PONSONBY NEWS - MARCH '11

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PONSONBY NEWS TAKE FRIDAY OFF! ENJOY A DAY OF GOLF - PONSONBY STYLE! + IS KINGSLAND THE NEW PONSONBY + SOCIAL MEDIA: its impact on how we communicate March 2011 www.PONSONBYNEWS.co.nz

55 ITALIAN INFLUENCES IN + AROUND PONSONBY EST: OCTOBER 1989 – Incorporating the Ponsonby Community Newsletter (PCNL) CELEBRATING 21 YEARS OF PUBLISHING HISTORY!

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ARCH HILL, PONSONBY, COXS BAY, FREEMANS BAY, HERNE BAY, GREY LYNN, ST MARY’S BAY, WEST LYNN AND WESTMERE PLUS SELECTED BUSINESSES The World Belongs to the Dissatisfi ed HIGH STREET, CHANCERY, CBD, KINGSLAND, DEADLINE – 20TH OF THE MONTH March 2011 PONSONBY NEWS+ IN MT EDEN, NEWMARKET, NEWTON + PARNELL Published 4 March, 2011 COPIES DISTRIBUTED TO HOMES AND BUSINESSES IN

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The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE – 20TH OF THE MONTH March 2011 PONSONBY NEWS+

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WHAT’S INSIDE THIS ISSUE 008 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR 009 FROM THE PUBLISHING TEAM 016 JOHN ELLIOTT: SOAP BOX 018 SHALE CHAMBERS: WAITEMATA LOCAL BOARD

019 NIKKI KAYE: MP AUCKLAND CENTRAL 020 GREY LYNN 2030 020 STREET NAMES 026 GOLF PONSONBY STYLE 048

013 037 FASHION + STYLE 040 LETTERS FROM MAUDIE:

097 NIKKI HART: GOOD NUTRITION 098 JOHN APPLETON ON HEALTH 104 HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS 129 DENISE CLEVERLEY:

ANGELA LASSIG

052 PONSONBY NEWS READERS ARE EVERYWHEREG

031 K ROAD BUSINESS ASSOCIATION 034 DAVID HARTNELL: ONE MINUTE INTERVIEW

035 SIDELINE WITH GEORGE BERRY 056

053 TRAVELBREAKS: THE NEW THERAPY 056 VIVA ITALIA 068 JAY PLATT: WE CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT 072 EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY 081 IS KINGLAND THE NEW PONSONBY? 084 DEBORAH KELLAND: LIVE + DIE WELL 086 LIVING, THINKING + BEING 089 PLANET AYURVEDA: ASK DR AJIT 090 CLARE CALDWELL:

THE PONSONBY GARDENER

136 PONSONBY PROFESSIONALS 138 PONSONBY PEOPLE & THEIR PETS 140 ARTS + CULTURE 145 OUT + ABOUT 146 PONSONBY NEWS OUTLETS 081

THE ART OF LIVING

094 HELENE RAVLICH: NATURAL BEAUTY 096 HOROSCOPES: MISS PEARL NECLIS 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 Editor/Publisher Associate Publisher Deputy Editor Business Development and Fashion Editor Contributing Editor Proof Reader Layout Designer Designer

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MARTIN LEACH; M: 021 771 147; E: martinleach@xtra.co.nz or martin@ponsonbynews.co.nz JO BARRETT; M: 021 324 510; E: joannebarrett@xtra.co.nz JAY PLATT; M: 021 771 146; E: jayplatt@xtra.co.nz or jay@ponsonbynews.co.nz JULIE ROULSTON; M: 027 211 7169; E: julie@ponsonbynews.co.nz PROUDLY PRINTED DEIRDRE ROELANTS; M: 021 261 8439; E: deir@orcon.net.nz

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FOR BACK ISSUES AND ADVERTISING INFORMATION: WWW.PONSONBYNEWS.CO.NZ Cover Illustration: ANNA CREIGHTON

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LETTERS

PLEASE SEND LETTERS TO info@ponsonbynews.co.nz

R I P LYNETTE KILMARTIN I am Lynette’s sister, Denise. A friend who has an office in Ponsonby sent me a copy of your February edition and I have read the letters of tribute to Lynette. I would like to reply to those people and to the many, many more who contacted, visited or even simply thought about Lynette during the difficult time she had in 2010.

To Sandy - yes, Lynette did live in Island Bay, Wellington. For several years she owned her own hair salon in Miramar called LynnieK. We were all born in Wellington, Lynette was the fourth of four daughters born to Melva and Jim Kilmartin. In 1975 we moved from the home our father Jim, who was a builder, built for his family in Miramar to Blenheim to be closer to his immediate family. When Lynette was 22 she moved to Wellington and stayed there until getting her dream sales rep job in Auckland in November 2009.

LIKE US! www.facebook.com/ponsonbynews www.twitter.com/Ponsonby_News Again, a huge message of thanks and appreciation to the many people who were there for Lynette during all the many years of her ups and downs. And a big plea to anyone reading this who suffers from depression. Listen to those who know you well, particularly your family members. They are not trying to interfere, they are trying to help you live the most satisfying and healthy life possible and they are doing that because they love you. DENISE EDDOWES, Taupo 10 GIRAFFE STAMPS TO THE FRENCH ART SHOP Yesterday, in 28-degree heat I walked from Freemans Bay School, where I work, to Nosh in Ponsonby Road to purchase some food for my evening meal.

I feel it important that I inform all those who knew of Lynette that she did not die because of Prasant Nathoo. She died because she suffered from a soul-destroying mental illness - depression.

At this point and already dripping from the heat, I SHOULD have jumped on The Link bus to K Road where I live. Impatient to buy some sandpaper to restore an old chair, and not wishing to walk to Mitre10 in Richmond Road in the heat, (and carrying a LARGE bag of beautiful Nosh food!) I decided to continue my walk to The French Art Shop, at the other end of Ponsonby Road, to buy a piece of sandpaper. Many buckets of sweat later, I staggered in, red faced and exhausted.

Lynette was first diagnosed with depression in her early 20s and each of us, her family members, experienced Lynette in the most terrible of black holes many times over the years. Our biggest concern after the accident was not the physical trauma she sustained but the psychological damage.

“I’m so sorry,” said the lovely young shop assistant, “we don’t sell sandpaper.” Seeing the state I was in, she searched the shelves, just to be sure there wasn’t some hiding somewhere. At this point a lovely man appeared from out the back and said, “Wait...

I have a tool box in my car, maybe there’s some in there.”

I do not harbour any anger at Prasant Nathoo at all. In fact, I feel extremely sorry for him. What he did not only to Lynette but also to another woman that night has had consequences he will have to learn to live with.

As he was about to go and see, yet ANOTHER lovely man appeared holding... YES, a perfect piece of sandpaper he had found out the back! They so kindly GAVE me the sandpaper...FREE OF ANY CHARGE, and off I went, not noticing the heat at all, and smiling all the way to K Road! 10 giraffe stamps to The French Art shop, from a VERY grateful customer! LILY JONES, Newton

He has ruined his own life and he had been one of a very fortunate few to have the ability to be extremely successful in his chosen field. The people I feel sorry for are Prasant’s parents who no doubt have also become ‘guilty by association’ by some vindictive type people. I feel also for my mother who for years tried to do everything she could for Lynette even when Lynette refused to be helped.

Our family are however experiencing ill feeling towards one group - the government agencies who supposedly our taxes fund to assist New Zealand citizens. On numerous occasions Lynette’s family pleaded with various agencies to give Lynette the help she needed. On all occasions we were quoted the Privacy Act and client confidentiality. We were not listened to when we vehemently informed ‘specialists’ Lynette needed help even though when speaking with them she strongly denied she did. This included threats of taking her own life. Now that she has done the unthinkable (to the specialist anyway) an inquiry into the healthcare Lynette received is under way - too little, too late.

I know there are many families who have struggled with bureaucracy gone mad who have similar tales. My only hope is not too many in the future will end up burying their son, daughter, brother or in our case sister.

To all those people who feel guilt for stopping contact with Lynette or not doing more, please do not carry that feeling. Lynette was blessed by many wonderful, caring people. The mental illness she suffered meant at times she cut the ropes from those who cared most. Depression can make people think, act and speak in ways at times that appear abnormal and even on occasion abhorrent. The only people who don’t recognise this are the sufferers themselves unless they are ready to accept the help they so desperately need.

FEBRUARY’S PONSONBY NEWS Thank you for a great Ponsonby News - the first of 2011. It’s colourful, thoughtful and altogether an excellent issue.

Sadly, I don’t have a Valentines Day date to try any of those Jervois Road restaurants - but never mind! The very best to you all. JENNY DE LEON, Westmere OTHER USES FOR OLD COPIES OF PN Just before Christmas I was at Buana Satu doing a spot of festive retail therapy. As is always the case with this gorgeous shop, I managed to tick off about three gifts on my list – before having a coffee!

The lovely lady asked if I would like my purchases gift-wrapped (and you know how beautifully they wrap!) but as I had other bits to put with them, I said just to pop them in a bag.

Lo and behold the assistant produced a bag, which had been made from none other than ... an old Ponsonby News! It was très cool, and after I commented on it - she showed me other bag styles they had made using your magazine.

Isn’t that eco-cool? I know you carefully source your printing paper, so isn’t it good to see the circle complete? MAGGIE BOOTH, Grey Lynn PN

When Lynette was 11 our father died. On Wednesday, 15 December last year my eldest sister, her husband and daughter, myself, my husband and two sons, drove to Blenheim. The service we received from the Interislander staff was phenomenal, but Air NZ need to review their ‘Compassionate Policy’ as it definitely is not compassionate.

Lynette was with us in her casket in the van we were driving. We stayed with her during the ferry crossing and talked and laughed about the good times we had. We knew she would find it hugely amusing to be taking her last road trip that way. That’s the way Lynette was - a larger than life character. Even her funeral was eventful with Blenheim airport being closed for one of the few times that year due to fog. She received a great send off.

Lynette has been buried with our father. She often talked about him and never got over his death so it gives us some peace to know she is now with him and will never again have to worry about when the next black hole episode will occur.

Views and opinions published in Ponsonby News as expressed by their authors are not necessarily those of Alchemy Media Limited.

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PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

FROM THE PUBLISHING TEAM WE WERE SAD LAST MONTH TO SAY GOODBYE TO MARTY BALL, OWNER OF Momentum Framing Gallery. He sadly passed away unexpectedly and Jervois Road won’t seem half as much fun without him – P10

A few individuals have collaborated and found a way to have people express their love and concern to those who are suffering. Chch heart t-shirts were created so that each of us could show Christchurch that we are totally with them in our hearts and to give them hope and money to rebuild their lives. Significant companies have got behind this by donating their expertise to provide a cost effective way to deliver these t-shirts.

All proceeds are given directly back to Christchurch. Once you have purchased your t-shirt on-line your donation is put directly into a trust fund account to be dispersed to charities and organisations to help these displaced people rebuild their lives. Buy online at www.chchheart.co.nz – P13 BE PART OF PONSONBY’S GREATEST PARTY ‘TAKE FRIDAY OFF’ ON FRIDAY, 25 March at the beautiful Chamberlain Park, Western Springs. We all love to take Friday off work and stroll around the golf course ‘doing business’. Ponsonby’s finest restaurants and bars are coming as well to turn your round of golf into a very special day. For the price of your ticket, which is only $50 per player, per nine holes, all food and drink on the course is included.

Open to the public from 12 noon - entry is free to all. Come and enjoy the live music, have a drink and then dig deep for the auction extravaganza. Donations to be auctioned include, seven nights accomodation at Terrace Downs High Country Resort for four people worth $3,500. The charity this event is in aid of is our local Mercy Hospice on College Hill. So, we hope as many locals as possible will attend and support this worthwhile event – P26 WITH 1.76 MILLION FACEBOOK USERS AND 322,000 TWITTER FOLLOWERS in New Zealand, Social Media has clearly changed the way we live. Our colleague

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

photography: jane @ kloser www.kloser.co.nz

WHAT A TERRIBLE SHOCK EVERYONE RECEIVED 10 DAYS AGO WITH THE horrific events in Christchurch. We all have our own stories from friends and family who have been affected. Most are very sad but many show hope and great courage.

It’s not been the greatest start to the year but New Zealand will recover. It will take time of course and huge bundles of money. The human spirit is an incredible thing and local communities and people will prevail.

Julie Roulston spoke with four high profile SM people on how the newfangledness is affecting Ponsonby people – P 46 THERE IS NO COUNTRY WHICH INFLUENCES OUR LIVES HERE IN PONSONBY more than Italy. From cars and scooters, coffee and food, homewares, fashion, fragrances, literature, movies and wines through to delicious pasta and pizza. March is one of our favourite months and what better way to celebrate our lives than with a little Viva Italia – P56 JUST OVER THE NORTH WESTERN MOTORWAY AND 25 MINUTES WALK FROM Ponsonby Road is one of our favourite neighbours – Kingsland. Or ‘KINGS-LAND’ as ‘Miss Tabou’ Rebecca Jones calls the area – her bistro has always been a PN favourite haunt, but sadly, they’re closing on Saturday, 12 March. So be quick for a final dinner – P81 DON’T MISS OUR APRIL ISSUE, PUBLISHED ON FRIDAY, 1 APRIL. OUR SPECIAL features are on Planning Weddings + Real Estate + Fashion - Autumn/Winter. Enjoy the beautiful summer weather while it lasts! PN

JO BARRETT, JULIE ROULSTON, MARTIN LEACH + JAY PLATT

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OBITUARY R I P MARTIN BALL – 28 JANUARY 2011 HOW SAD WE WERE TO LEARN OF THE PASSING OF MARTIN (MARTY) BALL, founder and owner of the Momentum Gallery in Jervois Road. He was a lively character who worked hard promoting pop and iconic New Zealand art. His funeral was attended by a number of locals including Paul Hartigan, Otis Frizzell and Mike Weston.

The celebrant who led his funeral service, Herne Bay local Julia Cameron, has given us some further background on the man many of us will dearly miss.

He was born on 18 November 1949 in Harrow, north London into a humble working class family. His father died several years ago, but his mother passed away only a week before Marty. After growing up in nearby Crouch End, he left school and went to work in his father’s hardware store staying there for five years, giving his father one years notice of his resignation. His father did not believe him – a year to the day after tendering his notice, Marty left. Even as a kid he was ambitious and motivated.

He then went to work for a man who fitted windshields in cars and after a few months decided to set up on his own, using his father’s garage as a base, storage facility and workshop. He initially called himself Windscreen Services before developing into Silver Shield, and 20 years on there were 65 branches throughout the UK. Marty at this time also became involved in motor racing – first as a driver, until he had an accident and then as a sponsor of a Formula 3 race car team through Silver Shield.

He was passionate about this sport and devoted hours to it, travelling all over Europe, often with his young daughter Emma in tow.

As with all Marty’s projects he went into them with heart and soul and gave his all, and like most of his other projects once it was up and running he then found something else to interest himself.

Marty eventually came to New Zealand where his friends Liz and Ron Smart were living and he became an investor into their company Smart Signs. Marty also loved renovating houses with his business partner Linda Jones and many of these were in and around the Ponsonby area… Needless to say some were grand party houses during Marty’s tenure.

He met Debra Stearnes, an American who was living here in Auckland after he returned in October 2005. They fell in love and married in June 2007. The couple acquired a picture-framing gallery in 2005 which they revamped and renamed Momentum Framing Gallery, and they have been running this for the past five years.

Marty’s next mission in fact was to learn framing himself. In the meantime rental properties and repairing Mac computers and then on-selling them took up most of his time.

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MARTY and DEBRA exchanged vows on the beach in Mexico in 2007 In November 2009, the couple sold their Wood Street villa and bought an apartment on the waterfront.

Last month, after working very hard for several days preparing a rental property for tenants, Marty continued working through the night. Deb went off to bed but couldn’t sleep properly, so Marty came in at about 3.30am and asked if she would like a cup of tea… one of his staple food groups. She declined and he went into the kitchen to make a cup for himself. It was shortly after this that Marty suddenly and unexpectedly passed away.

One of Marty’s favourite quotes - taken from Neil Young’s ‘Hey Hey My My’ and Marty’s philosophy which sadly came very true: ‘It’s better to burn out than to fade away’.

Rest in peace Marty, you will never grow old. PN

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

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 LOCAL NEWS AUCKLAND CENTRAL MP SUPPORTS HUGE ON-LINE CHARITY AUCTION FOR GUIDE DOG SERVICES Community-minded Auckland Central MP Nikki Kaye has joined the list of generous Ponsonby businesses who have thrown their support behind one of the biggest and cutest on-line charity auctions seen ever in New Zealand.

Ever-obliging Nikki has generously donated two highlyprized auction items to the Every Dog Has Its Day online auction - raising money for the Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind’s Guide Dog Services.

The online auction launched on February 22 the on-line auction website sella.co.nz and has been organised by leading real estate agency Bayleys. Bayleys is the principal sponsor of the RNZFB’s Guide Dog Services.

Nikki Kaye has secured a bottle of Marlborough pinot noir signed by Prime Minister John Key. And she is also putting up a $100 dining voucher at leading restaurant Soul Bar & Bistro for auction.

Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind chief executive Sandra Budd says the auction is a wonderful opportunity to raise essential funds for the Guide Dog Services programme through the expected tens of thousands of bids.

“Thanks to the incredible work of Bayleys staff and the generosity of individuals, businesses and organisations throughout the country for donating items, the auction is shaping up to be an exciting event – with many great bargains and sought after items on offer,” says Ms Budd.

Bayleys managing director Mike Bayley said Bayleys staff had been working tirelessly on the ambitious fundraising campaign for the past four months – motivated by the desire to support Guide Dog Services and simultaneously

be part of the biggest and cutest on-line auction ever coordinated in New Zealand.

“We founded the execution of this project on the adage that if a job’s worth doing then it’s worth doing well… in all respects,” Mike Bayley said.

“And with such an outstanding cause to benefit from the proceeds, it was easy to motivate not only our staff, but also to persuade hundreds of small businesses and individuals throughout New Zealand to contribute a huge array of auction items.”

Nikki Kaye said she was proud to be supporting such a worthwhile charity, and hoped her Auckland Central constituents would get into the spirit of bidding on the Every Dog Has Its Day online auction. ”I was pleased to be able to get the Prime Minister to sign a bottle of wine and provide a $100 voucher from Soul Bar & Bistro,” said Nikki.

The sensational items donated by Nikki Kaye feature alongside auction items such as dates with Richie McCaw or Rachel Hunter, training sessions with either the Breakers Basketball team or one of the All Whites football side, gold and diamond jewellery, fishing trips, artworks, fashion clothing and apparel, and entertainment attraction passes – all sourced from throughout New Zealand. PN

EXOTIC DELIGHTS PROMISED AT WOMAD NEW ZEALAND TASTE THE WORLD STAGE Mongolian Mutton Porridge is on the menu from Hanggai, while Creole Choir of Cuba’s recipe calls for lobster, crabmeat and shrimps, and Rango suggests retaining chicken entrails for a ritual healing ceremony – exotic tastes are in store at WOMAD New Zealand 2011’s Taste The World stage.

WOMAD artists from around the globe will team up with New Zealand’s own gastronomad, chef, author and broadcaster, Peta Mathias to bring audiences a taste of their homeland.

Nova Energy presents Taste The World at WOMAD New Zealand 2011 at New Plymouth’s Brooklands Park and TSB Bowl of Brooklands from 18-20 March.

Nova Energy’s involvement means that, for the first time at WOMAD New Zealand, solar energy will be used to power part of a stage.

An adjacent WOBAR gives audiences the opportunity to grab some refreshments and relax in a cafe environment.

Host Peta Mathias will take the helm of the Taste the World stage alongside international artists 17 Hippies (Germany), Rango (Egypt/Sudan), Hanggai (China), Creole Choir of Cuba, Calypso Rose (Trinidad & Tobago), Johnny Kalsi from Afro Celt Sound System (UK/Africa) and Barons of Tang (Australia), together with local artists Will Crummer and the Rarotongans, and Topp Twins’ duo Ken and Ken.

Free recipe sheets will be provided at Taste the World and, for the first time, are available to download prior to the festival at www.womad.co.nz

At each live cooking demonstration artists will share a traditional dish unique to their homeland, serving up enough food for 40-50 audience members to sample, along with music and conversation.

These sessions are always personable and enlightening with impromptu entertainment.

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WOMAD New Zealand 2011 is the seventh WOMAD to be held at the stunning New Plymouth site. As well as 30 hours of music on seven stages, WOMAD New Zealand 2011 features artists in conversation and workshops, a global village, Kidzone and the option to camp at the adjacent race course.

Tickets for WOMAD New Zealand 2011 are on sale through Ticketek, phone 0800 TICKETEK (T: 09 824 538) or visit www.ticketek.co.nz. The full line-up and more detailed information are available online at www.womad.co.nz PN PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

STOP PRESS! CHCH HEART APPEAL – YOU ARE NOT ALONE, OUR HEARTS ARE WITH YOU All of us in New Zealand and around the world have been reeling with our despair and grief for Christchurch and it’s people.

In the midst of us feeling so removed to help, a few individuals collaborated to find a way to have people express their love and concern to those who are suffering.

Chch heart t-shirts were created so that each of us could show Christchurch that we are totally with them in our hearts and to give them hope and money to rebuild their lives. Significant companies have got behind this by donating their expertise to provide a cost effective way to deliver these t-shirts. All proceeds are given directly back to Christchurch. Once you have purchased your t-shirt on-line your donation is put directly into a trust fund account to be dispersed to charities and organisations to help these displaced people rebuild their lives. PN Buy on line at www.chchheart.co.nz

Left-right: CHELSEA, DEBORAH, STRAUSS and SUE all proudly wearing their Chch t-shirts, available at www.chchheart.co.nz

GIANT SNAGS REMOVED AT POPULAR FISHING SPOT A popular fishing spot in St Marys Bay has just got better. In a move initiated by the Victoria Park Tunnel project, 10 massive blocks of concrete dumped more than 30 years ago have been removed from the harbour at the bottom of Curran Street.

The blocks each weighed between 10 and 24 tonnes and were fished from the water by crane over one night during February.

The project was partly funded by the NZTA’s Victoria Park Tunnel Alliance. Also contributing were Auckland Council and companies that supply goods and services to the tunnel project, including Auckland and Waikato Cranes, which provided one of the country’s largest cranes for the lifting.

The NZTA’s State Highways Manager for Auckland and Northland, Tommy Parker, said all previous attempts to remove the concrete had been thwarted by the high cost and The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

difficult logistics of the exercise. “This was a great once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get the concrete out, using the expertise and machinery of the nearby Victoria Park Tunnel project team to clean up the environment for the benefit of all the project’s neighbours.”

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LOCAL NEWS: DEIRDRE ROELANTS

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DEATH BY CHEERLEADER The second Auckland Fringe Festival includes more than one hundred action packed acts and none will be more action packed than a show premiering at our local Sea Scout Hall in Cox’s Bay. Rugby is the theme and there will be a return season alongside the Rugby World Cup come September. Three Ponsonby girls have written the script and are currently featured in both Air New Zealand and JetStar Inflight magazines. Now it’s Ponsonby News’s turn to give them the coverage they deserve.

Claire van Beek and Amy Walker became friends when attending Toi Whakaari in Wellington and Amy and Julia Hyde worked together on the TV series Amazing Extraordinary Friends. They are all working actors and Amy is performing in another Fringe show, Gloria, which starts at TAPAC on the 1st of March. The girls decided they wanted to do a project that would celebrate the Rugby World Cup and got together to write a script that would appeal to avid sports watchers as well as regular Theatre goers.

Without revealing too much, the play is about a future World Cup taking place in Dubai and how the accompanying cheer-leaders from New Zealand encounter adventure, danger and all sorts of obstacles before cheerleading New Zealand’s big game. The show is full of high energy, humour and pizzazz galore and promises to be a great night out.

This show is not a money making venture and admission is koha. The aim is to widen Auckland’s Arts audience by attracting members of the sporting community who don’t usually go to theatre performances.

DEEP IN THE FOREST: A CAUTIONARY TALE HUSH, HUSH NOBODY CARES, CHRISTOPHER ROBIN HAS FALLEN downstairs. Most fairy tales are not all A.A. Milne sweetness and light. There’s a darkness in them and warnings. Don’t go into the forest or you might be eaten by a wolf or ‘the goblins will get you if you don’t watch out’. The Dust Palace and Petit Cheval Burlesque have teamed up to stage a cabaret show at Cassette Number Nine as part of the Auckland Fringe Festival and it’s all about fairy tales of the Brothers Grimm variety, and being terrified. Leda Petit, a burlesque performer and Callum Gentleman of the Dust Palace tell me the show will definitely have its risque moments, or euphemistically, adult themes, but still be elegant and tasteful. The aim isn’t to shock people but to provide fun and entertainment. They also hope to inform the audience about fairy tales it may not be familiar with and are looking at eastern stories and biblical tales as well.

Leda Petit has drawn talented performers from the burlesque community for the show. She is one of New Zealand’s premier Burlesque stars herself and has several international credits to her name. Both she and Callum are enthusiastic advocates of cabaret and vaudeville and are aware there is a following for these forms of theatre.

Vaudeville is a combination of acrobatic turns, song and dance routines and comic

SILENT NIGHT WRITTEN AND PERFORMED BY LOCAL ACTOR, YVETTE PARSONS’ SILENT night will play at the Old Folks Coronation Hall on Gundry Street as part of the Auckland Fringe Festival. Yvette has been treading the boards on and off nearly all of her life. She put things on hold for a while when at the age of twenty-five, she gave birth to her son. Come the 1990’s she was back in the field and eventually decided to write a play herself. The story had been with her for years and sprung from something she observed one Christmas day when she was only eight years old.

She submitted Silent Night to an Auckland Theatre Company workshop for playwrights in May 2008 and in October 2008 it was selected for The Next Stage, the Company’s Festival of new New Zealand plays. Getting the show further exposure took a while because Yvette needed a producer and she tells me they are very hard to find. Finally when performing in Entertaining Mr Sloane at Wellington’s Circa Theatre she was approached by Stephen Papps who asked “What are you doing with that play”. She explained it was on hold till she found a producer and to her delight Stephen replied, “I’ll produce it for you”. Finally in December 2010 it premiered at Musgrove Studio and received rave reviews. “Yvette Parsons delivers a tour-de-force performance as poignant as it is parodic... Silent Night

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What they will get is lively entertainment to do with a sport the majority of our population is passionate about. There will be a cash bar and what better setting to stage a play than the Cox’s Bay Sea Scout Hall on 55 West End Road, particularly if the tide is in and the sun is setting slowly in the West. Hopefully attendees will be generous with the koha because the girls do have overheads to cover. Show times are 11 March at 8pm, 12 and 13 March at 3pm and 8pm. (DEIRDRE ROELANTS)

relief while cabaret is a floor show of dancing and singing at a nightclub or restaurant.

Both look at society and its mores and don’t take life too seriously. Callum quoted Berlin as an example. Christopher Isherwood’s stories about the last days of the Weimer Republic and Sally Bowles performing ‘Cabaret’ at the Kit Kat Club say it all.

Let’s enjoy life while we can. Very decadent for sure, but so what.

Callum also waxed enthusiastically about the Fringe Festival and how Auckland is an exciting place to be, no matter what strand of creativity you are in to. People are not waiting for grants, they are just getting out there and doing it and the Festival is a time of discovery for theatre goers who will continue to follow similar performances they’ve enjoyed for the rest of the year. In Callum’s words ‘Auckland really has the spark right now’. Deep in the Forest plays at Cassette Number Nine, Upstairs 9 Vulcan Lane from Tuesday 1 March till Sunday 6 March. There’s no show on Friday.

At the time of writing Saturday night was sold out and Sunday almost filled. Depending on the availability of the performers, many of whom are sought after for other shows, the season may extend for a week.

If so details will be posted on www.aucklandfringe.co.nz. Otherwise it may have to play again later in the year. (DEIRDRE ROELANTS) PN is a phenomenal play” – Nick Smythe www.theatreview.org.nz and “Yvette Parsons creates a kiwi Eleanor Rigby in her haunting portrait of an elderly widow...”

- PAUL SIMEI-BARTON, New Zealand Herald.

Yvette is well recognised for her stage performances in 2010‘s Toys at the Basement,The House of Bernarda Alba at TAPAC, Dance Troupe Supreme at the Musgrove Theatre and 2009’s Gas at BATS. She will soon appear as Heidi in the new comedy series Super City on TV3 and is currently filming on Shortland Street.

She somehow fits all this activity round her full time work at Auckland Hospital.

Yvette now hopes to be accepted at the New Zealand Performing Arts Market where she would have the opportunity to promote her work and maybe have Silent Night picked up for other Festivals in the rest of the country.

The theme of Silent Night might be full of pathos but the play is also full of laughter and Yvette’s performance is superlative. She describes it as a comic drama with a fly on the wall view of an elderly widow preparing for what will be a lonely Christmas day.

The play runs from 7-12 March at 8pm, no show on Wednesday 9 March and Sunday 13 March at 4pm. Ticket price is $20 and door sales are cash only. Venue - 8 Gundry Street, Newton. You can also book at www.iticketexpress.co.nz (DEIRDRE ROELANTS) PN PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

THE SEX SHOW - AN OUTFIT THEATRE PRODUCTION “JUST A CHEEKY PEEK UNDER THE SHEETS INTO THE SEXUAL APPETITES and attitudes of Aotearoa”. Well it’s probably more of a peek into the sexual orientation of central Auckland because most of the actors live in the areas that receive the Ponsonby News. In fact co-director of The Outfit Theatre Company, Joel Herbert, is very much a Ponsonby lad because his parents ran the Open Night Cafe for many a long year and he gave me some background about how the company came to be formed and it’s track record so far.

In 2005 a group of trainee actors forged a bond at UNITEC and because of their original approach became known as the ‘textured class’. After graduation and a year of exploration they formed their own company and staged a devised play ‘The K Rd Show’ which defined the way they would continue to work. Several successful shows followed and now they aim to do a minimum of four a season.

Devised theatre or a Collaborative Creation as it’s called in the United States, is where the actors don’t work to a script and every group of collaborators tend to have different ways of approaching the creative process. Joel explained how his group works. He does some research then asks each actor to explore this or that, then come back and run an improvisation. Threads of ideas are then gathered to create a structure till finally the actors and the characters they’ve created come together with the story lines they are passionate about and voila - you have a very entertaining play. Some supporters of mainstream theatre have claimed “a devised play” means a “total mess” but others maintain there are different ways of writing a play and good theatre doesn’t have to be written by an individual genius.

When devising ‘The Sex Show’ Joel and his cohorts ran a totally anonymous online survey where people were asked to describe their sexual orientation and fantasies.

Well over a hundred people of all ages and sexual preferences took part and it was interesting to find out how many different layers of openness were described.

Openness with parents, partners, or friends or when drunk etc. As a result many in the audience might see themselves represented in the play and be reassured they are not abnormal! The Sex Show has a very large and quite young cast and because they are brave, they will be drawing on some of their own experiences.

The play is also an insight into the changing ideas on sex and sexual values.

A generation of women raised by champions of women’s liberation and who’ve grown up with pop icons going on about doing what you want to do even if it’s being a man eater, was found to be as predatory as males, maybe even more so.

Joel says the play is as fresh and current as possible and without any judgement, holds up a mirror of what society is like today. He quotes Kinsey, “the only unnatural sex act is the one that you cannot perform”. It’s far from being a porn show and is funny, moving and touching. When you go to a devised show you witness each actor bring their own creativity to the play, not mouthing words that have been written by a famous playwright. It’s humanity on stage and the actors are very comfortable in their roles. This makes for interesting theatre and opens the art to people who may not have been previous followers. Equally important is Outfit’s strongest aim which is keeping overheads down and ticket prices as low as possible. When you pay only thirteen to eighteen dollars for an evening of laugh filled entertainment, you also get to watch a play with one of the largest casts in the festival performing for the lowest price.

The Sex Show is an Auckland Fringe Festival Show and plays at the Galatos Theatre until 8 March. (DEIRDRE ROELANTS) PN

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE – 20TH OF THE MONTH March 2011 PONSONBY NEWS+

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JOHN ELLIOTT: SOAP BOX STICKS AND STONES MAY BREAK YOUR BONES…BUT NAMES WILL NEVER HURT YOU THE OLD SAYING SEEMS TO BE A FALLACY WHEN BULLYING APPEARS TO be rampant in our New Zealand schools. Many of us will know of incidences of it within our own circle of contacts. Most of it does not involve sticks, stones or fists. It involves subtle methods of gaining control of a target (the person being bullied) by psychological manipulation or relational aggression.

So what is bullying? Defining it can sometimes be difficult. Common examples include name calling, insulting language, social exclusion, spreading rumours, sarcasm, ridicule, and more recently, an epidemic of cyber-bullying.

Ponsonby News spoke to a local parent whose year 12 daughter has been subject to constant bullying at two different schools and at a local sports club. Then we talked to a school counsellor who has introduced a radical new programme at an East Auckland High School with spectacularly positive results. Through buy-in from all teachers, Mike Williams has virtually eliminated bullying from Edgewater College in Pakuranga, by introducing ‘undercover teams’.

So what is it about psychological bullying that is so difficult to tackle? Mrs Z, the local parent, told us kids don’t want their parents to intervene. Phoning the bully’s parents or going to school to complain, is as likely to make matters worse as it is to resolve the problem. The bullying often doesn’t stop after school either. Text abuse can go on all night. So kids are not even safe in their own bedrooms.

It seems obvious that some schools just don’t have systems in place to deal with bullying. They have so many other pressures (NCEA, zoning, teacher recruitment and retention), that bullying, especially if it’s out of school hours, is something they don’t want to know about.

And yet, there are kids who just don’t want to go to school in the morning and face another day of humiliation. There are many teenagers and parents who are just ‘coping’, hoping it will go away. But as Mrs Z said to us, “just coping is not good enough - school work can drastically suffer, and kids can want to drop out of school at 16 to get away from it.”

So we went to meet Mike Williams, who is HOD Student support at Edgewater College.

His innovative programme to counter bullying is attracting international attention.

Based on the principle of forgetting blame, and inspiring trust, Williams’ approach rejects the traditional regime of punishment and retribution. “Schools that come down hard on bullying and punish the bullies, model the sort of behavior that they are trying to discourage.” He points out that retribution outside school, including text bullying,is likely to escalate as bullies seek revenge for ‘narking’.

So Williams has introduced ‘undercover teams’. The ‘undercover’ approach asks students being bullied to nominate two of the worst bullies, and four non-bullies who are among the leaders in their class to join a secret team to tackle the bullying.

Together team members devise a plan to change things. The process always starts with a victim telling his or her story. This story is read at the first team meeting, and the team is told the bullies will not be named. The idea is that no blame is attached to the people doing the bullying. It enables them to make the changes they need to make and save face. Surprisingly, says Mike Williams, the bullies in the teams quickly change their behavior because they are never outed as bullies.

Team members are asked to keep the team secret and continue to meet with the counsellor until the victim says the bullying has stopped. Mike has put together about 30 teams at Edgewater since 2004.They have never taken longer than three weeks to succeed - he has had no failures. It has given the bullies a chance to be part of a team where they get reinforcement and recognition and support that would normally have been denied them. In some cases they have become real leaders in their senior years.

Follow up one-on-one counselling for the bullies is usual and helpful. Williams believes strongly parents should go to the school and report bullying - it must not be kept secret.

But they must try not to be vindictive about it, and they shouldn’t demand severe punishment. Schools must also take it seriously and deal with it. School must be a safe place where learning is paramount. Mike Williams sees the first role of the school counsellor as facilitating learning.

“It’s a secretive kind of thing - not talked about - hoping it will go away,” she tells us.

A common attitude among parents, especially fathers, is “just toughen up - real life is tough - you need to get used to it.”

Mrs Z thought Williams programme sounded ‘brilliant’, but doubted some schools had the skilled staff necessary to implement it. “It should not just be a case of forgiving the bully and pretending the problem has gone away. Systems must be in place like the one Mike Williams has at Edgewater,” she said.

It may be that that attitude could stem from the bombardment we see on television of abusive and bullying programmes which see the likes of Gordon Ramsay or Donald Trump swear and put down people on their shows. ‘Survivor’ and other such reality shows have ‘normalised’ abusive behavior, and teenagers get the idea that it’s OK to relate to people in this combative way.

It is clear that bullying tactics must not be allowed to fester and further damage the confidence and self esteem of the target. They must be dealt with promptly or learning can quickly be hampered. And everyone should know that this insidious problem is very widespread in our modern society. We must all do our best to help stamp it out.

It takes a village. (JOHN ELLIOTT) PN

16 PONSONBY NEWS+ March 2011

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE – 20TH OF THE MONTH March 2011 PONSONBY NEWS+

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CHAIR’S WAITEMATA LOCAL BOARD REPORT: SHALE CHAMBERS I AM THE CHAIR OF THE WAITEMATA LOCAL BOARD AND WILL BE PENNING monthly newsletters to give you an insight into the local board end of the new ‘supercity’. We have transport improvements, including more cycling and pedestrian focused initiatives and heritage and character building preservation in our sights in the first part of this term.

But first let me set the scene of the supercity players at the local level. Waitemata Local Board is made up of the City Vision majority of myself as Chair, Deputy Chair Pippa Coom, Board Members Jesse Chalmers, Tricia Reade, and Christopher Dempsey, along with independent, Rob Thomas and C&R member, Greg Moyle.

We work closely with Mike Lee, your local Councillor for Waitemata & Gulf Islands ward on the governing body of the Auckland Council. We strongly support Mayor, Len Brown’s objective of making our city the world’s most liveable city; the best city for the people of the world. Each board member holds a range of portfolios, reflecting the new responsibilities of local boards. I sit on the CBD advisory board and Heart of the City, and my lead areas are Events, Recreational Services and Libraries.

• Pippa Coom is responsible for Community with Tricia, the Grants Committee and looks after Transport for the western bays, with Jesse; • Christopher Dempsey leads Heritage, Urban Design and Planning with Tricia, Environmental Management with Jesse and Transport Central/East; • Tricia Reade leads Arts; • Jesse Chalmers leads Parks and is Youth Liaison; • Rob Thomas has Transport Central/East, Parks, and Events; • Greg Moyle chairs the Finance Committee, and has Arts and Recreational Services.

