PONSONBY NEWS - AUGUST 2016

+ PUBLISHED FRIDAY 5 AUGUST 2016

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AUGUST 2016

ANOTHER MICHELIN-TRAINED CHEF JOINS MEKONG BABY With Dominique Parat’s recent announcement of Jeff Scott Foster as Head Chef at Mekong Baby, the iconic Ponsonby restaurant becomes, to our knowledge, the only restaurant in New Zealand to boast not one, but two Michelin-trained chefs under the same roof.

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WHAT’S INSIDE THIS MONTH

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P46: Benson Wilson wins Lexus Song Quest; P130: The RNZB’S quintessential romantic ballet Giselle returns to the ASB Theatre Aotea Centre.

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR FROM THE EDITOR DAVID HARTNELL: ONE MINUTE INTERVIEW SHALE CHAMBERS: WAITEMATA LOCAL BOARD NIKKI KAYE: AUCKLAND CENTRAL MP JOHN ELLIOTT: LOCAL NEWS LANDMARK BUILDINGS U3A PONSONBY MIKE LEE, COUNCILLOR FOR WAITEMATA & GULF JACINDA ARDERN: LABOUR LIST MP AUCKLAND

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MOTORING EAT, DRINK AND BE MERRY COVER STORY - MEKONG BABY VEG FRIENDLY: GARY STEEL LAURAINE JACOBS: THE SEASONED PALATE PONSONBY NEWS READERS ARE EVERYWHERE FASHION + STYLE ANGELA LASSIG: LETTERS FROM MAUDIE HELENE RAVLICH: LOCAL FASHION LOVE

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JOHN APPLETON ON HEALTH SIDELINE WITH GEORGE BERRY PONSONBY PETS LOOK WHO IS IN THE ZOO PONSONBY PROFESSIONALS GARDENING WITH GRAHAM SHIEFF HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS HEIDI PADAIN: ENTERTAINMENT IN YOUR GARDEN ARTS + CULTURE

LIVING, THINKING & BEING FRONT COVER: Martin Leach

PONSONBY NEWS+ is published monthly, excluding January by ALCHEMYY MEDIA LIMITED, L 11/386 RICHMOND ROAD, GREY LYNN POSTAL: P.O. BOX 47-282 Ponsonby, Auckland 1144. www.ponsonbynews.co.nz T: 09 378 8553 or 09 361 3356 Editor/Publisher Associate Publisher & Ad Manager Distribution Manager Advertising Sales Operations Manager Contributing Fashion Editor Contributing Music Editor Contributing Editor Contributing Editor Proof Readers Layout Designer Designer

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DAW S O N & C O .

LETTERS + EMAILS

Views in Ponsonby News reflect the authors’ and not those of Alchemy Media.

FLOOD AT GOODNESS On Wednesday 29 June (when Herne Bay received the entire month of June’s rainfall in one hour) our beautiful boutique Goodness was flooded in a split second. We had all the leaves from Jervois Road dam up outside out front door and when the deluge hit, six inches of water broke the dam and covered the entire shop floor.

I just wanted to thank my wonderful neighbours Janelle Costely, Robert Drum from Enzo, Janken restaurant, my landlord Martin and two wonderful customers Trish Holden and Nicky who literally dropped everything to help with getting stock up off the floor and water out of the shop. We were closed for only a day due to their wonderful drying efforts and I am truly thankful to them all.

Ange Tinker, GOODNESS, Herne Bay

photography: Martin Leach

STREET LITTER As a local resident and an early morning walker, I am appalled at the amount of street litter that confronts me each morning - cigarette butts and disposable coffee cups being the worst culprits. What smokers need to realise, besides discarded butts being an unsightly litter problem, they pose considerable risk to the environment. Cigarette butts contain hazardous chemicals such as cadmium, arsenic and lead, so when discarded these chemicals leach into the environment, contaminating our waterways and land. Also, once in the environment, the discarded butts can be mistaken for food by animals, thus allowing them to ingest toxic chemicals.

So please stop this wanton disposal of your rubbish and start taking pride in your neighbourhood. Care for the environment by responsibly disposing of your waste.

Fiona Jacobs, Freemans Bay

FOR SALE - THE GREAT PONSONBY ARTHOTEL After 20 years Gerry and Sally have reluctantly put their iconic business The Great Ponsonby Arthotel located at 30 Ponsonby Terrace, on the market as Gerry has ongoing health issues.

The pair told Ponsonby News, "We began looking in 1992 for a suitable property to establish a small hotel as we are well-travelled and knew what we wanted to do. It had to be great. It had to be on a quiet street, yet close to Ponsonby Road.

"We knew the potential of tourism, value and quality must be at every level. We don’t do beige so our interior colours and art represent the Pacific. We have filled the hotel with our treasured tribal rugs, family furniture, art and tapa cloths collected over many years. The courtyard is based on Sally’s recollection of the yard at Frida Kahlo’s house in Mexico City. The main emphasis though is Kiwi. There is a large Maori carving on a gate and many of the windows have Pacific Island designs sandblasted onto them.

"We were so proud when we opened the doors in 1996. The whole community came to the opening and the youngest girl in the street cut the ribbon. We had lifted the bar by having all rooms with ensuites, Sky TV, internet in every room, bath robes, de-mist mirrors, opening windows and mosquito screens. Guests can make plunger coffee and herbal tea in their rooms and we were gay-friendly right from the start. It’s hard to believe that this was not the norm back then.

"Our breakfasts are legendary. We use our own herbs and fruit when we can, always free -range eggs, fair trade coffee and tea. There is a library of Kiwi film, music and books.

There was nothing like this anywhere in Auckland and perhaps only half a dozen other

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properties of this standard in New Zealand. As technology advanced, we embraced it and our guests appreciate this too.

"We believe that there should be a standard for all accommodation and we were part of a group responsible for getting Qualmark established. We are all very proud of our Qualmark Enviro Gold award. Sustainability is important.

"Our Qualmark four and a half star grading for accommodation reflects the work we and our crew have put in and the service we provide. There are many local young people who are the best damn cleaners in the city and many are also great little cooks.

"There is luxury in the detail; leather couches, tiles and paintings by local artists John Papas, Jeanie and Andrew Van Der Puten. The Great Ponsonby Arthotel is very well respected and is rated so by guide books and magazines in many languages. We are also brochured by agents across the globe.

"We love Ponsonby and are proud ambassadors of Ponsonby and Auckland. We have hosted around 800,000 guests giving them a real Ponsonby experience. Along the way we have made many friends who come back, and we visit them too."  PN www.greatpons.co.nz

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FROM THE EDITOR THERE WOULD BE FEW RESTAURANTS THAT WOULD NOT count themselves lucky indeed to have a Michelin-trained chef heading their kitchen. With Dominique Parat’s recent announcement of Jeff Scott Foster as Head Chef at Mekong Baby, the iconic Ponsonby restaurant becomes, to our knowledge, the only restaurant in New Zealand to boast not one, but two Michelin-trained chefs under the same roof.

To Mekong Baby’s loyal and passionate customers, Dominique and Jeff promise that they will continue to see their favourite dishes on the menu.

The team was pleased to learn that SkyPath, the proposed walking and cycling connection on the Auckland Harbour Bridge has been given the go ahead. As Len Brown points out, this will reconnect the North Shore with the city.

photography: Helene Ravlich

I am delighted and excited to welcome Jan Hewitt to our small team. Jan is a local resident who has a long association with the Western Bays, having purchased her first home in O’Neill Street, Ponsonby back in 1981. Jan brings many years of commercial experience having worked in real estate for a number of years before entering management. She is working on ad sales and currently resides in Freemans Bay.

Jan Hewitt, Martin Leach, Jo Barrett, Jay Platt and Gwynne Davenport

You will note several editorials this month - including Nikki Kaye commenting on state housing in greater Ponsonby. Our investigation into the block on China Man’s Hill, Great North Road is incomplete. Housing New Zealand has been very tardy getting information through to us and we will follow up next month.

Our columnist John Elliott was disappointed that none of the four major candidaies for Auckland Mayor was prepared to oppose the use of a poisonous herbicide on our berms, parks and reserves, despite increasingly damaging evidence around the world about the carcinogenic properties of glyphosate, the active weed killing ingredient in Roundup.

By the time this August issue goes to print, the Unitary Plan will have been released and our readers will know more about the density and high rise issues, which may affect their property.

The award-winning exhibition, Da Vinci Machines, from the museum of Leonardo da Vinci in Florence, opened at MOTAT late last month.

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Described as a designer, genius and innovator hundreds of years ahead of his time, this interactive exhibition gives visitors the opportunity to delve into the mind of the ultimate Renaissance Man, Leonardo da Vinci, by showcasing many of his iconic inventions.

Da Vinci Machines is a touring exhibition which will be at MOTAT for a limited time only; until 16 October.

Developed by Artisans of Florence, it is suitable for all ages and has been viewed by millions of people in more PN than 30 countries worldwide. (MARTIN LEACH) 

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Family X-Factor 14 Francis Street, Grey Lynn For Sale by Auction

JOHN & NIC

Sunny, spacious, sensible and incredibly well located, this clever family home is packed with high-end features, translating into a profuse sense of x-factor.

We love the grand swooping Ken Crosson designed extension, which is impressive and functional.

John Wills & Nic Blackie 021 333 053 021 505 964

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Get Ready for Wow 36 Dryden Street, Grey Lynn For Sale by Auction

This stunning family home designed by RTA Studio absolutely delivers on all fronts with an overall collaboration of intelligence from front door to back boundary.

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DAVID HARTNELL’S ONE MINUTE INTERVIEW

Paul Ellis Paul Ellis, MNZM is a record producer, manager and radio host. He was a former judge of New Zealand Idol and the TV reality series New Zealand’s Got Talent.

Paul was made a Member of the New Zealand order of Merit in 2001 for services to the music industry. Paul is one of the nicest and most professional people in the entertainment industry.

How has the Ponsonby area changed since you first moved here?

I have lived in Ponsonby on and off for over 30 years now. It’s obviously changed a lot during this time. It has a great sense of neighbourhood. I still miss The Gluepot! I love walking from my home to work and seeing the same people (Andy Davies, etc ) that I have known for my lifetime Tell us about your childhood, what was it like?

I am the youngest of three boys. Mum and Dad were keen sailors so I have great memories of yachting at a very young age and great camping trips to various holiday parks around the South Island. We always had a yacht or a boat to be on the water Complete the sentence: I will die happy...

As I have no regrets.

