders of beautiful Whippersnapper merino wool and you will never buy a synthetic fleece garment again! The high technical performance and natural comfort attributes of merino wool make it nature’s ultimate fabric for kids’ clothing. Don’t let the cold weather stop your kids getting in touch with nature this winter season. Keep them warm in Whippersnapper 100% pure New Zealand merino wool, designed and made in New Zealand . WIN A FREE HOODIE, SEE AD FOR DETAILS. Let the mighty adventures roll! PN Available online www.whippersnapper.co.nz The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied
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FASHION + STYLE WE’AR CLOTHING: A PASSION FOR BEING HUMAN PULL ON A LITTLE FEEL-GOOD FACTOR WHEN YOU GET DRESSED IN A PIECE from We’ar. The boutique clothing brand produces luxe yoga couture, men’s and women’s clothing, shoes and accessories in sumptuous eco-textiles for the more conscious consumer. Beautiful 100% cotton knits and plant-derived textiles such as soy and bamboo are turned into clothing with “fun-loving detail, extreme levels of comfort and cuts that triumph with the human form in motion”. The eclectic streets of Newton have been the perfect home to We’ar since 2009. The store was designed by French designer Charles Pelletier, and created with recycled material re-imagined in the industrial interior of a 1920s printing house. Its centrepiece chandelier is a collaboration between owner Jyoti Morningstar and Japanese paper artist Naruse. Jyoti herself calls both New Zealand and Indonesia home, and is a designer and yoga instructor who sees design as “a master - key to a revision of how we will live abundantly amidst dramatic shifts in earth resources, climatic shift and social evolution”. We’ar garments are produced under ethical work conditions in Bali with organic materials sourced predominantly locally. These refreshingly “practical and unique designs” are bringing fashionable comfort to shoppers who Jyoti describes as “the ‘curator’ type...who can understand the finer nuances of a garment intuitively, and also has the intellectual hunger to digest the deeper attributes of a creative process”. As well as stylish threads We’ar also stock decadent organic body products - especially exciting is the new batch of the Kopi-ginger Velvet Deluxe body butter arriving in store soon. With items ranging in price from $65-$800 there’s something to make everyone look and feel good. PN WE’AR, 29 Cross Street, Newton T: 09 358 0030 www.wearyogaclothing.com
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FABULOUS HAIR + BEAUTY D&M
HAIR: NOW! After a long, dreary winter, what could be more revitalising for a fashion lover than rocking a great new season look? Topping it off with fabulous, on-trend hair, that’s what! Ponsonby News asked four outstanding local salons to share their take on spring / summer 2011/12 hair… Julie Roulston reveals all!
SERVILLES PONSONBY
D&M HAIR DESIGN
SERVILLES HAIR SALONS ARE AT THE LEADING EDGE OF HAIRDRESSING and set the standards for creativity, flair and style, often anticipating and defining fashion trends. Servilles Ponsonby is Servilles original signature salon, situated in the iconic Three Lamps Plaza.”
AWARD-WINNING D&M OPENED NEARLY FOUR YEARS AGO. THE SALON’S combination of unique personalities, specialty skill sets and creative passion makes for “one hell of a team.” Top service aims to ensure that every client becomes an advocate, and comprehensive in-house training keeps the entire team passionately abreast of the latest in international trends and techniques.
For blonde hair – baliage!! Everyone is loving this sexier version of highlights, especially since the upkeep is so minimal. No more six-weekly visits for touchups, you can easily last three months. Do anything from sunkissed ends to full-on blonde. Red is definitely the colour of the season, and it is bolder than ever. Forget strawberry blonde or chestnut auburn, fire engine red and copper is the way to go. Long hair is still being worn loose and wavy, and you can add in a side-sweeping fringe for a point of difference. Curls are loose and tendrilly, with loose curls still the style of choice for going out for the evening and balls/parties. Topknots are the way to go for your dirty hair days - quick and easy to do, but look super stylish. Braids are still being incorporated into styles, especially to pull the fringe away from the face. Men’s hair is being worn really short back and sides - almost shaved - with quite a lot of length through the top so you can slick it down, wear a fringe, or spike it up. LIBBY WHALEY (owner) SERVILLES PONSONBY Corner Jervois and Ponsonby Roads T: 09 378 9799 www.servilles.co.nz
CHANTAL LANDAIS BASED IN THE ‘QUARTIER OF PONSONBY’ FOR THE LAST 19 YEARS, THE passion and fun is still at Chantal Landais, and they know that a visit to a hair salon is often quite an event. Consultation on “hair habits”, lifestyle, face shape and commitment to maintenance, precedes all services to create the perfect look - not just for that day but until your next visit. I always love it when asked to talk about hair in the middle of Auckland winter; when hair is at its most challenged and rarely peeking out from under a variety of styles of “chapeaux“.
Hottest new look: I’m loving creating glamorous, 1940s finger-waves, all brushed out and beautiful. Think Rita Hayworth meets Jessica Rabbit. For blondes, we’re using cooler tones to create a clear, icy look for the majority of our blondes, ditching the warmth and getting our nana rinse on! Brunettes are either going for rich, deep, cooler chocolates or warmer chestnuts and dark mahoganies. It really depends on the client’s personality and skin tone. With long hair, we’re keeping layers long, and framing the face with sweeping fringes, doing cuts that are perfect for shaping into vintage glam looks. For short hair, the pixie cut is still in, but it’s more choppy than last season - think Emma Watson. We’re going for a young Sophia Loren look for short and medium lengthy curly hair, and keeping longer curly hair loose and glam. Men’s cuts are all about the 1940s side part, with short hair on the back and sides faded into a mop on the top, which can be worn sleek or tussled. DANNY PATO, co-owner D&M HAIR DESIGN 5 Redmond St T: 09 376 3666 www.dandm.co.nz
STEPHEN MARR PONSONBY LEIGH KEEPA IS A RESIDENT STYLIST AT STEPHEN MARR PONSONBY, WHO has been hairdressing for 18 years. Prior to being in Ponsonby, Leigh was based in London and spent a large portion of his time between London and Paris fashion weeks and styling for the music industry. Fashion and hairstyles are often dictated by, or reflect ,what’s going on environmentally. People are looking to break free with their personal styles and combining a sense of luxury and functional cool. First and foremost for beautiful hair, nourish, hydrate and fortify for the onslaught of the summer months. For long hair, glossy waves are a key feature. Don’t try to tame that fluff as ‘more undressed’ is just the look.
Fringes and short hair look to be coming through for next season. Changes are fun - just as you change your wardrobe, your hair is part of the look.
Think ultra sleek and graphic mod cuts (circa London Kings Road in ‘66) with a slightly cheeky, choppier, cheekier texture. And for those that can rock a crop, chop it off and go for it! A touch of texture around the edges gives an effortless feel to the look, and effortless is the key to cool!
Your hair really defines how you feel and makes a statement about who you are, so however your mood takes you - be it short, long, brunette or blonde, ask your hairstylist about maintenance. The right shade and a home care programme to keep your hair in optimum condition are vital. CHANTAL LANDAIS (owner)
Seasonal trends are dictating more playful and optimistic color tones. Spring brings a flood of fresh tones in colour - blondes will have pastel peach and lychee hues, while bold reds and coppers take center stage. Colour blocking/colour contrast is definitely a key trend on the rise. LEIGH KEEPA (Resident Stylist) PN
CHANTAL LANDAIS, 128 Jervois Road T: 09 376 4402 www.chantallandais.co.nz
STEPHEN MARR, 37 Ponsonby Road T:09 3600588 www.stephenmarr.co.nz
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photography: Olivia Hemus
D&M The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied
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FABULOUS HAIR + BEAUTY BLISSFUL PAMPERING Since writing about Spa Ayurda in last month’s Ponsonby News, I understand some of you have been encouraged to take time for yourselves and book a treatment. I hope you are enjoying your time there as much as I have been. I’ve had two more treatments since, a Moksha where after the full body warm oil massage, I sat in a special steamer for my body to absorb the goodness of the oil. If a photo were taken I think I would look pretty funny with my head wrapped up in a wet scarf sticking out of a hole in a cupboard but who cares what you look like when afterwards you feel so amazing. My last experience was a Vishuddi. This really is something to remember; a poultice of herbs is cooked in the warm oil and used to massage your body and then you get seven minutes in the steamer so all the herbal goodness gets right into your skin and all the toxins are released. I’ve chosen the Kanaka Anti-Ageing Facial for my next visit. They use 24 carat gold to rejuvenate the skin and stimulate circulation. This is a total pamper session for me as it includes a foot and hand massage too – bliss. Spa Ayurda is located opposite Rocket Kitchen and there is plenty of parking at the back. (REBECCA JONES) PN SPA AYURDA, 213 Ponsonby Road T: 09 360 0007 www.spaayurda.co.nz
SPA AYURDA offers treatments like the Shirodara, the Moksha or a number of beautiful facials and therapeutic massages
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FABULOUS HAIR + BEAUTY WELCOME TO THE WORLD OF MOD’S HAIR 2011 – SPRING / SUMMER ‘BELLE DE JOUR’, ‘TOO BEAUTIFUL FOR YOU’, ‘BEAUTY AND THE BEAST’, ‘Obscure Objects of Desire’. These are the thoughts that evoke a modern collection for young heroines looking for changing styles and colours. The objective; to always make you beautiful, to enhance your life, and to love ‘easy to live with’ cuts... So, if you want to be a ‘Rose Femme Fatale’... This collection is for you. PN MOD’S HAIR, 48A Ponsonby Road, T: 09 378 8998 www.modshair.co.nz
MOD’S HAIR
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FABULOUS HAIR + BEAUTY CONTACT LENSES AND ORIGINAL VINTAGE SUNGLASSES MORTIMER HIRST, AN ICONIC INDEPENDENT PRACTICE, IS CELEBRATING 60 years in business and is located in the same CBD and St Heliers premises as when it first opened in 1951. Mortimer Hirst has been instrumental in the development, manufacturing and fitting of contact lenses in New Zealand since the 1950s and manufacturing both hard and soft contact lenses onsite. The onsite contact lens manufacturing laboratory occupied three floors of the High Street building until 1978. To this day Mortimer Hirst maintains an onsite contact lens laboratory and eyewear laboratory and an extensive in house stock of disposable contact lenses to provide a fast, efficient and convenient service. Optometrists Grant, Alan and Varny are three of the few remaining practitioners who are able to modify, re-power and polish rigid gas permeable contact lenses in house, often in the course of an annual contact lens consultation. To celebrate this 60 year milestone Mortimer Hirst’s buying team secured the only consignment allocated for New Zealand of original, authentic, vintage sunglasses. When a factory was seized by the Government in Zambia due to tax evasion, a shipment of original, genuine designer sunglasses from the 1960’s through to the 1990’s was found. This time capsule represents the unique designs and high quality manufacturing of an era gone by; Original Vintage Eyewear is now highly sought after. Also being released for the first time in New Zealand is an exclusive range of genuine Buffalo Horn optical frames. Call to view these unique collections or to book an appointment. MORTIMER HIRST, 9 High Street T: 09 379 8950; 14 Maheke Street, St Heliers T: 09 575 8650 www.mortimerhirst.co.nz www.grantwatters.co.nz www.alansaks.co.nz
CHANTAL LANDAIS
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HAIR: Alan Wang for Servilles Ponsonby MAKEUP: Melissa Matthews for MAC Cosmetics PHOTOGRAPHY: Jin Ng Photography
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FABULOUS HAIR + BEAUTY LOOK YOUNGER, FEEL BETTER AND MORE CONFIDENT LOOKING FOR A PERMANENT SOLUTION TO YOUR HAIR LOSS? FOR THE past 25 years, men, women and children have relied on the expertise of SRS Hair Clinic to maintain their crowning glory. Their global success stems from their unique, remarkable natural alternative – The SRS Healthy Hair Tonic. SRS Healthy Hair Tonic is a powerful hair-enhancing formula that not only stops hair loss but also encourages your hair to re-grow naturally. When applied to the scalp, Healthy Hair Tonic cleans, clears and unblocks hair follicles while counteracting the effects of dihydrotestosterone (DHT androgen, the primary contributing factor to hair loss). Made from 100% natural ingredients and with NO side effects and ZERO cases of allergic reactions, the Healthy Hair Tonic has helped clients suffering from a broad range of hair problems and associated scalp conditions, including male and female pattern baldness, traction alopecia, trichotillomania and alopecia areata. With proven results from scientific studies, the revolutionary Healthy Hair Tonic also improves scalp redness, itchiness, oiliness, dandruff and other irritations.
As part of their exceptional service, SRS Hair Clinic offers a non-invasive hair analysis. The causes of hair loss are often widespread and will differ among individuals. The SRS hair analysis has the role of assessing the unique factors that are contributing to your hair loss and evaluates the condition of your scalp to gain a deeper insight into your specific condition. Their expert knowledge and effective solutions have long allowed SRS to help clients with hair problems where other specialists have feared to tread. PN SRS HAIR CLINIC, 15 St Benedicts Street, Newton T: 09 379 6161 or visit www.srshairclinic.co.nz
THIS IS MY ESCAPE... WHAT’S YOURS?
- whether that’s going to a yoga class, for an early morning run, power walking with friends, meditating or simply relaxing with a good book on the couch.
We are excited to let you know about the launch of a great new website selling women’s activewear. A website that finally fills the gap by providing a wide range of workout clothes and accessories.
My aim is to provide products that help women escape in whatever way they need to and motivate them to do it more often. We have everything from sports bras to singlet tops, yoga pants to running vests, eco drink bottles, yoga mats, and plenty more in between. Everything is made from quality materials in beautiful colours and flattering designs to fit a range of shapes and sizes.”
Myescape was launched in June 2011 by one of our very own Grey Lynn residents, Suzy Stichbury (pictured above centre). “I’ve always wanted to create an online boutique of fashionable exercise clothes that inspire women to get active and allow them to look and feel their best while exercising.” Suzy has a background in health and wellness, a love of fashion and passion for yoga. “I believe that it’s important for all of us to take time out for ourselves
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“Workout clothes you can easily wear while dropping the kids at school, grabbing a coffee with friends, popping to the supermarket, running errands or simply relaxing around the house.” Myescape has taken all the risk out of online shopping by offering free delivery and returns to all New Zealand customers. PN Check it out at www.myescape.co.nz
PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)
DON’T MISS THE SEPTEMBER DEADLINE
SPECIAL FEATURES
PUBLISHED: Friday, 2 September COPY DEADLINE: Saturday, 20 August
THE URBAN DESIGN QUARTER: Mackelvie, Pollen and Maidstone Streets + Planning Weddings and Civil Unions + The insider’s guide to our favourite eating and drinking experiences in greater Ponsonby.
(Please be on time, as any advertising material arriving after deadline may incur a 20% surcharge)
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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photography: Jo Barrett
FABULOUS HAIR + BEAUTY
WHAT’S HAPPENING AT MORE THAN SKIN...
ROSEMOUNT AUSTRALIAN FASHION WEEK
THIS MONTH AT MORE THAN SKIN PONSONBY WE INTRODUCE AN innovative new anti-ageing range, extend our introductory DECLÉOR ‘Discovery’ facial offer, and promote our very own Kiwi brand Joyce Blok Natural Skin Care with a great gift-with-facial giveaway. A lot going on as we begin the lead up for both the World Cup Rugby and the advent of spring. Plus, Megs has a new staff member on board. Renee joins the team as a passionate facialist who has recently been trained in the Joyce Blok range and has also completed her DECLÉOR Institute training programme. Renee is available for bookings on both late nights and Saturdays, as well as throughout the week. We say goodbye to Mikayla this month as she leaves us to start her next full-time job as a gorgeous young mum. Mikayla has been a great lady to work with and we will miss her. Fingers crossed she may come back and see us for some part-time hours next year! Until then – good luck Mikayla and enjoy your new role. Why not call us at the salon and make a time that suits to come in and be looked after this August? With such miserable weather of late it is about time you took some time out and gave yourself a treat. So take advantage of our wonderful winter offers, and we look forward to seeing you soon. PN
RAFW IMAGES COURTESY OF GHD WWW.GHDFASHION.COM.AU
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Meghan can be reached on T: 09 361 2231 or via our website www.morethanskin.co.nz
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HELENE RAVLICH: NATURAL BEAUTY
IT’S A MAN’S WORLD… OF BEAUTIFUL FRAGRANCE IT’S SCARY HOW MANY “GENERIC” SMELLING women’s fragrances there are out there in the marketplace, with their creators latching onto a single buzz ingredient that – like fashion – has become a trend. I’m someone that likes to smell different when I spray on a pick from my “fragrance wardrobe” every day, and love hunting out new and unique scents that I can make my own. The same goes for a lot of men out there, who appreciate being a little different. It’s lucky then that there are a number of beautiful, individual releases out there for them to fight over, some of which I’m going to rave about here. Local store Wunderkammer is a stockist of Comme des Garçons fragrances, which are unisex (I wear them) and totally unforgettable. I defy you not to find one and make it your own – or even a couple! WORLDbeauty has the delightful Cravache by Robert Piguet, which is an aromatic infusion of citrus and woods This fresh elixir combines mandarin, lemon and petit grain mingled with clary sage, lavender, nutmeg, patchouli and vetiver. In a nutshell, it smells beautiful and clean, with a definitely masculine undertone. Also in store at WORLDbeauty is the range of unique scents by the House of Lubin. Based in the middle of Paris, at the heart of the city’s perfumers’ district dating back to the 17th century, the House of Lubini is one of France’s oldest luxury brands. Made using the finest natural ingredients, Lubin formulas are developed and produced in France, to the highest possible quality for the most demanding clientele. Lubin are the creators of Idole, which has one of the most seriously fabulous bottles I’ve seen in a while. The fragrance is a tribute to those adventurers who fled the West on a quest for the ideal, to discover ancient cultures in Africa and Asia. A rather extraordinary iconic scent, it combines Makassar ebony, dried orange peel and Bourbon rum with spices from Zanzibar to warm up a refined leather note. Another exotic scent you’ll find instore is the beautiful Om, which is naturally reminiscent of particularly luxe smelling incense, with temple flowers and black vanilla. And in super exciting news for discerning gentleman everywhere, Crane Brothers are now the exclusive stockists of a selected range of scents from London’s Penhaligon’s. They have been selected by Murray Crane for “the man who has a respect for tradition and heritage”, and the eight fragrances on offer each have a distinct personality all their own. Penhaligon’s was founded by William Penhaligon, an Englishman living in an age of excess who was witty, wildly creative and always inspired by the unusual. Examples of what is now on offer at Crane Brothers include the best-selling Blenheim Bouquet. At its launch in 1902, this was a brave new direction. Citrus based, it opposed the rich, heavy florals that were feted at the time. Taking its name from Blenheim
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Palace – the seat of one of England’s most respected bloodlines – the fragrance is discreet, sensual and immaculately turned out with a flash of heritage flourish. Another standout is Sartorial, a contemporary interpretation of a classic Fougère that has been designed to create the perfect illusion of a tailor’s workroom. The modern thread running through Sartorial is beeswax; echoing the blocks of wax each thread is run across before stitching. This ties together the more traditional elements; the oiled flash of shears cutting cloth, the rub of fabric beneath fingers, tobacco tinted cabinetry, puffs of chalk in the air and old paper patterns vanilla with age. Crane believes that this desire to be different will be embraced by his customer, “the man who isn’t afraid to make his own decisions when it comes to style, and doesn’t wish to smell like everybody else.” Hallelujah to that! (HELENE RAVLICH) PN
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FABULOUS HAIR + BEAUTY AFFINITY OFFERS FUNKY EDGE, ROCK N’ ROLL CHICK OR CLASSIC STYLE
photography: Jo Barrett
AFFINITY OWNER NORMAN KING AND MANAGER Sabrina Prossler are delighted to welcome new stylist Cher Ryker (pictured left) to their friendly retro style salon located in the heart of Grey Lynn. After training at Cut Above Academy in Auckland and now with six years in the hair styling industry Cher says the pinnacle of her career to date has been styling hair for the models at NZ Fashion week in 2006 and 2007. An experience she says that has driven her to continue to develop and focus her expertise in high fashion colouring techniques. Using a new colouring technique with product ‘Fudge Paintbox’ she can create any combination of colours to give your hair that funky edge. So if you are bored with your dull colour and feel like a radical change then Cher can offer a one on one consultation to ensure you get the look you’re after. Not only does she offer the initial consultation she will look after you from start to finish through every step of the process; from washing, cutting, colouring and blow drying. If on the other hand you prefer a classic colour but want a lift for the winter then Cher can also deliver superb colouring using Lendan hair product, low ammonia, plant based colouring system. Open six days a week from Tuesday to Saturday and late nights Wednesday and Thursday they provide a flexible service, working appointments around your time frame. PN AFFINITY FOR HAIR AND BEAUTY, 2/571 Great North Road T: 09 376 9394
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COLOUR YOUR LIFE It’s time to leave behind the dull grey of winter and bring some colour to your life with a new style from Sara Hazelton at David Shields Hairdressing. Senior stylist Sara Hazelton, who recently joined the salon, loves to help her clients find the perfect combination of cut and colour to suit them – whether it’s soft and subtle or strong and edgy. For Sara, hairdressing’s been more of a calling than a job. “I started when I was 16, as an apprentice straight out of school. I’d always wanted to do it – and I loved it from the first day I started.” Twelve years later, Sara is as passionate about hairdressing as she was then. “I hear actors saying how lucky they are to do something they love so much – and that’s the way I feel, too. You get to be creative every day. And as fashions and hairstyles change, we’re constantly adapting our techniques to the new looks. It’s great.” After five years at a large inner-city salon, Sara’s relishing her new environment. “A larger salon can be a bit impersonal – but here it’s really relaxed and friendly... a really nice atmosphere,” says Sara. “It’s pretty special. Plus, it was David who trained me when I first started – and when I got the chance to work with him again I jumped at it!” To welcome Sara to the salon, everyone who has their first appointment with her during August will receive a 20 per cent discount. You’ll find the entrance just around the corner on Kelmarna Avenue. PN DAVID SHIELDS HAIRDRESSING, 246a Jervois Road T: 09 360 2462
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LIVING, THINKING + BEING PONSONBY WOMAN DRIVES PROJECT FOR ONLINE KIWI BREAST CANCER STORIES Ponsonby resident, Libby Burgess, has been one of the driving forces behind New Zealand’s first-ever web video series about breast cancer. Kiwi Stories of Breast Cancer has been developed by the Breast Cancer Aotearoa Coalition (BCAC) and features 15 women and men talking candidly about diagnosis, treatment and recovery from breast cancer. Ms Burgess is a breast cancer survivor, the chairperson of BCAC and was this year made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for her services to women’s health. She says the web videos are a first - giving New Zealanders the opportunity to see and hear the breast cancer stories of fellow Kiwis at the click of a mouse. “The stories of these courageous New Zealanders are compelling, emotional and informative. They will touch people, whether they have breast cancer or not, and we hope they will inspire others to face a breast cancer diagnosis with determination and the knowledge that they are not alone.” Ms Burgess says she was amazed at how generous all the participants were in sharing their stories so that other New Zealanders could benefit and learn more about breast cancer. “So many women rely on the internet for information about breast cancer and we felt it was really important to present the experiences of women who have been diagnosed and treated in a New Zealand environment. We’re incredibly grateful to these women and men for sharing their stories so freely,” she says. New Zealanders of different ethnicities, genders, ages, backgrounds and with different types of breast cancer feature in Kiwi Stories of Breast Cancer. Ms Burgess says, “By presenting a wide range of breast cancer experiences we hope to provide information and support to newly diagnosed women and their families no matter what they’re facing. Now, wherever you are in New Zealand, you can hear how fellow Kiwis have coped with this disease and come through it with a renewed passion for life.” The short videos each focus on a different aspect of the breast cancer experience from diagnosis, to surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, and breast reconstruction. The participants talk about their experiences of these treatments and provide tips on coping and how to adjust to life after breast cancer. As well as those diagnosed with the disease, Kiwi Stories of Breast Cancer also features the partners, siblings and children of those diagnosed; and medical professionals talking about the intricacies of treatment. The web videos were produced by BCAC as part of its ongoing commitment to provide support and information to New Zealanders with breast cancer. PN For more information and to view the Kiwi Stories of Breast Cancer, visit the BCAC website at www.breastcancer.org.nz/share-your-story/web-videos
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HELENE RAVLICH: NATURAL BEAUTY
ROSANNA MARKS – IT’S ALL ABOUT THE AROHA FOR ROSANNA MARKS, BEAUTY DEFINITELY GOES A LOT DEEPER THAN JUST the skin. She began her working life in the beauty industry, where she held a number of rather impressive positions with the likes of Chanel and Estee Lauder for 20 years. She spent her days working as an internationally trained Makeup Artist, Beauty Therapist, Fragrance Specialist and Educator, but always had an inkling that she needed something more in life, and was destined for more spiritual things. “I got to a point when I just knew it was time to leave,” she explains, “and that I didn’t want to be sitting behind a desk for the rest of my life. The stress involved and the negative dynamics of the industry that were having such a destructive effect on the personal lives of the people around me was just too much.” She says that she knew there was something she was “meant to be doing”, and that the part of the beauty industry that excited her was finding out the motivations behind what people did and what made them tick. “I also knew that I didn’t want to just help people on a superficial level,” she adds, “I wanted to go much deeper.” Fast forward to 2011 and she is the principal therapist at Mind Body Institute, which she opened at the West Lynn end of Richmond Road back in 2008. She now calls herself a “facilitator of transformational processes”, working as a holistic therapist, Reiki master, belly dancer and advanced teacher of ancient philosophies. From her beautifully appointed rooms Rosanna practices the likes of mirimiri (traditional Maori massage), Hawaiian Ka Huna bodywork, Egyptian undulating heart breath, chakra balancing, kundalini massage techniques and organic facial therapy (with French skincare range Phyt’s), as well as Aroha Healing, which is a true fusion of Rosanna’s work. Internationally trained in many indigenous healing modalities, the vivacious therapist uses a fusion of ancient traditional practice combined with a modern twist. One of her favourite treatments – to give and receive – is a four handed Reiki Energy Healing session, which I experienced at the very capable hands of Rosanna and her partner Ben. For those that have never experienced reiki, it essentially involves the practitioner(s), who has been attuned to the reiki frequency, using a series of hand positions on the fully clothed body through which to channel the healing energy. The energy comes from all around us, and as with the kind of energy that provides us with heat and light, we don’t have to think about where it comes from, we just flick a switch and there it is. The reiki practitioner has a “switch” and they act as channels through which the energy flows. People experience reiki in a variety of ways. Some feel heat coming from the practitioner’s hands; some feel tingling and some feel a sensation akin to a cool breeze. Some people fall asleep almost immediately. The procedure is very simple, but also very effective, and the benefits of one session can last over a long time. I felt in a state akin to dreaming, but fully awake and totally relaxed. And I can definitely vouch for the results lasting – I floated on air for days! Another wonderful thing about reiki is that anyone can learn how to do it, and Rosanna often holds retreats teaching just that. Another specialty is Hawaiian Ka Huna bodywork, which is the perfect solution for the cold, dreary winter days and their associated blues. Think long, flowing, rhythmical strokes, naturally scented oils… and the cosiest room you can imagine! You can even add on a decadent Hawaiian Coconut back scrub prior to your massage, which I wholeheartedly recommend. Delicious. (HELENE RAVLICH) PN www.mindbodyinstitute.co.nz
The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied
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DENISE L’ESTRANGE-CORBET THE DUCHESS OF CAMBRIDGE (NEAR HAMILTON!)
