APRIL '11 Ponsonby News

THE ORIGINAL

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PONSONBY NEWS AUTUMN/WINTER FASHION: Ponsonby style

April 2011 www.PONSONBYNEWS.co.nz

CELEBRATE LOVE + COMMITMENT: weddings and civil unions

16,487 Published 1 April, 2011

ARCH HILL, PONSONBY, COXS BAY, FREEMANS BAY, HERNE BAY, GREY LYNN, ST MARY’S BAY, WEST LYNN AND WESTMERE PLUS SELECTED BUSINESSES IN HIGH STREET, CHANCERY, CBD, KINGSLAND, MT EDEN, NEWMARKET, NEWTON + PARNELL COPIES DISTRIBUTED TO HOMES AND BUSINESSES IN

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DEADLINE – 20TH OF THE MONTH April 2011 PONSONBY NEWS EST: OCTOBER 1989 – Incorporating the Ponsonby Community Newsletter (PCNL) CELEBRATING 21 YEARS OF PUBLISHING HISTORY!

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WHAT’S INSIDE THIS ISSUE 006 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR 007 FROM THE PUBLISHING TEAM 014 PONSONBY MARKET DAY 018 DAVID HARTNELL: ONE MINUTE INTERVIEW

photography: Jo Barrett

021 K ROAD BUSINESS ASSOCIATION 024 STREET NAMES 028 SHALE CHAMBERS: WAITEMATA LOCAL BOARD

014 048 WEDDINGS AND CIVIL UNIONS 060 HELENE RAVLICH: NATURAL BEAUTY 062 JAY PLATT: WE CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT 066 PONSONBY NEWS READERS ARE EVERYWHERE

070 EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY 077 LIVING, THINKING + BEING 080 CLARE CALDWELL: THE ART OF LIVING

ANGELA LASSIG

THE PONSONBY GARDENER

photography: Amanda Bransgrove

035 FASHION + STYLE 038 LETTERS FROM MAUDIE:

082 NIKKI HART: GOOD NUTRITION 084 HOROSCOPES: MISS PEARL NECLIS 085 JOHN APPLETON ON HEALTH 087 PLANET AYURVEDA: ASK DR AJIT 091 DEBORAH KELLAND: LIVE + DIE WELL 096 FUTURE GENERATION 100 DENISE CLEVERLEY:

102 THE BOYS BOOK CLUB 104 HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS 116 ASK AN ARCHITECT 130 PONSONBY PROFESSIONALS 133 PONSONBY PEOPLE & THEIR PETS 135 ARTS + CULTURE 144 OUT + ABOUT 146 PONSONBY NEWS OUTLETS 048 081 photography: Danelle Bohane

029 GREY LYNN 2030 030 NIKKI KAYE: MP AUCKLAND CENTRAL 031 SIDELINE WITH GEORGE BERRY 042

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

Like us! www.facebook.com/ponsonbynews

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

BY GEON GROUP, RICHARD GRAVENOR AUCKLAND. ANYA VERYASKINA; E: pn4anya@gmail.com ISSN 1177-3987.

MELISSA PAYNTER; E: melissapaynter@orcon.net.nz

FULL MEMBER MAGAZINE PUBLISHERS ASSOCIATION

ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTIONS: WITHIN NEW ZEALAND $49, AUSTRALIA/PACIFIC $99. BY CHEQUE OR POSTAL ORDER IN NZ$. NO CREDIT CARDS. PLEASE NOTE: we do not hold back issues of Ponsonby News. Our archive is all online as a low resolution pdf or from august 2010, as a high resolution E-mag – visit www.ponsonbynews.co.nz The entire content of this publication is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means – electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise – without the prior permission, in writing, of the copyright owner. Colour transparencies & manuscripts submitted are sent at the owner’s risk; neither the publisher nor its agents accept any responsibility for loss or damage. Although every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this publication, the publisher can accept no liability for any inaccuracies that may occur.

PONSONBY NEWS+ is printed on paper sourced from sustainable, well managed forests and manufactured under the environmental management system ISO 14001.

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

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LETTERS

PLEASE SEND LETTERS TO info@ponsonbynews.co.nz

EMAIL TO MARTIN AND JAY – COPIES OF PN TO ‘BLIGHTY’ Thank you both for the latest Ponsonby News. I thought that I told you that at NZ$18 postage per issue, it was far too expensive to send to ‘Blighty’ on a regular basis. So I was very surprised when the loud crash of the ever larger and more action packed edition alerted me to its arrival two rooms away. Half of me thinks that I must stop you, and the other half very much enjoys being able to have some idea about how the magazine is developing, (when I think of the very ordinary local rag it once was, I am amazed) with little bits of news about you two sometimes, and a real conjuring act, when it comes to Ponsonby, a place I have never visited yet feels strangely familiar to me these days, and rather desirable, although that of course is all to do with seductive advertising and editorials.

In these dark February days I would have chosen breakfast at Dida’s, a light lunch at SPQR, followed possibly by a treatment by Dr. Ajit, (where I notice that I was able to tick everything on his list except constipation), after which I would have dinner at Vinnies, (Oysters, Hawkes Bay Lamb loin, dessert tasting platter) and then go home to either 21 Blake Street (Paddington style in Ponsonby), or 57 Hepburn Street, Freemans Bay. Very nice thank you. I hope that living there is as enjoyable for you as it seems to me. You certainly chose a winner when you encouraged people to send in photos of themselves all over the world with their Ponsonby News waved aloft. I bet that you are ‘Local Treasures’ these days.

Apropos sending me the mag. It really worries me. You are supposed to be making money, not squandering it on postage. How about if I pay you for two or three copies per year or would that be awkward to remember? Let me know sometime. Two or three issues would be plenty for a non-resident.

As for me, after my days in Putney, I like living in this area anyway and nearby Norwich is a very attractive and interesting small city, although not half as lively as Ponsonby if your magazine is to be believed! JILL GOLZEN, Norfolk FROM THE EDITOR Jill Golzen, an Australian, was the daughter of James Holden, who was the founder of Holden Motors.

LIKE US! www.facebook.com/ponsonbynews www.twitter.com/Ponsonby_News PUT BULLYING TO AN END My son who is now in his early 30’s had years of being tormented during his time at a local school. He was not your typical sporting rugby playing type so going to an all boys school, where those who were good at sport were considered as the ‘in crowd’, he unfortunately faced bullying on a daily basis.

Back then there was no such thing as text bullying which I think must be terrible for children these days to have to bear, but none the less no matter how it is carried out, bullying is bullying.

As a parent it used to break my heart to see my son go through this hell of feeling alone, separate and never good enough in the eyes of his peers. So I was pleased to read the article in the last Ponsonby News about the new way of dealing with bullying.

I was impressed with the approach that Mike Williams with his programme of ‘under cover teams’ has been using and clearly with successful results.

Bringing bullying behaviour out in to the open and not pretending it will ‘just go away’ seems like a positive step forward. The ‘under cover team’ approach in my opinion creates a healthy team spirit amongst children and helps them work together to take responsibility for their own behaviour without blame being attached.

Perhaps if my son’s school had had such a programme in place he and others could have been saved from years of humiliation and feelings of low self esteem.

Name supplied, but withheld upon request, Freemans Bay R.I.P JACKIE O AND HAPPY TRAVELS IN CAT HEAVEN I am saddened to hear the passing of our furry friend Jackie O, who has visited our shop a few times. After contacting Mr Littlejohn who was away in January, he gave me the owner’s address, so I locked up the office, with Jackie O snuggled in my arms and off we went down St Mary’s Road, I wanted to make sure she was home safely.

Once I returned to work I stuck a post-it-note on my computer with her phone number and address, just in case she came back. With sadness I have removed the post-it-note.

We will miss her visits at the Dorothy Butler Childrens Bookshop. ANA, Ponsonby PN

Back in our London days, Jill was the wife of Godfrey Golzen, Editor of Human Resources (which we published until its sale to Lord Hesseltine’s Haymarket Group in 1999).

She is an amazing plagiarist, who often copied works for London’s National Gallery and once called me to ask if I’d heard of Bono! “He called wanting me to paint a mural on a wall of his house in the south of France but I’m not sure who he is.”

DEAR TEAM AT PONSONBY NEWS Well done Anna Crichton! What an awesome Viva Italia cover! I love, love, love it and I want pizza for dinner now. It’s pouring down outside and it’s days like this I am grateful that PN comes with a raincoat on.

Thanks for going the extra mile to ensure we always receive our immaculate copy of PN rain, hail or shine. Thank you also for printing photos of ‘me and my PN’ on holiday, it was a lovely surprise to be able to relive my dream once again.

If I am your favourite Numerologist, then you are my favourite Ponsonberians … and always will be, for sure! Thanks for going the extra mile for our community.

MICHELLE BUCHANAN, Ponsonby

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

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FROM THE PUBLISHING TEAM

She has also had strong interest from Christchurch residents and is in the process of costing up a red T-shirt just for them that they can buy at a reduced price to encourage and build morale. Both T-shirt designs are shown below and to purchase them simply visit www.chchheart.co.nz THERE’S NOTHING LIKE A CELEBRATION TO HELP RAISE MORAL AND THIS month we run our bi-annual ‘Weddings + Civil Unions’ feature which we hope you will enjoy. There are some fabulous inexpensive wedding options couples can choose from in lieu of a big budget blowout, including getting married in a brief civil ceremony, followed by an informal reception at the beach, around a friend’s pool or in your favourite neighbourhood bar. It can even be as simple as a picnic in the park with all of your favourite people, an option probably best executed in the drier months.

Informal ceremonies and receptions are especially popular for those celebrating second marriages, and local venues like Sale Street have been the site of quite a few of these during the summer months.

THIS MONTH, JUST AS THE WEATHER looks like it has turned we asked our in-house fashionista Julie Roulston to show us what’s in the shops for the autumn/winter season.

We hoped it wouldn’t all be black – black – black and it isn’t as you will see in our fashion coverage this month.

BECAUSE OF OUR DEADLINE, WE SADLY missed the ‘TAKE FRIDAY OFF’, Ponsonby Golfing Day at Chamberlain Park which we’re sure was a big success. We’ll have photos to show you in the next issue. Shame about the rain but most golfers are very used to it!

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JULIE ROULSTON, MARTIN LEACH, JO BARRETT + JAY PLATT

photography: Michael McClintock

AN EDITOR I’VE ALWAYS ADMIRED ONCE TOLD ME, “YOUR BIGGEST SKILL is making it happen. Many talk about their ideas…but you make things happen,” he explained. Which is why I was excited by Deborah Kelland’s vision of creating a T-shirt to raise money for those in Christchurch. She had an idea and then went out and made it happen. As we went to press she told me, excitedly, that in three weeks her target of raising $150,000 had been met. An extraordinary result!

WE WERE BLESSED WITH AMAZING WEATHER FOR LAST MONTH’S Ponsonby Market Day. There was a great buzz in the air and many local businesses were certainly finding their own ways to support Christchurch. Ray White Ponsonby showed locals what they do best and held a mini auction which raised just over $9,000. Another amazing result!

Simon Smith, was until recently the manager at Barfoots Ponsonby but he has since joined the nice people at Ray White Ponsonby.

A positive move for Mr Smith and a welcome addition to their team, sadly, he will no longer be sizzling sausages just up the road on our famous Market Days!

IF YOU’VE BEEN WORKING TOO HARD, relax, in less than three weeks there’s a nice long weekend coming up. So from all the team we hope you have a happy Easter!

(MARTIN LEACH) PN

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 LOCAL NEWS GREAT PROGRESS BEING MADE AT AUCKLAND’S NEWEST WATERFRONT DESTINATION

WORK IS PROGRESSING RAPIDLY ON THE FIRST STAGE OF WYNYARD Quarter’s revitalisation on Auckland’s waterfront, which will be complete in time for the Rugby World Cup 2011. It includes North Wharf, Jellicoe Street, Wynyard Crossing, Gateway Plaza, the Viaduct Events Centre and Silo Park.

Wynyard Quarter will be easily accessible to the CBD via Wynyard Crossing, an opening pedestrian and cycling bridge over Viaduct Harbour. Piling work is currently underway and bridge spans will be put in place later this month, before the opening bridge leaves are installed.

At North Wharf, where in only a few months time visitors will be able to choose from a variety of eateries to get the freshest seafood in town, the internal fit out is soon to begin. Eighty per cent of the space has been leased, with an announcement on providers to be made within a month.

Gateway Plaza is the landing point for Wynyard Crossing in Wynyard Quarter, and this large, public plaza will feature seating, arts and steps down to the water’s edge.

Continuing down Jellicoe Street to the other side of Wynyard Quarter people will come to Silo Park, which by RWC 2011 will include a playground, an expanse of green open space, a viewing structure and the two character cement silos that have been retained.

The centrepiece of North Wharf, the Old Red Shed, has been restored and its character retained. Previously an old Auckland Harbour Board building dating back to the 1930s, inspiration for its restoration and the two new buildings either side has been taken from the working waterfront. Features including the shed’s distinctive red doors, metal bollards and the old railway tracks have been kept.

On the seaward side of North Wharf on the edge of the Viaduct Harbour is the Viaduct Events Centre. The multi-purpose centre offers 6000m2 of exhibition, meeting and hospitality space and spectacular views of the Waitemata Harbour, and is in the final phase of construction.

On the other side of the North Wharf is Jellicoe Street, which completes the axis that will enable people to walk or cycle the length of Auckland’s waterfront, and will be the hub of events, activities and entertainment during RWC 2011 and beyond, including night markets and a cinema.

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Outside of Wynyard Quarter, plenty of progress is being made at other areas of the waterfront. At Westhaven Marina the CCTV system has just had a major overhaul, providing better safety in public areas. Major work has also begun to replace several piers, and next month Z pier and J pier car parks will start to be converted for use by campervans during RWC 2011. At the opposite end of the waterfront the makeover continues at Queen’s Wharf.

Shed 10 and the red fence are being repaired, the surface is being upgraded, the wharf repaired underneath, services installed and the new structure, The Cloud, will be installed over the coming months. Work continues to coordinate with Quay Street contractors, neighbours and the cruise industry.

To find out more please visit www.waterfrontauckland.co.nz, and sign up to the newsletter for regular updates. PN

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

LOCAL NEWS  BLUE FLAG KEEPS FLYING HIGH AT WESTHAVEN MARINA AND THE LANDING Westhaven Marina has been awarded the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) Blue Flag award for the sixth consecutive year.

The Blue Flag programme, which is in 41 countries, and 3450 beaches and marinas, encourages marinas and boat owners to take an active role in keeping the marine environment clean. “Blue Flag recognises exceptional environmental management,” says Westhaven’s Manager, Russell Mathieson.

“As it is predominantly a Northern Hemisphere institution, the Blue Flag will be readily recognisable to visitors from that part of the world during Rugby World Cup”.

Westhaven Marina invites local schools and youth organizations to participate in ongoing environmental initiatives at the marina in an active educational role. The marina website www.westhaven.co.nz/environment/ promotes environmental tips and safe marina practices.

Nikki Kaye, National MP for Auckland Central raised the 2011 flag at Westhaven Marina at 9am on 25 February to signal its commitment to environmental management and education.

The award was also acknowledged by the attendance of Bob Harvey, Waterfront Auckland Chairman, Adrienne Young Cooper and Terry Kayes, both Westhaven Trustees. The Okahu Bay Landing became Blue Flag compliant in 2009, representing a world first for a boat haul-out and maintenance yard operation. The Landing simultaneously raised their new flag on Friday.

The Spirit of Adventure Trust recently received their first Blue Flag award and were pleased to join the celebrations. Stephen Fisher, Chairman, spoke at the ceremony,

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“this represents our commitment as a ship operator to tread lightly on the oceans and our commitment as a youth educator to assist our trainees with an awareness of the inherent values of the sea and all that is therein”. PN

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 LOCAL NEWS PRE 1992 BUILDINGS ARE NOT ‘MODERN’ SAY EARTHQUAKE ENGINEERS

AUCKLANDERS LEAST PREPARED FOR DISASTER

Buildings constructed before the New Zealand Building Act 1991 and consequential Building Regulations 1992, should not be regarded as ‘modern’, says the New Zealand Society for Earthquake Engineering.

Aucklanders are being urged to take steps to ensure they are ready to respond to an emergency.

“The Pyne Gould and the CTV buildings which collapsed in the February earthquake are routinely being referred to as ‘modern buildings’”, said NZSEE Executive Officer Win Clark.

“However, if commentators or the media are referring to ‘modern buildings’ in terms of earthquake resistant performance, it is important to understand the many changes that have been made to the way buildings are designed and constructed since building standards were first introduced in New Zealand following the 1931 Hawkes Bay earthquake.

“For instance, the Pyne Gould building is understood to have been built in about 1963 and the CTV building designed around 1975 and built in 1979. There have been a number of significant changes to New Zealand building standards since these buildings were originally designed and built.”

Updates to the codes in the past 50 years include amendments in 1965, 1976, 1984, 1992 and 2004 adding requirements to accommodate changes in building design loads and detailing.

“The changes in 1976 introduced modern seismic codes in New Zealand and the 1992 amendments updated standards for loadings and use of materials, outlining how a building must perform to withstand the forces expected during an earthquake,” said Mr Clark.

“The 2004 Building Act included a requirement for territorial authorities to put earthquake prone building policies in place.

“In that same year the ‘Loadings Code’ was updated with Standards New Zealand publishing ‘Structural Design Actions Part 5: Earthquake Actions – New Zealand, NZS 1170.5: 2004. This standard incorporated the latest research and understanding on how to improve the life safety performance of buildings during a severe earthquake.” PN

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Auckland Civil Defence controller Clive Manley says that the recent Christchurch earthquakes provide tragic reminders of the need for Aucklanders to be prepared for a disaster of any kind. “The situation in Canterbury illustrates how important it is for everyone to have adequate water, food and an emergency plan,” he says. “In a major disaster, emergency services cannot be everywhere at once and people need to be ready to help themselves by drawing on their own resources.”

A 2008 survey of 8,000 households by Statistics New Zealand revealed that 90 per cent of households with dependent children had not taken steps to ensure they had enough food and water for three days and developed a household emergency plan.

Aucklanders were less prepared than the rest of New Zealand, as only one-third [34 per cent] had stored water in case of an emergency, whereas almost half [49 per cent] of Kiwis had done this.

Volcanic eruptions, tsunamis, earthquakes, storms and flooding are among the natural disasters which threaten New Zealand’s largest city - home to almost 1.5 million people.

“Aucklanders need to hone their survival instincts and, as the TV commercials say, ‘get ready to get through’,” Mr Manley says.

GET READY TO GET THRU – TO BE PREPARED, YOU NEED: • A Household Emergency Plan – Your family or household need to have a plan in case you are separated before, during or after an emergency.

– You need to know how to apply that plan to whichever disaster may strike.

• Emergency Survival Kit – Food and water for at least three days – Battery-powered torch and radio – First aid kit – Supplies for pets.

• Getaway Kit if you need to be evacuated – Essential items from your Emergency Survival Kit – Family documents, such as passports and drivers’ licences – Personal items such as medication and toiletries.

More information about preparing for disaster is available online at www.getthru.govt.nz, including translated advice and resources in a range of languages. PN

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 LOCAL NEWS FLOWERS FOR CHRISTCHURCH IN PONSONBY FOLLOWING THE DEVASTATING EARTHQUAKE THAT HIT CHRISTCHURCH in February, and the cancellation of Christchurch’s Ellerslie International Flower Show, Xanthe White and her design team created a charity garden in Western Park, Ponsonby entitled ‘Flowers for Christchurch.’

photography: Martin Leach + Jo Barrett

Working alongside the Red Cross and Auckland Council, members of the public were able to view this very special tribute garden and make a gold coin donation.

Plants were auctioned off and all proceeds are going to the Red Cross Christchurch Earthquake Appeal.

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photography: Martin Leach + Jo Barrett

PONSONBY MARKET DAY Saturday 19 March We were blessed with amazing weather for last month’s Ponsonby Market Day. There was a great buzz in the air and many local businesses were certainly finding their own ways to support Christchurch. Ray White Ponsonby showed locals what they do well and held a mini auction which raised just over $9,000. PN

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OUT + ABOUT

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OUT + ABOUT

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DAVID HARTNELL’S ONE MINUTE INTERVIEW WITH JENNIFER WARD-LEALAND GREY LYNN RESIDENT JENNIFER WARD-LEALAND, ONZM, IS A KIWI ACTRESS who has appeared on many films and television shows such as ‘The Ugly’, and ‘Shortland Street’ as well as the Australian comedy series ‘Full Frontal’. Her first ongoing television role was as Jan in the first kiwi produced soapie ‘Close to Home’ (1978–1980). In 1982 she completed a year-long diploma in acting from Auckland’s then influential Theatre Corporate. She is married to award winning actor Michael Hurst ONZM. IF YOU COULD BE ANYWHERE RIGHT NOW, WHERE WOULD IT BE AND WHY? On the rehearsal floor - because we get to play - literally and figuratively. Or in Central Turkey because we had one of our best ever holidays there.

IF YOU HADN’T BEEN AN ACTOR, WHAT OTHER CAREER WOULD YOU HAVE TAKEN? Probably something to do with music ... or hospitality (I think this is genetic.)

WHO’S YOUR FAVOURITE KIWI DESIGNER? WORLD (I recently wore one of their gowns to the SAG Awards in LA) and Liz Mitchell who has dressed me for many a lovely event.

WHAT WOULD I FIND IN YOUR MAKEUP BAG? Lots of MAC makeup.

WHAT OR WHO MAKES YOU THE HAPPIEST AND WHY? My family - and funny actors. Being with a group of actors when the witticisms are flying and we are crying with laughter is truly the best.

WHAT DO YOU MOST VALUE IN FRIENDS? Loyalty and a sense of humour.

DID YOU COME FROM A SHOW BUSINESS FAMILY? On my mother’s side they were and are all musicians and singers. Does that count as show biz?

THE MOST ROCK’N’ROLL THING YOU’VE EVER DONE? I was in a punk(ish) band in 1980.

BIGGEST SELF-INDULGENCE? 70% chocolate.

WHAT ARE YOU MOST VAIN ABOUT? Fitting into my beautiful gown modelled on Marlene Dietrich’s in the ‘50s is a good motivation to keep reasonably trim.

ANY PETS? Two Burmese - Vinnie and Ruby. We are besotted. Oh, and Ruby is a kleptomaniac. We are delivered at least one item a day ranging from undies to gardening gloves to wetsuits. Seriously. I have to leaflet my neighbourhood saying, “come and retrieve your belongings.” Thankfully the neighbours see the funny side.

WHAT’S YOUR BIGGEST FASHION REGRET? A lot of the ‘80s gear - how come we all look older then than we do now?!

WHEN DID YOU FIRST FEEL FAMOUS? At a Xena convention in Los Angeles.

WHAT’S THE MOST STYLISH PRESENT YOU’VE RECEIVED? One of Marlene Dietrich’s original beaded tops - complete with letter to authenticate the garment.

It knocked my socks off to receive this beautiful gift from some good friends.

WHAT STAR SIGN ARE YOU AND ARE YOU TRUE TO THAT SIGN? Scorpio.

Who knows? But the Chinese year of the Tiger description seems to paint a fairly good picture.

WHAT’S THE BEST SMELL IN THE WORLD AND WHY? Bonfire on the beach.

It reminds me of New Years Eve at our little bay on Waiheke. All the neighbours bring firewood, fireworks and good spirits. Memorable.

FAVOURITE TREND OF ALL TIME? Early ‘70s furniture design. I have a bit of a chair addiction and have a set of Eames chairs from 1974 with original red upholstery.

They are so comfortable you can spend hours round the table without needing to collapse on a sofa at the end of the meal.

LEAST FAVOURITE FOOD? Shellfish. Am not keen on seeing the digestive system of the food I’m eating.

WHO ARE YOUR REAL LIFE HEROES AND WHY? People who save lives.

Self explanatory.

IF YOU COULD COME BACK AS A FAMOUS PERSON WHO WOULD IT BE? I would prefer to come back as my cat. What a life.

IF YOU WROTE YOUR AUTOBIOGRAPHY WHAT WOULD YOU CALL IT AND WHY? ‘Tall Stories’. I’m 5’ 11’’ and I love wearing heels.

WHO’S YOUR FAVOURITE ACTOR? I can never answer this question! There are too many wonderfully talented performers to pick just one.

HOW DO YOU SPEND YOUR FREE TIME? Catching up with friends and family, learning Te Reo Maori, singing in the choir - oh, and reading.

WHO WOULD BE YOUR FANTASY CELEBRITY ONE-NIGHT STAND? I wouldn’t have one.

FINALLY, WHERE DO YOU HOPE TO BE IN 20 YEARS TIME? Alive, healthy and working. (DAVID HARTNELL) PN

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LOCAL NEWS 

Pictured: STEW WILSON (Chairman of GUCC Board), JASON WITEHIRA (New World Victoria Park Owner), NIKKI KAYE (MP for Auckland Central)

GRAFTON UNITED CRICKET CLUB: FUNDRAISING AUCTION WITH NEW PARTNER NEW WORLD GRAFTON UNITED CRICKET CLUB HELD A FUNDRAISING AUCTION AND Dance last month at which it officially welcomed on board new funding partner New World Victoria Park. Attendees included Auckland Central MP Nikki Kaye.

New World Victoria Park has teamed up with Grafton United Cricket Club (founded 1862) in a three year sponsorship deal providing financial support to one of the oldest cricket clubs in New Zealand.

The Auction and Dance was held at the Clubhouse at Victoria Park. Items auctioned included cricket bats signed by the Black Caps, boxer shorts signed by Colin Meads and a $5000 New World Victoria Park spending spree.

With more than 1200 members, Grafton United Cricket Club has the largest senior cricket club membership in New Zealand and a significant and growing junior club. Club Manager Adrian Smith says Grafton United Cricket Club has been providing cricketing opportunities to young people in the wider Ponsonby area for almost 150 years. “The support from New World Victoria Park will enable us to continue that tradition,” he says.

“Its support is invaluable to the development and growth of our club and our ability to enhance the offering of cricket that we make to the community. We thank Owner/ Operator Jason Witehira and his staff for this opportunity and look forward to a long and prosperous relationship.”

Jason Witehira says, “it is great to see the iconic Victoria Park hosting junior and senior cricket players, families and supporters throughout the summer months, and we are delighted to help support our local cricket community”.

Auckland Central MP Nikki Kaye is supporting the Club to help secure funding for a book on the history of Auckland’s inner city cricket club, written by Richard Irving, former Chairman of the Club. PN

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LOOK YOUR BEST – BY DESIGN LOCAL PONSONBY GRAPHIC DESIGNER ADRIENNE LAND HAS BEEN quietly producing her elegant, uncluttered designs for small to large-sized businesses for many years – long enough to have begun working on a drawing board rather than the powerful Apple Mac she currently uses to generate her eye-catching designs for print. Her projects include everything from books, catalogues and magazine layouts to logos, brochures, advertisements, pointof-sale and packaging.

“There are many advantages to working with an independent designer,” says Adrienne. “Clients receive a very personal level of service. They usually prefer to talk directly with a designer rather than through a middle man.”

Adrienne often works in association with freelance copywriter Sue Reidy.

Together they help clients get their businesses and brands noticed, with strong ideas, punchy design and polished copywriting. But Adrienne’s true passion is typography. Before setting up her own practice Adrienne spent time working as a designer in a typesetting company. There she expanded her knowledge of the intricacies of type and how to make it as legible as possible, as well as becoming very familiar with the qualities of a broad range of typefaces.

“There’s a real art to selecting the most appropriate type font for each job and laying it out in such a way that the hierarchy of messages is preserved and enhanced.”

If you’re looking for creative input for your logo, advertisement or marketing material please contact Adrienne for a quote or a chat to view her portfolio. PN Email: adrienne@abd.co.nz or M: 021 310 019

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 LOCAL NEWS NZ CELEBS IN FAIRTRADE ME AUCTION FOR OXFAM Monday 11 April is the cut off date for Oxfam, which is giving Kiwis the chance to win a Fairtrade coffee date with one of their favourite celebs on Trade Me. Fancy meeting up with New Zealand’s favourite Westy wild child Antonia Prebble for a cuppa on the set of her new film? How about the chance to share stories with singer Don McGlashan at a café by the ocean; go behind the scenes with fashion designer Kate Sylvester as she prepares for Australian Fashion Week; enjoy a hot brew with Jason Gunn; savour a complimentary degustation lunch and matching wines with chef Steve Logan at Wellington’s top restaurant Logan Brown; meet up with New Zealand’s funniest men Jeremy Corbett and Paul Ego on the set of their show 7 Days; attend New Zealand’s biggest night in comedy at the Last Laugh Comedy show and awards night with comedian couple Michele A’Court and Jeremy Elwood; or meet the cast of Shortland Street and be shown around the set with the gorgeous nurse Tracey and Doctor Maxwell, aka Sarah Thompson and Robbie Magasiva.

Visit Trade Me today to start bidding on your favourite celeb. All proceeds from the Fair Trade Me auctions will support Oxfam’s work towards a fairer, safer, more sustainable world.

The celebrity Coffee Breaks will be taking place during Fair Trade Fortnight (May 7-22), in conjunction with Oxfam’s Biggest Coffee Break. Last year 20,000 New Zealanders took part in Oxfam Coffee Breaks in their homes, work, schools and communities.

This year even more Kiwis will be doing the same to help raise awareness of Fairtrade and lift farmers in the developing world out of poverty.

People can sign up at OxfamCoffeeBreak.org.nz to host an Oxfam Coffee Break with their friends or colleagues this Fair Trade Fortnight. Oxfam will send each host a Coffee Break pack containing FREE Fairtrade Caffe L’affare coffee, Kokako drinking chocolate, Whittaker’s chocolate and a bunch of great materials about Fairtrade. Don’t miss out – registrations close on 22 April. PN

MARIA TROGOLO (Program Manager) with cocoa farmers in Madang, PNG

A LOCAL FAIRTRADE LOVER Sometimes it takes a leap of faith to believe that your work will make an impact on the world, either now or in the future, for people you know and those you will never meet.

My job as a Producer Support Officer with Fairtrade ironically brings this question into sharp focus.

Together with a small team of dedicated people at Fairtrade ANZ, we are responsible for delivering assistance to farming communities in Papua New Guinea and the Pacific Islands to help marginalised farmers move from a position of vulnerability to one of security and economic self-sufficiency through access to the Fairtrade market.

My colleague Rachel and I have just returned from a trip to East Sepik and Morobe Provinces in Papua New Guinea, where we had the privilege of meeting some of the people we aim to help in order to better understand their needs so that we can plan our activities accordingly.

Now back in our office, the images of our experience in Papua New Guinea are still fresh in my mind. As we drove out of Lae in a well seasoned Land Rover, the extreme poverty of most people walking or just waiting on the side of the road was brazen despite the blurred vision we had through the iron mesh shielding our windows.

When we arrived in Bosagen, the sight was mesmerizing. Despite the blazing sun, hundreds of people gathered under a precarious canopy to hear what we had to say.

No snacks, no running water, no air-con, no seats, just a visceral hope that we may bring the possibility of a better life.

This gathering of people was the Neknasi Cooperative Society, which was founded to channel support for regional coffee farmers and to improve their power of negotiation with buyers. They are currently applying for Fairtrade Certification to improve their market opportunities, secure better incomes and advance their possibilities to develop the local community.

Rachel and I had the opportunity to speak with some of Neknasi’s coffee growers, including a young mother named Runni Bayam. Runni and her husband grow coffee on a single hectare plot in the forested highlands, and use their limited earnings to pay for their son’s school fees. Runni explains that because of the remote location of her village, it requires a thirty minute walk along a bush track for her son to reach his school, and the same thirty minute walk for her to carry her crops to market.

She explains that a better road, and safe bridges, would provide invaluable opportunities to her community.

Runni is enthusiastic for the opportunities that Fairtrade Certification provides, and hopes that consumers in places like New Zealand recognize what Fairtrade can do for communities like hers. Fairtrade and its accompanying premium provides communities like Runni’s the opportunity to cultivate sustainable businesses and invest in the development of their schools, health clinics, and roads.