The Local Board offices are located on the top floor of 35 Graham Street in the city, and we meet monthly in Parnell, Grey Lynn and the city on the second Tuesday of the month at 6pm.

One of our biggest challenges over the first four months has been to ensure the new Council model works and that Local Boards are true co-governors of Auckland, responsible to the community for local place-shaping in our area.

We are pushing the boundaries and last month put the ‘doomed’ heritage and character buildings in the Wynyard Quarter back onto the political agenda. Our action spurred both the Council and Waterfront Development Agency into having a second look, especially at those character buildings they own, and see if those too can be preserved. The Art Deco Society are the heros and we’ll be backing their case in the Environment Court.

We gave the Three Lamps restoration proposal the green light. This local project to bring back the three iconic lamps to Three Lamps has been years in gestation. Historic photos will be used to make sure they are accurate portrayals of the original lights.

They should be there by year’s end.

Getting on with creating better public transport has also been to the forefront of our agenda. We supported the CBD Rail link business plan and want Kiwi Rail, NZTA and the Government to move to the implementation phase as soon as possible. Being able to get rail moving beyond Britomart and up to K Road will be the key to a greater uptake of public transport. Reliable bus timetables and better routes are the other part of the equation.

Planning for the Local Plan will be in full swing in March with the Board undertaking various community engagements over the next two months, to help us shape the vision for our community and determine what you want us to fund over the next three years. We now have control of local budgets…we want advice from you on how to prioritize the spend.

It has been a wonderful summer and I hope all local residents are taking good advantage of the free outdoor events programme of the Council. We want more locally based ‘music in our parks’ and free movies for next year. The Auckland Arts Festival runs from 2-20 March with a great international and New Zealand line up. Walk or bus to the mainly city centre venues to view the exhibitions, hear the music and enjoy the theatre and dance. As the publicity says ‘Explore New Worlds’.

Aucklandfestival.co.nz. Catch the Fringe Festival too which is in 27 venues in the inner city. Aucklandfringe.co.nz (SHALE CHAMBERS) PN Contact me: shale.chambers@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

REMEDIAL WORK UNDERWAY Remedial work on ASB Community Trust’s Ponsonby home, Allendale House, is progressing well, with the building now plastic-wrapped for weather-proofing while the original slate roof is replaced.

The Trust has called Allendale House home for about 20 years and sees the preservation of the 120-year-old historic building as a part of its commitment to support the heritage sector in Auckland and Northland. Specialist heritage architects Salmond Reid have been engaged to oversee the project and builders Wilkran Construction were chosen for their experience in working on heritage buildings.

When the remedial work is complete, the 120-year-old heritage building will have a new slate roof with an expected life of up to another 100 years. The building is also being earthquake proofed and a fire sprinkler system will be installed.

The finished project will also reflect the Trust’s commitment to the environment, with a modern air conditioning system expected to recover 90% of the heat from air before it leaves the building. Exchangers will transfer the heat to incoming fresh air, making the building much more energy efficient.

The Trust aims to reduce its carbon footprint and Allendale House already has CEMARS (Certified Emissions Measurement And Reduction Scheme) certification, monitored by Landcare Research.

Once the remedial work is completed, newly installed solar panels will provide hot water, and a rainwater harvesting system will capture water from the roof for watering the garden and for other non-drinking purposes. This will not only reduce run-off into the city’s storm water system, but will reduce the amount of reticulated water used in the building each year.

We expect to move back to Allendale House, at 50 Ponsonby Road, early in the second half of 2011. Meanwhile, our temporary offices at 8 College Hill in Freemans Bay has parking nearby for those who need to come in and meet with us. The Trust’s telephone, postal and email contact details remain the same. (RUSSELL JOYCE) PN

18 PONSONBY NEWS+ March 2011

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

NIKKI KAYE: AUCKLAND CENTRAL MP

CHRISTCHURCH EARTHQUAKE – HOW CAN YOU HELP? Article written 23 February The earthquake that struck the Canterbury region at ten to one on 22 February has caused destruction on a scale that our country has never experienced. Many people have lost their lives, families have lost their cherished loved ones or are distraught as they desperately look for family members still missing. Twenty four hours after the earthquake my immediate thoughts are with the rescuers who are going to need strength and perseverance over the coming months to help and save as many of the trapped people as possible. There is a huge search and rescue effort underway, medical staff are treating people and welfare centres have been set up for those who need emergency shelter.

As your MP, I am doing everything that I can to help constituents affected by earthquake but I am also supporting ministers to ensure our government response helps as many people as possible. Anyone from Auckland Central that needs further assistance separate to the support outlined below to help family members or friends please contact my office on T: 09 378 2088, or me personally at nikki.kaye@parliament.govt.nz. I will work hard to do what I can to help you or put you in touch with support agencies who can assist. Some of you also have businesses affected as a result of the earthquake, please contact me if you think the government can help you in any way to get them back up and running.

I want to personally thank people who have already contacted my office from Ponsonby to Waiheke Island, with generous offers of support. It has been very moving to see those people who have opened their homes to Cantabrians even when they have virtually nothing left. Many people are feeling shattered and devastated and although it will be a tough road we will support Christchurch through this. Many countries have stepped up to help and we have accepted offers of assistance from Australia, the United States, Singapore, the United Kingdom, Japan and Taiwan.

We are a small but strong nation and over the coming months we will be tested as the scale of this disaster unfolds and I am confident with your help we can get Canterbury through this.

SUPPORT FOR THOSE IN CHRISTCHURCH Government Helpline: People affected by the quake can call the Government’s earthquake helpline for advice. The helpline will run 24 hours a day. The number to contact is T: 0800 779 997. This number is specifically for those directly affected by the earthquake. For key information and status updates from Civil Defence, please visit www.civildefence.govt.nz.

HOW YOU CAN HELP: You may wish to help out through the following ways.

Earthquake Assistance: All offers of earthquake assistance from the public – including offers of accommodation outside of Christchurch – should be redirected to earthquakehelp@msd.govt.nz . If possible, the 0800 number (above) should be left free for people who need help.

Missing Persons Helpline: Red Cross has set up a dedicated telephone number for those people concerned about the whereabouts of friends and family missing following last month’s Christchurch earthquake. The number to contact is T: 0800 RED CROSS (0800 733 276). People enquiring from outside New Zealand should call T: +64 7 850 2199. Callers to the line will be asked to provide details of those missing, including their possible location at the time of the earthquake.

Red Cross will be able to say if those people have registered with Civil Defence.

ADDITIONAL SUPPORT If you would like to help, here’s a list of organisations you could contact: • Red Cross – www.redcross.org.nz • The Salvation Army – www.salvationarmy.org.nz. To volunteer, please call T: 04 384 5649.

• Rotary New Zealand World Community Service - www.rnzwcs.org • The National Crisis Management Centre in Wellington – operations@ncmc.govt.nz – for offers of goods and services.

• New Zealand Blood Service – they currently have sufficient blood stocks but if people are not already donors and would like to sign up to be contacted when they do need blood donations, T: 0800 448 325 or email donors. national@nzblood.co.nz • Many banks are also offering ways to help Canterbury, so contact yours to find out. (NIKKI KAYE) PN

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GREY LYNN 2030 NEWS WE OFTEN GET ASKED WHETHER IT IS LEGAL TO PLANT THE GRASS BERMS found beside the footpath on most residential roads and whether these are a good place to plant fruit trees. Come along to our March meeting where we will be sharing ideas for using our local berms to establish ‘urban bio-corridors’. The topic will include a discussion of Council rules, how to plant a low maintenance garden, benefits to local flora and fauna - including local honey bees, effects on stormwater, and neighbourhood amenity.

For the first time our monthly community meeting will be taking place outside in the beautiful Wilton Street Community Garden. All welcome - Wednesday 9 March, 7pm in the garden behind The Wine Vault and Gypsy Tea Room.

The Grey Lynn Business Association (GLBA) runs networking drinks on the second Thursday of every month. It’s a great opportunity to meet local businesses in a relaxed environment. The next session will be at Malt Bar on Richmond Road on Thursday 10 March from 5.30 - 7.30pm.

As part of the GLBA’s commitment to help and inform local businesses, we will be running a seminar on Wednesday 6 April. Reuben Jackson of Web Widgets will be giving a presentation entitled Search Engine Optimisation - get more traffic to your website. 7pm for a 7.30pm start, Quality Inn, West End, 465 Great North Road.

If you would like to join the GLBA or find out more about the organisation, email info@glba.co.nz.

The Grey Lynn Farmers market has just launched a “Friend of the Market” card. Become a Friend for a $30 contribution per year to support our community market and fresh, local foods. Held every Sunday from 9.00 - 12.30pm (except the last Sunday of every month when Kraftbomb is on), the market is managed by an enthusiastic committee of volunteers who put the Friend’s contribution towards continued improvement and promotion of the market. Direct benefits include weekly specials for Friends.

BEFORE and AFTER planting The market takes place at the Grey Lynn Community Centre where many will be familiar with the imposing car park wall. Fortunately the Grey Lynn community centre is working with Auckland Council and artist John Pule to develop an artwork for the wall and is seeking the community’s input. Locals are being asked to contribute ideas about Grey Lynn to be included in the artwork. Email Tania (office@greylynn.co.nz).

Or put your comments direct on the Grey Lynn 2030 website www.greylynn2030@ gmail.com. Also on our website look out for details of local Neighbours Day events happening over the weekend 26 and 27 March.

The seasons are turning again and it is time to celebrate autumn and the equinox.

St Columba, 92 Surrey Crescent, Grey Lynn is hosting a Grey Lynn community celebration of this season of fruitfulness when light and dark are in equal measure.

This year we will be focussing on the harvest. Sunday 20 March 4 – 6pm. An event suitable for all ages.

Subscribe to our monthly community e-news by emailing greylynn2030@gmail.com.

THE HISTORICAL BOROUGH OF PONSONBY AND GREY LYNN

STREET NAMES: ST FRANCIS DE SALES Bishop Pompallier was born in Lyon in 1802 and is recognised as the founder of the Catholic Church in New Zealand. After establishing missionary stations in the Hokianga he moved to Auckland and bought a forty acre farm on the western side of Freemans Bay called ‘Clanaboy’ and renamed it Mount St Mary’s.

One of the earliest centres of population in Auckland was the Roman Catholic Community in our present day St Mary’s Bay. The Bishop’s new congregation was Irish rather than Maori and this is evident in some of the street names such as Dublin, Emmett, O’Neill and Green Street. Pompallier Terrace is certainly a tribute to a remarkable man but one street name is directly connected to the land where the Bishop came from. St Francis de Sales Street is named after a french aristocrat, Francis de Sales who was born in 1567 at the Chateau de Sales in Swiss Savoy. The eldest of fourteen children, his mother was only fifteen years old at the time of his birth.

Young as she was, his mother made firm decisions on his early education, ably assisted by Abbe Deage who became his tutor and companion. These two influences made him determined to enter the Church even though his father had other ideas.

Fortunately for Francis, his cousin Canon Louis de Sales offered him the very honourable post of provost of the chapter of cathedral canons. Francis accepted and finally gained his father’s consent to enter the priesthood.

Francis continued his life of scholarship and piety, so much so that he gained a reputation as a spellbinding teacher and something of an ascetic. He ministered to the poor and reestablished the Catholic faith in the Calvinist state of Geneva. He developed a sign language in order to teach the deaf about God and his affability and understanding of humankind is apparent in his books. “Introduction to the Devout Life” written for lay people, was unusual for the times.

In 1622 he died in Lyon and was buried at the basilica of the Visitation in Annecy where many miracles were reported at his shrine. Only a few years later he was canonised and his feast day is observed on January 29.

St Francis is patron of the deaf and also patron of journalists and writers because he made extensive use of flyers in converting Calvinists back to Catholicism. Pretty amazing that a man renowned in his day for sanctity, humanism, philanthropy and many other virtues is commemorated in this far flung corner of a world, very different from the one he inhabited. (DEIRDRE ROELANTS) PN

At the age of fourteen he was sent to the University of Paris and went against his father’s wishes by refusing to enrol at the College of Navarre, frequented by the nobility, but instead chose the College of Clermont which was under Jesuit direction.

Ever the dutiful son he took lessons in riding, dancing and fencing but his heart was set on ‘giving himself to God’ and he took a vow of perpetual chastity. This didn’t go down well with dad who fetched him home after six years and sent him to the University of Padua to study jurisprudence. There, as in Paris, he excelled in scholarship and gained a Doctor of Law degree. In the meantime his father had chosen him a charming heiress to marry but he soon made it clear this wasn’t going to happen. He annoyed his father further by turning down an offer from the Prince of Savoy to sit on the Senate.

So far only his mother and a few friends knew he desired a life in the Church but an explanation to his father became inevitable. Already frustrated by his son’s refusal to marry and the rejection of the senatorship, he couldn’t handle this fresh disappointment and withheld his consent.

20 PONSONBY NEWS+ March 2011

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

LOCAL NEWS  NEW MINI COUNTRYMAN RANGE AT MINI GARAGE, PONSONBY MINI COUNTRYMAN – MADE 4 FUN The new MINI Countryman is the first MINI with four doors and four wheel drive.

Longer, wider, taller and more spacious, this new breed of MINI combines the unique handling of a MINI with the space and versatility of a four door, and the supreme traction of a sports activity vehicle with optional four wheel drive. Available now from $46,900.

4 DOORS, 4WD We love the new MINI Countryman, the first ever MINI with four doors and four wheel drive. Longer, wider, taller and more spacious, this new breed of MINI combines the unique handling of a MINI with the space and versatility of a four door, and the supreme traction of a sports activity vehicle with optional four wheel drive. With extra space and flexibility to accommodate leisure and family activities, this MINI is made four fun. Available now from $46,900. PN MINI GARAGE, 130 Ponsonby Road T: 0800 236 464 www.mini.co.nz

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE – 20TH OF THE MONTH March 2011 PONSONBY NEWS+

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 LOCAL NEWS DAVID HARTNELL’S WALK OF FAME OUR REGULAR COLUMNIST GOSSIP GURU DAVID HARTNELL HAS BEEN given his very own star on the Boulevard of Dreams Walk of Fame in Orewa. He was awarded his star for a life time achievement in entertainment. Bringing the world of both local and Hollywood stars, into New Zealander’s hearts and homes.

The night was hosted by The Variety Artist Club of New Zealand, for which he’s a Patron, and the Boulevard of Dreams restaurant. It was a real dress-up Hollywood red carpet night. Some of the VAC members came along to entertain the sold out Boulevard Of Dreams restaurant: Tom Sharplin, Larry Morris, Master Magician Mick Peck, Gray Bartlett, Paul Bennett, Keith Leggett, Guy Cater, Karen Davy, Anthony Utama, The Moonlighters, and The Mike Walker Trio.

David also received card and email messages of congratulation from his long time friend Phyllis Diller, Sir Peter Charles Leitch aka The Mad Butcher, Leighton Smith NewstalkZB, Paul Holmes, Dame Edna, Jackie Collins, a wonderful witty congratulations from the adorable Kerre Woodham NewstalkZB (it was so funny David told us he was going to have it framed for his office wall), Ray Woolf, Max Cryer, Marion Burns and David’s publisher Penguin.

“It was a night I’ll always remember, full of laughter, great company and togetherness which is what show business is all about. I’m, afraid it’s a case of you really had to be there! I was totally blown away with the warm generous and kind words spoken about my career from every performer; usually these words of kindness are only spoken at one’s funeral... if you know what I mean,” says David.

Other stars on the walk of Fame are Ray Woolf, Suzanne Lynch, Tom Sharplin, Larry Morris, Shane Hales, Ray Columbus and Les Andrews. PN

DAVID HARTNELL’S star on the Boulevard of Dreams Walk of Fame with his long time partner SOMBOON.

SITE CONFIRMED FOR TORPEDO BILLY MURPHY STATUE The family and friends of the only New Zealand World Boxing Champion (Torpedo Billy Murphy - World Featherweight Champion 1890) are very excited that the Auckland Council’s Advisory Panel for Public Art, chaired by Rob Garrett, on Thursday 17 February approved the placement of a Statue of Billy Murphy at the St Mary’s Road Reserve, opposite the Ley’s Institute.

The family are selling a limited edition of 40 bronze marquettes to raise money to fund the statue. Family member Dillon Kennedy is seeking sponsorship to run the Auckland Harbour Bridge Marathon in October this year. Dillon, photographed working on the construction of the bridge, is now 73 years of age, so the marathon will be quite a challenge for him.

Donation or offers of sponsorship can be made by contacting Dillon by e-mail bonnieken@xtra.co.nz attention Dillon Kennedy.

(JOHN ELLIOTT) PN

22 PONSONBY NEWS+ March 2011

DILLON KENNEDY pictured far right

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

photography: showpics

www.grownups.co.nz/read/lifestyle/entertainment/david-hartnell-hollywood-gossip-column

LOCAL NEWS 

PRODUCTION ASSOCIATES: EVENT DESIGN, PRODUCTION AND MANAGEMENT Business partners Ian Lawley and Conan Richards of Production Associates reckon that Crummer Road is the best location in Auckland for an events company. “It’s really handy. We’re close to a lot of our clients and the area is easy to get to and move around in,” Ian says. It also provides the perfect operational base.

challenges, it’s even more important. With 20 years of industry experience each, we have a thorough understanding of how to get the very best efficiencies out of managing and producing a successful event.”

Established for six years, Production Associates manages and produces a wide range of events and event services, including product launches, award dinners, exhibitions, concerts, ceremonies, video and presentation production, and much, much more.

“We produce events of all sizes, from the annual Flight Centre National Ball, which is a huge occasion that delivers a full evening of entertainment for 1600 people, to corporate meetings for 50-100, to gatherings of less than ten.”

The company’s experience also pays off in the strong industry relationships it enjoys nationwide and internationally. Ian and Conan’s ability to tap into a vast pool of specialist expertise is one of the key factors that make Production Associates events well known for their unique design, high quality delivery and technical excellence.

You’ll find the same emphasis on partnership when you work with Ian and Conan.

They listen carefully, plan meticulously, and work with you in a hands-on way to create a truly memorable event.

Regardless of the scale of an event, Production Associates focuses on delivering the best possible experience that your budget will allow. They also take a bespoke approach to every project, so that each one has a unique look and style.

The business has been enhanced recently with the addition of a full-time graphic designer for concept and presentation development, as well as a camera/editor person, to meet the demand for cost-effective video production/communications.

“We don’t have a warehouse full of tired props and furniture that are constantly rolled out,” Ian says. “We work with our clients to develop the concept and steer the brief to ensure that every dollar spent provides the maximum experiential return. That has always been our focus and today, with nearly every business facing tougher economic

Come and visit us at 41B Crummer Road or give Ian a call on M: 021 783 646 to discuss how PRODUCTION ASSOCIATES can take your event to the next level. PN

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

For more information call T: 09 307 9161 www.productionassociates.co.nz

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 LOCAL NEWS NEW FOOTPATH FOR THE HARRY DANSEY RESERVE Last month a flyer was delivered to neighbours of the Harry Dansey Reserve advising that a new footpath was to be installed in the Reserve during the week of 21 February, to join Collingwood Street to Pratt Street. The work began on 23 February.

A local resident who asked not to be named told Ponsonby News, “My interest is that there has been a very dangerous path in the Reserve joining Anglesea Street to Pratt Street and it is used by many people every day and night. One part of the pathway had a severe camber* which made walking on it and pushing pushchairs, very dangerous, especially when littered most of the time, with acorns and debris.

“I had contacted the council to ask them to do something about making it safer and had been told it would be done sometime. It would have to be rated for urgency and then funding would have to be sought in the next funding period.

“When I saw that they were going to spend money on a new path, I asked them to replace the existing one while machinery and resources were there for the new installation. This wasn’t part of the plan I was told. But Hurrah, on my insistence it was inspected by a different person and I had success.

“Attached is a photo of the old path being removed today and a photo of the initial earth work that has been done today for the new pathway joining Pratt Street to Collingwood Street. I know many frequent users of the old pathway, and especially those that have slipped and fallen, some more than once, will be very happy to know that my efforts have been successful. Well done to Auckland Council for listening and taking action.

I am very impressed.” * the angle made by the wheels of a vehicle PN

FOR AFFORDABLE DESIGNER FURNITURE – SYSTEMS COMMERCIAL Systems Commercial is the leading supplier of affordable designer furniture with the largest commercial furniture showroom in Auckland and while they service major corporate and government bodies, they are also the place to create your elegant home office, or choose your child’s first desk and chair.

All at surprisingly affordable prices, Systems Commercial stock the largest range of chairs in Auckland from chrome and leather luxury for the corporate boardroom to more budget conscious options. They also stock storage solutions, screens, cupboards and sofas in a huge range of colours and materials. Most importantly they offer practical solutions and creative ways to use your space to best effect for productivity, comfort and aesthetic appeal. Their space management and free design service helps their customers to visualise the finished system. They also deliver and install and every item they sell is guaranteed.

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“We are furniture makers, so we are not limited to the office”, says furniture maker Brian Ward, “we create and install complete fit outs for hotels, shops and whole office floors. These include partitions, kitchens, counters, and specialised displays. We make to measure and everything can be customised including your office furniture. That means if you want the desk in a different finish, shorter or longer, it’s not a problem.

Our factory also produces Thermonate, a laminate with a superior finish to standard Melamine which appeals to the discerning buyer.”

Brian adds “If you’re looking to do the business you need to look the business.” PN SYSTEMS COMMERCIAL 109 Fanshawe Street (corner Fanshaw and Halsey Street) T: 09 369 1880 www.systemscommercial.co.nz

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photography: martin leach

photography: martin leach

 LOCAL NEWS

SALLY JAMES (The Great Ponsonby Arthotel), RIPPAN SANDHU (Spa Ayurda), and SHANE CROOKE (Bistro 222)

LOCAL BUSINESSES OFFER ‘THE PONSONBY EXPERIENCE!’

JOIN THE FUN AT AUCKLAND’S INTERNATIONAL CULTURAL FESTIVAL

These are challenging times we live in but three Ponsonby businesses have come up with a proactive joint marketing idea.

It makes sense for complementary businesses to network and to sell Ponsonby as a destination.

Celebrate Auckland’s cultural diversity with people from more than 40 nationalities who live in Auckland at the Auckland International Cultural Festival in March.

The Great Ponsonby Arthotel has teamed up with Spa Ayurda and Bistro 222, which are just around the corner, so their guests can have a pampering session followed by a delicious bistro meal before sinking into a comfortable bed for the night.

The Great Ponsonby opened around seventeen years ago. Breakfasts and hospitality are legendary. They have a Qualmark 4star plus grading and are proud of their Qualmark Enviro Gold award. The place is brimming with art including one of Ponsonby News’ Jo Barrett’s paintings and they use work by local potters on the breakfast table and throughout the hotel.

Bistro 222 has been part of Ponsony Road for around eighteen months and has already established a loyal clientele who enjoy the warm atmosphere and the good, home-style cooking. It is somewhere where you can actually talk to one another and be heard.

Across the road, in the house that used to have ‘Music Academy’ etched in the glass is Spa Ayurda which opened last year and is probably the most exotic interior and experience on Ponsonby Road. All sorts of treatments are offered from relaxing massages to a holistic approach to wellness for those who have had no joy from Western medicine.

Advance bookings are essential, please call T: 09 376 5989. Offer valid Tuesday to Saturday, 1 April – 31 May 2011. PN

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Organised by Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development Ltd on behalf of Auckland Council, this fascinating free festival is a cultural celebration of food, dance, sport, art and craft so keep Sunday 27 March free between 10am and 5pm at Mt Roskill War Memorial Park and go along to enjoy the vast array of entertainment on offer. “This festival is a fantastic celebration of Auckland’s ever-growing cultural diversity and is one of the many great council-sponsored events happening in and around Auckland,” says Mayor Len Brown.

“I’m proud to invite Aucklanders to this unique event which highlights the dynamic contribution people from other cultures bring to our wider community, and to New Zealand. Come along and sample the many sights, sounds and tastes of Auckland diversity.”

The multicultural event showcases traditional dance and musical performances across three stages and over 100 stalls of traditional food. The Ethnic Soccer Cup final is also part of the day’s celebrations. The last Auckland International Cultural Festival in 2009 attracted an estimated 45,000 people.

Auckland International Cultural Festival 2011 is proudly provided by Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development Ltd on behalf of Auckland Council and is supported by the Malaysian Kitchen Programme and Mediaworks Radio.

Visit www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/events for more information. PN

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 LOCAL NEWS

Above left – The finalists: (left - right) NICK JONES, MARTIN PICKERING (Mudbrick Cafe, Waiheke), HAMISH MCKENZIE and BRAD KIRKPATRICK (Liquidity, Christchurch); Below – CORDELIA WESTON and JOHN ELLIOTT, TONY ADCOCK and CATHERINE L’ESTRANGE, the SOUL BAR ladies, CORDELIA and CLIVE WESTON

CHAMPAGNE BOLLINGER TENNIS AT POMPALLIER CLUB Last month Bollinger held it’s 25th annual restaurant and wine outlet tennis tournament at Pompallier Tennis Club in St Mary’s Bay. Teams from all over Auckland, the Wellington region winners, and the South Island winner were pitted in earnest competition. As the day wore on and the champagne kicked in, the competition got hot. The semi-finalists were Liquidity (from Christchurch, the South Island winner), One Tree Café (the 2010 winner), Mudbrick (the 2007 winner), and Tribeca (the 2009 winner).

The overall winner was Mudbrick (from Waiheke Island), completing their 7-5 win in pouring rain. However, nothing dampened the enthusiasm of the lively hospitality crowd which enjoyed the day at the delightful Pompallier venue. PN

Left - right: NICK WALL - ‘Compass1’, size 120cm; medium: Gesso, acrylic and synthetic polymers, caprithane on wood panel. ‘A Moment in Time’ (29 Travellers), size: 121 x 109cm. medium: Gesso, acrylic and synthetic polymers, pencil, metallic pigments, caprithane on wood panel.

Viewing: WARWICK HENDERSON GALLERY T: 09 309 7513 www.warwickhenderson.co.nz

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PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

JACINDA ARDERN LABOUR LIST MP AUCKLAND

To anyone sitting in Parliaments’ public gallery, the Speakers reading of the prayer on Wednesday 23 February (that ritual of Parliament that marks the beginning of every session) may not have seemed unusual or historic…but it was.

Lockwood Smith added new words to Parliaments’ prayer. A decades old, unchanged script that calls on MPs to “lay aside all private and personal interests” suddenly included lines of solemn thought for the people of the Canterbury region and victims of the devastating earthquake. A small symbolic gesture; one that showed that everything had truly changed.

Any person who has ever watched Parliament TV before (from the insomniacs to those who believe (somewhat oddly) that it’s “not bad telly”) will know that Parliament can be a raucous place. From Paul Quinn, who proves with his booming voice that there is at least one transferable skill from the rugby field to the debating chamber, to our own Darren Hughes with his ginger witted quips, Parliament is a lively place. But in the past six months, that has changed.

From the moment of the first Christchurch earthquake to the Pike River tragedy, and now after a second, devastating hit, Parliament, the peoples’ place, has in its own way reflected the mood of the nation.

With a collection of 120 people from across the country and the rules of two degrees of separation, everyone has known someone; everyone has experienced that same helpless feeling, and everyone has asked “what more can we do?”

Some of our gestures were symbolic: suspending question time so that Party leaders could share their condolences for the families who had lost loved ones and offer to work with alongside the Government, no matter what side of the house we were on.

Some of them were more personal: Canterbury MPs who, an hour after the quake, walked into the debating chamber for the Prime Minister’s first statement, not knowing where their families were or if they were safe, just like so many other Cantabrians.

A LOCAL ARTIST’S JOURNEY ARCH HILL RESIDENT NICK WALL TRAINED AT WHITECLIFFE AS A MATURE student. I asked him why he chose this particular college and he said it was because he loved the building. He knew nothing about art schools but because he had learned how to do decorative art finishes such as marbling and wood graining from some traditional old English gentlemen he entered the school thinking he might train to be a graphic designer. He wasn’t familiar with modern art and it never entered his head you could make a living as an artist. In fact almost everyone he studied with isn’t painting anymore.

Last month just before the earthquake I was in Christchurch. I visited Brendon Burns, the local MP, at his office (his third one since September); a building that is now completely destroyed. I was interviewed by the local television station, CTV, and walked through the square underneath the now crumbled cathedral. But mine was a brief encounter and, like everyone else in the debating chamber who listened to the words of the new prayer and who could hardly fathom the magnitude of what Christchurch and it’s people are facing, we all knew that the Parliament, for all its foibles, is still indeed the people’s place.

If you would like to donate to the Canterbury Earthquake relief effort please visit www.redcross.org.nz donate or you can donate through your local bank. PN

Well Nick certainly is and he puts it down to a book he read about Alberto Giacometti, the Swiss sculptor, painter and printmaker. He says art found him and he chose to be a painter when he came in contact with an older generation of artists he admired, Max Gimblett being among them. They became close friends and Nick often uses Max as a sounding board.

While still at Whitecliffe the whole idea of sharing studios was anathema to him.

Rented space was getting harder to find so two years ago he started building his own in the basement of his house on Arch Hill. This necessarily put painting on hold for a while but over the last nine months he has put together a collection of works and has a solo show at Warwick Henderson Gallery that will run till 12 March.

He has kept his prices very low. For instance his stunning Compass 1 with its rigid orange square against a background of serrated paint is only $7,500. That seems exceptionally underpriced for a tondo, one point two metres in size.

Nick’s work is highly regarded by Max Gimblett and he has also received accolades from respected art critic, Warwick Brown. Gallery Director, Warwick Henderson says “These paintings are of the highest quality and are among the best you will find in the genre of minimalist, colour field and expressionist art.”

CHRISTCHURCH HEART APPEAL

As for Nick, he is delighted with his new studio and thinks it’s well worth the effort and considerable expense. He also thinks putting prices up on works too soon is a mistake nine times out of ten. “Many people can’t afford them and there’s nothing worse than putting paintings in storage.” (DEIRDRE ROELANTS) PN

You are not alone, our hearts are with you... www.chchheart.co.nz

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DAVID HARTNELL’S ONE MINUTE INTERVIEW WITH BEN BOYCE Ben Boyce writer, presenter and producer of top rating shows Pulp Sport and WANNA-Ben. He lives in Westmere. Ben ran for Government in the New Zealand General Election. His political party, The Bill and Ben Party, received over 13,000 votes making it New Zealand’s ninth most popular political party (out of 19).

YOUR IDEA OF PERFECT HAPPINESS? Watching the TV with some peace and quiet and watching our cricket team win.

Unfortunately, because of my 15-month-old daughter and the state of our Blackcaps, I usually get neither… but I still love them both.

WHAT DO YOU MOST VALUE IN FRIENDS? When it comes to my mates, I really value honesty. Except when it comes to them critiquing my show - then I’m happy if they lie and tell me they love it.

FAVOURITE COMIC? I would have to say pre-1995 Eddie Murphy. Before he was doing movies like Norbit and Meet Dave.

WHAT WAS IT LIKE APPEARING NUDE ON TV? If the ‘camera adds 10 pounds’ that certainly doesn’t apply to every area of a male!

THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU’VE EVER BEEN GIVEN? Don’t go and see Twilight at the movies.

COULD YOU BE A HERO? I’d be happy to wear the spandex and my undies on the outside, but I’m not sure if my girly physique would do much good against any bad guys.

WERE YOU FUNNY AT SCHOOL? I definitely made people laugh at school – mostly by my own stupidity! Once I wrote off my car by crashing it into a tree in my own driveway and another time I burnt the school gym floor by setting off fireworks during a Michael Jackson dance routine… both are long but true stories!

I’M A FAN OF YOUR COMEDY STYLE, IS THERE ANYONE ELSE IN YOUR FAMILY THAT’S FUNNY? Well thank you Mr Hartnell! My Dad is quite funny but in a ‘that’s so lame it’s funny’ way – pretty much where I get my comedy style from.

IF YOU HADN’T BEEN A COMEDIAN, WHAT OTHER PATH WOULD YOU HAVE TAKEN? I’ve always wanted a really cushy job like Roger Federer’s doubles partner. I’d get paid heaps, travel the world and I’d just stand there on court and every time our opponents would hit the ball to us, I’d say ‘Roger, you take this one’.

FOR YEARS YOU WORKED WITH BILL ON CAMERA, HAS GOING SOLO BEEN HARD? It was challenging as Bill and I were pretty much joined at the hip, we’d always be finishing each others… um… so, yeah. But I think it’s good to try things and test yourself.

I’VE INTERVIEWED MANY COMEDIANS AND MOST WANT TO PLAY A STRAIGHT ACTING ROLE, ARE YOU THE SAME? Nah, I can’t really do serious. I can’t really do comedy either but I definitely can’t do serious!

WHO DO YOU THINK IS THE HOTTEST FEMALE CELEBRITY RIGHT NOW? I’ve been watching a lot of kids programmes with my daughter and I must say, that I’m almost finding Dorothy the Dinosaur a bit of alright. That’s quite wrong isn’t it?

HOW DO YOU HANDLE FAME? It’s hard because I don’t like to be looked at or touched by anyone poorer than me! No seriously, I really just think of myself as an average New Zealander whose job is on TV so I’m always up for a yarn if anyone wants to come up and chat.

WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU LAUGHED OUT LOUD? I went to see The Tourist at the movies and I laughed really hard when they told me the admission price. After that I left, and from what I hear about the movie it was a great decision.

WHAT WOULD GOD SAY WHEN YOU ARRIVE AT THE PEARLY GATES? ‘Geeze, you’re a bit late, but I’m glad you showed up! Now come on in, there’s a cold beer and a Pussycat Doll with your name on it’

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HAS ANOTHER CELEBRITY EVER COME ONTO YOU? Yeah. It was Hamish McKay at TV3 Friday night work drinks, but I don’t want to talk about it.

WHAT ARE YOUR GUILTY FOOD PLEASURES? The little white plastic things that hold price tags onto clothes. I get a lot of satisfaction with chewing those… way more satisfaction than wearing the item of clothing I’ve just purchased.

DO YOU HIT THE GYM? My broom handle like frame shows people that I don’t hit the gym or go on a diet.

It’s great for shopping as I can go a large child size or possibly a small woman…

I have options.

IF YOU COULD CHANGE ONE THING ABOUT YOURSELF WHAT WOULD IT BE? Being able to answer interview questions with far more humourous answers.

WHAT DO YOU MOST DEPLORE IN YOURSELF? Not being able to understand the meaning of big words like deplore.

WHICH LIVING PERSON DO YOU MOST ADMIRE? Jeff the Asian Guy from the Wiggles. He’s the one they always have to say ‘Wake Up Jeff’ to. So essentially he’s getting paid millions for sleeping.

YOUR GREATEST REGRET? Buying the Justin Bieber album. Although to be honest it actually sounded quite cool… when you smashed it against the coffee table.

IF YOU WERE A WOMAN WHAT KIND OF WOMAN WOULD YOU HAVE BEEN? Many occasions I’ve cross-dressed for my TV shows, I know that I make a disturbingly attractive woman.

DO YOU EVER DETOX? No, but I botox. I don’t like people to know my moods, so botox adds a bit of mystery.

WHO WOULD YOU TURN GAY FOR? John Mayer. I’d be curious to know what’s so special about him as he seems to constantly punch above his weight when it comes to scoring celeb ladies.

(DAVID HARTNELL) PN PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

SIDELINE WITH GEORGE BERRY

THE GLASS IS MORE THAN HALF FULL The way the Auckland sporting teams are performing at the moment you would have to think there was something very special in the water, and something I would dearly love to have a sip of.

CRICKET The Auckland Aces have already bagged two of the 2010/2011 trophy’s and are looking in commanding form to add a third. From start to finish of the HRV cup 2020 competition the Aces dealt to all comers including last years champs the Central Stags in a rematch of the 2009 final. Having won the competition the Aces earned an invitation to the lucrative Champion’s League competition in India later this year where they will face the best provincial sides from around the world.

Secondly, the 50 over competition trophy has now taken pride of place in the Auckland cabinet after wowing the Canterbury crowd in the final. Former Black Cap Lou Vincent posted a thrilling 163 runs in his final outing in the blue strip to guide the Aces home.

Now the Aces are fighting hard to add the Plunket Shield to round out a stellar year for Auckland cricket.

BASKETBALL While the Breakers aren’t officially Auckland’s basketball team, with their home court at the North Shore Events Centre, we as Aucklanders can feel very comfortable calling them our own as they continue their winning streak and look assured of taking out at least the minor premiership in this years ANBL competition.

There have been many amazing nights watching the Breakers rack up their 18/3 record this year so far. Clawing their way back from nail biters and in the words of coach Andrej Lemains, “we just keep finding ways to win.” So if you get the chance to get along to a home game in support, make sure you do. The atmosphere is electric which I’m sure a number of sports could take a lesson from when planning an event.

RUGBY With such a massive year ahead for Rugby both here in Auckland and all over the country it’s hard not to get excited about what’s in store.

I’m pleased to reveal the Blues have answered the call to be the best Super Rugby team in the world. I know it’s early in the season, but never in my years of watching rugby have I seen an Auckland side show the composure, want, and ability to come back from 19-6 down to beat a side like the seven time champion Crusaders - like they did in the opening round of the competition. 32,500 fans crammed into Eden Park to watch some emphatic rugby which I cross my fingers is only a sign of things to come at the new home of rugby.

NETBALL With a new coach and a new approach, the Northern Mystics are finally living up to their star-studded status, by firstly thrashing the Southern Steel and then rolling over the Central Pulse in their second challenge of the season. With the upcoming world netball champs in Singapore and spots in the national side still up for grabs the Mystic’s Silver Ferns have really stood up and made their presence felt. The combination of Maria Tutaia and Catherine Latu in the shooting circle, the Auckland side looks un-stoppable.