Armin hung two ropes from a metal bar with padded loops at the end. If any man had asked me to put my legs in these stirrups other than him or a gynaecologist, I would have run for the hills, but I had to lie on my front on the floor, lift both ankles into each stirrup, lean up on my forearms and move both legs back and forward. Now remember, no part of my body is touching the ground apart from my forearms. And after doing this once, I thought my entire spleen had ripped in half and that my upper and lower torso had parted company. “Just 15 more”, said Armin. “15! are you nuts?” The only thing that parted company that day was the crutch of my leggings, revealing my rather white and large Nanna knickers, for which I have no excuse other than they’re cotton and they’re comfortable (and she wonders why she is single? I hear you ask.) I collapsed, even this girl knows her limitations. “Just eight more then”, says the smiling Armin. Poor Armin is unaware of the relationship Lloyd from Vibra Train and I have, which I also still visit. I swore at Lloyd, he swore back at me, and we both understood each other perfectly. So far, I have let a few of those naughty little words escape, not directly at Armin, but sort of in that direction. I fear he is far too polite to swear back at me, and Lloyd
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is polite also, but a hard taskmaster who would push me and tell me to ‘get on with it’ Armin, I fear, has not had enough time to see my head spin 360 degrees and the obscenities tumble out, but give him a few months more and he will. “Can we please do those kettle things?” I whine. “Yes, yes, alright”, Armin replies. Gotcha I think, haha, I am off to do the easy stuff. I watch the men and women around me, all pumping iron and seeming to enjoy it, and am wondering where I was when the gene pool of ‘people who enjoy exercising’ was handed out, and I fear it was asleep. “Lift the kettle bell”, Armin tells me. Each one varies in size from two to four to six to eight kg, and look so cute, you really have to go and take a look. “What is that dent in the new wall?” I ask Armin. “Oh”, he replies (deep German accent), “that is where somebody let go of the kettle bell and it hit the wall”. “Honestly”, I reply huffily, “some people have no consideration for other peoples property”. “What do I have to do now?” I say quizzically to Armin. “Stand with your feet apart, hold the handle of the kettle bell and swing it though your legs and keeping your arms straight, bring it up to face level. Do this 45 times in three sets of 15”. “Easy”, I smirk. By number six I could easily see why someone had let go of the kettle bell and why it collided with the wall, as I was feeling very near doing that myself! THEN I had to hold the kettle bell with both hands and legs apart, squat down without bending my back but touching the bell on the floor! Sounds easy, but believe me, easy it ain’t! Armin says wonderful little things like, “can you feel that working on your abdominal muscles?” “Errr, well if you mean do I think it is a miracle I am still breathing because the whole of my body feels like it is set in concrete then yes, I guess I do feel it working on my abdominal muscles”. The moral of this story is, do not be fooled by instruments in the gym that are sitting in a corner on their own, looking lonely, they are not. They are just waiting for you to take pity on them, and then they will show you who is boss in the gym. Armin, get a swear jar, because I feel you are going to be making an awful lot of money out of me! (DENISE L’ESTRANGE-CORBET) ANYTIME FITNESS, 100 Ponsonby Road T: 09 360 5488 www.anytimefitness.co.nz
PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)
illustration: Dave Bradley @ DesignByDitch
“WHAT ARE THOSE?” I ASKED ARMIN POINTING TO THESE SMALL, STOUT objects with different brightly coloured handles. “Kettle Bells”, he replied. “Cute”, I said, ‘Yes” he replied, “we will be using those later”. Now I was quite looking forward to using these little innocuous squat things lined up on the floor like little guards in a row, after having been put through my paces in what I can only describe as instruments of torture. This month has seen me do a variety of things in my quest to get back to fitness after a long winter in hibernation and excuses longer than the channel tunnel. It’s too hot - it’s too cold - it’s too wet – it’s too windy - I’m too tired - I can’t walk today.. you sort of get the drift?
LIVING, THINKING + BEING
FEELING FRUMPY? IS WINTER STARTING TO GET YOU DOWN? IS YOUR WEIGHT CONTRIBUTING TO YOUR GENERAL LACK OF GET-UP-ANDgo? Well, conventional wisdom would say to modify your diet and exercise more. And yes, that is likely to have the desired effect. However, the bad news is that 98% of those who lose weight successfully on a diet will actually regain their weight within two years of discontinuing the diet. That is the part that the dieting industry keeps to itself. The most successful long-term solution to obtaining a healthy body size and shape is Weight Loss Surgery. It sounds drastic – and it is – but it also works! Weight Loss Surgery has been performed around the world for decades. Procedures have been refined over time to produce operations that minimise the surgical risk and give significant weight loss by actually addressing the root of our overeating habits – appetite.
The operations that are most commonly performed today including Gastric Sleeve, Gastric Banding and Gastric Bypass all have the effect of creating a feeling of satisfaction after eating small volumes of food. This is the key to long term weight loss. Whilst diets tell you to be satisfied on less food, the appetite rages on and ultimately is the stronger force that drives us back to our original weight - hence the term ‘yo-yo dieting’. If you have experienced this, then you are not alone. When weight is an issue you deal with on a daily basis then arm your self with more knowledge. A one-on-one consultation at Better Life Surgery is the perfect way to glean the facts about weight loss and to have your questions answered. PN BETTERLIFE SURGERY, T: 09 623 8528 www.betterlifesurgery.co.nz
WORK OUT WHILE YOU SIT RECENT RESEARCH BY UNIVERSITY OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA HAS LINKED too much sitting, whether at work, study or play with increased risk of bowel cancer, even in those who are otherwise fit and active. SitActive is pleased to announce a new product that lets you move while you sit. Simply place the SitActive Active Posture Cushion on you chair, stool or the floor and sit on it. The slightly unstable nature of the air filled cushion makes slouching difficult and enables you to continually and naturally adjust your seating position, to rock and rotate your pelvis allowing the spine to move and stretch the muscles and ligaments that support it. The effect is similar to sitting on a Swiss ball, but the SitActive cushion is more discreet, safer, much easier to use and best of all it is portable. We are encouraged to take more exercise but sometimes we simply do not have the time or the inclination. SitActive allows us to work out, targeting the core and those difficult to reach lower abdominals while at work without even breaking into a sweat.
The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied
RRP $39.95 introductory offer $34.95 +$4.95 shipping (New Zealand wide) SitActive is distributed in New Zealand by PEACE PILLOWS. To purchase your SitActive Posture Cushion call into the PEACEPILLOW showroom at 10 Maidstone Street, or order by calling T: 09 414 2047 or emailing peacepillows@me.com or order online at www.sitactive.com or www.peacepillows.co.nz PN
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JOHN APPLETON ON HEALTH
HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY THIS MONTH I WILL RESPOND TO A LETTER TO THE EDITOR IN WHICH DR Siouxsie Wiles from University of Auckland (see below) provided an ‘establishment’ view of my article on Hormone Replacement Therapy and at the time chose to question my credibility as a health correspondent. Whether it be the Asthma Foundation ignoring the evidence to support the use of the Buteyko Breathing Method for Asthma or the medical establishment taking a similar position on the use of optimal doses of Vitamin C as a primary intervention for viral and bacterial infections, the intensity of the attack on anyone who might have a different view seems to be directly correlated with the level of the perceived threat to those who wish to preserve the status quo. Such attacks tend to target the individual and Dr Wiles is true to form when she says - “Month after month, John Appleton misleads readers of the Ponsonby News with his pseudoscientific views on health”. Conventional medicine however does not have a monopoly on the truth. American Neurosurgeon Dr Russell Blaylock has this to say. ‘The medical establishment has created a set of terms which they use constantly to boost their egos and firm up their authority as unique holders of medical wisdom – the mantra is ‘evidence based medicine’ as if everything outside their anointing touch is bogus and suspect’. Dr Wiles is correct, I am not medically qualified but that doesn’t mean that I am not qualified to write about what I have read and learned when communicating with high profile doctors and scientists from around the world. These doctors and scientists who have attended real universities and medical schools would agree with Austrian Endocrinologist Dr Hans Selye when he says ‘Progress can only be made by ideas which are very different from those accepted at the moment”. LETTER TO THE EDITOR Re: John Appleton – A few thoughts on HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy) In the June edition of Ponsonby News, John Appleton’s column was inspired by an article he read in the Listener assessing the risks and benefits of HRT and which advised readers to avoid the internet and talk to their doctor instead. Unsurprisingly, John Appleton is somewhat horrified by this suggestion having “found the internet to be a fabulous resource” for researching topics like HRT. Indeed, what John Appleton goes on to talk about in his column is ‘Bio Identical’ hormones which he implies are a safe and effective alternative to HRT. In fact, ‘Bio Identical’ was just a phrase coined to describe plant-derived molecules believed to be identical to human hormones. No evidence has ever been presented to verify this fact. Furthermore, many of the conventional HRT treatments include similar plant-derived molecules. The difference is that the conventional therapies have been studied over many years so doctors know what the side effects and risks associated with them are. There is no evidence that ‘Bio Identical’ hormones are safer or more effective; it is likely they have the same side effects and risks. Treatment with ‘Bio Identical’ hormones often involves blood or saliva testing to determine which hormones are deficient and hence tailor treatment to the individual. While this sounds like a good idea, there is no scientific basis or indeed evidence that such a strategy is useful or relevant. Indeed, hormone levels in the blood and saliva vary from day to day and are unlikely to reflect the actual biological activity in tissues. Month after month, John Appleton misleads readers of the Ponsonby News with his pseudoscientific views on health. He does not appear to be medically qualified, but rather seems to make a living selling vitamin and other supplements. At the very least the Ponsonby News should do its readers the courtesy of informing them that their ‘health correspondent’ may have a conflict of interest. On a similar note, could you also please stop referring to your Ayurvedic practitioner as Dr. Mr Ajit does not have a NZ-recognised medical qualification and as such is misleading people into believing he is licensed by the Medical Council of New Zealand as a medical practitioner. DR SIOUXSIE WILES, PhD, Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology, University of Auckland. FROM THE EDITOR: Ajit Singh has a Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and surgery (B.A.M.S) from Punjabi University. For over 18 years he worked for the Government of India in various positions in both Ayurvedic hospitals and pharmacies. In 1996, he moved to New Zealand where he practices and teaches Ayurvedic Medicine, making him one of the most experienced Ayurvedic practitioners in Australasia. Like many people I have benefited from Dr Ajit’s many years of experience in health care and feel it is appropriate to acknowledge the qualifications that he attained in his home country.
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As I see it there is ‘science for people’ and ‘science for profit’ and regrettably it’s the latter that provides the hugely expensive treatments that come under the umbrella of conventional medicine. Science for people researches the most simple and cost effective way to prevent and or treat a disease or condition. Science for profit ignores the most simple and cost effective way and instead investigates a treatment option that can be patented and sold for vast sums of money. Simple cost effective treatments are then discredited as is anyone who attempts to promote them. As an example, when ‘science for people’ discovered that hormones such as Progesterone could be used to help menopausal women who were experiencing hot flashes and other unpleasant symptoms they would have discovered the relative ease by which a bio-identical form of Progesterone could be compounded (i.e. the molecular structure would be identical to that of the hormone made in the body). ‘Science for profit’ knows that there is no money in this option so they set out to alter the molecular structure of Progesterone and come up with a molecule that is slightly different (an alien molecule) in order that it may be patented. One doesn’t need a PhD to understand that there could be significant side effects and risks associated with the use of structurally altered hormones. Many studies have confirmed this. 100% what I said in my June article, I stand by. In a peer reviewed study from the journal ‘Postgraduate Medicine’ entitled The Bio-identical Hormone Debate – Are Bio-identical hormones safer and more efficacious than commonly used synthetic versions in HRT? Dr Kent Holtorf (a real doctor) concludes: ‘A thorough review of the medical literature supports the claim that bio-identical hormones have some distinctly different, often opposite physiological effects to those of their synthetic counterparts. With respect to the risk for breast cancer, heart disease, heart attack, and stroke, substantial scientific and medical evidence demonstrates that bio-identical hormones are safer and more efficacious forms of HRT than commonly used synthetic versions’. One doesn’t need a PhD to have common sense. We laypeople are not as stupid as Dr Wiles might think and thanks to the internet there are no limitations on our ability to learn. If Dr Wiles believes that double blind placebo controlled trials conducted by multinational corporations are the only key to knowledge and truth, she is deluding herself. “An age is called ‘Dark’ not because the light fails to shine but because people refuse to see it” James A Mitchener. (JOHN APPLETON) PN APPLETON ASSOCIATES T: 09 489 9362 www.johnappleton.co.nz
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The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied
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CLARE CALDWELL
THE ART OF LIVING
So now we’ve cars that’ll do a lot of the thinking for us! The latest Lamborghini has carbon fibre interiors that’ll protect us in case of a bad crash. It can also tell we’re tiring by monitoring our driving changes and warns us accordingly. The latest Volvo can anticipate pedestrian’s movements based on the rhythm of their gait approaching the curb in case they step out without looking. The car slows or swerves accordingly. In this age of increased dependency on technology to do a lot of the thinking and decision-making for us, are we in danger of becoming complacent? Of dulling down our wonderfully instinctual and primal fight / flight impulses by entrusting our lives to these dispassionate electronic brains? Will we start to doubt our intuitive ‘knowings’ in favour of what many consider a superior “entity”? I’m not against technology – I utilise it a lot myself - but I’m feeling increasingly uneasy observing the elevation of it to a place of virtual worship. For many people, especially the young, their whole world view and life experience centres more and more around a cyberspace reality. Hours of every day are spent in front of electronic screens, talking on cell-phones, listening to iPods.
By not “over thinking” what we’re expressing with the rational, analytical mind and letting visual imagery flow uninterruptedly, we can experience something a computer cannot give us; a connection to something ancient, wise and revelatory from deep down inside us. Within the safety of a therapeutic relationship, these externalised images can then rest quietly on the page and if appropriate, await further contemplation and deeper understanding. We’re all “hardwired” to achieve this. It’s not magic but I do believe these are the true miracles. 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. PN Enquiries: T: 09 836 3618; M: 021 293 3171 clare.e.caldwell@gmail.com
There needs to be a balance. As we stand in narcissistic awe, marvelling at the miracles of the electronic gadgets we’ve created and all they can do, let’s not forget to also stand in awe in front of the other creations in our world and ask ourselves: When did I last experience the healing energy of an old-growth forest? Marvel at the unconditional love that emanates from a pod of dolphins? Be blown away by telepathic connections that pass between us so effortlessly and synchronistically? In my work as a Creative Arts Therapist I delight in working one-on-one with our more ancient natural energies and impulses. Humans expressing themselves through art began way back in the mists of time, in fact art pre-dates language in terms of our human evolution. Contemporary living can be overwhelming. If we’re struggling with something that’s hard to articulate, engaging in art therapy can help clarify our thinking in relation to ourselves, our past experiences and the world around us.
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HOROSCOPES ♍
MISS PEARL NECLIS
Virgo (the Virgin): 22 August - 23 September
♓
Pisces (the Fish): 20 February - 20 March
If your friends and family seem to be acting irrationally try and not let their actions unsettle you. If you carry on as normal a routine as possible they will see that they need to step back into line.
You need to improve your mood somehow which in turn will improve your overall outlook. Stop going around like a bull and butting heads with everyone, you’ll get ahead faster.
♎
♈
Libra (the Scales): 24 September - 23 October
You could afford to take a break from your work right now especially when you have achieved so much professionally. Instead now is the time to concentrate on your private life and give that some effort.
♏
Scorpio (the Scorpion): 24 October - 22 November
Aries (the Ram): 21 March - 20 April
You love routine because you feel like you always have to be in control. Letting someone else take over for a while will make you realise how much you do by yourself.
♉
Taurus (the Bull): 21 April - 21 May
You could be in for some sort of surprise this month as emotions that you have been trying to avoid come bubbling to the surface. Don’t worry if you feel out of control for a while these feelings will settle down.