While I know consumers’ mindsets cannot be changed overnight, I am inspired every day to know that our work in Fairtrade helps to provide a voice for the vulnerable like Runni Bayam. I hope you’ll also feel inspired to choose Fairtrade Certified products in the many ethically conscious outlets we have in Ponsonby – Trade Aid, Nosh, bananas, chocolates, tea and coffee at Nosh, New World and Countdown Supermarkets, Kowtow clothing at “Marvel Menswear” and “Fabric”, and many of our local cafes; just make sure your product displays the Certification Label on them. Thanks for joining the movement! MARIA TROGOLO, Ponsonby PN

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 LOCAL NEWS PRINTSTOP REBRAND TO PRINTING.COM Based in Wellesley Street West by Victoria Park, Printstop have been printing business collateral and marketing material for Ponsonby, Freemans Bay and the Central Business district customers now for two years.

However from 1 April Printstop will be re-branded to become printing.com. They will still produce high quality offset printing at prices that leave their competition scratching their heads.

Production for Printstop; now printing.com is based on the ‘gang/batch’ printing method that allows ganging together the print orders from 50 national franchises to one central hub. Batching the jobs from 50 stores together keeps the run lengths high and the cost per item low.

Manager Rebecca Hale says “We’ll continue to bring you everything you love about Printstop plus a whole lot more. In the year coming we’ll be expanding the services and the products we provide. It’s the same great people, the same high quality service, the same handy location, the same friendly service with the same delivery promise…. with a NEW name!”

Check out www.nz.printing.com for information on their great ‘Offer of the Month Deals,’ including their April Fool’s Day deal: SPECIAL 50% OFF OFFER FROM 4 – 8 APRIL 50% off regular printing.com branded business cards, usually $79.00 for 500 cards, now, only $39.00 for 500 cards when booked during the first week of April. *Price excludes GST and file handling.

Phone, email or visit their website to find out more. PN PRINTING.COM, 1/145 Wellesley Street West T: 09 373 3119, F: 09 373 3121 E: rebecca.hale@printing.com www.nz.printing.com

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THE HISTORICAL BOROUGH OF PONSONBY AND GREY LYNN

STREET NAMES: PEMBER REEVES Why Rata Street, as it was once named, came to be renamed Pember Reeves Street is anyone’s guess because William Pember Reeves is one of Christchurch’s more famous sons. His English parents migrated to New Zealand, landing in Lyttelton in1857 and he was born there three weeks later, just in time to be a bona fide New Zealander! His father bought a share in the Lyttelton Times, became its manager and eventually editor. During his tenure the paper became the voice of liberal thinkers and politicians.

Son William had an outstanding academic career. He was educated at Christ’s College and won provincial scholarships and an entrance scholarship to the University of New Zealand where he studied English, French, German, History and the classics.

He then went to Oxford to study Law but his health broke down and he returned to New Zealand, worked on a farm in Canterbury till his health improved then joined a Christchurch law firm. He was admitted to the Bar in 1880 but wasn’t very interested in this profession and started writing political commentaries for the Lyttelton Times, and in 1885 became editor of his father’s weekly paper, The Canterbury Times.

By 1887 he was involved in politics and eventually appointed Minister of Education, then Minister of Justice, and later, of Labour in the first Liberal Government. It’s said he was the first Minister of Labour in the British Empire. His opinions were definitely left, if not far left of centre and he introduced measures regulating the working conditions in factories, ships, trucks and shops. His most significant achievement was the passing of the Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Act of 1894 which encouraged trade unionism and the prevention of strikes. This was a first in the world and the major influence in our industrial relations for the next seventy nine years.

When Seddon became Prime Minister in 1893 he wanted the labour legislation slowed down which didn’t please Reeves at all. There was considerable friction between the two and probably the reason why Reeves was appointed Agent General for New Zealand in the United Kingdom. In 1905 the position was renamed that of High Commissioner and he was paid more than his adversary, the Prime Minister.

Relieved from political pressure Reeves re-ignited his earlier writing career. He made friends with George Bernard Shaw, Sidney and Beatrice Webb and other members of the Fabian Society and in 1898 published three books. The Lyttelton Times had published a volume of verse he’d written in partnership with G.P. Williams and now he published two more which include his best known poems, “The Passing of the Forest” and “A Colonist in his Garden”. His history of New Zealand “The Long White Cloud” remained in print until the 1950’s and is regarded as one of the better presented histories of our country. His “ State Experiments in Australia and New Zealand” is lauded as a scholarly work that is an unsurpassed survey of the radical and experimental legislation he helped implement.

Reeves made a tour of New Zealand in 1925 - 26 and was warmly welcomed by friends and political foes alike, which gave him great joy. He died in London on May 16, 1932 aged seventy-five, an expatriate who found English intellectuals congenial but hated the English climate and the class system. It’s very fitting this New Zealand statesman, lawmaker and poet should be commemorated in our part of the world and the imagery in his poetry mourning deforested mountains and the departed birdlife strikes a chord with those of us who are concerned about the ecology of our beleaguered planet.

(DEIRDRE ROELANTS) PN

REPORT ON AUCKLAND HARBOUR CROSSING TO INFORM PLANNING DEBATE Transport Minister Steven Joyce says the release last month of an evaluation of options for an additional Waitemata Harbour Crossing will help inform debate on the future shape of Auckland.

The evaluation report is the result of a request from the Minister last year for the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) to more closely examine the relative costs and benefits of tunnel and bridge crossings.

An additional harbour crossing will be needed within about 20 years to cater for increased growth. Mr Joyce says the current and future Auckland Harbour crossings are essential transport infrastructure - providing a vital link between north and south, both physically and economically.

“Because of the importance of any new crossing, all stakeholders, including members of the public, must have access to solid information as they form opinions and consider options as to whether a bridge or tunnel is more appropriate, and when it should be built. While this report does not make a recommendation it does lay out the facts to date and considerations for both options.”

THE REPORT CONSIDERS: • Cost and funding options (between $3.9 billion for a bridge and $5.3 billion for tunnels in 2010 dollars) • Benefit cost ratios • Constructability, operability and consentability Mr Joyce says the Government has not formed a view on whether a tunnel or a bridge is most appropriate. “Both the form of a third crossing and the timing of it will be part of the discussion around Auckland’s spatial plan. This will likely be one of the biggest projects for Auckland over the next 20 years and it needs to be planned and sequenced carefully alongside other investments. It’s my expectation that the third harbour crossing will increase the number of lanes across the harbour and also allow for public transport corridors and walking and cycling lanes,” says Mr Joyce. PN

AUCKLAND SEES SMART GREEN FUTURE, GOVT SEES MORE OF SAME THE GREEN PARTY WELCOMED THE AUCKLAND COUNCIL’S DRAFT spatial plan discussion document released last month as an exciting opportunity for Auckland to become a world class Eco-city.

“Auckland Council has produced a visionary document that shows how we can do things smarter,” said Green Party Auckland Issues spokesperson David Clendon.

“It is also the opening salvo in what will be a battle for the control of Auckland’s future. The excuse for the assault on democracy that delivered the Supercity was that Auckland had to speak with one voice to solve its problems.

“Now that one voice is speaking clearly, but the Government seems determined to shout it down,” said Mr Clendon.

“The Auckland discussion document envisions a city where people can easily and safely walk and cycle, or use modern, efficient buses and trains to get to vibrant

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town centres. It proposes ways of saving money and energy with greener services like composting organic waste, and widespread uptake of solar energy options.

Contrast this with the Government’s vision for Auckland as more of the same: a sprawling, car-centric mess with bad traffic congestion and few opportunities to walk, cycle or take a bus or train as petrol prices continue to spike.

“This is old fashioned 1950s thinking. More motorways and sprawl have made Los Angeles one of the most congested and expensive cities in the world. Meanwhile, their local Government is going broke and not even able to maintain the roads.

“It’s not too late for Auckland to grow differently. The Government must allow Auckland to put in place the sustainable urban design and 21st century infrastructure they voted for. John Key’s Government has talked about a social and economic step change, but have failed to deliver. They should now allow Auckland’s local government their chance to succeed,” said Mr Clendon. PN

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 LOCAL NEWS MEMORIES.COM First Haiti, then Christchurch, and now Japan. Gaia is not being very merciful to our stricken South Pacific region.

When spouses, children, brothers, sisters and friends leave us for ever having to cope with the pain? The passage through grief is a very long one and sufferers need much support to live fully again.

Jonathan Good is an expatriate and Rhodes scholar who lived in Ponsonby for some years when he worked for McKinsey and Company. He now lives in the San Francisco Bay area and has co-developed a website that he describes as a “treasured emotional space for vividly remembering” people who have died.

When Jonathan and his business partners, Rudy Adler and Brett Huneycutt suffered the loss of someone close to them they found there was no befitting way to share their memories online. Facebook and Twitter were not appropriate for what they had in mind so they created a website to memorise their friend, www.memories.com which is a free memorial site where stories, photos, videos, and audio can be entered all together in a permanent space.

Jonathan and his partners were nominated for the Best Design at the USA tech awards for the amazing ‘memory quilt’ that weaves together all the stories and photos of someone’s life. The Egypt Memorial site they established has been linked to Facebook over 100,000 times.

It has made a huge impact in the United States, so much so that it has already attracted angel investors, raising $3 million of capital from Silicon Valley’s Greylock Partners and Twitter and Google financial backers.

In Jonathan’s words, “The scope of memories that can be preserved, relived and passed down has expanded massively with the information revolution.

That’s what we are all about at 1000Memories. We want to help you find the gems in these records to remember in a beautiful way”.

Right now there is an unprecedented number of people in New Zealand on a journey through grief. Perhaps some might wish to have a look at Jonathan’s site. He promises to protect and preserve memories. “Our mission is to provide a safe place for your memories so they can be passed down to future generations.” (DEIRDRE ROELANTS) PN

GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN Peter Taylor and Rodney Coleman called it quits on New Year’s Eve. Their three year party came to an end with the closing of Dot’s Bar and with it the end of an era. In Peter’s words Dot’s Bar and it’s predecessor, Dorothy’s Sister were places where you could be who you wanted to be, no questions asked. All those who enjoyed much fun in these “houses of fabulosity” and regret their passing, will be curious as to what new opportunities Peter and Rodney will explore.

ROYAL STAMP OF APPROVAL TO CELEBRATE WEDDING OF THE YEAR THE PRESENTATION PACK CONTAINING THE ROYAL WEDDING STAMP issued from New Zealand Post which is now on sale to celebrate the impending wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton, has got the Prince’s birth date down as 21 May instead of 21 June 1982. However, the mistake was not found on either of the $2.40 stamps in the set.

Permission featuring shots of the couple in formal and informal settings had to be gained from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II (who would not have been amused

by NZ Post’s error!) and Prince William.

New Zealand Post Stamps and Collectables general manager Ivor Masters says in addition to gaining permission there has been feedback from the Queen regarding the design and content of the presentation pack.

“Her Majesty conveyed that she likes the designs very much, which is gratifying,” Masters said. “We’re confident a wide range of New Zealanders – not just collectors – will appreciate the stamps as well. There is always tremendous interest in royal themed issues and we expect there to be a heavy demand here and overseas,” he said.

The previous New Zealand Post stamp issue for a royal wedding was in 1981 for the marriage between Prince Charles and the then Lady Diana Spencer. “That was an extremely popular issue, and it is remarkable 30 years later the appetite and interest in royal weddings is undiminished,” Masters said.

The set of two over-sized stamps in this issue feature a metallic gold border and portray Prince William and Catherine Middleton in both a formal pose, and an informal embrace. The denomination of both stamps is $2.40, which is also the postage rate to send a standard letter to the United Kingdom from New Zealand.

The Royal Wedding stamp issue includes a miniature sheet, two first day covers and a presentation pack. PN

Peter is resuming his massage practice and writing a sequel to his autobiography, “Don’t Postpone Joy” and is going to put further energy into completing three other writing projects. He is also rebuilding his profile as a motivational speaker, becoming a member of the National Speakers Association. Given his track record as an inspiring speaker there’s no doubt he will once again be a shining example of perseverance against all odds. There’s no stopping this man!

Rodney is seeking employment outside of hospitality and will eventually retrain in creative marketing or pursue his interest in art and guerrilla marketing. There’s plenty of evidence he’ll succeed at whatever he decides upon.

Ponsonby News wishes Peter and Rodney all the best and hope the years ahead will be even better, if possible, than the fun packed times on Ponsonby Road.

(DEIRDRE ROELANTS) PN

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PETER TAYLOR and RODNEY COLEMAN PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

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LOCAL NEWS: DEIRDRE ROELANTS

PONSONBY U3A REPORT – FEBRUARY 2011

A CLUBHOUSE FOR PROBUS

THE FIRST U3A MEETING FOR 2011 WAS OFF TO A GOOD START WITH congratulations offered to foundation member Joy Carter who had celebrated her 90th birthday the previous day.

Clubs of all sorts abound in New Zealand. Whenever a group of people get together because of a common interest they form a club. There’s even a club to help clubs. Clubs New Zealand is a not for profit organisation that represents more than 300 clubs around the country. More than 270,000 people belong to the member clubs that receive assistance on how to manage their group as cost-effectively as possible.

Janet Williamson’s challenging 10 minute talk ‘who do you think you are?’ urged members to write their family stories and was a mine of information on how to begin.

Suggested starting points were old photographs, letters and postcards, anecdotes and gossip, going right through to the wealth of websites available for Census records and genealogical research on the Internet. Apparently visiting genealogy websites is one of the most popular internet activities. The important thing is to get started!

This was followed by speakers from Mercy Hospice Auckland, neighbours for the past four years situated on College Hill in the former boarding premises of St Mary’s College.

They are delighted to have been named fourth best small to medium organisation to work for in New Zealand at the JRA Best Workplace Awards ceremony in 2010.

CEO Jan Nichols, gave a fascinating history of the beginning of the Hospice movement, its philosophy and values. Providing a range of specialist community palliative care and Hospice services for people facing life limiting illnesses, it was interesting to hear 25% of patients have illnesses other than cancer. She also told the inspiring story of the founding of the Order of the Sisters of Mercy by Catherine McAuley in Dublin in 1831. This year is the 180th anniversary of the founding of the Order.

Julie Reid, Co-ordinator of the over 500 volunteers who offer their time and talents, spoke of the many different areas where they are deployed. They range from reception work, hospitality, massaging and complementary therapies, flowers, pets, and community visiting, supplying transport, being part of the Life Story team recording patients’ life stories and oral histories and of course working in the Hospice shops.

This year 30 new volunteers are ready to begin their training.

Lastly Marie Van Eyk, Fundraiser, gave an overview of the cost of running Mercy Hospice and how it is funded, which is largely by the DHB but with great contributions from the Hospice Shops, Appeal week, direct mail, bequests and special events. The Heroic Garden Festival is one such special event and was held this year on Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 March.

PONSONBY U3A REPORT - MARCH 2011 LONG TIME MEMBER JANET CLARK WAS THE 10 MINUTE SPEAKER AT THE March meeting, who told of her recent exciting five plus weeks in Berlin. Undaunted by the heavy snow she spoke enthusiastically of the cafes, wide roads, the boulevards and trees, the very efficient transport system and the kind and helpful Berliners, where even the children had a ready smile. Everywhere were reminders of World War Two in memorials, statues, and modern buildings designed around old damaged ones. She loved the fabulous Museums, Art Galleries and the highlight of her visit, a wonderful concert by the Berlin Philharmonic in its architecturally and acoustically stunning home.

Of course there are the misanthropes who view clubs with a curled lip and would rather die than join one but the wider community in New Zealand embraces them wholeheartedly, particularly the elderly. Probus and the U3A in particular are a social lifeline for many retirees. The Ponsonby Combined Probus Club is very popular. It has been going for ten years, is over one hundred members strong and meets once a month in the old Masonic Lodge Hall in Argyle Street. The Lodge was sold to the Council near the end of last year and there was a move afoot to have the building pulled down to give wider access to the park at the rear. Fortunately this move was abandoned thanks to lobbying by Greg Moyle.

The Probus Club wants to remain and because they are a sitting tenant they have an agreement to continue in the meantime for $10 a year. The club has to look after the costs of maintaining the building, mowing the lawns, paying for the power, and keeping the place clean and tidy. They have looked around for other possible venues but given the large membership, there is none in the vicinity that would suit their purpose. They would dearly love to obtain a permanent lease but so far haven’t had a response to their submission from the new council.

Should the club become the lessee, the council would require the facility to be available for other community groups and President, Wally Cowl has received strong indication from nearby residents that they want the club to stay. The premises are ideal for all sorts of activities and the cost of hiring would be only $20 to $25 an hour. Already a resident in Clifton Road wants to run dance clubs there. I attended the AGM where it was agreed to hang in there in the meantime till the Council makes clear its intentions.

I spoke to a lovely lady at morning tea time and she told me the club was an important part of her life, that she met new people whom she would never come across otherwise. The monthly meetings are jolly affairs and the various activities organised are even greater fun and an opportunity to make good friends.

Probus is not a ‘worthy’ group intent on further education. They meet for camaraderie with their peers, something many retirees miss once they leave the workplace. Hopefully the council will look kindly on their proposal and let them stay where they are. (DEIRDRE ROELANTS) PN

Kim McWilliams, Executive Director of the Auckland Medical Research Foundation gave a brief background into the beginnings of the Foundation, which was set up in 1955 as an independent funder of medical research across the Auckland region.

The AMRF was initially funded by a group of 100 businessmen who each donated 100 pounds. Today it distributes over $3 million annually to a wide range of research projects. She then introduced researcher Maurice Curtis, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Anatomy with Radiology, Centre for Brain Research, from the University of Auckland. He gave a fascinating glimpse into the brain and how it can be influenced, how it copes with disease, and how brain cells move and are renewed. He presented complex data simply with great illustrations and humour. He spoke of how we can influence our own brains quite profoundly by regular moderate exercise, by ensuring our living and leisure environments are stimulating and enriching, and by challenging ourselves doing crossword and other puzzles. Interacting socially, meeting new people, joining in group activities also influence the brain and Ponsonby U3A offers plenty of opportunities in these areas. The research Maurice is doing now is looking at cell movements within the brain and investigating if and how scientists can influence and regulate the migration of cells. This could be of great benefit for treatment of degenerative brain diseases such as Huntington’s disease, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson disease. These talks gave members much food for thought.

The next meeting of Ponsonby U3A will be held at the Leys Institute on Friday, 8 April at 9.45am. Member Helen Benton will be the 10 minute speaker, ‘Anzac Day – Belated recognition’ and Sally Sloman, head of the Opera Factory, Newmarket will be the invited speaker. All Welcome.

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CHAIR’S WAITEMATA LOCAL BOARD REPORT: SHALE CHAMBERS April is the month when, happily gorged on the Auckland Arts Festival and great summer enjoyment of our squares, parks and beaches, we might think we can sit down quietly and enjoy a cuppa … or stronger… to contemplate the change of seasons and the end of daylight saving.

But now is when we need you to put your thinking and ‘vision’ caps on. April is when the civic minded will be locked into a myriad of consultation documents about the way forward for your neighbourhood, your city and your region.

After five months, buried deep in documentation and briefings, your Local Board has embarked on local engagement to get your views on the Council Annual Plan and Local Board Agreement, the three year Local Board Plan, and also the regional Auckland Spatial Plan. How you want your rubbish collected and recycled in a sustainable way, how the CBD rail link is to be funded if the Government instead funds the ‘holiday highway’, what are the true transport solutions for the inner city communities, and where you want 600,000 new Aucklanders to live over the next 40 years.

Please come to the public meetings and read and respond to the documents thrust into your letterboxes or bursting into your email in-boxes. The changes our super-city needs to start on to transform our city into the most liveable city in the world, both large and small projects, can’t be done without your views and input into the priorities in the plans.

Your Local Board has been in the media ‘claiming back the public space’ in our city centre, many inside some of the finest buildings in the city that you may never have known existed as public space. The Board uncovered some of the dozens of public spaces that were put aside by developers over the last 10 years. We’ve asked that they all have signs displayed telling the public about them so we can all enjoy the ambience, artwork, seating, spectacular views, and shortcuts that we should have been enjoying for the last 10 years… if only we had known.

We also expressed our view on the SkyCity’s proposed overbuild over public space in Federal Street. When Auckland’s leading urban designers’ professional views were not made available to our decision-makers, we did our best to bring these into the daylight.

Transparency in decision-making is the key and we are very pleased the Governing Body backed us to allow a re-think and proper public debate to occur on the overbridge. Meanwhile SkyCity is to open three new top restaurants in Federal Street and to make the street more pedestrian friendly. The city wins with robust debate.

Thanks to all those who have patiently waited for the tunnel under Victoria Park to be completed. Victoria Park is to see the reinstatement of a new international standard skatepark facility, bought forward by the Local Board. Once the refurbished Campbell’s Kindergarten and caretaker’s cottage are open and the Birdcage tavern is wheeled back into its place at the foot of the park, we only await the inner city markets to be upgraded whilst keeping the historic brickwork for an ’urban renewal’ success story to be complete.

This month sees more trees winding their way through the Council’s heritage and planning departments en route to being scheduled, with the full support of your Local Board led by Tricia Reade. With the National Government’s changes to the RMA a couple of years back taking away general tree protection from the District Plan, dozens of citizens have sent in nominations for the trees they most love and cherish to be protected for the enjoyment of our communities. The place historic and ecologically significant trees play in providing amenity and giving a sense of place to our inner-city neighbourhoods can’t be underestimated.

Pippa Coom and Christopher Dempsey’s lead Local Board transport team have been busy tirelessly advocating to Auckland Transport for more pedestrian and cycle friendly routes and facilities. We should soon see more cycle racks in Ponsonby so that cycles can be safely left whilst their riders enjoy our cafes, retail stores and parks.

Our community spirit has been resilient over the last month. The great success of BARE for Christchurch at the Civic and all the star studded cast who gave their talents for free to help raise money for our cousins trying to rebuild their city and their lives, is part of us all pitching in.

And for a little light relief from the public hearings on the annual plan and consultation on the Spatial Plan in April make sure you book for the International Comedy Festival starting at the end of April, and the Auckland Writers and Readers Festival starting soon after. (SHALE CHAMBERS) PN Contact me: shale.chambers@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

BAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR THE RED PUPPY APPEAL Need greater than ever following Christchurch earthquake.

This year’s Red Puppy Appeal is set to be sweeter than ever with the launch of Red Puppy Bikkie Day on Friday 1 April. And the need has never been greater, with the Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind (RNZFB) providing urgent and ongoing support to over 1,200 blind, deaf blind and partially sighted members affected by the Christchurch earthquake.

“We are currently focusing a significant amount of time, resources and money to help our members and guide dogs affected in the Canterbury region,” says Sandra Budd, RNZFB Chief Executive. “We have over 1,200 members in the area, including 40 guide dog owners, some of whose dogs will need retraining as their usual routes and routines have changed dramatically.”

The 2011 Red Puppy Appeal, which is supported by the Prime Minister’s wife Bronagh Key, will run from Friday 1 to Sunday 3 April, with Red Puppy Bikkie Day launching on Friday 1 April. People can download materials and information from www.redpuppy.org.nz.

“We’re launching Red Puppy Bikkie Day this year to encourage individuals, schools and businesses to ‘bake’ a difference for our appeal,” says Ms Budd. “We’re inviting people to bake puppy-shaped biscuits and sell them for a donation to friends, family and colleagues.”

The funds raised by the Red Puppy Appeal will help the RNZFB continue its essential support work in Canterbury, as well as throughout the country.

Ms Budd says staff are working tirelessly to support the RNZFB’s members in the region, with specialist assistance needed to help working guide dogs and their owners.

“Extra staff members have flown into Christchurch – where they are camping in our local office – and visiting members to attend to urgent issues and to help plan for their

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GEORGIA WHEATLEY-MAHON (11) from Freemans Bay, THOMAS WILLIAMS (4), ELLA WILLIAMS (6), BRONAGH KEY with 11-week-old ABEL, SANURA WHEATLEY-STEWART (11), EMMA COPLEY (7) and HAZEL WHEATLEYMAHON (8) from Freemans Bay. orientation and mobility needs. The RNZFB receives no Government funding for Guide Dog Services so every dollar collected during the appeal counts and we hope that Red Puppy Bikkie Day will encourage people to support us,” says Ms Budd.

With the help of a RNZFB guide dog, those with little or no sight have greater freedom, confidence and independence. To become a RNZFB guide dog, puppies train for two years, pass 55 different tests and walk many thousands of steps.

During the appeal look out for RNZFB volunteers in bright red vests in your local area holding RNZFB collection buckets.

Go to www.redpuppy.org.nz to volunteer for the street appeal, register to hold a Red Puppy Bikkie Day event, or to make a donation. PN PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

PIPPA COOM GREY LYNN 2030 NEWS

APRIL IS WASTEBUSTERS MONTH THE GREY LYNN 2030 WASTE AWAY TEAM IS MAKING THE MONTH OF APRIL all about wastebusting. In particular, packaging waste, which will be the focus of the next Grey Lynn 2030 monthly meeting to be held at the Grey Lynn Community Centre on Wednesday 13 April from 7.30pm to 9pm. All welcome for interesting tips and information about how you can reduce, re-use, recycle.

Waste Away is also participating in the Demystifying Packaging project, run by the Wanaka Wastebusters. They have received funding from the Ministry for the Environment Waste Minimisation Fund to raise awareness about issues around packaging waste as well as helping people choose the best forms of packaging.

Four towns around New Zealand are taking part – Wanaka, Gore, Nelson and our own Grey Lynn area. The Wanaka Wastebusters’ website www.unpackit.org.nz is packed full of information on the project, nominations for good and bad packaging, and useful information to help you make the right decisions when choosing products and their packaging. You can vote for the best and worst packaging that has been nominated as part of their competition.

As a tip, the six categories to keep in mind when looking at packaging are: • Is it recyclable?

• Is it reusable?

• Does it do the job it is designed for?

• Is it innovative?

• Is the label truthful and informative?

• How is the volume of packaging - minimal/excessive?

The Wanaka Wastebusters are also bringing their Unpackit Roadshow of Joy - A Rambunctious Affair to the Grey Lynn Farmers Market on Sunday, 17 April.

The Roadshow is a lighthearted, entertaining way of delivering a serious message. Put the date in your diaries and see you there for a morning of costumes, juggling, stilts and more – lots of fun and information! Waste Away is running a competition “Guess the Number of Dead Batteries in a Jar” during April. Visit us at the Grey Lynn Farmers Market (each Sunday except the last of the month 9am - 12.30pm) to enter and be in to win a battery charger and rechargeable batteries – we are giving away one set each month! PN

Our stall at the Farmers Market has a collection bucket for used batteries – clean out the cupboards and bring along any used household batteries – we will dispose of them responsibly for you. We also sell worm farms, Bokashi buckets, Keep Cups and have loads of information for you on how to reduce your waste as well as how to responsibly dispose of the waste you do generate. www.greylynn2030.co.nz

PN

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NIKKI KAYE: AUCKLAND CENTRAL MP

‘SHOE BOXES OF LOVE’ FOR CHRISTCHURCH As the MP for Auckland Central, I am calling on the generosity of the local community to support the Shoe Boxes of Love initiative, designed to get care packages to quake affected people in Christchurch. The boxes are care packages filled with goodies and feel-good gifts, some of which include personal notes of support, aimed to lift the spirits of the recipients.

This is a great opportunity for the communities of Auckland Central to show Christchurch residents that we care and are thinking of them through this tough time. People are asked to create a Shoebox of Love and deliver it to my electorate office at 82 College Hill, Freemans Bay. The boxes from around New Zealand will be sent to Christchurch and distributed by Rotary and other key support organisations.

I want to thank locals from right across the electorate who have already been quick to offer support through financial donations and offers of accommodation.

This is another way to support people and to personalise your support to a Christchurch family. The feedback that I have had from many Aucklanders is they want to do something to help and they want to be there for Christchurch now and in the future. Many Christchurch residents are going to need our support for many months to come.

The ‘Shoe Boxes of Love’ initiative is based on one that worked successfully in Queensland during the January floods, where over 11,000 packages were delivered to families. PN For more information please contact my electorate office on (09) 378 2088.

Or visit the website www.shoeboxesoflove.org.nz. (NIKKI KAYE)

THE SIR PETER BLAKE TRUST SEEKS NOMINATIONS FOR 2011 LEADERSHIP AWARDS GREAT LEADERS BUILD GREAT TEAMS AND GREAT TEAMS ACHIEVE GREAT things. Recognising and celebrating our leaders inspires us all to achieve.

The Sir Peter Blake Trust is seeking nominations for New Zealand’s premier Leadership Awards, which identify the achievements of leaders who add value to our nation.

The Blake Medal celebrates a New Zealander who has made an outstanding contribution to the country. The Sir Peter Blake Emerging Leader Award recognises and encourages six younger leaders of considerable potential. The Leadership Awards will be conferred on 1 July 2011, the first day of the Sir Peter Blake Trust Leadership Week (1 – 8 July).

The Blake Medal is awarded to acknowledge and celebrate one outstanding New Zealand leader every year. An accompanying set of awards, the Sir Peter Blake Emerging Leader Awards, are presented to six people recognised as younger leaders of considerable potential. Nearly all past Blake leaders were nominated by others without their knowledge; think about who is in your community that inspires you and is a leader through their deeds and efforts.

The awards are presented by His Excellency, The Hon. Sir Anand Satyanand, Governor General of New Zealand at Government House on Friday 1 July. For more information and to request nomination forms, contact the Programme Director, Siobhan O’Kane at Siobhan@sirpeterblaketrust.org and find out more information at www. sirpeterblaketrust.org. Nominations close on 26 April 2011. PN For more information go to: www.sirpeterblaketrust.org/leadership/awards

CARS AT THE END OF AN ERA MANY OF US REALISE THE DEMISE OF THE car as a means of mass transport is inevitable. The fluctuations in oil prices, the fact that it is a finite resource, the effect oil usage has on a now fragile eco system makes it mandatory to return to effective rail and coastal shipping alternatives. Electric cars aren’t the answer. An entire New Zealand fleet would push up power generation by about sixty percent. Doctor John Robinson’s booklet, published

by Friends of the Earth, is a clarion call to halt the road lobby madness. It makes for sober reading.

New Zealand is particularly obsessed with car ownership. We rank third in the globe after Luxembourg and Iceland. A lack of decent public transport could possibly be one factor but that is no excuse for officialdom’s head in the sand attitude. John Robinson’s book was launched both in Wellington and Ponsonby’s Leys Institute on Friday 11 March. Editor, Bob Tait stood in for John Robinson and

30 PONSONBY NEWS+ April 2011

Auckland City Councillor, Wayne Walker was invited to launch the book and be guest speaker. There was wine, food and stimulating company.

Wayne Walker is passionate about public transport and has been involved with Friends of the Earth for some time. The tenor of his speech was as follows. He declared the book was particularly relevant because Auckland has reached the point where it has to move away from cars. Most thinking Aucklanders are aware of this and want to see rail development and the CBD route in place. Likewise, John Robinson’s solution to transport problems is rail and anyone who reads the book and is concerned about transport should take some action. He urges Ponsonby News readers to make submissions to the Council in support of John Robinson’s vision. Most sensible cities on the planet are investing in public transport yet we have a transport minister who is bent on building more roads.

John Robinson is a longtime environmental campaigner. He studied mathematics and physics at Auckland University and fluid mechanics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He was a scientist with the DSIR and went on to have a career in futures research as well as working for a number of United Nations agencies. His book is sold from normal retail outlets for the modest price of $25.

(DEIRDRE ROELANTS) PN PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

SIDELINE WITH GEORGE BERRY

KO YOUR OLD FITNESS ROUTINE LIVING IN A PLACE LIKE PONSONBY, WITH SO MANY OPPORTUNITIES TO socialise it’s often hard to find that balance between a few wines a couple of times per week and staying fit and healthy. So over the past few months I’ve made it my mission to find the best possible place to get maximum results for the smallest amount of discomfort to my social life. Let’s face it we all love bang for our buck and if we can have our cake and eat it too we will.

So I started by dragging my sorry backside out of bed in the early morning to head along to one of the latest craze “Boot camps.” Whether it was the fact of having to wake up and get amongst it so early in the morning or having to see other people at that time of the day, I quickly found myself coming up with excuses not to go, yes I saw results but would have to say not my first choice.

So then I thought I’d give the low cost way of heading out for a walk a go and see how that worked. Heading out from home, up to the top of Mt Eden and back I was walking about a 3 km round trip with good variance of difficulties throughout my routes. I mixed them up, so they wouldn’t become boring. This ticked the box as fitting into my day whenever I had a spare hour or so and cost nothing, but to be honest it failed to have any discernible effect on balancing out the rigours of my social life.