LEAGUE Looking at the Warriors line up this year there should be no reason why they aren’t real title contenders; with the bulk of the side from 2010 still together, along with a number of considerable signings. Former Bronco Shaun Berrigan has added to the bulk of specialist utility players along with the likes of exciting outside backs Feleti Mateo and Krisnan Inu. Last year the Warriors line up featured a number of youngsters, but with another year under the belts of Russell Packer, Lewis Brown and Kevin Locke, their will be significant competition within the Warriors camp for the 13 starting positions, and those players that take the field will certainly impose their presence on the Auckland fortress.

Bring on 12 March for the Battle of Eden when the Warriors host Stephen Kearney’s Parramatta Eels in the first game of the season.

FOOTBALL Once again Waitakere United are in blistering form in the ASB Championship but as Auckland City seems to be Waitakere’s major threat this year, the final will no doubt be a sporting fixture you won’t want to miss. (GEORGE BERRY) PN

ON THE ROAD AGAIN Looking around our busy roads it’s hard to imagine kids used to ride their bikes around the hood, to and from school. And through the advent of the school walking buses, for the good or the bad, I hardly see anyone on a bike any longer, which has had me wondering for a while, are our youngsters still learning how to ride?

So I went about finding this out and much to my amazement BikeNZ has had the same concerns and is rectifying the issue.

BikeNZ wants to provide all children with this essential skill to ensure they all enjoy the fitness, freedom and fun that cycling can provide. From mid Feburary the BikeNZ Learn to Ride program is being introduced to schools in the Waikato, Bay of Plenty and Hawkes Bay. Close to 5,000 children will participate in the course in its first year, with at least 10,000 involved by 2013. The course will eventually be rolled out nationwide. Unfortunately it’s not being started in Ponsonby but I’m sure with the help of a few keen individuals it won’t be long before it is.

“Riding a bicycle is a fundamental skill that provides children with the ability to learn how to take risks and provides them with a sense of freedom and achievement.

Cycling is a great way to stay fit and healthy, and with our current childhood obesity rates, getting more kids on bikes teaches them good exercise habits for the rest of their lives,” said BikeNZ CEO Kieran Turner.

“Studies have shown that learning road rules from a young age, cycling on the roads and interacting with traffic equip people to become safer and more proficient drivers. It’s also a great way to teach everyone how to share the roads.”

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

The program, which was successfully piloted in Rotorua last year, has been under development for the last 18 months. The five week programme involves basic skills training ensuring each child has a solid grounding of skills training, and has lots of fun with games and activities. Each child will graduate the program with the fundamental skills to become our future world champions, and everyday cyclists.

The BikeNZ regional team of top New Zealand mountain biker Mark Leishman, former New Zealand representative cyclists Amy Burndred and BikeNZ Hawke’s Bay coordinator Vicki Butterworth are the first instructors for the course, who in turn will train a network of other instructors.

The program includes strong links to the local cycling club providing cycling pathways for the children and a greater involvement for the cycling community.

“This pathway is essential to ensure children that learn to ride have further opportunities to stay involved in cycling,” said Turner. (GEORGE BERRY) PN

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SIDELINE WITH GEORGE BERRY FOOTBALL NZ LOOKS TO SCORE BIG TIME It’s obvious that 2010 was a fantastic year for New Zealand football and with the Rugby World cup coming later this year football will struggle to maintain its increase in popularity.

Football NZ has been working to ensure they retain this increased level of interest by developing a great initiative. This winter, Football NZ is running a pilot programme of the ground-breaking National Player Development Framework in up to 100 football clubs throughout the country.

Launching with the Junior Framework for children aged four to twelve the clubs will implement a new standardised small-sided games model and adopt the player and coaching philosophies that inform the internationally-benchmarked ‘Whole of Football’ plan. Feedback from pilot clubs will be used to fine tune the national roll-out of junior programmes to New Zealand’s 500 football clubs in 2012, and subsequent launches of youth and senior frameworks in 2014 and 2016 after respective pilots in 2013 and 2015.

It is the first time football in New Zealand has had a player development framework that provides pathways for all players regardless of age, ability or motivation with the aim of retaining participants for longer and producing more world class players.

Federations are working with clubs in their own region to identify those best-placed to implement the new programmes in 2011.

Assisting the pilot clubs with training and support, is an enlarged and newly-aligned workforce of 40 football development staff who will be spread throughout the federations assigned to individual clubs.

“Clubs will receive new levels of support from federations and New Zealand Football to help drive the game forward at the grass roots level.”

In addition to the junior pilot, Football Development Officers will be delivering services available to all clubs including an augmented coach development programme, fun football centres (for four to eight year olds) and school holiday programmes (for seven to 11 year olds).

The National Player Development Framework and the Whole of Football Plan overview are available from www.nzfootball.co.nz. I’ve been told that a number of clubs around Auckland are in line for the developments so when choosing a club for the next Shane Smeltz or Ryan Nelsen get in contact with your local club and ask some questions. (GEORGE BERRY) PN

photography:Football NZ

New Zealand Football’s Director of Football Development John Herdman says, “The pilot clubs will be the first step in raising standards throughout New Zealand; the first step in providing a consistent, evidence based approach to football built on the world’s best practice. We understand best-practice and that these things have had a significant impact on football around the world. We’ve aimed to present a flexible programme for football clubs in New Zealand but we have to understand how the

delivery works within the club environment and look for opportunities to improve before the national roll-out.”

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FASHION + STYLE

JULIE ROULSTON MEET MILLY BOUTIQUE’S AMELIA PAIN MILLY BOUTIQUE AT THE WESTERN PARK END OF Ponsonby Road only opened in December 2010, but we are already hearing local fashionistas singing its praises! Ponsonby News chatted to lovely Amelia Pain, Sydney import herself and owner.

PN: What made you decide to open a boutique?

AMELIA: I chose to have my own fashion business because I love fashion, have studied it at the Fashion Business Institute in Sydney and have worked in the industry for 10 years as a model. I have also worked for high end women’s stores like Zimmerman. I know what looks good, and I knew I could create a store that is a women’s fashion paradise!

PN: What is your connection to Ponsonby?

AMELIA: My partner’s family has lived in this area for more than four generations.

I love Ponsonby - it’s really like the Paddington/Bondi of Auckland. Milly Boutique looks out over gorgeous Western Park. I chose to open my store in Ponsonby because it screamed ‘potential’!

PN: What makes Milly Boutique different from other fashion stores?

AMELIA: I am a Sydney girl so I would say a definite Sydney feel shines through the store and the clothing. I am all about the ‘perfect dress,’ and colour to lift your mood and your wardrobe. I created a boutique style but minus the price (a dress is between $100 and $200). We only stock a few pieces in each style and once it’s gone it’s gone.

But that’s also the wonderful thing - not everyone will be wearing your dress.

PN: What’s hot right now?

AMELIA: Maxi dresses. Very trans-seasonal, perfect for now and women of all ages can wear them.

PN: What are you most excited about, that will be coming into the store soon?

AMELIA: Autumn/winter dresses of course, plus winter coats, blazers, and fun and daring cocktail dresses. The amount of colour and fun fearlessness in my clothes is something different. It’s about enjoying being feminine, women being women, living life and having fun. Many of our customers say they have fallen in love with the store - they love the clothes, the prices and the whole image, and that makes me smile. PN

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FASHION + STYLE

SHEER BEAUTY: NAVEYA & SLOANE From three dots to playing the proportion of black diamonds, Grey Lynn resident Rachel Sloane has come a long way.

AFTER FINISHING A DEGREE IN FASHION DESIGN AT AUCKLAND’S AUT SHE fell straight into a job at clothing label Huffer, ascending to the role of womenswear designer in an incredibly short period of time. It wasn’t long before her work was on the catwalk at New Zealand Fashion Week, and a while later the still-young designer felt like she was ready for a change.

Her inspiration for the debut collection came from everywhere, an eclectic combination of emotions, tulip vines, passion, parachutes, effortless beauty, stained glass windows, comfort, energy and romance. And accompanying every piece of Naveya & Sloane jewellery is a beautiful crystal glass box that will immediately be afforded pride of place on your dressing table and stay there for many years to come.

After leaving Huffer and spending some time creating one-off pieces in the wardrobe department of Shortland Street, Rachel began to think about doing something “on my own, but I knew that I didn’t want to do a clothing label as that area is just so oversaturated in New Zealand. Both a friend of mine and a family member were working with jewellery at the time, and I started talking to them about the possibility of designing it myself.” It wasn’t long before the ball started rolling from there.

“I really love beautiful, classic jewellery as opposed to anything too edgy,” says the designer, “and I wanted to create pieces for women like me. I love the fact that so many of the pieces have hidden elements, something special for only the wearer to see.”

Rachel researched what was available and looked closely at what she herself loved wearing, and decided early on that fine jewellery was where her passion lies, as opposed to some of the cheaper fashion jewellery that fills the cabinets of many boutiques around the country. By 2010 her stunning debut collection under the name Naveya & Sloane had landed in stores, heralding an exciting new arrival for fans of beautifully crafted jewellery everywhere.

Rachel has poured her heart and soul into her first collection, creating a luxury range of eclectic, vintage inspired must-haves. In the collection you’ll find beautiful rings with hidden details, pendants, bracelets and earrings in sterling silver and nine-carat gold; each complemented by handpicked diamonds and precious gemstones. Inspired by historical and romantic concepts, every piece is an heirloom in the making, as well as incredibly easy to wear every day.

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She cites my own Miss Me ring as a perfect example of the Naveya & Sloane attention to the smallest detail – “from above it looks like a plain gold band, but if you look closely at it from the side you can see the rows of black diamonds. This makes it classic and easy to wear, but still with real character and uniqueness to it. We’re not really into flashing big rocks.”

Her absolute favourite piece in the collection is the Stained Glass ring set with black diamonds, which are amongst her most loved stones. She loves the vintage chic of a beautifully cut sapphire, as well as tourmalines, which she hopes to be working with very soon in a collection due to drop later this year.

Lastly, when I ask her who the “Naveya” part of Naveya & Sloane is she explains that she is a “fictitious character and my muse. The imagery on our website has been created around Naveya’s world, and she can be in all of us.” (HELENE RAVLICH) PN www.naveyasloane.com

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

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ANGELA LASSIG: LETTERS FROM MAUDIE The monthly jottings of a free-spirited Ponsonby dressmaker of the 1920s, as imagined by Angela Lassig.

VERMONT STREET, PONSONBY March 1921

Dearest Letty THIS LETTER IS BEING WRITTEN UNDER DURESS as I have two very sore elbows and a number of broken nails.

In exchange for this latest offering, I expect your deepest gratitude and a parcel of your best fudge!

I received my injuries in the most undignified manner, but believe me, they were worth it! After queuing at the main doors of Smith & Caughey a full half hour before they opened for the February sale – and after being very nearly crushed by the surging wave of the over-excited mob behind me – I was propelled forward when the doors finally opened.

Knowing exactly what I wanted, I made haste to the haberdashery department closely followed by about fifty others. Deciding first to gather as many dress trims as I could manage, I had almost filled my basket with the most exquisite imported passementerie when I was deliberately tripped by a rival shopper who then helped herself to my scattered treasures. After sustaining the first elbow injuries and at least two broken nails, I managed to recapture most of my prey and dashed to the fabric section. Tackling the mob at the fabric counter required further desperate measures and before too long I was at the front of the counter ordering the cutting of my fabric.

You know Letty, I thought and thought for an age about whether to send that anonymous card to Tom... I told you about it in my last letter to you. After the third cup of tea and I don’t know how many biscuits, I decided against it. And then you’ll never guess what happened!

It was last Saturday and we’d met at the top of Franklin Road for our usual walk down to the park at Pt Erin. After an awkward silence he asked me what I meant by sending him a card and not signing it! It can only have been that silly Olive girl don’t you think?

I of course protested and cleverly turned the cards back on him, accusing him of flirting with all and sundry behind my back. That and some tears – very theatrically squeezed out on cue – earned me a chocolate ice and a cuddle as we sat watching the boats on the harbour.

Yesterday I attended a farewell party for Sybil and Josephine Maxwell who are shortly to leave Auckland for a tour of the homeland. Did I tell you that they are travelling completely unchaperoned! They even intend to buy a car and tour the continent by themselves!

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Most think it quite shocking yet were very polite to the girls throughout the whole afternoon. They can’t afford socially to drop the Maxwells as they are extremely well connected. I find the whole situation delicious to watch!

As the Maxwells know something about fashion, I wore a costume of my own design. Sybil, who is the more stylish of the two sisters (and much prettier), thought me quite one of the best dressed at the soiree, and especially admired my emerald green silk embroidered oriental coat. She declared it to be as handsome as any Parisian ensemble that Smith & Caughey might carry and wants one for herself. I think peacock blue would suit her colouring and to make it different from mine I intend to seek out two large gold metal tassels to hang from points of the collar. When she comes to be measured I shall show her my portfolio of sketches in the hope that she might request another costume or two.

My cousin Jean - you know, the plain one – was somehow invited to the gathering BUT managed to actually make an effort this time. Usually I avoid her if I can help it, however I found myself having to say something as she had positioned herself next to the neenish tarts – and you do know how I love a good tart.

As irritating as it was to do, I did compliment Jean on her choice of quite a lovely shade of kingfisher blue satin that she’d had embroidered with black curling ostrich feathers. (Mind you the embroidery was not up to my standard.) It’s quite a surprise what a simple dress in a lovely colour can do for a sallow complexion.

Now if it could only work wonders on her personality!

In spite of all her faults, Jean is one for the gossip and, believing my conversation to arise from genuine familial feeling, she let fly with some marvellous titbits! But those will have to wait until my next letter.

Before I go, have I mentioned to you that I read in one of the evening papers that London girls are having snakes tattooed onto their shoulders. Can you imagine that! In California they’re all for natural tattooing which I’m going to try out this afternoon unless the weather turns nasty. What you do is cut your picture out of sticking plaster – I’ve made a tattoo of Tiger – and then pop it on your skin and sit out in the sun for a couple of hours. I thought I might pop it onto my ankle. Then, if I don’t like it, I can cover it up easily with my stockings. It can be our ‘little secret’.

Don’t forget my fudge!

With all my love,

Maudie xoxo PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January) LETTY IS SECOND COUSIN TO MAUDIE

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FASHION + STYLE CELINE RITA AND PONSONBY AT NEW ZEALAND FASHION FESTIVAL 21-27 MARCH WILL SEE THE INAUGURAL FULL WEEK of the New Zealand Fashion Festival hit Shed 6 in Wellesley Street. St Mary’s College old girl and former Ponsonby resident Celine Chapman will take her place on the runway alongside more established Ponsonby labels Adrian Hailwood, Andrea Moore, Cybele, Helen Cherry, Juliette Hogan, Ruby, Storm, Taylor Boutique, TK Store, Vanilla Ink, Workshop, Yvonne Bennetti and Zambesi.

Celine, 23, studied at AUT after leaving St Mary’s, and launched her Celine Rita label in 2008. Last year she competed in Price Waterhouse Cooper’s New Generation competition at New Zealand Fashion Week and a month ago was announced the winner - amidst competition that industry experts agree was of a particularly high calibre.

A surprise element of Celine’s prize package was a place at the New Zealand Fashion Festival. Celine will feature in the Thursday night show presented by Cleo magazine, alongside Adrian Hailwood, Michelle Yvette, Claire Barker and Kimberley’s. She’ll be showing her new season Winter 2011 collection ‘Dance to your own tune’ and garments will be available to purchase the very next day. Celine retails from her own store in St Benedict’s Street, as well as online at www.celinerita.com.

New Zealand Fashion Festival will give the public the opportunity to attend shows of the same calibre as New Zealand Fashion Week. In addition to four evening fashion collections shows, the week will see a Business Breakfast at Clooney and a M.A.C. Cosmetics Beauty seminar, with the Designer Garage Sale taking place on the weekend.

The Festival’s Supercity programme will see retailers from all across central Auckland participate in the Festival via free events and special offers. Naturally Ponsonby is coming to the very fashionable party, with events like the launch of Ruby’s ‘Ruby Noir’ collection the morning after its Monday night runway debut, a Bendon lingerie show and a fashion communications design exhibition at Sale St, styling workshops at Mod’s hair, and generous gifts with purchase at Zambesi. (JULIE ROULSTON) PN www.nzfashionfestival.com

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ZLATO - FINE ARTISANSHIP THAT CAPTURES BEAUTY AND GLAMOUR “A thing of beauty is a joy forever,’’ said the legendary English poet John Keats. Nearly 200 years ago he was referring to nature but today he could well have said that about jewellery from Zlato.

Indeed, fine jewellery has that remarkable power to preserve special moments like nothing else. It is the essence of Zlato Jewellers to capture beauty, glamour and joy in a work of art. Located in the heart of Parnell, it is the perfect place to turn to when celebrating life’s many milestones, big or small.

Zlato breathes fine artisanship back into the world of jewellery design and offers an exceptional range of silver, platinum and palladium pieces. At Zlato we stand by our customer service, we help you discover what works for you, your style, and your life. With our onsite resident jeweller available for consultations we can custom design jewellery, remake, remodel, and repair existing pieces.

With a practical approach to design and a friendly can do attitude and an open door policy Zlato is not too special for anybody or any job.

Complementing Zlato’s stunning handcrafted range are exceptional jewellery collections by Karen Walker, Najo, Pandora, and Kerry Thompson. Plus, you’ll find fashionable sunglasses from Oroton and Karen Walker, and a wide range of watches - from Armani, DKNY, Fossil, Guess, Ice Watch, Maurice Lacroix, Michael Kors, Collection, Skagen, and Skagen Black Label. PN ZLATO, 125 Parnell Road, T: 09 307 0339 www.zlato.co.nz

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

FASHION + STYLE MILLER ET BERTAUX: OM AVAILABLE AT WORLDBEAUTY WORLD is pleased to present the beautiful new fragrance OM, available from all WORLDbeauty stores.

OM is the latest offering from Miller et Bertaux, a visiona design house in Paris whose work includes visionary uniq clothing line, art, accessories and their iconic a unique range of fragrances. ge its name from the Sanskrit mantra recited in OM gets Buddh meditation. It is a gorgeous Oriental fragrance Buddhist n with notes of resin of myrrh, clove leaf, patchouli, pepper peppercorns, allspice, sacred woods smoke, incense and blac black vanilla. s The unique packaging and stunning fragrance speaks of a noble and poetic impression for both him and her. PN Mill ett Bertaux B t ( d parfum) $239.00 Miller OM (eau de Available at WORLDbeauty, 175 Ponsonby Road T: 09 360 4544 www.worldbrand.co.nz

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FASHION + STYLE DANNY IGLESIAS JOINS D&M Ponsonby’s vibrant and successful d&m Hair Design has welcomed another award-winning superstylist to their acclaimed team: Danny Iglesias.

The former New Zealand Hairdresser of the Year finalist, based in Melbourne for the past four years, has decided to come home to join New Zealand’s top salon team (as awarded at last year’s New Zealand hairdressing awards). “d&m Hair Design has been at the top of its game since it opened,” said Iglesias to Ponsonby News. “At the last New Zealand Hairdressing Awards, they cleaned up with five trophies, including (the aforementioned) Salon Team of the Year and Hairdresser of the Year. It’s really important for me that I’m part of a salon that strives to challenge itself, and d&m was an obvious choice.”

Iglesias has spent the last few years working with Australian Hairdresser of the Year winner, Caterina DiBiase. “It was challenging but very rewarding,” he divulged. “We worked very long hours to an extremely high standard. I’m looking forward to applying everything I’ve learned in Melbourne at d&m.”

The outgoing Aucklander, who has Age Quod Agis tattooed on his chest (“do well at what you do, always strive to achieve more”), has produced work for various international glossy magazines and is hoping to push the creative boundaries in session styling in New Zealand. He is currently inspired by sculpture and prints, and is looking forward to making his mark on Ponsonby. PN Appointments with Danny Iglesias can be made by calling T: 09 376 3666 or emailing info@dandm.co.nz.

JANE DANIELS - WINTER COLLECTION 2011 My fascination with exotic lands, history, architecture, decorative arts and colour have recently led me on a visit to Iran: ancient Persia: a visual feast of tiles, domes and minarets. The richness of the vegetable dyes used in antique Persian rugs- russets through Shiraz, deep Persian blue, tapenade and stone have been brought into the collection along with highlight colours of calvados (deep chartreuse), pomegranate and the brilliant lemon yellow as used in the Safavid tiling in Esfahan.

My palette of colours has been dyed to my specification and made into beautiful modern wools in Italy and is augmented by unusual abstract and graphic prints on wools, silks and knits from Europe. Persian scroll and arabesque designs have been transformed into appliqués on velvet and onto braids for obi belts.

The silhouettes for winter are primarily narrow at the base with short skirts or stretch pants and layering as fluidity on top. Tunics, dresses and cardigans have details that are wrapped, saronged or origami-folded. The looser fluid trouser creeps in with the origami-leg pant and there is a longer asymmetrical skirt. Coats are casual and relaxed in wools and soft cashmere 50’s themes are strong- sleeves are often dolman or kimono construction. Padded neckbands, black and white tweed and large unusual buttons. Coco Chanel inspires sartorial influences.

Newer than putting everything back to black, which of course you can still do, are fresh colour combinations of dark French navy, ash and shiraz or calvados with shiraz and Persian blue; ice blue with tapenade, or amethyst with pomegranate. Gunsmoke is a flattering blue based grey that goes with everything. The whole collection has a feeling of relaxed and casual luxury, much of it designed with travel in mind. (JANE DANIELS) JANE DANIELS, 2 Birdwood Crescent T: 09 358 5756 www.janedaniels.co.nz PN

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SOCIAL MEDIA THERE’S NO DENYING IT’S A REVOLUTION

our customers every month. To us it’s important to be part of the community and keep our clients and contacts up to date with the latest digital marketing thinking.

WITH 1.76 MILLION FACEBOOK USERS AND 322,000 TWITTER FOLLOWERS IN New Zealand,* social media has clearly changed the way we communicate. Is social media (SM) a dalliance for those suffering from chronic short attention span, or a powerful business tool? Ponsonby News spoke with four high profile SM people on how the newfangledness is affecting Ponsonby people.

PN: What would you recommend to individuals and businesses who are wanting to get involved in Social Media? What would you warn them against?

CATE: Keep an eye on platforms such as TradeMe noticeboards to get a picture of what’s being said about your brand. Things like Google Alerts can help with this - and better still, they are free!

CATE OWEN: Cate is Social Media advisor for MediaWorks. She has more than a decade’s experience in the online social environment and a degree in media studies and computer science.

TOMMY: The best way to understand the space is to actually watch and then participate on a personal level first. Understand how SM works as part of your overall communications plan.

TOMMY BATES: Tommy is a New Media Strategist who worked for Air New Zealand until last year, and has recently been working on the global SM strategy for Tourism New Zealand.

SUZANNE: It’s just another part of the marketing mix...marketers must go where the eyeballs are. But: don’t start if you don’t have the time to continue.

SUZANNE KENDRICK: Suzanne considers herself an internet original - her IT sales and marketing career developed in parallel with the growth of the internet. As www.theconnector.co.nz Suzanne consults on using technology for marketing.

DUNCAN SHAND: Duncan is a founder, Digital Strategist and Commercial Director at Young & Shand, a strategic digital marketing agency. He has lived in the Ponsonby community for over 20 years.

PN: How would you say the Social Media revolution has hit Greater Ponsonby?

CATE: Social media users aren’t just teenagers. They’re well educated, high-earning thought leaders - your average Ponsonbian, really!

TOMMY: It’s here to stay, as people look to SM not to replace human interactions but to both share and find information that is more relevant to them, at a greater speed.

SUZANNE: The Grey Lynn tribe loves the new, and SM has many local enthusiasts.

DUNCAN: It’s definitely underway... it’s like the early days of the internet. If you look around Ponsonby you’ll see businesses with Facebook or twitter accounts with varying degrees of sophistication.

PN: Who do you know in Greater Ponsonby who is using Social Media, and how?

TOMMY: Businesses - and that includes local businesses like George FM and Stolen Girlfriends Club - are trying to connect with their audiences in a much more open way than ever before. By offering value via information (tips on what’s new, sales and general social commentary), businesses can deepen once transactional relationships and turn them into something more meaningful, which in turn provides loyalty and advocates for a business.

SUZANNE: www.greylynn2030.co.nz, the local environmental community group I am involved with, was able to rapidly grow thanks to social media. SM is great for voluntary groups as the tools are easy to use and free. The cost though is time. If you have people who provide content and can regularly update your SM channels you will find it very effective. For busy working Mums, Facebook is a great for keeping up with what your friends and kids are up to.

DUNCAN: It’s really important to find interesting things to say that are entertaining or useful to your customers, or why would they follow you? Try to make it about problems your business solves, not the specific products themselves - if you’re a cafe talk about food and give recipes rather than telling me your specials. It’s important to think about what Social Media is right for your business. For example, for B2C (consumer focused) businesses Facebook will be important, whereas for B2B (Business focused) LinkedIn is where you should be looking.

Look to leverage your content across Facebook, your blog, website and newsletters - remember different people consume media different ways. Give them options to choose how to interact with you.

PN: Where is SM going to go next?

CATE: Greater integration into everyday life. As smart phones increase, and data gets faster and cheaper, we’ll see a repeat of global trends as users interact online more.

TOMMY: The convergence of Mobile and SM is the space that really excites me.

Mobile is the most personal device out there and the penetration of web-capable phones and the gradual decrease in data costs will lead to the rise of Location Based Services (LBS) becoming integrated into all Social Media.

SUZANNE: The real problem is information overload. Attention is the new currency. It will get harder and harder to get people’s attentions.

DUNCAN: We think the three areas that are going to have the most attention this year are mobile web, online video and an improved focus and sophistication with SM, integrating this into the rest of your marketing activities.

* As reported by Social Media NZ, February 2011 Ponsonby News wants to know what YOU think of Social Media.

Please complete our quick survey at www.surveymonkey.com/s/PBNXZFT. We’ll publish the results in the April issue and keep you updated on our Facebook page www.facebook.com/PonsonbyNews and our twitter www.twitter.com/Ponsonby_News. (JULIE ROULSTON)

DUNCAN: There are a number, a few examples are Radio Ponsonby, Mods Hair, Sierra Coffee, and Sale St. Most of them are using Facebook to keep people up to date with what is happening in their business - for some businesses this is more interesting than others.

PN: How do you use SM in your own life? What’s your best SM experience?

CATE: Personally, twitter in particular has been an amazing tool for meeting likeminded people. It’s fast, simple and once you get going, there’s no stopping!

TOMMY: My SM highlights would have to include seeing ideas take off online...some of the safety videos we did at Air New Zealand. Being the architect of New Zealand’s first Foursquare campaign (and meeting Foursquare in New York). Concepting the Rhythm and Vines Protege idea off a shoestring budget, which had great impact for the brand.

SUZANNE: I enjoy the number of new contacts I have made from being online.

The great thing about the web is that it enables a meeting of ideas and values.

I also like getting to know people better than I ever would from many years of being acquaintances. You get to see what people are thinking about and what interests them.

DUNCAN: In our business...we have a blog where we share our latest thinking, we tweet to share articles and immediate thoughts (or ask questions), we’re on LinkedIn where we link to our business network and profile our business. We also send a newsletter to

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TOMMY BATES: “Local businesses are connecting with their audiences in a much more open way” PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

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FASHION + STYLE

JULIE ROULSTON

kep’s Vitello boot (Nero) $295 MARVEL www.marvelmenswear.co.nz

Alexander McQueen PUMA, Suede Scarred Street Lo trainer (Licorice) $269 WORKSHOP www.workshop.co.nz

Onitsuka Tiger, Mexico 66 Tex trainer (Saxe/Dark Navy) $215 TEXAS RADIO www.texasradio.co.nz

Brando Italy, Jose Crosta Lace Boot (Stone) $375 FIFTH AVENUE www.fifthave.co.nz

See by Chloe High Heel Ankle boot with gold (Black) $598 WORKSHOP www.workshop.co.nz

Penelope Chilvers, Cowhide/shearling Impossible boot (Black Fur) $961 ($864 Tax Free) MEI MEI www.meimei.co.nz

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PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

FASHION : SHOES Nude, Love Bird Classic Wedge Bootie (Putty Lizard) $270 TEXAS

RADIO www.texasradio.co.nz

BEST FOOT FORWARD A true fashion lover will often make shoes his or her first purchase of a new season. Ponsonby News had a positively sensuous time making our picks from Ponsonby’s really standout shoe stockists. to shoot for this March issue. Suede, bows, zips, front platforms, animal/fur, laceups, Ugg derivatives and moulded wedges - they’re all here, and now. (JULIE ROULSTON) STYLING: Ton Van Der Veer; PHOTOGRAPHY: Danilo Santana David, Fisher Santanta

Chloe Patent 999 flat (black) $1,075 ($967 Tax Free) MEI MEI www.meimei.co.nz The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

LD Tuttle The Start boot (black) $1,050 ZAMBESI www.zambesi.co.nz DEADLINE – 20TH OF THE MONTH March 2011 PONSONBY NEWS+

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FASHION : SHOES

Vanishing Elephant Valier boot (chocolate brown leather) $489 BLACK BOX www.blackboxboutique.co.nz

Working Style Suede Desert Boot (navy) $549 WORKING STYLE www.workingstyle.co.nz

Minnie Cooper ‘Connie’ brogue (Cha-coal) $399 MINNIE

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COOPER www.minniecooper.co.nz

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

Chloe Sevigny for Opening Ceremony Mary Sue mule (tan) $549 BLACK BOX www.blackboxboutique.co.nz

Basilia Solid Heel boot (brown) $POA STILETTO www.stiletto.co.nz

Vic Matie Domed Boot (Thunder) $697 TAYLOR BOUTIQUE www.taylorboutique.co.nz

WORLD Tassle shoes (black) $150 WORLD www.worldbrand.co.nz

DON’T MISS OUR NEXT PONSONBY NEWS+ DEADLINE… PUBLISHED: Friday, 1 April | COPY DEADLINE: Sunday, 20 March (PLEASE BE ON TIME, AS ANY COPY RECEIVED AFTER DEADLINE WILL INCUR A 20% PENALTY)

SPECIAL FEATURES: PLANNING WEDDINGS: we ask the experts for their advice.

FASHION: we take a look at the locals’ autumn/winter collections.

REAL ESTATE: what is the market doing right now? We ask the local agents.

FOR ALL ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES CONTACT: Jo Barrett on T: 361 3356 M: 021 324 510 E: joannebarrett@xtra.co.nz W: www.ponsonbynews.co.nz

ADVERTISERS: GUARANTEED OR REQUESTED POSITIONS IN PONSONBY NEWS CARRY A 20% OF RATE CARD PREMIUM

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2 1. The Borne Family emailed us to say, “We took our Ponsonby News magazine to Mexico in January, and had this photo taken in front of the Pyramid of the Sun at Teotihuacan, just north of MEXICO CITY. Our family (DOUG, HELEN, LIAM and GABRIELLE BORNE) are long time residents of Westmere.

2-3. Ponsonby resident MICHELLE BUCHANAN, our favourite numerologist made us sick with envy with her shots. “I’ve literally just returned from a cruise through the CARIBBEAN and remembered to take my Ponsonby News. Everyone here now knows all about the Ponsonby News… one American couple even had friends who live in Ponsonby and had me take ‘their’ photo with PN so they could send it to their friends.

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PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

SUNSET IN TUSCANY

by Kate Gohar, Director, World Journeys

What a way to spend a birthday; Tuscany in late summer, sitting under a loggia shaded by a heavily-scented climbing rose, condensation dripping in enticing dewdrops from the chilled glass of wine at my fingertips, and an immaculate vineyard stretching away to a weathered stone farmhouse in the distance.

Although I have just come from Positano on the extraordinarily beautiful Amalfi Coast, and my current relaxed state of mind permits me to fantasise about owning a little piece of this paradise for myself, unfortunately any further similarities to ‘Under the Tuscan Sun’ fade as quickly as the setting sun.

It is easy to see how people are seduced by this part of Italy; I am but a short trot to Florence, one of my favourite cities of all time, with its elegant squares, narrow, winding streets, Renaissance palaces, breath-taking art and stunning architecture. Some of the most famous names in history were either born or chose to live here: Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Botticelli, Franco Zeffirelli and Galileo Galilei.

Even if you are like me and prefer your museums outside, I am sure you will not be able to resist a visit to the Accademia Gallery to see Michelangelo’s David and Brunelleschi’s magnificent duomo but there is art enough in Florence to make even the nerdiest heart beat a little faster.

If you are going to attempt the Uffizi with all those glorious Botticellis, I recommend hiring a guide – their knowledge alone is worth every single Euro but it also gives you a chance to avoid the seemingly endless queues.

The lazy River Arno saunters past the Ponte Vecchio, one of the most iconic images of Florence. There has been a river crossing in varying forms here since Roman times; with a row of shops springing up in the 13th century. In 1593 Ferdinand I decided the smell of the original butchers and fishmongers was too unpleasant (can you imagine?) so decreed only goldsmiths and jewellers could offer their wares on the bridge, an outrageously expensive practice that more-or-less remains to this day.

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Take some time to explore the spectacular Boboli Gardens behind the Pitti Palace where the wide gravel avenues, lavish attention to detail in every grotto, fountain and garden temple quickly became a template for all European Royal Gardens, including those in the Palace of Versailles.

Once you have had your fill of the art and architecture, you should also take time to enjoy some of the less erudite pleasures of the city; think fabulous leather jackets, handbags and shoes, glamorous Carabineri with long hair and knee high boots and mountains of glossy gelati… arguably the best in Italy. Everyone you speak to has their favourite shop - and flavour!

Florence and the Amalfi Coast are included in our escorted Grand Mediterranean tour departing on the 7 September 2011. You absolutely should discover your own favourite gelato, and dream a little as the sun sets. PN WORLD JOURNEYS, T: 09 360 7311 www.worldjourneys.co.nz

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4-5. Local writer and editor CLAIRE MCCALL emailed us, “this is OWEN SCOTT and I on a beautiful beach in Port Vila, VANUATU. It was cyclone season but we struck it lucky - with seven days of blue skies and big steaks. As the locals would say, ‘Tank you tumas!’ Great to see Ponsonby News is going from strength to strength.”

6. PETER MEADOWCROFT sent us this shot taken in CALIFORNIA and said, “AMIE and LUKE of Herne Bay sharing the latest Ponsonby News with a mate of a Venice Beach life guard.”

7-8. Ponsonby residents’ KATIE and NEIL SALTER had a very cold start to the year!

“Find attached photos of my husband and I in Helsinki, FINLAND in January - it was so cold the entire harbour was frozen.

My husband is sitting on a bike that had been parked on the side of the road and then we are in front of the impressive Helsinki Cathedral which is used as a backdrop for many ‘Russian’ scenes in movies. Keep up with your great publication and best wishes for 2011.

PONSONBY NEWS READERS ARE EVERYWHERE 54 PONSONBY NEWS+ March 2011

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

TRAVEL BREAKS: THE NEW THERAPY!  CRUISING CROATIA – STUNNING BEACHES AND SPARKLING BLUE WATER Never will you see so many shades of blue than in the Adriatic.

Add to that small villages of white washed houses and terracotta roofs, olive groves and vineyards on rocky landscapes, hundreds of idyllic islands, and ancient walled cities, and you have the reason why Croatia is such a sought after travel destination.

One of our favourite ways of experiencing Croatia is aboard a traditional sailing ship, pulling into villages for dinner in a local taverna, swimming in crystal clear waters off the boat, and exploring a different island each day. The crew takes care of everything!

Dubrovnik is a wonderful starting point. Impressive stone plazas, tiny cobbled streets and outdoor cafés make it a great place to explore on foot – with great views from atop the old city walls.

The island of Korcula is another favourite. The birthplace of Marco Polo, the old walled town also has a strong arts and culture heritage. Beyond the town are extensive and dense pine forests and secluded bays, best explored by boat.

The island of Hvar offers ancient towns such as Stari Grad, dating back to 384BC. The scenery is great, with vast fields of lavender, centuries old olive groves and vineyards.

The city of Split also offers fascinating history, being built on top of the Emperor Diocletian’s palace.

History, traditions, stunning beaches and sparkling blue waters are what Croatia is all about. For advice on travel to Croatia, come and see the team at House of Travel Ponsonby. PN HOUSE OF TRAVEL, 346 Ponsonby Road T: 09 360 5760 E: ponsonby@hot.co.nz

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

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“When

the moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie... That’s amore.

When the world seems to shine like you’ve had too much wine... That’s amore.”

56 PONSONBY NEWS+ March 2011

Illustration: ANNA CREIGHTON

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

VIVA ITALIA Few other countries have had a more profound effect on us than Italy. From cars, food, fashion, furniture, wine and general style. Here are our A – Z of 50 Italian influences around the greater Ponsonby area. Ok, we broke the rules a little by the odd outside-Ponsonby entry. Purists: forgive us and enjoy all that is Italian around us in the greater Ponsonby area – or just a few miles away.

ACCIDENTO: Industry leaders in all aspects of panelbeating and carpainting.

Their specialty is accident damage repairs, with skilled technicians versed in all aspects of vehicle rejuvenation from light scratches and bumper scrapes to full repairs. 18 Pollen Street T: 09 376 6449 www.accidento.co.nz

photography: martin leach

ADORNO: (to adorn) At Adorno you will find a wide variety of beautifully made classic imported labels such as stylish Lorena Antoniazzi knitwear. They stock clothing and accessories, and a small selection of handbags and shoes.

282 Ponsonby Road T: 09 378 4333.

ALESSIO: Enjoy a taste of genuine Italian food located in The Ponsonby Foodcourt. Owned and run by chef Alessio Vicini and his partner Elisa, they bring the flavours of Milan to this Ponsonby eatery. They offer pizza, pasta, sweet and savoury crepes and of course the popular Saltimbocca. Finish your meal with good Italian coffee with delicious Italian tortes, baked on site by Alessio.