Who do you think is the most annoying celebrity today?

I dislike the word celebrity.

Which television series would you never miss?

I’ve just binge-watched the entire series of 'House Of Cards'.

Where would your dream international holiday be?

A month in Rarotonga.

Do you have a bucket list?

Live stronger, better and louder.

Looking into the future, where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Hopefully still doing what I do now.

Do you read movie or TV reviews?

I always read the first paragraph and the last paragraph. Period.

How would you like to be remembered by family and friends?

He liked to have fun and he always had a good story. He was passionate.

What do you love most about your age?

I still love it when I get asked for ID when I buy liquor.

If your life was an ice cream, what would it be called?

Sauvignon blanc.

What is something that you really disapprove of?

People who don’t tolerate another person’s point of view.

Looking back, can you describe one of your biggest disappointments?

Leaving New York.

If you won a million dollars, what is the very first thing you would do?

Buy a property in the Queen Charlotte Sound.

What is your all-time favorite comfort food?

Fish and chips.

Have you ever seen a ghost?

Yes. Me in the mirror after a big night out.

Give your teenaged self some good advice?

Start a savings plan now!

How do you chill out and relax?

Listening to music and cleaning.

Which item of clothing can't you live without?

My Gucci double-sided raincoat.

What is your favourite time of the day?

Walking my dog Rio at Takapuna Beach, every morning.

Describe your dream home?

It has a great kitchen and an amazing sound system.

What are you insecure about?

Aren’t we all insecure to a certain degree?

Tell us something that very few people know about you.

I did correspondence school for a few years.

What is your greatest fear?

Being stuck in an elevator.

What superpower would you like?

To fly.

Which talent would you most like to have?

To play the piano.

What cliché do you most hate?

Yes, yes, yes, I thought the same (kill me now!)

What gizmo can you simply not live without?

Sadly, my phone.

What is your greatest weakness or indulgence?

Art. I would spend all my money on art - if I actually had money to burn.

Are you a handshake or a hug kind of person?

Handshake first time around. Hugs after that.

What really motivates you?

Good ideas, passion and good people.

Who would be your dream guest list for a dinner party?

They all have to be living. People that name dead people are idiots. Tom Ford, my mother, my boyfriend, Cyndi Lauper, my brother, Bill Clinton, Bic Runga, Dave Dobbyn, Anna Wintour and Ali Mau

What do you think happens when we die?

We have a funeral. We celebrate life and hopefully we get to see all those that have passed on before us.

Do you travel light or heavy?

I aim to travel light. I usually pack and then take out half, and then I’m done.

(DAVID HARTNELL, MNZM)  PN

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SHALE CHAMBERS: WAITEMATA LOCAL BOARD REPORT

Making Waitemata a better place to live, work, study, play and visit We all want to pay lower rates, and make our council more accountable and responsive to its residents. The centre-right ticket contesting this election, Auckland Future, seeks to cap rates increases to 2%, cut at least $500 million of expenditure, and reduce staff costs by 10% over three years.

Sounds great, but we all need to ask how, where, and at what cost to local services?

Over the past year, the Waitemata Local Board worked hard to deliver the vision and outcomes of our Local Board Plan 2014 and fifth Local Board Agreement.

January 2016 marked the completion of the first phase of the Weona-Westmere Coastal Walkway, a project that will open up some of Auckland’s finest waterfront, which until now has been largely inaccessible to the public. The redevelopment of the Ellen Melville Centre into a vibrant community facility in the heart of the city took a step forward this year after the public consultation for the concept design, which will include a permanent public artwork on the O’Connell Street façade.

In November 2015, we proudly became the first local board to launch a localised low carbon plan with the publication of ‘Becoming a Low Carbon Community’, which contains a series of actions towards transforming Auckland into an energy-resilient, low carbon city.

In line with our commitment to place children and young people at centre stage, we continued working towards the ‘Child Friendly Cities’ UNICEF accreditation, including children in the consultation process for the Western Park playground renewal and local area-based plan for Newton and Eden Terrace.

Utilising our major park development plans as guidance for prioritisation, we oversaw significant enhancements to pathways in Grey Lynn Park and Western Park, plus an important path renewal in Cox’s Bay Reserve, in order to improve the experience for people walking and cycling.

Embracing the community empowerment approach, where individuals, families and communities have the power and ability to influence decisions and take action, we continued supporting a number of initiatives aimed at building capacity, leadership and skills. We also funded and supported events that represent the area’s diversity and local identities, like Parnell Festival of Roses and Myers Park Medley.

Many of these projects now near completion were threatened by the earlier proposed cuts to council’s capital budgets. Others were cut.

Looking forward, there is a lot more planned for delivery in the year ahead. The annual budget that was recently confirmed continues to prioritise the preservation of our

character areas, ensure the delivery of high quality developments and advocate for transport improvements.

The following months will bring some milestones such as the completion of the Weona-Westmere Costal Walkway, the first steps towards the delivery of streetscape improvements in Newmarket with the beginning of our public consultation and the start of the construction stage of the redeveloped Ellen Melville Centre.

We are very eager to see the Myers Park upgrade moving forward with the construction of the Mayoral Drive underpass linking the park to Aotea Square. We will continue working with council and Auckland Transport to support the extension of walking and cycling connections with the second stage of the Greenways route connecting Grey Lynn Park with Cox’s Bay Reserve.

We will continue our support for the development of new clubroom facilities for the Richmond Rovers League Club as part of a new multi-use community facility at Grey Lynn Park; a much needed local project.

In line with our commitment to promote connected, accessible and safe transport choices, we will continue to work with Auckland Transport to finalise the roll out of residential parking zones in the inner city suburbs, with Ponsonby scheduled next.

We are confident this will be another year of great achievements that will contribute to making Waitemata an even better place to live.

The question we all need to ponder is do you wish to see this progress continued? If you wish your representatives to retreat to determining once again, as we did a year or so ago, which capital projects must be cut, and whether shorter library hours, even less frequent mowings or more chemical spraying of edging within our local parks, or no support for local events are needed to achieve further operational cost savings, your local board is up to the task. Just don’t complain later that these unwanted responses to cost cutting measures were not the community’s wish. Let’s continue to look for waste in every aspect of council’s activity, and we will continue to find this, but let’s continue as a community to strive to deliver to its citizens a city of which we can all be proud.

PN (SHALE CHAMBERS)  Contact me: shale.chambers@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

Waitemata Board members at the recent opening of the widened Grey Lynn Park Greenway route, shortly to connect to an on-road greenway between Cox's Bay and Grey Lynn Park and beyond

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With one foot on the city’s doorstep and the other steeped in history, it’s little wonder you’re so popular, Grey Lynn. Your eclectic mix of homes, traders, retailers and markets makes you a joy to be around. Share our discoveries –

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keithandsandy.co.nz

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NIKKI KAYE: AUCKLAND CENTRAL MP

Next steps in tackling housing supply and helping vulnerable Aucklanders Many Aucklanders are concerned about housing and housing affordability. We are working hard to tackle many different issues that have led to the current situation.

We’ve seen a number of factors combine over many years to boost housing demand and push up prices. They include low interest rates, growing incomes, more jobs and a rising population on the back of our growing economy. Globally, we have seen other successful cities like Sydney have similar housing affordability issues. As a city, we have not built enough houses fast enough and through onerous planning we have seen the cost of land significantly increase as median section prices have risen from $100,000 in 1990, to $450,000 today.

We know a significant part of solving these issues both here and abroad is building more houses and building them faster. The Government has a significant programme to help make this happen.

Through special housing area legislation we have created more than 200 special housing areas across New Zealand to speed up the development of land for an estimated 70,000 new homes. A large number of these are in Auckland. We’re reforming the Resource Management Act to make it easier for councils and developers to get houses consented and built. And we’re freeing up surplus Crown land for new housing.

Around 40,000 more people are working in the construction industry than two years ago. And there are currently 42,000 apprentices being trained.

We are seeing results. Across New Zealand, building activity is at an 11-year high, with more than 28,000 housing consents issued in the year to May. That’s double the number of five years ago. We’re on track to build 85,000 new houses in this term of Parliament (twice the number that currently exist in Dunedin). Passing the unitary plan will also be important in solving longer term issues.

while we work to move them into something more permanent. Housing New Zealand and other community providers are building around 17 new social houses every week. We are helping the emergency housing sector keep their doors open and grow with $41.1 million in ongoing funding, and a new non-recoverable grant so vulnerable people don’t end up in debt when they are most in need.

Some social housing tenants have very complex issues that reach beyond housing, including drug and alcohol issues and mental health issues. We are working to deal with these underlying issues as well, which can make it difficult to get some people into housing. Over the past couple of months I have met with representatives from the City Mission to ensure we are supporting them for some of our most vulnerable in the CBD. I intend to increase the number of meetings I have with community and social organisations in Auckland over the coming months. This is to ensure they can personally let me know of any other support they may need.

Investment in our most vulnerable Kiwis and getting them into stable housing is critical for their quality of life in terms of their health and the chances of getting a job. We have a significant plan underway to provide additional support to our most vulnerable, build more affordable houses and ensure we have a better system in the future.

PN (NIKKI KAYE)  Hon Nikki Kaye is the MP for Auckland Central. www.nikkikaye.co.nz

But we need to do more. That's why the PM has announced new initiatives to help speed up supply in high-growth areas facing the greatest housing challenges, including Auckland.

The new $1 billion Housing Infrastructure Fund will help bring forward the new roads and water infrastructure needed for new housing where financing is a constraint. The Government will invest up front to ensure the infrastructure is in place. Councils will have to repay the investment or buy back the assets once houses have been built and development contributions paid.

The Government is also considering setting up independent Urban Development Authorities to speed up consenting for large-scale development in high-demand areas - a successful tool used overseas to override barriers to new housing developments. We will not allow unresponsive planning and slow infrastructure development to lock New Zealanders out of much-needed housing.

Housing supply is a long-standing issue and there are no quick fixes but we are making progress. We will continue to focus on addressing these housing challenges and help families in need.

We are very conscious of the social impact of housing not being affordable. That's why we are now spending $34 million every week to subsidise more than 470,000 New Zealanders in social housing and private rentals. That is around $2 billion every year, up from $1.3 billion when we took office. We place 140 tenants and their families into social housing every week - half of these are in Auckland.

In addition, over 1000 extra housing places are in the pipeline for Auckland. We have committed to providing places in motels in Auckland for those in extreme need, they will not have to pay the cost of the motel room. Motels will be provided on a short-term basis

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JOHN ELLIOTT: LOCAL NEWS

The Government’s state house policy Although this story is headed The Government’s State House Policy, one can look in vain at National’s published policy documents for any detail about state housing.