Obviously I could hand over the big bucks and cram into one of the packed out gyms in the central city, with 200 other people in the room sweating it out, or

continually wait for a machine while some gym bunny checks himself out in the mirror, not really exercising at all… but that’s not my idea of fun.

That’s when a work mate suggested I head down to a boutique gym called Boxing Alley. Sceptical as I was, thinking I was walking into the unknown, maybe to be David Tua’s next punching bag, I was quickly greeted by a great bunch of guys keen to help in any way possible.

My initial thoughts of muscle bound thugs were quickly eroded, and swapped for some very healthy, cut individuals. After learning everyone there was out for similar results I quickly threw on some gloves and booked in for a date with a punching bag, and have continued to spend time willingly at Boxing Alley since. Just because you’re training at a boxing gym doesn’t mean loads of time in the ring or even taking blows from another, all the safety gear is there and if you don’t want to get physical there’s plenty of other ways to get the work out you want.

Boxing covers fitness, strength and most of all balance and flexibility. Your hand, feet and eye co-ordination is quickly improved making you sharper which inevitably helps you in those sticky moments at work. Something we could all benefit from.

So if you want a fitness regime that fits into your lifestyle and gives you maximum return I suggest you give the team at Boxing Alley a call and tee something up.

(GEORGE BERRY) PN

THE ‘BRING BACK THE TRAMS’ PETITION UPDATE Geoff Houtman has reported a great response to his petition.

Four hundred signatures so far, and shortly all Ponsonby and Grey Lynn Businesses will be approached individually when he returns from working on a film down South.

He also reports that he received a great response from people who had read the article about his endeavours in the Ponsonby News and lots of offers of help. It seems this is proving to be a popular cause. PN Watch this space for further updates! www.ourhood.co.nz (DEIRDRE ROELANTS) The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

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SIDELINE WITH GEORGE BERRY HUGE CELEBRATIONS FOR RALLY LOVERS I MUST ADMIT UP UNTIL 12 MONTHS AGO, ANYTIME THERE WAS MOTOR sport on that needed to be covered by someone in our office I found myself hiding in a studio or even requesting the weekend off, if there was anywhere else I could be I would… that’s until last year, when I had no place to hide and was given the job of covering the 40th WRC rally of New Zealand. At the time it looked like this would more than likely be the last time New Zealand would have the world championships here on our shores, so I decided to really get into the event, to embrace the whole atmosphere and to my astonishment I really enjoyed it.

Shared with Australia on a bi-annual basis, with the cost and many other issues there was plenty of discussion that the WRC would not be coming back in 2012.

That’s until just last week when I was informed that over the coming weeks the World motorsport council will confirm dates for the 2012 competition.

I never thought I would find myself getting excited about car racing like this but to be honest it’s quite a big deal. Around 50 million people watch the television broadcasts of each WRC event around the world. These television broadcasts and the enormous interest from general news and sports media mean the 2012 WRC Rally New Zealand offers an amazing opportunity to showcase New Zealand to a truly global audience.

2010 stages encompassed Auckland, up to Whangarei and down as far as Raglan and the Waikato coast line. Feature stages around the Auckland domain at night saw the park littered with fans. The main base down on Queen’s wharf gave spectators the chance to get up close to the manufacturer’s mechanics and as close as you could possibly get to world champs like Sebastien Loeb. These are the sorts of events that help shape our city and communities, putting them squarely on the world stage and showcase why the place we call home is such a great place to visit, or even stay a while.

At the completion of the 2010 rally I spoke to winner Jari-Matti Latvala, on his thoughts as to the possibility of the rally never coming back to New Zealand, his reply “we love it here in New Zealand, the people are awesome, the scenery is second to none and the course is world class. I will be doing everything in my power to see the WRC back in New Zealand.”

So it’s nice to know someone of that calibre is prepared to go into bat for little old New Zealand. The recent announcement has got Rally New Zealand Chairman Peter (‘PJ’) Johnston really excited too.

“Rally New Zealand is the longest-running world championship event in New Zealand and the Southern Hemisphere and it’s fantastic that our heritage and commitment to this world-class motorsport category has been recognised,” says Johnston. “We don’t have a possible date that the event will run yet, but as soon as we know more, we’ll let people know. The issue, we understand, is that of shipping logistics and the need for the F1 and WRC management organisations to resolve some issues with date clashes.”

Johnston also loves the commercial and global promotional opportunities that arise from having Rally New Zealand confirmed as a WRC round in 2012.

And with the inclusion of Mini’s new WRC team this year, we may even be graced with two more entrants from the likes of Volkswagen and Saab joining in the championship chase as well. (GEORGE BERRY) PN

REAL SPORTS RADIO SOMETIMES I FIND IT HARD TO BELIEVE THE MAJORITY OF THE RADIO stations that broadcast across the country all bleat out from right here in Ponsonby.

Music stations, talkback, the lot. But if it’s a sports station you want, tuning in to LiveSPORT in the morning is something I can suggest. It’s arguably one of the best decisions you could make when looking for your sporting fix.

It’s a station that delivers on everything it should be, when you want that little bit extra, there’s no need to turn the dial any further.

Kicking off with the breakfast of champions Nathan Rarere, Dean Lonegan and Ian Smith tackle the real issues of the day, and trust me none of this trio are backward in coming forward. When there are truths to be told or hard questions to be asked there’s no namby pamby rubbish going on in that team. Then in the hot seat from 9 to 10 throughout the week LiveSPORT touch on specialist topics, whether it’s the football show with Noah Hickey, the netball show with Tania Dalton or the motorsport hour with Barry Brown this is the time where LiveSPORT gets into the nitty gritty of what’s been big in these sports throughout the week.

Then one of my favourite parts of the day follows, by no means in the bronze position, Crowd Goes Wild funny guy James McOnie takes hold of the microphone and provides a different spin on the daily topics. Some of James’ questions come straight out of left field but his knowledge of some of the most random stuff and quick wittedness sure makes the listening entertaining.

DON’T FORGET SPORTS REGISTRATIONS I KNOW ITS HARD TO FATHOM BUT AS THE LEAVES BEGIN TO TURN AND THE long summer nights draw to a close it will soon be the time to swap the cricket whites for the footy boots. Most clubs, whether it’s league, rugby, football, netball, or hockey our community is blessed with a raft of choices of great clubs to include your child in for their winter activities.

Former All Black and now farmer Richard Loe hosts a show called “Off the Field” following James, with a mix of all things agricultural and a fair bit of rugby. This sports station has a great mix to make for quality listening. They even have a fishing show with none other than Mr Fish himself, Geoff Thomas.

Registrations for all of the above are held this month with some clubs having already started pre season trainings. If your child is keen on some stiff competition, building to their career as the next Benson Stanley or just keen for a run around and a way to get them out of the house on a Saturday morning, make sure you get in touch with your local club asap. Don’t miss out as they would love to see you.

LiveSPORT the smaller brother to RadioLIVE also has the benefit of a solid team of journalists that keep you up to date with everything else that’s going on in the world, and a team of sports journalists second to none. (GEORGE BERRY) PN

Also if there are any sports activities or information you would like to showcase in the Ponsonby News sports pages don’t hesitate to contact us at Ponsonby News or by email: george.berry@live.com (GEORGE BERRY) PN

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 LOCAL NEWS NEW BUILDINGS FOR ST. MARY’S COLLEGE ST. MARY’S COLLEGE, WHICH IS A TRADITIONAL MERCY SISTERS COLLEGE situated in New Street, Ponsonby, is celebrating the opening of a recently completed building on Saturday 12 March. The College swimming pool has also been refurbished and is now providing students with a much needed facility. The new building comprises three levels and provides facilities for Arts, Religious Education, Careers and Student Counselling Services. The building is to be officially opened by Monsignor Bernard Kiely, and will be named the Sister Loreto Building. Sister Loreto is a much loved Mercy Sister who has given over fifty years of her life to the College, both in teaching and more latterly in providing accountancy services.

Mrs Sandy Pasley, the Principal of St. Mary’s, said that the new facilities were an added advantage to the College which had grown its roll rapidly over the past eight years and was expected to reach its maximum roll of 1,000 students in 2014.

“The Sister Loreto Building enables us to provide better facilities for students and support for our innovative teaching programmes”. The College has achieved outstanding academic results in recent years and Mrs Pasley said that there was a waiting list for students wishing to be enrolled.

Mr Paul Keane, Chairperson of St. Mary’s College Auckland Limited, said that the company had undertaken substantial redevelopment and refurbishment of College facilities over recent years. This had enabled the College to grow in student numbers and it was planned for further new facilities to be added in future with the next stage being a new gymnasium and additional teaching spaces. “The Sister Loreto Building and the refurbishment of the swimming pool has cost collectively $3.6 million, but it was necessary to constantly plan ahead to ensure the College maintained a modern image whilst at the same time maintaining traditional Mercy Sister values”.

The St. Mary’s College site houses a Chapel which was opened in 1865, and adjoins the Mercy Hospice facility and the St. Catherine’s Rest Home. The character and architecture of the facilities, whilst modern in design, blend in with other buildings on the site. Mr Keane said that Orgias Architects and RCG Limited had combined to bring together an excellent result and had worked well with the building contractors, Amstar Construction, to bring the project through to completion on time and on budget. PN

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GRAPHIC DESIGN STUDIO SETS UP IN HERNE BAY HELEN SCOTT DESIGN IS A NEWLY FORMED FREELANCE CREATIVE print and web design studio based in Herne Bay offering a range of high quality and cost effective print and web design services to small to medium size businesses, start-up businesses or personal projects requiring a one-to-one reasonably priced personalized service.

Starting a new business can be daunting, especially during hard economic times.

Managing costs is even more important during such a time. It is imperative a business spend its money wisely to get the best value.

Often the temptation with graphic design is to get a family member or friend to design the website, logo or promotional material. While tempting, this often results in a false economy - web sites that don’t function properly, brochures that look unprofessional and, at worst, the appearance that the business is small-time.

Helen has worked in small businesses for most of her working life. She knows how small businesses work and can relate to their needs. Her design style can range from a simple, clean and professional look to a colourful and artistic design depending on the client’s needs and position in the marketplace.

Working from her home studio allows Helen the opportunity to offer really competitive rates. There is no need to pay a monthly salary for an in-house designer, simply pay as and when work is needed.

Call Helen to view her portfolio or go to her website to see it online at www.helenscott.co.nz For more information call Helen on M: 021 238 0900 PN

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

FASHION + STYLE KIMBERLEYS – THE NEW SHOP ON THE BLOCK Kimberleys boutiques are well known throughout New Zealand – and for good reason – with 34 years in business and 16 stores around the country, it’s clear this Christchurch based fashion company has a knack for knowing what women want. In March, the fashion company expanded, proudly opening the doors to a new store in the heart of Ponsonby to add to their existing stores in Remuera, Chancery and Milford.

Owner John McLaughlan was thrilled when a shop at 100 Ponsonby Road became available, “It’s a part of Auckland that we really wanted to be in; Ponsonby is a thriving precinct with a vibrant fashion, café and bar culture. We’re thrilled to be part of the eclectic fabric that makes Ponsonby so exciting.”

While renowned for stocking an extensive mix of New Zealand labels, Kimberleys also offers a range of exclusively hand-picked European labels. With such a vast collection, the store is a veritable treasure trove of quality pieces, earning it a deserved reputation for being a ‘one-stop shop’ for women of all ages.

James says knitwear is a top seller for the store all year round, “We offer beautiful knitwear in variable weights that are always popular.” Also racing off the shelves are New London jeans and tunics, which are ideal for autumn’s cooler temperatures.

A new season of stock is an exciting time for Kimberleys’ staff. Their picks? The new range from Missi, Marilyn Seyb’s on trend blazers, the winter collection from urban chic Aussie label Ottomode and the colourful Spanish collection from Desigual – all of which have just arrived in store. We feel a spot of new-season shopping coming on…

Kimberleys, 100 Ponsonby Road T: 09 376 5804 PN www.kimberleys.co.nz

MEET ‘WEARINGJACK’S’ ALISSA WILSON There’s a new streetwear label in town, and it’s designed by Kiwis, made by Kiwis, specifically for – you guessed it – Kiwis.

Grey Lynn local Alissa Wilson is the woman behind the casual tees, singlets and hoodies that she describes as perfect for ‘people who’d rather be kicking around wearing bugger all – wearingJACK.’ With a background in marketing and a commerce degree behind her, Alissa did what most 20-somethings do and headed off on her ‘Big O.E.’ Upon returning to the homeland, she set about creating a clothing label that sums up the ‘she’ll be right mate’ attitude we’ve come to know and love.

Alissa was determined to keep the label Kiwi made – manufactured in a factory just north of Auckland in fact. In addition to a focus on quality of cotton and craft, attention to detail means the style and cuts belie the simple nature of the garments, so they sit – just right. “Both the guys and the girls tees are slim fit and the right length,” she says. wearingJACK hit stockists in December last year and has already proved popular with punters. The prints are created by a select group of talented (and humorous) art and design students around the country, and their brief is simple – the designs must reflect laidback Kiwi cool. The ‘gutted tee’ – featuring a naughts and crosses game in which no-one wins – hence ‘gutted’, is available in men’s and women’s styles and has been the top seller. Despite the Kiwi sentiments, Alissa says wearingJACK is unique, “We get great feedback on our prints; people like that they are a subtle reflection of New Zealand culture without being over-the-top Kiwiana.” www.wearingjack.co.nz PN

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FASHION + STYLE PONSONBY ROAD’S NEW GEM – RUBY BOUTIQUE Ruby Boutique opened their first store in 2002 and now have six stores around the country; including their Ponsonby store, which opened its doors in November last year.

In addition to namesake local label RUBY and sister brand Madame Hawke, Ruby Boutique also plays home to a range of celebrated designer brands including Kathryn Wilson shoes and Aussie labels One Teaspoon, Cameo, Insight swimwear and Cassette Society. Ruby Boutique is also the exclusive New Zealand stockist of the fantastical Matina Amanita jewellery range and Matina Amanita for Stretsis jewellery.

Brand Manager Eleisha Balmer believes Ruby Boutique is a one-stop-shop for trend-setting pieces at good price points. “The prices range from $15 - $600 across the multiple brands and there really is something for everyone; we stock everything from footwear to dresses, cocktail rings and for this season, we’ve got the perfect winter coats.”

And speaking of coats, as we bid goodbye to summer and the cold season steadily approaches, a warm cover-up is top of everyone’s list. Eleisha says winter is as good a season as any to brighten up your day with colour, “The gold RUBY Tin Tin Coat was a crowd favourite at the debut RUBY NZFW show last September, it’s a deliciously warm colour for winter.”

Eleisha also suggests that fans of the Madame Hawke tan lace shirt (as seen in the Autumn issue of Fashion Quarterly) best get in quick before they fly out the door. When it comes to fashion, we don’t need to be told twice! PN

photography: Julie Roulston

Ruby Boutique, 95 Ponsonby Road (opposite the Mini Garage) T: 09 376 8674 www.rubyboutique.co.nz

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CYBELE STORE OPENING, PONSONBY

TUESDAY 1 MARCH

1. Lauren and Ava Gunn with Chris Lorimer; 2. Kelly Bewley, Cybele Wiren and daughter Phebe (continued on page 39); 3. Noelle McCarthy, Cybele Wiren and Kylie Cook; 4. Atip Wananuruks and Ian Ferguson; 5. Rachael Chuchward and Ricci Matthews.

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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 APRIL 1921

Dearest Hattie All my friends are getting married! Must be something in the water! Not that I’m thirsty! I’m having too much fun being a single lass in a big, big city! But of course you don’t understand Hattie, living as you do in Bulls.

Shall I tell you about two of the nicest weddings that I’ve been to in an age? Not that you’ve got a choice! The first one was held two Saturdays past. Our cousin Mary, the one who lives in Auckland, has a good friend in Sybil Cameron…she’s one of the Masterton Camerons. I’ve come to know Sybil quite well but was still surprised that she invited me to her wedding. I think actually that I was invited to ensure that Mary didn’t wear one of her ‘unusual’ ensembles.

Suspecting this, I took Mary shopping at Smith & Caughey and picked out for her a delightful rose pink lace costume – a Parisian model, I’ll have you know. Even so, when I went to collect her she’d managed to ruin the whole effect (which is what Sybil was afraid of !). What with apple green silk hose, patent navy kid shoes and a bright red felt cloche, she looked a complete fright. I tactfully guided her thinking towards more subtle accessories that I said highlighted her natural beauty and we set off for the wedding.

The service was held at the picturesque and wee St Stephen’s Church at Judge’s Bay. Sybil wore a gown of French lavender georgette with a flared skirt inset with godets of silver lace trimmed at the points with posies of lavender and silver flowers. For Sybil’s veil, her grandmother lent a length of Limerick lace, a family heirloom. I met her grandmother later that day, a lovely old dear but deaf as a post! Do you think I could get her to understand that I was interested in the veil and the lace and not concerned that Sybil looked pale in the face? Oh, and I mustn’t forget Sybil’s flowers... ivory roses, lilies and maidenhair fern, tied with a huge lavender bow. Can you picture it? She was truly a delightful vision. The bridesmaids wore frocks of ivory taffeta with lavender sashes and carried cream lilies tied with a lavender bow. Standing outside the church In the late morning sunshine that only served to intensify the luscious green of the lawns and the rainbow colours of the gardens, I remember thinking that this was one of the prettiest weddings I had ever attended. I felt very happy to be there…that is until Mary ruptured my reverie with an enquiry as to whether I’d seen her handkerchief which she must have dropped somewhere.

We had to hunt around for it for simply ages.

The second wedding was of my old school friend Freda who married Frank Strang. Now if the last wedding was memorable, this was more so, particularly as I had a little to do with the bride’s beautiful dress. While her mother insisted that Freda use her dressmaker, I helped her choose the fabrics and colours. We had no budget to limit us and we had such fun! In the end we decided on a mid calf-length tube style frock, based on a model that we’d seen in one of the gorgeous French magazines that I buy from the Fashion Bookery. We also decided on an underdress that extended to form a train. For the dress we selected a rich ivory silk fully embroidered with an oriental pattern in silver thread. For the + April 1921 38 PONSONBY PARISH NEWS+ NEWS April 2011

underdress we chose an exquisite silver lace that was to be laid over a plain ivory bridal satin. I suggested that Freda have silver beads and tiny pearls sewn to the lace and she took up my suggestion to great effect. Freda’s long silk tulle veil was held in place with a chaplet of orange blossoms and pearls. She did look exquisite, thanks not a little to my excellent taste!

The reception was held in the ballroom of Freda’s parent’s home in Remuera and spilled out into the garden that was charmingly decorated with streamers and Chinese lanterns strung amongst the trees. There was excellent music too and we had a jolly dance that lasted until the early hours of the morning.

I made up some of Freda’s trousseau as my wedding present to her, and embroidered a dozen fine Swiss cotton handkerchiefs with Frank’s initials as my present to him. As you know, Freda should have made most of her own trousseau but she is such a flitabout not to mention a fumblefingers. While Freda is very pretty she can’t turn her hand to anything at all practical. I tried to show her how to roll the hems of a pair of silk undies that she decided she would make herself but it was too too painful to watch. She stabbed at that beautiful silk as if it was her enemy and made a wanton mess of a lovely piece of cloth.

Although the wedding season has well and truly started and I’m flat out with orders, I like to keep up the hand sewing and embroidery, as the older ladies do like it. I was so pleased with Freda’s flimsies that I put them on show in the workroom before handing them over (to be completely ruined I’m sure) which won me an order for a complete trousseau and two nightgowns.

Before I forget…have you been reading about the new Egyptian tomb that’s been found – the one with a boy king in it? I can’t wait to see some pictures so that I can copy the designs. I plan to make a tube dress like Freda’s and bead all around the bottom with Egyptian decoration. I’m not sure if I dare to hem it at more than twelve inches from the ground though, like our American cousins! I’ll probably, as always, allow Paris to be my guide and have it about ten inches. Of course in Bulls you’ll get the evil eye if you raise it above the ankle! If I can decide on a hemline before the end of April, I’d like to wear my exotic masterpiece to Sal’s wedding in early May. If you see any Egyptian pictures at all in any of your magazines you must cut them out and send them to me at once! I’ll embroider you an Egyptian coin purse for your trouble – the first one to be seen in Bulls for sure!

Well I must get a wriggle on. I plan to tram into town for some inspiration and a nice afternoon tea in the Strand Arcade. I hear that there’s a lady jeweller working on the first floor – a Miss Reeve – who does lovely things in silver and pretty stones and pearls. I might just take a peek.

Do send me your news soon although I suppose that nothing much has happened since your last letter?

Your cousin,

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

FASHION + STYLE

AISLES TURN TO CATWALKS AS STOLEN GIRLFRIENDS CLUB INVADES NEW WORLD VICTORIA PARK LAST MONTH STOLEN GIRLFRIENDS CLUB PRESENTED THEIR SPRING 2011 collection ‘Untitled’ in the most unanticipated manner. Gone were the runways, front row seating, backstage, and media-only invite list.

It was a grocery trip to New World Victoria Park three years ago that triggered the idea and presented Stolen Girlfriends Club the setting for their pop-up fashion show.

For six minutes New World Supermarket at Victoria Park was taken over by twenty models treating each aisle as a catwalk, and the public were the inadvertent guests to the ‘Untitled’ show.

“We noticed how the supermarket aisles served as a natural catwalk, so we got thinking about how we could turn this idea into reality. We had wanted to do a collaborative project with Red Bull for a while and this seemed like the perfect fit,” said Moore.

Marc Moore, design director of Stolen Girlfriends Club, had wanted to present ‘Untitled’ in a location that took fashion out of its usual context. “We thought about presenting our new collection in a totally random and public place, we wanted it to be like a ‘fashion flash-mob. It’s always a challenge to keep people on their toes in anticipation but I think that today’s show really did surprise”.

Red Bull has worked alongside Stolen Girlfriends Club since it’s creation in 2005 and Grace Boyle Red Bull Culture Manager, has always appreciated their unique creativity. “Red Bull and Stolen Girlfriends Club share the same passion and vision for doing things in a non conformist way. We have a reputation for giving ‘wings’ to people and ideas and this was the perfect opportunity.” PN

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FASHION + STYLE

JULIE ROULSTON

photography: steve king www.steveking.co.nz

TAYLOR

HELEN CHERRY

NEW ZEALAND FASHION FESTIVAL

The first full week of New Zealand Fashion Festival kicked off to a sold-out show on Monday 21 March at Shed 6, 90 Wellesley St. ‘Collections 1’, presented by TRESemme in assocation with Fashion Quarterly, featured a suitably sophisticated label mix - with Ponsonby designers front and centre.

CYBELE

Backstage photography: Sam Lee

RUBY

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FASHION + STYLE ICE CREAM AND MUSCLES AT WORLD WORLD has teamed up with renowned New Zealand artist Reuben Paterson to produce a stimulating and evocative collection of T-shirts and accessories. The collaboration is called ‘ICE CREAM AND MUSCLES’ and will be released for a limited time through all WORLD fashion stores.

The partnership between WORLD and Reuben stems from an exhibition launched at WORLDman in which Reuben transformed their stand alone menswear store, into a pop-up ‘Sex Museum’ gallery space.

Reuben comments, “I really chose to take up this project because WORLD, and especially WORLDman, are brands that incorporate freedom and pride in a very creative way, WORLD is a mutually inclusive brand...”

Previous collaborations by WORLD and Reuben Paterson have been purchased by the National Gallery of Victoria in Melbourne, Australia.

This range of limited edition T-shirt prints are exclusively available from all WORLD stores and are priced at just $99.00. (Reuben Paterson pictured in one of the colourful designs in this picture). A limited run of only 69 collectible brooches to commemorate this exhibition have also been released, and are available at $129.00. PN www.worldbrand.co.nz

WORLD’S ‘MANSTYLE’ Local label WORLD has been announced as a key fashion house in the upcoming men’s fashion exhibition ‘ManStyle’, at the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) in Melbourne, the Southern Hemisphere’s leading Fashion Museum.

Amongst an array of international fashion designers the NGV has chosen to include three separate WORLD couture creations in this much anticipated Australian fashion exhibition. These pieces will also feature in the official catalogue, promoting the exhibition to an international audience.

In addition to this, WORLD has been included as an important contributor to the exhibition’s unique multimedia element. Benny Castles, menswear designer for WORLD, has been interviewed by the NGV and the content of this discussion will be screened at the gallery, on the internet and included in the event catalogue. “It is a very exciting project and fantastic that WORLD has been recognised for its revolutionary approach to menswear,” says Francis Hooper, Chief Designer for WORLD. “Creating something truly fashion forward has always been a key element in WORLD’s approach to fashion.”

Other designers presented alongside WORLD in this international exhibition include Pierre Cardin, Vivienne Westwood, Jean Paul Gaultier, Rick Owens, Bernhard Wilhelm, Thom Browne, Morrissey Edmiston, Perks and Mini (PAM), Romance Was Born and Walter Van Beirendonck,

CHRISTCHURCH HEART APPEAL

Charting a course between absolute restraint and ostentatious display ManStyle explores the extremes of masculine style and some of the most influential ideas that have pervaded menswear over the past three centuries.

You are not alone, our hearts are with you...

ManStyle is showing at The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia, 180 St Kilda Road, Melbourne until 27 November. PN

www.chchheart.co.nz

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WINTER:

IT DOESN’T NEED TO BE ONLY ABOUT BLACK WITH THE OCCASIONAL GREY HIGHLIGHT. PONSONBY IS HOME TO THE BEST LOCAL DESIGNERS AND THEIR WINTER 2011 COLLECTIONS BOAST LOADS OF GORGEOUS TEXTURE, DETAIL AND COLOUR. LUXURIATE!

TSUBI jacket WORLD bow tie WORLD city short CHAOS AND HARMONY boot ZAMBESI bag

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FASHION + STYLE

JULIE ROULSTON NOM D coat ZAMBESI boots

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CYBELE shift VANILLA INK obi WORKSHOP pant BEAU COOPS shoes RAY-BAN sunglasses

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FASHION + STYLE

JULIE ROULSTON

VANILLA INK dress MILLY faux fur vest SABEN bag BEAU COOPS for Karen Walker mules

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FASHION + STYLE

JULIE ROULSTON CONTACTS: NOM*D: Zambesi www.zambesi.co.nz ZAMBESI: Zambesi www.zambesi.co.nz VANILLA INK: www.vanillaink.co.nz MILLY BOUTIQUE: www.millyboutique.co.nz SABEN: www.saben.co.nz BEAU COOPS FOR KAREN WALKER: Karen Walker www.karenwalker.com CYBELE: www.cybele.co.nz WORKSHOP: www.workshop.co.nz BEAU COOPS: www.blackboxboutique.co.nz RAY-BAN: www.sunglasshut.co.nz TSUBI: Black Box www.blackboxboutique.co.nz WORLD: www.worldbrand.co.nz CHAOS & HARMONY: Kingan Jones www.kinganjones.co.nz; tkstore www.tk.net.nz SHERIE MUIJS: Pearl www.pearlculture.co.nz KMART: www.kmart.co.nz OPENING CEREMONY: www.blackboxboutique.co.nz D&G: www.sunglasshut.co.nz TAYLOR: www.taylorboutique.co.nz

SHERIE MUIJS trench KMART umbrella OPENING CEREMONY shoes

Model: Marito from Monarch Models www.monarchmodels.co.nz Photographer: Amanda Bransgrove Styling: Julie Roulston Hair: Morah Tanielu at Servilles Ponsonby T: 09 378 9799 Makeup: Smashbox Cosmetics Concept Store T: 09 376 0055

WORLD bomber D&G Sunglasses

NOM D coat ZAMBESI boots

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TAYLOR shift dress VANILLA INK Beanie

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CELEBRATE LOVE AND COMMITMENT

 WEDDINGS AND CIVIL UNIONS

WHEN LOVE MEETS MONEY

There are some fabulous inexpensive wedding options couples can choose from in lieu of a big budget blowout, including getting married in a brief civil ceremony, followed by an informal reception at the beach, around a friend’s pool or in your favourite neighbourhood bar. It can even be as simple as a picnic in the park with all of your favourite people, an option probably best executed in the drier months.

Informal ceremonies and receptions are especially popular for those celebrating second marriages, and local venues like Sale Street have been the site of quite a few of these during the summer months.

If you’re wallet conscious but still keen to splurge a little, a ‘Venue Wedding’ which takes place at a hotel, winery, restaurant, or other venue where a site co-ordinator plans everything for you for one package price is a great option. The fact that no ‘hidden costs’ creep into the equation is a very attractive incentive to book one of these, and you know you’re in the hands of the experts.

A wedding planner can also help with keeping an eye on your budget - no matter how big or small - and they often work closely with some of Auckland’s most popular venues to help things run seamlessly on the day. I went for this option when I was getting married and it took a major load off my back – they know the business better than anyone, and their advice is invaluable, not to mention money saving! Many couples keen to get bigger bang for their buck will combine their nuptials with their honeymoon and opt for a Destination Wedding (also known as a ‘Travel Wedding’ or a ‘Honeymoon Wedding’), and local travel agents like the House of Travel, World Journeys and Flight Centre have a lot of great contacts on hand if this sounds like your dream day.

by the parents when the newlyweds return from their honeymoon for those close to you who can’t afford to travel to a more exotic locale. Favourite destination wedding sites include the South Pacific, where resorts in beautiful spots like Vanuatu, Fiji and the Cook islands will help you plan a wedding - and honeymoon - you’ll never forget.

When it comes to planning the style of your wedding, the choices for most couples can seem overwhelming. There is the style of the venue to consider, as well as the tastes of both partners and the comfort of guests. Not to mention whether to have a day or evening wedding, and what day of the week? The demise of the traditional wedding was bound to come about sooner or later, but it has opened up a Pandora’s box of things to consider when creating the perfect day. More and more couples are opting to have a wedding breakfast or brunch, and even popular venues offer morning wedding menus. In spring and summer these can be an unforgettable experience outside on a bright, sunny day, and we all want a day that we’ll never forget. (HELENE RAVLICH) PN

photography: Danelle Bohane

A Destination Wedding is one where you’re married at your honeymoon site, surrounded by your closest friends and family members who may have travelled to the site with you. This type of wedding is sometimes followed by a reception hosted

illustration: Anna Crichton

THE WEDDING IS LESS THAN TWELVE MONTHS AWAY. THE GROOM IS thinking of a big day that is Easy on the Wallet, the bride is dreaming Extravaganza.

Let the fun begin! Yes, budget is definitely one of the first things to focus on when you’re planning a wedding, and it definitely helps if all parties - including the bank manager and the in-laws - are on the same page from day one.

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CELEBRATE LOVE AND COMMITMENT

photography: Kelly Newland

 WEDDINGS AND CIVIL UNIONS

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ANNA SCHIMMEL ANNA SCHIMMEL – EUROPEAN BRIDAL DESIGNER TALKS ABOUT THE LATEST BRIDAL TRENDS WITH KATE AND WILLIAMS PLANNED WEDDING CREATING headlines around the world rumours abound of any possible gown styles and the designer Kate may choose. All this media exposure again points at the importance of a stunning and memorable wedding gown.

photography: perspectives (middle and bottom) and Danelle Bohane (top)

In modern times the perfect gown has become an expression of the personality and beauty of the bride. Ideally it will frame and flatter her figure, be comfortable and individual, work in the setting and be of course absolutely stunning. The gown the bride has chosen sets the tone for the day and will be spoken about and always remembered by all attending.

With key trends spreading across the globe in a few hours, New Zealand has closed the gap to European styling and many bridal gowns can now easily compete with the gorgeous styles being shown on the catwalks in Milan and Paris.

Travelling to Europe regularly, I source luxurious French laces and fine silks to use for our collections. We fly in many of our fabrics directly from exclusive couture mills and often order limited lengths of the newest speciality fabrics featured on the catwalks. I love my suppliers - family owned mills, in existence for many years, but on the pulse of fashion. They design and create fabric for couturiers around the world and, noticing their fabrics feature in Vogue proves to me their claim as correct.

The bridal trends this season have seen a return to dramatic silhouettes with voluminous skirts. Strong, intricate detail, plenty of texture, eye-catching sparkle is en vogue.