You have suffered a personal setback recently and are feeling very weak and vulnerable. You now have to get up and brush yourself down and get on with it as you have done all your life. You’re a very strong person and you have the strength to overcome anything.
♐
♊ Gemini (the Twins): 22 May - 21 June
Sagittarius (the Archer): 23 November - 22 December
You’re picking up strange vibes from a colleague and you’re confused about how to respond, making you feel vulnerable. And things will not be any clearer if you push it. Patience is the only option in this case.
♑ Capricorn (the Goat): 23 December - 20 January You seem to be right in the thick of it this month, unfortunately without really accomplishing anything. You could be distracted by something so listen to your inner voice and see what you’re being told.
♒
Aquarius (the Water Carrier): 21 January - 19 February
Wasting time waiting for something or someone to come along isn’t productive. You could just get on with your life and then you’ll realise that the best is still on its way.
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You don’t have to decide or worry about your future as you have multiple paths open to you. The only problem you might have is which path will give you the best reward.
♋ Cancer (the Crab): 22 June - 22 July You feel a wonderful sense of relief when you complete a task or finish something that has been bothering you. Although you still get anxious and stressed when you see things go wrong that are out of your control.
♌
Leo (the Lion): 23 July - 21 August
You’re a very friendly and approachable sort of person and are always willing to talk and take your time with people. However what you give out is not always returned.
PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)
LIVING, THINKING + BEING
ACCENT ON THE END OF WINTER! Like the rest of you, here at Accent we’re plugging on through winter, taking cheer in the shortest day being well behind us, and the days are now getting longer and longer. We’re also very excited about the impending Rugby World Cup, not least because regardless of what sports you’re keen on, it’s good for Auckland, and it’s good for Ponsonby. And sometimes community is what it’s all about. Speaking of community, our congratulations to Bayfield School which celebrated its125th birthday earlier this year. I recently spent a wonderful evening watching the entire school showcase its bi-annual production, a unique event in that it involves every school pupil. What an amazing occasion, made special not only by the children, but also by the level of support from so many teachers and parents. And then those children of ours grow up. I want to take this opportunity to reiterate prevention is the best treatment when it comes to dentistry and a current concern of ours is that once our young adults leave the free government funded dental care at age 18, they often don’t go to the dentist again until something starts to cause them bother - at which stage it can be too late! So here at Accent we’re offering the young adults in our community the following - if you’re under 25 (or know someone who is), for the great value of $89 (half the usual price!) you can see our Hygienist Grace for a professional polish and hygiene treatment, as well as some excellent homecare advice. Along with supporting your whole family, we continue to take new patients of all ages, and we love referrals. If you’re new, or one of our existing wonderful patients, we look forward to seeing you soon, and we also wish you a great leap into spring! (MATT SUMNER AND THE TEAM) PN ACCENT DENTAL SOLUTIONS, 332 Ponsonby Road T: 09 376 4374 www.accentds.co.nz
ANY PAGE IN PONSONBY NEWS IS A GOOD PLACE TO BE SEEN
The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied
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TRAVEL BREAKS: THE NEW THERAPY!
TEMPLES, TIGERS AND THE TAJ
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 chaotic markets in Delhi and the glorious palace hotels of Rajasthan to the ethereal glow of the Taj Mahal at sunrise, and the vibrant colour, scent and sounds of local bazaars, India never fails 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 inlaid stones of palace mosaics and the spices piled high in the market; the brightly coloured clothing and decorated elephants at the Amber Fort all make this part of India a delight to visit and 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 enhances the 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!
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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. 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. Corbett National Park was the first wildlife reserve in India and is most 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.
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5 1. Is this IRAN’S answer to the Beehive? No, it’s an Ice House according to Ponsonby residents’ WENDY and GRAHAM DOBSON who came across it whilst travelling from Yazd to Shiraz. 2. Ian Beaumont emailed us this photo of his friend, BEN PIERCE, pictured reading Ponsonby News in Chamonix, FRANCE. “Hopefully this will make it into the magazine?” 3. Westmere resident John Cowlishaw emailed us having returned from ITALY and made us all jealous with this great shot of the leaning tower and told us, “Cheesy I know, but there it is. Last month I was enjoying 37degC in Pisa.” 4. AIDAN BENNETT is pictured at Suncorp Stadium in BRISBANE for the Blues versus Reds Super 15 Semi-Final with his two favourite publications, Ponsonby News and Channel Magazine from the sunny North Shore! 5. SHARYN MATHIAS emailed us and wrote, “We have a friend who always sends us Ponsonby News and as a group of Aucklanders now living in WANAKA, aka Team Tiara, we thought we would share our receipt of the latest issue. We are pictured at the gorgeous Federal Diner here in Wanaka.” 6. Ponsonby resident LOIS GREEN on holiday in Phuket, THAILAND in front of a Thai spirit house with Ponsonby News.
DEAR READERS Please keep sending us your holiday snaps reading your favourite magazine. We love getting them, however, photos need to be big enough files in high resolution (300dpi). So email them to info@ponsonbynews.co.nz without reducing the size.
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PONSONBY NEWS READERS ARE EVERYWHERE PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)
THE POWER BEHIND THE THRONE
REBECCA JONES
The names of successful people are well known to us. Their businesses thrive because they have charismatic personalities fronting them and we are drawn to them because they give us what we need, whether it’s something to read like Ponsonby News, a fabulous restaurant like Vinnies, a popular meeting place like Chapel or a retail store like Glengarry. AMANDA DALLOW (pictured far right) with Luke and family But what about those in the wings, the support people, the second in command, the ones at home or in the office? Who are they? We want to give them some stage time too, therefore, this column is dedicated to the people we think give so much of their time supporting those in the limelight and without whom much of what we enjoy in our daily lives may not exist. Amanda Dallow is a mother of three, she’s worked for Air New Zealand travelling the world as a flight attendant and is trained as a teacher; she also keeps the home fires burning for Luke Dallow. We know Luke as a serial entrepreneur, his successful restaurants and bars have helped change the way we socialise with each other, he is a man with many ideas and he’s big on positivity. He spends a lot of time at work but still finds time to be with his family. “Luke’s batteries are always charged, he thinks and breathes work, his glass is over half full and he never has any negative thoughts, it can be exhausting but that’s him, it’s my job to be here for him when he needs me; to help him stop and smell the flowers occasionally; to have dinner on the table every night so we can have an hour of family time. This life is not forever and I know that this is my role right now, it’s not necessarily my personality but he’s doing so well and being so successful, so the balance in our lives is created by a happy, well maintained home life.”
The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied
Amanda accepted long ago that she would be a stay at home mum and she appreciates being able to do so. “It would be chaos if I worked too, I see the rewards and look at all the positives, it’s nice to be available for all the school activities, trips and sport practice. Luke is on the board of trustees at Bayfield School and has a big role with their finances, I prefer to work behind the scenes, that’s what I do best, whether that’s sewing costumes for the school play or taking Thursday lunch time netball practice, I see it as a great opportunity to have input into our children’s lives and I’m lucky that I can,” says Amanda. She also gives a female perspective to some of Luke’s ideas, helping him decide which ideas will work, he values her opinion but if he thinks it will work he’ll do it anyway. She’s always prepared for the phone to ring at any time of the day or night and he’ll disappear to work, it is her job to give support and carry on with the family. She says “I enjoy my own company, I would prefer Luke to be home more but his work is his life and I accept that, there are always a million things for me to do, places to go, wonderful friends to see and talk to, I love my life, it is very rewarding”. Home is a wonderful place to go home to, Amanda is home for Luke and she creates the space for balance, something we all need in our lives. (REBECCA JONES) PN
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EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY THRILLS, SPILLS AND IT’S A WRAP! With a final rattle of the shakers and finishing flourishes, the Bar Masters winner has been decided. Impressing the judges with their creativity and flair in an exciting live final, it was ultimately Hannah Waters from Mea Culpa, Ponsonby who had the edge and took out the title with a clever cocktail titled ‘Je Ne C’est Quoi’ – French for ‘I Don’t Know What’. “Hannah’s cocktail showed originality, imagination and a splash of brilliance” says Tomas Vikario, Bar Masters MC and special guest from MONIN. “I was very impressed with the amazing cocktails made by the final four competitors, it is always fascinating to see the inventive way they use MONIN ingredients”. Claiming the Bar Masters 2011 title, Hannah takes away a fantastic prize from sponsor MONIN, a trip to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The trip will give her the opportunity to see the top bars in the area and the fascinating MONIN factory. “Judging the final four was one of the toughest jobs I’ve ever had” says Head Judge and editor of Hospitality/Thirst magazine Don Kavanagh. “The competition really went down to the wire and separating the top two was an agonising decision for all three judges. Some of the drinks presented - under pressure - were simply exquisite and the creativity and imagination was amazing. The standard of bartending skills on offer was excellent and the New Zealand hospitality industry should be proud of all the contestants. They all have great futures and the future of bartending in this country is in great hands”. The Restaurant and Bar Show also wrapped up yesterday with crowds of hospitality insiders gleaning plenty of interesting information about the upcoming busy season from the event over a busy three days. Highlights included the Telecom Masterclasses by South African veteran restaurateur Pete Goffe -Wood, during which he imparted the insights gained from his experiences at the FIFA World Cup. The ‘Match Ready Seminars’ were also well received with local and international industry leaders speaking including: Justin North, Dheeraj Bhatia, Luke Dallow, Keith Stewart, John Clarke and Leon Grice, the Director of the NZ2011 Office. Celebrating the best of what the hospitality industry has to offer, The Restaurant and Bar Show and Bar Masters is officially over for 2011, but has been an inspiring and educational experience for the industry. Giving them plenty to think about and do for the hectic season soon to be upon us. PN
WHEN THE WORLD COMES TO SKYCITY AUCKLAND, THE FOOD WILL FOLLOW! Along with the thousands of people travelling to New Zealand this September and October, something special is coming with them. World famous Chef Peter Gordon is bringing selected menu items from his famous London restaurant The Providores and Tapa Room across the seas to his restaurants at SKYCITY, dine by Peter Gordon and Bellota. These special menus will be available from Thursday 8 September until Monday 24 October and will see the tastes and flavours prepared in his London kitchen recreated for the local and international diners in New Zealand during September and October. Peter’s speciality, fusion cooking, brings the flavours of the world together in spectacular dishes to enlighten any diner’s taste buds. The menu at dine by Peter Gordon will be half a la carte and half prie fixe while Bellota will host six tapas from the Tapa Room and six from Bellota. Peter is thrilled about the idea of showcasing his London menu in Auckland and explains how he came up with the idea. “During my last visit to Auckland, I sat down with the Executive Chefs of the SKYCITY restaurants to think of a way to bring a special service to the customers of dine and Bellota. The half London, half Auckland menu was born. This is our way of joining in on the international flavour New Zealand will be experiencing during this time and we’re excited to see the reaction from our guests.” PN Bookings are recommended. For more information see www.skycityauckland.co.nz
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LIZ WHEADON: WINE, GLORIOUS WINE
FRENCH WOMEN IN WINE I RECENTLY HAD THE PLEASURE OF SPENDING A MONTH IN EUROPE VISITING our suppliers, during this time I met with a number of talented French women making exceptional wines, including Anne Gros. Anne is based in Vosne Romanee, a village located in the French Wine region of Burgundy, about 250km south of Paris, centred around the town of Beaune. Burgundy wines are made from Chardonnay for White wines and Pinot Noir for the majority of the red wines (Gamay is used in the Southern parts of Burgundy for the production of Beaujolais.) When you look around Burgundy, there are a few of the Gros family involved in winemaking. It goes right back to 1804 with Alphonse Gros, who then passed the winery to Louis Gustave – one of his sons, who was one of the first to sell Burgundy directly to private customers. The winery was then passed to Jules Gros, then to Louis Gros who continued to work the winery the way his father had. It was when Louis Gros passed away in 1951 that the winery was divided up by his four children, into Domaine Gros Frere, Domaine Jean Gros and Domaine Francois Gros. Domaine Jean Gros has then further split in the next generation, adding Domaine Michel Gros and Domaine A.F. Gros. Francois Gros was Anne Gros’s father, Anne was an only child and not expected by her father to succeed with the property – he maintained it’d end up being sold. Anne succeeded her father in 1988 and at that stage the Domaine covered three hectares. Today Anne looks after an impressive collection of vineyard sites around her winery in Vosne Romanee, totalling 6.5ha. Anne makes three Grand Cru wines – Richebourg, Echezeaux and Clos de Vougeot, she does not have any 1er Cru wines and makes a collection of Village wines. The way Anne tends her land and makes her wine is in an organic and biodynamic way. She does not have certification for this, but rather does so to produce the best wines and look after the land she has. Anne’s Burgundy wines are now very sought after and are in a distinctive style, they are very clean, great fruit and impeccably well made. With her production in Burgundy now well sorted, Anne has embarked on a new project. With her husband Jean-Paul Tollot (also a great Burgundy Winemaker) they have started making wine in the Southern French region of Minervois, I asked Anne why she had decided to make wine in this region and why a new project? She explained that it was for a number of reasons, firstly to expand her knowledge and to work with new varieties,
a new terroir and to learn (about all that’s the same with Vosne Romanee is the Altitude of the vineyard). She’s done a fair bit of research into the varieties in the area, particularly the unique characters of Carignan – we both fondly discussed visiting the region of Priorat – off course we’d stayed at the same hotel in Grattalops – I think there’s only one in the small village! It’s a nice hotel though and a great spot. Secondly, she was keen to work with someone else – the work that is done at her Domaine in Burgundy Anne does herself, she explains how she needs to often start her picking quite early as she does most of it alone. Thirdly, Anne is conscious of leaving her children with Domaines that they can take care of – she’s not sure that they could work together in Burgundy looking after Anne Gros – explaining that family working together is often not the best idea. It was a lovely visit with Anne, she was in fine form and as always passionate about her wines and keen to tell all about her new project in Minervois. Anne is also part of Femmes et Vins de Bourgogne (Women and wine of Burgundy) this group was set up by Anne Parent of Domaine Parent in Pommard, the idea being to connect young women working in Burgundy with the likes of Anne Gros and Anne Parent. Anne Gros’s 2009 Burgundy are due to arrive in New Zealand around October 2011, her Minervois wines from the 2008 and 2009 vintage will also arrive at the same time. There are small quantities of her 2008 and 2007 currently in stock.(LIZ WHEADON) PN www.e-liz.co.nz www.glengarry.co.nz
WHAT’S HOT AT SABATO CHEESE AND CHARCUTERIE WEEKEND Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 August, 11.00am – 3.00pm Join us in our Mt. Eden showroom to taste and explore our wide range of cheeses and cured meats from our favourite corner of the world. You may forget you’re in the depths of a cold Auckland winter as you wander through our store, sampling an assortment of our traditional and authentic continental delights while sipping your Allpress espresso… Savour the Spanish flavours of a spicy chorizo salami, or some sweet, nutty Manchego, served with slivers of fruity quince paste. Feast on our Fourme d’Ambert, a bold creamy blue and one of France’s oldest cheeses. And indulge in a little bit of Italy with some fresh buffalo mozzarella, or a few fine slivers of Prosciutto di Parma. And have you tried our unpasteurised range of cheeses? Now’s your chance – you’ll soon understand the difference! On Saturday, some of our local artisan producers will be joining us in store, sampling an array of products perfect for a cheeseboard, antipasto platter or tapas. J. Friend & Co. honey will be pairing their single-varietal honeys with some of our cheeses, and Salumeria Fontana will be cooking selected sausages from their award-winning range. Puhoi are also in store with a collection of their New Zealand made blues, bries and washed rinds. So if you’re a cheese and charcuterie devotee, come and treat yourself at Sabato – the source of superb ingredients. PN SABATO, 57 Normanby Road T: 09 630 8751 www.sabato.co.nz
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ALICE LEONARD: ANGEL FOOD STUFFED POLENTA This is a great dish for a casual dinner party because it looks more difficult than it is and can be made well in advance. INGREDIENTS • 6 cups water • 2 cups polenta • 1 tablespoon dried basil • 3 tablespoons savoury yeast flakes (not brewers yeast!) • 2 tablespoons dried capsicum flakes (optional, but gives good colour) • 1 large bag spinach or other dark leafy greens • 1/4 cup tahini • 1/4 - 1/2 teaspoon white pepper • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (preferably freshly grated) METHOD 1. Rinse the spinach and chop roughly. Put it in a large pan over a medium heat until it is wilted. Add the tahini, white pepper and nutmeg, and cook for another couple of minutes. 2. Bring the water to the boil in a large pot. Add the polenta, basil and yeast flakes. Stir well, turn the heat down to medium-low, and cover with a lid. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring every couple of minutes. Watch out for splashes as it thickens. 3. Pour half of the polenta into a glass or metal dish (approx. 2-litre capacity). Spread the spinach on the polenta. Optional: top the greens with slices of soy cheese such as ‘blue’ Cheezly. Top with the rest of the polenta, spreading with a spatula or palette knife to smooth the top. 4. Allow to cool. 5. To serve, tip the polenta carefully out on to a board and cut into six or eight rectangles or triangles. Either bake in a hot oven (200C) for about 15 minutes, or fry in a very small amount of oil for several minutes each side. Delicious served with roast vegetables and olives. PN www.angelfood.co.nz
CITYLIFE AUCKLAND CHEF WINS NEW ZEALAND CHEF OF THE YEAR DAVID SCHOFIELD THE EXECUTIVE CHEF OF CITYLIFE AUCKLAND HAS won the prestigious New Zealand Chef of the Year competition at the New Zealand Culinary Fare competitions held in Auckland last month. The Culinary Fare is run by the Restaurant Association of New Zealand and the Chef of the Year category is supported by Moffat Limited and Southern Hospitality Limited. “It’s been a long time dream of mine to win this award and despite several close calls over the years I am thrilled I can now truly add my name to the cup. I also have to add there is no way I’d be in this position now if it wasn’t for the support of my staff both kitchen, front of house, and the management team at CityLife Auckland.” David has been at CityLife Auckland, a Heritage Hotel for just under a year and his role encompasses the 100 cover Zest restaurant, plus, conference and banquet dining at the busy CBD hotel. He started his career in his hometown of Wellington the hard way. He began washing pots in the kitchen of a city hotel before heading to Europe to work his way up the culinary ladder in many of London’s five star hotels and French Michelin star properties.
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David describes his food style as ‘New Zealand Bistro’ meaning honest and straightforward with seasonal produce taking centre stage. He’s passionate about artisan producers and believes that the standard of the produce in New Zealand is exceptional. “I love bringing all the different cuisine experiences I have experienced together. I particularly enjoy creating contrasts for the palette from sweet and sour to hot and cold pairings,” says David. David has been a competitive chef throughout his career and has enjoyed previous award success. He has distinguished himself in the Prix Pierre Taittinger Great Britain, as well as accumulating gold and silver medals in past New Zealand Culinary Fare events. To celebrate David’s win, CityLife Auckland is offering an exclusive chef dinner package. The package includes a private banquet prepared in the hotel’s luxurious three-bedroom director’s suite including overnight accommodation for six guests for $849 GST inc. PN T: 09 379 9222 for information or visit www.heritagehotels.co.nz (Package is subject to availability and conditions apply).