So many rumours are abroad, and one only needs to scratch beneath the surface to find that “state house” has virtually disappeared from National’s lexicon, and been replaced by “social housing.” It is as plain as the rather long noses on the faces of John Key and Bill English that their still intact neo-liberal philosophy dictates that state housing should be privatised.

And so the Government is dodging, side-stepping and prevaricating at every turn, while systematically selling off state houses or virtually throwing them at charities, churches and iwi, while changing the name to “social” housing. Any community housing provider who steps up will be welcomed with open arms.

There is nothing wrong with community groups housing our old and young and most vulnerable. For example, The Community of Refuge Trust, run by the Baptist Church, does a fine job in this field.

However, state homes are our homes, a legacy of the world-famous welfare state run by the first Labour Government. They should not be sold off for private profit.

Ponsonby News investigated half a dozen blocks of state houses in Great North Road and Tuarangi Street, Grey Lynn. These are just below the Grey Lynn shops on Great North Road, in the area once colloquially known as Chinaman’s Hill. Locals are concerned about the block at 702 Great North Road, completely boarded up for months. There are four empty units there, while hundreds of homeless cram into garages, cars and sheds.

MP David Shearer outside the boarded up units at 702 Great North Road, Grey Lynn unsound) and will be re-let by November. This begs the question - what about the other nearby blocks? Are they structurally unsound too? They are of the same construction.

Will they be refurbished or demolished, or what?

Housing New Zealand has not responded to Ponsonby News’s request for information about this block - why have they been empty so long, will they be demolished, what will replace them, will part of the land be flogged off to a developer, are they earthquake damaged, have they had P houses in them, what has happened to the tenants, will the same number, or more, be housed when, and if, this block is restored?

The new social housing model seems to be about splitting up existing state housing land and houses, selling off some to developers for private profit, and rebuilding some “social” houses, but seldom as many as are needed to accommodate the desperately needy.

I did eventually receive a call from a Housing New Zealand person called Olivia, who told me she couldn’t tell me anything, citing the Privacy Act. I must admit that made me very angry.

It is a sad society that can’t or won’t put a roof over everyone’s head, while allowing the inequality gap to widen.

These properties are now in the Mt Albert Electorate, where the MP is David Shearer.

I visited Shearer in his office and told him of the concern in the area about the loss of those boarded up units, told him too of the rumours circulating about P houses, structural damage, possible earthquake issues, and the concerns that tenants in nearby units had that they might be the next to be evicted.

Remember that this National Government’s first move when it won power in 2008 was to reduce tax for the wealthy and increase GST for everyone. They called it a fiscally neutral decision! It was blatant neo-liberalism - in other words, let the market rip.

Shearer was aware of the empty units, and sent me a photo of himself outside number 702 Great North Road. It had been taken before my visit and we attach it to this article.

He is asking questions of Housing New Zealand and undertook to get back to me when he has answers. He has also placed written questions to the relevant ministers on the parliamentary order paper.

David Shearer’s office did get back to me the following day with some information.

The block at 702 Great North Road is being refurbished, I was told (it was structurally

16 PONSONBY NEWS+ August 2016

Although the exponential house price rises, particularly in Auckland, have everyone stumped, house prices in Auckland have doubled every 10 years since at least 1990.

Of course it shuts out first home buyers, and up till now has advantaged speculators and overseas purchasers who buy and sell houses with absolutely no tax implications, in a mad, modern, Monopoly fashion.

But those Auckland house prices, bizarre as they have been, should not stop a compassionate government from housing its old, its young and its most vulnerable. In the chase for the all mighty dollar, some of our ethics and morality have gone out the window. (JOHN ELLIOTT)  PN

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

Your next Auckland Council needs

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17

RACHAEL TE AOTONGA: LEYS INSTITUTE LIBRARY NEWS Winter is definitely upon us, so what better excuse to cosy up in your favourite warm nook and get lost in a good book?

Leys Institute Library has a huge selection to browse, but don’t forget that a library membership with Auckland Libraries provides access to all 55 of our libraries, encompassing millions of resources.

Often overlooked is our huge selection of free eBooks and audiobooks that can be downloaded onto your device of choice. You can find all the information on accessing these resources on our website www.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz, or call in and see one of our friendly staff at the library.

For those who would prefer a more personal approach, why not book in for one of our free Book-a-Librarian sessions. These are oneon-one, hour-long sessions with a librarian that can be used if you require help with eBooks, CV’s or to improve basic computer skills.

This month Leys Institute Library is pleased to be hosting An Evening with Sue Younger. Spend an evening with award-winning documentary maker Sue Younger discussing Days Are Like Grass, her debut novel about a woman caught between the past and the present. Entry is by gold coin donation and light refreshments will be provided. Bookings are recommended and books will be available for purchase on the night courtesy of 5 Dogs.

Sue Younger, an author who will promoting her latest book, 'Days Are Like Grass' at the Leys during August.

When: Tuesday 16 August, 6.15pm. RSVP via the Leys Institute Facebook page, in person, or by phone 09 890 8755.

PN (RACHAEL TE AOTONGA)  LEYS INSTITUTE, 20 St Marys Road, T: 09 374 1315, www.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz

DEIRDRE ROELANTS: LANDMARK BUILDINGS

Naval and Family Hotel This city hotel is steeped in local history. It is sited on what was once a track used by pre-European food gathering parties travelling between the Waitemata and Manukau Harbours.

The Karangahape Road ridge was part of 3000 acres sold by local Maori to the government in 1841 and formed the southern edge of the city in the 19th Century.

K’ Road, as it’s affectionately called, has been recognised for its heritage character by the Auckland City Council in its district plan provisions. The hotel occupies a corner site at the crossroads between K’ Road and Pitt Street, fronting directly onto the pavements of both streets. Archaeological deposits from the first hotel on the site that was burnt down may survive under parts of the present building.

The 3000m site was part of a Crown grant acquired by Thomas Russell who subdivided it and sold two adjoining lots to innkeeper Patrick Darby. He constructed a two storied building of simple Georgian design with a shingled hip roof, a central archway facing Pitt Street, and a return balcony on the upper storey offering views over the city and harbour.

Darby licensed it to George Pearson as the Naval Hotel but received opposition from local residents, church groups and other organisations who were against granting liquor licenses, which was a common cause in our early colonial times because of the high level of intoxication among certain sectors of society.

The prohibition contingent’s efforts were in vain because the license was granted and Pearson’s purchase of the property was well positioned to cater for travellers on the Great North Road. The Naval Hotel was the first of its kind on K’ Road but by 1866, several other such licensed establishments were located along the thoroughfare. In 1967, Pearson defaulted on his mortgage and a Denis Markham bought the hotel. He capitalised on the increasing demand for retail sites by subdividing the property in 1882. The hotel by this time was called the Naval and Family and in turn was sold to a Coromandel innkeeper, Patrick Brodie who had a 10 decade association with the establishment.

In 1894, the crammed together Pitt Street shops caught fire and much of the hotel was destroyed. Estimated damage was £1200 because there wasn’t enough water to extinguish the flames. Blueprints for a new building were drawn up by prolific architect, Arthur Wilson who had studied architecture at London University and undertook various large and important projects in many parts of England. He long had a hankering to visit the colonies, and came to New Zealand where he decided to settle in Auckland and practise his profession. Wilson’s overall design was Italianate, highly decorative and visually impressive, following the trend hotel owners followed to display their premises as enhancing the streetscape at a time when alcohol prohibition had fervent public backing.

18 PONSONBY NEWS+ August 2016

The Naval and Family featured imposing facades on both street frontages; the corner entrance to the public bar was on K’ Road and a formal entrance on Pitt Street.

Patrick Brodie died in 1885 and land occupied by the hotel and two shops facing Pitt Street was subdivided leaving the southern part of the holding as the hotel site. The Naval and Family was leased to the Ehrenfried brothers. Brodie’s son, also named Patrick, subleased the hotel back from Campbell and Ehrenfried for 11 years. In 1924, the freehold property was transferred to the younger Brodie and his siblings, one of whom was Matthew, the Roman Catholic Church’s first New Zealand born bishop. Two years later, the hotel was transferred to Brodie Properties.

The Naval and Family Hotel is architecturally significant as an example of a late-Victorian corner hotel. Its strong visual qualities derive from its ornate exterior and corner location forming a local landmark. The Naval and Family Hotel has historical significance as a licensed premises in continuous use for over a century. It has historical value for its long association with the Brodie family who were prominent members of Auckland's Roman Catholic community. (DEIRDRE ROELANTS)  PN PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

PONSONBY U3A: JULY 2016 For many Ponsonby U3A members who grew up in the Ponsonby, Grey Lynn, Westmere and Herne Bay areas, Edward Bennett’s talk at the June meeting on the history of Karangahape Road rekindled memories of childhood and family stories.

So much so that one U3A member, a resident of Westmere, has agreed to give a talk to members about her local family history later in the year.

Architectural historian Edward Bennett is the Heritage Manager of the Karangahape Road Business Association. Amongst other things, he is employed to give guided educational tours and lectures concerning the social and architectural heritage of the Karangahape Road area. He is also an interior, landscape and architectural designer. Karangahape Road was originally a walking track used by Maori in pre-European times.

It was known as the Karangahape Ridge. Maori always tried to walk along the ridges, whereas Europeans were said to walk through the valleys.

Edward’s illustrated talk took in Collene Roche the history and architecture of Karangahape Road from those early times to the present day - including its heyday as the major shopping street in Auckland. From horses to trams and today buses, it was, and is, a major transport route. Today 90% of bus routes in central Auckland pass through Karangahape Road.

‘The Rescue Package’ was the title of Collene Roche’s 10-minute talk. She is a specialist consultant delivering strategic human resource and organisation development services to the educational sector. She undertakes interventions for the Education Ministry, working in schools that are in strife or difficulty. She is appointed either as an advisor or as a limited statutory manager becoming part of the board, or at the next level as commissioner, where the board is dissolved and the commissioner becomes the board.

The interventions are made on the recommendation of the three-yearly Education

Review Office inspections, which pass on concerns to the Minister’s office.

“A commissioner’s task is to get a school ready to elect a new board of trustees and it can be a lengthy process. It is rewarding, challenging and frustrating work - and it is also a huge privilege to do that work. We want the very best quality in all of the schools.”