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Long slender bodices are teamed with full skirts and floral textured detail is often applied all over with generous trains. Fitted and boned bodices are highly decorated, featuring wrapped draping and richly beaded laces. Wide belts or a coloured sash define the figure and add a modern touch. Strong Swarovski diamante beading highlights waists or finishes high impact, sparkling features.

The larger patterns of heavy Guipure laces, originating from Turkey, have made a reappearance and are often featured in long bodices or all over slender, simple fishtail cut styles. Delicate Sorbet hues are still prominent and often are layered in soft tones or used for striking, large details. Gorgeous flower corsages, layered volants and gathered silk ribbons provide additional detail or may give a modern edge to a more classic cut.

In our Ponsonby bridal atelier we are just starting work on our new collection, featuring highly romantic, classic styles as well as strong, contemporary couture pieces. I truly enjoy creating beautiful wedding gowns and perfectly crafting new and stunning looks.

If you’re getting married next summer and are looking for a designer to create your dream gowns, look at their workmanship and past collections, if you love their gowns and have a good rapport with the designer you will find your trust well placed.

Your wedding gown will be the most remembered and treasured dress you will ever wear. An exquisite designer gown crafted just for you will frame your essence and you will be a beautiful, glowing bride.

T: 09 378 0821 anna@bridaldesign.co.nz PN

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 WEDDINGS AND CIVIL UNIONS

GET INSPIRED AT THE BRIDE & GROOM SHOW Fun, fabulous and glamorous, the Bride & Groom Show is New Zealand’s number one wedding show. On Sunday 1 May, thousands of engaged couples and their family and friends will converge on the Ellerslie Event Centre in Auckland for this prestigious event.

“As New Zealand’s biggest wedding show, it’s a one-stop shop for all your wedding-planning needs,” says Lesley Walker, Editor-in-Chief of Bride & Groom magazine. “There will be four floors of specialists, plus marquees, music and cars in the beautiful gardens of Ellerslie Racecourse, and everyone will be abuzz as it’s the weekend of the royal wedding!”

For more information or to purchase tickets, see the latest issue of BRIDE & GROOM magazine or go online at www.brideandgroomshow.co.nz

Whether couples are just engaged or seeking their perfect finishing touch, the show has inspiration on every aspect of wedding and honeymoon planning. Visitors will have the opportunity to taste cakes and bubbly, meet designers, view portfolios, see bouquets and table settings, and hear live music. “The Bride & Groom Show brings the pages of Bride & Groom magazine to life and is the perfect place to see the hottest wedding trends this year,” says Ms Walker.

Fabulous fashion parades, which run three times during the day, are one of the show’s highlights. Plus there are the numerous discounts, giveaways, door prizes, special offers and major prizes, including honeymoons and your Dream Wedding to be won.

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 WEDDINGS AND CIVIL UNIONS

VEIL WEDDING VIDEO – A UNIQUE REPRESENTATION OF YOUR LOVE VEIL SETS A NEW, PREMIUM STANDARD WITH BESPOKE WEDDING FILMS that reflect who you are and what you want. “At Veil we believe that every couple has a story behind their union, a story that begins long before the special day of exchanged vows,” says Veil co-principal Meagan France.

Veil brings that story to life through a personalised approach that not only reflects the unique nature of the couple’s relationship but also allows them to choose the aspects of their wedding coverage that truly matter to them.

ROYAL WEDDING CELEBRATION AFTERNOON TEA The Langham, Auckland is offering a celebratory afternoon tea called Tea Royale to commemorate the royal wedding of Prince William to Miss Catherine Middleton.

The Winery is the bejewelled and glittering centre-piece of The Langham, Auckland and the ideal location to enjoy Tea Royale. The indulgent afternoon tea captures the spirit and enchantment of a royal wedding with many tempting delights. Volker Marecek, the hotel’s Executive Chef and his Chief Pastry Chef, Chris Ott, have created delectable savoury and sweettreats for Tea Royale which will be served for the entire month of April.

“Veil goes beyond the industry standard of wedding video packages and basic wedding day documentation,” Meagan says. “At one end of the scale we produce short film/documentary-style videos including interviews relating how you met, chronicling the behind-the-scenes excitement and anticipation of your wedding day preparations, and of course capturing the unforgettable romance of your ceremony.’

“We can also record speeches, tributes and every desired aspect of your event, all to the highest standards of audio and audiovisual quality. Or if you wish, we can simply provide beautifully filmed coverage of your exchange of vows.”

All Veil productions are meticulously planned and crafted with elegant art direction, fine cinematography and skilful editing that give them a quality that is unsurpassed.

Veil’s small team of dedicated professionals are based on beautiful Waiheke Island, which draws thousands of couples to its scenic beauty and first-class wedding venues every year, and also operates New Zealand-wide. PN For more information and an obligation-free quote call T: 021 199 8345, E: info@veilweddingvideo.co.nz www.veilweddingvideo.co.nz

The elegant five-star hotel has also partnered with the enchanting milliner Natalie Chan who has especially created a Royal Couture Millinery Collection in celebration of the Tea Royale and the wedding. The Natalie Chan couture collection will be on display in the hotel during April and guests of the Tea Royale will be able to vote on their favourite head piece, with the winning entrant receiving their head piece of choice from the exclusive collection. For further information about Natalie Chan and her special hat collection please refer to www.nataliechan.co.nz Tea Royale is priced at NZ$59 per person inclusive of a glass of French Champagne.

Tea Royale is available until 30 April 2011, daily from 12 noon - 4.30pm. Bookings are essential.

The Langham as a hotel has a long connection with the British Royal family as The Langham, London was originally opened in 1865 by Prince William’s ancestor, HRH The Prince of Wales, later HM King Edward VII. As Europe’s first ‘Grand Hotel’, The Langham was London’s first grand hotel serving afternoon tea and thus gained its reputation as being the birth place of the afternoon tea tradition. PN RESERVATIONS: T 09 379 5132 or email: tlakl.winery@langhamhotels..com

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 WEDDINGS AND CIVIL UNIONS

SEVENTYSIXDESIGN - INCREDIBLE RINGS ENTWINING TWO LIVES Do you remember the moment when you knew whom it was that you wanted to marry? The excitement of a proposal and the emotions that flowed so eagerly. Bringing your world of ordinary existence into a wonderful new adventure.

Your head, now brimming with ideas, of how to capture your ‘moment in time’. The guest list, the colour scheme, the venue. But when all is done and gone those details seem to fade into a distant memory, there is one thing that will always remain.

Every day as you go about your life.

When you venture off to work or stop to buy coffee or shake someone’s hand, there it is, gleaming in the light.

The ring is a reminder of the promises you have made to each other.

The ring, in all its beauty, simplistic or embellished, can tell your story. Imagine creating a ‘story board’ of events on to your ring, something to remind you of your adventures together that lead you to your commitment.

Seventysixdesign create incredible rings entwining two lives and the stories they have to tell. The team design and create thought provoking pieces of Jewellery that anyone would be proud to wear.

Every ring Seventysixdesign creates has elements of difference that puts it apart from all the rest. Each design is carefully thought out, first through discussion and then mock-ups to ensure the right path is being followed. The end result is a ring. Stunning in its appearance and perfect in its craftsmanship. PN SEVENTYSIXDESIGN, 45 New North Road T: 09 379 0276 www.seventysixdesign.co.nz

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FELICITYS BRIDAL - FOR FABULOUS READY TO WEAR GOWNS When Ponsonby local Felicity Menzies (pictured above) bought a veil at her brother’s school gala at the age of five, little did she know that she was setting herself up for her dream career.

Felicitys Bridal has been an icon in the bridal industry for over 30 years so when the business founders were looking to retire, they were very particular about who they sold their lifelong passion to. They found the ideal candidate in Felicity Menzies. “When it came up for sale last year I knew it was perfect. Combining my passion for design and sewing with something as special as weddings is a dream come true. Sharing the same name with the business meant it had to be”.

Felicity purchased Felicitys Bridal last year and has been working tirelessly to maintain the exceptional service and fabulous range of ready to wear gowns while taking the experience to a new level. Felicitys Bridal’s light filled and spacious new surroundings at 92 Albert Street make you feel like you have just stepped into a French boutique.

With no charge for consultations you will walk away feeling confident you have made the right decision.

“Thank you for the wonderful experience it was for buying my dress, every time I went in for a fitting you were all so friendly. Keep up the good work!”

“Thanks so much, not just for the dress but just for being you. You were an absolute pleasure to deal with.”

Felicitys Bridal is a stockist of Ella, Elizabeth de Varga, Venus, and Allure. PN FELICITYS BRIDAL, 92 Albert Street T/F: 09 303 4858 www.felicitysbridal.co.nz

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 WEDDINGS AND CIVIL UNIONS

SIMPLE INSIGHTS FROM CIVIL PARTNERS NOW THAT YOU’VE MET THE PERSON WHO ‘GETS’ YOU IN EVERY WAY AND the decision is made to dedicate your lives to one another, New Zealanders have the distinction of being amongst a short list of countries where the option of a civil union is available for both straight and same-sex couples. Law of the land since 2005, a civil union allows couples of every gender combination to generally enjoy the same rights previously allowed only to a man and a woman.

illustration: Anna Crichton

Where marriage has a litany of patent traditions and expected pomp, civil unions are still relatively new to the relationship landscape and are therefore completely open to interpretation on how they should take place. Except for the requisite vows, witnesses (one for each partner) and binding signatures, civil union ceremonies evolve based entirely on how the individuals tying the knot wish to experience their day.

Be it humble or grand, there are no rules. However, there are some facets to the civil union experience that deserve a little focus in order for the special occasion to hold a cherished place similar to its more tradition-bound cousin. A few North Island couples have shared some straight-forward tips and stories in support of those who might be planning a merger without the matrimony.

• Plan on the civil union being quick – In most cases when performing a civil union at the registrar’s office the act of saying vows and signing the necessary documents takes no more than five minutes. Once done, you’re expected to depart soon after as the next lucky couple might be waiting their turn. If you plan yours at the public office, arrange the post-service festivities to follow immediately after. My partner Morris and I must confess to mistiming our affair, with the civil union scheduled for 3 p.m. and our celebratory dinner two hours later. This gap forced our ten attending friends and us to hunt down a watering hole at the hotel near the registrar’s office in downtown Auckland where we could kill time and toast our union. So remember… plan the festivities to immediately follow what will surely be a quick service.

• Adopt the traditions you want – Just because it’s called a civil union doesn’t mean you can’t assimilate aspects of a traditional wedding that suit your day (remember, there are no rules). With the right, positively-minded celebrant you can proclaim it as a wedding as long as you acknowledge it as the legally plain cousin when necessary.

Nicole and Karina’s upcoming May ceremony will be such a glorious affair, with a best man and woman, a flower girl, extensive family participation and the proud use of the wedding moniker. Planned to take place on Tawharanui Beach where the ashes of Karina’s mother were sacredly released two years before, their civil union incorporates many of the best matrimonial bits that speak to them and the memories they want. So remember… don’t avoid the fun aspects of a traditional wedding just because yours isn’t.

• The day can be just about you – Many of us are instilled from an early age with the importance of our big day being …well …BIG, with family, friends, fine food and a generally frilly affair. However, when you boil it down to its most basic element, a civil union is really just about two souls making a promise to one another. It can be as simple as stepping into the registrar’s office with two close mates who will pay witness to your union, paying the fees (of course), and being legally joined in what amounts to less than a lunch break. One such simple event happened when a 13-year couple Paul and David were invited to be witnesses for two friends and in the moment decided to ask the same of the freshly-vowed couple they had come to support. Having loved one another for so long, their civil union was a simple formality that required no fanfare.

So remember… the most valuable part of a civil union is two love birds making a life commitment to one another.

• Inspire gifts from the heart – You’ve invited your family, blood and extended, to share in your special day, but aren’t in need of the furnishings often bestowed upon new couples building a home. Diana and Anna suggest encouraging each guest to give a live performance that entertains or honours the couple as they did at their civil union last autumn. Whether during the event or at the post-service celebration, the unique expressions of love were the most cherished parts of their day. These were made all the more vibrant by a close friend Colette, the ‘mistress of entertainment’, volunteering to coax and manage the performances so they were all genuine surprises to the new wives. So remember… the creative juices of your guests can bear the most treasured gifts of all.

A civil union not only allows for couples of any nature to join together in the eyes of New Zealand, it’s also a white wall upon which you can paint any vision of the glorious day you want. From a brief and simple turn in the day to a rolled-out production mirroring its religious sibling, your civil union is yours to create. Just remember to be mindful of the timing and for couples fully stocked with a collection of life’s needs, the richest contributions can simply be expressions of the heart.

Additional info on civil unions, including the legal nuts and bolts of having your own, can be found on the New Zealand Department of Internal Affairs website at www.dia.govt.nz (LEIF WAUTERS) PN

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HELENE RAVLICH: NATURAL BEAUTY

THE WINTER WARM UP For many in the natural world the winter months are a time to hibernate and recharge, a time to conserve energy so they’re more than ready to be reborn come springtime. If we choose to we can do the same, and there really is nothing better on a winter’s night than being tucked up in front of the fire, generously poured glass of Pinot Noir in hand. The coming months are also a great time to nourish your skin and hair and repair some of the damage that the sun and sea have done when you’ve been out enjoying the great Kiwi summer.

Hair takes a battering over summer, so now is a great time to cut off any damaged locks and nourish what’s left. I’d like to give thanks here to Kevin Murphy Luxury Rinse and Luxury Wash, which are restoring mine as I type. Both products are ideal for anyone with thick hair, or hair that just needs its thirst quenched big time.

Both were created early on in Murphy’s luxuriously planet and health-friendly line of haircare products, but have recently undergone a makeover. The reinvented Luxury Wash is a smoother, ultra rich shampoo with ingredients specifically suited for the needs of thick hair, whilst the new Luxury Rinse is a richer, smoother conditioner with ingredients specifically suited for the needs of thick or sensitised hair. This conditioner has the ability to improve flexibility on hair that is naturally coarse, and is an absolute joy to use. Get a little luxury in your life right now – your hair will thank you for it!

Another option is an in-salon treatment, which is a nice way to have some ‘me’ time as well as sort out your hair. Wella System Professional – or SP as it’s more commonly known – is one of the world’s top salon brands with damn good reason. It really is the one brand that excels when it comes to total personalization, with a vast collection of products to choose from that target the needs of your hair and beyond.

As well as a line up of truly awesome products, Wella SP has just launched a series of In Salon Infusions that help take your hair to whole new heights. There are five different infusions available – Smoothen, Hydrate, Repair, Volumize and Colour Save – that when combined with an SP treatment mask offer an incredible range of 35 personalised hair care prescriptions. One of the salons locally that will be offering these treatments is Stephen Marr.

The neck and décolleté are two of the most neglected areas on the bodies of a lot of women I know, yet are also two of the first spots to give away your age. So many of us stop our skincare and sunblock at the jawline, then face the possibility of laser treatment or similar to hopefully ‘fix’ any damage once it becomes impossible to ignore. Thankfully for us then that Dr.Hauschka have created Regenerating Neck and Décolleté Cream, which is the newest addition to their Regenerating Range.

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The luxurious cream works by unleashing a potent and unique combination of natural ingredients to help retain moisture and firm the specific neck and décolleté area, which loses elasticity and becomes prone to wrinkles and discolouring as the skin matures.

If that sounds like your concern then I recommend you grab a tube of this magic stuff, and it goes without saying that its formula is all natural and good for the planet too.

And finally, if you buy no other beauty products this Winter make sure that you drop by a M.A.C store and pick up the latest incarnation of the mega brand’s Viva Glam lipstick – Viva Glam Gaga 2, a light warm beige. All monies raised go the M∙A∙C AIDS Fund to help support people living with HIV/AIDS in our community. (HELENE RAVLICH)

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LOVE AROHA DIE LIEBE AMOUR CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT KitchenAid artisan mixer $995 @ Millys www.millyskitchen.co.nz; The ‘Parrot Parade’ vase by Jaime Hayon for Lladro $2700 @ Design 55 www.design55.co.nz; Porcelain ‘Butter Dish’ by Morgan Haines $180 @ Tessuti www.tessuti.wordpress.com; Coloured glass parrots $109 each @ Republic www.republichome.com; ‘Kettle’ design by Michael Graves for Alessi $375 @ Askew www.askew.co.nz; Alberto Pinto ‘Table Settings’ $169 @ World Beauty www.worldbrand.co.nz

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LOVE AROHA DIE LIEBE AMOUR CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT Framed digital print by Lester Hall ‘Only The Good Die Young’ $645 @ Momentum Gallery www.momentumframing.co.nz; Irish coffee set by Menu $136.50 @ Design Denmark www.designdenmark.co.nz; Turquoise goblet $225 @ Marvel www.marvelmenswear.co.nz; Silvered bowl by Mann Singh for Driade $2765 @ Indice www.indice.co.nz; French Reproduction Mercury Glass Candelabra $129 @ World Beauty www.worldbrand.co.nz; ‘Elevate’ kitchen tools by Joseph Joseph $99.90 @ Askew www.askew.co.nz STYLING: Jay Platt; PHOTOGRAPHY: Danilo Santana David, Fisher Santanta

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CELEBRATE LOVE AND COMMITMENT

 WEDDINGS AND CIVIL UNIONS

IT’S OK TO OUTDO THE GROOM IS THERE ANYTHING BETTER THAN ATTENDING A GLORIOUS WEDDING WITH a ‘sharp dressed man’? Ponsonby News asked three local menswear specialists for their advice on wedding dressing for grooms and guests...

Murray Crane (CRANE BROTHERS): “At Crane Brothers we take special occasion dressing very seriously, and weddings are a big part of that. We endeavour to achieve the best result possible for our customers and like to work with them as they form their plans. Time is a great advantage and already we are working on weddings for 2012. This season has seen a lot of gunmetal greys and blues as an alternative to the ever-present black and navy. Formal wear is definitely making a strong return and we have been doing a lot of made-to-measure tuxedos. For the more relaxed winery and beach weddings, bone and beige in tropical wools and cottons create a smart casual look. They work well when teamed with a brown or tan shoe and act as a great foil for bridesmaids’ colours like sage, charcoal and yellow - currently fashionable.”

Sam Gray (MARVEL): “The wedding season is upon us and it’s also time to reassess our wardrobes. We want to make an impact on arrival and look great right through the reception until the point where we are dancing into the night, falling off the odd chair and have completely lost our inhibitions. So where to start?

Pragmatism plays a role for New Zealand male shopper. Essentially you want to purchase pieces for your wardrobe that are perfect for the occasion, but at a later date can be worn more casually (or to work for that matter) by mixing and matching other pieces from your wardrobe. For instance, our Italian cotton dress shirts look stunning paired with dress trousers, tie and jacket, and some personal touches – perhaps a tie bar or cufflinks. But teamed with denim the shirt could be worn out for drinks on a Friday, with a completely different effect.

Trousers worn to weddings should be tailored – we particularly like the cuffed look this season!

When customers come in to see me or my staff we look to fit them out in what really suits them. Remember clothes are there to make you look good and to be worn, they are not there to wear you. Have fun, be a little daring and dance your socks off!

Chris Cherry (WORKSHOP): “When dressing for weddings, men should take their cue from the style of the occasion itself. Outdoor and more informal weddings are increasingly popular and allow guests a lot more flexibility and creativity.

Crisp, well cut, slim-fit dark indigo jeans paired with a tailored jacket can often be more stylish and comfortable than a standard business suit.

This weekend I’m attending a wedding on Waiheke where I’ll be wearing a pair of our classic stretch dark indigo jeans, a black high count poplin slim fit shirt and a pair of solid leather boots. I’ll take a lightweight, slim fit, two button wool jacket for later in the evening.

If the occasion calls for a traditional look, you could opt for a Workshop chalk stripe three-piece suit with four-button waistcoat, oxford mid fit shirt in grey and Hudson brogues. Or for more pared-back style, our black Japanese wool suit teamed with a black high count poplin slim fit shirt for effortless cool.” PN

CRANE BROTHERS

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2 1. Westmere residents ERIC and MARGARET FLEMING sent us a shot of themselves reading Ponsonby News, taken in PANAJACHEL on the shore of Lake Atitlán in the Guatemalan Highlands. “This was half way through our amazing 21 day Intrepid Journey to Mexico, Guatemala and Belize,” they told us.

2. Vietnamese born and now Westmere resident PHUONG PHAM e-mailed to tell us, “I was in Vietnam last month and had Bruce, my husband take this photo of me at the

Ky Quang pagoda in HO CHI MINH CITY holding your February issue. I am forwarding it to you for consideration for use in your fine publication.”

3. CAROLYNE GEBBIE of Herne Bay sent us this shot and wrote, “My best friend Hanky brought me to HAWAII for the HP Winners Summit. We just climbed Diamond Head and checked out my copy of Ponsonby News while up there. Hope you’re fabulous - we’re having a party!”

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CELEBRATE LOVE AND COMMITMENT

WEDDINGS AND CIVIL UNIONS 

DON’T MISS OUR NEXT WEDDINGS FEATURE – SEPTEMBER 2011 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

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4 4. PAM LOVICH sent us a great shot from BRAZIL and wrote, “My husband Mark and I had a trip to the carnival at Rio last month. This photo with the Ponsonby News was taken underneath the iconic ‘Jesus the Redeemer’.

5-6. TIM PULEMAN sent us several shots and wrote, “Here are some photos of my partner Tiffany Clarke of St Marys Bay while working in DUBAI. Hope you enjoy these photos as we thoroughly enjoy your fantastic magazine. Keep up the great work guys.”

PONSONBY NEWS READERS ARE EVERYWHERE

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HERITAGE HOTELS AWARD WINNER SCOOPS TRAVEL WRITER OF THE YEAR PRIZE Steve Braunias has been awarded the Heritage Hotels Award for the Best Travel Article Written About New Zealand for his article ‘Trouble in Mosgiel’ published in North & South, February 2010. The award was announced at the annual Travcom Cathay Pacific Travel Media awards held in Heritage Auckland’s Grand Tearoom on the evening of 22 March.

Braunias’ story so impressed the international judge, Jonathon Lorie, that he was also awarded the supreme writing prize of Travel Writer of the Year on the night.

“My feeling is that he could be a writer the whole world would like to hear about,” says Lorie.

Braunias is a regular contributing writer to North & South and winner of numerous national journalism awards. He has authored four books. His first, Fool’s Paradise, won Best First Book of Non-Fiction at the 2002 Montana Book Awards and

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Braunias was the 2009 Buddle Findlay Sargeson Fellow. He is currently Editor in Residence at the School of Media Arts at Wintec in Hamilton.

Runner up in the Heritage Hotels Award for the Best Travel Article Written About New Zealand was Virginia Larson, editor of North and South, for her article ‘Babes in the Woods’ published in North & South, October 2010.

Heritage Hotels have sponsored Travcom and its annual awards for the past 12 years. The Cathay Pacific Travel Media and Whitcoulls Travel Book awards are organised by Travcom (New Zealand Travel Communicators) to celebrate excellence in travel writing and photography. PN For a complete list of the 2011 award winners visit www.travelcommunicators. co.nz Heritage Hotels website www.heritagehotels.co.nz

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FALLING FOR CANADA

by Kim Houston, Director, World Journeys

The first time you see the Northern Lights, or elk ambling down the road, you are in danger of falling for Canada. Add to that the Grizzly and Polar Bears, great cities, festivals and Kiwi-style friendly people, and you’re hooked.

If I were to live anywhere else in the world other than Auckland – it would be Vancouver. The similarities are there - a stylish city based around a sparkling harbour, and a vibrant food and wine culture (a favourite haunt of mine is Granville Island, a foodie heaven with its eateries, fishmongers, ethnic food sellers, and artisan producers). But Auckland just can’t compete with floatplanes taking off from the harbour to the Gulf Islands, and ski resorts within easy driving distance.

Luckily I get to visit Canada at least twice a year, and have been delighted to discover a host of new luxury lodges and resorts opening up all over British Columbia. Most are in remote wilderness areas, accessible only by floatplane, boat or helicopter. If you want to ‘get away from it all’ this is where you want to be.

One of my favourites is Sonora Resort on BC’s Sunshine Coast. From the moment I arrived by helicopter, I was thoroughly spoilt. Each villa has a huge spa bath overlooking the water, and a fully stocked fridge at your disposal. Outdoor heated pools, mineral pools, hot tubs, steam rooms, tennis courts, a games room, movie theatre, and all your gourmet meals and wines are included in the cost. That took up most of my time, while the more active headed off to salmon fishing, whale watching, Grizzly Bear spotting, kayaking and wildlife viewing by zodiac.

Another of my all time favourites would have to be the remote floating King Pacific Lodge. Standing on the dock of this gorgeous lodge in the still of the night, and hearing the whale in the bay singing and breeching was just one of those moments.

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

I thought that would be hard to top, until we went bear viewing and saw six rare White Kermode Spirit Bear, and several black bears, completely at ease in their own environment. A stunning gourmet meal back at the lodge completed my perfect day.

To see a bit more of the country, I highly recommend taking the ‘Rocky Mountaineer’ known as the ‘Most Spectacular Train Trip in the World’. Leaving from Vancouver and taking you through the Canadian Rockies to Banff, Calgary or Jasper, the scenery is spectacular as you travel through awe inspiring mountains, canyons and alongside lakes, spotting Moose and other wildlife along the way.

Of course the final selling point on Canada for me is that they have real summers when it gets scorching hot and real winters when you can ski and have a guaranteed White Christmas! And it’s only one direct flight away from Auckland. PN WORLD JOURNEYS, T: 09 360 7311 www.worldjourneys.co.nz

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EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY TREAT YOURSELF WITH THE CAKER Last month the Ponsonby News’ team held their quarterly editorial meeting and seven of us met up for a morning tea at PN-HQ. Martin Leach made egg, lettuce, chive and avocado, cucumber club sandwiches. Mathew at Icing on the Cake, Jervois Road supplied a selection of his delicious cupcakes.

One of the team is gluten-free so we asked Jordan Rondel (pictured right) if she could make something to satisfy our colleague’s craving and get their creative juices flowing.

Jordan’s not the most obvious poster-girl for a baker. Slender, young and wide-eyed, she is a far cry from the jolly middle-aged pinny-wearing stereotype. Otherwise known as The Caker, she is changing the face of baking. At just 21 and fresh out of university (with a degree in marketing) Jordan makes cakes with such delectable and unusual flavours as Chai Latte and Vegan Chocolate Orange and has them delivered around central Auckland. She also creates cupcakes and babycakes if her client prefers.

A year old, the business grew from a lifetime love of baked goods. “I think it relates back to my French roots, I remember baking with my Grandma when I was little in her kitchen in Paris and loving everything about baking and have done it ever since,” she says. “Then one day last year I baked a particularly good banana cake and my dad said ‘this is good you should do something about it’ so I started a little website and from there it just took off.”

Fluent in French, Rondel returns to France every year to visit her grandparents.

“My Dad’s side is from France. I’m really close with my grandparents and I spent a lot of my childhood there.”

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Jordan Rondel also makes cakes for every occasion. Late last year she collaborated with Stolen Rum to create 18 large Christmas cakes for the annual City Mission Christmas lunch, something they are sure to repeat again this year. She is constantly trawling through cookbooks and websites for new ideas and inspiration – so much so she prefers to read cookbooks over novels at the moment. “I read them in bed!” PN www.thecaker.co.nz

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TICKETS ON SALE NOW - WONS FABULOUS CHARITY BALL! TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW FOR THE ANNUAL WONS CHARITY BALL ON 6 May, held at SKYCITY Convention Centre. The event includes a glamorous night of musical entertainment, delicious three course meal, drink on arrival, charity auction and dancing until late. Corporate tables also include an alcohol package and a luxury goody bag.

WONS Spokesperson Ruth Davy is excited to be hosting such a high profile event.

“After the success of last year’s Charity Ball at the Auckland Museum we wanted to do something again. We’re able to build on all of the highlights from last year’s event and take it to the next level. We encourage you to buy tickets to this fun filled event and we’re also seeking donations, auction items and goodie bag treats from the community in support of WONS,” she says.

WONS was established in 1989 by Ruth Davy and a team of dedicated women’s health nurses. Davy became concerned about the lack of cervical screening out in the wider community and took it upon herself to develop an organisation that would take the extra step and work with communities in need.

Today in New Zealand 4,500 women per year get a high grade of abnormal cervical cells while approximately 25 to 30% of these cases would develop into life threatening invasive cancer if untreated. WONS health promoters and nurses go directly into communities in need and work predominantly with Maori, Pacific and Asian women who find it hard to access health care screening. The live charity auction features a holiday in Phuket, Thailand; travel within New Zealand; a rare signed Sir Paul McCartney guitar and is accompanied with an exciting selection of fashion and lifestyle items in the silent auction.

WONS would like to thank the National Business Review for their generous support this year and welcome them as partners of the event. PN EVENT INFORMATION: WONS Charity Ball tickets can be purchased for $145 Silver seat / Gold seat $160 (10% disc for full tables) www.iticket.co.nz

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

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LIZ WHEADON: WINE, GLORIOUS WINE

EATING LOCALLY FORAGE AT CLOUDY BAY IS AN INSPIRED FOOD AND WINE EVENT, NOW IN its third year. I was lucky enough to be one of the selected guests for this year - a big thank you to Moet Hennessey. On the last day of February, twenty four wine and food lovers headed from Hong Kong, Singapore, France, Australia and New Zealand to Blenheim for two days of unique local food and wine experiences. The concept of Forage is to gather all the ingredients for a meal locally and bring it together for a shared meal.

Tuesday morning was an early start, after breakfast we were divided into four smaller groups, heading North, South, East and West. My group headed towards the Wairau River, stopping first at Windsong Orchard where we meet the effervescent Jennie.

The Orchard grows a variety of fruit, we started by tasting eight or so different varieties of blue berries, they certainly made the kind you find in the supermarket taste bland and un varietal. Then it was time to look over the plum trees, they have rows of different types, all ripening at varying times. My favourite was Louisa, a very sweet plum, we collected a bag of these and were on our way.

At this stage we could have quite happily stopped, we’d already been treated, but no, Martin had more delights in store. Our first course followed, Tarragon Butter - Poached Koura, Garfish, Summer Corn and Salmon Roe, a delicate super fresh fish offering, matched with Cloudy Bay Chardonnay 2006.

My favourite course was up next - Glazebrook Hunting Lodge Red Deer, Creamed Carrot Puree, Duck Liver Mousse, Spiced Prunes and Mushroom Sponge Cake.

A gorgeous course, matched with the Cloudy Bay Pinot Noir 2005.

Last but not least, Windsong Orchard Plums, Warm Consommé, Coeur a la Crème, Molasses Sugar Ginger Cake, Candied Walnuts and Basil Mousse. The Candied Walnuts were inspired. This course was matched with Cloudy Bay Lake Harvest Gewurztraminer 2008. Complete and inspired we headed off to Bec Lodge for a great night’s sleep. PN I love the concept of gathering produce locally and eating seasonally. (LIZ WHEADON) www.glengarry.co.nz

From the Orchard we headed to Pinoli Pine nuts, where Lee talked us through the fascinating project they have established. With pine nuts in hand, we were joined by our fishing guides. We headed off for the banks of the Wairau River to a ‘practise pool’.

Our guides took us through how to cast and what to do if we caught a fish. We then divided into two groups of three, ‘suited’ up in our waders and boats and headed off across the river.

I was with Jim White, Cloudy Bay’s Viticultralist and our French Samuel from Hong Kong. Samuel, who had never fished before, casted and caught a beautiful Marlborough Salmon. With all our forage ingredients sorted, a helicopter arrived to take us back to Cloudy Bay. Our flight followed the Wairau River down to Blenheim. It was fascinating to see the vineyards, with all the varying conditions from the air. We arrived at Cloudy Bay to display our produce alongside our friends who had been hunting, oyster, pipi and fish catching, cheese making and vegetable gathering.

The Chef challenged with turning this around into a dinner was the talented Martin Bosley, Martin seemed rather pleased with our gathering, and we were set off to rest whilst he got to work in the kitchen.

We arrived to a magnificent meal matched with aged Cloudy Bay wines. The first course was Tio Point Oysters matched with Pelorus Vintage 2001. The second course of our degustation was Little Fish Company Sardines on Toasted, pickled potato, pine nuts and smoked tomato sauce. Matched with Cloudy Bay Riesling 2006.