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THE ‘MISS JONES’ INTERVIEW
If we do not honour our past we lose our future, if we destroy our roots we cannot grow - Hundertwasser Jak Jakicevich is a family man with seven children and nearly 280 staff that make up Glengarry and Hancock’s in New Zealand. A strong community of family has been built up over many years and passed down through four generations to help make Glengarry a successful business and a popular destination to purchase wine. Run by his brother Joe, Hancock’s is one of the best wine and spirit merchants to the trade in the country. Jak’s Grandfather – Dida Joe – opened a general store on Jervois Road in 1940 where he sold the wine produced on his vineyard, he had one of the first two licences to sell liquor in Auckland but back then he was limited to selling only New Zealand wine and no less than two gallons per customer! Over the years as the licensing laws liberalised, single bottle sales and imported wines were allowed to be sold and by the mid 60’s, Glengarry were holding wine tastings introducing consumers to the joys of drinking table wine. After years of drinking fortified wines, the frivolous sparkling red Cold Duck was an important step in wine appreciation for New Zealanders. Born and raised on the family farm and vineyard on Glengarry Road in Oratia, Jak knew as the eldest son it was his role to take an active interest in the family business, but it wasn’t until the 1980’s that he moved into the city to help his brothers. They had taken a shine to the retail side of selling the wine produced on the family vineyard alongside other wines from here and overseas. This was the beginning of Glengarry as we know it today with the brothers keen to keep Glengarry vital and young and to stamp a different mark on the business; expanding and opening more stores in Auckland and Wellington; establishing a Wine Academy and launching the Glengarry Top 50 and monthly Top 10 as well as Joe’s underground wine letter. By this century, Glengarry was well established as a wine retail company and it was time for the family to introduce something new and exciting to the market by taking their wine knowledge and presenting it with food. As the Jervois Road store had always been
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Dida’s to the Jakicevich family, it seemed like a natural progression and a wonderful way to keep their Grandfather’s legacy alive by opening a wine lounge and food store in his name. “The challenge today,” says Jak, “is to teach people how to drink in a civilised way with moderation and respect, it’s not about volume, it’s about origin, producer, style and trends. I think the industry has taken huge strides in the wrong direction; we have too many liquor outlets with people selling alcohol who don’t drink or who have no idea about where it comes from or how to use it. It’s extremely important to raise the consumer’s level of beverage knowledge in a way that shows respect for the product we are selling them.” Knowledge and family are the keys to Glengarry’s success. “Family is a huge part of our team,” says Jak, “some people like Graeme, Janus and Hutch have been with us for more than 20 years and now their children and ours are working in the business. We pass on our knowledge, instil pride and respect for wine and winemakers; the team helps drive us all forward making our industry better and that’s what makes me leap out of bed in the morning, because I want to help someone in our team. I care about their dramas, I help set their goals and guide them through to success, it’s a huge responsibility, each has a family and they are all part of our family, our community.” Glengarry is just one of the many businesses who benefit from the wider Ponsonby business community. Says Jak, “we’re all competitors, but we all have the same philosophy, we have unique offerings that complement each other, there’s camaraderie and real friendship, we offer variety and interesting places to wine and dine. We need to stick together more so we don’t end up with fast liquor and fast food outlets on Ponsonby Road, but I think the people of Ponsonby will hold on to its unique, diverse independence.” (REBECCA JONES) PN
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EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY ANGUS ALLAN – THE COLLECTIVE It’s the most popular gourmet yoghurt in New Zealand, and now it’s expanding into the UK. That’s pretty good going for a product that launched just over a year ago, but Angus Allan, co-founder of The Collective, is taking success in his stride. Angus Allan has a confession to make: not that long ago, he didn’t like yoghurt very much. It’d hardly be a startling revelation from many men, but Angus is co-founder of The Collective, maker of New Zealand’s most popular gourmet yoghurt. Angus’s problem wasn’t with yoghurt as a food, but with the selection available in New Zealand supermarkets. As a trained chef and founder of the Naked Organics range of dips, hummus and soup, Angus has high expectations of his food, and the yoghurt on our shelves simply didn’t measure up. “I liked frozen yoghurt,” he explains, “so I wanted a regular yoghurt that tasted as good as that.” These days it’s easy to buy yoghurt that tastes as delicious as a dessert, but only a couple of years ago yoghurt in New Zealand was for kids’ school lunches and ladies on diets, and there was no such thing as a gourmet yoghurt section in the super -market fridge. It didn’t take long for Angus’ entrepreneurial spirit to kick in. He called up fellow chef and former competitor Ofer Shenhav, previously the owner of the Pitango organic soup and hummus company, who was quickly sold on the idea of launching a gourmet yoghurt company. Together, Ofer and Angus bought the Canaan Cheese business, and in November 2009 The Collective was born. Their ‘two chefs and a cheesemaker’ dream team had a simple goal: to make natural, artisan products that are minimally processed. In April last year The Collective began manufacturing and distributing its ‘soft culture’ dairy products: gourmet yoghurts, haloumi and soft cheeses such as ricotta and mascarpone. As Angus had predicted, the gourmet yoghurts in particular were a roaring success – especially in Ponsonby, where New World Victoria Park is The Collective’s biggest stockist. The company grew 400% in its first year, and it has held its spot as the number one brand in the now-booming gourmet yoghurt category. The five launch flavours (Passionfruit, Rhubarb and Strawberry, Black Plum, Apple Crumble, and Mango) are still in hot demand, joined by a rotating roster of seasonal and limited edition treats, such as this winter’s Fig yoghurt. For every new flavour that makes it to the shelves, Angus and his team have tried as many as a dozen different recipes. “I love dreaming up new flavours,” says Angus. “And we get requests for new flavour combinations all the time. We’ve got a list of 500 flavours to try, and some of the ideas are amazing!” Although he had no plans to expand outside of the Antipodes when The Collective launched in April last year, Angus couldn’t resist making a few enquiries when he spotted a similar dearth of premium yoghurts on UK supermarket shelves. One thing lead to another, and a frenzy of flights, planning and phone calls saw The Collective launch into British supermarkets in June. While particularly British flavours are still under consideration (Earl Grey flavoured yoghurt, anyone?), Angus is excited about introducing some Kiwi favourites – like the limited edition Russian Fudge flavour – to English tastebuds. And in August, an entirely new product will hit the shelves of New Zealand’s gyms, cafes, convenience stores and petrol stations: The Collective is launching a range of probiotic yoghurt drinks. High in protein and 99 percent fat-free, the health-conscious yoghurt drinks are another brand new product category Angus hopes will take off – and given the success of his gourmet yoghurt, he’s got every reason to feel confident. (ANNABEL MCALEER) PN
Pictured above: ANGUS ALLAN, co-founder of THE COLLECTIVE , and their product – New Zealand’s most popular gourmet yoghurt
THE PONSONBY NEWS TEAM SAY, life is too short… not to eat good food and drink good wine www.ponsonbynews.co.nz 100 PONSONBY NEWS+ August 2011
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FUTURE GENERATION LOCAL AUTHOR HAS NOW SOLD OVER HALF A MILLION COPIES IN TWENTY COUNTRIES A children’s book series that has now sold over half a million copies in twenty countries first came to life in a quiet villa in Westmere. The Jane Blonde book series for children penned by author Jill Marshall is a local success story. Like most good ideas the concept for Jane Blonde is simple yet effective – a take off of the James Bond theme but with a young girl as the main character. There is a shower called a Wower that plain Janey Brown goes into to transform into Jane Blonde and of course plenty of spy gadgets including a pair of sneakers that can climb up walls. Since then Jill has also written a children’s book series called Dog Head, about a boy who becomes the Egyptian god of death, a children’s picture book called Kave-Tina Rox and three books in the chick lit genre: The Two Miss Parsons, As it is on Telly and The Most Beautiful Man in the World. “When writing I take a business approach,” says Jill. “I don’t write in isolation; I know and research the market. I still write what I want to write but I bear in mind working that way means I might not get it published.” It is no surprise then that Jill has come from a business background. Hailing from the United Kingdom she studied history at university then launched straight into a human resources and training career. Fifteen years later she found firing people wasn’t a very pleasant way to make a living and decided to pursue her true passion – writing. She dropped back her hours and undertook a masters degree in Writing for Children at Winchester University. In 2003 Marshall moved to New Zealand to bring up her fair headed daughter Katie, now aged 14 – who years ago she had nicknamed ‘Jane Blonde’. But it is not all glamour. Despite her success Jill says the recession has made it even harder for authors to make a living. This has led to her starting her own publishing company called Pear Jam Books. When she couldn’t find a publisher for
a children’s book she wanted to publish in conjunction with a Christchurch author Emma Pullar who she was mentoring Jill decided to publish it herself. The book Curly from Shirley the Christchurch Dog has been published purely to raise funds for the Christchurch earthquake victims. The book was developed from story to illustrations to being published in just three weeks. It has nearly sold out its first print run already. The success has encouraged Jill to publish 15 titles from 11 different handpicked authors before the end of the year ranging from children’s books to fiction for teenagers and adults. The books will also be offered as e-books and games or apps as Jill ventures into the world of online publishing. To complement her writing and help other authors to become published Jill also operates another business called Write Good Stuff, offering writing courses including programmes that people can do online. Her courses include writing for children’s books and novels for adults. She also assesses manuscripts for writers. In her spare time Jill also likes to play guitar, takes singing, acting and dancing lessons and has even set up a drum kit in her garage. She also admits that she often takes time out during the day to sneak up to the Ponsonby shops for a quick coffee. “It’s a hard business making a living as an author but at the moment it’s really exciting as well as the whole business is changing with the internet putting more power back in the hands of writers.” (KAREN PHELPS) PN You can support the victims of the Christchurch earthquake by purchasing Curly from Shirley at www.curlyfromshirley.weebly.com For more information: www.jillmarshallbooks.com
PARENTS KEY INFLUENCE ON CHILDREN’S CHOICES Parents should not underestimate the influence they can have on a child’s career path. That’s the message from Career Tips, a free electronic newsletter for parents, as well as families and people working with teens in the community, including teachers, mentors and sports coaches. Career Tips, from government agency Careers New Zealand*, offers strategies, coping mechanisms and advice to help parents and other adults deal with the myriad of careers issues and events facing young people today. The electronic magazine has been developed to help adults understand the crucial role they play in a student’s career decision-making and to arm them with supportive, empowering and engaging career conversations to have with the young person in their lives. Careers New Zealand spokesperson Ross Jones says research shows parents remain the key influence on student decision-making and that students benefit enormously from being able to have ongoing career conversations with their parents. “Parents’ influence starts in early childhood and extends to a wide range of career factors, including what career interests are considered ‘suitable’, expectations, attitudes toward work, career resilience and adaptability.” Mr Jones says studies have shown students are most likely to talk to their parents about their career ideas but some even suggest they would like to be able to talk more with their parents. “The work environment has changed remarkably in the last 20 years. There are jobs around now that didn’t even exist a decade or so ago. Parents have a responsibility to understand the environment their children are about to enter. So take some time to talk to your child about their career – whether you’re driving the car, watching Masterchef NZ, or talking over exam results from school.”
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Career Tips is a bi-monthly newsletter that addresses the important and relevant careers issues at the time of each publication. For example, in the June issue Career Tips looks at some tertiary study options and has information on scholarships and grants for those students contemplating tertiary study next year. There’s also information for young people thinking about leaving school and a link to some inspirational career stories, where young people share their unique career experiences. The latest issue of Career Tips also coincides with the career expo season in many of the main centres and for that reason the online newsletter includes a web link to Careers New Zealand’s invaluable Career Expo Planner. The planner helps students to get the most out of their expo experience. To subscribe to Career Tips and get access to all the information and advice you need to support a young person to make smart career decisions, go to www. careers.govt.nz/career-tips. If you require more information on the resources and tools available from Careers New Zealand, visit www.careers.govt.nz or call the advice line T: 0800 222 733. * In May, Career Services changed its trading name to Careers New Zealand. PN
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NIKKI HART: GOOD NUTRITION POTATOES, SWEET POTATO (KUMARA) AND MAORI POTATOES TAEWA (RIWAI) – COMFORTING STARCHES! THE HUMBLE POTATO HAS BEEN A STAPLE FOOD FOR HUNDREDS OF YEARS. The scientific name for potatoes is Solanum tuberosum (solanum means ‘soothing’ in Latin – so it is no wonder we think of potatoes as “comfort food”! The Solanaceae family – which also include tomatoes, eggplant and capsicums, are however not related at all to sweet potatoes. Potatoes are a gorgeous vegetable that have received some very bad publicity. Potatoes and Maori potatoes are excellent sources of complex (starchy) carbohydrates and ‘carbo-phobic-gym-junkies’ could be doing themselves a great injustice by eliminating this food. Potatoes are NOT fattening! Complex carbohydrate is the favourite fuel of the body because it provides the most glucose to the muscles, tissues and organs. By selecting rice or pasta above potatoes you may also be missing out on other valuable nutrients such as fibre, iron, folate, potassium and vitamin C. Potatoes are a surprising source of vitamin C – an immunity boosting nutrient needed especially in the depths of winter when we are exposed to infections. One medium potato (175g) provides about 50% of your daily Vitamin C! (there is NO vitamin C in rice or pasta!) It has been recently reported that potatoes have been found to positively influence brain function (increasing the level of serotonin) which helps to regulate mood, sleep, appetite and emotion. Women who suffer with pre menstrual syndrome (PMS) have reported feeling better after eating foods rich in carbohydrates. Potatoes have a wonderful quality – in that it has ‘high satiety’ which means you only need a small amount to feel full. However many potatoes have a glycemic index value of between 65 -101 – which means it raises your blood glucose levels quickly – this is good if you want a ‘quick boost’ in energy but not good if you want sustained energy release. When you eat potatoes as part of a meal however the fibre, protein and fat content of that meal helps to lower the glycemic index. If you want to ensure you are eating potatoes with a lower glycemic index value choose to eat new waxy boiled ones not floury mashed ones. Most Maori potatoes are waxy in texture so are like waxy standard potatoes. WHICH POTATO FOR WHAT? • Baking, Mashing, Roasting: Ilam Hardy, Agria, Red Rascal • Boiling and Salad: Nadine, Draga, Jersey Bennie, Frisia, Red King Edward • Multi-tasking (in-between floury and waxy): Rua, Desiree, Moonlight, Karaka, Red Ruby, Rocket THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT CHIPS! We eat approximately eight million servings of hot chips every week in New Zealand! That has the potential for a LOT of fat getting into our diet. If you can’t resist chips ask for wedges or straight cut they have less surface area than shoestring or crinkle cut so are exposed to less fat when cooking. HOW MUCH COMPLEX CARBOHYDRATE SHOULD BE ON MY PLATE? Although potato, sweet potato and Maori potato are all vegetables they contain significantly more energy than leafy greens. A quarter of your plate should be complex carbohydrates. SWEET POTATO (KUMARA) The variety of colours of sweet potato means that they supply us with an array of anti -oxidants. The orange fleshed kumara has been found to contain more beta-carotene than carrots! Beta-carotene is thought to slow down the aging process, reduce certain cancers and assist in the management of diabetes. An interesting fact is that beta-carotene is converted to vitamin A in the body and this is an important nutrient for healthy skin, hair and eyes. (NIKKI HART) PN NIKKI HART, 282 Ponsonby Road T: 09 360 6330 www.nikkihartnutrition.co.nz
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NEW KIDS RADIO SHOW SHIPWRECK SUNDAYS Have you had a chance to tune into ‘Shipwreck Sundays’ the new children’s radio show on Ponsonby Radio 107.7fm from 8 till 9 every Sunday morning? Whether you have just returned from your morning run or are still making your way home from a Saturday night out, this show will cheer you up and is a great way to keep the kids entertained. Captain Festus McBoyle and Pirate Polly along with young shipmate guests will fill the air with merriment. You will hear Pirate shanties, story’s, jokes and Kiwi facts and if you’re wondering what to do with the kids over the holidays listen in for Grace Milner with her regular reviews. Don’t forget to let the pirates know it’s your birthday email festus@manic.co.nz so they can give you a birthday shout out! Musician Richard Manic has played the character Captain Festus McBoyle for the past two years. It was a natural progression for a singer songwriter who writes catchy quirky songs with fun lyrics and a love of children to become a Pirate. You may have spotted him and his Pirate mate Fungal Finnegan performing shanties at Ponsonby Market Day, the Grey Lynn Festival or possibly at Voyager the Maritime Museum. Richard is no stranger to working with children, he teaches drum kit for beginners ‘FUN WITH DRUMS’ and works his percussion/beat magic with special needs children. Captain Festus McBoyle, with the help of some talented musician friends, has just finished recording his first Children’s album at Base 2 Studio. The album is called ‘A Pirates Life’ and has been compared to Spike Milligan, Benny Hill and maybe a tad of Rolf Harris as well. Unlike a lot of children’s albums you can happily listen to a ‘Pirates Life’ over and over without wanting to tear your hair out. The Pirates get booked for everything from Kids birthday parties, corporate team building exercises, meet and greet events, narrative character studies within schools as well as entertaining/story telling within Kindies. Captain Festus and his Band of merry pirates are a fun injection into any event. Although they perform mainly at children’s events, having a pirate coming to perform at an adult’s party is proving to be more and more popular which is not surprising when Festus is often referred to as a Jack Sparrow look-alike. Get in quick to book your pirate party and don’t forget to join listeners from as far away as England and Germany. Click onto ustream via Radio Ponsonby website or tune into Radio Ponsonby 107.7 fm. PN
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FUTURE GENERATION CHILDREN’S BOOK REVIEW ‘IN THE SEA THERE ARE CROCODILES’ IS WRITTEN FOR YOUNG TEENS AND adults by the Italian novelist Fabio Geda and translated from Italian by Howard Curtis and published by Random House. The book takes a true story and moulds it into an amazing piece of fiction. It describes the life of a ten year old Afghan boy’s five year journey from Afghanistan, Iran, Turkey, Greece to Italy where he finally obtains political asylum at the age of 15. Abandoned by his mother’s desperate situation he is left alone to fend for himself, enduring physical hardships over the years and finally through help from an Italian family he meets the author Fabio Geda. However, ultimately this is a story of survival, courage and hope, and his search for a life of security. It’s a story not be missed or forgotten. PN DOROTHY BUTLER CHILDREN’S BOOKSHOP, 1 Jervois Road T: 09 376 7283 www.childrensbookshop.co.nz
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FUTURE GENERATION MOTAT’S AVIATION DISPLAY HALL HAS MORE ACTION ON THE ‘WINGS’ THAN THE ALL BLACKS NEW ZEALAND’S LARGEST CLEAR SPAN WOODEN STRUCTURE IS STEADILY taking form at MOTAT, with the new $15 million Aviation Display Hall set for completion in time for the anticipated influx of domestic and international visitors in September. The 2,750m² custom designed Display Hall is more than double the size of MOTAT’s existing Aviation Hangar. The expanded facility will house around 40 MOTAT aircraft including the newly loaned RNZAF Skyhawk, Sunderland and Solent flying boats, Lancaster Bomber, DC3, Cessna and Tiger Moth. The construction phase follows stage one of the aviation project, the relocation and restoration of MOTAT’s original World War II Blister Hangar. The Blister Hangar is the workshop for the volunteers who restore the aircraft in the collection.
THERESA HANSELL is pictured at her farewell after 50 years’ service. Former and current colleagues, friends, family and lots of school children were there including her long-term colleague SALU LAURENSON who has taught at the school since 1982
PONSONBY RESIDENT RETIRES FROM RICHMOND ROAD SCHOOL AFTER 50 YEARS SERVICE ONE OF RICHMOND ROAD SCHOOL’S LONGEST-SERVING EMPLOYEES – and probably one of the longest at any school in New Zealand held her retirement party last month. Theresa Hansell, who lives just across the road in Jessel Street went to Richmond Road School herself as a primary school pupil and her five children all attended the school between 1957 and 1974. Three of her five children are now school teachers themselves, so her influence clearly rubbed off on her family. She was part of some high profile educational developments in New Zealand, including as part of the team which opened the inner city language unit in 1976, from which the school’s well-known strong bi-lingual focus has grown. Nicknamed Mother Theresa – Hansell began her career at the school in 1962 when the then principal Maurice Dudley offered her the position of the first -ever paid teacher’s aide in New Zealand. Since then, she has worked with nine different principals and countless teachers and students and has seen many second and third generations of families pass through the school gates. PN
MOTAT Museum Director, Jeremy Hubbard said that the new structure upgrade will provide enhanced housing for the collection and will allow for the exhibitions to be upgraded to tell the stories of the aircraft, the people who flew them, and their contribution to the development of New Zealand. “We are committed to ensuring that these historic planes, which have been lovingly restored by our volunteer team, have space to be displayed properly in all their glory. The previous hangar was becoming very cramped making it difficult to maneuver the planes within the hangar,” he said. “The Display Hall will be a fantastic attraction for both local and international visitors where they will be able to learn about New Zealand’s aviation history and the stories associated with our magnificent aircraft collection, housed in a world class structure. We’re working towards getting more and more activities up and running around it as well, including tours hosted by some of our aviation volunteers.” The new building is large enough to allow aircraft to be moved within the hall as the exhibitions change and provide a unique experience where the space can be hired out for events. The northern façade is a translucent skin which assists in providing natural temperature regulation including heating and cooling. There are 440,000 nails in the structure, all done by hand with 531 cubic metres of concrete poured. Mr Hubbard said the Display Hall has been created with the next generation in mind. “We have created something that will last well into the future and will keep generations of Kiwis coming back to MOTAT to learn all about New Zealand’s aviation history,” he said. Following the completion of the Aviation Display Hall, MOTAT will then refocus work towards upgrading the existing Aviation Hangar, construct a new entrance to the site and toilets. PN
The Aviation Display Hall at MOTAT, Western Springs is steadily taking form
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FUTURE GENERATION A LOVE OF READING WILL GET YOU ANYWHERE Even to the Beehive, which is where a group of Ponsonby Intermediate students landed after coming first in the Auckland regional finals of the annual Kids’ Lit Quiz competition. Toby Ellis, Murdoch Keane, Sophie Parke and Veronica Maughan then went to compete in Wellington, finishing sixth in the National Finals. The second team was no slouch either. Oscar Furness-Wills, Xavier de la Varis, Laura Bawden-Hindle, and Sophia Scott finished third in the Auckland finals. This is no mean achievement with 400 teams from nearly 250 schools competing from around New Zealand. Ponsonby Intermediate’s English teacher, Kelly Robertson landed the task of selecting two teams of four 10 to 13 year olds for the regional competition. This was a first for her and selecting eight children from sixty eager contenders was no walk in the park. In the end she ran a series of pub like quizzes to gain an idea of which participants had the broadest range of knowledge. The final eight she picked were all-rounders, not typical book worms with no wider interests. What they did have in common was motivation and when they started working as a group, became even more motivated than she thought possible. What’s more, they were having fun and very excited about their reading. The Regionals were held at St Cuthberts College where contestants presented written answers but the Nationals were a different matter. The team that went to the finals had to cope with a buzzer system which was unfamiliar and a huge challenge because they had never competed against time. Going to Wellington was an eye-opener because it was Ponsonby’s first appearance there. Members of Parliament mingled with the kids and Quiz Master, Wayne Mills introduced all the schools, some of which had reached the finals several times. In Kelly’s words, “It was a fabulous experience for us all”. Wayne Mills, a senior lecturer at the Faculty of Education, University of Auckland School of Arts, Languages and Literature, established the popular Kids’ Lit Quiz in Hamilton twenty years ago. He saw a need to reward kids who love reading and are good at it. Children who excel in other disciplines, particularly sport, get plenty of recognition but there was nothing for passionate young readers. “The competitive side to the quiz is a real draw and I believe it is specially benefiting boys as a result.” Enthusiasm for the quiz spread like proverbial wildfire and by 2003 it had taken hold in other countries worldwide.This year the Waikato Children’s Literature Association
PONSONBY INTERMEDIATE’S Team A (from left to right) SOPHIE, VERONICA, MURDOCH and TOBY hosted the International Anniversary Final on July 19 at Southwell School in Hamilton. Teams from the UK, South Africa, Canada and of course New Zealand took part. South Africa took top honours with Canada and the UK coming second and third. Well year eight Ponsonby Intermediate students will be moving on to pastures new next year but the year sevens who were members of the winning teams will be able to draw on this year’s triumph and help build another for next year’s contest. The Kids’ Lit Quiz is commonly known as ‘the sport of reading’ and taking part provides personal challenges as well as a load of fun. Wayne Mills certainly deserves the Margaret Mahy Medal he was awarded in 2008 for distinguished contribution to national and international literature and literacy. (DEIRDRE ROELANTS) PN
ACG PARNELL STUDENT ATTENDS PRESTIGIOUS BIOFUTURES CONFERENCE IN AUSTRALIA ACG PARNELL STUDENT GABRIELLA TEMPLER, WAS OVER-THE-MOON when she heard that she had been accepted by the Royal Society of New Zealand to attend the prestigious week long BioFutures Conference in Australia at the start of this month. With over 350 applications and only 50 places available to New Zealanders, Gabriella was thrilled to be part of the kiwi contingent. BioFutures allows students to explore cutting edge technologies and apply these technologies to national and global challenges. With “hands on” lab visits and face -to-face contact with some of the biotechnology industry’s leading research and commercial organisations, BioFutures paves the way for the next generation of excellence in biotechnology, bio-engineering and biomedicine. Held in Queensland, the conference is supported by the University of Queensland, Queensland University of Technology, Griffith University, major Brisbane hospitals and industry locations. Through key events such as a mock UN summit and interactive forums which focus on bioethics and the role of technology in our economy, students are stimulated to think about biotechnology and its impact on the environment. “As soon as I heard about the conference I knew it was something I really wanted to do. It was fantastic to see what biotechnology would be actually like as
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a career. I love the sciences, particularly biology and physics and this has given me some inspiring choices for the future.” Having the opportunity to meet like-minded students from Australia and New Zealand is also a great motivator for Gabriella, she says somewhat philosophically, “I like sharing knowledge and gaining knowledge.” Her outlook is beyond her years; her mind is wide open to possibilities. Her bright mind dances from subject to subject as she reflects on her extra-curricular activities. As a prefect in year 12, she is heavily involved in school life. She is involved in peer tutoring, study encouragement and taking tutorials. In her own time she also tutors a younger student three times a week after school. Her enquiring mind is well suited to debating, and she is part of the ACG Parnell team which competes at the Auckland premier debating level. ACG Parnell Principal Larne Edmeades says, “This conference was an exceptional learning opportunity for Gabriella, and a chance to develop international mentors in her chosen field which could provide invaluable advice as she goes on to finish secondary school next year.” When Gabriella finishes school she is hoping to get into the ethics of science and genetics. PN
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REAL ESTATE EXPERT ASK JOHN.WILLS@CUSTOMRESIDENTIAL.CO.NZ Each month John Wills answers readers’ real estate related issues.