106 Ponsonby Road T: 09 361 6398

REBECCA JONES: a big fan of Italian food and fine wine

0 FINTANTO CHE POSSO MANGIARE – AS LONG AS I CAN EAT ITALIAN IS THE MOST SEDUCTIVELY BEAUTIFUL LANGUAGE IN THE WORLD. Until 1861, Italy was a peninsula of warring city-states dominated by local princes, European powers and the church. Italians spoke and wrote local dialects from the regions they lived in, but they couldn’t understand each other. In the sixteenth century, some intellectuals got together and picked what they considered to be the most beautiful of all the dialects, the language of Florence as written by the fourteenth century Florentine poet Dante Alighieri.

Food and wine is similarly regional, but is influenced by what can be produced from the land and climate. Generally, the north is wealthier and has more pasture therefore, more cattle and grain, whereas the south is poorer, mountainous, sunny and dry, so olives, goats, sheep and tomatoes influence their cooking.

The dishes produced in each region are very provincial and rarely cross over into other areas. Tuscany is known for its soup, beans, olive oil and beef. Liguria uses many herbs like marjoram and pesto. Fruit and vegetables grow around Emilia-Romagna and the air is perfect for drying prosciutto from pigs fed on the whey left over from making Parmigiana Reggiano. The Piedmontese use egg yolk in their pasta. In the South the pasta is hard like orecchiete and they use strong sauces and Pecorino cheese made from ewes milk. In Milan, rice is used to make risotto. In Veneto it’s polenta, both sweet and savoury. And in Sicily cous cous is used because of the Greek, Spanish and Arab influence. There are some things all the regions have in common though. Italian cooking is fresh, simple, seasonal and enjoyed everyday in the company of others.

Italian wine like Italian food has a very distinct, satisfying character with a flavour you can only get from Italian wine. The main producing areas are Tuscany and Piedmont – Chianti, Barberesco, Dolcetto, Barolo, Pinot Grigio and Soave are the most well known to us, but it is only since the 1970’s that quality has had more influence on style giving us the wines we know today. Until then, grapes were heavily fertilised; wine was made in bulk and often made in unhygienic conditions without much attention to quality or style. Thankfully, some smart wine growers realised wine drinkers want delicious, robust, beautiful wines and now Italy produces some of the best wines in the world.

The Italian influence is evident in our everyday lives; we eat pasta and pizza, grow basil and tomatoes, drink Chianti and Pinot Gris, wear Armani, Gucci and Prada, drive Alfa and Fiat and use Alessi and Smeg. There is beauty and simplicity in everything Italian, maybe those sixteenth century intellectuals knew a thing or two.

(REBECCA JONES) PN The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

ALLPRESS COFFEE: Set within a fabulous custom designed interior, this retail coffee store is committed to delivering the best tasting coffee. Selling coffee, and educating people about coffee taste and flavours, Allpress Coffee Ponsonby is a great place to purchase freshly roasted beans, and receive friendly and knowledgeable service. One of the best coffee businesses in the hood.

266 Ponsonby Road T: 09 376 4726 www.allpressespresso.com ALLPRESS ESPRESSO: Visit the Allpress website for in-depth information about their services, products, tasting notes, ordering online and much more.

Love Allpress espresso and own an iPhone? then take the hit and miss out of finding great tasting coffee with the best little coffee locator around and it’s free for download! Corner Adelaide and Drake Streets T: 09 307 5555 www.allpressespresso.com ANDIAMO: Located on the vibrant Jervois Road, this modern bistro style restaurant uses the freshest seasonal produce in a menu of modern classics with a seafood/ Italian focus. Andiamo is an Italian phrase meaning ‘let’s go’ and it’s here you’ll experience some great flavours.

From the entrée menu, a gluten free dish of Involtini of veal with taleggio cheese, pimento and sage walnut cream sauce, or from the main menu, the Char grilled big eye tuna on a red onion and coriander fritter, natural yoghurt, cucumber mint dressing, prawn tomato salsa. They are open for brunch, Saturday and Sunday from 9am. 194 Jervois Road T: 09 378 7811 www.andiamo.co.nz ARTEDOMUS: Artedomus translates to Art of the House. Exclusive importers of top quality stone, tiles and mosaics, they will show you what is possible in translating raw materials to beautifully designed stone. Choose from their nearly all exclusive range, sourced from the best raw stone suppliers from Germany, Spain, France, Asia and South America. Artedomus products are specified by leading architects around the world. 302 Great North Road T: 09 361 1567 www.artedomus.co.nz ASKEW: They have a comprehensive selection of Alessi’s innovative design products, for the home or as a special gift. The LaStanza bowl is a stylish addition to the kitchen table, and the Cico Egg Cup is a popular christening gift at Askew.

Planning a trip to Italy? Then travel in true Italian style with luggage from the Mandarina Duck range, with a range of travel solutions from suitcases to briefcases, fashion bags and men’s wallets. 2b Jervois Road T: 09 378 1414 www.askew.co.nz B+O CASA: Is a timber flooring supply company, sister company to Artedomus and can be found in the Artedomus showroom. Their focus is on trade sales where they have a wide range of new and exclusive pre-finished Oak flooring products. Whilst their operation is in trade sales they cater for the public too, with a selection of home-ware products including candles, platters, leather-ware and stone accessories. 302 Great North Road T: 09 361 1103 www.bandocasa.com

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photography: digipro

VIVA ITALIA

Enjoy a delicious gelato at CASA DEL GELATO, Three Lamps BAMBINA: (Baby) Meet up with friends at this casual, relaxed breakfast and lunch café and enjoy simple food, using the freshest ingredients. Pop in and treat yourself to the Spaghetti, or tasty bruschetta, and for fans of fresh and savoury, the Euro plate – half fruit and half toast. If you’re on the run you can grab a coffee and a treat from the well presented counter food options. 268 Ponsonby Road T: 09 360 4000 CASA DEL GELATO: Italian – Offers Italian-style gelato and sorbet with a wide range of imaginative flavours to choose from. You can sample as many as you like, as you make that all important decision of what cold treat to select on a hot summer’s day or night. Open until 10pm most nights during summer and until 11pm on Friday and Saturday. 288 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 378 8457 CHAPEL BAR & BISTRO: Choose from a wide range of delicious Italian thin crust pizzas, such as the Pollo: smoked chicken, pimento, sun-dried tomato pesto & herbs or the Prosciutto: dry cured ham, kalamata olives & fresh herbs –or the famous Chapel antipasto platter that includes breads, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, marinated artichokes and more, all washed down with a sumptuous Tuscany red. Bel cibo!

147 Ponsonby Road T: 09 360 4527 www.chapel.co.nz CHI CHI: There is a fabulous collection of Italian shoes and boots to be found instore including Progetto and Roberto Botella and also available for the 2011 winter season is a beautiful flat riding boot from La Linea. Chi Chi is sure to have something for you for all occasions along with a range of gorgeous accessories such as leather belts, handbags and jewellery. Look out for their new stock of winter boots in store now. 6 Jervois Road, T: 09 360 2250 www.chichi.co.nz CLOONEY: Try the entrée of Venison Carpaccio from the non vegetarian section, for vegetarians try the Potato Gnocchi. With an extensive wine list to choose from savour a glass of Rocca delle Macie Chianti Classico DOCG 2007 from the Sangiovese Variety or select a 2005 Prunotto Barolo Classico from the Nebbiolo variety. Clooney is open six nights for dinner from 5.30pm – 10pm and from 3 April 2011 they will be open on Sundays nights as well.

33 Sale Street T: 09 358 1702 www.clooney.co.nz COOK THE BOOKS: At Cook the Books they stock a wide range of Italian cook books; ‘Lucio’s Ligurian Kitchen by Lucio Galletto and David Dale, a beautiful book featuring delicious recipes from Liguria, the birthplace of ravioli and pesto, ‘Cook Like an Italian’ by Tobie Puttock, with 100 recipes this is your passport to authentic Italian cooking or ‘Secrets of an Italian Kitchen’ by Anna Venturi, this guide contains traditional Italian recipes to suit every occasion. If they don’t have a book you are after in store they will get it in for you! 81 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 360 6513 COVO PASTA PIZZA BAR: Covo Pasta and Pizza Bar on Richmond Road has been serving up delicious Italian fare for almost a year now and you will find something on the menu to suit all palates from a range of entrée’s, pasta, pizza, mains and salads and panini’s. To truly understand the passion and motivation behind Covo visit their website www.covo.co.nz 137 Richmond Road T: 09 378 4500 DANTE ALIGHIERA SOCIETY: Named after Italy’s most illustrious poet, Dante Alighiera the Society was founded in Rome in 1889 and now has more that 450 branches throughout the world. The Auckland branch offers Italian language classes for pre-schoolers to adults as well as further classes on varied topics such as Italian cuisine and singing. There is an interesting calendar of Italian events throughout the year and you can enjoy their coffee morning held on the first Saturday of every month.

58 PONSONBY NEWS+ March 2011

DIDA’S is popular at any hour of the day – deli or bar!

Membership is an affordable $15 for students/senior citizens $30 for individuals and $40 for couples/families, and a warm Italian welcome is guaranteed for all.

Freemans Bay Community Centre, 52 Hepburn Street T: 09 376 3853 www.dante.org.nz DELICIOUS: Situated in the heart of the West Lynn village, this Grey Lynn eatery offers Italian cuisine, an espresso bar, and dine in and takeaway. Their concise menu offers all things Italian and delicious dishes ranging from the selection of Italian breads, soups, Gnocchi, Ravioli and Pastas to Italian cakes and tarts.

472 Richmond Road T: 09 360 7590 www.delicious.co.nz DIDA’S FOOD STORE: Among the many exciting culinary curiosities brimming this Jervois Road store are the finest Italian meats, breads, oils, pasta, cheeses and more. There is a huge array of exciting, innovative and inspirational products out there and the team at Dida’s bring them in for you to take away, or they cook breakfasts and lunch with them, or they package them up for you to enjoy using in your own kitchen.

While the sun is still shining, head to Dida’s and they’ll help you select the right ingredients for your next alfresco occasion. 58 Jervois Road T: 09 376 2813 www.glengarry.co.nz/didas ESPRESSO ENGINEERS: A Ponsonby based company specialising in the repair and maintenance of all espresso equipment. They are the importers and agents for the industry leading Italian Mazzer range of coffee grinders and the official service agents for La Vibiemme, Unic and Francis Francis espresso machines. 34C Crummer Road T: 021 774 473 or 021 411 818 www.espressoengineers.com ESPRESSO IMPORTS: Importers of the renowned La Pavoni Espresso Machines and Grinders for home use, their focus is on quality European brands and products.

Imported from Milan and sold through retail outlets throughout the country, these gorgeous machines produce an exceptional espresso and cappuccino in your own kitchen. If there is a product you require they will source it for you.

23 Webber Street T: 376 6779 www.espresso.co.nz FORZA WORKS: A luxury European vehicle service for performance and exotic cars. The specialist team is trained to work on Ferraris, Maseratis and Lamborghinis.

Forza Works’ Flying Doctor service New Zealand- and Australia-wide means they can go anywhere you are. A highly experienced team specialising in all mechanical repairs and servicing of European cars. 66 Surrey Crescent T: 09 361 3657 www.forzaworks.co.nz GLENGARRY: For over sixty years Glengarry have been supplying the country with the best in wines, beers and spirits. Looking for an Italian wine? The list at Glengarry is extensive, and they also stock Pieroni beer. There’s an Italian section in each month’s wineletter (the Glengarry newsletter) and Glengarry staff are regularly trained about and taste Italian wine. 139 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 378 8252; 54 Jervois Road, T: 09 378 8555; corner Wellesley and Sale Streets, T: 09 308 8346; and 164 Garnet Road T: 09 360 4035. www.glengarry.co.nz GPK: GPK stands for Gourmet Pizza Kitchen - what could be more Italian? Their menu boasts a number of pasta options in addition to the wood-fired pizzas, and even better, most of it is available to take away!

260 Ponsonby Road T: 09 360 1113 www.gpk.co.nz

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

OH GIULIETTA DEFINED BY BOLD ELEGANCE, SPORTY PERFORMANCE AND ITALIAN STYLE, the new Alfa Romeo Giulietta has announced its arrival with rave reviews and accolades, including the top rating petrol engine car in the European Car Of The Year Awards and a class leading 5 Star NCAP Safety Rating.

Available in a choice of two power options: turbo charged 1.4 litre, 125kw and the show-stopping turbo charged 1.8 litre, 173kw QV version from Andrew Simms European in Newmarket.

The highly anticipated 2011 Giulietta made her debut at the official launch held at Andrew Simms European in February to an Italian themed event – a weekend of Italian Flair. Alfa enthusiasts, Alfa owners and members of the Alfa Romeo Owners Club were very excited to know the Giulietta had arrived and the launch was a testimony to that.

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

The launch event featured Italian wood fired Pizza’s, coffee and non alcoholic beverages for attendees to enjoy while they had a good look at the Giulietta model.

Some were lucky to take the Giulietta for a test drive.

Managing Director Andrew Simms said everyone really needed to experience for themselves what all the fuss is about. “There has always been something very special about an Alfa Romeo, and the Giulietta will not disappoint in taking the iconic Italian brand into the future,” said Mr Simms.

To enquire about the brand new 2011 Alfa Romeo Giulietta visit Andrew Simms European at 500 Broadway in Newmarket or call T: 09 523 1939 PN www.andrewsimmseuropean.co.nz

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VIVA ITALIA GUSTO: The name means ‘taste’ in Italian. Aramando and Luigi have established a great name over the years. Gusto’s fresh pasta is made on the premises, and their Scaloppini with truffle pesto and Duck supreme marinated in Italian herbs are standouts. Look out for the blackboard specials which change daily. Open for lunch at weekends only by reservation. Bon appetito! 263 Ponsonby Road T: 09 361 1556 www.gustoitaliano.co.nz GYPSY TEAROOM: With its eclectic, cosy ambience and surroundings best described as arrested decay, we could be in Florence, Venice or Rome. This local West Lynn bar is as European as it gets. It’s open seven days and also hosts private functions. 455 Richmond Road T: 09 361 6970. www.gypsytearoom.co.nz iL BUCO: (‘The hole’!) Traditional, Roman ‘Pizza al Taglio’ (pizza by the Slice).

Il Buco uses the best ingredients available to prepare 30 different varieties of pizza.

It’s then partially cooked and displayed for you to select your slices. You can choose to have Il Buco finish cooking them in their oven (which only takes 5 minutes), or you can take them home and finish them in your own oven. They are currently offering a buy one slice, get one free – see page 61 for your voucher.

113 Ponsonby Road T: 09 360 4414 www.ilbuco.co.nz iL FORNO: (The furnace) Excellent and very popular specialty Italian bakery/café.

While you are buying delicious bread, sandwiches, cakes and pastries, you can also stock up on handmade ravioli, lasagne and nice pasta sauces from the larder.

55 Mackelvie Street T: 09 378 0264 www.ilforno.co.nz INDICE: Indice is a contemporary design showroom, and of all its items of beauty, the majority are manufactured in Italy by Driade. Driade is one of Italy’s most prestigious furniture design and manufacturing companies, always on the world’s cutting edge of contemporary design. Driade manufactures for numerous, high profile international designers of the calibre of Philippe Starck and Oscar Tusquets.

4 Rose Road T: 09 376 9167 www.indice.co.nz LAMBORGHINI: New and used Gallardo, Murcielago, and Diablo Lamborghini cars available from New Zealand’s only authorised Lamborghini dealer, Lamborghini Auckland. There’s also a wide range of Lamborghini parts and accessories and they are authorised to service new and pre-owned Lamborghinis. Lamborghini Auckland, 120 Great North Road T: 09 360 3202 www.lamborghini.co.nz

MEI MEI: Get along to Mei Mei to try on stylish Italian made shoes from the Fiorentini & Baker range. For the cooler months, you’ll find quality boots in leather, nubuck and suede. 282 Ponsonby Road T: 09 376 0201. www.meimei.co.nz MILLY’S: Create a little taste of Italy in your own home and visit this supplier of quality kitchenware. Check out the Titiana pasta making machine or if it’s a good Italian cook book you are after then check out ‘Recipes from an Italian Summer’ from The Silverspoon Collection or for good basic Italian recipes Maxine Clarks ‘Italian Kitchen’ is a must. 273 Ponsonby Road T: 09 376 1550 www.millyskitchen.co.nz MOTOMAIL: For all bike and scooter enthusiasts the Motomail Outlet Store is really worth checking out as they stock riding gear for every budget and riding style and they proudly stock brands that offer the best quality helmets, clothing, boots, gloves, luggage and much more. You will also find a great range of Vespa and Piaggio Accessories. 41 College Hill T: 09 379-9050 www.motomail.co.nz NEW WORLD: The only supermarket around that is consistently well stocked with lots of Italian food products, including Giusti Balsamic di Modena, a full bodied balsamic vinegar from the old recipe of Riccardo Giusti, available from their Gourmet Foods department. 2 College Hill T: 09 307 8400 www.newworld.co.nz NEWBY & ZEGELAAR: Expert advisors and suppliers to the hospitality industry, they stock the reputable Piazza kitchenware, cookware and bakeware brand. Not just reserved for industry types, the public are more than welcome to visit their showroom in search of that essential item for their cooking needs at home.

13 -15 McKelvie Street T: 09 376 6750 www.nzanz.co.nz NOSH METRO PONSONBY: The lovely Ari Acton, manager of Nosh Ponsonby is excited about what the store offers and the wide selection of Italian bread, cheese, meats and more that are available. Visit their deli section and put together a platter of Finocchiona -Tuscan fennel salami, a selection of cheeses such as the Aged Pecorino, Tonini, a soft cow’s milk cheese infused with herbs or truffle, and Taleggio.

Buon appetito! 254 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 360 5557 www.noshgourmet.co.nz

LA ZEPPA: La Zeppa is situated directly behind Victoria Park Market and has the feel of a New York industrial warehouse which has been lovingly transformed into a spacious tapas and wine bar. La Zeppa focuses on the fact that people want to enjoy each other’s company with a great glass of wine and tasty plates, without the constraints of having to book or have one meal at a certain time. This is a great meeting place - a catch up over a glass of wine, a sit down with friends for a tasting frenzy or a function for twenty to forty people. 33 Drake Street T: 09 379 8167 www.lazeppa.co.nz

LONGROOM: While the sun is still shining, meet your friends in Longroom’s courtyard and enjoy their new menu which includes a great range of Italian inspired dishes. You can share a selection of olives and breads or the pizzetta where the toppings change daily and from the main menu you’ll find delicious linguini and spaghetti dishes. They have Peroni on tap. 114 Ponsonby Road T: 09 360 8803 www.longroom.co.nz MAG NATION: Style lovers are regularly in here for their monthly dose of Italian ‘Vogue’ along with ‘Architecture and Design’. And the fashionistas are never without the bible of Euro fashion ‘Collezioni’. 123 Ponsonby Road T: 09 376 6933 www.magnation.co.nz MALONEYS: Local ‘Barbershop Boy’ Julian Maloney has been riding his much loved Vespa’s for some time now and has recently updated to a red Vespa GTS250.

He told us, “it’s as beautiful as his old charcoal Vespa GT200, it’s economical and it’s still a bit like riding an Espresso machine on the motorway! I love my scooter!”

192 Victoria Street West T: 09 379 3060 www.maloneys.co.nz MEA CULPA: An intimate bar with a real rustic European feel and cosy back courtyard, Mea Culpa make some of the best and most intelligent cocktails in town.

They also have a great selection of wines to choose from. 175 Ponsonby Road T: 09 376 4460

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photography: digipro

LA PORCHETTA: Eat, Live Love Italian, at La Pochetta in Three Lamps. There they offer a great selection of pizza, pasta, risotto, steak seafood and chicken dishes all served as delicious home-style meals. Dine in or take away and they are fully licensed. 304 A Ponsonby Road (corner Pompallier Terrace) T: 09 360 0318 www.laporchetta.co.nz OCCHIALI OPTICAL: Set in the heart of Ponsonby’s Three Lamps, you can’t miss this store with its eclectic and innovative window displays. Visit them and they will provide the best options for your prescription and eyewear needs. They stock Italian brand, Emilio Pucci Sunglasses and Optical Eyewear, Roberto Cavalli, and check out the new season’s sunglass release from Fendi. 303 Ponsonby Road T: 09 376 3073 www.occhiali.co.nz PANE & VINO: This local restaurant brings to the table regional Italian-style cuisine using the freshest of ingredients. Like restaurants in Italy, they serve daily fresh bread, and use extra virgin olive oil from south Italy. Choose from the many options of crispy and thin pizzas.

Owner, the handsomeTito provides an authentic, warm and fun atmosphere, and with outdoor seating providing an al fresco dining experience.

20 Williamson Avenue T: 09 360 0263 www.paneevino.co.nz PREGO: Italian al fresco dining in the intimacy of an enclosed courtyard, and bistro-style dining inside with the buzz of a busy restaurant. Try the Linguine Marinara: linguini and fresh seafood in a coriander and white wine sauce. Gather a group together for a leisurely long lunch whilst the weather is still good!

226 Ponsonby Road T: 09 376 3095 www.prego.co.nz PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

VIVA ITALIA PURE RESTAURANT: This fine, elegant restaurant provides simple, modern European-inspired bistro style food. The menu changes every 2 weeks, where you can choose from five entrees, five mains and five desserts. Some Italian staples such as pasta and gnocchi are handmade on site, as is the bread icecream. For that special gathering, the upstairs dining room is available for private functions with space for up to 16. 186 Jervois Road, T: 09 360 0714 www.purerestaurant.co.nz SPQR: (Senatus Populusque Romanus) The spirit of Italy is truly present at this lively iconic Ponsonby eatery. The menu is uncomplicated with a mix of traditional and modern Italian fare. The SPQR antipasti platters boast Italian crudities, spreads and meats, the thin based pizzas consistently delicious. Take a break, and pop in for lunch and order from the Man O’ War Working Lunch menu, available seven days, which includes two courses and one glass of wine.

150 Ponsonby Road T: 09 360 1710 www.spqrnz.co.nz

TOTO RESTAURANT AND PREMIER FUNCTION VENUE

photography: digipro

EXCITING CHANGES HAVE OCCURRED OVER THE SUMMER BREAK WITH the introduction of the Balcony Bar within the restaurant. The Balcony now open with an option for a faster more casual style dining experience in addition to the more formal dining room. Open for Lunch and after work drinks, Toto now offers locals and businesses a new social experience.

Toto offers its clients authentic fresh Italian cuisine, using the finest produce often from New Zealand. The beef ravioli with spinach, mixed mushroom ragu and truffle oil is just one of the many must-try dishes, accompanied with a wide selection of New Zealand, Italian, and French wines.

Toto restaurant specialises in catering for large groups and has a well known set menu that makes you feel as though Italy was on our door step.

SPQR: a legendary iconic Ponsonby meeting spot SALE ST: This local bar and restaurant has it all, great food, a micro brewery, live entertainment, garden bar and more. You can have brunch, lunch or dinner there.

The bar menu has shared plates such as the Spanner Crab Risotto Balls, or have a gourmet pizza such as the Margherita Vine Tomatoes, basil, balsamic reduction and parmesan. 7 Sale Street T: 09 307 8148 www.sale-st.co.nz SCIASCIA BROTHERS: An advertising agency specialising in brand creation, and brand evolution, creating brand identity, packaging design plus music packaging and web design. Many have wondered about the colourful history of the Sciascia family, immigrating to New Zealand many many years ago… for the full story, see their website, this is not an urban myth, it’s an Italian-New Zealand piece of history!

56 Brown Street T: 09 360 0559 www.sciascia.co.nz

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

The Montecristo Room is the premier function venue and now offers seated options for up to 200 and cocktail events to 400. Toto has a space and package for all your requirements. With the World Cup coming up – this central city hideaway is a must for all company and corporate events.

Toto was named Best Italian Restaurant in Metro 2010 and continually improves to provide you with a special experience. You will find Peroni on tap, Mumm champagne by the glass and tasting plates to match.

Toto Restaurant is the newly renovated oasis in the central city that has it all. PN TOTO RESTAURANT, 53 Nelson Street T: 09 302 2665; TOTÒ VENUES, T: 09 303 0011; TOTÒ PIZZA T: 0800 868 674 www.totorestaurant.co.nz

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VIVA ITALIA SKIN INSTITUTE: This is a cosmetic and skin care treatment specialist medical spa, set in comfortable modern surroundings, located above the old Ponsonby Post Office. This is where you will find Dr Piergiovanni Marzinotto, a doctor from Udine in Friuli, north east of Venice, along with Dr Mark Gray, a specialist dermatologist, and two cosmetic nurses. 3 St Mary’s Bay Road T: 09 376 8888 www.skininstitute.co.nz TESSUTI: Tessuti meaning ‘fabric’ in Italian. This luxury homewares and gift boutique stock the renowned Italian Missoni range. The chilly months will be upon us in a few months, so get cosy in a Missoni blanket, and put some style and colour into your home with cushions and throws. 12-14 Jervois Road T: 09 378 8490 www.tessuti.co.nz THE FOOD ROOM: Under the new ownership of Reuben Laing since last October Reuben and his team provide a vast range of tasty food to their customers daily.

You’ll be spoilt for choice with wraps, salads, pies, flavour filled ciabatta and focaccia sandwiches, homemade cakes and slices, and of course great coffee.

250 Ponsonby Road T: 09 360 2425 www.thefoodroom.co.nz

FORNASETTI COLLECTION The surreal imagination of Fornasetti has combined with the creative and technical virtuosity of Cole & Son to produce a range of large scale wallpapers. The designs are taken from the archive of Piero Fornasetti’s drawings and truly reflect the artist’s visionary genius.

Among these designs are a number of well known Fornasetti themes. For example “Fornasetti Libris Maximus” is based on a design for a screen produced in 1953.

This wallpaper shows the Ex Libris books voluminous in three times the original size in several different colour variations.

The standard size is 135cm x 300cm sold as a complete panel with alternative sizes available on request. Other pieces include designs based on the classic “Ionic” column, bohemian glasses and mischievous monkeys.

TUTTA BELLA: Where they do things a little differently, showcasing some of the most beautiful and stylish gowns, jewellery, head pieces and lingerie, in equally stylish surroundings. For all fashion conscious brides-to-be, visit this gorgeous boutique where you’ll find a great range of beautifully feminine bridal gowns as well as bridesmaids dresses. 224 Jervois Road T: 09 378 0824 www.tuttabella.co.nz

In 1955 Piero Fornasetti produced one of his most well known designs. “Fornasetti Riflesso” is an atmospheric reflected depiction of Baroque Rome taken from the screen “Citta che si Rispecchia” a design also used on custom made furniture for the great Italian designer Gio Ponti.

VIDEO EZY: With one of the most comprehensive selections of foreign, art-house, festival and classic movies in town, Video Ezy on Ponsonby Road is a must for all true movie buffs to visit. Why not complete your Fellini and Pasolini DVD collection today. 160 Ponsonby Road T: 09 376 6450 www.videoezy.co.nz/stores/auckland/ponsonby

Piero Fornasetti’s original designs and those of his son Barnaba who continues to run this family business and contribute new designs himself are now available on a wide range of items. Fornasetti Milan produces the furniture and some of the ceramic pieces.

WORLD BEAUTY: To find that very special gift for yourself or your loved one step into this little slice of heaven right in the heart of Ponsonby central. Carthusia perfumes, Aqua di Parma candles, cologne, soap and shaving cream, Prada candles and bath salts are just some of the many gorgeous products found at World Beauty. Shoppers Guide to Italy gives you the best guide for traditional Artisan gifts from Murano Glass to ceramics, Jewellery, leather goods and lots more. 175 Ponsonby Road T: 09 360 4544 www.worldbrand.co.nz

Bitossi from Italy produce further ceramics and Rubini Rugs in New York a range of Fornasetti rugs. With the production of Fornasetti Wallpaper by Cole & Son there is a Fornasetti product suitable for any environment. PN All Fornasetti pieces are available from: design55, 55 Upper Queen Street, Newton T: 09 308 9455 www.design55.co.nz

OUTSIDE THE HOOD

A rare occurrence, but there are times when you can’t always get what you want in Ponsonby! Some things and people are definitely worth travelling for. Here are some of our favourites.

ALFA ROMEO & FIAT: Andrew Simms European is proud to represent two Italian marques, Alfa Romeo and Fiat. Celebrate 2011 with the new Fiat 500 Sport, the Fiat 500 Cabriolet or the beautiful Alpha Romeo Mito range. You will find their showroom just a short drive away at: Corner Broadway and St Marks Road, Newmarket T: 09 523 1939 www.andrewsimmseauropean.co.nz AL VOLO: Owner Giampiero De Falco knows that less is more on a pizza and all their pizza’s are made respecting the tradition of an ancient recipe; they are made with only the finest ingredients available and are cooked on stone in a wood fire oven to ensure the utmost quality and unique taste. This is real Italian awardwinning pizza and worth travelling for. 27 Mt Eden Road T: 09 302 2500 www.alvolo.co.nz CITE: The exclusive New Zealand agent for Italian furniture design brands Artflex and Seven Salotti. The Artflex 2 seater Ben is true to it design ethos – design with history. Seven Salotti’s Solid Up 2 seater lives up to its reputation as new and contemporary design. 18 Normanby Road, Mt Eden T: 09 623 9233 www.citeltd.co.nz DANTE’S PIZZA: “One delicious bite and you get transported back to Italy. “is how some people sum up a Dante’s Pizza experience. Although they are located out in Huapai, it is well worth the trip. They believe more than the tomato, mozzarella, fresh basil or oregano, the key that really distinguishes an authentic Neapolitan pizza is the unmistakable, unique aroma of the oven it is cooked in. The woodfuelled oven is an essential factor in the creation of a genuine Italian pizza. Dante’s is the FIRST and remains the ONLY pizzeria in New Zealand to receive membership into the prestigious culinary institute Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana (VPN).

316 Main Road, Huapai T: 09 412 8644 www.dantespizza.co.nz

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VIVA ITALIA INDICE RELOCATES TO 4 ROSE ROAD

Furniture options available at Indice range from outdoor and cafe furniture through to luxury pieces designed for indoor living, dining, bedroom and kitchen requirements.

Indice studio was opened in 1986 by interior designers Hilary and Bryan Skinner as a space to showcase contemporary furniture and objects. Daughter Hannah joined the family business in 1997 after returning from living and working in Italy and is now managing the Ponsonby showroom supplying furniture and homewares to interior designers, architects and to the public.

Beautiful lighting is brought in from German design company Anthologie Quartett, plus a range of products from Philippe Starck’s French manufacturing company Xo.

The majority of items available from Indice are supplied by Italian furniture manufacturer Driade, one of Italy’s most prestigious furniture design companies that is always on the world’s cutting edge of contemporary design. Producing everything from homewares, lighting and furniture right through to domestic storage systems.

Driade manufactures for numerous, high profile international designers including Philippe Starck, Ron Arad, Rodolfo Dordoni, Toyo Ito, Enzo Mari, Borek Sipek, Tokujin Yoshioka, Antonia Astori, Naoto Fukasawa, Patricia Urquiola and Oscar Tusquets.

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Indice has now relocated their showroom from Maidstone Street into a villa on Rose Road (which is located next door to Ponsonby Vets). Being in a villa has created a more personal, boutique feel in which customers can easily visualise how the furniture looks and feels within a residential setting, while also being able to offer furniture ranges on a commercial scale. This more informal environment is very much in line with other international showrooms.

Please call in for a visit. Opening hours are Monday to Friday 10am - 6pm and Saturdays 10am - 3pm. PN INDICE, 4 Rose Road T: 09 376 9167 www.indice.co.nz www.skinnerdesign.co.nz

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VIVA ITALIA DESIGN 55: Auckland art dealer Gary Langsford and partner Vicki Vuleta’s design store offers one off pieces and a selection of limited edition designs, giving discerning individuals an opportunity to acquire some of the most innovative vintage and contemporary designer furniture and objects from around the globe. Check out the fabulous Fornasetti range of large scale wallpapers. The designs are taken from the archive of Piero Fornasetti’s drawings and truly reflect the artist’s visionary genius.

55 Upper Queen Street T: 09 308 9455 www.design55.co.nz EUROPEAN LANGUAGE ACADEMY: Desiderate parlare Italiano? Do you want to speak Italian? Look no further than these handy classes. Their Italian classes are geared to meet the different levels of those wanting to learn to speak Italian. They have small classes ranging between four and 10 students, with an average of six.

Whether you are a beginner or require more advanced lessons, their Italian courses emphasise the development of speaking and listening skills, so that you are able to use your Italian as much as possible when you travel to Italy!

10 Titoki Street, Parnell T: 09 361 2345 www.eurolang.co.nz FERRARI: Ferrari has been a part of Continental Car Services since 1973. The first car sold by Tim Bailey (founder) was a Ferrari Dino 246GT. Since then over 350 new Ferrari have been sold in New Zealand. Continental Car Services, 21 Great South Road Newmarket T: 09 526 6962 www.ccs.co.nz FIAT: All Fiat cars are designed to help you live your life to the full, with a little extra Italian ingenuity and enthusiasm! Deliveries of the the red hot Abarth 500 Esseesse are due to start this month (March 2011). Andrew Simms European, corner St Marks Road and Broadway Newmarket T: 09 523 1939 FICINO SCHOOL: Ficino School is committed to providing the finest quality education. Named after the fifteenth century Italian philosopher Marsilio Ficino, the school focuses on encouraging and nurturing students’ latent potential in a broad range of academic, artistic and physical areas. The School is for parents seeking “a quality education which also provides grounding in admirable and sometimes forgotten virtues and value.” 27 Esplanade Road Mt Eden T: 09 623 3385 www.ficino.school.nz GINA’S PIZZA AND PASTA BAR: Gina’s serves fabulous Italian food - including a great range of pizzas - with exuberant service with generous italian hospitality.

Want quiet? You’ll have to go elsewhere! Gina’s has an inimitable joyful and lively atmosphere. Happy hour from 4-6pm on Thursdays through Sundays!

161 Symonds Street T: 09 302 2061 www.ginas.co.nz HOUSE COFFEE: Does your Italian coffee machine need a service, or would you like to train to be a barista? Warren Bourne is the man to call. Joy of joys, he will come to you! House Coffee also sell new machines with a complete package of accessories delivered and installed in your home with training and back up support.

T: 09 837 6288 www.housecoffee.co.nz MERCATINI: (‘Boutique market’) Lis Burt’s stunning Italian furniture and homeware store for your home and garden, Mercatini, is based on the founders’ passion for and extensive experience of Italian culture. Having developed and sold a business specialising in Villa and Farmhouse stays in Tuscany and Provence, Liz and Frans decided that instead of sending people to Tuscany for an authentic Italian experience, they would bring to New Zealand the very things that made their time in Europe so memorable, whether for an ultra modern or classically inspired setting.

1/139 Carlton Gore Road T: 09 529 4200 www.mercatini.co.nz MASERATI: From the superbly elegant Quattroporte to the sporty Gran Turismo, Maseratis have always had that Italian style and brio. The marque is renowned for its high performance, comfort and overall safety. Continental Car Services, Italian Car Centre, 21 Great South Road, Newmarket, T: 09 526 6962 www.ccs.co.nz

The live opera is held EVERY Saturday night making TOTO’S a popular spot, five minutes from the heart of Ponsonby TOTO: There are exciting changes at Toto with the introduction of the Balcony Bar within the restaurant for a faster more casual style dining experience in addition to the more formal dining room. Toto offers authentic fresh Italian cuisine, using the finest produce often from New Zealand. The beef ravioli with spinach, mixed mushroom ragu and truffle oil is just one of the many must-try dishes.

The Monte Cristo Room is the premier function venue, now offers seated options for up to 200 and cocktail events to 400. Toto was named Best Italian Restaurant in Metro 2010. 53 Nelson Street CBD T: 09 302 2665 www.totorestaurant.co.nz RETRO SCOOTER CO: A dedicated scooter company run by scooter enthusiasts, they are proud to continue to offer their core product the Belladonna RV150. With a classic steel Italian designed body, the Belladonna is fast. So for those who want to beat the traffic and save on petrol best get down Retro Scooter, their Auckland showroom is open for sales direct to the public. 20 Newton Road T: 09 373 5053 www.retroscooter.co.nz SABATO: You’ll find a wide range of fine foods many of which are sourced from Italy. Suppliers are small (often family run) businesses that use traditional methods of production to create outstanding products. It pays to visit this store on an empty stomach in order to fit in the delicious products this store has to offer from Italian breads, cheeses, oils, pastas, sauces, wines and of course their famous deep-frozen pastry goods. 57 Normandy Road Mt Eden T: 09 630 8751 www.sabato.co.nz SCOOTER E-MOTION: Auckland’s European Motor-scooter specialist as well as a Vespa service centre catering for the Italian product range of Piaggio, Vespa and Gilera. They are also the premier dealership for Benelli scooters. 102 Newton Road T: 09 377 2525 www.scooteremotion.co.nz STUDIO ITALIA: Importers of leading Italian designer furniture from Poliform, Varenna, Flexform and Zanotta. The new Flexform designs from the Milano fair April ‘10 have finally arrived! This year Flexform presented three totally different looks, all designed by Antonio Citterio. The Feelgood Alto featuring a high back is stunning, the Soft Dream sofa looks like it is floating, and the Eden sofa bed is such a clever sofa. The leather arms open up to allow the base to pull-out and unfold into a bed.

Inside the scatter cushions you find the pillows and duvet. 96 Carlton Gore Road T: 09 523 2105 www.studioitalia.co.nz

MATISSE: (The art of living) Home to B & B Italia! Plus beautiful contemporary Italian furniture that wouldn’t look out of place in any Milanese living room - or any Ponsonby pad for that matter. Exclusive agents for: Armani Casa, Alias, Cassina, Classicon, Desalto, Edra, Moroso, Maxalto, Sovet and Stua. 99 The Strand T: 09 302 2284 www.matisse.co.nz METRIX: Importers of Paini tapware. Paini is today widely acclaimed as a market leader in the production of sanitary fittings – taps, mixers and shower products.