Ponsonby U3A has taken a step up in membership numbers over the past six months. As a result, some of the special interest groups are at capacity and planning is underway to address this with the possibility of duplicate groups set up where there is a demand and also for some completely new groups to be established. Currently 16 groups are offered. Details of the special interest Edward Bennett groups, U3A newsletters and other details about U3A activities are on the Ponsonby U3A website.

Speaker for the next meeting is Richard Northey, chair of Auckland Community Housing Trust - 'Solving Auckland’s Housing Crisis'. His talk will follow the Annual General PN Meeting. (PHILIPPA TAIT)  NEXT MEETING: Annual General Meeting, 9.45am, Friday 12 August, Herne Bay Petanque Club, Salisbury Street Reserve, Herne Bay. ENQUIRIES: Annie Webster, President Ponsonby U3A, T: 09 376 2902, www.u3aponsonby.org.nz

WATTIE’S AND COUNTDOWN MILLIONAIRE PRIZE DRAW Countdown Ponsonby was the scene of a millionaire in the making on Wednesday 21 July.

New Plymouth woman Gill Evans, a kindergarten teacher, was selected as the lucky winner of the chance to win a million dollars. Gill and her husband Andrew are both teachers and hail from Bath in the United Kingdom.

Wattie’s can from 100 at Countdown’s newest store in Ponsonby. With 99 cans containing $10,000 and one can containing a million dollars the excitement was building.

Instore on the day Gill chose can number 42 and revealed $10,000.

After buying five Wattie’s items and swiping her Onecard earlier in the year, she was then drawn from more than 83,000 entries. Gill was flown to Auckland to choose one

Gill chooses can 42

20 PONSONBY NEWS+ August 2016

She plans to enjoy The Cure concert in Auckland with her husband Andrew and will think PN about what to spend the money on over the next few weeks. 

Mike Pretty, MD Wattie's, Andrew Evans and Gill Evans PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

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21

MIKE LEE: COUNCILLOR FOR WAITEMATA & GULF

Dumb and dumber - NZTA and AT decide to exclude rail to the airport When the Mayor and the Prime Minister launched the construction of the City Rail Link (CRL) before a euphoric crowd and performing dancers on that gorgeous morning in June, one would have assumed that this historic moment heralded a bright new era for rail in Auckland.

But if so, one would have assumed wrongly; for it soon became clear that the Government, reluctantly log-rolled by Auckland public opinion into supporting the CRL, is determined that the CRL will be the last major project in Auckland’s 20-year rail renaissance.

This became all too clear a couple of weeks later when the board of the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) in Wellington voted to support a raft of resolutions that specifically excluded route protection and ‘any further option development’ of a rail connection to Auckland International Airport. A couple of weeks later, the board of Auckland Transport (AT), marching in lock-step followed suit. Deliberately excluding route protection for future rail to the airport is one of the most irresponsible planning decisions I have witnessed during my time in Auckland local government.

Auckland International Airport is of critical economic importance to Auckland and New Zealand. With passenger movements currently at 17 million per year and set to double in the next 10 years, the airport company (AIAL) realises that rail rapid transit will be vital to keep its traffic arteries open and has sought AT’s technical advice.

In September 2011, a multi-agency study that came to be called SMART, including AT, Auckland Council, NZTA, KiwiRail and AIAL, with consultants GHD, after examining the widest selection of modes, light rail, busway, heavy rail, (electric trains) decided on heavy rail from Onehunga (10km from the airport) to the airport and on to Puhinui (6.8km) on the main trunk line as the ‘most economically efficient’ long-term rapid transit solution - providing a single-seat journey to downtown Auckland and ultimately to Hamilton.

In 2012, rail to Auckland airport after much public consultation became a formal commitment in the Auckland Plan: route-protect a dedicated rail connection in the first decade (2011-2020); construction in the second decade (2021-2030).

However, after the mode and preferred routes were identified, AT and NZTA became strangely reticent about protecting them, despite the council providing a budget of $30 million for this purpose. The situation became somewhat more complicated in November 2014, when AT management suddenly announced a preference for light rail (trams) rather than the previously agreed trains.

While refusing to be drawn into the argument (I am a committed tram supporter for where they work best - as an analogue for buses in the city and along the waterfront), as the council-appointed chair of the SMART stakeholders steering group, my concern has been to get the transport routes protected. However, AT and NZTA have refused to deliver on route protection and persisted with the "light rail is better argument" based

22 PONSONBY NEWS+ August 2016

on a dubious "business case." For instance, the latest costs of adding another track to the 3.5km Onehunga Branch Line is claimed to be $578 million. That compares with the $9 million KiwiRail spent on building the first track in 2010. The same level of confidence can be placed in AT’s journey time ‘data’ that claims a tram coming from the airport and travelling along Dominion Road would get to the CBD within a minute of an electric train.

This despite the train being capable of travelling at 110km an hour - and despite the tram sharing the road for much of the way, having to stop at 20 tram stops, negotiating numerous intersections and keeping to the 50kph speed limit.

Based on this sort of suspect methodology, AT managers claim that connecting to existing rail lines would cost over $1 billion more than connecting to a light rail line on Dominion Road (that doesn’t actually exist). Of course, AT never thought to ask the public or undertook an airport passenger survey. AT’s "business case" also studiously avoids international best practice, which is odd given we are dealing with the transport needs of an international airport.

So last week I took myself off to Melbourne, which is one major Australian city that does not have airport rail but interestingly has the most extensive light rail system in the world. At meetings with Victorian State government officials, I was advised that Melbourne is planning on heavy rail for Melbourne Airport - not light rail. This on the grounds that trains provide a faster, more predictable journey time and carry a lot more people than street-running trams.

Melbourne planners point out that "urban rail can carry more than 40,000 passengers per hour on a single line. The same right-of-way used as a light railway or busway could carry 10,000 passengers per hour or 2000 passengers per hour in a traffic lane."

While such a major Auckland Plan commitment as rail to the airport can only be overturned by the elected council, the real danger is that by deliberately allowing development in the corridor, Auckland Council and NZTA will render that commitment meaningless - and this is actually happening.

While on any objective assessment, heavy rail makes more sense than trams (or buses) for rapid transit to the airport, the final mode choice should be up to the Aucklanders who will build it. But Auckland Transport and NZTA, backed by the Government, is determined that Aucklanders will never get that choice. Auckland deserves better than PN this rubbish. (MIKE LEE)  Mike Lee is the Auckland councillor for Waitemata & Gulf ward.www.mikelee.co.nz

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

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JOHN ELLIOTT: LOCAL NEWS

Glyphosate spray - Council still poisoning us Despite growing international evidence that glyphosate sprays are linked to cancers, birth defects, major gut problems and death, Mayor Len Brown calls the opposition by hundreds of locals “an emotional issue.”

Face it Mr Brown, this is a life and death issue, and the health of Aucklanders old and young is being compromised by your council’s failure to pull the plug on the use of glyphosate spray in the proprietary product Roundup.

A number of people who have battled chronic illnesses joined the Spray Free Streets group who presented a letter requesting that all Auckland councillors, local board members and all candidates for election this year respond to the letter and let the public know where they stand on the issue of chemical vegetation control.

Ponsonby News has written on this issue before, but while the council continues to poison Aucklanders, we will persist in opposing the use of glyphosate products - usually Roundup.

In the United States particularly, the genetic engineering of staple crops such as soy to be resistant to glyphosate allows the stuff to be sprayed around in huge quantities.

Grain crops are often sprayed again to facilitate harvest, in the practice known as 'brown down'. So-called super weeds have emerged requiring super doses. Claims that it is biodegradable are countered by others claiming it has a half-life in soil of between 10 and 25 years. As well, a growing list of illnesses is being attributed to glyphosate.

Giant corporate Monsanto has been producing the glyphosate product Roundup since 1974. Last year it sold

24 PONSONBY NEWS+ August 2016

$4.8 billion worth, but it is being increasingly banned around the world as its deadly nature becomes better known.

Countries including Netherlands, Sri Lanka, Bermuda, Columbia and France have recently banned its use.

A number of states in the United States have banned it, including California. However, Monsanto has sued California and is fighting the ban.

In the United States glyphosate is found in rivers, streams, and groundwater. It has been found in food, the urine of exposed persons, and in the urine of urban dwellers without direct contact with glyphosate.

Concern in the United States extends to accusations that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been got at by Monsanto and is now, according to reliable organisation Sustainable Pulse, “again working against public health protection.” There is suspicion that New Zealand’s EPA is similarly compromised.

Scientists have been documenting the health consequences of exposure to glyphosates for more than 20 years, in our food, in the water we drink, in the air we breathe, and where our children play - roadsides, playgrounds, golf courses, school yards, lawns and home gardens.

These scientists have found an alarming number of health problems which they can attribute to glyphosate.

These include: ADHD, Alzheimer's, birth defects, autism,

brain cancer, breast and other cancers, celiac disease and gluten intolerance, chronic kidney disease, colitis and the list goes on. A number of illnesses often attributed to recent Western diets have been identified by scientists as being caused or at least exacerbated by glyphosate intake.

Glyphosate disrupts chemical processes that impact on the production of serotonin. Serotonin impairment is linked to depression. Very low doses of Roundup can disrupt human liver function, while diabetes, heart disease, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's, and obesity have all been linked to glyphosates.

Ponsonby News is unaware whether Mayor Brown and all 20 councillors have read any of this damning scientific evidence on the use of glyphosate, and if not, why not?

It is a dereliction of duty to play Russian roulette with Aucklanders' lives, mainly because of fear of retribution from international bully, Monsanto. We’ve taken on the tobacco companies with promises of plain packaging, so why are we scared to take on Monsanto?

If the TTP agreement is finally ratified, Monsanto may be able to sue New Zealand if we refuse to use their genetically modified organisms and their poisonous herbicide Roundup. Let’s ban it now before it’s too late.

PN (JOHN ELLIOTT) 

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JOHN ELLIOTT: LOCAL NEWS

Mark Thomas’ mayoral candidate’s vision - an Auckland that works for us It is somewhat surprising to Ponsonby News that candidate for Mayor, Mark Thomas, has not been attracting more media coverage.

He has a good story to tell.

Thomas is the only declared mayoral candidate who has local body political experience.

He is currently a deputy chair of the Orakei Local Board.

It is hard to argue with Mark Thomas’ assertion that Auckland needs a new mayor who understands council and local politics. He also believes his diverse business experience will be a valuable asset. He told Ponsonby News he will be ready to hit the ground running and deliver the effective leadership Auckland needs.