Q:
We are staying in our home and renovating rather than moving on: What are some key things that we should be looking to do to add value and spend money wisely?
A:
I’ve heard this said quite a bit over the last 12 months. Not so great for business but absolutely understandable. Here are the best answers I can give you from the local coal face. This information is based on buyer feedback and my local experiences.
It’s great if you can start from a position of saying, we’ve got a north or west facing back yard or some sort of elevated position. It’s definitely not a show stopper if you are not starting from this base product, but it helps. Next, add a bedroom or a bathroom. Try to push your house up to the next ‘bracket’. Four bed, two bath properties are in huge demand at present. Can you create an extra living space? Families love this if it’s available. Insulate, and look seriously at central heating and an HRV system. Buyers love these. Sounds simple, but make sure your main bathroom has its own bath. If you can create extra parking or even internal access garaging, you are adding serious value (I know there is significant cost involved, but I’ve never seen a circumstance where it has not paid off for the seller). Storage: look at putting in decent amounts of storage inside, particularly for seasonal things like linen and clothing. Outside, if you can create a nice shed for lawn mowers, golf clubs, bikes etc. it will be a winner when you eventually sell. A nice big separate laundry is very highly sought after too. Outside, landscape for privacy and work on creating the best connection between house and land that you can. For more up to date market information feel free to go to youtube.com/customresidential. (JOHN WILLS) PN www.customresidential.co.nz
ACG Parnell College student GABRIELLA TEMPLER attends prestigious Biofutures Conference in Australia The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied
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DENISE CLEVERLEY
THE PONSONBY GARDENER
HOME-GROWN SUMMER GOODNESS THE LATEST PRICE HIKE IN FRUIT AND VEGES IS ENOUGH TO MAKE YOUR eyes water. While some of it is seasonal and the price of tomatoes and lettuces will eventually fall again, it’s always satisfying to grow a few of your own edibles and be smug in the knowledge that you’ve saved a few bucks. Now’s the time to start scouring seed stands and catalogues and begin sowing for your productive garden this summer. The biggest problem is in the choosing – there’re so many delicious varieties to select from. So, I suggest you make a plan of your vege patch to ensure you don’t overpurchase - like I usually do. Figure out exactly how much space each of your desired crops will take to avoid overcrowded plants, which end up diseased, unproductive and a complete waste of time and money! STARTING OUT… If you’re new to vege gardening, the best advice is to start small and ‘grow’ the plot as you ‘grow’ your success and knowledge. Use 150 x 50mm H4 timber to construct a 4m long by 1m wide (or 2m²) frame. Throw it on top of the lawn in a sunny, sheltered spot and dig over the lawn within the frame to about a spade depth (don’t worry about the grass, it will eventually die under the soil). Add a 20cm layer of compost and fork this through the soil, breaking up the clods as you go. Then fill the raised garden with 2/3 good quality planting mix and 1/3 compost, mixed together. Compact the soil lightly, scatter over blood and bone or sheep pellets (or both) and fork it through the top 5cm of soil. The more goodness your soil has, the better the results will be.
Sow veges now for a bumper summer season cauli, corn, pumpkins, aubergines and peppers – the exception being chillies as one or two plants will provide enough for the entire year if you dry or freeze them. Instead, opt for tomatoes, beans, snowpeas, loose-leaf lettuce, mesclun, cucumber, spring onions, spinach, silver beet, zucchini, and maybe beetroot, baby carrots and radishes - if there’s space. Make use of bamboo tee-pees or trellising to train trailing plants up instead of out (cucumber, zucchini etc) and look for tomato cages, which help keep tomatoes neatly contained.
NOTE: On poorly drained or clay soil, use two layers of timber to construct a 300mm deep bed. Roughly break up the base soil and add a 10 cm layer of scoria to improve drainage. Fill the bed and fertilise as above.
Plant only what your family will eat. For instance, two each of cherry tomato, zucchini, snow pea and silver beet plants, plus a 2m row of beans and 1m² patch of mesclun would be plenty to provide heaps of summer veges for a family of four. Sowing seed is the most economical way to grow veges – share excess seedlings with friends, family and neighbours. Alternatively, wait until October and take the easy option of planting out seedlings! www.tullyandgardener.co.nz (DENISE CLEVERLEY) PN
MAKING THE MOST OF A SMALL PLOT Where space is limited, plant quick to crop, highly productive veges. Forget about plants that take months to mature and a lot of space including: broccoli, cabbages,
HEIRLOOM VEGE SEEDS ON-LINE: www.italianseedspronto.co.nz www.kingsseeds.co.nz www.bristol.co.nz www.ecoseeds.co.nz
AUGUST IN THE GARDEN: 1. Spread blood and bone on all garden beds and fork into the soil; 2. Continue to lay slug and snail bait regularly; 3. Spray winter weeds before they flower and set seed; 4. Trim summer flowering evergreens: hibiscus, gardenias, plumbago etc to tidy up before spring growth kicks in; 5. KIDS: Sow a patch of wildflowers to attract bees, butterflies and other beneficial insects.
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HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS PRIMROSE HILL
TAKING CARE OF YOUR HOUSE PARAGUAY PETERSBURG
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PITTSBURG
KELLANDS REAL ESTATE - Fiona Mackenzie M: 021 96 888
PRES STWICK PARAGUAY STINE PAPAMOA PALES
And on another salutary note – many will say that they will never ever sell their house, but just in case your circumstances changed and you needed to sell, you could take comfort that you would be ready to go to market with little effort. So as you walk around your home, take note of any little jobs or repairs that might need doing and action them before they turn into big jobs. Fiona adds, “We live in some of Auckland’s most beautiful suburbs, and I am privileged to market a variety of these wonderful properties.” PN
PARAPARAUMU
She has often thought that it would be great to produce a ‘My Home’s Service Book’ when you come to sell – just to give purchasers comfort to know that all the maintenance work is up to date. Whilst this might end up costing a little time and money every year, nobody would argue that it wouldn’t be worth it.
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Fiona suggests you write a list of what needs attending to every year and mark in your diary when to action – or arrange people to call and remind you. For example; gutter cleaners, chemical wash, carpet cleaning.
PADDINGTON
PAKURANGA
“Some of the best advice a building inspector once gave me,” says Fiona MacKenzie of Kellands Real Estate “was to service your house in the same way that you get your car serviced.
PORTOBELLO
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HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS SHARON RYAN LAMENTS ON THE JOYS OF HOUSE HUNTING! Irony. Alanis Morissette wrote a song about it – ‘ironic’, which included lines such as “an old man turned 98, he won the lottery and he died the next day.” Whatever your interpretation of the word we all think we know what it means and from my own interpretation, irony came to me recently. I am a Letting Agent who suddenly found herself in the position of having to look for a place to rent.The notice from my Landlord came out of the blue. “Despite you being a good tenant …blah blah … I am giving you 42 days notice to vacate.” That is only six weeks! This is not supposed to happen to ME! And there has been a rent crisis! Hell, I have even been quoted in the Herald with regard to said rent crisis! Immediately, I thought of: A: killing landlord; B: wondering why at age 46 I was still renting; C: accepting some of the weird requests I have had from internet dating websites. But no, I only have 42 days. I needed to do something – quickly! So I did what everyone does. I went on to Trade Me. This wonderful invention has to be the answer to everyone’s prayers. I went online and looked for properties to rent in Ponsonby, Freemans Bay etc. Expecting to see a plethora of properties come up, I waited with excited anticipation. One property matching my criteria came up. One. So I rang the agent about said property. No reply, got voice mail, left message, waited for call back. Two hours later, I rang the agent again and left another even needier sounding message. Three years later (OK about an hour later), I got the call back. “Sorry but this has been taken”. Taken? You are kidding me! Its still on Trade Me. “OK sorry - but it’s still taken.” There was nothing else available with only six weeks to find something. Feeling desperate/useless (impending) homelessness. There is a happy ending to this story. I eventually found something that I am really happy with. I am lucky enough to still be living in this fantastic area, which I have lived in for 18 years. I have a new found respect and empathy for people looking for rental properties out there. So thank you Mr Landlord – I’m glad I did not take option A and kill you. You have made me appreciate my clients more. And prison living is so not my style. (SHARON RYAN – property manager, Harcourts Ponsonby) PN
ANY PAGE IN PONSONBY NEWS IS A GOOD PLACE TO BE SEEN
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WYNYARD QUARTER, AUCKLAND’S NEWEST WATERFRONT DESTINATION AFTER YEARS OF CONSIDERED PLANNING, DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION, the first stage of the Wynyard Quarter revitalisation, the new jewel in Auckland’s waterfront, opens to the public on Saturday 6 August 2011. Wynyard Quarter, affectionately known as the Tank Farm, is a 36 hectare area of reclaimed land stretching from the eastern side of Viaduct Harbour to the Western Wall facing the Westhaven marina. What has been predominantly the domain of the maritime and oil and gas industries, Wynyard Quarter is undergoing a 25 year revitalisation and is New Zealand’s largest urban renewal project. The $120 million stage one transformation includes new, vibrant public spaces, buildings and amenities. Completed projects include the Gordon Moller designed (of Sky Tower fame) Viaduct Events Centre, a new pedestrian bridge linking the eastern side of Viaduct Harbour (Wynyard Crossing), nine new restaurants and bars at North Wharf, a revitalised tree-lined Jellicoe Street (now more a boulevard than street) and Silo Park, a new inner city park with great sea views and guarded by the old Golden Bay cement silo as a nod to the area’s industrial heritage. Chief Executive John Dalzell of Waterfront Auckland, the council controlled organisation responsible for the delivery of the works, says 6 August will mark a significant milestone for the city: “For so long, Aucklanders have wanted to unlock the potential of the Tank Farm. It is a pleasure and a delight to be able to reunite the city with some of this prime waterfront land in the form of new public spaces, hospitality businesses and a show stopping new exhibition centre. This is the culmination of a series of major construction projects, we’re immensely proud of what has been achieved here. Our opening is going to be a very special and exciting day and we encourage Aucklanders to come down and enjoy this new part of their waterfront – Wynyard Quarter.” A list of dignitaries including the Prime Minister John Key and the Mayor of Auckland Len Brown, will be attending the opening of Wynyard Quarter, which will also feature the much-anticipated return of trams to Auckland city streets for the first time in over 50 years. A day of activities and festivities is planned on 6 August including boat displays and racing in Viaduct Harbour, live music and outdoor cinema in Silo park, art and heritage tours and much, much more. A full schedule is available at www.waterfrontauckland.co.nz and in the next edition of Our Auckland, Auckland Council’s regional publication free to all homes. PN
PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)
80/20 RULE IS NOT HAPPENING AT KELLANDS It is common knowledge amongst real estate agencies that 20% of the salespeople are very successful, and those salespeople do 80% of the sales. At Kellands, this is not the case. The depth of experience and the quality of our salespeople is reflected in sales results across the entire team, not just an elite few. Many have been with Kellands for over 10 years, others have come to us after extremely successful careers in other professions, but what they all have, is a strong commitment, intelligence, and integrity. I am extremely proud of all of our salespeople and the dedication they have to achieving extraordinary results for their vendors. I believe this is second to none in the industry. The culture at Kellands has always been to leave no stone unturned, to achieve the best result possible, whatever the market. The team has been extremely busy over the past few months, and while a lack of listings is always challenging to any real estate agency, we have turned our hand to sourcing property for purchasers. We’ve seen a larger percentage of our sales being sold ‘off market’, or very quickly into their marketing campaigns. The lower end of the market has certainly been very busy, with baby boomers taking up the opportunity to purchase smaller homes or apartments. The upper end of the residential market is still lacking in listings, but in spite of this, we have made some significant sales, and are seeing large numbers through marketed open homes, and plenty of unsatisfied purchasers hunting for new listings. The mood in the market over winter seems more buoyant than last year, and we are all looking forward to a strong spring. WHAT IS HAPPENING IN OUR MARKETS? We have certainly found that activity in some markets is particularly strong as a result of a shortage of stock, low interest rates and a good number of purchasers in the market. Purchasers today are very informed and educated, and while they still want to purchase, they are reluctant to push the boundaries on price, unless they consider it ‘perfect’, they are very clear on the type of property they want. Ponsonby, Grey Lynn and Freemans Bay are certainly particularly active, with strong numbers through open homes, and this is reflected in the quantity of active bidders at auctions this year. We have a number of purchasers looking to buy in all price ranges. Our recent auctions in Harcourt Street and Scanlan Street, and numerous apartments, have seen great prices being achieved with strong bidding. In Parnell, Remuera and the Bays, again good interest is being seen at open homes with fresh stock coming to the market, but there are a number of listings that have remained unsold since the end of last year if the price being asked by owners is seen to be in excess of the market value. We are definitely seeing that the longer the property remains on the market, the harder purchasers are becoming in terms of where they see the price. Vendors’ who have responded by correcting their expectations, see renewed activity on their properties with offers becoming more frequent, and, in some instances, being delighted in having multiple offers being presented to them. (NICOLA KELLAND) PN KELLANDS REAL ESTATE LTD, 4 Drake Street, Freemans Bay T: 09 300 4001; 76 Gladstone Road Parnell T: 09 302 2209 www.kellands.co.nz The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied
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HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS MAKE YOUR HOME SECURE WITH DORA DOORS A NEWISH PONSONBY BUSINESS, DORA DOORS OFFER DECORATIVE, HAND -crafted security screens which provide airflow, sunshine and light to your home without having to worry about safety or security – all while still maintaining a modern and individual look for your home. The idea behind Dora Doors arose from a practical solution to a problem that owners, Tim Ord and Michelle Bostock, were facing themselves after moving from Waiheke Island and “realising that for the first time we would have to lock our front door but sadly not see the sunshine even over the cooler winter months!” Combining their previous business experience, Tim’s metal working background and a combined passion for design, Dora Doors was launched in Ponsonby - “a stone’s throw from home without the drag of a commute” last May. The couple take a creative approach to many aspects of their business – on their launch night they had guests put red dots on their favourite designs, green on their second and yellow on a design they liked but needed tweaking “This turned out to be a brilliant idea and gave us a great indication of what designs appeal to a greater number and those which are suited more to individual taste”. Having already received hugely positive feedback, they know there is a real need for this kind of security, particularly amongst inner city home-owners seeking peace of mind - “not heavy duty security, but something that is pleasing to the eye, expresses the occupants’ personality and serves a real and honest function”. Tim and Michelle provide their aDORAble security solutions at a reasonable price, with designs starting from $600+GST (or drop in to Dora with your own ideas for a door design). PN DORA DOORS, T: 09 376 8920 or M: 021 045 3347 www.doradoors.co.nz
PN
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HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS BARFOOT & THOMPSON, PONSONBY – PROPERTY MANAGERS AND RENTALS Combining 13 years experience renting and managing properties almost exclusively in Ponsonby and its surrounds Huw, Maureen and Vicky love their patch! Whether managed or casual they are committed to finding excellent tenants for quality local rental homes. They are in the business of relationship building, securing and maintaining stable tenancies, minimising vacancies while offering great service to their tenants and landlords. The 2010 year saw their average portfolio weekly rental exceed $650.00 p.w. with their portfolio operating at an average 99% occupancy level. They offer a competitive corporate service and in June alone they secured rents well in excess of $1000.00 p.w. for six local properties. They manage and have been responsible for renting a fair few of the central bays finest homes, many from international enquiry, and have established relationships with some of the countries major relocation companies. Property management aside they are committed to provide business wherever possible to local trades people from house cleaners to gardeners, electricians and plumbers, providing a wholly local full property management/maintenance service. Recent investment in a new state of the art property management system means they can now offer their managed landlords even more flexibility. Why not put them to the test? Give them a call and quote this article and receive your first two months property management for free! They are confident you will enjoy the difference. Give Huw, Maureen or Vicky a call on T: 09 376 4819 and find out why they should be your first choice, local property managers! PN
XCUBE - LOCAL CABINETRY SOLUTIONS
off the shelf items as every person’s home is as individual as they are and we provide a custom designed and built installation for a reasonable price.
At xCube we have had a long and satisfying relationship with residents of Ponsonby, Grey Lynn and Westmere. We have an understanding of the requirements of providing new and modern cabinetry to fit in with the old villas in the area, as well as newly built houses.
We will match the colours of your cabinetry to whatever you may wish, and in our modern facility can provide a high quality finish. We are used to working in a wide variety of materials from solid timber through to the newest solid surface bench tops. Given the level of finish required we will ensure that the customer is happy and will provide the very best level of service.
We know that there will seldom ever be level floors, straight walls or simple installations, but we love working with people to provide solutions. The most common requests are for wardrobes and built in shelving, and increasingly replacements and units for new large flatscreen TV’s. We do not believe in having
In addition we work with a range of other trades and can assist in a range of building and renovation. If you are in interested in our services have a look at our advert on this page, our website www.xcube.co.nz or contact us on T: 0800 828 508. (TERRY FRIEDRICHS) PN
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PATRICK MCCARTHY UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL Patrick has been in Real Estate for the past eight years. He started with Bayleys in 2003 and moved to New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty at the end of 2009. ‘Sotheby’s’ office is on Jervois Road, just beside the Herne Bay Local. Patrick specialises in the Herne Bay, St Mary’s Bay and surrounding areas. He’s married to Ange and they have ‘two beautiful kids’ – Joe aged 6 and Indiana (Indy) aged 2 ½ - and a tortoiseshell cat called Poppy. HOW DO YOU KEEP FIT? Walking, biking and swimming are my main forms of exercise. I would like to learn stand-up paddle boarding once we get closer to summer. WHERE DO YOU SPEND YOUR HOLIDAYS? Summer holidays are normally spent with family at Whangamata and in Christchurch. YOUR BEST FRIEND WOULD SAY OF YOU... “He thinks he’s good at golf, but he’s not really. A couple of good tee shots, but it’s really all downhill from there”. YOUR MOTHER WOULD SAY OF YOU... “He’s always been a loving, good boy. I say a prayer for him every night.” WHAT ARE YOUR VIRTUES? Humour, loyalty, optimism, creativity, tenacity, patience, empathy and endurance. WHAT ARE YOUR VICES? Coffee, red wine. WHAT’S YOUR SECRET PASSION? Early Antarctic Exploration. My Grandfather, Mortimer McCarthy and his brother, Tim McCarthy both travelled to the Antarctic in the early 1900s. Grandad went with Captain Scott, and Great-uncle Tim went with Ernest Shackleton. The stories of courage and leadership under such extreme conditions always stirs my blood. I collect black and white photos from the voyages, and also hope to get down to Antarctica for the anniversary of the Shackleton’s Endurance Voyage during 2014 – 2016. WHAT WERE YOU GOING TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UP? Chef, helicopter pilot, or car designer. HOW DID YOU COME TO BE A REAL ESTATE AGENT? A good friend of mine said he thought I would be good at it. I really hesitated because I’d had a couple of bad experiences with real estate agents when buying property in the past. If YOU WEREN’T A REAL ESTATE AGENT YOU’D BE? A test pilot of the new Martin Jet Pack. WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE PONSONBY CAFE? Salta - Great coffee and food, a super fast kitchen and the staff are excellent. FAVOURITE PONSONBY RESTAURANT? For a really special night, the restaurant at Mollies, or Prego for something more casual. YOUR DESERT ISLAND DISTRACTIONS? U2’S ‘360’ album - especially ‘In a Little While’, The West Wing (the complete collection) and any entrepreneur’s autobiography,
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WHAT WAS YOUR STANDOUT SALE OF THE LAST 12 MONTHS? The beautiful Mollies Boutique Hotel. Ange and I got married there, so it was very cool to sell it for Frances and Stephen. YOUR ADVICE TO PONSONBY HOME SELLERS? Take a deep breath, it looks like the worst of the current financial mess is behind us. If you do want or need to sell, make sure you expose your property to the market in a competitive situation. There are lots of people wanting to buy and there is very little to choose from. YOUR ADVICE TO PONSONBY HOME BUYERS? Donald Trump recently said his best buys have been the good properties he paid a premium to secure, not bargain basement specials no one else wanted. Ponsonby is still relatively cheap compared to major cities around the world. As our city’s population increases Ponsonby prices will continue to move upwards. PN
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KITCHEN, BATHROOM AND INTERIOR DESIGN ASK ROB@BUILDSPACE.CO.NZ
Q: A:
Can you please explain the differences between ceramic, porcelain and natural stone tiles? What are the advantages & disadvantages and which would be the best for our bathroom renovation?