Architectural Showrooms, 155 The Strand T: 09 379 7399 www.metrix.co.nz NON SOLO PIZZA: This cosmopolitan brasserie, which - in addition to its dining room boasts one of the sunniest outdoor settings in Auckland, is open all day for pizzas and truly authentic Italian food. Owned by the people who brought Auckland Toto and il Forno - Antonio Crisci and Vivienne Farnell. Complimentary finger food with late afternoon drinks every Thursday. 259 Parnell Road T: 09 379 5358 wwwnonsolopizza.co.nz

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WHAT’S HOT AT SABATO A TASTE OF ITALY… CARNEVALE Join us for a traditional Italian festival on the weekend of the 12 and 13 March!

Carnevale is celebrated throughout Italy 40 days before Easter, and is the last chance for the Italians to kick up their heels before Lent. As an Italian Mardi Gras of sorts, people dress up in costume, wear decorative masks, parade through the streets and indulge their whims and desires, with various regions each putting their own unique spin on the festivities. Come and watch us cook cenci pastries, taste our Italian cheeses and charcuterie, and enjoy Verdiana’s secret recipe crescionda cake, made with amaretti almond biscuits and handed down through the generations by her great-grandmother!

COOKING CLASSES Next magazine Food Editor and best-selling cookbook author Julie Le Clerc showcases colourful, perfumed, flavourful, foods of the sun in her class Pleasures of the Mediterranean Table – recipe ideas gathered during her travels. With an accent on delicious food and good company, rather than labour-intensive formal dining, these are recipes your friends will love and you will want to cook again and again!

Julie is followed by Dish magazine’s Food Editor Claire Aldous’ Easter Feasting on 19 April: a warm and evocative menu of flavours that reflects the Autumnal change in season. Each class begins at 6.30pm; $85.00 per person.

INSPIRED BY ITALY, MADE IN NZ Cuisine Artisan Award winners Salumeria Fontana (Supreme Winner 2009 & RunnerUp 2011) and Clevedon Valley Buffalo Company (Supreme Winner 2010) will be in store tasting their range of locally produced products, made with a touch of Italian inspiration. Both products are perfect for summer barbeques. Enjoy the sausage sizzle on Saturday 12 March, and Clevedon Valley’s buffalo mozzarella on Friday 18 March.

Check out some of the other Cuisine Artisan Award-winning products in store, including Akaroa hot smoked salmon – available to Aucklanders only at Sabato!

Buon Appetito! PN SABATO, 57 Normanby Road T: 09 630 8751 www.sabato.co.nz

NEW AT STUDIO ITALIA THE NEW FLEXFORM DESIGNS FROM THE MILANO FAIR APRIL ‘10 HAVE finally arrived! How exciting! It happens every time we receive a container with new stock. It’s rather like opening a giant Christmas present. This year Flexform presented three totally different looks, all designed by the genius Antonio Citterio.

The Feelgood Alto featuring a high back is stunning, comfortable and adaptable to any space. I admire the elegance and slim lines of this design. The Soft Dream sofa looks like it is floating, it’s very comfortable and with the arms available in two different heights - one to align with the back and the other lower, as pictured. This sofa has a more contemporary look and with various configurations available, it is also very versatile. The Eden sofa bed is such a clever sofa. The leather arms open up to allow the base to pull-out and unfold into a bed. Inside the scatter cushions you find the pillows and duvet. (VALERIA.CARBONARO-LAWS) PN STUDIO.ITALIA, 96 Carlton Gore Road T: 09 523 2105 www.studioitalia.co.nz

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VIVA ITALIA MY FAVOURITE ROOM: VALERIA CARBONARO-LAWS Born in Naples and raised in Milan, Valeria Carbonaro-Laws is co-owner of design store Studio Italia. Valeria is passionate about design and loves to share the joy of beautiful things with her family and friends.

“I live in Western Springs with my daughter Arabella (6), my husband Greg and my fluffy old cat Gandalf.

I used to flat in Ponsonby in my younger years. I loved it…everything I needed was within easy reach. Eventually, I had to move away... too many temptations… resisting those things has never been my forté! I remember when I first arrived in New Zealand in 1991 I was desperate for a cappuccino and in those days Ponsonby was the only place to go.

I’ve always lived around the Ponsonby area. I spent many years in Grey Lynn and Herne Bay and when I met my husband Greg we bought a cute Californian bungalow in Western Springs. We still live there 12 years later! We recently completed some major renovations so I can’t see us moving any time soon.

I am not sure which is my favourite room. Originally it was just going to be the dining room, close to the kitchen, but once the build was finished we realised that the space was a lot bigger than we thought, so now we have another sofa and TV in there. It’s multipurpose!

We have our family dinners or dinner parties in this room. It’s great in the summer once you open all the bifold windows - it feels like being outside. Arabella watches TV and entertains her friends in this room and I like that, because she can still be around us.

We also use this room for homework or just laying on the sofa together watching great kids’ movies or reading books.

I love this room because it’s dynamic and changes with our needs. It’s a room that we all use for lots of different purposes; it has become an essential part of our living at home.

VALERIA CARBONARO-LAWS is co-owner of design store STUDIO ITALIA

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

One main thing I really like is the feel of it... dramatic and fun! I have to say the white leather sofa from Zanotta was a fantastic buy, deep enough for all of us to cuddle up in.

I also love the painting on the wall. There is a story behind every piece of art that Greg and I have. Looking at the painting and remembering why and when we bought it, is as beautiful as the painting itself! PN

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JAY PLATT

BARI BOLOGNA

E A M I PADOVA PALERMO PARMA R

TORINO TRIES VENEZIA O

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PARMA OMA A SIENA CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT Titania Pasta machine $152.95 @ Millys www.millyskitchen.co.nz; lyskitchen.co.nz; ‘G ‘Garofalo’ Rigatoni 500g, Spaghetti Lunghi 500g & Radiatori 500g $5.19 each @ Nosh www.noshfoodmarket.com; Alessi ‘Grater’ $186 @ Askew www.askew.co.nz; w Luglio 100% Itailian extra virgin olive oil 1ltr $13.99 @ Nosh www.noshfoodmarket.com; Bitossi ‘Turtle’ $56 @ Askew www.askew.co.nz; ww.as red Mandarina Duck ‘Satchel’ $279 @ Askew www.askew.co.nz; Kingyo plates by Driade black dessert plate $90, dipping saucer $65, dessert bowl $85 @ Indice www.indice.co.nz; Leone ‘Absinthe’ lozenges $6 @ World Beauty www.worldbrand.co.nz

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I BOLOGNA

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PARMA ROMA A SIENA CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT Tocca ‘Colette’ eau de parfum 50ml $169 @ World Beauty www.worldbrand.co.nz; Pucci sunglasses $740 @ Occhiali Optical www.occhiali.co.nz; Fornasetti limited edition vases ‘Peccato Originale’ and ‘Giara Oro’ from $895 each @ Design 55 www.design55.co.nz; ‘Bask’ bar stool by Giorgio Manzali for Bonaldo $990 @ Studio Italia www.studioitalia.co.nz; Gusti ‘Gold Label’ Balsamic vinegar $37.90 @ Didas www.glengarry.co.nz/didas; Bitossi Vase $122, Bitossi ‘Owl’ $167 @ Askew www.askew.co.nz; rare Italian ‘Vallauroi’ tray $590 @ World Beauty www.worldbrand.co.nz STYLING: Jay Platt; PHOTOGRAPHY: Danilo Santana David, Fisher Santanta

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VIVA ITALIA

TALKING ITALIAN AT WORLDBEAUTY WHEN I WAS TOLD THAT THE THEME OF THIS MONTH’S PONSONBY NEWS was all things Italian, my first port of call for the best of Italy’s beauty picks was of course Ponsonby Road’s WORLDbeauty store. There I was given a tour of some very unusual and beautiful new must-haves, courtesy of WORLD’s charming PR maestro, Matt Vogts.

The first range he leads me to is the collection of Carthusia fragrances, which hail from the beautiful Isle of Capri. “The really wonderful thing about these fragrances is that they are still hand-made and hand-wrapped there,” explains Matt, “and have been for hundreds of years despite the fact that they are now a very international brand.” Their history also makes them unique, with wonderful stories behind each and every variant.

He sprays a tester strip with one in particular – Aria di Capri – which was Jackie O’s favourite fragrance, a powdery floral with a really old fashioned feel and a base of iris, jasmine and mimosa that makes it utterly charming. Others in the range like the musky and masculine Numero Uno have a more modern feel, but each and every one has a definite personality – a rarity in a world where so many new fragrances come from a very homogenised place to ensure that they don’t offend.

“What I love about older fragrances is that they are so polarising,” agrees Matt, “and you either love them or hate them on first sniff.” My personal favourite was Via Camerelle, which is dedicated to the most famous street on the island. The coolness of lemon and bitter orange when united with the notes of marine musk and cedar wood create a fragrance that celebrates the legendary island’s particular scent – think the sea, flowers and a real lust for life.

Another great Italian fragrance range that you’ll find at WORLDbeauty stores is the unashamedly contemporary – in a slightly different sense to your average fashion house fragrance – Nasomatto by Alessandro Gualtieri. If you haven’t tried it yet, Nasomatto is a very Italian brand, creative and very unique. Gualtieri has created a range of strong perfumes with crazy ideas and a lot of references to forbidden ‘pleasures’, many of which are designed to be conjured up in the wearer’s mind. There is also no olfactory description of any of the perfumes, which are usually very strong, opulent and almost brutal in their beauty. I, for one, adore this range… and don’t get me started on the fabulous packaging!

“None of the ingredients are revealed in Nasomatto fragrances,” explains Matt, “which makes people a little nervous but is also a big part of their charm. We do know however that all of them are extrait de parfum so very high concentration, and they are all made up of very pure ingredients rather than artificial copies.”

To give my olfactory senses a break Matt takes me over to a display of some rather gorgeous and very cool books, which are rather irreverent, beautifully designed city guides. The Italian one is titled ‘Italy Out of Hand: a Capricious Tour’, and is written

by Barbara Hodgson. Organised geographically, the quirky, imaginative guide to Italy combines hundreds of archival illustrations, photographs, stories, maps, excerpts and meditations on Italy’s art, history and people. It’s a memoir, collage, guide and celebration – all delivered in a very cheeky fashion. “I like to think of it as a wayward guide to Italy,” says Matt, “and it’s the perfect travel companion if you like to see a different view of a country or city.”

Lastly, we run through a selection from the beautiful and super elegant Acqua Di Parma range of perfume, a favourite since the 1930’s. Silver screen icons were among the first to feel the allure of the label’s premier fragrance, Colonia, and the legend spread from there. I say go in and grab a part of history now – from WORLDbeauty.

(HELENE RAVLICH) PN

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WORLDbeauty, 175 Ponsonby Road T: 09 360 4544 www.worldbrand.co.nz PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

WANT TO ADVERTISE HERE? CALL JO BARRETT: T: 09 361 3356 M: 021 324 510 E: joannebarrett@xtra.co.nz W: www.ponsonbynews.co.nz The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

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EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY BRINGING A ‘TASTE OF NEW ORLEANS’ TO PONSONBY Situated in a beautifully renovated 100 year old building at 2 Ponsonby Road, de Ville Lounge officially opened for business last month with a New Orleans themed party.

The opening festivities included complimentary tasting platters from the kitchen served

by New Orleans Mardi Gras styled promotion girls with great jazz and blues sounds emanating through de Ville Lounge and Crossroads Bar. de Ville lounge owners Ken Hix and Carol Flower are very dedicated to the look and feel of their new de Ville Lounge restaurant and have a policy of continual improvement as they gain more traditional New Orleans dishes including: Jambalaya, Gumbo, Spare Ribs and many other great tasting Cajun meals.

Ken and Carol have teamed up with the distributors of Tabasco bringing you the South Louisiana’s favorite sauces. There is a variety available with varying degrees from mild to OMG hot! A must try dish is the “de Ville Bloody Mary Oyster Shooters”. These have been a great hit with most being skeptical but then rallying in delight after having a roller coaster ride of flavours from the experience.

Crossroads Bar and de Ville Lounge will be having regular live jazz, blues and soul music tying in with the New Orleans theme. Watch out for their next extravaganza; a night planned with great New Orleans sounds accompanied by burlesque dancers to capture the ‘hey days’ of the 1930’s. de Ville Lounge is open Tuesday to Saturdays. Reservations are recommended but not essential. PN DE VILLE LOUNGE, 2 Ponsonby Road, For bookings T: 09 360 0655

CARTEL - FOR A SEDUCTIVE ‘AFTER DARK’ LIASION Cartel, previous winners of Auckland’s best bartender and best cocktail list “ticks a lot of boxes” according to worldsbestbars.com should be a must stop Auckland spot for post-dinner cocktails, after the show or for late night haunt.

Step into the foyer of what was the old Post Office in Symonds Street and head downstairs to the basement, and you’ll find Cartel; one of Auckland’s bestkept secrets in Eden Terrace. Now, far from the original boiler room, Rococo patterned silk wall panels and sumptuous leather couches welcome you in after dark for a little indulgence and atmosphere. Perfectly intimate or space for the group, you can make yourself at home and enjoy top class service from behind the bar.

The delectable cocktails, extensive range of fine wines and single malts are just some of the reasons you’ll find it hard to leave this hidden city escape until the wee small hours of the morning. Stick around and you’ll see some of the city’s best bartenders enjoying a drink with the locals staying up late.

And of course once you’ve found your new favourite spot, you may want to put a bottle of your favourite tipple in its own, personalized bottle keep. The music and lighting is appropriately seductive and the creativity behind the bar justifies the awards on the top shelf. Open Tuesday to Friday from 6pm and Saturday from 8pm. PN CARTEL, 224 Symonds Street, Eden Terrace T: 09 368 4574 info@cartelbar.co.nz www.cartelbar.co.nz

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EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY SKYCITY AUCKLAND ANNOUNCES THREE NEW SIGNATURE RESTAURANTS AND BARS FOR FEDERAL STREET SKYCITY Auckland has announced the official start of construction of the first three new signature restaurants and bars located on Federal Street. These three new restaurants and bars will add to its existing nineteen venues and be adjacent to the renowned ‘Bellota’ and SKYCITY Grand Hotel.

• THE GRILL BY SEAN CONNOLLY Sean Connolly says: “I am very excited to be here in Auckland, where I have been given a phenomenal opportunity to open a top restaurant and can cook with some fantastic, local New Zealand produce.”

Continuing to attract high profile and high quality partners, SKYCITY is adding top talent to its team from Auckland, Wellington and Australia. Top Wellington chef, Al Brown (co-owner of Logan Brown); award winning Australian chef and restaurateur, Sean Connolly; and successful restaurateur, Luke Dallow (owner of Auckland’s Sale St Bar and Chapel); will join the established celebrity chef Peter Gordon, who has already made his home at SKYCITY with ‘dine by Peter Gordon’ and the Spanish Tapas Bar, ‘Bellota’.

Sean describes ‘The Grill’ as a dining style that will be simple and uncomplicated, and feature pasture fed meat and sustainable seafood from New Zealand’s very best producers – a perfect match to what will host one of the city’s leading wine lists. Boasting wooden tables, leather seating and a luxuriously dark, rich and edgy ambience – the space will complement The Grand Hotel entrance and adjacent Lobby Bar. With an emphasis on excellent produce and an efficient and friendly service style, The Grill by Sean Connolly will be the ideal location for a relaxed dining experience.

SKYCITY Chief Executive Officer, Nigel Morrison says “It’s great to have Al, Sean and Luke involved and passionate about these exciting new signature outlets. These guys all have such strong reputations for delivering extremely successful restaurants and bars across Australasia and we are thrilled to have their expertise as part of our leading hospitality team. I’m sure these new venues will complement the very successful Bellota and this is a great way to start our revamping of Federal Street.”

• THE RED HUMMINGBIRD BY LUKE DALLOW Luke Dallow says: “Federal St will be an entertainment hub, with its lively atmosphere and selection of great options in hospitality. This will be a great destination for Aucklanders and I can see it turning into an ‘oak tree’ precinct for Auckland.”

At a function in the area reserved for Al Brown’s restaurant the Depot, Mr Morrison announced the early concepts for these new venues.

• DEPOT BY AL BROWN Al Brown says: “Depot should be a blast; it’s all about serving unpretentious, delicious food in a fast and fun atmosphere.”

Fast paced and fresh, Brown says ‘Depot’ will be a place to drop in and refuel. Small plates of food to share, oysters shucked to order, and much of the produce cooked over charcoal or hard wood. Depot will celebrate seasonal produce served in a straightforward style, with an emphasis on fun and attention to detail.

Luke says ‘The Red Hummingbird’ will be based on the concept of a gastro pub environment with the sophistication of a bar but the familiarity of a cosmopolitan club and the ease of a local. Think prohibition speakeasy with the localisation and sociability of a community bar and the sophistication of a 5th Ave cocktail lounge. Everything is here for however you feel.

SKYCITY CEO Nigel Morrison says with big plans to be the home of entertainment for Rugby World Cup 2011, these partnerships put SKYCITY in a strong position to be at the centre of the action as New Zealand takes to the world stage.

These developments will be open in time for September’s Rugby World Cup and are part of the $50 million revamp SKYCITY has committed to preparations ahead of the major sporting tournament. PN

RADIO PONSONBY: SUMMER LOVE IN A NOT SO SECRET HIDEAWAY, ABOVE Chapel, Ponsonby’s premier bar, if you listen closely you can hear our DJs going hard.

The best in Auckland live here, for two hours at a time, they keep it fresh and funky and aim to blur the line.

Between tunes you like to listen to and tunes you haven’t heard, we keep our listeners happy and our station’s their preferred.

With our heart and soul in Ponsonby, we pump our music strong, the voice of Auckland’s icon can be found within our songs.

With our top-notch choice in music, and our friendly open door, tune in and join our family, we’re what you’re looking for!

It’s been a full on month down at Radio Ponsonby as we welcome in the New Year, and one of the hottest summers yet! We embraced our short shorts, shades and jandals to brave the streets of Ponsonby each day, bringing sweet beats to the lives of our fellow Ponsonby dwellers. 100 days of summer has been a raging success with many businesses on Ponsonby Road welcoming us to do live broadcasts with them – it has been a very exciting few months on the outside broadcast band wagon! You will have seen us infiltrating Ponsonby’s favourite hang outs, keeping each day fresh with new locations and personalities behind the decks. Our backyard is so full of exciting people and places its hard not to love getting out of the studio and meeting our listeners!

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This month we say goodbye to our lunchtime highlight, none other than Dave ‘WeekDave’ Hull – who is venturing over the ditch and into the unknown. We wish him all the very best on his adventures! On the upside we welcome back Chris Reed who makes our Mondays worth waking up for - you can listen to his smooth grooves 2-4pm.

The latest addition to the Radio Ponsonby family is Miho Wada – our very own Japanese punk jazz pioneer – where else can you find a DJ that plays flute live while DJing? Tune in to her at 2-4pm Tuesdays if you’re up for something a little different.

Lately, we’ve been heading out to art exhibitions, clothing launches, movie screenings, sporting events, expos and festivals all over the city. We represented Big Gay Out at Coyle Park on 13 February giving pre Valentines Day love to over 10,000 people. Dubbed ‘Big Gay Out FM’ for the day, we grooved with listeners all day – a beautiful mix of music and fun in the sun.

Our broadcasts don’t have time to be boring with interviews with local TV stars and international talent such as J-Star – who joined us in the studio before performing at Splore-city this February. PN Ever evolving, with changes a-foot, be sure to keep your dial locked on 107.7fm.

With giveaways and more surprises planned, community radio has never been so exciting! www.radioponsonby.co.nz PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY

DON’T MISS OUR NEXT PONSONBY NEWS+ DEADLINE… PUBLISHED: Friday, 1 April | COPY DEADLINE: Sunday, 20 March (PLEASE BE ON TIME, AS ANY COPY RECEIVED AFTER DEADLINE WILL INCUR A 20% PENALTY)

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PLANNING WEDDINGS: we ask the experts for their advice.

FASHION: we take a look at the locals’ autumn/winter collections.

REAL ESTATE: what is the market doing right now? We ask the local agents.

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

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LIZ WHEADON: WINE, GLORIOUS WINE

A CELEBRATION OF CENTRAL OTAGO PINOT NOIR IN JANUARY, 11 OF THE GLENGARRY TEAM WINGED THEIR WAY DOWN TO THE 2011 Pinot Noir Celebration in Queenstown. It is a magnificent event that is run two years out of three, celebrating Central Otago Pinot Noir. As part of the Celebration, we drove through to Northburn Station for a tasting of Pinot Noir’s from 40 Central Otago Producers. Each of the wineries presented their current vintage and an older example for comparison. This was the third Pinot Noir Celebration that I’ve had the pleasure to attend and the difference in overall quality jumped out. The majority of the wineries current release was from the 2009 vintage. As I tasted these, I could not help but draw similarities between the 2009 and 2007 vintage.

2007 was an excellent vintage for Central Otago, one that saw elegant, finely grained wines with finesse and elegance. The 2009 wines in the room seem to all posses similar characters, but it seemed they’d grown up. As we are a relatively young winemaking country, this is not surprising. The developments and changes are quicker and reflected in the wine quicker than many of the old world winemaking regions of the world that are stepped in tradition and age old techniques that have been passed down through the generations. It’s these changes that are being reflected in the 2009 vintage, the wines have all the fine tannins and elegance of the 2007 wines, but with much more class and power. It’s a very exciting vintage, one that’s just starting to hit the retail shelves now.

GIBBSTON VALLEY CHINA TERRACE 2009 This was the winner of the Trophy for the best experimental wine at the Air New Zealand wine awards and a stand out at our Pinot Noir Club tasting late last year. Re tasting it, it was easy to see why, a wine that displays the most texture and finesse that I’ve tasted from Central Otago.

FELTON ROAD BLOCK 3 – 2006 AND 2009 It’s very hard to go past the winemaking excellence that Blair Walter offers Blair’s passionate about Pinot Noir. I had an interesting talk to Blair about his visits to Burgundy and he commented that for him, it’s not about going and tasting in cellars, it’s about visiting the terroir and understanding the region. Both vintages of the Block 3 were excellent.

AKARUA CENTRAL OTAGO PINOT NOIR 2009 Matt Connell is doing great things at Akarua, the 2009 Pinot Noir’s are the first made 100% by himself. A very talented wine maker, he’s received a Gold Medal for every Central Pinot Noir he’s made (at previous wineries) and I’m sure he’s heading the same way with Akarua. (LIZ WHEADON) www.glengarry.co.nz PN

Of the 40 producers in the room, there were definitely some stand out wines and producers, here are my picks – in no particular order.

RIPPON CENTRAL OTAGO PINOT NOIR 2009 Not yet released, this was a very impressive wine, quite closed on the nose at this stage, but showing immense balance and elegance. Nick Mills is a champion in the area. Whilst there; we were treated to lunch in the newly constructed winery, complete with homemade marshmallows to toast over the fire. Made using organic and biodynamic principles.

QUARTZ REEF CENTRAL OTAGO BENDIGO PINOT NOIR 2005 Rudi Bauer is another master of the region and a real character, the 2005 was a cellar example to show the wine with a little age. It was truly excellent, great structure and drinking very well now.

ROCKBURN CENTRAL OTAGO PINOT NOIR 2009 Malcolm Rees Francis was kind enough to lead us through a tasting at Rockburn the day prior to the Celebration which was excellent. This included the Rockburn 2009 Pinot Noir. For those who have enjoyed the 2008, this is a massive step away, it’s similar to the 2007 Rockburn Pinot Noir in style, with a whole lot more style and finesse.

MONDILLO CENTRAL OTAGO PINOT NOIR 2009 A recent newcomer on the scene, Dominic Mondillo is making excellent wines; the 2009 is quite closed and needs a little time, but has a luscious palate with excellent length.

Maude Central Otago Pinot Noir 2007 We tasted the 2007 and 2009 Pinot Noir’s from Maude, both excellent but I just fell in love with the 2007, it was structured, very full bodied and gorgeous. Not a Pinot Noir for the faint hearted, it would match very well with food.

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EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY WEBSITE TO HELP SOAK UP NEW ZEALAND’S WINE GLUT MANY OF NEW ZEALAND’S LEADING WINE PRODUCERS AND DISTRIBUTORS have joined forces to offer New Zealand wine lovers daily wine specials via a new wine clearance website – Lastdrinks.co.nz.

The new online venture will help wineries and distributors meet the challenge of moving stock during the current wine glut. Unlike other wine clearance sites, however, the administration and dispatch of the wines is managed by established online sales experts Winesale.co.nz instead of the individual wineries.

“Lastdrinks.co.nz removes any administrative roles for the wine producers - there are no customer service, transaction or transport costs for them to have to manage,” says Winesale General Manager Michael Mebus. “But the biggest winners will be Kiwi wine lovers because they will have access to some of the best wine deals in New Zealand.”

Some of New Zealand’s best known producers and distributors will be using the site to sell wine, including Treasury Wines (formerly Foster’s wine division), Babich and Eurowines. “Each offer lasts for only 24 hours, so customers are going to have to be quick to grab quality wines at bargain prices. We see this as a win-win opportunity for consumers as well as wine producers and distributors looking for fresh opportunities in what is a highly competitive domestic wine market.”

Mr Mebus says that the one-day deal concept clearly appeals to New Zealanders. “It’s obvious that this is a platform that more and more New Zealanders are comfortable using but until now wine producers have had no real way of accessing these growing sales channels without the burden of excessive administration headaches.

“Producers are good at making wine and selling it to trade accounts but they cannot afford to give their time to dealing directly with hundreds of consumers separately each day. That is why Lastdrinks can benefit both the consumer and the producer in terms of service, quality and prices.”

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EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY INDULGE IN 15 TROPHY-WINNING WINES MATCHED TO A MEMORABLE DEGUSTATION DINNER THE ROYAL EASTER SHOW WINE AWARDS IS NEW ZEALAND’S OLDEST, MOST respected wine competition. The first annual show of the Auckland Agricultural and Horticultural Society was held in Auckland in 1843. An annual show was held in the spring of each year until 1953, when a second show was introduced called The Easter Show. One of the events added was a wine competition, which aimed to provide an opportunity for winegrowers to have their wines assessed, and as a consumer guide.

Entry was open to all New Zealand wines and it was the country’s first national wine competition. The Easter Show was granted Royal Status in 1987.

If you dine out just once in 2011, make it this dazzling black tie event. This is the only dining experience on the NZ social calendar that matches New Zealand’s top 15 gold medal wines to a sensational degustation menu created by respected UK trained Chef Simon Sheehan. This year’s menu is a fiercely guarded secret, however to set the scene we have included a few menu items from last year’s much talked about dinner.

• Roast breast of duck with Pimm’s salsa, matched with winning Methode Champenoise • Smoked eel with celeriac and grain mustard remoulade, matched with winning Viognier • Bluff oysters with Limoncello and shallot dressing, matched with winning Reisling • Roast turbot with spinach and enoki mushrooms, beef reduction, matched with winning Pinot Gris • Fillet of wild goat with butternut purée, muscatels, mangetout and Szechwan jus matched with winning Cabernet or Syrah.

• Kaffir lime semifreddo with coconut tuille, matched with winning sweet wine.

And much, much more..!

Simon Sheehan says his goal for the 2011 dinner is “to include an element of theatre to my dishes; this will add another dimension to savouring New Zealand’s finest wines.

We source the best ingredients New Zealand has to offer, and lastly my goal is to exceed our guests’ very high expectations’.

This year the awards will be jointly hosted by Vic Williams, regarded by many connoisseurs as the country’s authority on the matching of wine with food, and Rebecca Jones, co-owner of Tabou Restaurant and winner of Metro Magazine Restaurateur of the year 2008. This glittering black-tie event is much anticipated by all areas of the wine industry and individuals who understand and enjoy the best of wine and food matches. The Wine Awards Dinner is open to businesses and the public, and is strongly supported by companies and professions that are looking for a unique and glamorous night out to thank key clients or reward staff. The Royal Easter Show Wine Awards is an incorporated non-profit association and the proceeds cover costs only while promoting our finest winemakers. Winning wines will display the Royal Easter Show Award sticker for easy consumer identification.

THE ROYAL EASTER SHOW WINE AWARDS DINNER, ASB Showgrounds, Greenlane Auckland, Saturday 19 March, $235 per person or $2,100 for a table of ten.

Tickets are available direct from the ASB Showgrounds. PN Please contact emma@asbshowgrounds.co.nz For more information T: 09 623 7726 or visit www.royaleastershow.co.nz/wineawards

Local resident ROBYN ELLSON is passionate about Kingsland

10 THINGS I LOVE ABOUT KINGSLAND 1. Cutesy, kitschy 70’s furnishings and a slice of lampshade fantastica at MIXT. Lots of crafty goodness for those on the hunt for gifts.

2. What better way to spend a hot summer afternoon than under the garden lights of THE NEIGHBOURHOOD BAR? A few jugs of Isaac’s with friends mopped up with margherita pizza, ahhh bliss.

3. I know they are famous for their pies but THE FRIDGE’S chicken, bacon and avocado wraps always win my heart.

4. Window shopping. THE ROYAL JEWELLERY STUDIO is such a beautiful building, with such beautiful treasures inside. It feels more like an art gallery than a shop. I also love CATWALK JANE and FLY BY NIGHT for vintage fun and STATE-OF-GRACE is just gorgeousness on tap.

5. Sometimes all you want is a DAIRY and Kingsland boasts two exceptional ones.

Service is always friendly and the Iced Coffee flavoured Nippy’s reliably icy-cold.

6. I love going to TAIKO with a big group and letting the waiter order for us. Always a super entertaining dinner and I always manage to eat so much that I can barely walk.

7. VILLA LOVELINESS with a few bungalow beauties thrown in for good measure.

There are still some do-up opportunities here for renovation junkies like myself. This area grows more lovely by the day.

8. I love MEKONG NEUA and the Turkish restaurant JAAN is my go-to favourite whenever I get a hankering for a White Horse Kebab (a famous kebab shop in London).

9. We really are spoilt for choice with ROASTED ADDIQTION, SHAKY ISLES, and ATOMIC all serving up a primo flat white. I always try to share the love around.

10. The upcoming RUGBY WORLD CUP! I can’t wait to see what this will do for Kingsland. I’d love to see a little more fashion, shoes, green grocer and bookshop in the mix – but we’re probably good for bars and cafes for now! (ROBYN ELLSON, Property Consultant, Custom Residential) PN

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IS KINGSLAND THE NEW PONSONBY?

STATE OF GRACE’S NEW ‘SWEETHEART SIREN’ INSTORE YOU MIGHT REMEMBER STATE OF GRACE’S FIRST LITTLE STORE ON THE corner of Surrey Crescent which opened in 1992. Almost 20 years on, the everinnovative label calls Kingsland its home. Enamoured of the site which houses workroom and boutique at a single address, owner and designer Sherilyn Catchpole opened eighteen months ago at 509 New North Road, in the suburb she loves and in which she also lives.

Ponsonby News previewed State of Grace’s Winter 2011 - Sweetheart Siren - recently, and we can report that the label merges edgy and elegant as well as ever, while maintaining its strong, individual handwriting.

The range is inspired by Britain’s World War Two ‘Land Girls.’ who spent days working in the fields, in valiant service to their country, and evenings attending dances, “perhaps on the arm of a handsome army lieutenant” smiles Sherilyn.

Hence there is plenty of assured State of Grace tailoring, like strikingly coloured wool mix jackets and high waisted pencil skirts, but it’s mixed up with dainty prints which in turn might have the season’s gotta-have-it faux fur bolero thrown over the top. And of course every girl is going to need a pleated skirt this season - State of Grace’s retails for $199 and comes in beautiful rich colours like raspberry and deep purple as well as key neutrals.

There is always a little luxe in a State of Grace collection and ‘Sweetheart Siren’ boasts beautiful gold lace and vintage metallic beading.

Every State of Grace garment is New Zealand made. Sherilyn says her customers admire the quality and her good eye for fabrics. We say - you can take the label out of Ponsonby, but you can’t take Ponsonby out of State of Grace.

STATE OF GRACE, 509 New North Road, Kingsland, T: 09 846 4333 www.stateofgrace.co.nz

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IS KINGSLAND THE NEW PONSONBY?

Tradesman upholsterer MIKE SUSSOCK, owner of SOFA DIRECT in Kingsland has been providing quality craft-man-ship for 40 years and has worked from his large showroom in Kingsland for 16 years .

SOFA DIRECT OFFERING THE BEST QUALITY AT THE BEST POSSIBLE PRICES SOFA DIRECT HAS BEEN IN KINGSLAND FOR 16 YEARS AND OWNER /operator Mike Sussock a tradesman upholsterer with 40 years experience has recently doubled the size of the showroom which showcases a range of high quality leather lounge suites consisting of Italian and German top grain leather.

Mike explains, “Top grain or full grain is the strong epidermal layer of the hide; the most expensive and best quality leather. After that top layer comes off it becomes a split.

This in fact is suede which is then sanded and embossed with artificial grain. This is called corrected grain and is the most widely used due to availability and price. The lowest grade of leather is bicast. The split of leather is coated with a polyurethane finish then embossed. Bicast was made for footwear but unfortunately has found its way into the furniture industry. It is known for splitting, cracking and delaminating from the leather surface. People often complain leather feels cold but that’s because with bicast you’re actually sitting on a plastic coating.”

Sofa Direct also has a range of locally made fabric suites which can be custom made to your requirements. Fabrics are supplied at wholesale prices saving the customer considerable money and all frames come with a lifetime guarantee. The form of springing used is Black Cat webbing sourced from Italy and has a 10 year guarantee.

Any suites ordered have the option of Sumo Foam (Dunlop Elephant Foam) which also has a 10 year guarantee. All workmanship is covered by an unconditional warranty.

Sofa Direct prides itself on providing the very best of quality at the best possible prices.

Off street parking is available right outside the door. PN SOFA DIRECT, 420 D New North Road T: 09 815 0215, F: 09 815 0216, M: 021 1791 830

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“We will really miss Tabou and the very lovely maitre’d REBECCA JONES”

DEAR PONSONBY NEWS I WAS THE VERY LUCKY WINNER OF THE $200 VOUCHER AT TABOU restaurant run in Ponsonby News last year. We had an absolutely delicious meal on Saturday night and the service was superb. The wine suggestions were spot on and the Tarte Tatin was simply devine. We were sad to hear that Tabou will be closing shortly and hope Rebecca’s loyal customers will be rushing in before closing to wish her all the best.

Many thanks, ANGELA LAMBIE, Ponsonby.

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DEBORAH KELLAND: LIVE AND DIE WELL

THE MIND DOES MATTER!

CONSCIOUS LIVING

NOW THAT WE ARE WELL INTO THE NEW YEAR WE HAVE PROBABLY STOPPED thinking about the year ahead. But just stop for a moment and think about where you are at mentally right now. Most of us are well over our new year resolutions of what we intended to do this year around the body – lose weight, eat more healthily, go to the gym – we have heard it all before and possibly already put it aside.

STUDENTS OF YOGA, LEADING ATHLETES, MARTIAL ARTISTS AND healers from all disciplines have long known of the underlying unity of the physical, mental and spiritual aspects of our being. The wellness of the body is inescapably linked to the energies and forces in the mind; an athlete’s endurance and strength is connected to will-power, concentration, attitude, self belief; and advanced students of karate will at some point begin to explore and tap into inner force and the opening of the power centres of the physical body.

This year I am contemplating how I can keep my mind well, for the body will follow. The mind is the main event in wellness - at least 60% of the show - if not 100% in control of it all. “The body cannot be well that the mind will not let,” says Mary Burmeister (Jin Shin Jyutsu). I really just want to enjoy every moment and literally ‘live in the moment’ which, for this Arian Type A personality who is always living in the future is a HUGE challenge!

Most people relate to this through positive thinking and whilst this has a place, most of what I am referring to is more about being mentally complete, calm and happy. That elusive attitude that is such a healer and foundation stone for life - how do we achieve that? I think it is different for each of us, for some it is going fishing once a week, for others meditating every day. It is different for everyone, but ideally includes the mind being quiet. Hard to imagine for some I know. The first time I meditated the incredible silence felt like a brick on my head!

It is about also taking care of yourself, every day in a way that has you ‘in your own skin’. Giving to others in a way that brings you and them joy is also one of life’s greatest motivators. Yes “joy” lets have that in bucketfuls this year thank you.

(DEBORAH KELLAND) PN

In a lifetime devoted to fostering the spiritual awakening of humanity, Sri Chinmoy encourages a holistic approach to wellbeing, happiness and spiritual progress – exercise brings physical excellence and health to the body-temple; service to others widens our heart and deepens our oneness and compassion; spiritual music and literature nourish and illumine our minds; meditation opens the inner gateway to the soul and the power of spirit.

With typical clarity and simplicity, Sri Chinmoy writes, “Unless you touch something everyday, it does not shine. Often I have told people to touch the furniture in their homes every day. As soon as you touch something, it gets new life. If you are aware of something, immediately it shines and gets a new luminosity. If you have good health, if you touch your health every day, it gets new life.”

If you learn to meditate, you will quickly discover many benefits for your health and wellbeing. You will have more dynamism and energy, more joy in your life, more capacity to cope with this world. You may suddenly need less sleep, and yet sleep better; have more awareness and compassion for others; lose your anger, aggression and frustration or your insecurity and fear. You will slowly gain access to your soul’s qualities, which are all perfection, and feel yourself guided from within. Your whole life will begin to change. Your practise of meditation is also the highest thing you can do for others.

If you have not meditated before try this simple exercise: find a quiet place in your house where you will be undisturbed for the next ten minutes, remove your shoes and sit with your spine reasonably straight. Simply notice your breathing for a few minutes and when your mind is calmer breathe in peace, a feeling of serenity and calm and imagine all your restlessness and negative qualities leaving you. Don’t be disturbed by external sounds – these will always be there – just dive within.

Cultivate an absolute stillness in your body, mind and breath. Let your mind be like a calm clear sky; if thoughts come don’t attach any significance to them. If you can empty your mind even for a short while you will feel more peaceful and meditative. With practice all your life can be your meditation. (JOGYATA DALLAS) Jogyata Dallas has been teaching free meditation courses at the Sri Chinmoy Centre in Auckland for over 25 years. For a free brochure T: 09 309 1136. PN www.meditationauckland.co.nz

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LIVING, THINKING + BEING

‘CAT AMONGST THE PIGEONS’ IN THE WORDS OF AN OLD SONG THERE IS NOTHIN LIKE A DAME, NOTHIN IN the world. Well there’s nothing like a certain Dame in New Zealand, namely Herne Bay resident Dame Cath Tizard.