The three key policy points that Mark Thomas stresses as integral to his plans for Auckland are that the city is more affordable to live in, that the city delivers better transport sooner, and that growth must be sorted.

Thomas has held the portfolios of strategy, finance, the unitary plan and economic development while on the Orakei Local Board, so he has built up a comprehensive understanding of how the city functions and its deficiencies.

He is a one-time National Party candidate for the Mana electorate, but believes he is better suited in Local Government, where he can combine his business experience with his desire to be near his wife and two children. I caught him the day before he left for a school holiday break.

Mark Thomas was born in Te Kuiti. His grandfather was Chairman of the Reporoa County Council, he proudly told us, who received a Queen’s Service Order for services to local government and the community. Mark has held top jobs in corporate New Zealand, including Head of Group Marketing and Corporate Affairs at ANZ Bank.

Thomas is proud of his showing in local elections. In 2013 he was re-elected to the Orakei Board with almost 17,000 votes - the sixth highest of all 170 elected to Auckland Council.

Mark and Wendy Lai have two boys aged 10 and 13. Wendy is a senior partner in the consulting business of Deloitte, and Deputy Chair of the Counties Manukau District Health Board.

Thomas has a comprehensive plan to fix Auckland’s transport problems called, 'Better Transport Sooner'. He will direct Auckland Transport to establish six new Regional Transport Boards with a formal delegation to approve and fund sub-regional and local transports. The six boards will be chaired by an Auckland Transport director, and be comprised of ward councillors and local board transport leads.

Mark Thomas and family must change, Thomas says, and as mayor he will change the culture of the council to get that trust back. “There are many good people at Auckland Council,” Thomas assures us, “but there is a huge need to restore confidence in council officers, councillors and board members.”

There are higher priorities than selling off, or getting rid of, Ports of Auckland, Mark Thomas believes, but he would explore the possibility of swapping the port company assets for other more urgently needed assets such as the Dominion Road or Symonds Street upgrades.

Mark Thomas is a highly personable man with a keen sense of humour and a wicked grin.

He is clearly devoted to his family, and wants the best for Aucklanders, their children and their children’s children.

Best of all, I think as mayor he would bring a balanced view of Auckland and its future needs to the table. He calls himself the middle man, a reference of course to Goff on the left and Crone on the right. He seems pragmatic to me, and not overly ideological in his thinking.

There are other problems to fix. Mark Thomas knows which these are, and believes he can fix them. On liquor licensing, for example, he would put a local board member on the District Licensing Committee, so decisions made have a genuine local voice. He quotes the recent report on how the Super City is performing, noting that it was critical of local community interaction and consultation. Even where they do consult, they often have no teeth to implement decisions that locals want. He would give local boards more powers.

He would have a steady hand on the tiller as Mayor of Auckland, with experience to know when to change direction and how to solve the problems that are the bane of all growing cities worldwide. It just may be, too, that Mark Thomas’ local board experience may fit him to work more effectively than other candidates with the difficult bureaucrats of whom Auckland has its fair share.

Mark Thomas quoted from the pre-election report of the council. “It was too much of a good news document,” he told us, “and it neglected to mention the satisfaction and trust statistics.” Only 15% are satisfied with the council, while only 17% trust them. That

Ponsonby News predicts that as Aucklanders get to know Mark Thomas better, his popularity as a mayoral candidate will grow, making him a genuine contender to lead Auckland for the next three years. (JOHN ELLIOTT)  PN

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JACINDA ARDERN: LABOUR LIST MP AUCKLAND Just a few weeks ago, more than a hundred Aucklanders spent one night sleeping rough to raise money for homelessness.

It was a fundraiser for Lifewise, an organisation that, like The City Mission, has been working with our homeless population for years.

It was my sixth year joining the Big Sleep Out, and every year I’ve wondered if the issue of homelessness is getting much, much worse. Turns out that it is. There are now 4200 New Zealanders sleeping rough or in their cars.

But something else has changed when it comes to this issue - we’re finally all talking about it. And how could we not, when so many people are affected, and when the stories are so gutting.

No one could fail to be moved by a recent story from Auckland, where a homeless family with four special needs children, including a son with cerebral palsy, were taken in by a stranger.

After moving back to Auckland from Australia, they had initially stayed with relatives - in a house with 12 others - before being put up in a motel by Work and Income. However, they were forced to move out after four weeks because the room they’d been given had been double-booked.

That’s why we’ve said that a Labour Government would provide $60 million in funding over four years to ensure we have as many as 1400 new beds for people who need it.

Over the course of a year, that should mean that we’ll be able to provide emergency housing for more than 5000 additional people.

Emergency housing will never be enough. We also need to put an end to the sale of state housing and reinvest Housing New Zealand’s dividend into building more homes.

At the same time, we’ve committed ourselves to KiwiBuild - our plan to build 10,000 affordable homes per annum for first home buyers. Standalone houses in Auckland will cost $500,000 to $600,000, with apartments and townhouses under $500,000.

There is no one solution to either homelessness or the housing crisis. But that’s no excuse to be frozen like a possum in headlights while people are sleeping rough, on couches or in their cars. If we commit to a plan, then one day, there will be no more Big Sleep Out, and no more homelessness. (JACINDA ARDERN)  PN JACINDA ARDERN, Labour List MP based in Auckland Central. www.jacinda.co.nz

Action Against Poverty’s Kathleen Paraha offered them her two bedrooms. She would sleep on her couch. She didn’t know the family, but said the children “in their condition deserve the best.”

I saw similar kindness when I visited Te Puea Marae a few weeks ago - the kind of response that reminds you of what the Kiwi spirit is all about.

But as much as we are moved by the comfort and help of strangers, we still need a plan.

When it comes to putting a roof over the heads of those who are homeless, that means a big increase in emergency housing. In an ideal world, we would be able to provide permanent housing straight away. But with a current wait of 155 days on average for the Government to find accommodation for a homeless person or family, we need immediate interim measures to ensure we get people out of their cars and off the street as quickly as possible.

LOCAL CHEF WINS AUSTRALASIAN S.PELLEGRINO YOUNG CHEF 2016 TITLE The super-talented and incredibly affable Leslie Hottiaux from K' Road’s Apero Food & Wine has been chosen to represent the Pacific region at the S.Pellegrino Young Chef 2016 October Grand Finale in Milan.

Following remarkable performances by 10 of the most talented young Australian and New Zealand chefs in Melbourne at an event which took place in late July, Kiwi chef Leslie was announced as the winner of the Pacific region’s S.Pellegrino Young Chef local challenge.

She will advance to the world Grande Finale competition to take place on 13 October, 2016 in Milan, Italy.

Leslie Hottiaux, Head Chef and co-owner of Apero

The regional challenge took place on 25 and 26 July at The Crown culinarium in Melbourne, where a jury composed of renowned chefs - including Peter Gilmore, Andrew McConnell, Jacques Reymond, Peter Doyle and Adam D’Sylva - tasted the signature dishes prepared by each of the semifinalists and selected Hottiaux as the winner. The 29-year-old’s win was based on the criteria of five “Golden Rules”: ingredients, skills, genius, beauty and message. Her perfectly crafted potato gnocchi, mushroom, pinenut and truffle signature dish was reportedly created especially for her France-based parents who were coming to visit her restaurant for the first time.

Leslie Hottiaux's winning dish

All of the semifinalists were hand-selected by ALMA, the world’s leading international educational and training centre for Italian cuisine and the lineup included another local in the form of Tom Hishon, head-chef and co-owner of Ponsonby’s own Orphan's Kitchen. (HELENE RAVLICH)  PN

28 PONSONBY NEWS+ August 2016

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NEW NEIGHBOURS

LOCAL BUYERS LOOK TO WORLD-CLASS LIFESTYLE DEVELOPMENT GRACE VICTORIA QUARTER

ALL IMAGES ARE ARTIST IMPRESSIONS

Local home buyers with an eye for design have made up a significant portion of the $70 million plus sales achieved at high profile lifestyle community Grace Victoria Quarter.

Bringing together the market leading expertise and local knowledge of internationally renowned Cox Architecture, New Zealand-based Opus Architecture and award-winning developers Little Projects and Location Group, Grace Victoria Quarter has struck a chord with savvy buyers who understand the value of design and amenity.

Located at 70 Sale Street, the project is 800m from the waterfront, providing immediate access to key Auckland amenities including Victoria Park, the Wynyard Quarter and Auckland Harbour to the north.

Location Group Managing Director Mark Weipers says Grace Victoria Quarter has redefined expectations of inner city apartment living creating a new benchmark for design excellence in Auckland.

The CBD retail precinct is only 750m to the east with major corporate headquarters including Fonterra, Spark, Air New Zealand and the New Zealand International Convention Centre, all within walking distance.

“We’re redeveloping these apartments in association with the best in the industry and the market has shown an appreciation for the effort and detail that has gone into creating a project of such high quality,” Mr Weipers says.

Owner-occupiers transitioning from large family homes in Ponsonby and nearby blue ribbon suburbs such as Herne Bay and Parnell have been particularly taken by the spaciousness of the apartments and the sophisticated amenities, some combining two apartments to make even larger homes.

“Auckland residents live in a world class city recognised for its lifestyle and Grace Victoria Quarter reflects that growing maturity, demonstrating the beauty and convenience of apartment living that hasn’t previously been offered in the city,” Mr Weipers says.

LUSH SECRET GARDEN

INTELLIGENT APARTMENT DESIGN

THE ULTIMATE ROOFTOP RETREAT

Award-winning Cox Architecture’s contemporary design maximises the Auckland city, Ponsonby Ridge and harbour views with a sinuously curved facade tracing the line of the corner site.

An elegant residential entrance lobby will feature a double-height sculptural staircase, flanked on either side by retail tenancies, which will activate the streetscape and provide access to a unique courtyard garden sheltered between the arms of the building.

Amenities include a Residents’ Rooftop Retreat with Sky Terrace and separate lounge, which will provide 360-degree views across Auckland, shared dining spaces and individual private spaces for relaxation.

Little Projects General Manager of Sales and Marketing Fergus Humphries, confirmed the $100 million project is on track for completion in late 2018, with demolition of the existing buildings to commence in the coming months, and more than 70 of the 100 luxury one- two- and three-bedroom apartments already sold.

“What we’ve seen at Grace is an overwhelming demand from owner-occupiers and local investors, which confirms this city’s appetite for projects that are driven by design and amenity.”

An announcement regarding the appointment of an established New Zealand builder is expected in a matter of weeks.