The Sardines had been freshly caught by one of the groups that day. Samuel’s salmon followed, served as a Salmon Tartar with the most exquisite lemon peel puree, freeze dried Mandarin, lemon oil and rosemary. This was matched with the 2010 Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc.

The next course was the most unusual of the meal, but somehow one of the most memorable, a salad of Heavens Scent vegetables and Sherrington Grange Heard Goats Cheese, another of the treasures that one of our group gathered. This was matched with the Cloudy Bay Te Koko 2005, a wine that has its lovers and those not so keen; personally I adore this kind of Sauvignon Blanc.

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EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY

EARTHQUAKE APPEAL AT SOTO AND COCORO Soto Japanese Garden Restaurant and cocoro are planning to join forces to raise money for both the Japan Tsunami appeal and the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal.

The two restaurants will hold a special dinner service on Sunday 10 April with a fourcourse dinner from 5.30pm onwards. There will be donation boxes at both Soto and cocoro from now until 10 April. 100% of all proceeds from the evening along with money raised from these boxes will go to the corresponding Red Cross appeal.

Price for the four-course dinner is $60. (Food only, including GST). PN Bookings to Soto on T: 09 360 0021 or E: bookmytable@soto.co.nz

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WHAT’S HOT AT SABATO LORIMER KNIVES Peter Lorimer has been hand-making knives for the past 15 years, and his designs have found themselves in kitchens all over the world – including Peter Gordon’s London restaurant the Providores, where he rates them as the best he’s ever used.

Their handles are individually crafted from recycled pieces of native New Zealand timbers, built around a brass frame, adorned with fragments of paua or black pearl.

These knives are constructed with a special variety of Austrian steel which is hard without being brittle, and also helps the knives keep their edge for longer. PN These beautiful knives are really a work of art. Find your unique creation at SABATO, 57 Normanby Road T: 09 630 8751 www.sabato.co.nz

Last month’s book launch for SARAH-KATE LYNCH at SABATO

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EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY DUTCH AND BLUE CHEESES NAMED THE BEST NEW ZEALAND CHAMPIONS OF CHEESE AWARDS WINNERS ANNOUNCED ONE of New Zealand’s best loved blue cheeses and a stunning Dutch Gouda have picked up the two supreme awards at this year’s Cuisine NZ Champions of Cheese Awards.

Kapiti Kikorangi, produced by Fonterra Brands NZ, won the Yealands Estate Champion of Champions Award for large cheesemakers, and Mercer 50/50 Gouda from Mercer Cheese has scooped the Cuisine Champion Artisan Award for smaller producers.

These two supreme awards have equal status as the most prestigious awards for cheese excellence in New Zealand.

The 2011 Cuisine NZ Champions of Cheese Awards judging was lead for the third year by one of Australasia’s most respected cheese judges, Australian Russell Smith, who noted the extraordinary standard of local blue and Dutch cheeses.

“For me, the Dutch and blue cheeses produced in New Zealand are always the most outstanding and that makes them a real challenge to judge,” says Smith. “This year, two exceptional cheeses have taken the top awards. This reaffirms just how good New Zealand is when it comes to producing blue and Dutch style cheeses.

“Kapiti Kikorangi has a superbly balanced flavour. It’s been brilliantly made to ensure the blue mould is evenly distributed throughout the cheese. The balance of acid and sweet has been mastered. Kikorangi presents a wonderful piquancy alongside a smooth creamy finish. It’s a stunning blue.”

This is the second year in a row a blue cheese has taken out the top award. Last year, Mainland Special Reserve Creamy Blue won the Champion of Champions Award. Both cheeses are made at Eltham by Fonterra Brands NZ. Kikorangi, the Maori word for ‘blue’, was first introduced in the early nineties at a time when specialty cheeses were relatively new to New Zealand. As a very creamy blue cheese, it found immediate popularity and introduced many New Zealanders to the delights of blue cheese.

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

“New Zealand does blue cheese very well so there was a lot of competition however Kikorangi had the winning edge,” adds Smith.

The Cuisine Champion Artisan Award celebrates cheesemaking by companies that produce less than 20 tonnes of cheese each year. North Waikato’s Mercer Cheese is no stranger to award success after a double win in the 2009 Cuisine Champion of Cheese Awards; Dutch immigrant Albert Alferink took home the Cheesemaker of the Year Award 2009 and the Champion of Champions Award for his Mercer Extra Mature Gouda with Cumin.

This year Mercer Cheese has won another supreme trophy with a cheese called 50/50, so named because it is an equal blend of cow and sheep milk Gouda. “Mercer 50/50 Gouda’s spicy tangy notes perfectly complement cheese,” says Smith. “The flavour is complex and well-balanced with a long finish. This is an outstanding farmhouse style Gouda made at the end of the season with late milk.”

Another Dutch cheese company also picked up a supreme award. The NZ Cheese School Champion Cheesemaker award was won by 27-year-old Miel Meyer, a second generation cheesemaker from Meyer Gouda Cheese in Hamilton.

2011 winners from other Cuisine Champions of Cheese categories were evenly spread amongst small artisan and larger producers. Organisers noted the growth in the number of entries for Halloumi, with Garlic Halloumi from Over the Moon Dairy Company picking up the top award in the QCONZ Champion European Style Cheese category out of many other European-inspired varieties.

Now in its eighth year, the 2011 Cuisine NZ Champions of Cheese Awards welcomed the greatest number of entries to date with 450 specimen cheeses judged in twenty different categories including hobbyist, best cheesemaker and best original.

Winners were announced at an industry gala dinner on Tuesday 1 March, 2011 at The Langham, Auckland. PN

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EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY

FOODIES FLOCK TO NEW FARMERS MARKET Since the Hobsonville Point Farmers Market launch earlier this month thousands have flocked to the former airbase to taste and take home the myriad of fresh produce and products on offer.

Held weekly on Sunday mornings from 9am to 1pm, the popularity of the markets first few weeks in business has revealed a clear appetite from the area for locally produced goods.

Found in and around a former air force building known as ‘No. 5 Store’ and across from the Catalina Café (corner of Buckley Avenue and Hastings Crescent), visitors to the market can purchase fresh foods while being entertained by live music and presentations from chefs, food writers and producers.

Meats from both The Farm Gate and Neat Meat are available for purchase including free range pork, lamb, beef and venison, as well as Razor Back farmed wild pork.

Fresh from the region’s gardens comes a supply of fresh vegetables, gourmet selections of baby vegetables, orchard fresh fruit and extra virgin olive oil. Fresh herbs and freshly ground spices are also available.

The New Zealand Cheese Man offers a range of the best cheeses from the region, while ex-chef Jimmy Gerard is bringing his years of experience and enthusiasm for Auckland’s unique seafood resource.

FRENZ provide free range organic eggs while Loaf, the brand of Auckland’s foremost artisan baker Sean Armstrong, comes bearing produce for delicious breakfasts. The Sunday market is complete with locally roasted coffee and fresh squeezed juices.

Hobsonville Point Farmers Market is a true food market for the city and a place where people can shop wisely for regular supplies and staple food needs. PN

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LIVING, THINKING + BEING

TRUE REVERSAL OF AGED SKIN IS POSSIBLE It may sound like a lofty claim to suggest that we can turn back the clock on our skin but that is because we have been disillusioned by 30 years of below-average results from the current strategy of traumatizing the skin with acids.

Research has proven that adding inflammation and compromising our protective barrier are flawed strategies. There is a paradigm shift happening in skincare that is dramatically changing how we approach the skin and the results demonstrate a remarkable reversal of several skin issues including ageing.

Beauty on Ponsonby is excited with their newest skincare line ‘Osmosis’. They feel that by bringing you this new range and concept they can provide the very best in everything, in every way they can.

Osmosis offers a fresh new outlook on skincare and addresses skin concerns in a way that they believe no other product line has been able to do until now.

With an absorption rate 6 to 10 times greater than any other product line, Osmosis is able to deliver active ingredients to the dermis restoring the health to not only the surface of your skin but the deep layers where it really counts.

Each treatment is tailored specifically to what your skin needs right now.

Book for an Osmosis MEDI Facial in the month of April and you will receive a FREE eyebrow shape and full skin consultation with a home and in-salon programme. Plus take home an Osmosis serum and rebook your next facial for half price!

REAB ON SELBOURNE – A BOUTIQUE ONE -STOP SHOP FOR HEALTH AND WELLBEING reab on Selbourne is one step closer to providing a one-stop shop for all health and wellbeing needs. New additions ABC Nutrition and Facial Radiance are now based in the gorgeously fitted out premises on Selbourne St. ABC Nutrition offers expert advice on what and how to eat, while Lynda Davenport’s Facial Radiance provides amazing anti aging treatments. There is also a new boutique shop – reab The Store, which stocks fashionable pilates apparel and equipment.

With all these new services and the existing ones under the same roof, people can fully enjoy all the benefits of tailoring their visits to meet their exact health and wellbeing needs. While at reab they can see one of the expert physios, receive an ongoing pilates program to strengthen and offer injury protection, do a work out at the Kirsty Gregg Studio, visit Dora Ban the resident beauty therapist, or get a nutrition consultation and plan. And if that’s not enough they can indulge in a relaxing massage, visit Breathing Works or have a natural face lift with Facial Radiance.

Also on offer are a full range of classes - from pilates mat and reformer, to spin, boxing and circuit and, the very popular outdoor boot camps. reab classes are small and tailored to each client’s needs – so people are never one of a crowd.

Clients can take advantage of reab’s membership scheme which enables them to do as many classes as they like for a fixed fee – leaving no excuse not to try something new or find something that fits into busy schedules.

Special offer for April – sign up as a reab member and receive your first month for free! {conditions apply, new clients only} PN

BEAUTY ON PONSONBY, Level 1, 334 Ponsonby Road T: 09 376 9969 www.beautyonponsonby.co.nz

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LIVING, THINKING + BEING

EVERY DAY IS A GOOD HAIR DAY AT SERVILLES PONSONBY THERE’S NOTHING QUITE LIKE THE POWER OF A GOOD HAIR DAY TO MAKE you feel fantastic – something that Libby Baxter knows all about. Libby is now officially living her ‘teenage dream’ as the proud owner of Servilles Ponsonby, which she purchased in December last year. She’s no stranger to this part of town. At 20 years old she got her ‘first real job’ at Servilles Ponsonby and still couldn’t imagine working anywhere else; she adores what she describes as the suburb’s ‘village vibe’. Just as the community spirit and friendly ‘everyone knows everyone’ aspect makes Libby proud to call Ponsonby home, it is also what makes her work life so much fun; she admits that the Servilles staff and their clients have become like an extended family.

Servilles itself is situated on the corner of Jervois and Ponsonby Roads – which many of us locals (of a certain age) fondly remember as the spot of the iconic Gluepot Tavern.

The salon opened its doors in November 1995, and became such a hit with locals that a downstairs area was added, expanding it to twice the size of the original space.

While the Servilles team is renowned for delivering fashion-forward aesthetics for fashion shoots, the catwalks of New Zealand Fashion Week and New Zealand’s Next Top Model, their main focus is creating cuts their clients love. “Our clients are all ages and from all walks of life, so it’s paramount to tailor a cut to each individual and their lifestyle.”

A long list of dedicated clientele proves the Servilles team has a winning formula, and for Libby, one of the highlights of her job is receiving ‘thank you’ emails from happy clients who love their new look. “Our greatest compliment is people coming back to us month after month, year after year – we feel privileged every time someone chooses us, and stays with us.”

WHAT’S HOT AT SERVILLES PONSONBY? “Our ‘express blowwave’ is fantastic,” says Libby, “Clients come in with clean, dry hair, and we style it.” The $25 service takes just 15 minutes and you can buy a five-visit card for $100. For special occasions, Libby suggests coordinating a makeup and hair style at the same time. “We work on a referral system with Smashbox Cosmetics; if you book your appointment through us, you’ll get 10% off your makeover.”

When it comes to new season style, Libby loves the ‘Victoria’s Secret’ look of darker roots fading into light ends, which she recommends for blondes that don’t want to commit to six-weekly highlights. Block colour is still fashionable – be it red, white blonde or super dark. “Think the Kardashian sisters, Christina Hendricks or Scarlett Johansson,” she says, emphasising that while the look is bold, it’s also quick to achieve and maintain. For guys, the short back and sides with height on the top is still popular, “It’s a cut that looks great styled flat for work, or teased up when going out,” Libby says of its versatility. PN

APRIL SPECIAL OFFER PONSONBY NEWS readers that mention this story will get a complimentary treatment with their next cut or colour service.

SERVILLES PONSONBY, 384 Ponsonby Road T: 09 378 9799 www.servilles.co.nz/salon/salons/ponsonby

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LIBBY BAXTER of SERVILLES PONSONBY

DO YOU HAVE TO TRAVEL TO BECOME A TRAVEL WRITER? ANYONE NEW TO AUCKLAND CAN TELL YOU THAT THIS CITY IS AS EXOTIC TO a New Yorker, a Porteño or a Parisian as an Aucklander finds the Big Apple, Buenos Aires or Paris. If you’re an aspiring travel writer wondering how and where to get started, perhaps there’s no need to save for an air ticket first.

Auckland’s waterfront-based writing school The Creative Hub offers a six-week Travel Writing and Photography Course from mid-April. Whether you’re writing from home for the world or from the world for home, you’ll need to know how to successfully pitch your story for publication. This course is designed to introduce you to the skills required by expert travel writers, to help you craft your experiences into stories that can be published and to gain an insight into how the travel industry works and what an editor is looking for. In addition, the course features two travel photography workshops – what sort of pictures are travel editors looking for and what should you know if you take your own camera on assignment?

The course tutor is Ponsonby resident Yvonne van Dongen, one of New Zealand’s most respected travel writers and editors. As Travel Editor of the New Zealand Herald and, subsequently, Travel Editor of onHoliday Magazine, she has won numerous awards, including Best Tourism and Travel Column in the Qantas Media Awards, Lifestyle Journalist of the Year, two Commonwealth Media Awards, and Cathay Pacific Media Writer of the Year. Yvonne is joined by photographer Greta Anderson, who has worked for publications as diverse as Wallpaper, the Australian Financial Review, New Zealand Herald, onHoliday Magazine and NZ Life & Leisure. A multi-award-winning photographer with a BFA from Elam and a Master of Visual Arts from the Sydney College of the Arts, she has lectured in photography at Elam, Unitec and the Sydney College of the Arts. www.gretaanderson.com. Yvonne and Greta have worked together in the past and make the perfect team for this inspiring course.

As host of the Rugby World Cup there’s more interest in the City of Sails than ever.

Now is the time to take a fresh look at your home town and get writing. The course runs from the Creative Hub’s rooms at the Maritime Museum on Quay Street, from Tuesday 12 April, 6 - 9pm for four weeks, followed by two Saturday afternoon classes on 7 and 14 May at 2pm. See www.thecreativehub.net.nz for a full course outline and enrolment form. PN

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CLARE CALDWELL

THE ART OF LIVING

Many years ago while living in Wellington I took some of my art work to a local dealer gallery. In those days it was fashionable to mercilessly deflate young emerging artists - I wasn’t spared. His final comment was: “There’s a paradox in your work that really concerns me... Maybe you should try something else.”

KEY STAGES TO REAL SELF PROTECTION Self defence is a generally misunderstood concept.

Most people relate ‘self defence’ to martial arts or fighting whereas in reality it has very little to do with either. It is simply about getting home safely to our loved ones and living more empowered lives.

Well! I certainly wasn’t prepared for such a sweeping put down and fighting back tears I quietly gathered my work together and went home. Thankfully I recovered and went on to have three solo shows the following year (elsewhere!)

I’ve never forgotten that comment – that somehow ‘paradox’ was an undesirable quality to express. Collins English Dictionary describes the word as “a statement that seems absurd or self-contradictory but may be true.” (Interestingly the word paradox is sandwiched between the words paradise and paraffin).

As humans I believe we’re totally paradoxical – that we yearn to be in a state of grace and enlightenment but the reality for most of us is swinging back and forth between our light and our shadow and all the tones in between. Many esoteric and not so esoteric faiths would have us believe we have to concentrate on heading exclusively towards the light.

There are several key stages to real self protection; Recognition and awareness (to enable avoidance), De-escalation, Physical defence, Post event issues.

I believe we cannot achieve true enlightenment before we’ve “worked our shadow” as psychologist Carl Jung put it. Having the courage to face our flawed darker aspects, owning them, understanding them, integrating them then working towards transcending rather than being subliminally controlled by them takes commitment and focus.

We have to work through the shadow to grow towards the light like a plant heading for the sun. It’s not an easy journey - most of us will falter along the way – a few of us will make it through to an elevated and unwavering state of ascension.

As an artist I find this paradox within the human condition fascinating and these themes frequently appear in my paintings. As a Creative Arts Therapist it manifests in the work I do with clients all the time.

Art Therapy as an intervention when people are trying to make sense of it all is often preferable to talking therapies as a way of expressing this paradox – this seemingly absurd and self-contradictory aspect of who we are – that may be true. Externalising these conflicting feelings within a therapeutic art session can often help clarify and disempower intense and manipulative emotions that keep us stuck and confused.

Perhaps the ‘Art of Living’ is to find an honest, achievable and working balance between these paradoxical states – those myriads of shades of grey we all commonly experience – utilising modalities, interventions and trusted people we find along the way.

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

Pictured: PHIL THOMPSON of Protect Self Defence

One of the many concepts which fit into the first stage is to know how to keep awareness from becoming paranoia. Nobody wants to walk around paranoid about a possible attack, it is disempowering and the opposite of what is taught at Protect Self Defence.

At Protect Self Defence they use a colour code system to help with this, based on the traffic light system. ‘Code Green’ is your lowest level of awareness, usually when you are at home, secure and safe, and there is no need to be looking for potential danger.

‘Code Orange’ is when you are out and about. This is where you use general awareness and safety procedures, you are aware of what is going on around you and conveying confidence but you are not ‘looking for danger’.

‘Code Red’ is when it is ok to be ‘paranoid’ and hyper aware. This is when you are in potential or definite danger, in isolated environments, or when your intuition is warning you of danger. It is ok to be ‘paranoid’ in a ‘code red’ situation.

The goal here is to remove your self as fast as possible back to ‘Code Orange’ or ‘Code Green’. Using this system means your awareness will serve and empower, not frighten you. PN For more information call T: 09 533 4181, M: 021 366 585 or go to www.protectselfdefence.co.nz

Enquiries: T: 09 836 3618; M: 021 293 3171 clare.e.caldwell@gmail.com

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NIKKI HART: GOOD NUTRITION LOOKING AFTER YOUR BONES! You may never see you skeleton but you would be a ‘puddle’ without it! Your skeleton is a vital part of your body. The 206 bones determine the shape of your body, protect the organs and act as a reservoir for minerals that are needed for metabolic function.

Most of us don’t think about investing in our bone health until it’s too late. One in every two women and one in every three men who live into their sixties will be affected by poor bone health.

It’s important to start looking after your bones when you are young. Peak bone mass is reached at about 25 years of age and is maintained to about 40 years of age. After 40 years of age more bone is lost than is made so the skeleton starts to decline.

TO REDUCE YOUR RISK FOR DEVELOPING OSTEOPOROSIS YOU CAN: • Get enough calcium and vitamin D. Both boys and girls over four years of age need at least 800mg. Boys aged 12-15 years need 1200mg and women over 54 years need 1000mg. Vitamin D helps calcium to absorb and is made in the skin from sunlight exposure • Get moving! Weight bearing exercise is good for the bones – 30 minutes most days would be beneficial • Do not drink excessive alcohol!

• Do not drink excessive caffeine beverages • Stop smoking!

• Maintain a good body weight – a low body weight or eating disorder will increase your risk.

As women we have lighter and thinner bones than men so we are at greater risk for osteoporosis. This is especially true after menopause when the hormone oestrogen starts to decline. If you have a genetic link to osteoporosis you can not always prevent it occurring indeed a positive family history for osteoporosis will double your chances of sustaining an osteoporotic fracture. Getting the right balance between exercise, bone nutrition and hormone levels can help achieve optimal bone health and reduce bone break down.

FREE PHYSIO ON PONSONBY ROAD! ZEE SHARIF OF RETURN TO FORM IS opening a new Physio and Pilates clinic in the heart of Ponsonby on Monday 4 April.

Having built up a loyal clientele in Ponsonby and further afield, Zee has outgrown her Richmond Road clinic.

Zee’s goal is to make injury rehabilitation affordable for everyone, so ACC sessions are free at off-peak times. She also recognises that speedy recovery is essential so she offers one hour appointments - no production line here! “An hour allows real progress each session, meaning quicker recovery,” she adds.

If you have pain or dysfunction that is not covered by ACC, you can get 40% off standard rates at off-peak times. Off-peak is Monday to Friday 10am - 12.00 and 2pm - 4pm.

When you visit Return to Form you can be assured of experienced treatment.

Zee has been qualified for 16 years with a variety of post graduate study under her belt. As she points out, “keeping up to date with research means l can offer you the best recovery option”. Return to Form offers help in injury rehabilitation, core strength and prevention of re-injury. She uses a holistic approach combining traditional physiotherapy techniques such as stretches, mobilisations, exercises etc, with acupuncture, massage, education, and Pilates rehab.

With bigger premises, Zee can offer services of specialists in complementary fields such as nutrition, massage, personal training and more. Tailored, effective treatment is the goal. So if you have a niggle or a more serious injury, why not make an appointment with Zee now. She is conveniently located at Level 1, 334 Ponsonby Road T: 0800 R2FORM (0800 723 676). PN

99% of the body’s calcium is found in the bone – so calcium is known as the building block for the teeth and bones. If your diet does not contain enough calcium to replace the usual losses, your body will break down bone to release more calcium. Calcium is found in many foods in the diet.

Although dairy is the food group that most people reach for to boost their calcium intake, calcium can be found in non-dairy foods such as: • canned fish (like salmon and sardines) • prawns and shrimps • tofu and soy beans • mussels and oysters • almonds • Taro leaves!

Until recently it was thought that New Zealanders got enough vitamin D from sunlight exposure – however studies have shown that our vitamin D levels are much lower than expected and that we may need a dietary source to get enough. For more information about your bone health visit www.bones.org.nz NIKKI HART NZRD MSc, Shop 9, All Saints Centre, 282 Ponsonby Road T: 09 360 6330 www.evildietwitch.co.nz www.nikkihartdietitians.co.nz PN

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HOROSCOPES

MISS PEARL NECLIS

♈

Aries (the Ram): 21 March - 20 April If you think about who’s important to you first and then decide who’s next on the list don’t be afraid of hurting anyone’s feelings. You sometimes have to make decisions that aren’t always easy

♉

Taurus (the Bull): 21 April - 21 May You might want to consider lightening your load a little bit by trying not to take on too many family members problems. You do have responsibilities but you also have a life.

♊ Gemini (the Twins): 22 May - 21 June

You can be clever at influencing other peoples behaviour and their view on you and how they think. Just be careful and aware of the effect you can have on some people.

♋

Cancer (the Crab): 22 June - 22 July You are chipping away at the bigger issues that concern you albeit slowly but none the less you are making progress. Just because there is a small improvement does not mean you can relax just yet.

♌

Leo (the Lion): 23 July - 21 August You are always seeing the positive side to a lot of situations but you can be too quick to offer your services or even other peoples before you realise that you are over committed.

You can turn people down without feeling guilty.

♍

Virgo (the Virgin): 22 August - 23 September Try using your brain this month to think yourself out of a tricky situation that you find yourself in. You are good at solving problems but usually other peoples.

♎

Libra (the Scales): 24 September - 23 October You have a very self satisfied take on your relationships but this could also be your downfall when it comes to commitment. You may have to rethink about your romance skills as you may be getting too complacent.

♏

Scorpio (the Scorpion): 24 October - 22 November You might feel this month that your senses are heightened and are slightly fearful of what you don’t know. Sometimes you have to take a leap and see where it leads you.

♐

Sagittarius (the Archer): 23 November - 22 December Your desire for someone special could see them being lured out into the open this month.

Make sure it’s clear in your mind though where your inclinations might lie.

♑

Capricorn (the Goat): 23 December - 20 January You’re getting strength from unexpected quarters and you’re surprised at how much you needed it. It may not be physical strength but it’s the knowing you’re not alone that counts.

♒

Aquarius (the Water Carrier): 21 January - 19 February You often think that you have missed your calling in life while others see you as inspirational and motivated. Try not to think about what you haven’t accomplished and instead think about the good.

♓

Pisces (the Fish): 20 February - 20 March Do what ever it takes to keep yourself grounded this month as your self confidence can sometimes cross over in to obsessiveness. Take a back seat and reasess your goals, you might be surprised at what you find out. PN

ASHLEIGH LAMBERT: WINS A PALLET OF CIDER IN AN ONLINE COMPETITION We’re sure that 24-year-old Ashleigh Lambert, a graphic designer from Grey Lynn likes apple cider! This local resident had a pallet of cider delivered to her front door last month - that’s 480 bottles, or 319.2 litres of the stuff.

She won the ‘Win a Pallet of Cider’ Competition which has run for the past month on Facebook and Twitter by independent Nelson based cidery - Old Mout Ciders. She’s pretty happy about the win, as you’d expect. And we’re pretty happy that she seems to be a sensible young lady (i.e. not likely to try and drink it all in one session).

The team at Old Mout Cider were also asked to donate some cider to Canterbury following the earthquake, but thinking that wasn’t quite appropriate, they sent two pallets of water instead to help with the water shortage. PN

THE FOUNDATION OF SPIRITUALIST MEDIUMS NZ INC. Understanding Spirit Communication - SATURDAY 16 April Mediumship in my life - On the third Saturday of each month you can “Come, learn and share with us” as we present different Mediumship topics and bring you messages from the Spirit World, followed by Spiritual Healing. 2.00 pm – 4.00 pm, $15 per person. All Welcome.

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

Contact Ruth Wildish T: (09) 410-9130 www.foundationofspiritualistmediums.co.nz

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JOHN APPLETON ON HEALTH

A FEW THOUGHTS ON OBESITY I SPENT 10 DAYS IN THE UNITED STATES EARLIER THIS MONTH. I LOVE THE U.S and I have been a regular visitor there for many years. It always saddens me to see how obesity is impacting so much on the lives of many Americans and there seems to be so little being done about it. I saw an elderly man with not one but three cylinders of oxygen attached to his wheelchair. He had long since lost the ability to support his hugely overweight body.

The situation in New Zealand and indeed throughout the western world is much the same and despite all the concerns expressed at Government level, it seems as though no one is brave enough to face the facts. We are told to avoid saturated fat but with almost everything on supermarket shelves claiming to be 99% fat free the people are still getting fatter.

So what’s the problem? As I see it, the problem starts and finishes with our addiction to grains and sugar. Ask anyone to try removing grains and sugars from their diet for a month and you will get some idea of how big the problem is. When we eat sugars, grain foods and anything that metabolizes as sugar we are on the road to weight gain.

In the U.S they fatten their cattle on grains (whole grains) so surely this message has filtered through to us? Not so because when the facts could threaten a multibillion dollar industry, it’s a lot more convenient to perpetuate the thinking around the ‘fear of fat’. The key to our understanding of the problem involves some simple biochemistry around the role of insulin in the body.

If we asked around about the role of insulin, most people would say ‘it’s to lower blood sugar’ and while that is true, insulin’s key (evolutionary) role is to store excess nutrients. Insulin is often referred to as ‘the storage hormone’. We come from a time of feast and famine when if we couldn’t store the excess energy during times of feasting, we would not be here because all of our ancestors encountered famine.

We are only here because our ancestors were able to store nutrients in the form of fat in case of future famine. So the insulin that’s stimulated by excess carbohydrates aggressively promotes the accumulation of body fat.

In today’s world in times of plenty when we overload on carbohydrates, we’re essentially sending a hormonal message, via insulin, to the body (actually, to the adipose cells). The message: “Store fat.”

Wait there’s more bad news! Not only do increased insulin levels tell the body to store carbohydrates as fat, they also tell it not to release any stored fat. This makes it impossible for us to use our own stored body fat for energy. Insulin activates an enzyme called lipoprotein lipase. This enzyme acts as a roadblock for the removal of triglycerides (fat) out of the fat cells. Insulin also inhibits another enzyme called hormone sensitive lipase.

This enzyme is responsible for the breaking down of stored fats, on your waist, thighs, buttocks etc. So the excess carbohydrates in your diet not only make you fat, they make sure you stay fat. This is why most people often see very little or no results in weight reduction, even though they exercise.

So the idea of nutritionists and dietitians recommending a high complexcarbohydrate, low-saturated-fat diet is an oxymoron. A high-complex-carbohydrate diet is nothing but a high-glucose diet, or a high-sugar diet.

The connection between a high carbohydrate (sugar) diet, high levels of insulin and becoming overweight or obese should be a little more obvious now. In addition to the ever present added sugar found in so many of our foods, the more ‘sugar’ in the form of carbohydrates one takes in, the more our insulin levels rise. The more our insulin levels rise, the less fat we burn and the more sugar we store in fat cells, along with those extra triglycerides that the liver makes from excess sugar. The more we store the fatter we get.

There are other factors that can impact on our inability to lose weight including thyroid problems and lack of exercise, but when I removed sugars and refined carbohydrates from my diet, I lost nearly 20 kgs and to those who say that lifestyle and dietary interventions don’t work all I can say is that they do if you stick with them.(JOHN APPLETON) PN APPLETON ASSOCIATES T: 09 489-9362 www.johnappleton.co.nz

MUSIC INDUSTRY PERSONALITY GOES BALD FOR CHARITY TV AD DANIEL DALE, ONE OF THE GUYS BEHIND SPONSORSHIP AND MARKETING for the country’s music festival Rhythm and Vines, is the face of the latest Shave for a Cure television commercial.

Shave for a Cure runs 4-10 April and is the Leukaemia & Blood Foundation’s signature fundraising initiative to fund core services, patient support and research.

Dan took time out of his busy schedule, organising one of the country’s most talked about New Year’s Eve music festivals, for his acting debut. Naturally fair, the 29-yearold Ponsonby resident had to dye his hair brown for the ad, before having it shaved off. “It wasn’t the first time I’ve had a shaved head, but being a brunette was a first.”

Dan features in the ad alongside six-year-old Palmerston North resident Kole Satherley, who has a rare blood condition. “Kole’s a brave kid and did such a good job for his own first acting experience,” said Dan. “The Leukaemia & Blood Foundation is a great cause and I’m glad I could play a small part in helping raise awareness of its national fundraising campaign.” PN Register your own Shave event now! Everyone who raises over $500 receives a free Shave11 Huffer T-shirt. Check out www.shaveforacure.co.nz

MISSING BOOTS, WHO STOLE THEM, CAN YOU HELP? I was really sad to come home and find our long time admired pair of boots missing off the balcony. Not sure if Ponsonby News could help us try to find the culprit. These boots are traditional German Army boots. they are sentimental as they belonged to my grandad.

They were stolen off our balcony from Tutanekai Street in Grey Lynn. PN If anyone has information about the missing boots please email info@ponsonbynews.co.nz

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HELENE RAVLICH: NATURAL BEAUTY

FROM TV FACE TO NATURAL HEALER IT TAKES A LOT OF COURAGE TO LEAVE A WELL-PAYING DAY JOB TO FOLLOW your dreams, even more so when it’s been a large part of your life for the past 25 years.

Westmere resident Kim Webby has done just that, and is following a deeply selfless path. After years hunting down dodgy traders on Fair Go, chasing big news stories as part of the 60 Minutes team and making hard-hitting documentaries on topics like the Steven Wallace shooting or the Tuhoe police raids she has gone back to school, training to be a naturopath at Wellpark College.

Kim, who still files regular documentary pieces, says she first felt the call of training as a healer when she left school. However, a careers advisor steered her down the path of journalism, “as there were no really clear paths for the likes of naturopathy at that time, and journalism was where I wanted to be headed”. Her mother, a public health nurse in the Bay of Plenty, had been studying naturopathy papers by correspondence at the time though, so she was still exposed to key elements of the alternative science at a really early age.

Fast forward twenty or so years and Kim is now a naturopathy major at Wellpark, choosing that element of alternative medicine due to “its broad base and range of options with which to treat people. When I was 39, I went overseas for six months and when I came back I again thought about naturopathy; but I got a couple of media jobs and that led to more and I needed to pay the bills.” A few years on she’s determined to take the plunge and follow her passion this time around, “as I figure that if I don’t allow the time to do it now I never will”.