Ceramic tiles are fired at a lower temperature than porcelain tiles which makes them more prone to chipping. They also have a higher water absorption rate than porcelain tiles which means they are not well suited for use on bathroom floors. Porcelain tiles are a popular choice because they offer great durability, are suitable for use in wet areas and come in a wide range of colours and patterns, many of which closely replicate natural stone. Natural stone tiles are beautiful and very durable but they are expensive and require regular maintenance to keep them looking good, whereas porcelain tiles are virtually maintenance free and can be cleaned with most household products. Ceramic tiles are often used on bathroom walls but because they lack the strength of porcelain or stone, we don’t recommend ceramic tiles for bathroom floors. Porcelain tiles have a higher mineral content and are fired at a very high temperature which makes them harder, stronger and denser. This also means they have a much lower water absorption rate than ceramic tiles which makes them better suited for bathrooms or exterior use. Porcelain tiles are available in a virtually limitless range of colours and patterns from solid colours of every shade, to stone imitations and translucent tiles which resemble glass. Most porcelain tiles are full bodied which means the colour runs through the whole tile, so if it does chip it will be very hard to notice. Porcelain tiles are generally available with a gloss or matt finish and many with a grip finish to match tiles used inside to outdoor areas. With the widest range of colours, patterns and finishes, long lasting durability and low maintenance, porcelain floor tiles are a perfect fit for most bathrooms. Natural stone is a timeless finish which has been used through the ages and is generally considered the premium choice. There is no denying the beauty of stone, but it is the most expensive option and requires more work to keep it looking good. Most granite is pretty carefree and indestructible, but softer stones such as marble, travertine and limestone are prone to scratching and discolouration, which in a bathroom can be caused over time by exposure to soap and shampoo. Natural stone is a higher maintenance product which requires sealing after installation and resealing every three to five years depending on the stone and where it is used.
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Porcelain typically does not need sealing and can be cleaned with nearly any typical household cleaning product, while stone should be cleaned and maintained with products specifically designed for natural stone to avoid etching or reaction with the chemicals in cleaning products which can cause dull spots. When it comes to bathrooms we recommend you consider ceramic tiles for walls only. Porcelain tiles are not a great deal more expensive and offer a much more durable, long lasting finish. If you love the look and feel of stone but are concerned about cost and maintenance, consider some of the many porcelain options which are hard to distinguish from stone with none of the disadvantages. For further information and samples, we recommend Andrew Smith of the Tile Depot who provides a mobile service that will come to you. T: 0800 555 991. andrew@tiledepot.co.nz (ROB HOOK) PN BUILDSPACE KITCHENS AND BATHROOMS – Design Build Install T: 0800 455 556 info@buildspace.co.nz www.buildspace.co.nz
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THE BOYS’ BOOK CLUB WHAT WE’RE READING Books us blokes on the Ponsonby News team are reading, or have recently enjoyed. We LOVE reading in the bath, or in bed. A real stress buster! MARTIN LEACH ‘THE MAMMOTH BOOK OF GREAT BRITISH HUMOUR’ by Michael Powell (Robinson) Having spent 29 years in London friends have often asked if there’s anything I miss about the place. If anything it’s probably the British sense of humour. This is a doorstopper of a collection of the very best of both contemporary and classic British wit and humour. From Monty Python’s ‘Nudge, nudge, wink, wink, say no more...’ to Dan Antopolski’s ‘Hedgehogs. Why can’t they just share the hedge?’ From George Bernard Shaw to Michael McIntyre, from Eric Morecombe to Omid Djalili, and from Oscar Wilde to Jimmy Carr, this is a side-splitting look at Britain, the British and life in general. It includes these gems from Britain’s finest comedians: ‘I was delighted to learn that my friend’s “schadenfreude” was not as satisfying as mine’ - Armando Iannucci. ‘I went on a girls’ night out recently. The invitation said ‘dress to kill’. I went as Rose West’ - Zoe Lyons. ‘For a while I was the perfect mother. Then the Pethidine wore off’ - Jenny Eclair. ‘EVERY BASTARD SAYS NO: THE 42 BELOW STORY’ by Justine Troy and Geoff Ross ( Random House) One of the best things about my life back in London was publishing Enterprise, a magazine for entrepreneurs. I loved meeting charismatic interesting people like James Dyson, Anita Roddick, Terence Conran and many others which is why I was attracted to
this local book. This is the rollicking tale of how Geoff Ross, his wife Justine, and their business partners and loyal staff risked all and worked their butts off to do what New Zealanders dream of doing but so rarely manage: build a brand that makes the world sit up and take notice. It’s an inspirational business story that will appeal to entrepreneurs, business students, creatives, and everyone who loves a brave – and successful - Kiwi start -up. It mentions Justin Bade, who was tasked with launching the brand in the UK (he ran the Ponsonby Business Association before his departure to Los Angeles to work on Ecoya).
JAY PLATT IMPACT by Douglas Preston Published by Macmillan When Wyman Ford is called in to investigate the mysterious and unexplained exit hole of a meteorite that amazingly passed straight through the earth, what he finds goes against all that we know about our universe. There is an ancient structure of some kind buried deep in Voltaire Crater on Deimos, one of Mars’ moons. Sticking up from the structure is the unmistakable outline of a gun. It was built to monitor the solar system and destroy any life powerful enough to challenge it. But who was it build by to begin with? A quick calculation of the orbit of Mars indicates that Deimos Crater will once again point at the earth in sixty hours. Could this possibly be the end? Wyman Ford and a team of leading scientists must figure out how to destroy the alien doomsday weapon in the next sixty hours. Their only tools at hand are what is already in orbit around Mars - the Orbiter, the Mars lander on the surface, and several smaller satellites orbiting the Red Planet. None of them carry anything remotely resembling a weapon. They have sixty hours and counting. I stumbled on him quite by accident as I had recently read The Codex which he wrote and enjoyed that too, so if you are a fan of James Rollins, Clive Cussler and Mathew Reilly like me then I think you will like Douglas Preston. PN
HIROSHIMA DAY COMMEMORATION Laurie Ross, who is chair of the Auckland Peace City Committee, which is lobbying Local Boards to vote for Auckland to adopt a Peace City Declaration, is encouraging people to attend this year’s Hiroshima Day commemoration event. This will be held on Sunday 7 August 2011 from 5pm to 7pm at the Auckland Domain Wintergarden. There is a special public Candle Floating Ceremony to remember those who died at Hiroshima and Nagasaki as a result of the atomic bombs dropped on their cities at the end of the Second World War. Paper crane-making and candles will be supplied by Women’s International League of Peace and Freedom, who organise this annual peace event. Each year we pause to commemorate this occasion as a reminder of why we must keep working for peace, which WILPF has been pursuing for the last 96 years. Now there is a renewed opportunity to focus on nuclear disarmament through the International Campaign for the Abolition of Nuclear Weapons (ICAN). The Aotearoa/New Zealand branch of ICAN was launched in Auckland by WILPF and Abolition 2000 on 25 June supported by New Zealand’s many other peace groups. One of the major initiatives to support the abolition of nuclear weapons (ICAN) was the recent deputation to Auckland Council proposing that it adopts a Peace City Declaration. It would contribute to achieving the goal of Mayors for Peace to reach 5000 cities this August, which is the 66th anniversary of Hiroshima. The Auckland Hiroshima Day event will feature youth speakers, ‘Peace pals’ Alida Newman and George Shirtcliffe, who made compelling presentations as part of the deputation to the Auckland Council. On this occasion, they will share their vision of hope for the future of our youngest citizens. They will be introduced by Vivienne Wright, Executive Trustee of One People One Planet, an Auckland-based organisation which focuses on giving the children a voice and a platform to work towards a more peaceful world. PN
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THE HISTORICAL BOROUGH OF PONSONBY AND GREY LYNN
STREET NAMES: TUTANEKAI STREET MYTHS AND LEGENDS OF THE MAORI RACE ABOUND BUT THE ONE MOST OF us are familiar with is founded in fact and descendants of Hinemoa and Tutanekai are still living today. This best loved story in all Maoridom never suffers in the retelling and some recent arrivals may not know of it as yet.
Hinemoa’s family were of higher status than Tutanekai’s and no way would the two be permitted to marry. She was closely guarded but during a second visit to Owhata the two managed to meet in the shadows and Hinemoa hatched a plan. She would slip away one night and row across the lake to Tutanekai’s home, Kawa-te-tangi on Mokoia Island. He would play music on his flute when the time was right, guiding her across the deep water. The best laid plans of mice and men don’t always work out and someone must have caught on to what they were up to because night after night when Hinemoa heard the sweet strains of the flute she found the canoes were pulled well up into the bush. She hadn’t the strength to drag one to the shore. But Hinemoa was a determined girl and true love will always find a way. She tied six empty gourds together with flax, and one moonlit night threw off her cloak, wrapped the gourds around her, slipped into the chilly waters and started to swim the 3.2 kilometres towards Mokoia Island. Unfortunately a breeze stirred up tiny waves that hit her in the face and drowned the sounds of the flute. She started to panic a bit out there in the dark, not sure she was swimming in the right direction. Something suddenly rose up out of the water and struck her sharply on her arm. Poor Hinemoa was terrified at first, fearing a Taniwha had risen from the depths, but it was only a log. She used it to partly lift herself out of the water and hey presto, sounds of the flute were carried clearly on the breeze. Phew, time to get swimming again, but suddenly the music ended. Tutanekai had given up hope again and retired disconsolately to bed. With failing courage she swam on, then suddenly there was a hiss of water on sand. She staggered up the beach half dead from cold and exhaustion.
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photography: Deirdre Roelants
Well it all started when a young chief, Tutanekai along with his parents and brothers, made a tribal visit to Owhata, a village on the eastern shores of Lake Rotorua. Hinemoa, daughter of the influential chief, Umukaria caught his eye and he immediately fell head over heels in love with her. Whatever chemistry was at work that day it caught Hinemoa in its thrall as well. The passage of true love is often fraught with obstacles and in this case they were pretty daunting.
Fortuitously the smell of sulphur led her to a hot pool and she knew she was home and hosed. It was called Wai-kimihia and lay directly below Tunanekai’s whare. As she sank into the luxurious warmth another problem arose. The modest maiden suddenly felt embarrassment. She was buck naked and the stars were fast fading at the break of day. A man approached the pool and Hinemoa called to him from behind some rocks. He was Tutanekai’s slave, come to fill a calabash with water for his master. Her hand sneaked out, grabbed the container then smashed it against the rocks. The terrified slave scuttled away but was ordered back to his task three times. More calabashes were shattered and finally Tutanekai roused himself to investigate. He grabbed a mere and strode down to the pool. Hinemoa heard him and sunk deep into the water till only her hair floated on the surface. Tutanekai grabbed the hair prepared to punish the vandal who broke his pots. Hinemoa stood up, the world stood still and the lovers sank into deep embrace. Needless to say, Tutanekai’s family were pretty impressed with Hinemoa’s heroic endeavour and she was welcomed with open arms. The constant lovers lived happily ever after and their bones lie buried on the tapu island of Motutawa in the southern arm of the lake. What a pity Tutanekai Street in Grey Lynn is separated from Hinemoa Street in Birkenhead by another stretch of water. I reckon our city fathers should have commemorated them in streets that are side by side. (DEIRDRE ROELANTS) PN
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HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS TABLES AND CHAIRS TO DINE FOR AT THE DESIGN FOUNDRY MAIDSTONE STREET IS RECLAIMING ITS PLACE AS a design destination with the recent opening of The Design Foundry in the old Indice showroom.
clothing and gifts, incredible wood and bamboo flooring, European style wardrobes, modular storage systems, a stunning kitchen, and much more.
Founder and Managing Director, Mark Crouch, says he started off looking for a small inner city showroom to showcase the custom built wardrobes that his company provides through a network of franchisees, including Innovative Interiors Auckland City & East which Mark says “knows more about great wardrobe design than anyone else in Auckland”.
To officially open The Design Foundry Mark has teamed up with The Boiler Room and Mamasita to bring together a stunning range of tables and chairs.
Mark was determined to find a space in the Ponsonby, Grey Lynn area, “because it’s the centre of great design and style in Auckland”. He heard through the Ponsonby grapevine that Indice were vacating their high profile showroom and jumped at the chance to secure such a great spot.
The Boiler Room is back in the city at The Design Foundry with a spectacular show of finely reconstructed furniture and objet d’art. These pieces present a great opportunity to appreciate the various one off tables and the attention to detail that personifies The Boiler Room name. The tables show a striking collection of rare and beautiful salvaged and re-crafted works including remnants from the Onehunga Working Men’s Club, the hammered kauri shoe factory workstation surfaces, coffee tables and trolleys incorporating aged timber and industrial inlays.
With much more space than he needed himself Mark then set about finding a group of like-minded companies and individuals who would share the space and bring together a leading edge ‘Design & Concept’ destination store. Mark had no trouble attracting great brands like The Boiler Room, Union Design, Annex Design, Armadi, Modulo, Plateau Flooring, The Paper Room, and of course Innovative Interiors. To make everyone feel right at home in Ponsonby and Grey Lynn no destination would be complete without a great coffee, so Mark opened an Espresso Bar on site.
Retro cool in so many ways, once you see them you will want one. PN
The Design Foundry is quickly filling up with an eclectic range of design product including imported wall papers, industrial revival furniture, custom built furniture,
THE DESIGN FOUNDRY, 14 Maidstone Street T: 09 376 4949. www.designfoundry.co.nz www.boilerroom.co.nz
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Co-founders Gary Willis and Sue Haldane are showing alongside Mamasita, the exclusive importer of the stunning range of Acapulco and Mamasita chairs from Mexico. If you haven’t seen these stunning and uber chic chairs, you must.
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HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS FOR WORK OR PLAY - BE ENTICED AND FALL IN LOVE! A LIMITED RELEASE OF FOUR ONLY - AVAILABLE TO BUY NOW. Urban 6 is an exciting new creative environment designed for an easy, fun city lifestyle. This contemporary, high quality, superbly built enclave will let you live, work and play with just a stroll to Ponsonby Road, K’ Road and the hub of Queen Street. This unique cluster of 16 durable yet luxurious and secure adjoining properties will appeal to professionals who don’t want daily commute, traffic or parking hassles. The (B4) zoning allows for any combination of office work-place and home living. Multi-level architecture by Milic Architecture set across three levels, ensures space is maximised. Generous open-plan living with a well-designed kitchen, large builtin island bench and dining table opens to a private deck and the street frontage units enjoy panoramic views to Mount Eden and Newton. There are three spacious bedrooms or two bedrooms and an office downstairs, plus two bathrooms. Secure,
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internally accessed tandem parking is also included. For your peace of mind separating the properties are party walls constructed of solid reinforced tilt-up concrete. Award-winning interior designers, Brasell + Ojala, have combined both innovation and quality, to create a low maintenance property. The eco-friendly features include thermal efficiency of a high standard insulation, the use of natural materials and a choice of finishes from gorgeous tiles, timber, stone and wool. Located just 200 metres from Ponsonby Road, Urban 6 is set back from the ridge of Great North Road in a peaceful spot, yet conveniently located near the best bars, cafes, restaurants, live music, shopping and art galleries. PN All enquiries: Phone David on M: 021 081 97011, or Anna on M: 021 159 5380 www.urban6.webs.com
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HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS A WINNING TEAM SUMNER BURSTYN HAS MANY CREDITS TO HER NAME. MANY WILL RECALL the first Magazzino she set up in Connell Street and the launch of Pacifica in 1993. Both these ventures went on to fame and fortune while Sumner turned her talents to journalism, writing for Grace Magazine, Metro, The Listener plus many other publications. She also wrote a weekly column for the New Zealand Herald for which she received a Qantas award. Ponsonby was her place of residence during those early years then followed some time living in Canada after meeting and marrying Tom Burstyn, legendary cinema -photographer who worked on the ‘The Insatiable Moon’, shooting much of the film on our shopping strip. Sumner and Tom are now living in Ponsonby which is their ideal place to be given that it’s a hotbed of film production. Their company, Cloud South has grown to such an extent they need to be here to sustain the business. Two of their major documentaries have received much critical acclaim. ‘One man, one cow, one planet’ is about an elderly New Zealand gardener, Peter Proctor and his work promoting the Rudolph Steiner system of biodynamic agriculture in India. It has screened worldwide at environmental film festivals. ‘This Way of Life’ was filmed in Hawkes Bay over four years, documenting the story of of hunter and horse wrangler, Peter Karena and his wife Colleen and their six children. They live a rural life of idyllic simplicity and in Peter’s words, “What I do for a living? I live for a living”. At the Berlin Festival last year the film won the coveted Jury prize. The judges described it as “a window opening to a different kind of world: A happy family living freely in nature”. The Burstyn’s new film ‘Yolanda’s last Portrait’ is in post production right now and is about an aging artist who lives in a four storied mansion in St John’s Wood. Yolanda Sonnabend was a world renowned theatre designer and painter, but as is the way of the contemporary art world, her work has become ‘old fashioned’. Her house hasn’t been renovated or cleaned for fifty years, but her older brother, Joseph has moved in to help look after her. Dr Sonnabend is a retired scientist and when he was practicing in New York was the first physician to notice the AIDS syndrome in his gay male patients. The Burstyns certainly lead busy lives. Tom films and directs and takes care of the technical side of post production while Sumner produces and does all the marketing. They are both working on a book, ‘Simple Cinema’ which will be published in the New Year and is a way of promulgating Tom’s belief in the merits of ‘Frugal Filmmaking’. Sumner also looks at how to manage a film and continue to work on it for the rest of its life. A distributor is never going to feel as connected to a film as its maker. This aspect is also examined in ‘Simple CInema’ which is all about low cost production and distribution. In fact they already have their own distribution company and have just handled a great film called “Queen of the Sun” which has done very well right
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TOM and SUMNER BURSTYN – a winning team throughout New Zealand. An instructional DVD on how to make perfect compost with a complementary e-book is another project in the pipeline. The Burstyns are intent on doing everything as ethically as possible and their subjects receive a share of any profit they make on a film. They do not make objective films but take a position and develop that position. There was a complaint they didn’t present the Monsanto side of the argument in ‘One man, One Cow, One Planet’. Sumner doesn’t wear a bar of that because she says they don’t need to give a big corporation PR. Monsanto’s voice is heard loud and clear through mainstream media all the time. Good on you, Sumner, let subjectivity be the name of the game! (DEIRDRE ROELANTS) PN
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photography: Julie Roulston
HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS
MY FAVOURITE ROOM Jean-Christophe Poizat Jean-Christophe and his wife Di own Maison Vauron, New Zealand’s largest specialist store for French fine wines and small domains, as well as cheese, charcuterie and delicacies. They live in Maxwell Avenue, with their daughters Charlotte (14) and Emilie (12), who attend St Mary’s. Jean-Christophe has lived in Greater Ponsonby since he arrived in New Zealand in April 1991, with previous homes in Dryden Street, Grey Lynn and Hamilton Road, Herne Bay.
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“My favourite room is the kitchen. We love spending as much time as possible in this little corner of the house. We love preparing, chopping, mixing, marinating, braising, slow-cooking - usually traditional French cuisine. We also have our breakfast as a family on the bench in our kitchen. My favourite things in the room are our heavy duty cast iron Staubb and Le Creuset pots. We don’t just cook in our kitchen, though. We also entertain our guests for the first part of the evening in our kitchen. We like our guests closely gathered around the bench, sharing stories and amuse-bouches while we put the final touches to the meal. We also like our girls doing their homework in the kitchen in the evening while Di or I do the cooking (mainly Di at that time of the day!)” PN
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HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS DON’T PANIC Over 18 years as a property manager, Marion Barnes has had to deal with a multitude of things that go wrong with properties, find a solution and get it fixed. She discovered some problems can be fixed immediately with little effort others need a bit of thought or some require calling in the professionals, particularly in the case of valuable items such as expensive carpet. Mostly, she discovered … there’s never a need to panic! Exerts from Marion’s booklet ‘THE EASY WAY OUT: DON’T PANIC’ Available through Hospice shops. BURST PIPE: Make sure you know the location of the water mains tap. The mains tap is usually at the front of the property under a cover on the footpath or grass. If, as in Auckland, it has a meter, you will see the meter spinning around fast, which indicates something is leaking. Turn off the water main – this stops the water flow. If you cannot find the mains, you can relieve the amount of water coming out of a tap or burst pipe by turning on your bath tap and garden hose tap. The hose tap is the better option as it is lower than the level of the inside taps. BLOCKED SINK, SHOWER, OR DRAIN OUTLETS Try the following before telephoning a plumber. SINKS: Put the plug in, fill the sink with water, using hot water if you think it is blocked with fat or oil, then
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pull the plug out and the sheer volume of the water may clear the blockage. SHOWERS: Remove hair from shower outlet – a common problem with blocked showers. OTHER OPTIONS: Plunge with a plunger – this will clear easy blockages from bits and pieces. Drano, from supermarkets, will dissolve fats and may clear the blockage. ELECTRICAL: The Power goes off Switchboards – Make sure you know where the switchboards are and that you know how to change a fuse on the older switchboards or how to reset a circuit breaker on the newer switchboards. For older switchboards make sure there is fuse wire handy and that you know how to use it. Turn off the mains, replace the fuse wire or reset the circuit board on newer switchboards. Too many appliances being used on a power point can overload and blow a circuit. Turn off all appliances and when the power is back on, turn them on one by one. This will indicate if overloading (too many appliances on) or a faulty appliance has caused the outage. If the problem continues call your electrician. PN MARION BARNES REALTY LTD, 77a Ponsonby Road, T: 09 376 0406 M: 0274 750 011 www.marionbarnes.co.nz
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REAL ESTATE UPDATE Ponsonby News asked the local real estate experts for an update. Our questions were, what’s the market doing right now and please tell us one recent stand out sale price your office has achieved.