FERGUS HUMPHRIES, LITTLE PROJECTS

“The market is discerning,” Mr Humphries says.

“This is a thoughtfully designed lifestyle development that brings together a decade of experience delivering high From smartly designed one-bedroom quality projects in Melbourne’s most apartments to premium double-storey ‘sky’ popular urban areas with world-class homes, Grace Victoria Quarter’s diverse architecture on an enviable gateway product offering makes the lifestyle site,” Mr Humphries says. community ideal for first-home buyers, owner-occupiers and investors alike.

Priced from $540,000 to $3.3m, a great selection of apartments are still available for sale at Grace Victoria Quarter. Those interested in purchasing at the world-class lifestyle community should act immediately.

For more information, contact Karen Spires on 027 273 8220 or Brad Roebuck on 027 472 2387 from Bayleys Ponsonby (Licensed under the REAA 2008), or visit the display at 115 Cook St, Victoria Quarter. The display is open Tuesday to Sunday from 11am – 3pm.

GRACEVQ.CO.NZ

LOCAL NEWS PONSONBY COMMUNITY CENTRE NEWS Ponsy Kids Preschool • 20 ECE funded hours.

• New session times developed to meet the needs of our community.

Education Review Office Report - June 2016 Well done to our Head Teacher Julie Ferguson and our Ponsy Kids Preschool teachers on a fantastic Education Review Office report in which Ponsy Kids Community Preschool was well placed.

ERO Report: The centre is very welcoming to children, parents and whanau. Positive relationships between teachers and children's families help develop children’s sense of belonging and wellbeing. Children are friendly, enthusiastic learners. Their independence, emotional and social competence are very well promoted. Children with special educational needs are very well supported.

The programme is highly responsive and flexible, enabling children to engage in a range of interesting learning opportunities. Teachers work skilfully alongside children, consistently supporting them with their play choices. They encourage children to explore a variety of resources, listen to their ideas and foster oral language development through very good questioning and discussion. Literacy, numeracy and science experiences are prioritised and integrated well into the context of children's play.

Landscape Project We are excited to announce that work on the Ponsy Kids playground extension is due to start on 1 August. The project will provide much needed additional outdoor space and better connections between the different levels at the centre. The design includes a climbing wall, a 'rolling' slope and a mural wall with viewing windows to the park. We’ve been working closely with our project team, Markham Architecture + Urban Design, Constructure Structural Engineering, and Alpha1 Builders over the past few months and we’re looking forward to starting construction of this much-anticipated project.

Ponsy Kids is a non-profit community preschool which operates out of the Ponsonby Community Centre. We have a range of sessions available for children aged 2-4 years.

Contact details are: julie@ponsonbycommunity.org.nz, T: 09 376 0896 Ponsonby Community Centre Programmes: Term 3 is well underway and once again we have a great line-up of classes for our community. We welcome Neverland Studios to Ponsonby Community Centre and they will be running dance classes on Tuesday and Friday after school, visit their website: www.neverlandstudios.co.nz.

Venue for hire If you are looking for a room to hold your next classes, workshops or meetings, then contact the office for assistance, details below.

Ponsonby Community Centre (spaces available) • Freda Stark Hall Mon, Weds and Thurs after school (3.30pm to 5.45pm) • Johnny Mitchell Hall - Mon to Fri 3.30pm to 6pm and Sundays (all day) • Gluepot Room - Mon, Weds to Fri (9am - 3pm) and Thurs evenings • Kitchen Hire - Mon, Sat and Sun for groups looking for a licensed premise to prepare their food for sale at school galas, local markets, etc Leys Institute Gymnasium Hall (spaces available) • Main Hall - Thursday and Friday mornings and early afternoons 8am to 2.30pm • Also available for boot camp sessions weekdays (6am - 8am) For more information on Ponsonby Community Centre please T: 09 378 1752, or M: 021 244 0904, E: info@ponsonbycommunity.org.nz, www.ponsonbycommunity.org.nz, Facebook: Ponsonby Community Centre

CANCER SOCIETY CALLS FOR 2016 DAFFODIL DAY VOLUNTEERS Cancer Society’s annual flagship event Daffodil Day - one of the most important fundraising and cancer awareness events in New Zealand is Friday 26 August.

Daffodil Day raises awareness of cancer and is the biggest generator of funds for Cancer Society. Donations go towards funding vital research into the causes and treatment of all types of cancer as well as providing a range of support services, information, health promotion and education programmes to reduce cancer risk, awareness campaigns and programmes for people affected by cancer. Cancer Society receives no government funding.

Get involved Cancer Society Auckland is looking for people who can act as area coordinators or street collectors on Friday 26 August - if you would like to learn more about what being a Daffodil Day collector involves, contact Maureen Miller at Cancer Society Auckland on T: 09 308 0240 or visit www.cancernz.org.nz  PN

32 PONSONBY NEWS+ August 2016

Bob Hawkeswood and John Elliott collecting money for Daffodil Day outside Bhana Brothers PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

PONSONBY NEWS+ August 2016

33

DEIRDRE THURSTON: ON MY MIND

The gym I’ve joined the gym. More accurately, re- re-joined the gym. And that’s just in the past 12 months. Over my ‘gym’ lifetime, I doubt I’d have enough fingers on which to count joining-up times.

Others close to me aren’t fooled by my exercise gear and good intentions: Me: “I’m joining the gym today. Can’t decide which one. Any ideas?”

Family member: “Doesn’t matter which - you won’t go for long.”

How hurtful those we love can be. I’d show them this time - even if they aren’t looking.

After shaving my legs and moisturising their neglected winter skin, down the road and around a couple of corners I drove with my water bottle and clean hand-towel ready to do battle with a treadmill for the first time in ages. It’ll be great, I told myself. I’ll feel energised and health-filled, I grinned into my rear-view mirror, checking my sporty ponytail.

Inside, I scanned the room for anyone older than me; then anyone even approaching my age. Aha! Someone puffed and heaved over a Swiss ball in the corner looking not quite as youthful, lean and keen as the rest. When did gym garb get so risque?

I wonder why there are so many people not behind desks at 10.25 of a morning?

Information had to be input by a staff member and questions asked before I began.

“Reason you left last time?”

I would have thought the answer obvious: Because I hated it, doesn’t everyone?

However, I flicked my ponytail and mumbled about being overseas, and work. I rubbed my knee for good measure, a bit of sympathy and guilt-ease.

“What are you wanting to achieve this time?”

Once again, obvious. Has he not seen me? I gave him the ‘feel so much better exercising’ spiel which he seemed happy with and proceeded to regale me with how great he felt each day after his boot camp/boxing/squats/weights routine and his 10km run before ‘tea’.

“How wonderful.” I smiled up at him. What I wanted to say was, “Yeah, well you’re only about 12 years old and I’m... not. And I used to do all that, too (which would have been stretching the truth completely). One day you’ll have bad knees and rue your blimmin’ boot camp days, buster.”

The treadmill beckoned. I’m always anxious I’ll fall off backwards or forwards, or sideways for that matter, drawing unwanted attention to myself. I’d love Harry’s Invisibility Cloak for the gym. All that jiggling can’t look attractive. As usual, everyone else seems to go at a faster pace than me. You’re just beginning again, take it slow, I cautioned myself. Build up to a faster walk and then maybe a run. A run! A run!! Were the endorphins kicking in before I’d even begun?

These endorphins people glibly mention have remained largely elusive to me in my gym escapades. My brother-in-law shakes his head and proclaims with teacherly assertion that the little blighters do not exist. He’s certainly never come across one on any rowing machine at the community centre.

As usual, I place my towel over the screen once I’ve set my programme so as I’m not tortured by how slowly the minutes and kilometres drag by. Occasionally, I unwisely sneak a peek only to be severely disappointed. What I had imagined would be 10 minutes is inevitably only three. Watching one of a distracting bank of TV’s stimulates hunger because there are always cooking shows featuring some new miracle pans laden with melty lasagnes. Sports channels with boxers in ridiculous satin shorts bashing each other don’t appeal. A good quiz show nudges time a little quicker than snail’s pace but my earphones never quite work properly so I end up with fuzzy noise in one ear and shouty questions in the other. A gym buddy’s the best time distraction. I couldn’t have been more excited seeing a friend jump on a treadmill close to mine. Although she seemed more interested in the melty lasagne than a puffed chat.

An hour later, treadmill, bike, weights and stretching completed, I feel saintly and imagine my skin flushed with rosy health, eyes shining with achievement. An unkind mirror at the basin shows a beetroot-red face and damp strands of hair stuck to my neck. Don’t care, I’ve begun to exercise again and that’s a good thing. I look forward to sore muscles - proof I’ve been a good girl.

My aim is to gym four times a week. I’m determined to keep it up and pray those endorphins will pay me a visit asap. On reflection, there are only a couple of downsides to the gym: I find it weird paying to be in pain. And I need to wash my hair more often.

I can deal with that. (DEIRDRE THURSTON)  PN

TOP BARTENDERS COME TO PLAY AT PONSONBY POP-UP New Zealand’s most talented bartenders are set to share their cocktail creations at a unique pop-up bar, World Class House, coming to Ponsonby.

Local bartenders Lorietta Bahr of Bedford Soda & Liquor and Jonny Cresswell from Revelry will be joined there by James Millar of The Gin Room, Kneale Brown of Matterhorn (Wellington), and Ray Leota of Roxy (Wellington). The elite group have been named as the top bartenders in the New Zealand final of Diageo World Class, one of the world’s most premium bartending competitions.

World Class House is the final stage of the New Zealand leg of the competition. The unique event will pop up in the more than 100-year-old iconic Ponsonby Post Office building, where the top five will compete over three days in a series of challenges that test their craftsmanship, technique and creativity.

During the evening, World Class House will open to the public with a range of cocktail and food stations to explore, including a ‘juice your own’ Bloody Mary station and an all-American barbecue with bourbon cocktail match. Finalists will present their signature cocktails in front of guests, with the aim to have their creation come out on top as most popular on the night.

World Class House will be open 4 - 6 August at the Ponsonby Post Office building, 1-3 St Marys Road, Ponsonby. Tickets are available from iTicket. (HELENE RAVLICH)  PN

34 PONSONBY NEWS+ August 2016

Lorietta Bahr of Bedford Soda & Liquor PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

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LOCAL NEWS OUR PLACE AT 254 PONSONBY ROAD Community-led design is a conversation. A discussion between lots of different stakeholders: residents, businesses and the regular users of the place being designed for.