Now one year into her degree, over summer Kim took her still-developing healing skills to a remote island in Northern Sumatra to do voluntary work with Kiwi doctor Derek Allan. Derek is the sole doctor to around 60,000 people on surrounding islands where developing country health issues like dengue fever, malaria, leprosy and typhoid are beyond the average Kiwi’s comprehension.

She travelled with a fellow Wellpark student (a trained nurse) and the two women spent six weeks working with the local people, “which was both horrible and heart breaking and fantastic all at once”, says the journalist. People who came to see her were harbouring serious health problems that were mainly due to poor nutrition and a

lack of access to medical supplies and fresh water, and were willing to try anything to be healed. She says that seeing people suffering from a seemingly biblical affliction like leprosy was a real eye opener, but they jumped at the chance to experiment with treating a patient’s open wounds using Manuka honey. “We went back a week later to check and the wounds were really healing up,” she says proudly, “so to feel like we made a difference using a natural ingredient was amazing.” They also spent time encouraging the local people to plant gardens and grow their own vegetables as that is one of the quickest – and most inexpensive – ways to improve your diet.

In the future she hopes to return to Sumatra, as well as work with other indigenous groups in developing countries. Of Chinese and Pakeha descent with affiliations to Tuhoe, she says that she’d like to give back closer to home by working closely with Maori health clinics and combine this with her current affairs and directing roles.

Could she ever imagine setting up a practice somewhere like Ponsonby and treating patients in her own community? “You know I don’t think so,” she says quite honestly, “as I don’t know if it would challenge me enough or allow me to help others less fortunate than me.” An admirable mission statement indeed. (HELENE RAVLICH) PN

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KIM WEBBY practising yoga in Sumatra

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PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

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

him the basic principles of passing and tackling. Only when he has mastered these skills will the coach teach him more of the difficult aspects of the game.

I have read your column for some time with interest and have noted that many of the responses you suggest to readers seem to be very similar.

Why is that? SALLY SMITH, Herne Bay

I apply this principle to our wellbeing. This column may appear repetitive but it is just a start to show people how they can make simple changes to their diet and lifestyle to start them on their path to health. Once they have experienced the health benefits from this programme, they are ready and willing to follow a more specific programme that is individually structured to their particular body and its ailments.

Q: A:

It is a very interesting question and it’s good that you have asked this as I am sure that many readers have made the same observation.

As you might be aware, Ayurvedic Medicine’s main focus is to discover the root cause of an ailment, rather than just treat the problem symptomatically. Ayurveda also teaches that each of us has a unique intelligence and as long as that intelligence stays in balance we are able to live healthy and happy lives. However, when that intelligence gets out of balance it affects the body’s normal functioning, which causes toxins to accumulate at the physical and mental levels.

If any readers have any health concerns they are welcome to contact me via email: info@planetayurveda.co.nz or at Planet Ayurveda Wellness Centre, 41 Gillies Ave, Newmarket T: 09 522 5390 www.planetayurveda.co.nz PN PLANET AYURVEDA, 41 Gillies Avenue T: 09 623 2651 www.planetayurveda.co.nz

The principle factors that lead to this imbalance are the poor choices we make in our diet, lifestyle and environment. Whether we suffer from simple ailments such as hay fever or more serious problems like arthritis or depression, these problems occur as a direct result of the poor choices we make in the food we eat, in the lifestyle choices we make and the environment in which we choose to live.

In reference to your question, my first response to any health problem is to make the client understand this basic fact. Once they are able to understand this, they can make positive health choices and I give them a simple health programme to follow that is designed to bring the body back into balance. This is the sort of information that I give to people who write to me via this column.

Once someone has followed these basic principles and realised their health benefit, they are ready to follow a more detailed programme to help them deal with their ailment. This can only be done through a personal consultation with an experienced Ayurvedic Practitioner who will give them more precise and specific guidelines to target the root cause of their ailment to bring their body back into balance.

I think this approach is correct as proven by its application on many levels. For example, when we want our child to play rugby, the coach of the team will first teach

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THE SHIRODHARA is a popular treatment offered by PLANET AYURVEDA

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UNBLOCK YOUR LIFE FORCE QIGONG OR CHI KUNG IS SOMETIMES VIEWED AS CHINESE YOGA AND IS a practice of slow, graceful movements, mental focus and deep abdominal breathing to boost and balance vital energy, or what is called, Qi. It has been used in China for more than five thousand years and is gaining acceptance in the Western world as a beneficial treatment for many common ailments.

In New Zealand the Ministry of Heath has been funding lessons in Tai Chi for the elderly, particularly to improve balance and prevent falls. Unfortunately many have given up on it because the movements are hard to remember and it takes years to become a proficient practitioner. Some regard it as a younger cousin to the ancient Qigong method and more suitable for martial arts training. The Qigong method is also suitable for martial arts but most people practice it to improve their health.

I spoke to Julienne Stretton who started teaching Qigong in her local community on Waiheke because she feels that individuals should take responsibility for their own health and general well being. There shouldn’t be a need to rely on taking some sort of medication to feel better. She also rejects the commonly held expectation that growing old automatically causes health problems. There is no need to be a sick old person and practicing Qigong will prevent many of the conditions associated with declining years.

Unlike Tai Chi, Qigong is not difficult to learn. It’s low impact exercises are gentle on the joints and knees and anyone can do them regardless of age, weight, body type or fitness. Even if someone doesn’t get the movements quite right or within a small range of motion, it is still extremely effective. Chinese hospitals now include Qigong units where its practice is a necessary part of the recovery process after an operation or a chronic illness and to help build the immune system. Patients also feel calmer and very often feel their pain lessen.

Western style fast-paced gym exercises are all about the body. Get on the exercise machine, clamp the iPod to the ears and workup a sweat. On the other hand, Qigong is more holistic and combines breath alignment, physical activity and mental awareness.

Where the mind goes, the chi follows.

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Just as the Beatles made yoga fashionable when they went to an ashram in India it follows that China, now the super economic power on the international scene is doing the same for Qigong. There are screeds of stuff about it on the internet and even online instructions.

For those who prefer to learn from a master there are lessons at the Ponsonby Community Centre Monday evenings from 6.00 to 7.00pm. Petro Smith has been teaching Qigong since 2003. He has studied at the East West Centre in London and at the Yuantze Centre in Wellington and is an accredited teacher of the Zhineng Gong system. For further details go to www.qi.co.nz Small sessions for five or six in ones own house are also ideal. This might be of interest to U3A and Probus special interest groups or anyone else who wishes to improve their health. Julienne Stretton lived in Freemans Bay for many years but now prefers life on the island. She has trained in Thailand under Qigong master ManTak Chia and would be available to teach groups in Ponsonby. This is a far cry from her former work as a documentary producer and director for TVNZ, but she finds her change of lifestyle is just as rewarding. Her contact numbers are T: 09 372 9260 or M: 027 473 880.

(DEIRDRE ROELANTS) PN

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MY FAVOURITE ROOM – ZOE WILLIAMS Zoe WIlliams is co-creator, with her siblings Ruth and Morgan, of jewellery label Zoe&Morgan. She lived a childhood between the English countryside and New Zealand seaside full of shared creativity - her father was a successful jeweller himself.

Zoe&Morgan pieces have featured in Vogue, Elle, and InStyle. Word of mouth has carried the jewellery into stylish hands– Garance Dore, Alexa Chung, Emma Watson and Kate Moss to name but a few. “Luxury jewellers with a rock and roll edge”, their work is a deft mix of the masculine and the feminine, the hard and the delicate, with pieces bearing motifs like ‘love’ recently very popular.

Zoe just moved home after 10 years in London and lives with family in Grey Lynn: her mother Anna Sibbald, husband Teia Williams, son Ace (3) and daughter Mia (1). Their big villa is currently being renovated and is a glorious example of the chicest of shabby chic, and her favourite room is her office/showroom.

“I use it for work – designing new collections and packing and distributing orders, so it’s an open space that feels creative and calm.

“It’s my favourite room because it has a different use to other areas of the house. I come in here and just tune into work mode – I’m working part time as my young ones are still small and I want to be available for them, so the balance keeps me inspired and happy.

My favourite things in the room? I’m rather chuffed with my new display cabinet – it’s an ex shop display from London. I also love to work from my desk as the view looks right out over Grey Lynn giving a sense of space...my giant angle poise floor lamp is another fave – and works well for late night drawing!” PN

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DEBORAH KELLAND: LIVE AND DIE WELL If you are considering working with a coach and agree to at least a couple of the statements listed below, then I would love to hear from you.

ARE YOU GENERALLY A SMART, POSITIVE PERSON, AND… • • • • • • •

On the brink of change An independent thinker and doer Looking for better balance Seeking more fulfilment/enjoyment Feel too busy A small business owner or sole trader Have some cool ideas in your head and wish to have some intelligent discussion around them • Looking for more variety in your week I have been a personal coach since 2002 and, whilst I coach people from varied backgrounds and circumstances, the majority of my clients are small business owners or sole traders.

I am an open and collaborative coach with a great deal of experience and can offer various coaching options and approaches depending on your needs and situation.

If you are keen to know more or would like to arrange a 45 minute chat (at no cost) over a coffee with me then please get in touch.

LESLEY COLCORD Email: lesley@coach4life.co.nz T: 021 850 523

“OPTIMISM IS THE ONE QUALITY MORE ASSOCIATED WITH SUCCESS AND HAPPINESS THAN ANY OTHER”

THANK YOU...

I HAVE CHALLENGED THE TITLE OF THIS COLUMN AND THUS MYSELF, numerous times over the last few weeks in light of the Christchurch earthquake and now Japan. It certainly does not feel right to say that those who died in these extraordinary natural disasters died “well”. Most died in very unfortunate ways, with unimaginable fear.

I did not contemplate death by natural disasters, when I decided on this mantra for myself. It was more like a way to keep myself and others focused on living a healthy life and to assist those not long on this earth, to have support and comfort in death.

This personal mission now seems so woefully inadequate at times like this, with circumstances and times that go beyond any of our contemplations.

We have all had a serious wake up call to the force of nature and of our tenuous hold on our sophisticated modern lives. Our personal fears of death in vivid technicolour as we watched it all unfold in our high tech living rooms. But so too has the human survival instinct, personal commitments and collective strength, made these times an extraordinary highlight and a never to be forgotten time, in all of our lives.

I felt moved to tears on a daily basis as I heard yet another Christchurch story of personal suffering and triumph over adversity. I witnessed with the little black t shirt campaign first hand, how determined and passionate New Zealanders were to show the people of Christchurch that we were wearing our hearts on “our sleeves” and in this case, their heart on ours. One supporter wrote to me highlighting that this initiative was created using the best of “good old kiwi initiative and number eight wire”.

There is no doubt that the individuals and companies that banded together to make this happen, did so demonstrating extraordinary personal creativity and passion, building a t-shirt campaign out of nothing. It was a model that would only work in these extraordinary times – where your trust and belief in human kindness outweighed any prudent business processes. When I look back now this was made particularly possible because of the collective passion of the Waiheke and Ponsonby communities with people like Martin Leach our editor, that lead the charge.

Thank you to all of those who gave their time, shop windows, staff, banking facilities, tea breaks, wet Saturdays on the wharf, early days and late nights, packing and dispatching to 10,000 New Zealanders. It was clear to us all that deep down we all knew as Judy Bailey said to me, “I believe we owe it to those who died”. I also know many many more of you wanted to express your feelings and wear a t-shirt but could not get one in time. So we will keep the website going for a while longer and hopefully raise over our personal target of $150,000 to help those in need, rebuild their lives.

Thank you. www.chchheart.co.nz (DEBORAH KELLAND) PN

THE CANCER SOCIETY STEPS UP TO HELP CHRISTCHURCH COLLEAGUES The Christchurch earthquake badly damaged the Cancer Society’s offices in Christchurch with two of its three buildings yellow stickered. This has impacted on the patient services they are now able to offer. There is much speculation in the media about the future of Christchurch CBD, which of course has direct implications for the Cancer Society’s properties within that zone.

As well as direct cash injections the other five Divisions of the Cancer Society of New Zealand are stepping up to help ease the burden for both patients currently under treatment and their colleagues, many of whom have suffered great personal loss themselves.

The Wellington Division is responding to website enquires and taking the 0800 Cancer calls for all of the South Island for the time being, which is a significant increase in workload for the Cancer Information nurses. Nelson and Malborough new patients (up to 15 per month) will be redirected to Wellington for Radiation Therapy and additional accommodation is being arranged.

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Various planned events in Christchurch including Relay For Life and the NZ House & Garden Tour have had to be cancelled. Divisions across the country are doing all they can to help.

A share of the proceeds (equal to the value of the cancelled Tour in Christchurch) from the remaining three NZ House & Garden Tours taking place in Auckland, Tauranga and Wairarapa in March will be donated to the Canterbury Division of the Cancer Society. Remaining Relays still to be held are also doing their bit to help out in a variety of ways.

Canterbury cancer patients will still benefit and be supported as the other Divisions around the country rally around and do what they can to support the Canterbury/ West Coast Division. Lap tops have been provided by National Office and our Principal Daffodil Day Sponsor, The National Bank.

Elizabeth Chesterman, Chief Executive of the Cancer Society of New Zealand Canterbury/West Coast Division said “We really appreciate the support from across New Zealand that will help us rebuild our organisation and enable us to continue to assist cancer patients in our region at this difficult time.” PN

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AUCKLAND OPTOMETRISTS – PROVIDING VISION AND STYLE What do you see? Not much? Time to visit Auckland Optometrists, a modern, well equipped practice focusing on providing top quality, affordable eye care with a vast selection of frames and contact lenses for everyone.

Their aim is to address your individual needs, whether you are after a driver licence screening, need minor adjustments, a general check up or have other eye concerns.

A full, thorough eye exam is only $49 and a number of package deals are available, such as the $199 special which includes an exam and two pairs of glasses.

Where contact lenses are concerned, expect to get the latest lenses to suit your eyes optimally. And because Auckland Optometrists work closely with online companies, the prices of contacts are extremely discounted to outmatch other stores.

The frame selection is equally eye catching, so to speak. Here you'll find the standard, the classic and the modern - in short, the ones that are right for you. Choose from an impressive range including Gucci, Armani, Davidoff and JOOP, Dior - all well below the recommended retail price, starting at only $149 including lenses.

ENJOY A FINAL FLING AT MORE THAN SKIN YOU’D BE FORGIVEN FOR THINKING THAT IT’S TIME TO DIVE INTO THICK winter boots and warm woollen tights if you’ve been reading the latest magazines or checking out the new fashions for the season. But when you look out of your window, there’s a different story to be told…

The Indian Summer we’re currently enjoying suggests that there’s still plenty of sunshine filled days ahead and More Than Skin can help you make the most of them with their Final Fling promotion.

Enjoy a body polish and bronze, and receive a beach bag and pair of jandals – all for only $100! Plus you’ll get a FREE Joyce Blok Auto Bronzing Cream (valued at $40).

As the Easter break looms temptingly on the horizon, you should also be thinking about your beauty maintenance programme. Consider the grooming services you need to look your best over the coming weeks (waxing, tinting or a rejuvenating facial) and arrange your treatments now. In their busy lead-up to the long weekend appointments always fill quickly, so contact your More Than Skin therapist to book your place today.

Ocular medicines optometrist, Shan has over 13 years experience. He points out, ``People should have their eyes checked regularly even if their vision appears normal.

Diseases like glaucoma can do serious damage without you even knowing``. He also offers free eye exam and glasses for children under 16 whose parents have a community service card.

MASSAGE ANYONE? For those of you staying in Auckland over the holiday, why not indulge yourself with a relaxing treat? A therapeutic one hour AROMA MASSAGE is available from $85 while a HOT STONE MASSAGE offers gentle, soothing bliss from only $120! Let the holistic benefits of massage calm your mind, body and soul, providing the perfect escape to relax and enjoy some precious me-time.

With free parking behind their building, open your eyes and visit Auckland Optometrists, 160 Symonds Street T: 09 309 0999. PN

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

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SIGHING FOR A DECENT BREATH Do you sigh a lot? Frequent or excessive sighing is a symptom of hyperventilation syndrome which may be adversely affecting your health. photography: Steve King www.steveking.co.nz

Excessive sighing is often associated with stress, panic disorders and depression.

It is also a common day-time symptom in asthma sufferers as well as people with sleep disorders like insomnia, sleep apnoea and loud snorers.

GLENN WHITE

M.A.C. TAKES IT TO THE STAGE AT NEW ZEALAND FASHION FESTIVAL In a New Zealand first, M.A.C. cosmetics presented a 90 minute seminar at March’s New Zealand Fashion Festival.

Hundreds of women paid $75 to hear captivating Senior Artist Amber D talk about runway trends and see M.A.C artists onstage and on big screens showing how to apply the runway looks to real life makeup. Those in attendance also received a very generous goodie bag which more than covered the ticket price - gotta love that value for money!

Hyperventilation or over-breathing is a contributing factor in all these conditions but more often than not goes undiagnosed and untreated.

What’s wrong with breathing too much? Surely the more we breathe, the better we are? Wrong! Healthy breathing doesn’t mean the more you breathe the better off you are, in the same way that the key to good nutrition is not eating more.

This is because breathing more than your body requires actually reduces oxygen supply to your brain and body tissues. I don’t have space here to explain this process but it is explained in my workshops and you can read about it on the website.

So even a few deep breaths, sighs or yawns can deplete the oxygen supply to your brain and body. If you are a habitual sigher or frequent yawner it is almost certain that you will be suffering symptoms related to your dysfunctional breathing pattern.

If this sounds like you call Glenn at the Buteyko Breathing Clinic on T: 09-360 6291 to find out how he can help banish your sighs and put the spark back in your life. PN www.buteykobreathing.co.nz

Amber had just returned from the Northern Hemisphere collections, which saw her working with the M.A.C. team on shows like Moschino, Rick Owens, Zac Posen, Vivienne Westwood and Kenzo. Her lavish and captivating presentation covered four trends from the Spring/Summer 2011 runways: Terracopper, Raw Fined, Pop Classics and Ice Dreams. “Turns out I can really talk and talk and talk and talk...easy when it’s about makeup” she later tweeted.

OF THE VAST NUMBER OF VALUABLE (AND ENORMOUSLY FUN) TIPS SHARED, STANDOUTS FOR PONSONBY NEWS WERE: • Rock the bright lip! “Don’t just try it once at the supermarket” said Amber.

• Multitask your products: use lipsticks on your cheeks, use cream colour base on eyes, cheeks and lips, and use irridescent highlighters all over the place!

• The Northern Hemisphere shows heralded the return of mascara. Don’t hold back!

(JULIE ROULSTON) PN

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

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FUTURE GENERATION SHAKESPEARE GLOBE CENTRE NEW ZEALAND THE UNIVERSITY OF OTAGO SHEILAH WINN SHAKESPEARE COMPETITION IS a national event and last year local student Molly Hyland (pictured right) was selected along with 24 others to be part of the Young Shakespeare Company, which means she will go to London and perform in the Globe Theatre this coming July.

It’s been a long journey for Molly and fellow student Arlo Gibson, both students at Western Springs College, to finally get selected to go to London. They have been competing in the central Auckland regional competition for four years and finally won entry to the National Shakespeare Schools Production that took place last year in Dunedin from 26 September until 3 October. Molly says those were some of the best weeks of her life. In her words – “I made 47 new amazing friends and learnt a ton”. She adds that participating in the competition over the years has been beneficial in so many ways, especially with her self confidence. She adds that unfortunately many parents and students are not aware of the competition that she has found so rewarding.

Molly has now finished school and is taking a gap year to be in London, staying with her sister who lives there. The London experience is costly, about $8000 given travel, living expenses and attending workshops at the Globe.

“We are holding a fundraiser on 2 April at the Western Springs College Hall when a number of fellow entertainers will do short performances.” Hopefully the koha will be generous because this high achiever deserves all the assistance she can get after all her hard work. Furthermore, Molly will donate 10 percent of the proceeds to the Earthquake appeal. An added incentive for the audience to dig deeply into their pockets.

Once the time with the Globe Theatre comes to an end she hopes to do volunteer work in Thailand before coming back home and continuing her studies at University. Given her talent there’s every chance she might be spotted as a ‘good find’ and be offered serious acting opportunities. Who knows what might be in store for Molly after her valuable experience at the Globe? (DEIRDRE ROELANTS) PN

MOLLY HYLAND is off to London to perform at the Globe Theatre in July

CHILDREN’S BOOK REVIEW ‘On the Blue Comet’ by Rosemary Wells Boys especially, and fans of time travel and trains, should love this novel by Rosemary Wells, acclaimed picture book author and novelist of, amongst many, the Max and Ruby series and her Mother Goose texts. On the Blue Comet is a very attractive, quality hardback book with several gorgeous Rockwellian colour illustrations by Bagram Ibatoulline and at $24.99 would make a perfect gift.

11-year-old Oscar, a likeable character, lives happily with his dad where they enjoy the hobby of putting together model train sets, when world events change his life forever.

The great stock market crash causes his Dad to lose his job, their house and their beloved trains. Oscar’s Dad departs town to search for work, leaving Oscar in the care of his stern aunt. One day a mysterious stranger enters Oscar’s life, alleviating his loneliness, and helps him with his maths in exchange for food.

The plot gathers speed when Oscar and his friend, now a night watchman at a bank which houses Oscar’s old train set, witness a crime, and Oscar is catapulted into the miniature train layout wherein begins a series of time-hopping events, and an incredible train journey, with Oscar attempting to prevent a murder which would change the course of history. Filled with suspense, this captivating novel resonates with imagination, humour and the magic of a timeless adventure story. PN DOROTHY BUTLER CHILDRENS BOOKSHOP, 1 Jervois Road T: 09 376 7283 www.childrensbookshop.co.nz

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FUTURE GENERATION KID REPUBLIC IS THE NEW KID IN TOWN WITH ALL THE COOL GEAR The kid republic brand was born in Wellington in early 2009 after Cam Millar and Lisa Pomare become bored with what was on offer for their children once they were over two years old.

“We had Babystar (a nursery store) for many years which meant our babies were well catered for but once they outgrew our ranges we found very little on offer that was different. “ kid republic initially catered for children up to seven years and stocked everything from bedroom décor, to school accessories to an amazing range of well-priced footwear.

Their ranges, now dress children up to 14 years.

The kid republic store in Newmarket, Wellington or Tauranga are each very individual, but the brands and selection are amazing and include Minti, Rhubarb, Trelise Cooper Kids, Munster, Run Scotty Run, Babu, Dimples, Bahaus, EMMM, Bobux, Ecco and Skechers just to name a few. For those expecting, they offer a great range of maternity wear, lingerie and nappy bags.

The best thing about the kid republic stores is their staff. They are as passionate about kids fashion as Cam and Lisa. They will help you choose a special gift or an outfit from head to toe and wrap it beautifully for you. kid republic won the KFR best kidswear store in New Zealand and the Metro Magazine Best Kidswear store in Auckland for 2010 and were runner’s up in the Top Shop Fashion section.

Their web store is packed with great fashion or phone the store and your personal shopper will put together a box of goodies for you to try at home. PN KID REPUBLIC, 2 Kent Street, Newmarket T: 09 522 8334 www.kidrepublic.co.nz

PLUNKET WELCOMES REPORT INTO THE CARE OF UNDER-TWO’S PLUNKET WELCOMES THE REPORT ISSUED LAST MONTH BY CHILDREN’S commissioner John Angus into the care of New Zealand’s under-two-year-olds.

Chief Executive Jenny Prince says Plunket agrees with the report’s finding that parents should be supported to spend longer with their children in the first year of their babies’ lives.

“Plunket is dedicated to working with parents and communities to ensure that New Zealand children get the best start in life. Society is increasingly aware of just how important the first years are in a child’s life. It’s the time when mother and child bond, when breastfeeding has the most benefit and when new parents make significant

adjustments to their way of life and relationships. We know that when time is invested early to support parents in the practise of parenting, it reduces the risk of poor longterm outcomes for children,” she says.

“Parents need the chance to spend time with their babies. Society has an important role to play in supporting parents so that they don’t feel pressure to return to work or manage on a suddenly reduced income.”

Plunket advocates that all children in New Zealand should have the opportunity to reach their full potential. www.plunket.org.nz PN

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FUTURE GENERATION ST CUTHBERT’S IS TOP IN COUNTRY AGAIN New Zealand Qualifications Authority scholarship results just released confirm that St Cuthbert’s College is New Zealand’s top school at Scholarship level for the sixth consecutive year.

Students at the all-girls college were awarded a total of 120 scholarships, 20 of which were at Outstanding level. The college’s 2010 dux, PHILIPPA EBDON, winner of Athene Laws, received a Premier Award. a Top Scholar subject award This is given to the country’s top five to ten students and they are required to win at least three Scholarships at Outstanding level. Athene gained five, as well as two at Scholarship level.

In examinations normally entered only by Year 13 students, Year 12 student Winnie Wu garnered not only an Outstanding Scholar award but also a Top Scholar award in Visual Arts (Printmaking). The college produced two other Top Scholar subject award winners – Philippa Ebdon for Agriculture & Horticulture and Athene Laws for Geography.

Twelve St Cuthbert’s students between them won 20 Outstanding Scholar awards, putting them in the top 60 students nationally. A further 11 students received Scholarship Awards for three or more subjects. In the remaining category – Single Subject Award given for one or two subjects – 14 students won an award for two subjects and 35 won an award for one subject.

Premier Award winner ATHENE LAWS of St Cuthbert’s with Principal Mrs LYNDA REID and Mrs HELEN ROBERTSON, Head of the Senior School

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NZQA scholarships generally signify students who are in the top 3% nationally, while Outstanding Scholarships go to the top 1%. Results for St Cuthbert’s in the previous year (2009) – which at the time set another new record for the college – produced 110 scholarships. www.stcuthberts.school.nz PN

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DENISE CLEVERLEY

THE PONSONBY GARDENER

CONTAIN IT! PONSONBY NEWS’ EDITOR MARTIN LEACH RECENTLY TOLD ME OF HIS AND Jay’s success in growing a few summer veges and herbs in Greensmart self-watering pots (see www.greensmart.co.nz). I too was given a Greensmart pot and have had a steady crop of mesclun all summer, saving me quite a few dollars a week at the vege shop. Now we’ve reached mid-autumn, time is nigh to get a few winter vege crops planted. Planting in the ground before the soil cools off is important so seedlings can make good root growth to sustain them over winter. But if you want to be assured of success, a better solution is to plant in containers where the soil stays much warmer than the earth.

STARTING OUT Solid plastic containers are ideal, as they don’t dry out so readily. But there’s also a great selection of polyethylene pop-up planters available, which are strong, UV resistant, lightweight, and come in varying shapes and sizes to suit different crops.

Select trough style pop-ups for low growing plants and taller types for peas and spuds.

Set them up in a warm, sheltered spot, close to the kitchen and a hose for easy watering. Fill them with quality vege mix, which has all the added goodies required to both kick start veges and sustain them over the season. Don’t be tempted to use garden soil!

WHAT TO PLANT NOW? • Salad greens are easy from seed, fast growing and very rewarding. Try one of Kings Seeds delicious mesclun mixes, or make your own including your favourite gourmet lettuce varieties together with spinach, rocket, corn salad and beets.

• Asian greens, including all the Chinese favourites such as tat soi, choho and different types of pak choi are excellent for a quick stir fry. Japanese greens, including amaranth, mibuna, mizuna, misome, komatsuna and red mustard, also grow well through the cooler months and will add a whole new dimension to your cooking.

• Baby root crops including radishes, beets and carrots can be planted year round.

Radishes are the quickest to mature, taking only 4 – 5 weeks from sowing to harvest; Yates Baby Beets take about seven weeks; and baby carrots about 10 weeks. Soak beet seed before sowing to soften its corky coating.

• Spuds can be grown in special ‘spud bags’, which are tall to allow plenty of tubers to develop. Plant tubers in 20cm of potting mix and top up with mix every time the shoots reach about 15cm high. Continue to do this until you’ve reached the top and feed with Potato Food every month. Spuds are ready to harvest one month after flowers appear.

This will take 3 – 5 months, depending which variety of spud you grow. Tip the bag upside-down and harvest your spuds!

• Peas are an excellent winter crop. Plant sugar-snaps and snow peas, or try Kings ‘Petit Provencal’, a French heirloom that takes only twomonths until harvest and can be eaten like a snow pea or left to mature.

• Herbs are always handy when planted right outside the kitchen. Plant out parsley, chervil, oregano, sage and thyme and sow coriander from seed. Add in a couple of calendulas and use their petals to brighten winter salads. Grow mint and lemon grass in separate containers and a bay tree in a good sized pot. (DENISE CLEVERLEY) PN www.tullyandgardener.co.nz FIVE GARDEN CHORES FOR APRIL: 1. Spray Yates Weed ‘n’ Feed on lawns; 2. Plant miniature cyclamen for winter colour; 3. Spray aphid ravaged plants; 4. Put slug bait around your veges! 5. Kids: plant Radish ‘Easter Egg’ (Kings Seeds)

PREPARE FOR THE CLUSTER FLY INVASION THE FIRST SIGNS OF THE ANNUAL INVASION OF CLUSTER FLIES INTO HOMES, farms and other buildings have been reported to Kiwicare. As many people will know from previous bad experience the clusters of these flies can be huge; hundreds or thousands of flies in single clusters. The flies do not carry disease but the nuisance is considerable when they move into buildings.

The flies produce a sickly sweet smell and on warm autumn days will wake from their dormancy to be found dropping out of light fittings and crawling around the home in large numbers. They have been found lying several centimetres deep on the floor of houses when the homeowners arrived home from a few days away. Each year sees a bigger problem than the year before and this year’s warm moist weather is likely to contribute to the worst year ever.

The flies seek out dark dry places such as attics, ceilings, eaves, gaps around windows, doors and between roof tiles. When a fly finds a suitable place to hibernate it

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emits a pheromone (transmitting chemical) that attracts other cluster flies. As clusters grow, the level of pheromone increases and more flies are attracted.

Kiwicare advises that now is the time to be proactive and prevent the clusters forming in your home. It is much easier to prevent clusters forming than it is to get rid of them when they have begun gathering together. Treat areas where clusters might form and where flies might be able to gain entrance to a building using a long lasting surface insecticide such as Kiwicare’s professional strength NO Bugs Super. Spray entrances to attics around eaves, vents, gaps in weatherboards and roof tiles, around windows and doors and any other entry points. Such treatment will kill the flies if they try to enter the voids and prevent the clusters forming.

To control the larvae, lawn areas can be treated with soil insecticide such as Lawngard Prills used for grass grub control. This is best done through summer but may have some benefit in autumn months. PN Kiwicare provide further advice on control of cluster flies at www.kiwicare.co.nz PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

REAL ESTATE EXPERT ASK JOHN.WILLS@CUSTOMRESIDENTIAL.CO.NZ Each month John Wills answers readers’ real estate related issues.

Q: A:

John, I simply want to know, is this a good time to buy?

I know I’m going to sound like the classic Real Estate Agent here, but the short answer is: yes. It is a good time to buy in our wider area. In true Custom style, I want to be completely straight up and put some context around this. Sitting somewhere near the front of people’s memory banks are recollections of recent times where local property was going up in value by around $10,000 a month (month on month). Just to qualify that; I’m talking about a free standing character home of around $900k in value. Yep, that’s right, property owners had a monumental time of it in Greater Ponsonby. For a lot of people, this was a safe and exciting time to buy a house and count the cash, or at least thought they were counting the cash. (Generally speaking, if you sell for big money and have to go out and compete and buy for big money it’s all a bit even-steven, isn’t it?)

So, if you need that environment to feel safe, don’t buy now. Join in during the crazy times when you’ll turn up to the first open home and find a sold sticker already plastered on the signboard.

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WHY BUY NOW? 1. The ‘good times’ mentioned above will definitely come back and if you’ve already put a stake in the ground, you’ll be in great shape.

2. Money is cheap and likely to get slightly cheaper.

3. There is an ever worsening supply chain of property so market forces will be in your favour once you own.

4. The city of Auckland is experiencing significant population growth and everyone needs a place to live.

5. Prime city fringe locations are, in my opinion, the safest place to be a property owner. They weather almost any storm the market can throw at them.