BARFOOT & THOMPSON, PONSONBY We are finding the market being a very rewarding one with huge numbers of attendances at open homes and excellent prices being achieved through effective marketing campaigns on properties at all price points. There has been a short supply of properties on the market but this seems to have shown a slight increase over the last couple of weeks, which is encouraging for buyers. The number of auctions is significantly up from last year and is proving to be the most popular method of sale. Barfoot & Thompson sold 46 properties over $1 million in June alone. Our sales volume has increased by 25% as at June 2011 compared to June 2010 and we are looking forward to some exciting developments. There is a large window billboard that is attracting much buyer attention on Ponsonby Road, which is proving very popular with our vendors. We have had a number of stand out sales recently but one that springs to mind is 56 Pompallier Terrace, Ponsonby which sold by Auction for $1,015,500 (30% above CV) by Andre and Nikki Bodde (they had their best month in 16 years of Real Estate ever in June 2011!) It was a fantastic result with seven active bidders and came down to two very strong bidders fighting it out. Our Vendors were delighted! (TIM IRVINE)
BARFOOT & THOMPSON, GREY LYNN Grey Lynn and Westmere have always enjoyed a market where demand exceeds supply. Our office specifically monitors these suburbs for new listings every week. Typically, we see five or six new properties come onto the market each week (excluding units and apartments), however, for the past six months, that weekly figure has averaged around three new properties per week, and often we observe more sales in the area than new listings. This equation equals a diminishing supply of homes available for a growing number of purchasers, the result is some very impressive prices being paid (eg: almost $1.2 million for a property our office sold on Old Mill Road). Very recently we have started to see signs of this changing, with our agents being called in to appraise an increasing number of local properties over the last two to three weeks. This is a classic sign that more properties will begin to enter the market soon – and we would expect more choice for buyers in early spring. (ANDREW COSGRAVE)
food items and the proposal to introduce a capital gains tax; bank lending policies; the fragile employment situation; the shifting of financial power from the West (dominant over the past 100 years) to the East (predominantly China and India); migration – the slowing of external immigration, but the increasing movement from the provinces to central Auckland for work, are all forces which currently influence our market. The resulting effect of all of this is that people are nervous and cautious. Speculators have gone, reckless borrowing is history and purchasers are going back to the basics when considering real estate – selecting by location, quality design and construction, and buying carefully to suit their needs. Sounds ideal to me. Listings are in short supply and good properties that meet the above criteria are selling quickly and, more often than not, with multiple offers. (SIMON DAMERELL)
PROFESSIONALS, WEST LYNN Here’s a couple of examples that should help paint the picture. 5 De Luen Street, 2 bedrooms ex state on 608m2 - sold for $691,000 (CV $530,000) with multiple offers after four days! The owner tried to sell for two months in 2008 but couldn’t get a result. 24 Buxton Street, 3 bedrooms + studio on 501m2 - sold for $1,105,000 (CV $750,000) with multiple offers after nine days! The owners had previously turned down a much lower private offer. Our effective marketing plans definitely result in great numbers through our listings in the first few days, however many of the buyers come from our huge database of qualified buyers, many of which are cashed up, ready to offer and are desperate to find a home! Low interest rates are making it easier for home owners to move up the market slightly but the situation from Ponsonby to Pt Chevalier is a record low number of listings on the market which is creating massive buyer demand. Forget springtime, now is a great time to sell and we are the team getting the results to prove it. (LAWRENCE VON STURMER)
BAYLEYS REALTY, MARITIME SQUARE HARCOURTS, PONSONBY There is no question that there has been a lift in the property market in the last few months. The inner western market has been unlike most of the rest of Auckland in that demand consistently outstripped supply throughout the dark times that followed the heady days of 2007. Whilst 2008 saw a brief drop in market value this was soon rectified in 2009 and since then whilst sales numbers have been low the prices have stayed very static and in fact have probably trended gently upwards. There are a few reasons for this, amongst them, a generally wealthier demographic and a realisation that this is as good a spot as there is to be in New Zealand which resulted in sellers deciding and being able to hold until things picked up. The great news (particularly if you’re in the business of marketing and selling houses!) is that the sellers have started to gain confidence and once again we are seeing people dipping their toes in the market for reasons other than economic necessity, marriage break up or death. For the moment there is still a real shortage of houses for sale but if the increased levels of appraisals are anything to go by it could be a great spring! (SIMON DEW)
RAY WHITE, PONSONBY The beautiful thing about the market is that it is always right. As with tides or the weather, the market reacts naturally to the forces exerted upon it. Current forces include: the on-going influences of the global financial crisis; interest rates, both existing and predictions of a rise around the end of the year; talk of tax changes – raising the marginal tax rate for the wealthy to 39%, removal of GST on basic The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied
We are now in mid winter mode and it’s no secret the number of properties for sale is low. Our Ponsonby team tracks the number of houses available on the Real Estate and Trademe websites in our Greater Ponsonby neighbourhood (Ponsonby, Freemans Bay, Grey Lynn, Herne Bay, St Mary’s and Westmere) and we have watched the number of properties for sale steadily decline. The numbers have dropped from around 280 properties at the end of 2008 to just under 150 properties last month. The intense competition amongst buyers at auction is a reflection of the marketplace. There is a solid depth to the buyer base and enquiry and viewings at all price points show no sign of easing off. Auction clearance rate is high. Buyers are ready to bid confidently on good quality homes. Two recent stand out auctions were 17 Clifton Road and 23 Pompallier Terrace with fiercely competitive bidding and well past expectation. Winter time for our Ponsonby team means sponsorship. When the market is traditionally less busy it’s our opportunity to be more involved with our community. With our co-sponsors Hills Flooring we are in the 14th year of the Inner City Arts ‘Through the eyes of a child’ programme. The children at the 14 local schools continue to amaze us with their enthusiasm and level of creativity they put into their artwork. We will be displaying a selection of artworks at New World College Hill during the next school holidays. Talking to parents at these local schools we hear their dilemma time and again, “We’d like to make a move but can’t see the next home on the horizon”. (ANDREA RICHIE) DEADLINE – 20TH OF THE MONTH August 2011 PONSONBY NEWS+
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REAL ESTATE UPDATE NZ SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY, HERNE BAY Our local market seems to be performing extremely well. This reflects the robust nature of Ponsonby and its surrounding neighbourhoods. Like other highly desirable neighbourhoods close to CBDs in major cities around the world, Ponsonby remains a sought after dynamic neighbourhood. Some of the prices currently being achieved in the Ponsonby, Grey Lynn and Westmere markets would suggest that in some price brackets we have returned to the same levels we experienced during the height of the market in 2007- 2007. However buyers are still looking for a favourable value proposition when it comes to properties over the $5.0 million dollar range. Fuelling this latest surge in prices is a combination of factors which looks set to continue in the short term. Banks seem to have relaxed their lending criteria, as they compete for mortgage business bringing more buyers into the market. Many buyers who have waited for their chance to enter the market are now taking advantage of the low interest rates. However the big problem is the shortage of good quality properties on the market, this is causing frustrated buyers to compete to purchase those homes available and paying a premium in today’s market. (PATRICK MCCARTHY)
CUSTOM RESIDENTIAL, GREY LYNN What’s the market doing right now? The best way to explain this is by giving you a recent example of 47 Keppell Street. The property came to the market on a Saturday and the owners were presented with 14 offers on the following Tuesday night. The property sold cash unconditionally, a long way above expectations in just five days. (Note: two or three, even four offers in a multi offer situation is fairly normal, but 14?!) In a nutshell, demand for our prime city fringe location is far exceeding supply and there is upward pressure on price. Rest assured, the local market is on the move. This is why we have taken the initiative to set up our own Custom Residential channel that is full of useful local videos and gets you much closer to the local market action, as it happens. Youtube.com/customresidential. (JOHN WILLS) PN
LOCAL ARCHITECTS WIN A MAJOR AWARD Brendan Rawson and John Ingham are over the moon at winning a New Zealand National Award for one of their public buildings. These awards are about being the best in the country and are usually won by larger more established practices. The Birkenhead Public Library they designed occupies a unique setting in the elevated Neil Fisher War Memorial Reserve and has panoramic views that include Rangitoto and Coromandel in the East and the Waitakeres in the West. Glass was used in all the facades and a skylight in the center of the of the building allows natural light to flow into all the rooms. The use of bricks, wood textures and glass complement the surrounding glade of mature trees and has produced a beautiful result. Archoffice is a small practice located in Brown Street and does a mixture of civic, sports and residential work. The Birkenhead Library was a first shot at a major civic building and Brendan and John agree the great way it turned out was a reward in itself. What’s also exhilarating is they pulled off a major award in spite of all the constraints that a civic project entails. There is not the freedom enjoyed when working on a top end commercial or residential building where money is not a problem. All Council projects have closely monitored budgets and there’s politics, timing, design programming and other pressures to factor in. They both concede that in some ways the disciplines imposed worked for them, rather than against. Brendan and John bring different strengths to their practice. Brendan is the only New Zealand architect to attend and present a paper at an Australasian Library Conference and library work is something of a speciality. Work on the Devonport Library development is in the pipeline. John is an accredited Greenstar professional and brings sustainable solutions to his design process. They are all-rounders and are hands-on with every aspect of their projects on a day to day basis. Both are involved in teaching at the Auckland School of Architecture and Unitec, and Brendan is an assessor with the New Zealand Registered Architect’s Board. Archoffice projects are nothing if not diverse. There’s the refurbishment of the ASB theatre at the Edge and a complete gut and fit out of Level 4 to accommodate 64 staff and the new management of the expanding Edge team. A solid plaster clad apartment block on 471 Richmond Road required an alternative cladding solution, five dunnies built for Auckland City, a 400 student private school for Japanese clients are among the many projects they have completed - the rest too numerous to list. Brendan and John’s practice is located in an open plan studio across the road from Soto’s sister restaurant, Cocoro. They are convinced they have the ideal location. They can conveniently treat clients to the finest of Japanese cuisine and if they want to go out for a drink there’s no need to go down to the viaduct. Ponsonby Road has everything they could wish for on offer and they firmly believe it’s one of the best streets in Auckland. Well we at Ponsonby News couldn’t agree with them more. Congratulations Archoffice on your award and we wish you more success because we think you add lustre to our precinct. www.archoffice.co.nz (DEIRDRE ROELANTS) PN
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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: A:
I understand that the Government has abolished gift duty in New Zealand. I have a trust which I gift $27,000.00 to every year. Can I now gift any amount I like to the Trust?
From 1 October 2011 gift duty will no longer be payable to the Government. This means that you would be able to gift as much as you like to your trust without incurring an obligation to pay gift duty. However, gift duty was only the most obvious reason why your advisor would have recommended using a staged gifting program. Before you abandon your gifting program and get rid of all remaining debt owed from your trust in one fell swoop you should consider whether there are other implications. WHY DID YOU ESTABLISH YOUR TRUST IN THE FIRST PLACE? SOME OF THE COMMON REASONS FOR ESTABLISHING A TRUST INCLUDE: • to protect yourself from business risk; • to protect yourself from relationship risk; • to protect family assets; • for estate planning; and • to protect against the loss of means tested subsidies. If you transferred your property into a trust because you are a business owner you should carefully consider whether to gift all your property into a trust at once. This may be seen as attempting to defeat your creditors’ claims. The situation is similar if you have recently started a relationship and are seeking to transfer all of your assets to a trust. If you do this in one transaction the court may be more likely to consider this as a disposition of property which they can order compensation for under the Property (Relationships) Act. The Ministry of Social Development have made it clear that the changes to the gifting rules will not affect the way they undertake means testing for social security services that they provide including subsidies for rest home care. For means tested subsidies the Ministry of Social Development examine the amount of assets you currently hold and assets of which you, your spouse, civil union or defacto
partner have deliberately deprived yourselves. The Ministry of Social Development takes the position that a gift in excess of $27,000.00 is a deliberate deprivation of an asset and will be considered your asset for the purposes of a means test. There is no time limit for the deprivation of assets so a transaction that occurs when you are young could have an impact on you in later life. A subsequent partner’s right to state support may also be affected by deprivations undertaken by their partner. As some experts have estimated that there could be in excess of 400,000 trusts in New Zealand this is a matter which many people will be grappling with. It is essential that people think carefully before agreeing to transfer their assets to a trust and they should take a long term view as to whether they should undertake an accelerated gifting program or maintain a traditional staged gifting approach. (MICHAEL HEMPHILL) PN METROLAW, Level 2, 36 Williamson Avenue T: 09 929 0800 www.metrolaw.co.nz 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.
PLAYING AT AOTEA CENTRE, THE EDGE CAV & PAG – A MAJOR UNDERTAKING Thursday 15, Saturday 17, Wednesday 21, Friday 23 September – 7.30pm; Sunday 25 September – 2.30pm Mascagni’s Cavalleria rusticana and Leoncavallo’s Pagliacci (or Cav & Pag as they’re more commonly known) are short, one act operas, each lasting just over an hour. But for an opera company, they’re a major undertaking. Both works require large choruses and orchestras and, being two different operas, two casts of principal soloists. Aidan Lang, General Director of The NBR New Zealand Opera which presents these works in Wellington (opening Saturday 27 August) and Auckland (opening Thursday 15 September), says that you don’t take these on lightly. “The artistic numbers are vast,” he says, “with 10 principal soloists in the combined operas, and between Auckland and Wellington, approximately 150 adult chorus, 20 children’s chorus, and 140 orchestral musicians. Those numbers can create a mighty volume of sound! And they do, and it’s magnificent! Bringing Cav & Pag to the stage are English director Mike Ashman and New Zealanders John Parker (set designer) and Elizabeth Whiting (costume designer) – who brought audiences the acclaimed 2006 production of Faust. “Expect this team to provide a similarly memorable production this time around,” adds Lang. PN Tickets: $49.50 to $187.50. Concessions available for benefactors, senior citizens, students and group bookings. Service fees apply. Bookings: The NBR NZ Opera Box Office, T: 09 379 4068 or 04 499 8343, or The Edge, T: 0800 BUYTICKETS (0800 289 842) or www.the-edge.co.nz The NBR New Zealand Opera receives core funding from Creative New Zealand. Further information: www.nzopera.com
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PONSONBY PEOPLE + THEIR PETS ASK ALEX Each month Dr Alex Melrose answers readers’ pet related issues. e-mail yours to: alex@vetcare.net.nz
Q:
I have adopted a wee kitten that I found abandoned in a dumpster, and thanks for lending us the cage to transport her in, you’ll be pleased to know she is doing pretty well. But I am the one that’s in big trouble! The little minx is not using her litter box at all and in fact prefers the designer cow hide rug (OMG) we have in another room.
Please, I need some tips and ideas to get her using the litter box. She is sneaking away and doing it elsewhere so I am not even catching her in time to put her in the litter after she has done it. My boyfriend is not impressed. Eeeekkkk. Please help me out of my jam. AMY.
A:
You try and do a good deed, but this is actually a common occurrence with a timid (for understandable reasons coming from a dumpster!) kitten the first few days they arrive in a new location.
Your idea of physically placing her in the litter is still a good one to repeatedly remind her of her “options” and it’s location. Initially make sure the litter tray is in an easily accessible location for her, while this may be annoying and in your way, it’s only for a short time then you can move it gradually to somewhere more discrete. Trialling different litter types is also a good plan, for semi strays we often begin with loose soil, torn up newspaper or recycled pulp litter is preferred by some cats, a bit of trial and error. Change the litter twice daily to begin with. In this little kitten’s case though I think the described behaviour of sneaking away is the main hint towards resolving this weeing problem. Most cats will feel very prone while toileting, instinctively realising enemies could most easily pounce while agility is at its lowest. She is trying to find a sheltered, isolated spot. Try placing the litter tray (or two would be even better) under spaces or furniture where she is sheltering from her perceived threats, or alternatively using a litter tray that comes with a hood and cat flap, some shy, private cats love these. (DR ALEX MELROSE, BVSC MRCVS) PN VETCARE GREY LYNN, 408 Great North Road T: 09 361 3500 www.vetcare.net.nz
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PONSONBY PEOPLE + THEIR PETS ANIMALOSOPHY: DR MEGAN ALDERSON
SLUGS AND SNAILS, AND PUPPY-DOGS’ TAILS; THAT’S WHAT LITTLE BOYS ARE MADE OF Amputation by definition is a condition of disability resulting from the loss of one or more appendage. Historically, tail docking was thought to prevent rabies, strengthen the back, increase the dog’s speed and prevent injuries when ratting, fighting and baiting. While our modern day pets partake little in such activities, these days amputating tails is more about breed standards and canine aesthetics. Tail amputation or tail docking while being banned in most civilized countries remains alive and well in New Zealand and is a contentious subject splitting breeders, pet owners and veterinarians. Of the 184 breeds recognised by the New Zealand Kennel Club, 57 are traditionally docked and it is the saddening apathy or perhaps ignorance of new puppy owners that allows the practice to continue. After all, nothing speaks louder than money. The United Kingdom considers tail docking to be “an unjustified mutilation and unethical unless done for therapeutic or acceptable prophylactic reasons”. Those found guilty of unlawful docking face a fine of up to £20,000, up to 51 weeks of imprisonment or both. Our own National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee quashed legislation, supported by the SPCA and the majority of veterinarians last year, to ban the practice saying there was no available evidence that docking within 72 hours of birth caused pain or distress to puppies. Who were they talking to? Not the puppy at least. Ironically, the tail-must-go advocates, the Council of Docked Breeds, catch cry is ‘Protecting the right to choose’ and I’m guessing they are not talking about the dog. In the wolf, the tail carries 13 different messages and is an important appendage for balance, steering and communication leaving docked dogs with a docked repertoire of things to say. Given the choice I believe a dog would prefer to keep its tail. At the time even the strongest supporters of tail docking, the New Zealand Kennel Club made the statement “It is accepted that the procedure may inflict a degree of discomfort”. The most non medical amongst us would consider that severing muscle, tendon, bone and spinal nerves is going to cause pain as our mammalian pain pathways are wired the same. For owner’s with docked dogs, you’re right, I don’t think any serious long term ill effects result and yes, it is your decision how you would like your dog to look. The added benefit of your wine glass remaining on your coffee table is definitely a bonus but be cognisant of your choice when choosing a puppy. Like the controversial circumcision debate in both male and female babies the disputable health benefits and traditional (or religious) grounds are an important consideration and a parental right. But should harming puppies, little boys and little girls for this reason be allowed to continue? Your choice will ultimately make the difference. (DR MEGAN ALDERSON) PN THE STRAND VETERINARIAN, 114 The Strand T: 09 377 6667 www.thestrandvet.co.nz
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New arrival SMUDGE the Miniature Schnauzer
A CHANGE OF HEART It has taken me nearly three years of saying “no, not again”, to finally say yes. What I resisted for so long, was having another dog. Our beloved Ziggy, a Miniature Schnauzer died three years ago at 15, and after the heart break of losing him, I was not keen to commit to another. But my youngest son Marshall had never had a puppy. Ziggy was a grown up dog by the time he was born. Marshall started the relentless “can we have a puppy” conversation soon after Ziggy died. Both my husband Graham and I were united in our responses... no! After three years, I started to change my mind; the cat was just not filling the space that Ziggy had left. Graham was less than impressed, as he was still very clear in his mind that he didn’t want another dog, but agreed that it was our choice. Five weeks ago we started visiting new litters of Miniature Schnauzers and found a beautiful litter and chose the biggest, most relaxed puppy. We visited often, and counted the days till we could finally bring him home. Meanwhile, Marshall and I had been nesting at home, everything was prepared for his arrival, and we decided to call him Smudge. Meanwhile, Graham would have no part in it. Marshall and I talked about Smudge being ‘our dog’, and we couldn’t expect Graham to be actively involved. How wrong we were. Within five minutes of Smudge’s arrival, it was Graham who was fussing all over him, cuddling him, playing with him. Smudge became the total focus of his attention. It was Graham who got up at midnight to sleep downstairs with a crying puppy. It’s Marshall and I who lecture Graham on not spoiling Smudge, all the time. That it’s okay to leave him to play on his own, and he doesn’t need to be rocked to sleep! It is amazing how the heart can change when you are presented with an adorable puppy. Graham’s heart has melted and I can’t believe it took me three years to say “yes” to something that brings us all so much joy. (NICOLA KELLAND) PN
PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)
PONSONBY PEOPLE + THEIR PETS
PLEASE SUPPORT THE SPCA CUPCAKE DAY Ponsonby retailers will show their support for the SPCA animals this Cupcake Day, Monday 29 August. Cupcake Day is a fun, community-driven, annual fundraiser for the SPCA where schools, businesses and individuals can participate. This is a day where animal lovers and bakers create delicious cupcakes to sell and raise funds for the SPCA. Herne Bays Icing on the Cake, and Three Lamps Milly’s Kitchen are leading the way and challenge all other retailers and businesses in the area to get in behind the animal charity. Icing on the Cake is a funky urban cupcake store owned by Chef De Cuisine and global traveler, Mathew Metcalfe, a guest judge on New Zealand Master chef, is kindly sharing his scrumptious cupcakes with the SPCA this cupcake day. Matthew has been involved in Cupcake day since its inception three years ago, and each year generously donates 1200 individually packaged cupcakes to the event. His cupcake proceeds go towards helping the thousands of animals around New Zealand that are cared for each day by the SPCA. Icing on the cake is located at 188 Jervois Road, Herne Bay, Auckland. Check out their website at www.icingonthecake.co.nz for more information. Milly’s kitchenware, located on Ponsonby Road, is also greatly involved with supporting the SPCA this cupcake day. Friendly instructors will be running cupcake decorating classes on the 13 and 14 of August with part of the proceeds going towards the SPCA Auckland. Milly’s classes explore ways to bring your cakes to life. These classes make cake decorating easy! What better way to have a bit of fun, devour delicious cupcakes and support a great cause. Get your family and friends together and register to join the classes at www.millyskitchen.co.nz. To register for Cupcake Day go to the SPCA Cupcake website at www.spcacupcakeday.co.nz and bake up a storm! PN
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CLAUDIA KELLY CLAUDIA KELLY SAYS THANKS!
photography: Jo Barrett
I COULD BARELY BELIEVE IT WHEN I RECEIVED AN E-MAIL FROM ST PETER’S College, offering me a place on the Accelerated Medical course at Oxford University. I had applied with a huge amount of doubt about the likelihood of getting a place, but with a “you don’t know until you try” attitude. There are many reasons why the Oxford course appealed to me so much. After a tumultuous year I felt like I needed a change of scene and the medical training offered in Britain also qualifies you to practice back home. The accelerated course is also designed specifically for graduate students. As a result it is cut down to four years, is highly intensive and involves a lot more small group and problem based learning than the undergraduate courses. Additionally I had heard via some Kiwi surgeons who trained at Oxford that it offers an immersive and invigorating learning environment like no other.