The first woman Mayor of Auckland, the first woman Governor General in New Zealand, one who has bungy-jumped from the Sky Tower for charity and received a telegram from the Queen ‘Well jumped. Elizabeth R.’, one who has done a tandem parachute jump to launch Braille Week. There’s photographic evidence of these exploits in her memoir ‘Cat Amongst the Pigeons’, a hugely entertaining read about the life of a remarkable woman and a must for anyone who is interested in New Zealand’s modern political history.

For many years people had been telling Dame Cath she must write her memoirs and the reply was invariably “I’m much too busy”. Then there were those who wanted to do it for her so as a diversionary tactic she’d say “Oh no, I’m doing it myself”.The tipping point was when after leaving Government House, out of the blue, she was given a fellowship for a term at Lucy Cavendish College in Cambridge.

During a chance meeting with Witi Ihimaera he asked what she was going to do there and she replied “I haven’t the faintest idea”. His reply, “ I know very well what you are going to do Cath. You are going to start writing your memoirs, aren’t you.” So she did start, but there was no order or plan to it till her granddaughter, who had worked as an editor in London, went through her diaries and sorted out who, what and when.

Next push came from Gordon McLauchlan who literally took her by the scruff of the neck and told her she’d been messing around too long. He organised a lunch with Nicola Leggat of Random House and suddenly she had a contract, an advance and it all became very serious. Once settled down to the task, Dame Cath found it enjoyable.

Writing wasn’t a difficulty but remembering events and putting them into perspective was a different matter. Once the book was published people would say to her “You must be so relieved”. Not so. On the contrary she feels cross about things she hadn’t remembered at the time of writing. Perhaps a sequel is in the offing!

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Dame Cath turns eighty on 4 April and has not planned a party but feels sure her children won’t let her get away without some sort of celebration.

I’ve heard on the grapevine a Remuera socialite has already sent out invitations to a lunch for her the following day. Reaching a certain age has not slowed her down one whit. She is patron of several organisations and is in much demand as a speaker.

In fact she finds herself making a speech at least once a week. She cares particularly about those doing positive work for young people and doesn’t do the entertainment circuit anymore.

As for growing old, she doesn’t mind it a bit. She says she’s had a good life and there’s nothing more she wants to achieve. There is one drawback though, living in an old body with an aching back and having people starting to fuss over her.

Dame Cath believes she’s had a lucky life. She knows of many women who have the same basic intelligence, are educated, reasonably good looking but somehow have missed out on the chances she’s had. “If there’s a door opening in front of you, push it open to see what’s on the other side, and learn to be a little kinder as we get older.”

‘Cat Amongst the Pigeons’ is not a tell-all tale and neither should it be from a person of her status. There are charming recollections of her childhood in Waharoa and some important family history. Her parents were Scottish immigrants and her father, Neil

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LIVING, THINKING + BEING Mclean was a founding member of the Scottish Labour Party. They settled in the tiny Waikato town and Dame Cath was their only child. Someone I know gave her daughter-in law a copy for Christmas. The verdict? “ I don’t know Cath Tizard like you do, but after reading her book I really like her.” A young woman’s tribute to another from an earlier generation.

The McLean Clan were seafarers and the old tale Dame Cath repeats in her book of Noah offering to rescue them during the Great Flood and their answer “McLean, McLean. We’ve a boat of our ain” epitomises her life. The last words of her book read I have indeed had a ‘boat of my ain’ and also the fair winds to sail it.

(DEIRDRE ROELANTS) PN

INTRODUCING Q GARDENS NEW EPICUREAN ECSTASY: JALAPENO JELLY Q Gardens newest culinary delight, Jalapeno Jelly is bound to leave your taste-buds in pure ecstasy with its unique combination of spicy and sweet!

This heavenly preserve captures the fiery flavour of mild deseeded red jalapenos grown locally in the Bay of Plenty, and combines them with fresh red capsicum and gluten free jelly, which tame the hot chilli spice, leaving it as a background note to the sweet, succulent, juicy jelly taste.

Q Gardens Jalapeno Jelly is a truly versatile performer that is equally at home in both sweet and savoury dishes; including appetizers, snacks and marinades, there are ample ways to use Jalapeno Jelly, and give ordinary food an extraordinary, zingy kick!

WAYS TO USE Q GARDENS JALAPENO JELLY: • Dress up cheese and crackers or simply smear on crisp pita bread • Top off your favourite ice cream to give it a refreshing kick and spicy flavour!

• Try basting hamburger patties with Jalapeno Jelly while they are grilling to keep them moist, juicy, spicy and sweet • Mix with cream cheese to form an out-of-the-world cake icing for chocolate cake • Use as a sauce ingredient with stock and wine to accompany any meat dish, or incorporate in a meat marinade • Use as a dipping sauce for chicken strips or prawns • Try in a sandwich - an American favourite is peanut butter and jalapeno jelly Q GARDENS JALAPENO JELLY, RRP $5.90 (120ml), RRP $9.90 PN

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

Q:

For a wee while I have been having trouble sleeping. More recently, I have been experiencing night sweats, which my Doctor tells me is a sign I am peri-menopausal. Have you any advice to help me through ‘The Change’?

Name and address withheld

Menopause is just a natural phase in your life so you needn’t be afraid of the changes you are experiencing. What Ayurveda can do is help you make the transition smoothly, without some of the more obvious symptoms. As always, Ayurveda does this by identifying the causative factors behind the symptoms and balancing them through changes to diet and lifestyle.

A:

I am sure your Doctor has explained that menopause occurs when the hormones Estradiol and Progesterone are no longer produced by the ovaries. These hormones make reproduction possible and influence sexual behaviour. The fall in Estradiol levels in the body can result in such symptoms as irregular periods, dry skin, mood swings, hot flushes, depression, weight gain and dry skin.

From an Ayurvedic perspective, these symptoms are a sign that heat is trapped in the body, generally from a build up of toxins that clog the circulation and lymphatic systems. Therefore I would suggest a programme that would not only halt the build up of these toxins but help to remove them from the body so you can enjoy a smooth transition to this next important phase of your life journey.

BELOW IS SOME ADVICE TO HELP YOU THROUGH THIS TRANSITION: • Each morning, brush your teeth and scrape your tongue. This removes toxins that accumulate on the tongue overnight and stimulates the release of digestive secretions

• Each morning, place three drops of warm sesame oil in each nostril. This supports the hormonal function of the Pineal and Pituitary glands and brings balance to the mind and body.

• Each morning, take off your shoes and take a walk on a patch of green grass, preferably while it still holds dew.

• Massage your body daily with warm sesame oil.

• Avoid eating fermented, salty, hot, dry, rough and processed foods, eg. Peanut Butter, margarine, cheese, soya, tomato and chilli sauces, coffee, carbonated drinks and fried foods.

These foods block channels, trapping heat in the body.

• If you feel hungry during the day, snack on a handful of raisins and five to ten soaked and peeled almonds.

• Take 10 deep breaths at least twice a day. This increases oxygen in tissues brings enhanced vitality to cells and helps in minimising build up of toxins (free radicals).

• Experience an Ayurvedic Shirodhara treatment at Spa Ayurda, 213 Ponsonby Road (www.spaayurda.co.nz). This blissful treatment calms the nervous system, stabilises hormonal function and helps to relieve anxiety, depression and insomnia.

• If the symptoms are severe, I would recommend a Panchkarma treatment at my clinic in Newmarket. This treatment, unique to Ayurveda, offers a systematic approach to de-toxify and rejuvenate the body at the physical, mental and emotional levels.

• Some Ayurvedic preparations that are beneficial are Ex-Stress and Gynocare. PN

• Each morning, drink one cup of warm water with ½ tsp of fresh grated ginger, ½ tbs of honey and ½ tbs of lemon juice. This drink flushes toxins from the digestive tract and helps counter sluggishness in lymphatic system.

PLANET AYURVEDA, 41 Gillies Avenue T: 09 623 2651 www.planetayurveda.co.nz

CHRISTCHURCH HEART APPEAL www.chchheart.co.nz 88 PONSONBY NEWS+ March 2011

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

LIVING, THINKING + BEING

‘A PROMISE TO PIP’ PROJECT Renowned artists Otis and Dick Frizzell, Karl Maughan, Fane Faws and a host of high profile Kiwis are joining a collective of Auckland work colleagues, friends and family in support of Pip Mills, a talented, much admired and sadly, cancer stricken Senior Account Manager from direct and digital agency RAPP/Tribal.

In 2010 Pip, aged 34, was diagnosed with Stage 4 Metastic Malignant Melanoma with no primary source. Since diagnosis, Pip has been undergoing chemotherapy and radiation treatment.

Pip is currently recovering from a full hip replacement (Pip’s hip collapsed when the chemotherapy had reduced the size of the tumour in her hip bone causing it to fracture), she has just finished her 2nd round of radiotherapy and is still undergoing chemotherapy.

A website promisetopip.co.nz was launched last month to host online fundraising auctions in advance of a fundraising event held in Pip’s honour this month at La Zeppa – one of Pip’s favourite bars. Amongst a range of items available for online auction are 10 ukeleles decorated, or signed, by Kiwi artists and musicians, with all funds being raised online and at the event going towards improving Pip’s quality of life.

In Pip’s own words “I so badly want to beat the odds” but right now she and her partner Greg are taking things one day at a time.

Ways to contribute towards the Promise to Pip include contributing gifts or services to be auctioned, participating in the auctions or donating money directly into a Fund established for the Promise to Pip activity. PN For more information please take a look at promisetopip.co.nz

OTIS FRIZZELL has donated two pieces of his work to support PIP MILLS

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DEADLINE – 20TH OF THE MONTH March 2011 PONSONBY NEWS+

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CLARE CALDWELL

THE ART OF LIVING

Recently I watched a programme about Australian Aboriginal art.

For some reason that I’m still pondering it resonated with me on a really deep level. I just loved it. I think what I loved about the programme and the art was that I didn’t ‘understand’ it in an intellectual sense. I responded to it with my whole body.

I still hold a recurring image – an older Aboriginal woman who was interviewed. Thinking of that lovely ancient featured face I feel a connection to something unfathomably beautiful and beyond words. Her message was so simple and yet to me so profound – we all need to get along together.

PEACE PILLOWS RELOCATE SHOWROOM TO PONSONBY A good night’s sleep is now a short distance away as Peace Pillows last month relocated their showroom to 10 Maidstone Street, Ponsonby, right beside Design Denmark. For further information on their products please call T: 0800 1 PEACE www.peacepillows.co.nz

It was said like a gentle invitation. Their way is very holistic - we are all part of everything and everything is part of us.

In the West the tendency has been to split off, compartmentalise, intellectualise – our health, our minds, our art. Whole departments and systems have sprung up to accommodate and focus on isolated specialities. This denial of ourselves as integrated beings in mind, body and spirit, individually as well as globally may be our undoing.

Uncontaminated and undisturbed systems in the natural world are all integrated – each component relies on another for its survival and the survival of the whole. Australian Aboriginals have survived for over 50,000 years. We have much to learn from them and from all the other indigenous wisdoms now slowly re-emerging on this planet.

As some of us strive to open ourselves up to the ubiquitous energies and wisdoms of the greater Universe and try to make sense of it all we may notice more synchronistic moments starting to occur – eg someone appearing (seemingly randomly) saying the very thing you needed to hear at that point in time. This is happening more and more and is a beautiful and mind-blowing reminder of that interconnectedness.

In my work as a Creative Arts Therapist I see much need for this interconnectedness to occur, on an individual, family and cultural level. Art therapy is a holistic activity. It helps reintegrate people who are struggling - working with emotions, thoughts, reactions that have split off due to grief, trauma, anger etc and is a hugely healing process.

The work is subtle but powerful and taps into deeper aspects of who we are, often bringing clarity and insight.

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As a gesture of expression, art is very ancient. Historically in our human evolution, art preceded language. Pre-school children draw and paint and make marks before they form spoken language. Art, in all its forms, is a profound and universal language of the whole body.

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

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

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DEADLINE – 20TH OF THE MONTH March 2011 PONSONBY NEWS+

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LIVING, THINKING + BEING

FEED YOUR FACE AT MORE THAN SKIN The old adage ‘you are what you eat’ is as true now as it has ever been… but what exactly does that mean for your complexion?

International studies confirm that nutrition is one of the key contributors towards healthy, youthful looking skin. Recognising this, the team at More Than Skin are offering the ‘Feed Your Face’ facial which highlights the importance of combining skin-friendly foods with a professional beauty routine.

This delicious package emphasises the need to nourish your skin from the inside and out. It includes a FREE gift and add-on treats, along with a healthy skin tip card suggesting simple ideas to help you eat your way to a radiant complexion.

Your ‘Feed Your Face’ package includes a Joyce Blok Signature facial, a lash tint and brow shape, and a FREE Collagen & Elastin Gel Mask all for just $125! (valued at over $210) More Than Skin are also offering the DECLÉOR Couture Facial this March with a selection of free goodies to provide an instant beauty boost for neglected summer skin.

The Couture Facial features an aromatic 75 minute DECLÉOR facial, a lash tint and brow shape, plus you’ll receive a FREE Harmonie Calm Mask all for only $135 – a total value of over $275!

So help revitalise, replenish and restore your skin this March with these great deals and receive a FREE mask to help you maintain the glowing results at home.

Call Megs today on T: 09 361 2231 for more information. PN

THE FOUNDATION OF SPIRITUALIST MEDIUMS NZ INC 1 MARCH - Astral Travel. Followed by Mediums practice of Spirit Communication, (Clairvoyance) 12.30pm to 2.30pm $5.

8 MARCH - Past Lives: How can it influence your life? Followed by Mediums practice of Spirit Communication, (Clairvoyance) 12.30pm to 2.30pm $5.

22 MARCH - Spiritualist Healing. How my Spirit Guide helped my recovery.

Followed by Mediums practice of Spirit Communication, (Clairvoyance) 12.30pm to 2.30pm $5.

29 MARCH - No meeting

15 MARCH - Balancing the mind, body and soul Followed by Mediums practice of Spirit Communication, (Clairvoyance) 12.30pm to 2.30pm $5.

All Welcome.

19 MARCH - I See and Hear Spirit. If I tell you, don’t think I’m crazy. An afternoon of Clairvoyance, followed by Healing.

THE LEYS INSTITUTE, 20 St Marys Road Ponsonby (Above the Library).

Contact Ruth Wildish T: (09) 410-9130 PN

92 PONSONBY NEWS+ March 2011

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE – 20TH OF THE MONTH March 2011 PONSONBY NEWS+

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HELENE RAVLICH: NATURAL BEAUTY

HOUSE OF ANGEL THE MINUTE YOU START TALKING TO HOUSE OF ANGEL’S DORA BAN YOU SEE what sets her apart from so many other beauty therapists. Her USP is herself, and her incredible passion for genuinely connecting with her clients. She is also passionate about the use of sunscreen (her mother experienced skin cancer first hand) and organic beauty, two things that I am equally obsessive about.

Her skincare brands of choice include Ilcsi, a 100 per cent organic brand that she worked with extensively in Hungary, where she was born and lived until four and a half years ago. After moving to New Zealand and deciding to exchange her career – as an art teacher – for her passion, she began working full time as a beauty therapist.

She started the New Zealand leg of her beauty career – she had previously practised part time in Hungary – at the now-closed organic salon House of Radiance, before becoming one of the most sought after therapists at Mt Eden’s Body Tech Spa for several years. There she was schooled during many training sessions on what New Zealand had to offer in the way of beauty brands, and soon discovered what she did – and didn’t – like.

“In Europe I worked with lots of amazing French, German and Swiss brands,” explains the internationally trained cosmetologist, “alongside Ilcsi. I couldn’t believe it when I discovered that I could get it in New Zealand as well.” It was the first brand that she selected when she opened House of Angel in a space in Grey Lynn health and wellbeing studio re:ab on 1 November last year, and Environ was soon to follow.

“I love Ilcsi because it has such a great history and has been around since the 1950’s as a reputed organic brand,” she explains, “and Environ really is one of the best professional ranges available right now.” She loves both brands for their all-natural approach as well as the way that their products can be customised to create the perfect facial for each client’s skin concerns. She says that the 2011 approach to professional skincare analysis is “treating skin conditions as opposed to skin types, and I ask all of my clients about their lifestyle, diet, stress levels and any hormonal issues that could be behind what’s causing the condition in the first place”. All of her facials include a free eyebrow tidy and scalp, hand or foot massage too, which is a fabulous added bonus.

LIFESTREAM SPIRULINA PLUS VITAMIN C THE NATURAL MULTI Spirulina is a microscopic fresh water plant that could very well be the perfect food, and the most natural way to significantly improve your energy levels and nutritional balance.

Now Lifestream International blends certified organic spirulina and vitamin C, two of the world’s best superfoods, into one stunning mix - Lifestream Spirulina PLUS Vitamin C The Natural Multi. This new, natural, super multi-vitamin provides a range of health improvements and benefits for the entire body.

While Lifestream Certified Organic Spirulina boosts the body with high levels of energy and immune-boosting nutrients such as iron, protein, glycogen, phycocyanin, betacarotenoids and xanthophylls, the inclusion of Lifestream Certified Organic Vitamin C, the only certified organic and truly complete vitamin C supplement, provides the body with all the natural vitamin C co-factors, which always exist in vitamin C-rich foods in nature.

Lifestream Spirulina PLUS Vitamin C – The Natural Multi Key Benefits: • Provides the body with a sustained long-lasting energy boost • Includes a vast range of natural nutrients for the entire body • Is a great support for your immune system • Is the perfect product for people that are run down during the colder seasons Lifestream Spirulina PLUS Vitamin C The Natural Multi RRP $39.90 (120 capsules) Lifestream Spirulina PLUS Vitamin C The Natural Multi RRP $29.90 (100g powder) Lifestream Products are available at selected Health Food Stores and Pharmacies nationwide. For further information or stockist details visit www.lifestream.co.nz PN

When asked about the differences between New Zealand and Eastern European women when it comes to beauty she immediately says how amazed she was at how “low maintenance” we appeared to be when she arrived in the country all those years ago. “Here women are so outdoorsy and relaxed about their looks,” she explains, “and sun damage and pigmentation are definitely the biggest beauty concerns.” Having said that, she adds “even after spending years in the sun they still look younger to me than Eastern European women, it really is amazing! It must be something in the air!”

She does wish they would care for their skin a little better though, “in Europe women have a facial every month as it helps keep their skin clear and at home products work even better”.

Also a trained makeup artist, the petite brunette works exclusively with another great good-for-you brand, Jane Iredale mineral makeup. Her favourite product – and mine – is the PurePressed Mineral Powder, a micronized mineral base that is all concentrated pigment and no fillers. Because of this concentrated pigment, a minimum amount gives incredible coverage and becomes a foundation, powder and concealer all in one.

It also gives high sunscreen protection without the need for synthetic ingredients, which for Dora – and for me - is a huge thumbs up. (HELENE RAVLICH) PN T: 09 360-2929, or M: 021 0245 5656 E: dora.houseofangel@yahoo.com

94 PONSONBY NEWS+ March 2011

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

LIVING, THINKING + BEING

BETTERLIFE SURGERY – PROVIDING WEIGHT LOSS SOLUTIONS

STEPHANIE ULMER, Weight Loss Surgeon

WHY SURGERY FOR WEIGHT LOSS? Everyone knows that society has become overweight because of two things: we eat too many calories and don’t do enough exercise. So, because we know the cause, the problem should be easily fixed..? Well it isn’t. Habits are difficult to change and diets can be successful when it comes to losing weight but very unsuccessful when it comes to keeping the weight off. Universally, the people who seek bariatric (weight loss) surgery have tried many diets, had success, but have always put the weight back on.

HOW DOES WEIGHT LOSS SURGERY WORK? Weight Loss Surgery is different, in that it enables you to eat fewer calories and feel full for longer periods. In other words it achieves what all other diets hope to achieve but never do. BetterLife Surgery is dedicated to providing Weight Loss Surgery solutions.

Stephanie Ulmer has trained overseas in state-of-the-art techniques in Bariatric Surgery and knows what is required for her patients to be successful at losing weight and keeping it off. She has a team of professionals that she works with in order to provide support and guidance throughout the entire journey. Together they provide the optimal environment so that patients can achieve the healthy weight that they want.

It is essential that people considering Weight Loss Surgery undergo a comprehensive consultative process that outlines the possible surgical options, identifies potential barriers to weight loss and highlights achievable strategies for ensuring success.

At BetterLife Surgery we take success seriously!

A Consultation is the first step to identifying how Weight Loss Surgery can work for you.

Call today and make good your New Years Resolution. PN BETTERLIFE SURGERY, 148 Gillies Avenue, T: 09 623 8523 www.betterlifesurgery.co.nz

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

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HOROSCOPES

MISS PEARL NECLIS

♓

NEW ZEALAND COFFINS – CUSTOM DESIGNED!

♈

YOU OFTEN HAVE TO make sacrifices to be environmentally friendly, like driving a hybrid car to reduce emissions or taking shorter showers.

Pisces (the Fish): 20 February - 20 March Try not to let yourself get forced into anything that you are not comfortable with. Instead do what you want to do and you’ll accomplish a lot more.

Aries (the Ram): 21 March - 20 April You might feel that your frustration is increasing this month as something from your past suddenly resurfaces. You have to let go even if you haven’t figured out your future yet.

♉

Taurus (the Bull): 21 April - 21 May Sometimes you keep things to yourself when the best thing for you is to get them out in the open. That way you’ll find your mind a lot less stressed than usual.

♊

Gemini (the Twins): 22 May - 21 June You know that slowing down and taking your time over something will enable you to accomplish any task a lot quicker than your usual jump in feet first approach. You don’t always have to be so competitive.

♋

Cancer (the Crab): 22 June - 22 July If you keep giving and find that you are burning yourself out maybe you need to start thinking of yourself. If there are any health problems lurking go and get them dealt with.

♌

Leo (the Lion): 23 July - 21 August You need to be there emotionally for the most important person in your life soon as there may be some tough obstacles to navigate. You’ll get through it providing you don’t take anything out of context.

♍

Virgo (the Virgin): 22 August - 23 September You often absorb data at such an incredible rate that you can sometimes find clarity difficult. You need to start with quality rather than quantity.

♎

Libra (the Scales): 24 September - 23 October Don’t feel let down by your obvious lack of success in the work department. Just maintain some kind of regularity in your movements and you’ll achieve the outcome you deserve.

But LifeArt’s range of environmentally friendly cardboard coffins mean that when it comes to your funeral – or the funeral of someone you love – you don’t need to compromise.

Now available in New Zealand through selected funeral directors, LifeArt’s unique patented coffins are manufactured using up to 97% recycled fibres from cardboard boxes and sugar cane waste. They have set new standards in the use of recycled materials, lowering emissions and reducing the impact on our environment. All this, plus LifeArt’s coffins are beautifully designed and finished.

“You can choose a natural timber-look, or select from a wide range of existing designs featuring nature and flowers, artistic and spiritual imagery or your favourite sports team’s logo,” said Greg Bisset, General Manager, LifeArt. “Coffins can be customised with names, photos or a favourite saying to personalise the design, or you can decorate it yourself with decoupage, crayons or paints for a truly unique result. In many ways, these coffins reflect the increasing personalisation of funeral services in New Zealand.

This can involve playing the deceased’s favourite song at their funeral instead of a more traditional hymn, placing personal items on the coffin, or in this case arranging a service that mirrors the environmental ethics they embraced during their life.”

LifeArt’s cardboard coffins offer an environmentally acceptable alternative, while still meeting the standards and regulatory requirements of the New Zealand funeral industry. Their patented design guarantees that neither durability nor appearance has been sacrificed, and all coffins possess a natural, smooth look. www.lifeart.com.au

♏

Scorpio (the Scorpion): 24 October - 22 November Try not to let baggage that you seem to be carrying get in the way of any friendship that has been forged recently. Your shifting moods will determine the outcome.

♐

Sagittarius (the Archer): 23 November - 22 December Don’t start worrying that a part of your life is coming to an end. Instead you should try and resolve any long standing feuds you might have. Begin the next chapter with a fresh outlook on life.

♑

Capricorn (the Goat): 23 December - 20 January You might get the feeling that you are doing all the running this month but are not actually getting anywhere. Try a new direction and a new more laid back approach, then you’ll see who comes running.

♒

Aquarius (the Water Carrier): 21 January - 19 February You don’t have to shoulder all the financial responsibility but you do have to assume the role of leader as you are looked up to. Just carry on doing what you do instead of what’s not possible. PN

CHRISTCHURCH HEART APPEAL You are not alone, our hearts are with you... www.chchheart.co.nz

96 PONSONBY NEWS+ March 2011

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

NIKKI HART: GOOD NUTRITION HYDRATION: IT’S NOT JUST ABOUT WATER! WATER IS THE BODY’S MOST IMPORTANT NUTRIENT – YOU SIMPLY CAN’T survive without it.

thirst is not a good indicator – the easiest way to tell if your child is hydrated is to check the colour of their urine. It should be pale in colour and plentiful.

Being hydrated means that the water in the fluids and foods you consume daily matches the losses you have from perspiration, urination and other body processes.

The amount of fluid you need actually depends on your body weight and under normal environmental conditions the average adult or adolescent needs about 1ml per 1 calorie intake. So for females it’s about 2000ml (2L)/daily and for males it’s about 2800ml (2.8L)/daily. One measured cup is 250ml – so that’s where the mantra of drinking 8 cups a day comes from.

If your child does not drink enough fluid or loses as little as 3% of their body water then this can lead to exhaustion and dehydration. Early signs of dehydration include: weakness, flushed skin, headache and nausea.

It is estimated that 80% of your water intake comes from fluids and the other 20% comes from food. So, staying hydrated doesn’t have to mean just plain drinking water however, it can include other liquids such as milk, fruit juice, sports drink, soft drinks, as well as watery fruits and vegetables and even tea and coffee. The inclusion of tea and coffee may surprise many of you as it has often been reported that caffeinated beverages are dehydrating!

But a report from the Institute of Medicine has stated that “caffeine containing beverages actually contribute to daily water intake and that the mild diuretic effect of caffeine will not contribute to dehydration because the fluid in the beverage cancels out any fluid loss”. This is good news for the older people in our population who are big tea drinkers.

When it comes to infants and toddlers the main source of fluids for the first year of life is milk (breast milk or formula). After this time fluids can come from additional water, fluid in food etc. Urine becomes darker and stronger smelling as the child becomes dehydrated so the best way to determine whether an infant or toddler is hydrated is to aim for six or more wet, mild smelling nappies a day.

The New Zealand Kidney Foundation has recommended that the amount of fluid needed to be consumed by children aged 5 – 8 years is 1L (4 cups) and children aged 9 -12 years is 1.5L (6 cups). Physically active children need to be reminded to drink as

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

Milk is a great hydrating beverage for children because not only does it provide carbohydrate but it also provides energy, protein and calcium. Making fruit smoothies with frozen yoghurt and ice cubes can really provide a good source of nourishment as well as fluid.

Fruit juice should be diluted and limited to once a day as a beverage. Adding lots of chilled fruit to the diet of a child in warm summer months can help increase their fluid intake. Most children love watermelon and this makes a great snack!

Sports drinks are not generally recommended for children however if the child is exercising for greater than 90 minutes then a sports drink may be included in their daily fluid needs. Tea, coffee, cola and smart drinks are NOT suitable however for children. The caffeine contained in these drinks will inhibit iron absorption and may lead to anaemia.

MAKE SURE DRINKING FLUIDS IS MADE FUN: • children need their own drink bottles, • make diluted fruit juice ice-cubes to jazz up water in a glass, • make diluted juice ice-blocks to suck on a hot summer’s day, • serve fruit platters as dessert, • have water breaks between games in the park or at sports, • invest in a water cooler and, • set a good example by drinking water regularly yourself. PN NIKKI HART NZRD MSc, Shop 9, All Saints Centre, 282 Ponsonby Road T: 09 360 6330 www.evildietwitch.co.nz www.nikkihartdietitians.co.nz

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JOHN APPLETON ON HEALTH

OUR HEALTH SYSTEM Last month I talked about nutritional solutions for chronic illnesses. If we are to have any chance of avoiding the incredibly high costs of secondary care involving hospitalisation and surgical procedures it’s essential that we embrace this approach early on in the disease process. It has been estimated that up to 80% of what we spend on ‘health’ is for treatment of chronic degenerative diseases (diabetes, heart disease, arthritis etc).

I have written about our health system in the past but it’s election year and recently when I heard Labour’s new spokesperson for health talking about the need to spend the best part of another half a billion dollars my first thought was ‘here we go again’.

Have you ever wondered why it is that regardless of which political party is in power the only approach to improving the health of New Zealanders is to continue to throw more money at it? We doubled the expenditure on ‘health’ from $6 billion in 1998 to $12 billion in 2008 and there is no end in sight. We are now nudging $14 billion ($38 million every day) – sickness is big business.

Could it be that it’s the system itself that is sick? A recent NZ Herald article ‘More Funds Shorter Lives’ noted that the United States spends more on healthcare than any other nation yet has a worse life expectancy than many. There is certainly no evidence to support the belief that more money translates to better health yet so far there has been no political party brave enough to ask the hard questions.

Clearly what we are doing is not working and how we ever expect to get a different result by continuing on the same path is beyond me. If our approach to health worked, other countries would surely be after us for the ‘formula’. No one doubts the amazing skills of our surgeons and doctors when it comes to trauma; but when it comes to chronic illnesses and the only treatments are pharmaceuticals that at best do little more than alleviate symptoms, we are in a sorry state. Chronic illnesses are ‘managed’ (with drugs) until they reach an acute stage and this is where the big costs come in.

Until we can get back to basics and take a more holistic approach to our health and our health system is results based and not treatment based, nothing will change. For this to happen there will have to be more freedom of choice.

As it stands, the medical model which we all live with is a total monopoly supported by whichever political party is in power. Unbelievably expensive and often risky pharmaceuticals are the only ‘medicines’ funded (by our taxes) and any attempt to change this falls on deaf ears. In the hospital system we have a right to refuse treatments that are offered but we don’t have a right to ask for alternatives.

The ‘60 Minutes’ documentary about the Waikato Farmer Allan Smith’s recovery from Swine Flu after his family refused to allow the hospital doctors to turn off his life support until they had tried intravenous Vitamin C underlines this situation. Others have been refused. In anyone’s language this is wrong and I just can’t see how a system that allows this to happen has any place in 21st century medicine.

This is not to say there should be a ‘free for all’, but there are many totally safe and potentially very effective options such as Vitamin C that could be widely utilised to save lives. I am always saddened to learn about attempts to discredit and censure doctors who are willing to prescribe non drug treatments. Recently I have heard about restrictions being placed on blood tests such as Vitamin D even if the patient is willing to pay for the test. This is crazy but it’s just another example of why we need change.

The Declaration of Helsinki 1964 (of the World Medical Organisation) states “It is the mission of the physician to safeguard the health of the people. His or her knowledge and conscience are dedicated to the fulfilment of this mission. A physician must be free to use the most appropriate treatment if in his or her judgment it will result in the alleviation of suffering or the restoration of health or saving the life of the patient”.

If we achieve nothing more than this – medicine will have made the biggest leap forward in over 100 years. (JOHN APPLETON) PN APPLETON ASSOCIATES T: 09 489-9362 www.johnappleton.co.nz

CLOTHING WITH HEART Beautiful clothing and very good causes are joining forces this month in Ponsonby.

Grey Lynn/Westmere Plunket have developed a limited edition ‘Keep Calm and Carry On’ range of cotton tees and babywear to raise funds. They worked with local businesses AS Colour, ESP printers and Babu to source and print the very cute items, which range from $25 for an adult tee to $20 for a kid’s tee and $20/$25 for the babywear.

The original Keep Calm and Carry On poster was produced by the British government in 1939, to raise public morale under the threat of pending invasion.

Claire Turner of Grey Lynn Plunket says smilingly “while having children isn’t World War, it sure can feel like it sometimes.”

Meanwhile, Jervois Road’s Merino Kids is joining forces with Starship (New Zealand’s National children’s hospital) to help raise funds and support families in need. A limited edition of the brand’s internationally award winning Go Go Bag™ has been specifically designed for the Starship Foundation. The special design features adorable ladybugs (symbol of luck and protection) embroidered on a soft off-white background.

Merino Kids Go Go Bag™ is a sleeping bag designed specifically for babies and toddlers using only 100% natural fibres - superfine merino wool and 100% cotton.

The Go Go Bag™ prevents babies from waking due to a drop in temperature after wriggling out of their blankets - which means more sleep for Mums and Dads, too.

‘Keep Calm and Carry On’ garments can be purchased from www.babu.co.nz, Trademe (under Keep Calm for Kids), Baby on the Move (Jervois Road) and Dalston (Richmond Road).

Limited edition Merino Kids Ladybug Go Go Bag™ can be purchased for RRP$169 - stockists at www.merinokids.co.nz or call free 0800 124 646. PN

98 PONSONBY NEWS+ March 2011

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FUTURE GENERATION GALA AT RICHMOND ROAD SCHOOL – 10-3PM, 26 MARCH RICHMOND ROAD SCHOOL IS ONE OF OUR NEIGHBOURHOOD SCHOOLS and enjoys international recognition for its focus on language learning, particularly children’s heritage languages in the Māori, Samoan and French bilingual units. The school’s biannual ‘Quiz Night & Auction’ and annual ‘Art with Love’ auction are well known in the local and wider community.

To get 2011 off to a great start, the school is holding a Gala on Saturday 26 March, 10-3pm. Proceeds will go towards funding the new school hall and the teacher aides, who support the teachers and enhance children’s learning throughout the school. The Gala is going to be a highlight in the school community’s calendar with a variety of stalls, games for the kids and grown-ups, children’s performances, free coaching from a former international rugby player, Slade McFarlane, bouncy castles, Idol Makeover, face painting, plus international food and drinks to reflect the school’s different cultures.

School principal Stephanie Anich says the school has already received fantastic support from local businesses, including New World, The Garden Party, the Fairy Shop, Trelise Cooper, World Tennis, Kidactive, Motat, Fashion Quarterly Magazine, Child, Hilton Brown, Stardome, Next Magazine, ACP Cookbooks, Seedling, Milly’s, Goods 2 U, and many more.

With hundreds of people expected to come to the Gala, this is a great way to promote your business or support your local school. If you would like to donate items for raffle prizes and/or the silent auction or have a stall at the Gala, please contact Johanne Kendall on 021 039 7671 or Johanne_kendall@hotmail.com.

BILLBOARD ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITY As a fundraiser for the new Richmond Road School HALL, we are erecting two billboards (2m x 1m each) on the school grounds, facing Richmond Road.

The billboards will include “We would like to thank … (room for name, photo and/ or logo) … for supporting the fundraising for our hall”. Cost will be $1,200 a month per billboard (neg.), with a special deal for long-term advertisers. If you are interested, please contact Stephanie Anich (principal@richmondroad.school.nz). PN

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FUTURE GENERATION CHILDREN’S BOOK REVIEW THE RABBIT PROBLEM by Emily Gravett It is always a pleasure to see a new author or illustrator establish themselves and become an award winner. United Kingdom author and illustrator Emily Gravett brings a fresh and exciting originality to her picture books which range from 'Apple, Pear, Orange Bear', a book of five words which expands enormously with the addition of her clever use of pictures, to 'Monkey and Me', a hit with younger readers who can join in and imitate the animals shown in the pictures. Her books for older readers 'Wolves' and 'Meerkat Mail' along with 'Little Mouses's Big Book of Fears' use not only original illustrations but cut out paper, and flaps to further enhance the story. In the hands of an enthusiastic teacher these books could be used as a resource to study letter writing or even technology.

'The Rabbit Problem', published in 2009 is based on a problem that was solved by 13th century mathematician Fibonacci but is certainly not about maths. It is about rabbits and pop-up art and also months of the year, knitting patterns and so much more. If you are yet to discover Emily Gravitt you have a treat in store. PN DOROTHY BUTLER CHILDRENS BOOKSHOP, 1 Jervois Road T: 09 376 7283 www.childrensbookshop.co.nz

PRAWN, WHITE-COOKED CHICKEN AND MANGO SALAD WITH PICKLED CUCUMBER

Before you begin making any part of this dish it is important to wash your hands with soap and water and dry thoroughly with a clean towel.

FOR THE PRAWNS: 30 prawns, de-veined 1. Bring a pot of heavily salted water to the boil.

2. Tip in the prawns, cook for 4 minutes (prawns will turn from a blue-grey to pink when cooked, look for the colour change) 3. Drain, cover and refrigerate to cool. Do not refresh in cold water.

4. Remove the heads and tails from the prawns.

FOR THE DRESSING: 40ml water 8 tbsp palm sugar 100ml tamarind juice 60ml soy sauce 240ml olive oil 1. Place the water and palm sugar in the same pot and caramelise.

2. Add the tamarind juice and soy, remove from the heat, transfer the contents to a blender and with the motor running, emulsify the olive oil into it.

FOR THE SALAD: 300g cooked fine egg noodles 80g enoki mushrooms 80g shiitake mushrooms 3 mangoes 1. In a bowl mix the noodles with the mushrooms together with half the dressing.

2. Peel and slice the mango into cheeks.

FOR THE PICKLED CUCUMBER: 1 telegraph cucumber – wash well before using Salt 120ml rice wine vinegar 60g caster sugar

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photography: Mike Heydon

Martin Bosley, owner and chef at the award winning waterfront Wellington Restaurant Martin Bosley’s, shares a delicious summer recipe using the finest fresh ingredients.The lucky last in the ‘Be FoodSmart’ series. This summer celebrity chef recipe, a dish of prawns, chicken and mango is the perfect solution for a sophisticated summer barbecue. Serves 10.

1.

2.

3.

4.

Slice the cucumber lengthwise on the mandolin.

