DAVID HARTNELL: ONE MINUTE INTERVIEW

Glenys Lindsay is an experienced wedding and ceremony celebrant.

How long have you been involved in the wedding industry? It’s been 13 years. I graduated from the AUT celebrant course in 2007 and have been doing ceremonies ever since!

Did you ever imagine that you would see same sex marriage in your life time? Probably not but am so happy that it was made law as I am passionate about all couples being able to marry, and I also love performing same sex weddings.

What would be the most novel wedding ceremony you have been a celebrant at? The theme was ‘The Game of Thrones’ held at the band rotunda in Albert Park. Everyone, the bride and groom, guests, and myself, wore cloaks in the theme incorporating the authenticity of the ceremony.

What was your childhood like? Wonderful. Families were connected and knew everyone else and there was great support. Holidays were spent on a relative’s farm or in summer at a family bach on Waiheke.

Complete the sentence. I will die happy if... Knowing I have passed on all knowledge and skills to my two children to ensure that they are well equipped to face whatever confronts them in the future.

Which TV series would you never miss and why? Married at First Sight. I started to watch in order to critique the celebrants but then I became hooked!

Favourite holiday destination? Anywhere in Italy.

What’s on your bucket list? To take a helicopter ride, to visit New York, and ride the Japanese bullet train.

What is the most kiwi thing about you? My strong sense of justice.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years? Performing weddings in my cottage in the country.

If they were to make a movie about your life who would you like to play you? Barbra Streisand.

If you were reincarnated what would you be? An elephant.

What do you most dislike about your appearance? My feet.

Do you read movie or TV reviews and do they sway your thought? I don’t take too much notice of reviews, but will watch a programme if it appeals to me.

How would you like to be remembered? As someone who has made a difference to another’s life through love, guidance and empathy.

What do you love most about your age? The wisdom I have acquired through life’s experiences.

Something that you really disapprove of? Bad grammar on radio and TV! What motivates you? I love life and can’t wait to get up to experience another day.

What do you think happens when we die? Our spirit lives on in the spiritual realm. Death is not the end of us as we may come back for many life times.

Favourite movie? The Sound of Music - drama and romance played beautifully by Julie Andrews. I just love the ending.

Give your teenage self some advice. Listen to the wisdom of oldies and don’t sweat the small stuff.

How do you chill out? Sewing or reading.

Which item of clothing can’t you live without? A long-line black and white wool cardigan I have had for many years.

Favourite time of the day? After dinner relaxing.

Your dream home? An old church in the country.

Most treasured possession? A beautiful garnet ring, which always looks and feels perfect on my hand.

What are you insecure about? The great thing about getting older is that you lose your insecurities. I don’t really have any.

Tell us something very few people know about you. I visited the Pukekohe car race track many times and would have loved to have raced my Mini Minor there.

Greatest fear? Heights.

Who’s your favourite hero of fiction and why? Wonder Woman — she is beautiful and perfect.

What gizmo can you simply not live without? My can opener.

Your greatest weakness/indulgence? My miniature schnauzer, Hannah. She is treated as a child and goes everywhere with me.

Are you a handshake or a hug kind of person? Definitely a hug person.

What is your comfort food? My daughter’s nachos.

Your dream guest list for a dinner party and why? Nelson Mandela, Mother Theresa, Princess Diana and the Dalai Lama — their wisdom knows no bounds.

Do you travel light or heavy? Heavy.

If you could change one law or policy in New Zealand, what would it be? All non-New Zealand citizens and residents should be required to pay for hospital stays. If they have no insurance or money then they cannot be admitted for treatment. (DAVID HARTNELL MNZM)  PN

Celebrating diversity at the annual community organised Grey Lynn Park Festival

Diary Date: Saturday 21 November The festival is on with more diversity, cultural and artistic events.

Come for your Christmas shopping, eat from around the world, enjoy our mix of free music and family friendly fun at Grey Lynn Park, Dryden Street, Grey Lynn.

New Zealand art, craft, fine fare, music and dance – it’s all there to enjoy without burning a hole in your pocket. Stroll through the gypsy village and meet up with those who prefer the mobile home to the city pad. Kids can enjoy Larry & Rosie’s Fun Fair, Farmyard Fun and other activities.

Discover a few new farmer market stalls, learn about permaculture, crafts, and sustainable living at the Talk Tent. Watch out for the bin fairies! Machine Park gives lovers of steam engines a treat and a yarn. Engage with the Circus Kumarani, Marimba Carimbas, AK Samba, and Capoeira performance.

The festival has a new feature this year named ‘Tent Talks’ to educate and empower communities to connect with their ecosystems. A curated selection of biodiversity campaigners, environmentalists, and urban planners will speak throughout the day.

We have a great line up of live music this year, some up and coming young musicians from the greater Auckland area. Base FM The Dawns Raiza Biza Amila Jarni Blair Beachware Illbaz John’s Comb Laiika Lepani Half Queen Sojourn Base FM djs and friends.

The festival runs from 9.30am to 6pm. Don’t forget it’s an EFTPOS free environment so put cash in your pocket, suntan lotion on your body and a smile on your dial. Remember we are a zero waste festival so put your waste in the right bin and we will compost it or recycle it. If you wish to get involved with next year’s event, send us your brief CV or ideas. Email: greylynnparkfestival@gmail.com

The Grey Lynn Park Festival is a community event that is managed by a registered non-profitable trust called the Grey Lynn Park Festival Trust. www.greylynnparkfestival.org  PN

CONNOR CRAWFORD I am a working artist and photographer with a colourful and rhythmic perspective. I enjoy shooting the front covers of Ponsonby News. DAVID HARTNELL - MNZM For the last 53 years I’ve been a freelance entertainment journalist and author. I’ve lived in the Grey Lynn area for nearly three decades; I have met and interviewed some amazing people. FINN MCLENNAN-ELLIOTT I work as a booker, promoter and festival programmer. Active in all areas of the music community; folk music is my specialty. GARY STEEL I am a veteran writer and editor and run two websites – Witchdoctor and Doctor Feelgood – focusing on my interests in music, technology, and the wellbeing of the planet and its denizens. HONOUR MITCHELL I have lived in the Ponsonby area all of my life. I write the column ‘Teen Picks’ which explores everything on offer in the greater Ponsonby area. HELENE RAVLICH A freelance writer and copywriter for almost 20 years, I have written for publications all over the world and couldn’t imagine myself in any other job. JOHN APPLETON I have a keen interest in nutritional medicine and how it may be used to support people with chronic illnesses. JOHN ELLIOTT I am the founder of Ponsonby News and write for the magazine. My career has included politics, education and publishing. My interests include the

environment, the economy and social justice. KEN RING My yearly NZ Weather Almanacs began in 1999. During the tragic 2011 Christchurch earthquakes, my work created international

interest. I currently live in Ponsonby. KERRY LEE I’ve been a freelance writer for a year now, and what I love most are the wonderful people I’ve

meet along the way. #best job. LUCY KENNEDY I am a young local writer who loves to read! Each month you will find my reviews of new books for people who love to read as much as I do.

PHIL PARKER Journalist and published author, I have had a career involving both wine writing and hosting

boutique wine tours in the Auckland region. PIPPA COOM I am Councillor for Waitemata and Gulf ward on Auckland Council. Formerly, Chair Waitemata Local Board.

ROSS THORBY I have had a wanderlust for travel ever since I was old enough to own a passport. Since I discovered cruising, I have become unstoppable.

Join us on Sundays at 2pm... for our weekly service including demonstrations of clairvoyance.