6. Anecdotally, we are continuing to see local property rise in value. We’ve sold a number of homes over the past six months where, over just one or two years ownership, the vendors have still made $30,000 to $100,000 in straight capital gain (you never hear about this in the papers). Will you have to compete to own a local house? Yes, more than likely, but better to compete with one or two than seven or eight. PN So there it is. Hope this helps, please feel free to phone me if you have any further questions re this topic. www.customresidential.co.nz

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THE BOYS’ BOOK CLUB WHAT WE’RE READING

JAY PLATT “THE LOST CARRY ONS”

by Morris Bright and Robert Ross (Virgin) “THE OFFICIAL CARRY ON QUIZ BOOK” by Chris Cowlin & Paul Burton (Apex publishing)

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 “FAIR GAME” by Valerie Plame Wilson (Simon & Schuster) The US Government redacted much of the significant information in the first section of Wilson’s memoir, which concerns her career in the CIA. In print, a black bar omits some words and passages. The incompleteness of Wilson’s narrative, at first tantalizing, becomes frustrating.

The constant interruptions make it difficult to assemble a coherent story. Once Wilson’s identity is leaked by White House insiders, the memoir’s redactions cease for the most part. Unfortunately, her distress over the attempted destruction of her and her husband’s professional reputations is considerably less riveting than her spy career.

I love the ‘Carry On’ series of films, which I was hooked on from a very early age and I can watch them over and over again. When I was given these two books recently I thought I knew all there was to know about Carry Ons, I have watched them enough times. Apart from the biographies I have read about the actors and actresses that starred in these films. The first book ‘The Lost Carry Ons’ is about some of the extra scenes that were filmed but were missing or were just never put in to the original films either because they were not funny or were just too long.

I read this from cover to cover and as I was reading I could hear Kenneth Williams or Sid James in my head and if you know who I am talking about then you’ll know the voices I mean and the laughter. ‘The Official Carry On Quiz Book’ was another great find and I found myself asking people to test me to see how good I was, unfortunately not as good as I would have liked. Still it was loads of fun. And if you like trivia then you will love this.

DON’T MISS OUR NEXT PONSONBY NEWS+ DEADLINE… PUBLISHED: Friday, 6 April | COPY DEADLINE: Wednesday 20 April (PLEASE BE ON TIME, AS ANY COPY RECEIVED AFTER DEADLINE WILL INCUR A 20% PENALTY)

SPECIAL FEATURES: College Hill and Victoria Park • A - Z restaurants and cafes • The home office ADVERTISERS: GUARANTEED OR REQUESTED POSITIONS IN PONSONBY NEWS CARRY A 20% OF RATE CARD PREMIUM

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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

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HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS THE FRENCH TRADING COMPANY Three years ago Roz and Peter Rust fell in love with the Southwest of France while visiting there on holiday. The following year they returned and found a Girondine formal house attached to a twelfth century abbey. They bought it and started renovating the old stone structure.

They explored the surrounding region finding furniture and furnishings at local markets and antique fairs to decorate their new French home. The region close to Bordeaux has proven to be a treasure chest of wonderful antique furniture and they decided to bring their French experience back to New Zealand.

After continuing to buy beautiful and interesting pieces from around the south of France their first shipment arrived late last year. The result is The French Trading Company, an eclectic mix of antiques, French furnishings and accessories.

Just to walk through the doors and take in the gorgeous combination of antique pieces and modern accessories is a joy in itself. The selection of stunning armoires, tables, commodes, sideboards and chairs is complemented by beautiful cushions, glassware and many other accessories. Roz has presented these in a way that illustrates how the old and the new can enhance your home. You will be inspired by the quality of the pieces and how they can add a new dimension to your home.

The French Trading Company is well worth a visit. It offers a wonderful shopping experience and if you are looking to add a new touch to your home you won’t be disappointed.

Open Tuesday – Saturday 10am – 4pm PN THE FRENCH TRADING COMPANY, 2 Heather Street Parnell T: 09 379 9140 F: 09 379 9142 www.frenchtrading.co.nz

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HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS MARKET DAY AUCTION RAISED OVER $9,000 FOR CHRISTCHURCH Ray White Ponsonby prides itself on contributing to the Greater Ponsonby community but in recent weeks it became clear there was another New Zealand community that really needed help.

Spurred on by Growth and Development Manager Gower Buchanan who up until last November called Christchurch home, the Ray White Ponsonby team rallied help from generous local businesses and amongst their own staff, to pull together a charity auction on Market Day with salesperson Matthew Ryan as auctioneer.

It was a huge success with over $9,000 raised in just an hour and a half.

MANY THANKS TO THE FOLLOWING LOCAL BUSINESSES:

Team McMillan/Ponsonby Mini Garage, NZ Wholesale Seafood’s, Photographers Inc, Karen Walker, Auckland Ring Company, Fifth Avenue Menswear, Benchmarque Photos, Ponsonby Paper Plus, Seedling, Artedomus NZ, Yvonne Bennetti, Toto Restaurant, Occhiali Optical, Ponsonby Digital Mobile, Tessuti, Bliss Café, Ponsonby Amcal Pharmacy, The Garden Party, Michelin Tyres, Tyreworx, Republic, Glenn Hogg, Basement Design, Anzac Framing, Caci Clinic, Migun, Marvel Menswear, Milly’s Kitchen Shop, Number 18 Hair and Beauty, Art+Object, Texas Radio, Les Mills, Nosh Food market, Ponsonby Bar and Bistro, Gusto Restaurant, Chambers, Prego, Herald Homes, Ponsonby News, Glengarry and Newman Auctions.

AND THANKS TO: Peter Macky and Andy Davies. PN RAY WHITE PONSONBY, 259 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 376 2186 www.rwponsonby.co.nz

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ASK AN ARCHITECT: PAUL LEUSCHKE Every month Grey Lynn resident and Architect Paul Leuschke answers property related questions.

Email yours to info@ponsonby news.co.nz

PROPERTY CD DISCS I’m considering purchasing my first property. Any advice you can

Q: offer me would be very much appreciated. you purchase your house you may consider ordering a property A: Before disc, which shows all Resource and Building Consents and property

VENDORS: LOOKING TO SELL? ‘you can’t sell a secret... good marketing makes a difference every time’ www.ponsonbynews.co.nz

information. Here is a price guideline but check website as prices may vary.

Standard fee within five business days $71.56. Urgent fee within four business hours $81.78. Discs can be ordered online at www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

OFTEN SOUGHT SELDOM FOUND - HERNE BAY NORTHERN SLOPES SECTION

CCTV CAMERA INSPECTION OF DRAINS

Located on the northern slopes of Herne Bay in Sentinel Road, midway between Sentinel Beach and the cafes in Herne Bay is this rear section which allows for many building options.

neighbour told me recently he’d had problems with drains running Q: Mythrough his property. What do you recommend?

I recommend a CCTV camera inspection of the drains. It is an excellent idea to do a CCTV camera inspection before you purchase any property, especially in the central city were housing stock is older. The images will show damaged cracked drains and tree roots that may be blocking your drain.

A:

You may like to view the following websites for information and costs: www.hydrotechdrainage.co.nz; www.abbotts.co.nz

RESENE COOL COLOUR PAINT RANGE us to paint our old villa a charcoal black, but I’ve heard Q: Myaboutwifedarkwantscolours not being so great. What do you think? about next summer if you are intending to paint the exterior A: Thinking of your roof and house in a darker paint colour, you may choose to

consider the Resene Cool Colour Range. Darker colours absorb heat and paint can blister. That is why the majority of houses are painted lighter shades. Resene states that Cool Colour paint reflects heat from the surface and remains cooler than standard paint. This reduces stress on the coating and substrate and may increase the expected lifetime of each. Refer to the Resene website for information and benefits of the Cool Colour Range www.resene.co.nz/comn/whtsnew/cool_colours.htm PN

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Seldom are sections available on the northern slopes. With some effort a new home could be yours for under its worth simply by putting the pieces together.

Buy one piece of land add one house and the value is greater than the individual pieces. You do the maths, 1 + 1 = 3.

Two of the current options are either a 360m2 home (Resource Consented) of three levels with a waterfall, a lift and pool, valued at $2.8m plus and a retail turnkey building at a cost of $973,000 plus an estimated pool cost of $75,000 and landscaping cost of $15,000.

OR a two level home of 265m2 with a retail turnkey building at a cost of $701,000 plus landscaping estimate of $15,000.

OR a home of your own design.

The vendor has other plans so wants this section sold. It will be too late if you hear about it afterwards and wished you were at the auction. If you have a property to trade, the vendor wants to know. Very flexible terms could be available.

All enquiries to Les Fejos AREINZ, Cooper & Co Real Estate Ltd MREINZ Licensed Agent, REAA 2008. 128 Hurstmere Road, Takapuna PN T: 09 486 4747 (office) F: 09 486 4750 (office). M: 021 467228 E: les.fejos@paradise.net.nz

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS FROM PALACE TO PONSONBY WOOD FLOOR SOLUTIONS OWNER STUART THRUMBLE HAS TRADED THE palaces of London for the homes of Ponsonby. In fact all New Zealander’s now have the opportunity to benefit from the wooden floor renovation skills he has honed from years in the likes of the Palace of Westminster, St Pancras Hotel, the famous architect Edwin Lutyen’s historic estate plus many other English historic homes.

Subsequent to meeting a Kiwi lass in his home town of Guildford in Surrey England, Stuart has relocated his business to Grey Lynn, following a move to Ponsonby to marry his kiwi sweetheart.

Stuart served an apprenticeship as a French polisher and restorer back in Surrey in the early 1990s and after being requested to restore and polish an oak floor at a large English country estate, he has focused on replacement, restoration and polishing of wooden floors.

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After gaining valuable experience and familiarising himself with the New Zealand flooring industry Stuart has recently reinstated his company Wood Floor Solutions.

Wood Floor Solutions offers an easy complete package in timber flooring whether it’s a new modern floor or a renovation of a well loved existing floor. Aging, staining and decorative finishes are also available. Wood Floor Solutions only use the best European machinery and finishing products, and offer an extensive range of timbers from around the globe, as well as native and reclaimed timbers.

Stuart would be only too happy to guide you through the process, measure and supply you with a free personalised quotation. PN WOOD FLOOR SOLUTIONS, T: 09 962 6185 M: 021 245 8380 www.woodfloorsolutions.co.nz

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KEITH AND SANDY DOWDLE UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL Keith was Principal of several local Intermediate schools, including Ponsonby Intermediate. Sandy was an award-winning Real Estate Administrator. They began selling houses in 2007, specialising across the inner-city fringe, and developing a special interest in the up-and-coming areas of Arch Hill and Kingsland. They have won numerous national awards for their ‘fresh approach’ and innovative marketing. Keith and Sandy are at Custom Residential, which, they say, shares their philosophy of maximising value for each owners’ property, rather than a ‘volume driven’ sales approach.

“We enjoy the challenges that working together bring on a daily basis. Who is in charge is a very flexible concept! We have a 22 year old son Daniel, who we have just managed to convince to leave home. We had to move out of our house to do it!

(We have just moved to a townhouse in Freemans Bay). Daniel works in IT in the city.

We have a geriatric Labrador cross SPCA special who is now 16 and inertly retired.

He is managed by a Abyssinian cat who sometimes answers to Sienna but more commonly answers to the biscuit rattle. We keep fit by walking every day, usually before work. Keith has also planned to join a gym for a while now but this intention has had no effect on his fitness.”

YOUR BEST FRIEND WOULD SAY OF YOU? How do you put up with him every day?

Usually directed at Sandy.

YOUR MOTHER WOULD SAY OF YOU? Well, have you sold a house today?

YOUR VIRTUES? Straight up, work hard and don’t like to give up on anything.

(Keith has a sense of humour and Sandy has tolerance for it.)

YOUR VICES? Good coffee, red wine and the chocolate doughnuts from Salta.

WHO’S YOUR ULTIMATE ROCK ICON? Joe Cocker for Keith, Steve Tyler for Sandy (closet Idol fan)

YOUR DESERT ISLAND DISTRACTIONS... Song: You can leave your hat on – Joe Cocker (gotta watch that sunburn); Film: Inception. I would finally have time to get it.

WHAT’S YOUR SECRET PASSION? Working together to get the job done. We do hide the fact we enjoy working together quite well at times. (Keith is a HSV (Holden Special Vehicle) fan – the faster the better - and Sandy is a aspiring secret Masterchef.)

WHAT WEBSITES DO YOU BOOKMARK? All the Real Estate ones, SPCA, Healthy Food Guide, TV3, TVNZ, Stuff, Trademe.

WHAT’S YOUR SECRET TALENT? Sandy makes a mean Pav. Keith sings from time to time – usually alone these days.

I’D BE LOST WITHOUT MY... (Sandy): Hairdresser. (Keith): MySky. Imagine having to watch the ads!

WHERE DO YOU SPEND YOUR HOLIDAYS? On the beach at Oneroa, Waiheke or the Bay of Islands.

ONE THING YOU’VE LEARNED ABOUT LIFE IS: Where focus goes, energy flows.

WHAT’S YOUR PERFECT SUNDAY? A long walk, a big brunch, lazy afternoon, rounded off with a BBQ at home with friends. Somewhere in there we would sell four or five houses …we’re talking perfect, right?

WHAT WERE YOU GOING TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UP? Keith: My entire family were teachers so I was brainwashed. Sandy: A cat.

HOW DID YOU COME TO BE A REAL ESTATE AGENT? Sandy: After years of Real Estate admin and management, I was ready to take the plunge. Keith: The right place at the right time. I was leaving teaching and it was time for something different and new.

Never looked back!

WHAT WAS YOUR STANDOUT SALE OF THE LAST 12 MONTHS? 229 Ponsonby Road. An old iconic property that is going to now get the new lease of life it deserves.

YOUR ADVICE TO PONSONBY HOME SELLERS: Choose an agent carefully. Go with one you can trust, both to do the job and negotiate strongly on your behalf. They should listen carefully, advise wisely and commit to your home and its sale absolutely.

You can only sell your home once. It will get your 100% attention. Demand no less from your agent.

YOUR ADVICE TO PONSONBY HOME BUYERS: Do your research and look at as many properties as possible, talking to as many agents as possible. Then when you see something you like – go for it. Remember that if you like it, others will too, so be bold!

IF YOU WEREN’T A REAL ESTATE AGENT YOU’D BE? In business together doing something else – probably out of Auckland. Making coffee and Pav? FAVOURITE PONSONBY CAFE? Salta and Richmond Road Café. Good coffee, great service.

FAVOURITE PONSONBY RESTAURANT? Nishiki – our new local, Gusto for pasta and Prego is always good.

FAVOURITE PONSONBY STORE? Sandy: Karen Walker. Keith: Victoria Park New World when they have a wine sale!

YOUR BEST KEPT PONSONBY SECRET? The fantastic little commons all through the Freemans Bay Townhouses. You can walk and hardly cross a road.

WHAT’S INSPIRED YOU RECENTLY? The courage and tenacity of the people of Christchurch, and the way the rest of New Zealand has swung in to support them.

Proud to be a Kiwi!

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DON’T MISS OUR NEXT PONSONBY NEWS+ DEADLINE… PUBLISHED: Friday, 6 April | COPY DEADLINE: Wednesday 20 April (PLEASE BE ON TIME, AS ANY COPY RECEIVED AFTER DEADLINE WILL INCUR A 20% PENALTY)

SPECIAL FEATURES: College Hill and Victoria Park • A - Z restaurants and cafes • The home office ADVERTISERS: GUARANTEED OR REQUESTED POSITIONS IN PONSONBY NEWS CARRY A 20% OF RATE CARD PREMIUM

16,487

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

COPIES DISTRIBUTED TO HOMES AND BUSINESSES IN ARCH HILL, PONSONBY, COXS BAY, FREEMANS BAY, HERNE BAY, GREY LYNN, ST MARY’S BAY, WEST LYNN AND WESTMERE PLUS SELECTED BUSINESSES IN HIGH STREET, CHANCERY, CBD, KINGSLAND, MT EDEN, NEWMARKET, NEWTON + PARNELL

EST: OCTOBER 1989 – Incorporating the Ponsonby Community Newsletter (PCNL) CELEBRATING 21 YEARS OF PUBLISHING HISTORY!

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PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS SAVE TIME, MONEY AND STRESS WITH STORAGE ON WHEELS The task of storing belongings and furniture has been dramatically simplified. With Smartbox, it’s a one-step job. Compare that to the old six-step way of doing things (hire a trailer, pack it up, drive to storage place, unload, pack the storage unit, return trailer, then repeat the process when you need your belongings back) and it’s obvious why Smartbox mobile storage is a big hit in Auckland.

SAVE YOUR VALUABLE TIME Because it involves so many steps, traditional self-storage may require as much as 10 hours of work. Smartbox cuts this down to around two hours. And there are cost savings – you won’t need to hire a trailer or truck for the moving. Diane of Glendowie discovered the simplicity of Smartbox when she was between houses: “Smartbox made my move so much easier and a lot less stressful and it’s great to know all our things will be delivered to our new house when we are ready.”

A BOX THAT CAN HOLD A HOME Maybe you’ve seen a Smartbox parked in front of a house, waiting to be loaded.

They’re getting to be a common sight on suburban streets. The box, which is big enough to hold the contents of a two-bedroom home, is delivered on a trailer. You have two days to pack it and then it’s towed away to the Smartbox secure storage facility. If you ever need to access your Smartbox, you can visit the storage facility or have the box delivered back to you. Smartbox is also a convenient storage solution for businesses that need to archive files or store spare office furniture.

JUST A FEW DOLLARS A DAY Whether your needs are short-term or long, Smartbox storage costs just a few dollars a day. Plus you don’t pay extra for drop off, pick up and redelivery (within the Auckland metro zone) when the storage period is over.

No hassle, no double-handling, no towing, no worries. That’s Smartbox - storage that comes to you. PN To find out more about Smartbox, visit www.smartbox.co.nz or call T: 0800 22 55 76.

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KITCHEN, BATHROOM AND INTERIOR DESIGN ASK ROB@BUILDSPACE.CO.NZ

Q: A:

What is the difference between granite and engineered stone benchtops?

Are there other options I should consider for my kitchen?

Granite is a natural stone while engineered stone is a composite, made from stone chips and held together with bonding agent. Both make fantastic, highly durable benchtops and are very popular options, but there are other alternatives worth considering.

Granite is an igneous rock formed by heat and compression which results in a wide range of colours and patterns. Different types of granite are more heat, stain and scratch resistant than others which mean some colours are easier to look after than others, but generally speaking granite is one of the most durable benchtops available.

Granite benchtops are generally 20 or 30mm solid stone and sealed with a polish finish prior to installation to ensure a hygienic, easy clean surface with the timeless appeal of natural stone.

Marble and limestone are also used as benchtops, but being sedimentary rocks they are generally softer than granites which means they are more prone to scratching and staining. The trick with marble is you either have to take much more care to keep it looking good, cleaning up immediately after spills (especially coloured or acidic liquids) or embrace the imperfections that will occur over time as adding character to the surface. The Italians have used marble surfaces this way for centuries, but you must be aware when considering softer stones that they won’t stay looking brand new unless you are very careful with maintenance.

Engineered stone is a non porous and highly durable surface and being man-made comes in highly consistent pattern whereas granite will vary from piece to piece. Most engineered stone mixes quartz chips with a specialised bonding agent meaning tops can vary by chip size and colour to offer a wide range of options with a uniform pattern which complements both classical and contemporary settings.

Stainless steel is another highly durable benchtop material which provides a modern, functional look. Stainless steel is prone to scratching which can be viewed as part of the character of the material; and it can be harder to keep looking good than stone surfaces, but for some there is no other choice. Concrete makes a bold statement, and after sealing provides a stain and heat resistant surface, but it is expensive and generally requires a four to six week leadtime which can be inconvenient.

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High pressure laminate tops like formica have been around for many years and are available in countless patterns and colours. The downside with laminates is they are less scratch resistant and don’t like heat at all. New laminates have come onto the market in recent years which provide greater depth and texture in terms of aesthetics and with better abrasion resistance to provide greater durability. A wider range of edge finishes are also available with tight radiuses which simulate a stone edge rather than the clashed edges or bull noses many think of with laminate tops.

Granite and engineered stone tops are more expensive and prices do vary, but they are much more affordable than they have been so don’t rule out stone on cost alone and remember a quality benchtop can add real value to your property. Stainless steel is generally a little cheaper than stone and laminate tops are the most cost effective solution. Stone and stainless steel tops often require a template which can only be made once the cabinets have been installed meaning the tops can only be installed two to three weeks after the cabinets, whereas laminate tops can be fitted on the same day. It is important to consider the pros and cons of each alternative.

Talk to your kitchen designer and make sure you see large samples once you have narrowed your choice; and with stone tops you should even visit the factory to view the slab your top will be cut from. PN BUILDSPACE KITCHENS AND BATHROOMS – Design Build Install T: 0800 455 556 info@buildspace.co.nz www.buildspace.co.nz

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

WHATS HOT AT STRAWBERRY SOUND DANIEL JURY WELL IT’S ALL HAPPENING NOW; THE EDGE HAS BEEN WELL AND TRULY knocked off those humid summer nights. The air con unit is getting a welcome break and the blankets have emerged once again to take their place at the end of the bed (just in case). With dropping autumn temperatures preparing us for those long evenings in front of the new flat panel television, what better time is there to plan your new home theatre system?

In the spirit of last month’s editorial on digital streamers it seemed only fitting to mention a solution for those of us who instead of immersing ourselves in a two channel recording of Van Morrison would more likely find themselves bouncing around on the couch to Optimus Prime’s fight scene in Transformers 2, a streaming solution with full home theatre functionality, multi zone capability... and the ability to use an iPhone to control the beast.

At Strawberry Sound we help a lot of people with audio systems that require sound in more than one area of the house, perhaps sound in a dining room or master bedroom is required, maybe outside on the deck for entertaining. Sometimes three or more zones are needed. This is where the switchable A and B zone amplifier finds its limitations, whilst great for basic applications it does not integrate well with your TV, does not usually have home theatre functionality and cannot be controlled from other rooms in the house. A new approach was definitely needed.

Most of us have heard of Denon already, if we don’t already own one of their components.

Recently celebrating their 100th birthday they have launched a new range of receivers that really do change the face of multi zone installs and home theatre systems. These receivers start at $599 for the AVR1311 and while you will need to invest a little more to get the multi zone, iPhone controlled 3311 they all come with 3D capability, 5.1 and 7.2 encoding with a multitude of audio configurations.

The AVR1911 is the first multi zone receiver in the line up and offers 7.2 surround sound, oodles of power and two separate zones capable of playing two separate sources. It comes with an Audyssey set up mic so all you really need to do is plug everything in, put the mic on the couch where you would usually sit and press the go button, no more fiddling with an endless supply of room size and speaker configuration options.

At the moment the real star of the bunch has to be the AVR3311. We have installed quite a few of these in different configurations with a trail of very happy customers.

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The 3311 receiver comes with two remotes, one for the main zone and one for zone two and three, all the features and more that you would expect from a top end home theatre amp and the ability to provide sound to three individual zones around your house.

Plug your Blueray/DVD player, CD and any other components you have into the 3311 and treat it as a hub for controlling your whole system. You can even run a second TV or projector if needed. The remote can learn the functions so you can finally put away seven of the eight remotes on the coffee table. Ok so here is the truly fun part. If you own an iPod touch, iPhone or iPad you can put away that last remote and install a free Denon app on your device. This app effectively turns your device into a wifi remote control that you can use anywhere around your house, anywhere your wifi signal reaches that is.

Choose your zone, choose your source (CD, iPod etc) and you’re away. Plug another iPod in and control the music from that with your new remote. You can even leave the kids in the lounge watching Ice Age while you have a cheeky red out on the deck and listen to Jamz FM from the Bahamas just because you can. Using your internet connection the AVR3311 can play internet radio from anywhere in the world or music from any computer on your home network. Now I know what you’re thinking, finally you can get into your teenagers PC and access that great Hip Hop you have been hearing your kids play over and over and over again - am I right?

They will definitely put a smile on your dial. Ask for a demo of the new Denon receivers in store. (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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LOCAL NEWS: DEIRDRE ROELANTS

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DEVELOPING A SUSTAINABLE BRAND Work stressing you out? Staff not motivated? Office atmosphere unpleasant? Can’t seem to ‘grow’ the business? It’s obviously time to bring in a guru - and there’s one right here in Freemans Bay, Gregory Mendendez by name, brand architect by profession.

Over the last fifteen years he has worked with some leading brands – Apple Computers, Dell, Ecostore, Nike to name just a few and he is very aware of how brands work.

After completing an engineering degree Greg completed a Diploma in business and marketing and became consumed by an interest in how the brain works and the way it affects behaviour, particularly consumer behaviour. When he was employed as Nike’s marketing director he gained experience in launching and growing brands and became convinced a business will reach its full potential by developing a great brand. When Nike retrenched and moved its New Zealand office to Australia, Greg began consulting on his own bat and has been doing so ever since.

He has now set up a new business called Brand Ecology Ltd with offices at 84 Franklin Road, Freemans Bay. His professional service encompasses culture development, brand strategy, and one day business plan workshops. The culture of a business has lots of ramifications. It starts with individuals and the relationship they have with themselves and their team of co-workers right up to the owner. If the culture is dysfunctional, the business won’t achieve a high level of activity. Watching the quality of communication within a business gives Greg some insights. Once a business owner recognises shortcomings in communication, he or she will then come to realise the importance of listening skills and the need for trust and respect.

Greg is convinced that if you are in business you should be growing a brand.

Consumers become emotionally connected to brands and will stay loyal to them. Why do I continue to buy Nike trainers instead of any old brandless sneaker? Could it be something to do with Nike being one of the world’s most successful brands? I rest my, or rather Greg’s case.

Greg’s typical engagement involves a game plan he co-creates with his clients that involves a new strategy and enables them to go-to-market with a different approach and renewed confidence. He also runs one-day Business Plan workshops that are easy, fun, creative and have proved very popular because they are fast. Most business people don’t plan and those that do find many plans take up a lot of time to formulate and don’t get used. Leadership training is another of Greg’s skills. His model is simple and empowering and enables every worker in a business to be a leader. This takes pressure off the owner or CEO, freeing them up to focus on strategy with a supporting team that can be relied upon.

At time of writing, his most recent client, Alex Melrose, CEO of VetCare, Grey Lynn has written a glowing testimonial on how Greg has transformed the business and is happy to verbally reinforce it to any prospective clients if they call 021 657 453. Now what is the name of that other brand I have a strong connection with? Ah yes, Adidas, the sunglasses I can’t live without and somehow don’t misplace as I was wont to do to with lesser brands! Phoenix Juices was Greg’s very first client and being organic he enjoyed the experience because he is keen to work with brands that are into sustainability. With a growing number of consumers concerned about the environment they will choose to follow brands that reflect the same ethos. Greg is also presently offering workshops at a reduced price, half of which will be donated to the earthquake fund. Details can be accessed at www.brandecology.com (DEIRDRE ROELANTS) PN

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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:

My wife and I are divorcing and we are settlors, trustees and beneficiaries of a family trust that owns our home. A 3rd trustee is her brother. I want the house sold but she doesn’t and her brother supports that. Can I force a sale? Many thanks and I hope you can publish this in Ponsonby News. BRUCE. by e-mail.

A:

Thanks for the question. Trusts have been a popular vehicle for people to protect assets like their family home from business and other risks. Often people have not turned their mind to what would happen in the event that they split up and occasionally only one person may have turned their mind to this issue.

There are a number of different approaches to this problem and I am going to set out a couple of them below. These may not help you directly with the question can I force a sale but may help you with a result in the long run.

You should first look at the trust deed. Are decisions of the trustees required to be unanimous or can a majority of the trustees make a decision? Who has the power to appoint and remove trustees? Is this power held jointly by you and your wife or do you hold separate powers to appoint trustees. Are there any provisions for splitting or resettling the trust?

It is prudent to check these issues but I expect that you will find that the trustees decision is required to be unanimous (which means you have a stalemate) and that trustees can only be appointed by you and your wife acting jointly.

The next matter to consider is does the trust owe you any money? If so you may be able to demand it back and if the trust doesn’t have any money itself then this may force the trust to sell.

Any debt owed back by the trust is also likely to be ‘Relationship Property’ in terms of the Property (Relationships) Act 1976. You may be able to seek a greater share of this debt if there is other property that has been disposed of to trust or for compensation for the fact that there is not a family home. The Act may well entitle you to lodge a type of caveat against the property to protect your rights and interest in the property.

The Property (Relationships) Act has some other provisions for ‘busting’ trusts and section 182 of the Family Proceedings Act 1980 allows the court to review the settlement of property into trust and if it sees fit to make orders regarding the trust.

You should also consider the advice that you received at the time of setting up your current structure. Did one lawyer act for both of you? Were you properly advised?

Were you given the opportunity to obtain independent legal advice?

As you can see there are a number of options and lines of enquiry and obviously you need to get some good legal advice. (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.

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

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WHY BUY NEW ONES WHEN YOU CAN RE-USE THE OLD? WITH 1,600 STORES WORLD WIDE CARTRIDGE WORLD MUST BE DOING something right. The franchise company was founded in Australia in 1991 and was originally called Australian Cartridge Co. In 1999 the name was changed to Cartridge World and given its expansion into fifty one countries, this seems the more appropriate name. By 2004 stores in the US were opening at roughly one a day and the international headquarters recently relocated to Emeryville, California. Printers are a sort of loss leader for the manufacturers because the cartridges are the money makers and much effort is put into combatting the type of service Cartridge World offers.

I talked to Sonia at Cartridge World on 366 Great North Road and she demolished any vague misgivings I had about using refilled printer cartridges, assuring me there is no way they can harm my printer. In fact Cartridge World offers a 100% customer guarantee. There was a landmark case in Germany against Brother that was banned from insisting consumers use original Brother cartridges otherwise the three year guarantee became null and void. In New Zealand it is illegal for a manufacturer to require a consumer to use a particular brand so the big boys just have to grin and bear it when we pop into Cartridge World with our empties.

A big point in Cartridge World’s favour is that refilling cartridges is ecologically sound.

The cases are plastic, which uses oil and given that millions are made in a day, it’s not exactly sustainable or economic to be throwing them in the waste bin as soon as they are empty. The manufacturers are constantly using new technology, such as highly encrypted chips to circumvent refilling but Cartridge World keeps up with the play by having a team of technicians work on new cartridges as soon as they are introduced and developing processes to refill them successfully.

Sonia had to pass a two week intensive international training course before taking up a franchise and she certainly knows her stuff. She will give sound advice and is knowledgable about the process. The inks and toners used are specifically formulated in Germany and the USA to mimic the original and there are 130 different inks available for the various cartridges in use. Sonia also has an exchange system with a virtual library of refilled cartridges ready to go, saving regular customers having to wait. Furthermore if anyone is looking at buying a new printer they should pop into a Cartridge World store to find out which ones are good value.

There’s quite a bit involved in this re-filling business. The cartridges differ from one region to another. New Zealand is in the South Pacific/Asian region so if a printer is bought in England, for instance, it won’t be compatible with our cartridges. But the printing quality is universal. Whether it’s black or full colour the result is crisp and bright with no discernible difference from the manufactured original. So no more misgivings on my part. Next time I run out of ink it’s straight to Sonia’s for a refill.

(DEIRDRE ROELANTS) PN CARTRIDGE WORLD GREY LYNN, 366 Great North Road T: 09 376 5516

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PONSONBY PROFESSIONALS LOGAN GRANGER

31 MARCH 2011 FINANCIAL YEAR END TAX PLANNING TERMINAL TAX If you have Terminal Tax due for the 31 March 2010 year don’t forget this is due on 7 April 2011.

If you are not able to pay it on time then advise the IRD on or before 6 April and enter into an arrangement, this will cut down the late payment penalties and maintain your standing with IRD. Note it is too late to enter into an arrangement and get a remission of penalties on the due date or after, it must be done before the due date. In any event if you have overdue tax of any type then the best thing you can do regardless of the due date is to call your tax adviser or the IRD and work out a plan, even if you cannot cut the original penalties back you can mitigate ones being added later on.

PROVISIONAL TAX Have you paid enough provisional tax? Review your final March 2011 year end management reports. You may want to top up your 2011 tax now if profit has increased substantially, rather than leave the tax until 7 April 2012, and incur possible use of money interest on the outstanding balance. Companies and trusts always incur use of money interest on terminal tax amounts.