JANET WILSON, CLAUDIA KELLY and BILL RALSTON
THE LITTLE AUCTION WITH A BIG HEART
Only two or so months now before I start the course, and I can barely wait! To me the human body is a complex and never-ending puzzle, and I am eager to start solving it. At present I have grand ideas about being a surgeon and having the ability to volunteer in clinics in poverty ridden places like Africa and India. I’d also love to work back home advocating for better hospital systems and care, when I’m not busy saving lives! Of course I could not be embarking on this amazing adventure if it weren’t for the generosity and support from friends, family and people in the community.
THERE WAS A WHOLE LOTTA LOVE IN THE ROOM on Wednesday, 13 July at 5 Franklin Road. The villa, which in the past was a brothel during the war for visiting American GIs, transformed itself from a moreshabby-than-chic family home to become an auction room for the night.
I have to say a big thank you to Janet Wilson and Bill Ralston for hosting my auction night. Thanks also to locals Daryl Spense and Sandi Anderson for their very kind donations. Also a huge thank you to Antonia Baker from The Property Market who has offered to donate half of the commission on the sale of a house towards my medical fees. So if you’re looking to sell a property and would like to support me, get in contact with antonia.baker@thepropertymarket.co.nz.
Claudia Kelly was the recipient of that love – and the proceeds from the auction. After a tumultuous 2010, which saw her PhD tutor killed in a cycling accident, Claudia was kidnapped in Phnom Pen, Cambodia and all her savings were stolen, things improved dramatically when she became one of only 30 people awarded international entry to the Oxford Post Graduate Medical Course. It’s a big undertaking and not one for the faint hearted - the fees alone for the four-year course will cost $300,000 - hence the fund-raising efforts.
I still need to raise over $100,000 to cover my fees so if you want to support my cause please donate online at www.givealittle.co.nz/org/Claudiak. You can also sponsor me to complete the Coromandel Classic multisport event later this month by contacting me on E: claudiaphoebe@hotmail.com or on M: 027 503 2146.
Friends and family rallied and donated everything from piano lessons and art works to professional advice and a weekend stay at a bach. Bidding was fast and furious, ably led for the night by auctioneer Steve Heywood. When the noisy bidding stopped, the more than 50 who attended could try their luck at the silent auction. The lot that attracted most attention was a lethal looking Indonesian bow and arrows set which went for a steal to Mark Holyoake for a mere $100. The night’s fund-raising netted a cool $8500, a sum Claudia was grateful to receive. There is one item left from the night that passed in because it didn’t meet its reserve. Claudia’s mother, Madeline Beasley, donated one of her beautiful paintings. Its called “Close Harmony” and is still available to buy – for less than can be bought at a gallery. Anyone who’s interested please contact Claudia at claudiaphoebe@hotmail.com.
CELEBRATED KIWI BAND SUPPORTS REELS ON WHEELS REELS ON WHEELS ARE PROUD TO ANNOUNCE THAT THE LEGENDARY Hello Sailor will be performing a fundraising concert on Sunday 7 August at Sale St Bar. The show will see Hello Sailor perform as the six piece “Full Sail” band, playing old favourites and new songs off a near complete studio album due for release later this year. “When we heard about what Reels on Wheels do we had no hesitation in getting on board to support them. We’re a nautical band in name at least, so the idea of supporting a charity that takes people in wheelchairs out fishing really appealed to us,” says guitar player Harry Lyon. No one can challenge Hello Sailor’s place in the evolution of Kiwi music. Graham Brazier, Dave McArtney and Harry Lyon, the three founding members and songwriters, still perform and record together with Rick Ball and Paul Woolright, 36 years after the inception of the band. In musical style and lyrical content, Hello Sailor’s music reflects its Kiwi roots. Reels on Wheels is a registered non-profit charitable trust with the charities commission. It is run by volunteers and the Reels on Wheels team are likeminded people who enjoy boating and fishing, and want people in wheelchairs to experience the freedom of fishing. The Reels on Wheels fishing trips are funded through sponsorship and donations from various Community Trusts, businesses and individuals and currently operate out of Auckland, but as funding allows the charity plans to expand nationwide. Reels on Wheels fishing trips are on New Zealand surveyed charter vessels with qualified skippers, working under Maritime New Zealand rules for charter vessels.
A 1970s HELLO SAILOR gig at the legendary GLUEPOT
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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Tickets to the fundraising concert can be bought on the door, or online via iTicket or at Coyle Park Service Station, 340 Pt Chevalier Road. To find out more about Reels on Wheels please visit www.reelsonwheels.co.nz PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)
ARTS + CULTURE DICK FRIZZELL AND RUGBY WORLD CUP 2011 SMYTH GALLERIES Dick Frizzell, New Zealand’s iconic artist has excelled again by producing a series of typically striking screenprints to celebrate Rugby World Cup, 2011. These consist of a limited edition, boxed set of six [plus one free] hand-signed prints as well as separate images, ‘Haka Lyrics’ and ‘Old Boots.’ These commemorative prints are highly-collectable and will be snapped up before the World Cup concludes. Apart from being images to treasure, they are also certain to appreciate in value, especially after our men-in-black emerge victorious! PN SMYTH GALLERIES, 41 Jervois Road T: 09 360 6044; M: 021 598 009 www.smythgalleries.co.nz
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ARTS + CULTURE
SHOWING AT WHITESPACE Until 20 August David Ryan, Elsewhere (field site archive) These works are derived from traveling in the mountains of the Southland region, New Zealand, a bus ride from Greymouth to Nelson during a storm, the mountains of southern Rajasthan, India, the Indian Himalayas and the jungles of an island off the east coast of Malaysia. Now residing in New Zealand David also has work in the permanent collections of Australian National Gallery, Canberra, Australia National Gallery of Victoria, Australia Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia Artbank, Sydney, Australia Atlantic Richfield Corporation, USA Phillip Morris Corporation Collection, Australia Stan Bierderman Collection, Santa Fe, USA The James Wallace Arts Trust, New Zealand Private collections. USA, Canada, Great Britain, Australia and New Zealand. PN WHITESPACE, 12 Crummer Road T: 09 361 6331 www.whitespace.co.nz STEPH JAMES emailed us, “We are 5th Generation Ponsonby(ites) and have to share this photo our 17 year old son Asher took (facing north) from the Mini Garage down Ponsonby Road recently. Ash has captured something we love about the Road (in the sky, the space and the lights) and for us it is just as exciting as New York.”
STANDING ROOM ONLY - COMMUNITY UKE GROUPS SLUGGED IT OUT FOR TOP PLACE COMMUNITY UKULELE GROUPS FROM ACROSS AUCKLAND GATHERED at Grey Lynn Community Centre last month for a bit of light hearted competition, hoping to impress celebrity judge Max Cryer and New Zealand Ukulele Trust Chairperson Mary Cornish. “It was community music at its best with people from all walks of life enjoying singing and playing together and having a laugh,” said Mary. “Many of these people have never learnt an instrument or performed before and they cannot get enough of it. The joy and camaraderie this little instrument generates is remarkable,” she said. “We had standing room only in the packed hall and the night was a huge success with local Grey Lynn group, the Grey Lynn Garden Band, opening the night with a rousing set of ‘Kiwiana’ songs. Another local group ‘Wednesdays’ took out top prize with their ‘rockabilly’ styled act,” Mary said. Clare McCormack from music education consultancy C Change organised the Ukulele Play Off and it was an opportunity to raise funds for the community “open mike” stage at the annual Ukulele Festival this November. More than $1700 was raised at Friday’s event. PN “The Trust’s next event will be the Kiwileles staging an open rehearsal on 17 September as part of the REAL NZ Festival for the Rugby World Cup in the Queens Wharf Cloud,” she said. www.nzukulefestival.org.nz
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ARTS + CULTURE SHOWING AT EL FRAMO CIRCUS SERIES BY HAYLEY PEARCE Until 31 August New on the wall at El Framo Picture Framing this month are wonderful new screen - prints by Auckland artist Hayley Pearce. The Circus series includes three fun images, the lion with a pussycat face, the gangly giraffe and the playful seal. The lovely clean screen-printed colours would be a special touch in any child’s room. The prints are a signed and numbered limited edition of 36 prints only. Hayley previously published the Owl and Pussycat edition of 50 prints; which is also available as a stuffed toy set complete with a wee pea-green boat. Hayley works from her home studio creating illustrations and designs inspired by her love of children’s books. The Circus series, a trio of large 500 x 700 statement pieces, grew from a single illustration that she created for her young daughter. With a Bachelor of Design (elective in printmaking), Hayley worked as a graphic designer up until her daughter was born after which she set up her home studio and screen-printing business, The Art Room. PN Hayley launched ‘The Owl & Pussycat’ print in June which is already proving very popular. See Hayley’s designs at www.theartroom.co.nz EL FRAMO, 16 Pollen Street T: 09 378 6774 www.elframo.co.nz
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ARTS + CULTURE SHOWING AT LETHAM GALLERY SATIRICAL ILLUSTRATIONS AT LAUGHABLE PRICES – ANNA CRICHTON Until 14 August
CONCRETE & ROSES FROM HANNA GRACE Ponsonby local and singer, songwriter Hanna Grace released her debut album, ‘Concrete & Roses’ earlier this week. HOW DID THE GIG AT THE WHISKEY GO WITH PETER URLICH? I went really well! It was actually my best performance to date. Whiskey is a great intimate venue and because it was a NZ Music Month gig people came to hear the music rather than just drinking and hearing background noise. YOU’VE BEEN COMPARED TO ALICIA KEYS OR TRACY CHAPMAN, BUT WHO ARE YOUR INFLUENCES? I have a very eclectic range of influences. While growing up I listened to my dad playing jazz and blues standards amongst the Beatles, Jimi Hendrix and Pink Floyd. When I was a teenager I really got into Nirvana, Lauryn Hill, Dr Dre, Nina Simone, Jeff Buckley, Jewel and Fiona Apple. These days I really love Alicia Keys, Kasabian, Bat your Lashes, Shapeshifter and so many more. Honestly I live for music, so there are too many to mention. WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE SONG ON THE NEW ALBUM? My favourite song is probably “Nothing At All”, because it was the first song I ever wrote. The vocals on the recording are actually the demo – it was such an emotional song to sing, I cried during the recording and could never re-capture that moment. DO YOU HAVE ANY PLACES, OR PEOPLE IN GREATER PONSONBY WHICH YOU LOVE MOST? I can never go past Didas on a Friday for lunch with my work colleagues, I love the Ham and Cheese croquettes – I get them every week! Other than that, Chapel bar and The Golden Dawn are my top spots for catching up with friends.
BLACK ASTERISK A NEW EXHIBITION SPACE OPENING THURSDAY 1 SEPTEMBER IN PONSONBY
The love child of artist Stuart Broughton, the Black Asterisk originally started its life as a pop up gallery on Jervois Road in early 2009. Buoyed by the success of creating a temporary exhibition space, motivated by the ongoing frustration of securing suitable temporary venues to show his work, and tempered by a desire to settle down to more permanent exhibiting, led to Broughton taking the plunge into a committed gallery operation. Broughton found a large, ugly duckling in the form of No. 10 Ponsonby Road to transform. Because Black Asterisk aims to be exhibition orientated, its primary mandate is getting a whole lot of very good, largely unseen, reasonably priced art in front of the public and available for sale. There will be a steady rotation of exhibitions; both solo and curated group showings where new artists will have their work hung alongside their more established peers and an exciting programme of original art events. A number of exhibitions are currently confirmed or in the planning stage. Appropriately the good ship Black Asterisk will be launched with Broughton’s The Floating. The gallery will also operate as an attractive, well-lit event space for launches and art related community events, which will bring the work to an even wider audience. Art works will also be able to be viewed and bought on an online gallery and Black Asterisk will offer a range of other art-associated services from framing to consultancy. PN For all enquires contact Stuart Broughton 021 040 1168 www.stuartbroughton.com
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Letham Gallery have been hard at work to provide Ponsonby with a quality, original arts venue, and with a new floor down in our exhibition space, our refurbishment of the gallery is almost complete! A sleek new Sony Bravia display screen on our back room wall now showcases our artists’ collections, limited edition prints and artist documentaries as we seek to revolutionise your gallery experience. To celebrate, Letham has lit up its walls with an outstanding exhibition of satirical illustrations by original Letham Gallery exhibitor and Ponsonby News contributor, Anna Crichton, showing now until 14 August. Crichton has taken Aero Colour ink to quality archival paper, and created some of the most elaborate, comical references to the important events that have influenced our lives in recent times. Now Crichton gives back to her collective (if unintentional) audience with an exhibition of original illustrations that have made us laugh, cry and reach for the scissors and tape in our office cubicle; a display of works that are as meaningful as they are visually inspiring. COLONY COLLAPSE DISORDER – SAM BROAD 18 August – 6 September Preview 18 August from 5pm From the eclectic Wellingtonian that brought you the Transformer BuzzyBee sculptures, comes an influential exhibition inspired by a collision of culture, media and New Zealand consumerism. Beads on springs form the antlers of the buzzy-bee headed, traditional Maori doll in Broad’s interactive wood cut painting Pure New Zealand Honey. A taste of what Colony Collapse Disorder has in store. Sam Broad is widely collected throughout New Zealand by well known and first time collectors alike, and his reach goes out to all; He is rumoured to have said “I don’t want rich people to own my art ... I want real people to own my art”. Having been incredibly well received at Letham Gallery recently, we’re excited to present Broad’s latest solo exhibition of work this month! PN LETHAM GALLERY 35 Jervois Road T: 09 360 5217 www.lethangallery.co.nz PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)
ARTS + CULTURE
SHOWING AT MASTERWORKS GALLERY Until 24 August GALIA AMSEL A major solo exhibition of Galia Amsel’s beautiful cast glass forms, and the first that Galia has had in five years, signals an important event on the glass arts calendar. Galia has had a remarkably successful career both nationally and internationally. She has been working in glass for over 20 years and is considered to be one of New Zealand’s leading glass artists.
THINKSPACE MATHEW MCINTYRE WILSON – KORU MAHANGA This month’s THINKspace focuses on the key inspiration behind Matthew McIntyre Wilson’s woven copper works. A large woven kete and panel, to be included in the exhibition, feature a pattern which McIntyre Wilson first came across in the 1990’s whilst studying weaving with Rangi Kiu at Hawkes Bay Polytechnic.
In 2003 Galia transported her studio and family from London to rural West Auckland, with the encouragement of fellow artist Ann Robinson. This bold move completely re-contextualised her practice. Galia immediately found a unique position in the context of New Zealand glass – her dramatic and precise curving and architectural forms proving a point of difference to the majority of glass being produced here at the time.Responding to her new environs in New Zealand, Galia’s work shifted away from the industrial aesthetic that had previously influenced her and took on a more poetic and atmospheric approach. New rhythms, patterns and colours as well as surface and light effects were incorporated into the large, circular forms that recur throughout her practice. Galia’s most recent work is making way for a more complex series of sculptures, returning to earlier interests in structural and architectural tension. JEWELLERY BOX SHOWCASE LUCY PIERPOINT – DEFYING OBSOLESCENCE The jewellery box programme this month showcases new work by Lucy Pierpoint, a collection of rings combining silver, recycled glass and glass dust. Lucy explains of her practice: ‘Technological advancement has left, in its wake, discarded piles of perfectly functional yet apparently obsolete products. Recent council inorganic collections highlighted the lack of interest for old television screens. It is in my choice of redundant components, and the process of their transformation into jewellery that I defy their obsolescence. Democratic combinations with other precious materials restores, as well as exposes, their worth and beauty.’ PN MASTERWORKS GALLERY, 77 Ponsonby Road T: 09 378 1256 www.masterworksgallery.com enquire@masterworksgallery.com
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SCREENING AT RIALTO
SCREENING AT RIALTO LARRY CROWNE Starring: Tom Hanks, Julia Roberts and Bryan Cranston; Director: Tom Hanks Season starts: 4 August; Rating: M - Offensive language Until he was downsized, affable, amiable Larry Crowne was a superstar team leader at the big-box company where he’s worked since his time in the Navy. Underwater on his mortgage and unclear on what to do with his suddenly free days, Larry heads to his local college to start over. In his public-speaking class, Larry develops an unexpected crush on his teacher Mercedes Tainot, who has lost as much passion for teaching as she has for her husband. The simple guy who has every reason to think his life has stalled will come to learn an unexpected lesson: when you think everything worth having has passed you by, you just might discover your reason to live. BILLY T: TE MOVIE Season starts: 18 August; Director: Ian Mune; Rating: TBC Celebrating the life of the legendary Billy T James, New Zealand’s best-loved entertainer, the film explores Billy’s extraordinary talent as musician, singer, comedian, actor, writer and artist... it even attempts to uncover the source of his trademark giggle. With humour and love, the film tells of Billy’s meteoric rise to national fame and his tragic downfall into ill-health and financial collapse. Featuring digitally re-mastered footage of Billy’s performances and never-seen-before archival images, Billy T’s story is set alongside interviews with his family, friends and colleagues. PN RIALTO CINEMAS, 167 – 169 Broadway T: 09 369 2417 www.rialto.co.nz
GREY LYNN RESIDENT HOLLIE SMITH RELEASES HER NEW ALBUM BAND OF BROTHERS, VOL:1 WHO ARE YOUR MAIN INFLUENCES? Obviously earlier on it was a broad range of different artists but these days it’s the people in my life who do music that I know personally - it inspires me to see them doing so well, how they achieve different things, how they balance life and music while staying humble and motivated. TELL US ABOUT YOUR AWARDS? I did well at the NZ music awards a few years ago with the first record and have been nominated since but I find awards an interesting concept in music... music is an art form therefore no one is ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ or ‘the best’, it’s just your own interpretation... however it was nice to get the recognition. WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE SONG ON THE NEW ALBUM? Tough question as Mara TK and I put this album together in six weeks and to be honest I’ve only had limited listens! I am really enjoying it though, it grows on me every time, which is funny because normally when you finish a record you are totally over it! It was such a different process and it is a different sound so if you haven’t liked my previous music I would suggest having a listen. DO YOU HAVE ANY PLACES, OR PEOPLE IN GREY LYNN OR PONSONBY WHICH YOU LOVE MOST? Yeah, I don’t venture out too far past this little rabbit warren, I can quite happily do a lunch through to dinner at Prego accompanied by some wine. Dizengoff is my breakfast favourite. SPQR and The Golden Dawn are my favourites for the evenings. I love Cook the Books and of course Conch! As you can tell I’m pretty happily summed up with food, wine and music! PN
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CLOUDY BAY WINE + STAND OUT MINDS Cloudy Bay wine collaborated with standout minds in music and fashion for a unique tasting exhibition last month. Dan Gosling (of Black Box, Stolen Girlfriends Club and White Box), musician Nathan Haines and Cloudy Bay Estate Director Ian Morden shared details of their most defining years with Nick Dwyer, inviting guests to enjoy their matching Cloudy Bay vintage and food pairing prepared by Rob Trathen of MasterChef fame. Food and wine pairings were matched to each speaker’s vintage year, drawing inspiration from their most defining moments. (JULIE ROULSTON) 1. Dab Gosling and Emma Cruikshank; 2. Helene Ravlich and Jooles Clement; 3. Chris Sisarich and Colin Mathura-Jeffries; 4. Nathan Haines and Jaimie Webster. PN
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