Add the salt and drain through a sieve for 30 minutes.

Pat the cucumber dry and place in a bowl.

In a separate bowl dissolve the sugar in the vinegar, pour over the cucumber and set to one side.

WHITE-COOKED CHICKEN: 1 whole free-range chicken 4 litres of water, or enough to cover the chicken 2 bunches of Spring Onions, wash, dried and chopped 1x 3cm piece of ginger, peeled and chopped 1. Bring the water to the boil in deep pot along with the spring onions and chopped ginger.

2. Rinse the chicken thoroughly and carefully lower it into the pot. Return the water to a simmer and skim the surface. Always wash your hands after touching raw meat and thoroughly wash all utensils and surfaces that have come into contact with raw meat.

3. Place a lid over the pot and simmer for 10 minutes. Chicken needs to be thoroughly cooked right through to avoid exposure to harmful bacteria.

To eliminate guesswork, use a meat thermometer (poultry should be cooked to 75°C) 4. Remove the pot from the heat and leave for one hour, the lid still on.

5. Prepare a deep bowl with iced water. Plunge the cooked chicken into the ice and leave for 20 minutes. Transfer the chicken to the refrigerator.

6. Remove the breasts and legs, keeping as much jelly under the skin as possible. Slice each breast into 6 pieces, and pull the meat from the legs.

Set to one side.

TO SERVE: 1. Divide the salad between 10 serving plates.

2. Place a slice of mango on each salad, top with a slice of chicken, the prawns and the pickled cucumber.

3. Drizzle with a little extra dressing. PN For more summer food safety tips visit www.foodsmart.govt.nz PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

FUTURE GENERATION ST MARY’S COLLEGE – OFFERING CHALLENGING, RICH AND DIVERSE LEARNING EXPERIENCES St Mary’s College provides a curriculum that offers a challenging, rich and diverse range of learning experiences. It stimulates each student to strive for personal excellence and supports and caters to individual needs. It encourages self-motivation, independent learning, perseverance, initiative and creativity. It provides the opportunity to excel and it promotes personal responsibility and pride in performance. It prepares students for a changing and challenging world.

St Mary’s College offers a wonderful environment for your daughter to learn, grow and realise her full potential.

Students experience significant success in national examinations. The high performance of students is a reflection of the quality of St Mary’s College teaching staff. St Mary’s College draws deeply on Christian values and the spirit of Mercy. A focus on Pastoral Care supports the development, growth and wholeness of each student.

• Extremely competent and committed staff team

THE COLLEGE OFFERS: • Special Mercy character and tradition • High expectations for every student • Extensive performing arts and sporting opportunities • Superb school spirit • Set in beautiful grounds overlooking Auckland City

Students are encouraged to achieve their goals and strive for high standards with emphasis placed on learning the skills of self-discipline, reliability, responsibility, empowerment and self-worth. A sense of community and involvement permeates through the teaching process and parents and caregivers are encouraged to participate and support their daughters in all school activities.

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“The vision we have is that our students will leave St Mary’s College with an excellent education, so as to take their place in society to work in the Mercy tradition of social justice and compassion for others”. SANDY PASLEY, Principal PN www.stmaryak.school.nz

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FUTURE GENERATION BAYFIELD SCHOOL MUSIC ON THE FIELD CELEBRATING PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE THINGS WERE DIFFERENT 125 YEARS AGO. SCHOOL WAS DIFFERENT. KIDS were a bit different. Music was a lot different. This year students at Bayfield will be learning all about the past, present and looking towards the future when they celebrate 125 years of their school. And to help celebrate they will be holding their annual Music on the Field concert on Saturday, 26 March at 1.00pm.

Music on the Field is Bayfield School’s biennial fundraising concert and a special day out for the whole family. Involving an array of famous local musicians and entertainers, the event has become an iconic part of Bayfield School’s special character. With live local music, entertainment for the children, fabulous food and fine wine, Music on the Field is an opportunity to support local children at a local school.

Originally created by ex-Bayfield’s parent Dave Dobbyn, the event continues to be a day of celebration, inspiration and enjoyment for the whole community.

This year the musical acts are going to be bigger and better than ever. R&B sensation and New Zealand music chart topper J Williams will be joined by K One, DJ CXL & Erakah. Kiwi singer / songwriter Jonny Love will also perform; as well as four-piece all girl rock/pop band Ivy Lies. More acts will be announced soon.

Principal Sheryl Fletcher says Music on the Field will be particularly special this year.

“It’s our birthday so we’re celebrating in style. The students have been practising a couple of songs, the kapa haka group will be performing, a band of past pupils are coming back, the teachers are getting a number together, and the organising committee has been hard at work preparing amazing food and entertainment for the kids.

“We’re lucky to have the support of local Ponsonby area businesses sponsoring the event, as well as a very supportive community to make the day such a great success.

Kids and parents love it,” she says.

Tickets for Music on the Field will be available from the school office (T: 09 376 5703) and more information is available on Bayfield School’s Facebook page. PN

Bayfield School pupils OSCAR (8) and ROSIE (6) Caswell getting into the swing for MUSIC ON THE FIELD 2011

SCHOOLS SWAP OLD MOBILE PHONES FOR CLASSROOM RESOURCES Nearly 300 schools across the country have already got on board with the Starship School Phone Swap – a new programme which helps both the national children’s hospital as well as the schools involved to get valuable resources for their classrooms.

Starship Foundation, together with its mobile phone recycling partner Folamh, have invited schools across the country to collect as many mobile phones as they can to fundraise for Starship’s Air Ambulance Service, which airlifts hundreds of children with life threatening medical conditions to Starship every year.

Based on the number of phones the school collects, they can ‘cash them in’ for resources – such as Promethean ActivBoard interactive whiteboards, laptops, books, handycams, sports gear and cameras. For as few as 55 mobile phones, a school can get a digital camera or an interactive whiteboard (including installation and training) starting at 570 phones.

The first school to register on this programme was Parakai School in Helensville. Its 170 students collected 291 phones from family, friends, local business and the wider community, and donated them to the Starship School Phone Swap.

“The programme has been absolutely incredible,” says Sue Caltaux, Deputy Principal of Parakai School. “Starship has a great profile, it’s for kids and it’s got heart. The rewards are a fantastic bonus for us, but that’s not why we did it. We did it because we were looking for something for our school leaders to do to give back to the community. I hope this is something we continue to do year after year.”

There is no limit to the number of schools that can participate and there is no end-date to the campaign – but schools are encouraged to get on board early and get their students collecting phones all year round. Schools can sign up for the programme at www.starship.org.nz/schoolphoneswap.

Starship Foundation CEO Brad Clark says “The Starship School Phone Swap is a great win-win. We’d like to get whiteboards and other superb school resources into every classroom in New Zealand while teaching the children about the environmental benefits of recycling plus helping to fund Starship’s vital Air Ambulance – a service bringing seriously ill or injured children from all around the country to Starship.” PN For more information, visit www.starship.org.nz/schoolphoneswap

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FUTURE GENERATION CHANGES AFOOT AT FUTUREFEET

“I am excited to have this great opportunity in Ponsonby and we have just completed a full renovation to the store. We have also introduced some fabulous new brands including Camper, Converse, Keen, Mod8, and Nike.”

Future Feet is a one-stop shop for all your children’s needs - school shoes, sport shoes including rugby boots and netball shoes, gumboots and slippers.

Pictured back row left-right: SALLY, NATASHA, ANN and CHRISSY; Front row: Owner KATHRYN and MERE

photography: martin leach

Last April Freemans Bay resident Kathryn Gubb became the new owner of Future Feet, the specialist childrens footwear store catering from babies up to teens. This business dedicated to offering expert advice and fitting service has been located on the corner of St Marys Bay Road and Jervois Road for 19 years.

They also sell supportive toddler shoes, affordable Kindy options, to high quality designer labels or formal shoes catering to trendy teens. We also have instore on a regular basis a childrens specialist Podiatrist offering free 15 minute consultations.

“The website is currently being upgraded for those who prefer to buy online. Come and view our new and exciting winter brands from Italy and France along with old favourites including the popular brightly coloured $13 gumboots.” PN

Shop hours have now been extended to be open seven days and with additional staff to help with demand at busy times. A new innovation has been to source larger sizes up to size EUR 40 – 45 for the older child or fashionable mums.

FUTURE FEET, Corner of St Marys Bay Road and Jervois Road, Ponsonby T: 09 378 8880 www.futurefeet.co.nz

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KITCHEN, BATHROOM AND INTERIOR DESIGN ASK ROB@BUILDSPACE.CO.NZ

Q: A:

What aspects of a Bathroom Renovation can I take on myself and what should I leave to the Professionals?

Renovating the smallest room in the house is an expensive undertaking and it’s understandable you may want to take on some or all of the work yourself. If you’re contemplating a DIY bathroom renovation there are a few things to consider to avoid mistakes which can be expensive and cause real stress.

You can’t come to too much harm with many DIY projects, but when it comes to plumbing, electrical and sanitary connections there is a real risk of causing accidental damage to your property which may not be covered by your home insurance unless you have taken separate renovation cover. Using a registered builder means you will be covered by their public liability insurance against any accidental damage and they will provide a guarantee for their workmanship.

Before hiring a builder, make sure they are trade qualified, ask to see a copy of their insurance policy, ensure it covers all subcontractors working on the project and clarify the terms of the guarantee they offer. Something as simple as a stray nail through a water pipe can take months to show up and can quickly turn into a very expensive problem, so make sure you’re covered.

There are obvious dangers working with electrical fittings if you are not qualified and especially so in bathrooms. Electrical work should only be carried out by a registered electrician who will provide a certificate of compliance for their work. Keep yourself and your family safe and leave the electrics to the experts.

Plumbing might seem straight forward to some and although you’re unlikely to put yourself in any danger, it’s easy to get it wrong. Any faults with the plumbing may go unnoticed for some time while they do damage behind new wall and floor coverings which then must be removed and reinstalled to be able to fix the problem.

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Effective waterproofing is critical to protect the structural elements of your house from all the water that ends up on bathroom floors, especially if you’re planning a tile shower. It pays to uses a licensed applicator who will provide a producer’s statement for their work.

Painting and tiling are two areas you can take on yourself. Be sure to select a paint which is suitable for wet areas and mould resistant. When tiling floors or showers you must be sure that the waterproofing applicator’s guarantee will still be valid if you do the tiling. This can be a sensitive area because if a problem occurs the waterproofing applicator may argue that they are not to blame because the waterproofing membrane was damaged during the tiling installation and it can be very difficult to prove who is at fault. The best way to avoid a potential problem is to use a contractor who will waterproof and tile and provide a guarantee for both.

It’s always tough living through a bathroom renovation, especially if there is only one bathroom in the house. Even if you have the skills to take on the project it pays to consider how much time you can devote to it, how long it will therefore take to complete and how the rest of the household will be affected.

Even using qualified tradesmen and managing the project yourself, it can be tricky to co-ordinate all the various trades required to ensure the budget and the timeline don’t blow out.

To avoid the stress altogether, use a bathroom specialist who can provide complete project management, a fixed price and a guaranteed completion date. The savings don’t always outweigh the potential risk and stress taking it on yourself.

And when it comes to selling your property, providing guarantees and producer’s statements to show renovation work was undertaken by qualified tradesmen not only adds value, but also provides potential buyers the comfort of knowing the bathroom will look and perform as well as it does today for many years to come. PN BUILDSPACE KITCHENS AND BATHROOMS – Design Build Install T: 0800 455 556 info@buildspace.co.nz www.buildspace.co.nz

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LOCAL NEWS: DEIRDRE ROELANTS

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THE VITRINE A vitrine, for the incognizant, of which I was one till I asked Amanda Spiers of a newly opened warehouse, is a glassed in cabinet or display case for exhibiting valuable articles, or merchandise in a shop, museum or house. In other words it’s a showcase and there was a very large one at The Vitrine until a man from South Korea swooped in and bought it along with nearly a container load of other stuff they had for sale.

‘Stuff’ is probably not the correct word in this instance because Julien Thery and Amanda Spiers sell a very eclectic collection of antiques and industrial pieces from their warehouse in Grosvenor Street, Grey Lynn. Visitors will be amazed at the selection on offer from priceless eighteenth century furniture to 1950’s classics. The range covers lighting, tables, chairs, religious icons, storage, and many other items.

When I spoke to Amanda they’d been in possession of the premises for only two weeks and already a third of the stock had been sold.

The premises they’ve set up in are not what you’d call usual for a dealer in vintage commodities. Customers have to seek and find them down a long driveway next to C&P Motors and then are confronted by a high chain fence with a bolted gate blocking casual visitors from entering. This is why viewing is by appointment only, simply because they don’t man the place twenty four hours seven, otherwise they’d have opted for a shop with a street frontage on Ponsonby Road. It’s a warehouse open to all comers but they have to know when you want to visit.

Julien comes from the north of France and Amanda, originally from Wanaka, lived in Paris for some years. They are both very familiar with the most famous flea market in Paris at Porte de Clignancourt, officially called Les Puces de Saint-Ouen, but known to everyone as Les Puces (The Fleas). It covers seven hectares and is the largest antique market in the world. Julien and Amanda source much of their ‘stuff’ from it but also explore further afield in other interesting countries such as Belgium, Germany and Czekoslovakia. They have traded successfully in France, then thought, why can’t we do this in New Zealand?

They tested the waters by setting up a two week pop up store in Kingsland and sold out a twenty foot container load in ten days. Their instinct proved right and now they are ensconced here for good, and finding a receptive market for what they have on offer.

They plan to bring in five container loads a year and their prices are very competitive because a quick turnover is the name of the game. A pile of large cast iron creuset baking dishes selling for only $100 each caught my eye. Other treasures included a 1950‘s Charles Emes coat stand, a fabulous 1930’s leather covered deep armchair, and a beautiful carton du aubusson, an art work that was designed to be a tapestry.

There are piles and piles of red painted chairs that can be purchased in their stressed state for $150 or have them restored for a bit extra. The same option is available for a number of tall cafe tables.

To view this assemblage of original objets call Julien on 021 450 467 or Amanda on 021 450 457. Some of the pieces can be viewed on their website www.inthevitrine.com and if you fancy anything get in quick because what’s there today might well be gone by tomorrow. (DEIRDRE ROELANTS) PN

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WHATS HOT AT STRAWBERRY SOUND ‘WHERE IS MUSIC TECHNOLOGY GOING?’ THIS WOULD HAVE TO BE THE question I am hearing more than any other at Strawberry Sound. The answer. Well, it’s not quite that simple but what I can say is...things are definitely changing.

With the steady decline in CD sales and an increase in data driven, PC controlled portable audio devices some of our favourite old haunts have been unavoidably forced into submission. Our weekend visits to the CD store, coffee in hand, trawling through rows of music have been confined to a few selected chains holding strong.

Actual tangible music with actual art work and album inserts to flick through while lying on the couch is making way for a new direction in technology…digital streaming.

Most of us will be fairly familiar with digital music in one form or another. Whether it be an iPod, laptop, cell phone or one of the multitude of other portable players we download music to, it’s hard to deny that digital music is everywhere. Unfortunately, most of these devices do not cater for those of us looking for high quality music reproduction.

Compression of our music is commonplace with the promise of more storage in a smaller space leading the charge. Mp3 has rapidly become one of the most utilised forms of compression and although there are different levels of compression (some of which can be difficult to distinguish from CD quality) nothing really compares to the uncompressed original.

Some of the more resourceful of us have figured out how to utilise their home network to route high quality music from their PC to their stereo using DACs (digital to analogue converters) with a reasonable level of success.

Up until relatively recently the majority of the devices used to play digital music have forced us to compromise between quality and practicality and CD players have had the edge for their quality music reproduction, aesthetic appeal and ability to fit perfectly into the home system.

We are seeing a strong push towards readily accessible, high quality music storage systems with the ability to play stored music without extra cables or intermediate devices, a device that has practicality without compromising on music quality.

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With these ideas in mind a new range of devices called ‘digital streamers’ have emerged. The idea being that you can replace your CD player with a similar sized device that will ‘stream’ music from a range of sources such as music stored on a hard drive, internet radio through your home network or even other computers linked to your home network, all either wirelessly or via a single cable.

Music is ‘ripped’ one CD at a time and loaded into a storage drive to be played whenever you wish. Once all your CDs have been transferred to the drive you can box up your CD collection for safe keeping and bring them out in 30 years to show your grandchildren (who are now controlling holographic music projections with their minds) how gramps used to listen to his music.

Not convinced yet? Well there are a few extra bonuses that make this a real alternative to the CD. When you play your stored CD music through the streamer it will sound noticeably better than it did when you played it on your CD player…nice.

The second bonus is your ability to use an iPhone or iPod as a remote from anywhere in the range of your home network…very nice.

Of the available devices out there, one of my favourites comes from a company called ‘Olive’. The Olive HD4 is the only streamer I have found so far that ticks all the boxes.

Powered by the top of the line Burr Brown DAC, the Olive is available in black or silver and unlike some streamers it has a two Terabyte hard drive built in which is enough storage for 6000 CDs or 20,000 high definition tracks. I know I don’t have 6000 CDs but hey it’s good to know the option is there.

It can even be used as a CD player to play CDs the traditional way if you choose to.

Ripping takes around four minutes per CD and if you decide you would like to share one of your albums simply insert a blank CD and burn a new disc.

In my view the Olive has got to be the most versatile streamer I have seen so far and is definitely worth consideration. (DANIEL JURY) PN Listen to the Olive 4HD in store at Strawberry Sound, 23 Williamson Avenue T:09 376 0286 www.strawberrysound.co.nz

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HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS DESIGNER RUGS PRESENTS THE KIWI ICON COLLECTION

STEP INSIDE THE PAGES OF NZ HOUSE & GARDEN: HOUSE TOURS 2011

A unique project to promote New Zealand Design on the world stage.

The public will get a rare glimpse into some of Auckland’s finest and most unforgettable homes when the doors are opened in the NZ House & Garden Tours 2011 on 11 March this year.

Designer Rugs New Zealand is thrilled to announce its most exciting New Zealand collaboration to-date, combining two of New Zealand’s best exports; New Zealand design and New Zealand wool.

Bringing together some of New Zealand’s leading creative talent, Designer Rugs will launch the exclusive “ Kiwi Icon” collection in March this year to coincide with the NZ Design Day. The initiative includes a selection of inspirational New Zealanders from a variety of creative industries including music, film, advertising, the art world and fashion.

Dick Frizzell, Max Gimblett, Boh Runga, Zambesi, Kate Sylvester, Kevin Roberts from Saatchi & Saatchi Global and Codi Design have all come up with an original design and in collaboration with Designer Rugs, the design has been brought to life as a stunning large scale handmade floor rug.

From historic homesteads to state-of-the-art architectural masterpieces and character villas, the public will get to see a diverse range of New Zealand’s most eye-catching homes. Following on from the success of the past two years of NZ House & Garden Tours, this year’s tours take in more than 40 homes, in four centres including, for the first time, Tauranga and prosperous Wairarapa.

A team led by NZ House & Garden editor Sally Duggan chose the houses to represent a cross-section of architecture and styles offering inspiration and ideas for those interested in home design and decorating.

The Auckland tour takes in a range of interesting homes including the grand Winstone family home on Takapuna Beach, an edgy industrial style inner-city apartment, an 1885 family home in Northcote Point and a character Grey Lynn villa.

Max Gimblett says this of his involvement; “Rugs are a way of painting in another way, completely free of the restraints of the picture plain. Having started as a potter I am fascinated by the crafts of printing, ceramics, and rug making.”

“We chose the houses to showcase the huge talent that exists among New Zealand homemakers,” says NZ House & Garden editor Sally Duggan. “Each home is incredibly clever and creative in its own way. It’s inspiring stuff.”

Designer Rugs design and produce rugs and carpets for five star resorts, global fashion headquarters, retail and government clients around the world. They have expanded with showrooms now in New Zealand, throughout Australia, with representation in the United Emirates and Singapore.

The Auckland NZ House & Garden Tour takes place on 11 March.

Designer Rugs New Zealand Manager Laura Furey says; “I believe in everything Kiwi and this is Designer Rugs way of supporting and celebrating not just New Zealand design, but New Zealand talent and especially our beautiful New Zealand Wool product. All of the talent involved in the collaboration are directly involved in propelling New Zealand onto the global stage. For such a small country we have proven time and time again that we can not only compete, we can lead the way and the Kiwi Icon collection demonstrates this perfectly.”

The Kiwi Icon Collection will be unveiled at an exclusive launch event on 18 March and will be on display for the public to enjoy as part of Urbis Design Day on Saturday 19 March at the Designer Rugs Ltd showroom at 73 The Strand, Parnell.

Tickets cost $57 and are available from Ticketmaster on www.ticketmaster.co.nz 0800 111 999 or (09) 970 9700 or your local Ticketmaster outlet.

The proceeds of all four tours will be donated to the Cancer Society of New Zealand and cancer charity, Look Good Feel Better.

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The rugs will be available for sale as on going range. PN

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HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS URBIS DESIGNDAY 2011 DESIGNER AND SHOWROOM PAIRINGS ANNOUNCED Saturday 19 March is the sixth Urbis Designday, and this year’s format includes creative practitioners from areas of multimedia, architecture, Graphic Arts, furniture, landscape and fashion design, all working in partnership with 13 of Auckland’s leading design showrooms. In all, around 50 creative individuals; designers or artists will play a part in this year’s Designday.

For the second year running, the creative pairings have been given a design brief to interpret within their installation. For 2011, their brief is to reflect or interpret ‘State of Transition’. In addition to this is the HP Future Designers, where top design graduates of the Media Design School from areas of Digital Media, Graphic Design and Creative Technologies design faculties will work with HP in a series of installations at the MINI Garage showroom.

The 2011 showrooms and designer pairings were announced last month at the MINI Garage in Ponsonby Auckland, with each participant receiving a bottle of Deutz Prestige.

THIS YEAR’S COLLABORATORS ARE: • Halo NZ and Trelise Cooper Interiors • design denmark / Sylvia Sanford • Häfele / Esther Diamond • Poggenpohl / Make Something • Automation Associates / Matter • ECC / Scrap Wall • Antipodes Design Store / Luxaflex / Taylor Boutique • Kohler / Salasai • Essenze / NZ Design Collective (Te Rongo Kirkwood, David Trubridge, Anzac Tasker, Peter Collis and Brogen Avril) • Furniture Lab / Dulux / We Love Inc • Fisher & Paykel / The Alt Group

• Media Design School / HP Future Designers at MINI Garage • Designer Rugs / Corporate Culture / Nathan Goldsworthy curating the Kiwi Icons rug range from (Dick Frizzell, Boh Runga, Kevin Roberts, Zambesi, Max Gimblett, Kate Sylvester and Codi Design) Representatives from the showrooms and creative practitioners have already started planning and some of the exciting ideas Designday guests can expect to see include; Halo NZ and Trelise Cooper Interiors will create an interpretation of upcoming nuptials Prince William and Kate Middleton’s honeymoon suite; the Antipodes Design Store in partnership with Luxaflex and Taylor Boutique will create a dynamic moving installation called ‘Reveal’ that will question and twist visitors perception of reality.

The collaboration between ECC and Scrap Wall of ‘ONE’ will celebrate the refined aesthetic, the silhouette of the classic and encourage the construction of the new; and visitors to the spectacular new premises of the Essenze showroom in Parnell will experience the visual feast of ‘Our Essenzial Colours’ a pathway through the works of celebrated designers David Trubridge, Te Rongo Kirkwood, Anzac Tasker, Peter Collis and Brogen Avril.

Designday guests purchase tickets online to attend, and for a $30 fee they will receive passes for free transport and access to all 13 participating showrooms. Guests are then taken on a leisurely tour of the showrooms from 10am till 5pm on Designday Saturday, 19 March. There is hospitality at almost every stop and shuttles to take everyone around.

Urbis Editor Nicole Stock said “There is something special about Urbis Designday.

Every year the collaborative partnerships produce wonderful installations to surprise and delight even the most diehard of design enthusiasts. It’s something about the tour, the collaborative partnerships and the installations that inspire guests to want to introduce a little bit of that creativity into their own home”.

Registration for Urbis Designday is essential. For more information or to purchase passes please visit: www.urbismagazine.com/designday PN

Left to right: BILL CARIG of DESIGN DENMARK, Ponsonby pictured at last year’s URBIS DESIGN DAY; LIZ FINDLAY of ZAMBESI pictured at ECC several years ago The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

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photography: martin leach

URBIS DESIGNDAY POWERED BY THE MINI COUNTRYMAN WITH A FABULOUS line-up of showrooms, collaborative partnerships and innovative installations that will ensure visitors will experience the most exciting Designday yet!

HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS DOING IT FOR THE KIDS SUNDAY 6 MARCH MARKS THE 11TH ANNIVERSARY OF CHILDREN’S DAY IN New Zealand with the theme of ‘love and affection’ putting the focus on Kiwi kids.

Children’s Day takes place every year on the first Sunday of March and is a chance to celebrate how special and important children are.

What better place to take the kids on ‘Children’s Day’ than MOTAT, where they can laugh, play and learn about New Zealand’s history in an engaging and interactive way. The kids will be in their element at MOTAT with an array of exciting activities at their finger tips, including the Tactile Dome where they can explore and feel their way through purpose built tunnels or take an out of this world trip on the Voyager1 virtual reality simulator.

The kids will also love taking a ride on one of MOTAT’s Auckland heritage trams and learning about what New Zealand was like in the 1950s at MOTAT’s I Am the Last Tram exhibition. Make a final stop at the MOTAT Challenge Zone and Mirror Maze for the perfect day out. So get down to MOTAT this Children’s Day and show the kids they’re loved through a fun-filled day at MOTAT. MOTAT, A STAR OF THE WHITE NIGHT For one magical evening, Saturday 12 March, Auckland venues will stay open until midnight and feature special exhibitions, activities and performances as part of the Auckland Arts Festival ‘White Night’ event.

To celebrate, head to MOTAT this ‘White Night’ and experience a myriad of fun activities as darkness falls. From 6pm until midnight MOTAT invites you to step back in time and experience the museum’s treasures after dark.

Fun activities on offer for White Night include the ‘I Am The Last Tram’ exhibition where MOTAT transports you back to the 1950’s, the ‘90˚ South’ exhibition where you can learn about Sir Edmund Hillary’s brave Antarctic expedition and the ‘Signposts to Godzone’ exhibition that celebrates Kiwi icons and culture.

The Victorian village will also be lit with fairy lights and alive with action as MOTAT’s lollymaker, blacksmith and volunteers from the MOTAT printing section are out in full force to teach, entertain and enlighten all White Night visitors. So get along to MOTAT this White Night and experience all of MOTAT’s delights after dark.

VENDORS:

‘you can’t sell a secret... good marketing makes the difference every time...’ www.ponsonbynews.co.nz

CELEBRATE THE FANTASTIC FLYING BROTHERS AT MOTAT Austin Leonard Walsh (Leo) and Vivian Claude Walsh are remembered for making the first powered, controlled and sustained flight in New Zealand.

Visit the new Walsh Brothers photographic display at MOTAT to celebrate a historic event, the 100th anniversary of the Walsh brothers’ Manurewa to Papakura flight.

Not only did these courageous Kiwis launch flight in New Zealand, they set up their own flying school ‘The New Zealand Flying School’ to teach men who served in World War I how to fly.

At MOTAT you can also see Vivian’s very own pilot’s license, photographs of their flights, and embroidered wings from the New Zealand Flying School uniform in the Pioneers of Aviation exhibition hall.

Come to MOTAT to celebrate their most famous flight on the aeroplane named ‘Manurewa’ that took off on the 5 February 1911 and flew about 365 metres through the air!

PLAY THE PROBING PUZZLE-SOLVER AT MOTAT Get the whole family along to MOTAT for a challenging new adventure at the new Planning Puzzle Weekend Experience. Kids will love putting their thinking caps on and following the rhyming clues from their map to unravel each puzzle. Once solved, the riddles will reveal four MOTAT treasures, all to do with early town planning when Europeans first settled in New Zealand.

Kids will need to take in every hint and work swiftly with their team to crack the puzzle and uncover the four MOTAT collection objects. Visitors will leave MOTAT wellinformed on New Zealand’s town planning history, able to pass on their newfound knowledge to other friends and family members when they leave.

Kids can stamp their map and hand it in once they have solved the four MOTAT puzzles and their team could be in to win a fabulous family prize in the monthly prize draw.

MOTAT, Great North Road & Meola Road, Western Springs. www.motat.org.nz PN

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HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS THE PROPERTY MARKET – A NEW WAY OF SELLING REAL ESTATE A new type of real estate agency has launched in the neighbourhood and it’s very different from anything else out there.

The Property Market only charges 1% up to the CV of a property and 5% on the remainder of the sale price. So a property with a CV of $750,000 that sells for $850,000 is charged at $14,375 including GST – that’s half the cost of the standard industry commission. It’s the only performance based commission fee of its type and it means that the salesperson is explicitly incentivised to get the best possible sale price. The more cost efficient fee also includes online advertising and a unique website that is created for every property – check out www.41BNapierStreet.co.nz for an example.

The cost efficient fee has been achieved by removing expensive and out-dated costs like franchise fees and high-street branch offices and they’ve also developed some nifty software that automatically generates signage, brochures and property websites to eliminate the cost of administrative staff.

The Property Market also provides all the other services buyers and sellers need – like painters, landscapers, homestagers, cleaners, handymen, solicitors, building inspectors, valuers and a mortgage advisor – which means they can provide a fast and efficient service and an all-round better experience. The team at The Property Market say the reception from clients and buyers has been incredible, especially as the business has only been promoted by referral and by using marketing tools like Facebook.

THE PROPERTY MARKET Team: ANTONIA BAKER and JAMES EIVERS

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

For a free valuation on your property and to compare their fees, check out www.thepropertymarket.co.nz or call 0800 807 708. Also check out their blog (you’ll find the button on their home page) which has heaps of articles about events and businesses in the hood as well as important info local homeowners will want to know. And if you’re aiming to buy in the area, upload your details and you’ll be the first to know when they list a property that meets your brief. PN

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HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS BUSINESS AS USUAL FOR PONSONBY RENTALS LTD An article on the NZ Herald’s front page last month suggested that rental properties are very scarce these days with one property in nearby Kingsland attracting more than 200 would be renters during a half-hour open home.

With 17 years involved in local property management, Marilyn Hogg of Ponsonby Rentals Limited says, “there’s always been a bigger demand than supply in the western bays. For me it’s simply business as usual,” she explained, “It’s true right now, there are less rentals, but there’s a very good reason for that. It’s a new year, people move to be near particular schools and of course it’s a new term for colleges and universities as well. All of this pushes up demand,” she says.

So how can would be renters increase their chances of getting a property?

“Tenants should treat their dealings with renting like a job interview. They should complete the tenancy agreement fully and completely giving all the right information.

It sounds obvious but not everyone answers all the questions. Good references are extremely helpful as is personal appearance. So looking smart is an important factor.

“We vet our candidates on behalf of our landlords for their financial stability and suitability, but at the end of the day often it comes down to good old-fashioned gut feel.

I always say that if you pick the right tenant, everything else runs smoothly.”

Marilyn places all of her listings on TradeMe and says she’s looking forward to another great year. “I have recently taken the step of setting up on my own and am looking forward to helping my regular and new clients.” PN PONSONBY RENTALS LTD, 300 Richmond Road T: 09 360 7349; M: 0274 733 371 www.ponsonbyrentals.co.nz

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“Tenants should treat their dealings with renting like a job interview,” says local expert MARILYN HOGG

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ANDREW COSGRAVE UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL Andrew Cosgrave is the recently appointed branch manager at Barfoot & Thompson Grey Lynn. On leaving school in Perth he joined the Australian Air Force where he served 10 years as a flight navigator on C130 Hercules aircraft, before moving to Auckland where he spent the next eight years running his own business in Newmarket. Andrew has been selling real estate since joining Barfoot & Thompson in 2004.

“My partner Cat does an amazing job teaching music and ‘Deaning’ at St Mary’s College. We live in Grey Lynn with our sons Jacob (12) who attends Belmont Intermediate, and Travis (7) who’s at Ponsonby Primary.”

HOW DO YOU KEEP FIT? I try to go to the Gym early in the morning four times a week (lately it’s been closer to once a week!)

YOUR BEST FRIEND WOULD SAY OF YOU? He’s not a bad bloke for an Australian.

YOUR MOTHER WOULD SAY OF YOU? “Andrew, your hair is very long!”

YOUR VIRTUES? I am ethical, passionate, and considerate YOUR VICES? Allpress Coffee and ‘80s music

FAVOURITE PONSONBY RESTAURANT? Mondial in Grey Lynn and Delicious, West Lynn.

FAVOURITE PONSONBY STORE? The art galleries on Jervois Road - and the kids are into Megazone on Rose Road.

WHO’S YOUR ULTIMATE ROCK ICON? David Bowie WHAT’S YOUR SECRET PASSION? Don’t tell anyone, that I love my job! Also swimming and music.

WHAT’S YOUR SECRET TALENT? Definitely not singing! I have my unrestricted pilot’s licence (though it’s currently expired).

WHERE DO YOU SPEND YOUR HOLIDAYS? At our family bach near Matakana

YOUR BEST KEPT PONSONBY SECRET? Caribo (a Vietnamese stew) at the Ponsonby Food Court - fantastic in winter.

YOUR DESERT ISLAND DISTRACTIONS: song - Ashes to Ashes (David Bowie), movie - The Fifth Element, book - Origin of the Brands.

WHAT WEBSITES DO YOU BOOKMARK? Stuff, realestate.co.nz, wikipedia, and I love Google Earth - any place I hear of I look up on GE (must be the navigator in me).

WHAT’S YOUR PERFECT SUNDAY? Coffee and the newspaper at a local cafe. High tide at Herne Bay Beach, a second breakfast with eggs. A walk around Grey Lynn Park with the kids. Reading in the afternoon. Dinner/BBQ with friends at ours or theirs.

I’D BE LOST WITHOUT MY... (dare I say it) - my iphone - my life is in there!

WHAT WERE YOU GOING TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UP? An astronaut or an airline pilot .

WHAT WAS YOUR STANDOUT SALE OF THE LAST 12 MONTHS? Crummer Road, late 2010 - serious competition for a do-up villa on an awesome elevated corner site - sold for over $1,000,000.

HOW DID YOU COME TO BE A REAL ESTATE AGENT? When I was 20 and living in Sydney, I bought my first house (in my hometown of Perth). Since then, I’ve always believed in the value of property. After 10 years in the military and eight years in business, ‘returning’ to real estate felt natural.

IF YOU WEREN’T A REAL ESTATE AGENT YOU’D BE? A business owner of some kind (Real Estate Agents essentially own their own business) FAVOURITE PONSONBY CAFE? Monterey, West Lynn.

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ONE THING YOU HAVE LEARNED ABOUT LIFE IS? You’ve got to give to get.

YOUR ADVICE TO PONSONBY HOME SELLERS? It’s really important to do it right the first time. Choose an agent with a strong and proven network who knows how to market and negotiate (not necessarily the one who gives you the highest appraisal price!)

YOUR ADVICE TO PONSONBY HOME BUYERS: You’ve got competition! If you’ve missed out a few times - take heart – one usually needs to go through the process of seeing several properties to get the confidence to purchase in a competitive environment.

The fact that there is competition suggests you’re looking at good real estate. PN

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DENISE CLEVERLEY

THE PONSONBY GARDENER

AUTUMN TREASURES BEING A GARDENER, I LOVE SPRING WITH ITS PROFUSION OF NEW LIFE AND rampant growth. But I have to confess, the harvest season, autumn, is my favourite time of year. Delectable summer fruits are at their peak and while fresh green might be lacking in the garden, the beautiful autumnal hues of gold, orange and fiery reds are just spectacular! We northerners can’t boast about our stunning foliage displays as they can further south, but we can grow spectacular autumn flowering plants along with the best of them. Get planting now to make summer last just that little bit longer, or create a cracker of an autumn next year!

La Niña has kept gardens reasonably green this summer, but where the odd gap has appeared, or where container plants have succumbed to summer heat, fill the holes with potted colour plants. Garden centres should still have plenty on offer including red and blue salvia, petunias, zinnias and marigolds, plus impatiens and begonias for shaded spots. All of these will flower until the nights start to get really chilly around May. But as they’re all annual plants, you will need to pull them out once they look scrappy and replace with fresh potted colour for the winter season.

If you’re a lazy, or time poor, gardener who can’t be bothered with fussy annuals but enjoy colour, plant summer and autumn flowering perennials. Your hard work this year will pay off next summer and autumn as they come into flower to reward you all over again. Rudbeckias are just the best! Their large, cheery flowers in tones of golds, copper and muddy red epitomise autumnal hues to perfection. Helianthus, the sunflower family, are also at their best around now. Giant Russian sunflowers are annual, but there are perennial types that perform year after year, including the lovely, but rather invasive and weedy, Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus). Perennial sages (Salvia) vary in colour and stature from deep blue ground cover Salvia ‘Marcus’ to tall, shrubby, pink flowering Salvia ‘Berthellii’ and the more common, pale blue bog sage (Salvia uliginosa). Salvias are indispensable for long lasting autumn colour, hard to kill and very rewarding. Other value-for-money summer / autumn flowering perennials include: echinaceas, coreopsis, asters and alstroemeria. Japanese anemones are also excellent. They bud up in late February and flower through to April.

If you’re into retro revival, plant dahlias. The massive, blousy blooms of cacti dahlias are the perfect match for a 50’s décor. The downside is that you’ll have to wait until mid-winter for tubers to become available – mark it in your diary now!

March is also a fabulous time for subtropical gardens. Hibiscus start flowering in late December and are really going for it by now. Cannas will be in full bloom and all the different gingers will be coming into flower. Two of my favourites are reddish-orange flowering ‘red ginger’(Hedychium greenii) and white flowering ‘shell ginger’ (Alpinia zerumbet). ‘Blue ginger’ (Dichorisandra thyrsiflora) is not actually a ginger but definitely worth growing for its stunning, deep purple flower spikes. Warm earth makes autumn the perfect planting time - just be sure to condition the soil well with plenty of compost and water deeply during dry periods. (DENISE CLEVERLEY) PN www.tullyandgardener.co.nz

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RUDBECKIAS – autumn treasures.