Individuals are only subject to it if they are over the $50,000 provisional tax threshold.

BAD DEBTS Write off bad debts before 31 March. Record the date so you can demonstrate to the IRD when you did the write off. Note, this does not prohibit you from continuing to pursue the debt, nor does it let the debtor off paying.

FIXED ASSETS Sell equipment likely to make a loss before balance date, rather than after. This way, you realise the tax deduction this year rather than next year. Scrap any assets no longer able to be used or of no value as you can claim the remaining book value as a deduction in the current year.

RETENTIONS Retentions on building contracts are generally taxable in the year the contractor becomes legally entitled to receive them. Therefore, if retentions are outstanding at year end, they usually do not form part of your income for tax purposes for that year, and are therefore only taxed when they become due. This can result in a significant deferral of income.

STOCK ON HAND If your stock on hand is worth more than $10,000, you will need to count it at balance date. Ensure

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you get rid of expired or obsolete stock before this date, otherwise you will need to include it at cost price, resulting in an increase in your taxable profit.

EXPENDITURE If you have any major maintenance or other tax deductible expenses that you are likely to incur over the next few months you may wish to consider having this invoiced before the end of March in order to claim the tax deduction in the current tax year rather than the next.

BONUSES / HOLIDAY PAY Calculate any staff bonus for the financial year as soon as possible after 31 March. You have 63 working days from balance date to pay them out and still claim the deduction. Also ensure, where possible, that holiday pay unpaid at 31 March is cleared within 63 working days in order to claim the deduction.

REPORTS If you have an accounting system, balance the reports as soon as possible after 31 March 2011, including reconciliations such as bank, debtors, creditors and loans. Print the reconciliations to PDF or paper, then back your system up to disk/memory stick etc for your accountant. If you have balances rolling forward from last year, do they match your accountants closing balances per the year-end accounts prepared for you? If you have issues with your balances and reconciliations call your accountant and get help early, it will save time and money rather than giving the accountant a mess.

GENERAL In April you will start getting documents your accountant will need, such as closing bank statements for 31 March, interest certificates, loan statements and summaries and the like, start putting these things and other items you get asked for every year into a folder for your accountant, this will cut down on the number of queries and speed up the process of completing your taxation affairs.

If you have any further questions or would like to discuss the matter please do not hesitate to contact me at lgranger@jacal.co.nz or on T: 09 361-2762. PN Disclaimer - While all care has been taken, Johnston Associates Chartered Accountants Ltd and its staff accept no liability for the content of this article; always see your professional advisor before taking any action that you are unsure about.

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

PONSONBY PEOPLE + THEIR PETS ASK ALEX Each month Dr Alex Melrose answers readers’ pet related issues. e-mail yours to: alex@vetcare.net.nz I have a wee question for you regarding cherry eye. We bought a French bulldog ten days ago and three days after we got him his cherry eye popped up. We have read everything on the internet (probably the worst thing we could do!), telling us that it’s a genetical weakness, and all we were told by his breeder was they could fix it with surgery, but I’m not sure what the procedure is. We have read that even after surgery it can keep popping up again and requiring more surgery each time. We don’t want to remove the gland totally and have to put eye drops in his eye everyday for the rest of his life (kill me now!)

Q:

We have all become attached to him and would hate to see him go. I know that there is no guarantee but I just want to get your opinion on the likely success rate of the pocket stitch surgery? And which option do you think is best?

Cherie, Biarritz.

Wow, this has put you guys in a difficult position. Basically right at the start i.e. day one, we can often lubricate the gland and pop it back in, however it is still prone to reoccur. (One of my nurses has a Neapolitan Mastiff that does it temporarily sometimes). You are right regarding genetics and the breeder should offer to take him back with a full refund, full stop, to be a responsible breeder. However, I also understand you guys are already getting super attached. Do not have the gland removed. KCS “dry eye” for life causes big problems with many life-long hassles. The gland needs to be replaced back into a conjunctival pocket by an experienced surgeon. Cherry eye can occasionally reoccur despite all best efforts. Hard call guys, you could get another one, and then it may have other issues.

Awesome breed, I almost got one but Karla wanted a griffon ... and so the Prince of darkness was born.

A:

WELCOME PIXIE Pixie, an 11-month-old Chihuahua Papillon cross (who is firmly in denial and thinks she is a ‘miniature german shepherd’), is a new addition at the Ponsonby News’ design studio, according to her owner, Anya Veryaskina. As a good indication of her character here are a few other names she goes by: “naughty sausage” (self explanatory), “Pixielicksie” (also self explanatory), “Pixel” (she is a smallest addressable element in this household!) and last but not least - “Squirrel”, for all the noises that she makes in seeking attention and for ALWAYS being hungry. PN

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

My suggestion is keep him, but breeder refunds cost of purchase and you use that to pay for the operation. Some clients have organised this kind of deal which seems fair, especially if the breeder is keen to keep a good name.

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

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PONSONBY PEOPLE + THEIR PETS ANIMALOSOPHY: DR MEGAN ALDERSON THE EMBLEMS OF EASTER HAVE TRADITIONALLY BEEN THE BUNNY AND THE egg. How did the ‘breeding like bunnies’ rabbit and the ‘clucky’ egg laying hen gain such popularity and prominence during our Easter celebration?

Far north of here, the egg was used as a symbol of the rebirth of mother Earth with the coming of spring. A pagan festival celebrated on the vernal equinox, the early Christians went with the ‘if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em’ attitude, adopting the celebration as their own as it coincided nicely with the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The egg became symbolic of Jesus’ last days, of being quietly dormant while containing new life.

Around the same time in history the Easter Bunny (derived from the original Osterhase or Easter Hare) arrived with a basket filled with coloured eggs and candy for the good children of Alsace. German settlers took this phenomenon global and the popular sugarcoated festival of Easter took no time to catch on.

In New Zealand pet rabbits have become a common choice of animal companion and family pet. Bunnies are curious creatures that given the chance would choose to live in colonies rather than caged alone. If they did, a clear hierarchy would exist among the members of the community.

A regular buck would take up with a permanent mate, while those higher up on the social scale, after spreading their manly scent around, often would have one or more ‘mistresses’. Teenage pregnancies would abound, with sexual maturation at only three months of age, the young mother would find after only 30 days pregnant up to 12 kits in her care - a big ask for any new couple to cope with. The does would fight for prime real estate needing a large family den then 10 days later find themselves knocked-up, the cycle of proliferation starting all over again - ‘multiplying like rabbits’ an understatement when it comes to their ability to reproduce.

So Christianity, fertility, chocolate and eggs all seems a strange recipe for the makings of an autumn Easter celebration. For those considering owning a rabbit, especially as a child’s pet, they are warm and social animals who normally live eight or more years.

Along with companionship and daily care an annual check-up, dental exam, vaccination and de-sexing are part of the deal for these fluffy family pets.

Finally- Labradors dressed as rabbits need to be advised chocolate consumption can be life threatening so beware of imposters, make sure your dog doesn’t get into the Easter eggs. I hope you and your families have a lovely Easter. (DR MEGAN ALDERSON) THE STRAND VETERINARIAN, 114 The Strand T: 09 377 6667 www.thestrandvet.co.nz

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ARTS + CULTURE AUCKLAND ART FAIR 2011: THE BIG DAY OUT FOR ART LOVERS Plans are well underway for the 2011 Auckland Art Fair from 4 - 7 August with an exhibition of over 1000 works by top contemporary artists from 40 of Australia and New Zealand’s leading galleries.

The biennial fair, the first major event to be held in the new, purpose-built, Viaduct Events Centre on Auckland’s harbour front, will feature paintings, sculpture, photography, installations and multi-media art works by over 600 artists.

“The Auckland Art Fair brings together some of the best Antipodean art being produced today under one rather spectacular roof,” says Art Fair Director and local Grey Lynn resident, Jennifer Buckley. “We have a lively programme of activities from lectures, forums and hospitality events to appeal to local, national and international visitors be they collectors, artists or newcomers to the art world.”

“It will be like a Big Day Out for art lovers with opportunities to engage one to one with artists, curators and gallery owners who not only know their works and can guide prospective buyers, but also play a vital role in bringing new art to the market and supporting emerging artists.”

SHOWING AT WHITESPACE

The Art Fair will open with the Vernissage, a glamorous gala preview on Wednesday 3 August. (Vernissage is a French word originally referring to the final flourishes on a painting before it goes on public show and is now used to denote the opening night of a significant art event.)

Until 16 April Clay Paint-ceramics and Jeffry Feegar Three ceramic artists are showing works. Jim Cooper just back from his Taiwan residency shows more of his quirky colourful creatures that were a sell-out at his last NZ show. Scott McFarlane’s hand painted wall tiles feature rich imagery and text and Madeleine Child presents gooey sticky crud - more of her delicious lollies in clay.

“The Vernissage will be attended by 600 of our closest friends, including sponsors, VIP guests, artists and gallerists, as well as political, business and civic leaders and of course, the glitterati. It will be a pretty glamorous affair but I promise you it will not be stuffy. We will add our own special flourishes,” Ms Buckley says.

In the South gallery Papua New Guinea artist Jeffry Feegar shows portraits of Sepik River people. Jeffry lives and works in Port Moresby where he is part of a new generation of PNG artists whose work reflects the convergence of traditional and contemporary life.

In 2009, Vernissage guests found themselves amidst a drove of “good keen men” and their sheepdogs leading them through the exhibition and providing their own vernacular insights on what they knew to be art.

ALSO SHOWING LATER THIS MONTH ARE TWO POPULAR ARTISTS:

“We wanted people to ‘get in behind’ the artists and the galleries,” she said. “The Art Fair is a premier event but we want people to know that the wide world of art is accessible and open to everyone, from committed collectors to the merely curious.”

An anticipated 10,000 people will visit the fair, and if 2009 is anything to go by, there will be a keen demand for Vernissage tickets. Bookings will be essential. Ticketing information will be released shortly.

Nic Moon: SOUTH 19 April - 7 May Inspired by the remarkable work of conservationist Richard Henry in Dusky Sound in the late 1800s, Nic presents beautifully evocative sculpture and paintings.

Mary McIntyre: unEASE One of New Zealand’s most senior and well respected portrait artists shows nudes deftly painted voluptuous and slightly naughty. PN WHITESPACE, 12 Crummer Road T: 09 361 6331 www.whitespace.co.nz

www.artfair.co.nz

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ARTS + CULTURE SHOWING AT OREXART Evan Woodruffe: 3 - 21 May. Opening Saturday, 30 April OREXART is delighted to present the latest body of work by Evan Woodruffe, winner of the 2011 Molly Morpeth Canaday Art Award. The gallery’s association with Woodruffe spans two decades, since Oedipus Rex opened its doors in 1990. While the gallery name changed to OREXART in 2008, the mission has remained the same: to build the careers of its established artists and encourage the development of promising newcomers.

The gallery programme includes a range of art practice - sculpture, photography and new media - but the focus remains on painting.

OREXART has been in its present location, in the heart of the art precinct, in Khartoum Place, since 1994. Like everyone in the city, the gallery and artists look forward to the completion of the Auckland Art Gallery redevelopment across the street. The gallery is managed by its founding Directors and long time Grey Lynn residents, Rex Armstrong and Jennifer Buckley. Rex brings years of experience, knowledge and enthusiasm to the front of house and runs the gallery on a daily basis. Jennifer now works largely behind the scenes, occupied with the presentation of large scale projects such as the forthcoming Auckland Art Fair and community art initiative, Art Week Auckland. PN OREXART, Upper Khartoum Place, off Kitchener Street T: 09 649 379 0588 www.orexart.co.nz

REX ARMSTRONG, EVAN WOODRUFFE and JENNIFER BUCKLEY

DICK FRIZZELL LIMITED EDITION BOX SETS OF PRINTS AT GOW LANGSFORD GALLERY Celebrated local Ponsonby artist Dick Frizzell has created some wonderful limited edition box sets of prints for the upcoming Rugby World Cup. With just six months to go until the cup kick-off Gow Langsford Gallery along with All Black legend Alan Whetton and Dick Frizzell held an event last month showcasing these works. To view and to purchase a set go to www.gowlangsfordgalleryeditions.co.nz 1. Dick Frizzell and Alan Whetton; 2. Colleen Hunt, Graeme Burgess and Maurice Hunt; 3. Alan Whetton, Alex Swney and Ross Munro.

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ARTS + CULTURE A PONSONBY RESIDENT’S SUCCESS STORY Allyson Hamblett is a remarkable young woman. She has cerebral palsy but her quite severe disability has not stopped her in her tracks one little bit.

She has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Auckland University, a Diploma in Library and Information Studies from Victoria University and two National Certificates in Computing from Manukau Institute of Technology. Presently she works at Spark Studio as Website and Online Coordinator, a part time position she has held for five years.

Spark Studio is a division of Panacea Arts Charitable Trust and originally offered art programmes for adults with physical and intellectual disabilities. Last year the studio’s activities were widened to include non-disabled people in order to bring about a more integrated environment focussed on the visual arts.

DOCTOR’S ARTWORK TO HELP CANTERBURY

The studio is located in a lovely setting at Rocky Nook Bowls in Fowlds Park with easy access for the wheelchair bound. It’s an independent organisation, administered

by Paacea Arts Charitable Trust and relies on sponsorship and grants to provide services that are designed promote and encourage self development through creative expression. The people who attend sessions come from all walks of life, but share a passion for the arts. This diversity makes Spark Studio unique.

AUCKLAND-BASED DOCTOR AND POP ARTIST BRAD NOVAK HAS teamed up with Artrite screen printing, National Art Supplies, Megalith and Elena Keith to create a limited edition artwork to support the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal. Art lovers have an opportunity to help those affected by the earthquake through purchasing a piece of art. “This is a practical way art lovers can support the relief efforts in Canterbury. 100% of the profits will be donated to the cause” says Dr Novak.

Allyson has been attending Spark programmes since 2002, during which time she has explored her creative side and found it very rewarding. A longtime Three Lamps local, Allyson soaks up the village atmosphere and the café culture. She is a regular at Café Cézanne and Café Liaison and particularly loved painting a scene “ Ponsonby, Three Lamps”, a two dimensional work on canvas. By the time she had completed the painting she felt as if she could walk into it. A Ponsonby local has purchased the work.

The work is entitled “Hope for Canterbury” and features the Christchurch Cathedral in a graphic style inspired by renowned artist Andy Warhol. Novak aims for it to express something of the inspiring kiwi spirit. “It feels good to do something to help.

Seeing the bravery and determination of those affected has been humbling.” Novak is also donating one of his FIFA Football World Cup screen prints, which has been personally signed by the entire All Whites squad and coach Ricki Herbert. Bids for this can be made on Radio Sport’s online auction for the earthquake.

City scenes have always fascinated her but as she developed as an artist, with the help of Spark Studio tutors, she became passionate about portraiture. At the end of last year she painted “I’ll Miss You, Todd” , which was dedicated to a very good friend who committed suicide at the end of 2009. The process helped with the grief she suffered and towards the completion of the work she felt as if Todd was still with her.

As a public health doctor, Novak has been involved in emergency responses in the past such as H1N1, and knows how hard people are working in Canterbury to try to deal with the situation. “Art is a way we can express emotion or communicate a message. Hopefully this work conveys a sense of hope – the courage that has been shown, and that rebuilding will eventually occur. People need to try to hold onto that.”

Allyson does a lot of voluntary work for Outline NZ, a free, confidential telephone counselling service for the rainbow community New Zealand wide. All sorts of people call for all sorts of reasons and they don’t necessarily have to be in a crisis situation.

Outline NZ is there to listen, provide information, and help with problems. She also does work for CCS Disability Action which aims to affect change in communities so disabled people have access to the same opportunities as all other New Zealanders.

For more information or to purchase an artwork, visit www.bradnovak.co.nz

The seeds of the organisation began over seventy years ago to help children whose lives had been changed forever by polio. The Crippled Children’s Society was established in 1935 but today the goals are broader hence the change of name to CCS Disability Action.

Allyson loves helping communities develop and finds involvement with not for profit organisations very rewarding but thinks this sort of work should also have financial reward as well. And so say all of us, because ‘they deserve it’. (DEIRDRE ROELANTS)

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SCREENING AT RIALTO BABIES

SARAH’S KEY Starring: Kristin Scott Thomas, Mélusine Mayance, Niels Arestrup Season starts: 14 April Director: Gilles Paquet-Brenner Rating: M adult themes Julia Jarmond is an American living in Paris and writing for an American magazine when her editor allows her to cover the 60th anniversary of the “Velodrome D’Hiver” roundups of Jewish families. Julia discovers that the apartment she and her husband Bertrand plan to move into was acquired by Bertrand’s family when its Jewish occupants were dispossessed and deported 60 years before.

This is a beautiful film that takes you on an unforgettable emotional journey.

BABIES Starring: Bayar, Hattie and Mari Season starts: 5 May Director: Thomas Balmès Rating: Exempt Everybody loves...BABIES. This visually stunning new movie simultaneously follows four babies around the world - from first breath to first steps. From Mongolia to Namibia to San Francisco to Tokyo, BABIES joyfully captures on film the earliest stages of the journey of humanity that are at once unique and universal to us all.

The children are, respectively, in order of on-screen introduction: Ponijao, who lives with her family near Opuwo, Namibia; Bayarjargal, who resides with his family in Mongolia, near Bayanchandmani; Mari, who lives with her family in Tokyo, Japan; and Hattie, who resides with her family in the United States, in San Francisco. PN RIALTO CINEMAS, 167 – 169 Broadway T: 09 369 2417 www.rialto.co.nz

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ARTS + CULTURE DOUGLAS WRIGHT SIGNS UP FOR SHAKESPEARE

THE ORIGINAL ART SALE HELPS KIDZ FIRST GET BETTER

Peach Theatre Company presents OTHELLO plays: 23 July – 13 August Directed by Jesse Peach. Movement by Douglas Wright.

Music by Gareth Farr.

Creativity overflows at Auckland’s largest annual art market The Original Art Sale – an important event on every collector’s calendar.

An explosive collaboration between New Zealand’s top theatre artists come together at the Maidment Theatre from 23 July, as Peach Theatre Company brings a raw, stripped back and sexually charged encounter of one of Shakespeare’s most thrilling works, Othello.

However, to secure the finest work art lovers can attend the charity gala preview at 6.30pm, Thursday 12 May. As well as enjoying a glass of wine and hors d’oeuvre gala guests have first pick of outstanding works from both local artists and those well recognised throughout the national art scene.

Director Jesse Peach has assembled an all star cast and an all star production team including two national icons. Acclaimed choreographer Douglas Wright and award winning composer Gareth Farr have signed on to work with the young director.

There will be something for all tastes and budgets with prices ranging from $100 to $5,000. For more information go to www.theoriginalartsale.co.nz.

“Many people may think Douglas Wright is an odd choice – but he’s going to stir up the actors in a way that will frighten people… this is one of the great love stories of all time, and he’s just as excited about it as I am” says Peach.

From 12 - 15 May Manukau’s TelstraClear Pacific events centre will be transformed to a bustling art supermarket with more than 1,200 artworks looking for a new home.

All proceeds from gala night ticket sales are donated to Kidz First Children’s Hospital at Middlemore. Each year 11,000 children are admitted to Kidz First and more than 22,000 children are treated in the Kidz First emergency department – one of the busiest emergency departments in the Southern Hemisphere.

Wright has recently received high praise for his work RAPT at the Auckland Arts Festival, and Farr has been confirmed as the official composer for the Rugby World Cup.

The bustling children’s hospital offers regional and national health services. The majority of its patients come from the diverse community of Counties Manukau. Within the region there are 100,000 children under the age of 15 and 40 per cent of these children live in impoverished conditions. Diseases such as respiratory illnesses and meningococcal meningitis are a significant problem.

Othello is one of Shakespeare’s most performed and loved works. It is the story of the purest love between a black man and a white woman, fractured by jealousy and greed.

Tickets for the gala evening cost $49. T: (09) 270-8808 to purchase tickets.

Robbie Magasiva will play Othello, considered one of the great roles in the theatre – made famous by the likes of Laurence Olivier and Orson Welles.

Currently starring as Shortland Street’s Dr. Maxwell Avia, Magasiva is a fast becoming one of the country’s most recognised and popular actors – appearing in shows Where We Once Belonged, A View From The Bridge and films as Sione’s Wedding andThe Tattooist.

Magasiva is joined by Home and Away star Matt Walker in the role of Cassio.

Hamilton born Walker is best known on our shores for his role as Justin Jeffries in the popular soap. Walker is a graduate of Sydney’s prestigious drama school NIDA and has starred The Children of Huang Shi, The Cut and Legend of Seeker.

Another recognisable face is 31 year old Matt Minto. Best known as Isaac Worthington on Shortland Street, Minto will play Shakespeare’s most notorious villain, Iago. Minto has an extensive background in theatre including roles in Twelfth Night, Macbeth and Hamlet.

Theatre starlett Morgana O’Reilly will join the star studded cast in the role of Desdemona. Her father will be played by seasoned theatre veteran George Henare OBE. For over forty years Henare has graced the stage and screen and received the order of merit for his services to acting in 2009.

Featuring: Robbie Magasiva (Othello), Matt Minto (Iago), Morgana O’Reilly (Desdemona), Matt Walker (Cassio), George Henare (Brabantio), Olivia Tennet (Emilia), Gypsy Kauta (Bianca), Ciarin Smith (Roderigo), Ross Girven (Duke/ Gratiano) and Kevin Keys (Montano/Lodovico) Show times: 8pm EXCEPT Tuesdays/Wednesdays at 6:30pm, and Sunday 31 July at 4pm.

School matinee: 4 and 11 August at 11.30am Maidment Theatre, 6 Alfred Street, Auckland CBD Tickets: $25 - $54 (School Group - $15 / 26 July special price $20) Bookings through the Maidment Theatre: www.maidment.auckland.ac.nz or T: 09 308 2383 PN

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RAYMOND JENNINGS EXHIBITS Artist Raymond Jennings has a strong following at The Original Art Sale and his work will be on show again this year. Formerly a Ponsonby resident, Raymond moved to Oratia earlier this year.

Raymond has a Diploma in Fine Arts from the University of Auckland and has painted for more than 35 years. In 1994 he designed and constructed the stage set for The New Zealand Wearable Art Show in Nelson.

He has completed several commissions including a large mural at Kamo High School and a double mural of trees inside the Aulsebrooks factory in Auckland. He has had a number of exhibitions in public art galleries in New Zealand including The Suter City Art Gallery and The Canterbury Art Gallery in Christchurch.

He has also had successful shows at the Adrienne Contemporary Art Gallery in San Diego and the London Fine Arts gallery in Singapore. His works are held in private collections in New Zealand and overseas.

Raymond paints New Zealand landscapes that are distinctive in their composition, structure and choice of colour. The line is an intrinsic part of the structure and the rhythmic combinations of colours are deliberate and not forced.

In 2009 Raymond was a finalist in the Wallace Awards. PN

CHRISTCHURCH HEART APPEAL You are not alone, our hearts are with you... www.chchheart.co.nz PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

ARTS + CULTURE THE NZ HOUSE & GARDEN TOUR Elizabeth Marvelly - The Home Tour She’s toured the world with Britain’s Got Talent star Paul Potts – now Elizabeth Marvelly’s come home! The rising star soprano joins forces with the NZSO and Dancing with the Stars TV maestro Carl Doy to present The Home Tour, an evening of magical entertainment at the Auckland Town Hall on April 15.

In a perfect concert for anyone who loves light classical or cross-over pop in the style of Paul Potts or Susan Boyle, you’ll experience one of New Zealand’s fastest-rising young talents performing a mix of well-loved favourites and Kiwi anthems, accompanied by the national orchestra.

Enjoy Ave Maria, Gershwin’s Summertime and home-grown hits including Don’t Dream It’s Over and Welcome Home. Elizabeth will also sing from her new album, Home, which last month debuted at number six in the Album Chart. Elizabeth says the concert celebrates her return after three years of international touring, including engagements all over the world with pop classical sensation Paul Potts, who is now a good friend.

The concert also reunites the singer with Carl Doy, who arranged her gold-selling 2007 debut album. Music Director of the five-season hit TV series Dancing with the Stars, Doy is well known internationally for his multi-platinum Piano by Candlelight series, and his remarkable career as a producer, composer, arranger and pianist.

The Home Tour will be a glittering evening with a star in the making! If home is where your heart is, join Elizabeth and the NZSO. For more details visit www.nzso.co.nz

I AM THE RIVER 2011’S BIG WINNER MARK MCNEILL AND ITALIAN CO-DIRECTOR LUIGI CUTORE ’S STORY OF THE cultural clash of a series of photos has seen them scoop the Documentary Edge Festival 2011’s top New Zealand award. I Am The River, which documents the 2001 chance discovery of previously unknown photographs of 19th century Whanganui Maori, received the Festival’s ‘Best New Zealand Feature’ award at the gala. The feature also picked up awards for ‘Best Cinematography’ and ‘Best Editing’ in the New Zealand Competition.

McNeill and Cutore were held off from winning the coveted ‘Best New Zealand Director’ award by Paul Trotman, who directed the bittersweet tale Donated To Science, following the lives of those who have decided to donate their body to medical research.

New Zealand director Paora Joseph also had a great evening; his short film Hiding Behind The Green Screen earned him the ‘Best New Zealand Short’ award alongside being touted as an emerging documentary talent as he scored ‘Best Emerging New Zealand Filmmaker’.

In the International Competition, Rob Lemkins and Thet Sambath’s Enemies of the People rightfully earned back-to-back ‘Best Feature’ and ‘Best Director’ awards with its gripping tale of discovering the horrors of the Khmer Rouge. However they had to share the director’s gong with Shlomi Eldar – his documentary Precious Life a resonating piece about the cultural divide in Israel even after saving the life of a child.

Naked men in saunas baring their souls formed the canvas for Finnish film ‘Steam of Life’ winning ‘Best Cinematography’ while harrowing nuclear documentary Into Eternity, earned a special mention in the ‘Best International Feature Film’ category while winning ‘Best Editing’. The offbeat The Mystery of The Flying Kicks from Australia earned itself the ‘Best International Short’ award.

This year the Documentary New Zealand Trust decided to award the ‘Outstanding Contribution to New Zealand Documentary Industry’ to two recent trail-blazing documentary films that have redefined documentary in New Zealand. With official selections at HotDocs (Toronto), London, Seattle and Vancouver among many more and recently shortlisted for consideration for the Best Documentary at the Academy Awards 2011, indie film This Way of Life was one of two honoured with the ‘Outstanding Contribution to New Zealand Documentary Industry’, alongside The Topp Twins: Untouchable Girls which has brought documentary into the vocabulary of local cinema goers becoming New Zealand’s most successful box office documentary of all time.

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

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ARTS + CULTURE SHOWING AT MASTERWORKS GALLERY Until 20 April JOHN CRAWFORD - LADDER MOON RIVER An Exhibition of ceramics and drawings by John Crawford, this body of work sets out to explore the familiar: Tap; Hose; Fountain; Reflection; Refraction; Imprint.

MUSEUM OF TRUE HISTORY (MOTH) IN COLLABORATION WITH KARL CHITHAM – DERELICT This second instalment of the collaboration between Karl Chitham and the highly prestigious Museum of Jurassic Technology, the Museum of True History, (known affectionately as MOTH by collection enthusiasts and museum professionals alike), will see the de-installation of the vessels Chitham re-created from the little known collections of failed architect and potter A. Verlassen. We suggest coming to visit before there is nothing left to see... PN MASTERWORKS GALLERY, 77 Ponsonby Road T: 09 378 1256 www.masterworksgallery.com exhibitions@masterworksgallery.com

All that appears ordinary has been used by the artist to create a delicate bridge to the land of the personal.

“It is a land populated by the remembered line. A confident use of texture and form light and shade, all mixed with a sea infused light”.

- John Crawford KATE FITZHARRIS – MAKING DO In this new series of dolls for the wall Kate Fitzharris has worked with offcuts and other detritus from her studio – with the idea to use those things normally overlooked, or discarded as not beautiful, useful or of any value.

Her work continues to explore ways to understand our place in the world and hence also looking for meaning in our lives and she believes it is often in these small often overlooked things that meaning can be found.

Fitzharris’ approach shows a consciousness of the importance, especially in these times of many people and finite resources, of making the most of what we have, creating something out of nothing and being grateful for what we do have; as well as the idea of making new life out of old. Her exhibition title she sees as a very active statement, ‘making’ and ‘do’ both activities, where one is not static but moving, participating not just observing.

MIA STRAKA – MODEL/JEWELLERY

MINUIT’S RUTH CARR RELEASES DEBUT BOOK, ‘I FELT LIKE A FIGHT, ALRIGHT?’ As the powerful front-woman of renowned Kiwi act Minuit, and the unforgettable lyricist behind their tunes, Ruth Carr has always known the power of words – they are her currency.

Full of one-liners, poems, lyrics and short tales, Ruth Carr takes us deeper into her world with her debut book ‘I Felt Like a Fight Alright?’ which was released last month. The result is a darkly humoured look at life, death and what it is that we do ‘while we’re here’. While this sounds all very exciting for fans, Sonja de Friez, Nine to Noon reviewer on Radio NZ National, suggests it has a much wider appeal. “Reminiscent of Cohen’s mid-career poetry and writings, Minuit’s songstress Ruth Carr has penned an elegant, acerbic and revealing collection which strikes the heart and soul of any reader.”

De Friez follows up by saying, “it’s so good, that before I’d even finished it, the 16-year-old had pinched it and was engrossed. I still haven’t got it back.”

Back in 2003, when the band released their gold-selling debut ‘The 88’, Russell Baillie predicted in The New Zealand Herald: “Minuit have something many electronic acts studiously avoid – a sense of personality.” That personality blossomed into a world travelling act, and here Ruth Carr has captured the much quoted quirkiness of character in her new book, giving us a peek inside Ruth’s head – though just don’t make any sudden movements or stare directly at it for too long.

In the jewellery box programme this month is an exciting new experimental range of neckpieces developed by Mia Straka in response to a jewellery workshop she attended recently in Melbourne held by internationally acclaimed Manon Van Kouswijk. Come and see Straka’s exploration into the potential of PVC and silk thread in jewellery.

As well as this quartet of exhibitions Masterworks offers a wedding registry and gift voucher service. Please contact the gallery for further information.

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An unexpected and genuine piece of New Zealand writing from a woman who is never one to preach but often has the whole ‘congregation’ singing along, you can pick up ‘I Felt Like a Fight, Alright?’ from selected bookstores, online from the Minuit Bookstore (minuit.bigcartel.com) and – for those cyber-savvy readers – digitally from www.mebooks.co.nz.

As Rolling Stone magazine wrote about her band’s latest album ‘Find Me Before I Die A Lonely Death dot com’ - “Despite an album title as black as midnight, Minuit’s music is often as joyful as a fat kid with cake.” PN PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

photography: Michael McClintock

PASIFIKA FESTIVAL New events, old favourites, cultural workshops, tasty treats and much more delighted visitors to Auckland’s annual Pasifika Festival last month.

OUT + ABOUT: MARTIN LEACH, JO BARRETT, JAY PLATT + JULIE ROULSTON The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

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photography: Michael McClintock

144 PONSONBY NEWS+ April 2011

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

photography: Michael McClintock

PASIFIKA FESTIVAL

New events, old favourites, cultural workshops, tasty treats and much more delighted visitors to Auckland’s annual Pasifika Festival last month.

The 2011 Pasifika Festival is the largest and most significant cultural festival in the South Pacific. A major highlight of Auckland’s events calendar, it offered something for everyone and attracted over 250,000 visitors during a busy week of events in the centre of Auckland and at Western Springs. Performers include Te Riri O te O, Te Ariki Vaine Polynesian dance group and Sa-Move.

The launch event began with a performance by a Tongan brass band, a mihi and blessing from tangata whenua before the Reverend William Cuthers led the assembled group in prayer. Auckland’s popular Pasifika Festival is a free celebration organised annually by Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development Ltd on behalf of Auckland Council.

OUT + ABOUT: MARTIN LEACH, JO BARRETT, JAY PLATT + JULIE ROULSTON The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

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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

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

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HERNE BAY: Five Loaves & 2 Fish, 206 Jervois Road 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

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