The Facilitation Group for 254 Ponsonby Road has just completed the first round of consultation; a survey to decide the direction the project brief should take. The team asked simple and open questions to encourage the community to think about and guide their direction in creating the design brief.

The overwhelming feedback is a clear preference for a place to sit and relax.

Two of the questions asked were: 1. What would you like to do there, and 2. How would you like to feel there?

You want a place to enjoy lunch or a picnic. A child-friendly community space that is a positive, happy and an inclusive place to be.

This is what you told us.

A place where people can meet friends and socialise whilst enjoying events and activities in a safe, peaceful and calm, green space.

As Jennifer Ward explains, “From these findings an initial design brief, focused on what you have told us (rather than the end details) will be created. This design brief will then go out for preliminary design idea and concept work by designers who are volunteering their time to help us. These will include tertiary institutions, as we are interested in engaging young people and students in the community-led design process. Additionally, experienced practitioners and local designers will also be approached to contribute, as we want to collaborate with a wide variety of people to interpret the community’s design brief. If this is you, please get in touch!

“We will then bring the collected design elements back to you, the community, for your input before the final design brief is created.

It’s an exciting time as we begin this next stage of work. We’ll keep you updated as we progress. For further information or comments contact info@254Ponsonbyrd. org or check out the webpage www.254ponsonbyrd.org.nz, or either Facebook 254Ponsonbyrd or Ponsonby Park.  PN

THE ST COLUMBA CHURCH COMMUNITY photography: Tony Bridge

Ponsonby News recently took a walk around the St Columba Church grounds in Surrey Crescent with vicar, The Reverend Canon Brent Swann.

The Grey Lynn Anglican presence meets a local need, multicultural in nature, ministering to some of the most vulnerable people in our city. The tarseal jungle of a large city can be an alienating place for the weak and the displaced in our midst, and here they have a peaceful refuge.

Way back off the road is the beautiful old church, built in 1931, a four bedroom vicarage currently near the end of a refurbishment upgrade, an iconic labyrinth which features in international tourist publications, and is a centre for both vigorous youth basketball games, children on bikes, or Grey Lynn people quietly contemplating as they stroll through the tranquil grounds that surround the old church. There is a lovely old pohutukawa tree, now played on by the children and grandchildren of St Columba parishioners.

The Valerie Lagorio Labyrinth plaque says, “a place to meditate and be.” Many a local gets sustenance and peace of mind just being in this peaceful environment, maybe with a few quiet prayers thrown in.

There is also a thriving vegetable garden, where locals can have a plot, and the church can feed hungry locals. On 26 and 27 August, St Columba will hold a fundraiser - The Clay Works Potters’ Market and Community Day. This fundraising day was highly successful at its inaugural event last year, and planning is well underway to make the 2016 event even more successful. This year will feature a Twilight Market on Friday 26 August from 3-8pm, and the Day Market on Saturday 27 August from 9am to 4pm.

The hall will be bursting with pottery from established and emerging Auckland potters.

It will be a wonderful opportunity to buy pieces that are normally difficult to access at reasonable prices. Think Christmas!

38 PONSONBY NEWS+ August 2016

The labyrinth prayer walkway @ St Columba, Surrey Crescent In the grounds will be stalls of Pacific food and craft, children’s activities, coffee, cakes and slices, and in the church there will be art on display and for sale, as well as live music from a diverse range of local musicians throughout Saturday. We urge our Ponsonby News readers to support this community event.

St Columba is a multicultural community of Christians who reach out to the Grey Lynn community. There are new parishioners from the new apartments near by, and there is a hugely positive feeling that this little church is beginning to grow again after a period of relative stagnation.

St Columba has always had a mission to serve the poor and marginalised from its beginnings a century ago, and Brent Swann welcomes new local residents to visit and join the congregation, who sing in Maori, Samoan and Tongan, as well as English.

Pastoral care may sound like an old fashioned word, but the highly-personable Brent Swann with his tikanga Maori knowledge, his narrative therapy training, and his team of skilled helpers including Talau Hoeft the Tongan priest, Brent’s wife Huia, also a narrative therapist, and Clinical Psychologist Dr Christina Faalogo-Lilo, know the importance of pastoral care, and they don’t just talk the talk, they walk the walk. Long may they have that opportunity to serve the Grey Lynn community, which they do so well.

PN (JOHN ELLIOTT)  PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

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GETTING WHEEL ALIGNMENT RIGHT PAYS OFF Precision German Touchless Wheel Alignment will improve the life of your tyres and steering response of your car. BM Workshop owner Chris Rawson says it is his goal to ensure all his customers are happy with their service.

“This is my second Toyota Aurion and I have done over 300,000km in the two of them, they both pulled to the left, even after wheel alignments at different places. After the Touchless alignment with Chris, the car pulls straight and feels like a new car even now with 200,000km on the clock. My wife commented after a trip to Taupo how good the car feels on the road. What a difference when the car is set up correctly. Next car will be coming straight to you.” - Barry (Toyota Aurion) “A great result with correcting the alignment on my Mercedes. My van pulls straight and my new tyres wear perfectly after your full alignment. I’m very happy with the result.”

- Andy (Mercedes van) The Touchless precision wheel aligner utilises four optical heads, which will measure all four wheels live without having to attach anything to the car and will give them a reading on all four wheels instantly.

Just because all the wheel alignment settings are within specifications, does not mean it is the best setting for your car on New Zealand roads.

In the month of August, BM Workshop is offering a complementary tyre wear check. Call in and Chris will visually inspect your tyres for uneven wear. Or better yet, take advantage of their August special of $40 including GST for an initial check on the Touchless.  PN BM WORK SHOP, 315 Great North Road, T: 09 376 1246, www.bmworkshop.co.nz/grey-lynn/

AN EVENTFUL TWO YEARS AT AUCKLAND MINI GARAGE In yet another example of how time flies, last month saw the two-year anniversary of Auckland MINI Garage’s fabulous British-themed opening night party extravaganza, celebrating their brand new showroom in Newmarket.

Enjoying live entertainment from The Beatles, Elton John, Austin Powers and numerous go-go dancers, around 300 guests ate, drank and danced their way through the stylish, upbeat showroom while admiring vivid neon signage, cleverly painted MINI roofs mounted on the walls and stunning imagery from the giant screens.

Only a year later, Auckland MINI Garage was again celebrating - this time as Supreme Winner in the 2015 Newmarket Business Association’s annual Business Excellence awards. The dealership’s lead-up success as the Best Small/Medium Business of the Year cut through some very tough competition and a 100% increase in entries since the previous year. “Given the fact that we had only been in operation a year in the new location, it was a great testimony to our team and their efforts with settling in so quickly,” commented Jonny Highton, Auckland MINI Garage’s General Manager.

Highlights since then have included a wildly successful event for the Chinese community which generated an extremely high mainstream and social media profile; the release of the hot new MINI John Cooper Works (JCW) and thrilling driving experience at Hampton Downs motorsport park; and the Young Fashion Designer Awards and stunning catwalk show showcasing their creations.

While having enjoyed their base on the corner of Mackelvie Street and Ponsonby Road for 18 months back in March 2011, MINI Garage rapidly grew too big for the location and reluctantly withdrew from Ponsonby. After major construction, Auckland MINI Garage eventually became the Southern Hemisphere’s largest MINI dealership at their much PN larger site in Newmarket.  AUCKLAND MINI GARAGE, 381 - 383 Broadway Newmarket, T: 0800 548 352, www.mini.co.nz

40 PONSONBY NEWS+ August 2016

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

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An establishment fee of $250 is included. This offer expires 31st August 2016 and is subject to BMW Financial Services New Zealand Limited standard lending criteria. www.mini.co.nz/finance

MOTORING

THE ALL-NEW CIVIC IS A STAND OUT FOR HONDA The internationally awarded, all-new Honda Civic arrived in showrooms across the country at the end of July.

The new 10th generation Civic has been totally redesigned and re-engineered, featuring a new coupe-like silhouette, advanced aerodynamic styling, all new powertrain and the latest in smartphone connectivity. It advances one of Honda’s most loved nameplates into a new era.

The new Civic is available in two different drivetrains - a brand new Turbo VTEC petrol engine as well as a 1.8L i-VTEC normally aspirated petrol engine.

Headlining the new Civic is an all-new, responsive and fuel efficient, turbocharged 1.5L VTEC Turbo engine producing 127kW of power at 5500rpm and a significant 220Nm of torque, across the driving range, from as low as 1700rpm up to 5500rpm. The engine cleverly produces that perfect balance of power and fuel efficiency with an official ADR Fuel Economy figure of 6L/100km.

The Civic RS Turbo is the style statement of the line up featuring distinctive RS styling including an integrated body kit with a striking black grille, rear sports spoiler, exclusive 17” RS alloy wheels, shadow chrome door handles, LED Headlights, LED Daytime Running Lights, fog lights, sunroof, leather seating, RS badging and much more.

42 PONSONBY NEWS+ August 2016

Inside, the new Civic has class-leading space, quality and comfort. Occupants will appreciate the headroom, legroom and shoulder room in the front and rear, so generous that they match the dimensions more commonly found in larger vehicles.

Advanced connectivity and infotainment is provided in the new Civic range with a 7” Touch Screen and Honda’s Advanced Display Audio featuring Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™.

The top spec model, the Civic NT Turbo also has built in navigation and the Honda Sensing suite of advanced, active safety technologies including Collision Mitigation Braking System, Road Departure Mitigation System, Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keep Assist System, Adaptive Cruise Control with Low Speed Follow.

The new Civic, based on the international reviews and awards achieved since launch, will be a standout for Honda in New Zealand. To learn more visit your local Honda Dealer or go online to www.honda.co.nz/civic  PN

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

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MOTORING PONSONBY PRIMARY SAYS THANKS TO LOCALS FOR FUNDRAISER SUCCESS Ponsonby Primary School recently celebrated its annual Taste of Ponsonby fundraising event - a festive night showcasing all that’s good and great about our local community, generously supported by many local businesses.

Funding for schools, particularly high decile schools like those in our wider community, is challenging with material shortfalls between what we receive from government and the actual costs of meeting our children’s learning needs. Thankfully, with awesome community support, the success of events like Taste of Ponsonby ensures many of those learning needs are met.

Among a superb collection of goodies placed under the hammer on the night was the inaugural Ponsonby Primary Amazing Race. Proudly sponsored by Jerry Clayton BMW, who provided three gleaming vehicles, the successful bidders formed teams of three kids, selected a teacher to pilot the car and darted round the inner west on a scavenger hunt inspired by the reality TV show.