FIVE GARDEN CHORES FOR MARCH: 1. Or negate a chore…stop deadheading roses – hips look fantastic in winter!

2. Plant sweet peas on St Patrick’s Day 3. Keep liquid feeding summer veges that are still productive 4. Feed citrus trees, check for scale insect and spray with spraying oil if necessary 5. Kids: plant snow peas

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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 BIN LADENS’ by Steve Coll (Penguin) The bin Ladens are shrouded in secrecy, living in one of the most closed, unaccountable countries on earth. Until 9/11 little was known about the world that created Osama.

The family patriarch, Mohamed, born in poverty in southern Yemen, where he lived until his teens immigrated to Jeddah in Saudi Arabia. His cleverness and ambition meshed perfectly with the building boom fueled by the oil revenues of the Saudi royal family.

Before his death in 1967, Mohamed had fathered more than 50 children by various wives, and this book offers portraits of some family members. He effectively shows how the creation of the bin Laden family fortune was, and continues to be, tightly bound to the fate of the Saudi royal family.

In this gripping account the author interviewed those closest to the family who rose from Yemeni peasants to jetsetting millionaires in two generations. In doing so, he reveals a Saudi Arabia torn between religious purity and the temptations of the West, telling a story of oil, money, power, patronage and dangerous cultural extremes.

This is a well-written account of a clan that continues to exert worldwide power and influence.

JAY PLATT ‘MAP ADDICT’ by Mike Parker (Harper Collins) Map addict is one of those books that when you first pick it up and start reading you think, Mmmmm this might not be as funny as I thought. However if you persevere, it is a very funny read.

Mike Parker’s early years in 70’s Britain were as a consummate map junkie and not spent hanging out and chasing girls. Instead you would find him devouring any ordnance survey map, or map of any kind come to think of it. From his first discovery of some dusty old maps that he finds in his basement and the thrill he gets when he discovers his passion. When Mike pores over his maps at night stroking their contours, idly following with his finger footpaths and streams, back lanes and bridleways, it almost sounds erotic but it’s not. It’s hilarious.

Map Addict mixes an ironic sense of humor with an incredible amount of extensive research and detail that will leave you astounded. This book is full of eccentricities that the British do in spades. I thoroughly recommend it.

iMOVIE EXPERT WANTED Tutoring required to help me develop my editing skills.

Please email me if you are reliable, are available and know this programme inside out. martin@ponsonbynews.co.nz

CAN SMARTSTRAND WITHSTAND THIS FORCE OF NATURE? We put our SmartStrand carpet through rigorous testing to ensure top quality and we proved it beyond the shadow of a doubt with our Ricko test.

Meet Ricko, a 2,800 pound, 12-year-old Black Rhinoceros who currently calls The Zoo home. Ricko lives a full, active lifestyle, one of plentiful mud baths and the devouring of entire bushes at a time. If this source of motion were to live in a furnished enclosure of your home then surely the surfaces would be ruined. The flooring in particular wouldn’t stand a chance — right?

Combining award-winning carpet with the awe-inducing strength and destructive capabilities of a rhino, Carpet Court presents The SmartStrand Challenge.

Ricko lived on 1,040 square feet of SmartStrand carpet for two weeks. The dirt your children bring into your house will pale in comparison to Ricko’s mud-caked hoof tracks. Remember the accident that your household pet had on the living room carpet?

You haven’t seen or smelt anything like the waste left behind from a pet that weighs almost 1½ tons.

After two weeks the superior stain resistance of SmartStrand meant all the mud and dirt washed off. It required a good steam clean though, but the SmartStrand carpet came up like new. This means your coffee spills or red wine splashes, will simply sponge off with warm water and a mild detergent. The fibre even resists discoloration from bleach.

It goes without saying that SmartStrand can be found as a major component in inspired homes everywhere.

So come in and see this amazing new carpet in a variety of colours, at your local Carpet Court Newmarket show room T: 09 522 2006,; Mt Wellington T: 09 574 6688; or Henderson T: 09 837 0845.

Kids and pets are welcome!

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REAL ESTATE EXPERT ASK JOHN.WILLS@CUSTOMRESIDENTIAL.CO.NZ Each month John Wills answers readers’ real estate related issues.

Q: A:

I know you don’t have a crystal ball, but what are your thoughts about how 2011 will play out in terms of real estate locally.

tighter lending criteria, tight land availability, the cost of materials, taxes and fees and a fear that job security is seen as a potential issue for the end-purchaser.

That’s a very good question and one that will certainly take some answering.

In terms of the big picture, one thing I can say is that Auckland is heading for a seriously large housing shortage in the near future.

In terms of Greater Ponsonby, to be honest, I see the year ahead being very similar to 2010. New listings will be tight (after the seasonal February / March influx) and demand for our prime city fringe location will continue to be strong. Having said that, local buyers are astute and they will continue to comparison-shop, do their numbers, do their home work and focus on the best listings in their ‘search bracket’.

Many would argue that there is already a shortage in the more desirable city fringe areas (and this is probably the case) but in terms of the wider issue, Auckland City is digging itself deeper and deeper into a housing deficit.

It’s been said that Auckland needs 25,000 new dwellings each year to keep up with population growth and over the last three years alone, there have only been around 15,000 building consents issued each year. Contributing factors to this are: much

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We’re really positive about the year ahead and believe that the next 10 months will bring some very strong prices for good properties. There will be some ‘wow’ results and also some very ‘fair’ prices paid. The halcyon days where almost every property gets massive interest and a massive sales result are unfortunately a wee way off yet.

Hope this helps. www.customresidential.co.nz PN

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HOW TO KEEP YOUR FUEL BILL UNDER CONTROL AS OIL PRICES RISE Motorists can limit the impact of rising fuel prices by being more aware of when and how they drive, says AA PetrolWatch spokesman Mark Stockdale.

“The price of 91 octane petrol has gone over $2 a litre for the first time since July 2008,” says Mr Stockdale. “Motorists will be noticing that it now costs over $100 to fill their car and thinking about how to manage their fuel costs.”

Mr Stockdale says most people can save on their fuel bill – potentially up to 40% – with some simple vehicle checks and changes to the way they drive.

1. Love your car - regular servicing, the right tyres, topping up your tyre pressure every few weeks and correct wheel alignment can save 10-20% fuel compared with a poorly maintained vehicle.

2. Don’t speed - travel at no more than the 100km/h speed limit because travelling at 110km/h can cost you up to 13% more fuel.

3. Drive smoothly - accelerate smoothly and change gear early without labouring the engine. In automatics, allow the transmission to change up early by accelerating on a light throttle.

4. Look ahead – rather than braking late, ease off the pedal ahead of changing traffic lights and when entering lower speed zones. Keeping a safe following distance will also help you maintain a more constant speed.

5. Corner smoothly - don’t brake hard for corners and then accelerate out. Slow gently, negotiate and exit the corner on a light throttle.

6. Make hills work for you - lift off the throttle as you crest the hill and use the car’s momentum to get you over the top. Build up speed before an uphill stretch.

7. Watch your air con - use your air-conditioning instead of having your windows down which creates drag. Air conditioning also reduces fatigue, but it can use up to 10% more fuel, so put it on the economy setting when you don’t need it.

Likewise switch off rear window demist and other similar features when their job is done.

8. Keep your load down - a heavier vehicle makes the engine work harder, so remove those golf clubs, bike rack or roof rack when you’re not using them.

9. Reduce idling time - if you’re stationary for more than 30 seconds turn your engine off, and avoid peak hour traffic whenever possible.

10. Avoid short trips - about a third of car trips are less than 2km, so combine tasks into one trip or walk.

AA tests last year revealed the following fuel saving results from these actions: • Air-conditioning off - saved 8.68%* • Using fuel-efficient tyres - saved 4.71% • Incorrect tyre pressures - used 7.76% more • Added weight and drag - used 11.11% more • Poor driving style - used almost 20% more • The AA advises drivers to use air conditioning judiciously - if you’re feeling tired, keep it on.

For more information about the AA’s fuel saving tests see: www.aa.co.nz/aadirections/driver/Pages/Fuel-Myths-Exposed.aspx PN For more driving tips see www.aa.co.nz

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DON’T MISS OUR NEXT PONSONBY NEWS+ DEADLINE… PUBLISHED: Friday, 1 April COPY DEADLINE: Sunday, 20 March (PLEASE BE ON TIME, AS ANY COPY RECEIVED AFTER DEADLINE WILL INCUR A 20% PENALTY)

SPECIAL FEATURES: REAL ESTATE: what is the market doing right now? We ask the local agents.

PLANNING WEDDINGS: we ask the experts for their advice.

FASHION: we take a look at the locals’ autumn/winter collections.

ADVERTISERS: GUARANTEED OR REQUESTED POSITIONS IN PONSONBY NEWS CARRY A 20% OF RATE CARD PREMIUM

FOR ALL ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES CONTACT: Jo Barrett on T: 361 3356 M: 021 324 510 E: joannebarrett@xtra.co.nz W: www.ponsonbynews.co.nz The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

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GOT A LEGAL QUESTION? ASK MICHAEL@METROLAW.CO.NZ Email michael@metrolaw.co.nz with your question, and put ‘Ponsonby News’ in the subject line. Michael, a partner of the firm, will answer one topical question each month.

Q: A:

I have a Loss Attributing Qualifying Company (LAQC). I operate with my wife which owns a rental property. I have 90% of the shares and my wife has 10% of the shares. The property is currently making a loss but once we can no longer claim depreciation it will probably only make losses for the next few years. What do we need to do to prepare for the law changes and when do we need to do it? Thanks – TONY, by e-mail.

You will need to assess this carefully, looking at both the immediate impact and what will happen when the property becomes income positive.

If you elected for the company to become a Look Through Company (LTC) then you could still apportion the losses on a 90:10 basis. However, once the property becomes income positive then the income will also be split on this 90:10 basis.

One of the objectives of the new legislation was to claw back some of the depreciation claimed by property investors as a tax loss. Under the old legislation when the property began making a profit the shares in the company could be transferred to another entity without triggering the depreciation claw back. Under the new legislation the sale of shares is treated as a sale of the underlying asset.

If you want to change the proportion of shareholdings in your LAQC without triggering depreciation claw back then you will need to do this before 1 April 2011. There should also be a reasonable justification for this transaction. If this is the reorganisation of relationship assets then you will need a formal contracting out agreement under the Property (Relationships) Act 1976.

There have also been some “loss limitation” provisions included that can affect the losses that you can claim depending on the structure of your borrowing. You need to check that these provisions will not affect you.

2011 ANNUAL PUBLIC TRANSPORT AUCKLAND TRANSPORT SAID LAST MONTH IT HAS COMPLETED ITS annual review of bus, ferry and train fares. Single and 10-trip bus and some ferry fares will continue to be held at their current levels.

Auckland Transport’s Chief Executive David Warburton says, “When reviewed against the Maximum Fare Schedule (MFS), the annual aggregated cost movement for bus and ferry services did not warrant fare increases for single and 10-trip multi-journey tickets which come under the schedule. Bus services in particular also have economies of scale, due to their carriage of over 80% of public transport commuters.

“An annual review of Auckland’s public transport fares is required by the contract between Auckland Transport and its operators. The review takes into account factors such as increased operator cost, revenue and patronage movements in the context of the wider economic climate, service quality and changes, price of diesel, service levels, wage and salary increases, and the CPI (Consumer Price Index).

“The annual Maximum Fare Schedule (MFS) sets maximum fares for adult, child/ senior, and tertiary, single and 10-trip multi-journey tickets.

“It should be noted, aside from single and 10-trip multi-journey tickets, bus and ferry operators have the right to increase prices for ticket products they offer themselves, while some ferry fares are beneath the maximum schedule and may increase”.

Dr Warburton says, “Rail fares will increase from 13 March 2011 due to an $8 million increase in costs associated with providing more services from 1529 scheduled services per week to 1950 services per week. The price rises range from 10 cents for a one stage trip to 50 cents for eight stages.

“Customer fares are still heavily subsidised through Auckland Transport and government agencies such as NZTA.

Because of the range of options available (there are four set out in my article last month and some further options beyond these) and the fact that every circumstance will be different there is no one blanket answer. You should seek advice both from your accountant and solicitors to arrive at the best option.

In my experience accountants seem to be more driven by the tax consequences whereas solicitors look at the structure and consider the risk and estate planning aspects. It will be important to look at both.

The transitional period runs from 1 April 2011 to 31 March 2013. During this period the elective changes can be made with some tax relief. However, the election must be notified to the IRD within six months from the beginning of each tax year, so in effect there are two six month windows within the two transitional years.

(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.

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FARE REVIEW Dr Warburton says, “Improvements in rail services include ten to fifteen minute train frequency at peak times with more service choices on the horizon. There have been major improvements in infrastructure as well with just under thirty train stations on the network upgraded, and a continued upgrade programme ready to roll out prior to the arrival of the first tranche of electric trains in 2013.

“Auckland Transport is working hard with its operators to provide greater connectivity and efficiency between public transport modes as well as better integrated pricing structure and price parity.

“More public transport users mean less congestion and faster travel times on the roads for those who have to use their cars for a variety of reasons. The use of public transport also benefits the more efficient movement of freight and of course there are environmental benefits. It’s all about sharing increasingly limited road space a lot more resourcefully”, says Dr Warburton.

Full details of the new fare structure for rail which comes into effect on 13 March can be found on the MAXX website maxx.co.nz from Tuesday 1 March.

More than nine million trips on rail services have been recorded in Auckland over the last twelve months. PN

CHRISTCHURCH HEART APPEAL You are not alone, our hearts are with you... www.chchheart.co.nz

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PONSONBY PEOPLE + THEIR PETS ANIMALOSOPHY: DR MEGAN ALDERSON

ANIMALOSOPHY 10: ‘Love not given lightly’ is a watercolour depicting two cats grooming, sensuously cleaning each other’s faces. It came from a street artist who accurately captured the very ‘essence of cat’. I stare in wonderment at this scene, now hanging on my consulting room wall, and ponder the feline species as a whole. How can these ornery creatures express such abundant love, to us and each other, whilst maintaining their independent air of aloofness, even disdain, for those with which they choose to live… and why do we love them so much for it?

Ron the Russian is a local feline street urchin; he belongs to a property rather than a person and patrols no. 23 to no. 45 on our street. He takes his role as street cat security very seriously. He tends to turn up on our doorstep when in need of medical help, usually after a more serious dust up, but otherwise avoids the black lab and me.

This summer has been hard on our Auckland cats and after a series of deteriorating housemates Ron, looking thin, half bald and decidedly motley decided to move in. Now in robust health, after pulling out my bald-cat-bagof-tricks (give me a call if you have a balding cat-it’s not just stress!), he now demands top-shelf gourmet, claws and teeth sinking in if he does not receive that for which he has asked. Why do cat owners put up with such atrocious behaviour from these mini furry dictators? How did they move from the wild into our homes?

Around 4000 years ago, the African wildcat (Felis silvestris lybica) was domesticated in ancient Egypt. Initially respected and revered for their snake and rodent killing skills, the cat quickly rose to god status. The popular feline goddess Bastet protected children, cats and fertility whilst her devilish opposite Sekhmet, represented destruction, war and pestilence-perhaps a good analogy for the split personality of the (semi at best) domesticated cat.

Throughout history the fortune of cats has oscillated between being on the side of the good guys and then the bad. They were considered Devil’s associates (during the time of the Black Plague), witches’ familiars in the Renaissance, good omens when entering a house or ship in the UK but a bad omen if you were unlucky enough to cross paths with one in the US and Europe.

Now days Felis catus are beloved pets while maintaining themselves as individual independent beings.

After three alarm call outs and not a jot of remorse our cat burglar stays. He has won us over with an attitude we could all assimilate, there is something innately cool about cats. Pet sensors are being installed next week as we can’t keep him out, the honour of living with a feline despot has been bestowed upon us and so we might as well get used to it. (DR MEGAN ALDERSON) PN THE STRAND VETERINARIAN, 114 The Strand T: 09 377 6667 www.thestrandvet.co.nz

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ATTENTION ALL KIWIS: RED PUPPIES ARE BARKING FOR YOUR HELP! About 5,000 volunteers are urgently needed nationwide for the 2011 Red Puppy Appeal in April.

The annual appeal, which is being held from Friday 1 April to Sunday 3 April, raises vital funds for the Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind’s (RNZFB’s) Guide Dog Services. “RNZFB guide dogs provide hundreds of blind and partially sighted New Zealanders with the means and confidence to get around independently and safely,” says Sandra Budd, RNZFB Chief Executive.

“It’s a long process to become a RNZFB guide dog as every puppy must train for two years, pass 55 different tests and walk thousands of steps. With no Government funding for Guide Dog Services, we rely on public support. Every dollar collected during our appeal really counts, which is why we need as many volunteers as possible out there rattling buckets on street corners,” says Ms Budd.

Red Puppy Appeal collectors will be on the streets on Friday 1 April and Saturday 2 April and anyone wanting to volunteer can call 0800 120 254 or register online at www.redpuppy.org.nz. Ms Budd says the RNZFB is also planning some extra sweet treats to enhance this year’s appeal and will release more details in a few weeks.

Help give power to the red puppies so, as RNZFB guide dogs, they can empower blind and partially sighted New Zealanders. Donate online at www.redpuppy.org.nz Please give generously when you see RNZFB Red Puppy Appeal collectors out and about from 1 - 3 April. PN

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

PONSONBY PEOPLE + THEIR PETS ASK ALEX

R.I.P JACKIE O OUR DEAR JACKIE O PASSED AWAY LAST MONTH. SHE WENT ON HER last travels on Wednesday 8 February and was killed by a dog. Jackie O was well known in the area and we would like to thank the many people who telephoned us when she was on her little visits: The Cavalier Tavern - Dorothy Butler Children’s Bookshop - Shell Petrol Station - Jervois Steak House - The TAB - St Marys School - St Marys Hospice and all our wonderful neighbours who loved her as much as we did. Many thanks, THE LITTLEJOHN FAMILY, St Marys Bay.

Each month Dr Alex Melrose answers readers’ pet related issues. e-mail yours to: alex@vetcare.net.nz

Q:

I’ve got a young healthy ginger moggy at home here with me, Mr Snuggles. I totally dote over him; I’m sure like many of your other client’s pets, he is totally spoiled, in a good way. I’m a vegan myself and have read about some vegan diets available for cats these days and wondered how you thought the slightly heavy Mr Snuggles would go on these ready-made biscuits, or on fresh home prepared vegan food? BEX, Grey Lynn.

A:

The biggest difference we need to focus on here is that while us humans, and our canine friends are true omnivores, cats like Mr Snuggles are obligate carnivores. The reason they are classified as OBLIGATE carnivores is that in nature, if they don’t eat meat ...they die, full stop. I’ve seen it, very distressing, very tortuous seizures leading to coma.

Cats (unlike us) are unable to synthesise Taurine, an amino acid that occurs in muscle tissue. The way these vegan diets (and other commercial diets) get around this is to add synthetic Taurine, a meat protein, to the food to prevent this fatal deficiency from occurring. Several cats that I know have done fantastically well on these diets.

However, to call this diet vegan I believe is dangerously misleading as cat owners could mistakenly feed a home-made natural vegan diet without realizing that it will prove fatal unless Taurine is added, which does not occur naturally in any vegan food.

It’s this scenario which makes me think that for anyone to call these cat recipes vegan is playing with fire.

Hypothetically if you were a vegan but ate all your meals with a small amount of synthetic mince drizzled over them I don’t think you would call that a vegan meal. It could create potentially fatal confusion for cats.

(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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ARTS + CULTURE

SHOWING AT LETHAM GALLERY THE TROPHY ROOM – MARTIN HORSPOOL 4 - 22 March; Preview: Friday 4 March from 6 - 7.30pm After two sell-out shows at The Letham Gallery, Martin Horspool returns with more of his amusing sculptures, assembled from discarded retro objects. The man who brought us Retrobots has now built a series of taxidermy style trophy heads, mixing deer antlers with vintage drills and industrial salvage, carefully drilled and bolted together.

‘The Trophy Room’ is an array of imaginary animals, mounted onto wall plaques, with names like Gazelle, Sabre 2000 and Tanner. Each trophy is a single character and each one possesses a charm and personality that only Martin can create with his whimsical trademark use of other peoples junk, cast offs and skip treasure.

As with Retrobots, the fun is attempting to identify what discarded object is incorporated in each finished sculpture. PN LETHAM GALLERY 35 Jervois Road T: 09 360 5217 www.lethangallery.co.nz

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ARTS + CULTURE SHOWING AT LETHAM GALLERY WHAT THE FROST! - EMA FROST 23 - 30 March Come into the Underworld of Ema Frost where she will be exhibiting a new collection of object art and illustrations with a sense of whimsy and enchantment.

Ema has recently been experimenting with ceramics and plastics in her studio in Auckland, resulting in the creation of her label FROST+DINKIE. The first pieces in the collection are a range of 3-dimensional ceramic “creature” sculptures, which were selected into the semi-finals of the prestigious Portage Ceramic Awards 2010. Ema has also created a series of quirky plastic bangles, which are all one-off designs. Ema recently showcased a selection of her work at the Muriwai Arts Trail 2010. To keep updated go to: www.facebook.com/emajfrost PN LETHAM GALLERY 35 Jervois Road T: 09 360 5217 www.lethangallery.co.nz

LOCAL PONSONBY ARTIST WINS NATIONAL AWARD Evan Woodruffe won the Molly Morpeth Canaday Award 2011 for his painting Untitled (02-14), described by the judge, Jennifer Buckley, as a “complex composition filled with movement, tension and mystery.”

Now in its 25th year, the Molly Morpeth Canaday Award is one of the longest running art awards in New Zealand. Previous winners have included Peter Stichbury (another local!), Jenny Dolezel, and Peter Waddell.

OREXART Gallery Director Rex Armstrong, who represents Evan’s work, was not surprised he had added the Molly Morpeth prize to his growing list of achievements, as he had sold numbers of Woodruffe’s paintings into prominent collections over the last few years and had noted the rising level of interest in the complex nature of his work. “Woodruffe’s work is emotionally charged, beautifully painted and his command of materials is enviable,” says Rex. Evan is well known in the Ponsonby area for his knowledge of materials and his involvement in the arts scene – he manages Studio Art Supplies in Grey Lynn, contributes the ‘Dr Paynt’ column to the Artists Alliance on Ponsonby Road (Will Paynt on Facebook), he’s on the Board of the Uptown Arts Trust, and runs a studio with 14 artists in Eden Terrace – two of whom were also finalists in the Molly Morpeth Canaday Award!

Evan will be using the award, worth $ 10,000.00, to visit Germany with his partner Jeanne Clayton later this year, visiting art material manufacturers, artists, and checking out the art galleries of Berlin. His fifth show at OREXART Gallery is booked for this May. PN For your e-magazine www.mollymorpethcanaday.co.nz/selected-2011.html

SHOWING AT HOUSE OF HEDONE Central city boutique House of Hedone is holding an underground art exhibition, called simply “Journeys”.

Featuring a range of work from artists Donna Steel, Anya Veryaskina, Zeke Wolf, Sorawit Songsataya, Clay Bodvin, Erika Husselmann, and John McNicolas, with their pieces examining the ‘transformation of space and place - how new beginings start’.

HOUSE OF HEDONE, 5b High Street, T: 09 303 3289 www.houseofhedone.co.nz Pictured: “Lehko” by ANYA VERYASKINA

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ARTS + CULTURE SHOWING AT MASTERWORKS GALLERY 7- 27 March Preview: Sunday 6 March from 3pm

JOHN PARKER - TESTING 2010 Laureate Award Winner John Parker presents a new collection of minimalist ceramic forms. Parker is recognised for his conceptual explorations of surface and form, producing iconic geometric vessels that push the boundaries of wheel thrown ceramics. For this upcoming exhibition, Parker explores these ideas further, introducing new developments to enthuse his dedicated audience.

TATJANA PANYOCZKI – SINCERE Sincere; A word play, Sin, often referred to an obsessive act or forbidden pleasure and Cere from old French cire or cera in Latin = wax .

Tatjana Panyockzi plays on her fascination with scented wax. Panyockzi combines pompoms with scented wax alchemizing these every day objects in to decadent, colourful neckpieces and brooches. This series is a development on a collection that was exhibited at The New Zealand Jewellery Show at Skycity last year.

7 March - 20 April Preview: Sunday 6 March from 3pm MUSEUM OF TRUE HISTORY (MOTH) IN COLLABORATION WITH KARL CHITHAM – DERELICT Modelled on, but very different from, the highly prestigious Museum of Jurassic Technology, the Museum of True History, (known affectionately as MOTH), is a humble but by no means diminutive example of traditions of collecting dating back over five centuries, inhabiting the sometimes obtuse eclecticism of the private collection.

For Thinkspace MOTH has invited artist Karl Chitham to re-create vessels from the little known collections of failed architect and potter A. Verlassen. According to a close friend and former business partner, Verlassen amassed an impressive collection of ceramic vessels created by architects from all over the world. Very few people were aware this collection existed or had the chance to see it before it was destroyed in the 1960’s. It has been suggested that the collection contained examples by some of the world’s most renowned architects but this has never been fully substantiated.

For Derelict, Chitham has used existing descriptions of works from the collection and placed them into an architectural framework. Through this collaboration MOTH hopes to provide a sense of the relationships Verlassen and the architects may have had with their pots.

MASTERWORKS GALLERY, 77 Ponsonby Road T: 09 378 1256 www.masterworksgallery.com

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WANT TO ADVERTISE HERE? CALL JO BARRETT: T: 09 361 3356 M: 021 324 510 E: joannebarrett@xtra.co.nz W: www.ponsonbynews.co.nz PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

ARTS + CULTURE FIND THE ART YOU LOVE AT ART + SOUL “Life beats down and crushes the soul and art reminds you that you have one.” - Stella Adler The concept for Art + Soul began when director, Katie Endicott-Davies felt that there was a gap in the market for bringing beautiful yet affordable, original art to everyday New Zealanders.

“Art + Soul is about keeping it unpretentious – by bringing fantastic art to those that love it, without the hefty price tag.”

Art + Soul aims to represent emerging to mid-career artists from all over New Zealand who specialise in painting, photography, printmaking, sculpture and digital art. Users can browse the website by artist, media or price range making it easy to navigate.

The best part about Art + Soul is that if you’re unable to find anything that suits your personal tastes, ask about commissioning an artist to complete a piece just for you. Whether you’re a business or a private client, most of the artists at Art + Soul are available for commission work and you’re encouraged to look beyond what is showcased on the website and get exactly the art you love.

An affordable art rentals service is also available.

Take the time to log onto www.artandsoul.co.nz to view the artists and their work. If you see something that you’re interested in, book a time at their Ponsonby Studio to view the piece in person. PN Art + Soul is still on the hunt for more artists to represent, so if this sounds like you get in touch with Katie on M: 021 275 1785, or hello@artandsoul.co.nz to find out more.

SHOWING AT WHITESPACE NEAL PALMER “SPLASH” 8 - 26 March Neal Palmer: London (BA Hons, Fine Art – Trent University) has lived and worked in the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand. “At Trent University two notable contemporaries; Tim Noble and Sue Webster, encouraged my experimentation. Here my practice evolved from painting to printmaking and then to sculptural installation very much in the manner of the Chapman brothers.

“Following art school my experience diversified even more through my work as a prop maker and scenic artist in film and TV including a couple of years at Spitting Image as a puppet co-ordinator. It was here I met my wife, and embarked on a path that led to moving to New Zealand.

“Now as a painter, my concerns revolve around coming to terms with the visual language and natural environment of my new home on the one hand, and an artist’s desire to have a painterly dialogue with the history of painting as well as creating rich experiences for audiences who may not be steeped in art history.

“Exploring my new environment I have discovered subjects that can evoke strong emotional responses.” PN WHITESPACE, 12 Crummer Road T: 09 361 6331 www.whitespace.co.nz

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SCREENING AT RIALTO

BLUE VALENTINE STARRING: Ryan Gosling, Michelle Williams, John Doman SEASON STARTS: 10 March DIRECTOR: Derek Cianfrance RATING: TBC This honest and moving portrait follows Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams (Academy Award nominee for Best Actress) starring as Dean and Cindy, a married couple who spend a night away from their daughter in an attempt to save their failing marriage.

Juxtaposed with playful scenes that trace their romantic courtship six year’s previous, Gosling and Williams’s journey through the brutal heartbreak that comes with fading love and broken promises.

LOCAL SINGER LINN LORKIN BRINGS NEW YORK TO WESTERN SPRINGS HEY, PIANO BAR LADY! Linn Lorkin’s new jazz musical comedy set in ‘80s Manhattan will be running three Saturdays in a row at TAPAC during Auckland Fringe Festival.

Unfolding like a Broadway musical, Linn recounts her life in New York, from how she arrived broke and played for $20 a night in swanky clubs on Park Avenue, to how she ended up getting married, divorced and having a baby.

Most recently performed at ‘Don’t Tell Mama’ in Manhattan, Hey, Piano Bar Lady! features a full score of original songs, including her famous Family at the Beach, voted Best Kiwi Summer Song in a recent New Zealand Radio Listeners’ Poll. While many of the songs were written while-hot at the time, others have been inspired by her recent sojourn back in New York City.

For this special show, the TAPAC foyer will become a New York supper club with specialty New York supper and cocktails available at the bar.

Watch a clip of “Hey, Piano Bar Lady!” Performed at Don’t Tell Mama, NYC, November 2010. www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wx7FQJHoRnw” SHOW DETAILS: Saturday 5 March, 12 March and 19 March TIMES: 10pm - 5 and 12 March; 9.30pm -19 March TAPAC foyer with Cabaret table seating and NY supper and bar menu available at 100 Motions Road.

NEVER LET ME GO STARRING: Keira Knightley, Andrew Garfield, Carey Mulligan, Charlotte Rampling and Nathalie Richard SEASON STARTS: 17 March DIRECTOR: Mark Romanek RATING: M sex scenes

SPECIAL: Come to an earlier Auckland Fringe Festival Saturday show at TAPAC and purchase a ticket to HEY, PIANO BAR LADY! on the night for only $10.00 (tickets usually $25.00) subject to availability.

BOOKINGS: T: 09 845-0295 www.tapac.org PN

His highly acclaimed novel ‘Never Let Me Go’, Kazuo Ishiguro (The Remains of the Day) created a remarkable story of love, loss and hidden truths. In it he posed the fundamental question: What makes us human? Now, director Mark Romanek, (One Hour Photo), writer Alex Garland and DNA Films bring Ishiguro’s hauntingly poignant and emotional story to the screen.

Kathy (Oscar nominee Carey Mulligan, ‘An Education’), Tommy (Andrew Garfield, ‘Boy A’ and ‘Red Riding’) and Ruth (Oscar nominee Keira Knightley, ’Pride & Prejudice’ and ‘Atonement’) live in a world and a time that feel familiar to us, but are not quite like anything we know. They spend their childhood at Hailsham, a seemingly idyllic English boarding school. When they leave the shelter of the school and the terrible truth of their fate is revealed to them, they must also confront the deep feelings of love, jealousy and betrayal that threaten to pull them apart. PN RIALTO CINEMAS, 167 – 169 Broadway T: 09 369 2417 www.rialto.co.nz

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OUT + ABOUT

BIG GAY OUT BIGGEST AND GAYEST EVER Organisers of the Get it On! Big Gay Out have said this year’s event is the biggest and best yet. Prime Minister John Key, Hon Nikki Kaye, Hon Dr Jackie Blue and Hon Melissa Lee proved incredibly popular as they were introduced by Miss Ribena and Steven Oates, two of Auckland’s most popular gay figures, and then moved through the welcoming crowds.

The Prime Minister John Key, and Nikki Kaye MP, and gaba President Glenn Sims presented funds raised by the gay auckland business association (gaba) to Mangawhai Heads couple Lindsay Curnow and Juliet Leigh whose business Blooming Bulbs was burnt down on 15 January in a homophobic attack.

Pictured above: The legendary BUFFY & BIMBO with Ponsonby News’ JAY PLATT; Below: CAROLE from THE WOMEN’S BOOKSHOP

Elton Raharahara, a Get it On! spokesman said: “This year we had thousands more turn up to enjoy the entertainment and atmosphere of New Zealand’s biggest celebration of diverse sexualities and gender. This is a great opportunity for us to reach the rainbow communities with the Get it On! message. One in 20 of Auckland’s gay or bisexual men is living with HIV and it’s imperative that we can increase already the already outstanding numbers of men using condoms and lube so that we can decrease rates of HIV. “The comments we’ve had from people have been amazing – we’re over the moon that the message of safe sex has been so well received.” PN www.biggayout.co.nz The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

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HOLD THE BACK PAGE! CHRISTCHURCH EARTHQUAKE – SCENE-SETTER 23 February, 2011 THIS IS A WAR ZONE; WITH NO SIGN OF THE ENEMY. PEOPLE CRUSHED TO death; people trapped; people missing. Friends are missing. People’s lives are shattered forever. Christchurch’s latest earthquake just before 1pm yesterday is New Zealand’s worst natural disaster. The mood and atmosphere around the streets and suburbs of Christchurch is one of anxiety, fear and shock.

The first I knew about what was to come was an ascending and violent rumbling noise.

A 1.8 metre high wall to wall bookcase behind my desk tumbled down on me. Books flew right across the room like paper darts. I was trapped for a time but in between the jolts managed to squeeze under a desk before being thrown to the other side of the room.

Big heavy bookcase down, but I was lucky; so many were not so lucky. I feared for my family and rushed to my ex-wife’s work. She is an executive officer at a disabled school. The roads were leaking sand and liquefaction. Some cars had fallen into holes as the ground had opened up. The power was down, traffic lights out and mayhem at intersections. A big dog, spooked, was hit by two cars but didn’t survive the third hit.

At her school, Chrissy was out in the field with the students and their biggest issue was how to ferry disabled ones home – no buses, taxis under pressure, no phone or text contact with parents. No way of contacting parents. They had no idea of the catastrophe around them – especially in the city.

As I drive to our house another after-shock and the ground, the power poles, walls and earth wobbles around violently liked fiercely shaken jelly. At home our contents and so many of our treasures and worldly possessions shattered in front of my eyes. It’s is no different to any other home in Christchurch - windows, mirrors, glasses, crockery. All broken. But we are alive and will rebuild.

The streets are gridlocked as those that can, leave the central business district (CBD).

People abandon cars and start running or walk away from danger, desperate to get home to check on family.

For hours the phones are out and texting or calls are out. I have a half hour’s walk to my office but I come across an 87-year-old pensioner Irene Grenfel. The busses are out.

KIP BROOK: “A house just around the corner from where I live” And she is walking 8-9km to her home. She is frail and cold, pushing a supermarket trolley with two bags. I help her on her way home.

We can’t push the trolley through the liquefaction as it’s like soft wet sand. I lift and carry and help her over intersections where water from the liquefaction is flooding the roads. St Andrews College playing fields are awash. Hundreds of students stranded, not knowing how to get home or exactly what to do. Irene despairs as she looks at some of Christchurch’s grandest old homes gaping, collapsed, totally ‘bombed out’ looking.

I have not heard if my children are safe and Irene edges closer to home. I flag down a police car and tell her of Irene’s plight and they go to her rescue. Power still out, no phones working, and no water. I feel the bruising coming out in my back from the bookcase and feel a little dazed and disorientated. Everything is closed, more buildings collapse in front of my eyes. By night fall, texting is restored. All my family are fine but we have not heard from one of my daughter’s friends in the CBD. We prepare for a long night.

People are trying to be positive; so many help each other. This is a special and strong community. But a lot of tears to be shed yet. I am still shaking and in shock.

(KIP BROOK) PN Word of Mouth Media NZ is a national media company run by award-winning jounalist Kip Brook. He provides press releases for daily news media specialising in writing articles for public companies, private companies, for artists, fashion, tourism, wine, events, sport, health, charity and public issues.

PONSONBY NEWS OUTLETS PONSONBY NEWS is published on the first Friday of each month excluding January. Copies go quickly so be quick to collect yours from any of the following outlets. The issue is also published on our website www.ponsonbynews.co.nz

GREY LYNN:

NEWTON:

FREEMANS BAY:

Barfoot & Thompson, 533 Great North Road Barkley Manor, 400 - 402 Great North Road Grey Lynn Community Centre, 520 Richmond Road Grey Lynn Community Library, 474 Great North Road Raw Essentials 401B Richmond Road Ripe, 172 Richmond Road Sliced, 104 Richmond Road Vetcare, 408 Great North Road

Benediction Café, 30 St Benedicts Street Design 55, 55 Upper Queen Street

Glengarry, Cnr Sale and Wellesley Streets Kellands Real Estate, 1 Cascade Street New World, Victoria Park Rhubarb Outlet Store 11 Drake Street Sale St, 7 Sale Street

HERNE BAY: Five Loaves & 2 Fish, 206 Jervois Road Helen Talbot, 2A Kelmarna Avenue Icing on the Cake 188 Jervois Road

WESTMERE: Glengarry, 164 Garnet Road

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PONSONBY: Artstation, 1 Ponsonby Road Barfoot & Thompson, 184 Ponsonby Road Chapel Bar, 147 Ponsonby Road Fitness Trainer, 36 Jervois Road Leys Institute, 20 St Mary’s Road Mag Nation, 123 Ponsonby Road Ponsonby Community Centre, 20 Ponsonby Terrace Spa Ayurda, 213 Ponsonby Road Whitespace, 12 Crummer Road World, 97 Ponsonby Road

PARNELL: Jane Daniels, 2 Birdwood Cresent Essenze, 285 Parnell Road Parnell Community Centre, 545 Parnell Road

MT EDEN: Planet Ayurveda, 578 Mt Eden Road Sabato, 57 Normanby Road

KINGSLAND:

NEWMARKET:

Atomic, 420c New North Road Native Agent, 507 New North Road Tabou, 462 New North Road

Studio Italia, 96 Carlton Gore Road Taylor Boutique, 1 Teed Street

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

LOCAL SERVICES

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