Ponsonby Primary School students participate in Taste of Ponsonby fundraising event

One may be forgiven for thinking children from this neck of the woods would think little of climbing into a late model European vehicle. However, the palpable excitement of the kids, as they climbed aboard, suggested otherwise. Following some hearty sustenance provided by the good folk at Burger Fuel, they were away! Victory would surely go to the sharpest and wiliest of intellect and wit! And victory was sweet, thanks to the generosity of Nike Britomart.

As the respective teams returned to school, the entire school was on hand to cheer them on, welcoming them back into the fray of a school assembly. Placing 1st, 2nd or 3rd mattered little on an occasion that will be richly remembered for many a moon.

Enormous thanks to Jerry Clayton BMW for making this unique event possible. And, an equally grand thanks to the many local businesses that supported the Taste of Ponsonby.

The children of Ponsonby Primary are hugely indebted to you all!  PN

CURIO NOIR OPENS ITS FLAGSHIP PONSONBY STORE Luxurious home and beauty brand Curio Noir has unveiled a range of exquisite handmade perfumes, while simultaneously celebrating the opening of their flagship store on Ponsonby Road.

Darkly alluring and reminiscent of a Parisian atelier, the new store is in the space formerly occupied by Wunderkammer at 76a Ponsonby Road. Within its walls you’ll find the sought after line of Curio Noir glass candles, CN Absolute Parfum, Curio Noir hard soaps and leather coasters, exclusive Zora Bell Boyd jewellery and a range of Comme Des Garcons fragrance.

For those unfamiliar with the brand, Curio Noir was founded in 2011 by Jeans and has grown into one of Australasia’s most luxurious perfumery and candle ranges. Tiffany crafted a series of hand-cast skull candles individually wrapped in tulle for each guest at her wedding, and it was from this labour of love that the idea for Curio Noir grew.

(HELENE RAVLICH)  PN www.curionoir.com

The new Absolute Parfum perfumery line has to be played with to be believed, and is currently made up of four unisex fragrances crafted by Curio Noir creator Tiffany Jeans and mixed by perfumers in Grasse, France. Called Opia, Diaphanous, Tobacco Night and Dark Bouquet, they are sold in either a 5ml petite French perfume bottle, or for quantities of 30ml or larger, the customer can choose a beautiful bespoke, hand-blown glass bottle made in collaboration with Monmouth Glass Studio.

“CN Absolute Parfum was created not only from my love for scent but also as a response to a number of customers who asked to have our candle scents made in to wearable perfumes,” says Jeans. “Some scents have been years in the making and have evolved as I have learnt more about certain notes and alongside changes in my life. I’m incredibly proud of the fragrances that currently make up the range, and I plan on adding more in coming years.”

44 PONSONBY NEWS+ August 2016

Curio Noir creator Tiffany Jeans PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

Jerry Clayton BMW

Takapuna

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Jerry Clayton BMW 445 Lake Road, Takapuna. (09) 488 2000. www.jcbmw.co.nz

MOTORING

Lexus Song Quest finalists, Filipe Manu, Tavis Gravatt, Madison Nonoa and winner Benson Wilson

WILSON WINS LEXUS SONG QUEST If at first you don’t succeed, try again.

Aucklander Benson Wilson who was runner-up in the Lexus Song Quest two years ago took his second chance in both hands at the Gala Grand Final in the Auckland Town Hall last month.

The baritone won the bi-annual contest from tenor and fellow Aucklander Filipe Manu.

It was well worth the effort. Wilson won $20,000 cash, international air travel worth $3000 and a study scholarship worth another $27,000.

Wilson follows in the footsteps of Dames Kiri Te Kanawa and Malvina Major, who won the Song Quest on their way to stellar international careers.

The competition is in its 60th year and more recent winners have included Jonathon Lemalu and Amitai Pati.

Wilson said he was “blessed to receive this honour and was ready to step up to the challenge.” He will use the study scholarship at an institution yet to be decided in Europe or possibly North America.

What complicates his choice is a prize he won at an Australian competition last year, allowing him to study at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London.

Wilson’s voice was discovered when his family shifted to Havelock North in the Hawkes Bay when he was the only Samoan in the school choir. “Back in Onehunga everybody I sang with had great voices,” said Wilson.

On his way to success in the Lexus Song Quest, Wilson completed a Bachelor of Music degree with Honours at Auckland University in 2014 and since then has pursued his musical ambitions.

The finalists each performed four songs to a packed Town Hall without the aid of any amplification. Two secular songs were accompanied by pianist Terence Dennis and two arias with backing from the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Edo de Waart.

46 PONSONBY NEWS+ August 2016

Benson Wilson Acclaimed soprano and International Lexus Song Quest Judge Yvonne Kenny said she had been impressed by all four “outstanding” finalists and that New Zealand could be “proud that the fine tradition of beautiful voices and refined singing continues.”

Runner-up Manu received an immediate cash prize of $8000 supported by the Dame Malvina Major Foundation and a Study Scholarship of $10,000.

The third and fourth place-getters, Hamilton soprano Madison Nonoa, and Auckland’s Bass Baritone Tavis Gravatt each received an immediate cash prize of $3500 net. Nonoa also received the $15,000 Kiri Te Kanawa Foundation scholarship ‘for the singer who shows the most promise’.

“Lexus is thrilled to continue to support such talented young New Zealanders,” said Andrew Davis, the Lexus General Manager of Marketing. “The Grand Final showcased four unique voices and characters, and Ms Kenny had an unenviable task in deciding the overall winner.”

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

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EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY

STEP INSIDE - EAT @ THE SHELTER EAT is hidden away inside Ponsonby’s leading experiential retail destination.

Increasingly people are seeking retail spaces that offer experiences rather than the traditional one-dimensional store model, and the same can be said for cafes. Why dine somewhere that’s purely an eatery when you can turn it into an experience?

Nestled at the back of The Shelter - Ponsonby’s game-changing retail destination - EAT @ The Shelter is a sanctuary set amidst the buzzy vibe of this creative retail space, overlooking the store’s sunny, open-air courtyard.

Offering plenty of indoor seating, EAT @ The Shelter is a favourite of those seeking a spot for a secluded Ponsonby pit stop, a relaxed business meeting, or an inspiring gathering place surrounded by a carefully curated selection of the best fashion, beauty and homewares from New Zealand and around the world.

Voted by Denizen Magazine as one of the 10 Best Cafe Openings in 2015, EAT @ The Shelter is loved for its offering of healthful yet delicious foods, with a menu of made -to-order deconstructed toasts (the avocado smash is most-wanted), raw seasonal blends, breakfast sets, and daily muffin selections that have become a mouthwatering cult favourite.

In addition, Westmere’s beloved Catroux provides EAT @ The Shelter with a fresh range of sandwiches, salads and sweet treats, while beverages come from New Zealand brands Eighthirty Coffee, Harney and Sons Bespoke Teas, Daily Organics Kombucha, Well + Good Fresh Pressed Juices, and Six Barrel Soda Co. With an eye-catching black and white mural by street artist Andrew J Steel, warm woods and plenty of greenery completing this designer cafe setting, you’ll want to linger long in this unique and welcoming space.  PN EAT @ THE SHELTER, 78 Mackelvie Street, www.theshelter.co.nz #theshelternz

48 PONSONBY NEWS+ August 2016

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY EASY WINTER EATING AT SABATO! Lingering cool, dark nights remind us that we are still in the midst of winter.

Luckily, at Sabato we have plenty of warm, nourishing dishes for you to pick up on your way home and we’re even open late until 6pm on weekdays.

Fresh from our kitchen, we have put the Sabato twist on winter classics, crafting flavoursome pies and lasagne. Simply grab from our fridge/freezer and pop in the oven.

Each pie is full of flavour so just add a side salad (dressed with extra virgin olive oil and one of our vinegars) to serve four. Choose from the decadent ‘Basque Pie with Lamb, Red Wine, Pronto Rosso Paste and Espelette Pepper’, or for the vegetarians out there, try the delicious ‘Berber Pie with Moroccan Spiced Pumpkin, Chickpea, and Feta’. New to our shelves is the ‘Beef Cheek and Provolone Cheese Pie’.

Our two flavours of lasagne are equally scrumptious and are made with our ‘Girolomoni Organic Durum Lasagne Sheets’. Choose from the ‘Free-Range Chicken and Aromatic Italian Black Summer Truffle’ or the ‘Veal and Wild Italian Mushrooms, layered with Béchamel and Tomato Sugo’. Why not try both?

For those with a sweet tooth look out for our new crumbles. Arriving in-store this month – a luscious ‘White Chocolate Crumble with Apple and Blueberry’ and a ‘Traditional Spiced Crumble with Apple, Date and Apricot’. Enjoy with one of our speciality ‘Yogurts’ or be extra indulgent with ‘Zany Zeus Mascarpone’. If you’re a chocolate lover, don’t miss our ‘Valrhona Triple Chocolate Brownie’ or the ‘Valrhona Chocolate Nut Scroll’ - our take on the classic baklava, a decadent sweet treat drizzled with zesty lemon syrup.

Dessert is effortless at Sabato.  PN Come and visit us in-store for simple yet delectable winter dinner options!

SABATO, 57 Normanby Road, Mt Eden, T: 09 630 8751, www.sabato.co.nz

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LIZ WHEADON: WINE, GLORIOUS WINE

Mysterious and fickle pinot noir The mysterious, fickle red variety produces some of the world’s very best red wines, pinot noir is the main variety behind the illustrious red wines of Burgundy.

One of the superlative characteristics of this variety is its ability to portray, in a glass, the place in which it is grown. The place in a broader sense as well as the individual micro climates and, in the case of Burgundy, right down to miniscule plots that most would look at and think too small a parcel to be serious about.

As New Zealand has started to grow up as a wine-producing country (globally we are still very young in our evolution) regional and sub-regional differences are more clearly being expressed in the wines. Pinot noir, with its natural ability to express site, is perhaps at present showing this more than any other variety.

Producing 10% of New Zealand’s pinot noir, Martinborough is considered as one of our pioneering pinot noir regions and is home to Mr pinot noir himself, Larry McKenna.

The heart of the region is a south-facing valley and, in recent years, the regions have changed considerably. One of the most noticeable changes was the distinction between the Martinborough Terrace wines and Te Muna. This is not in itself surprising when you consider the variation in soil types - Martinborough Terrace is an old river bed, with a lot more alluvial soils in Te Muna. As a general rule, you’ll find the wines from Te Muna much more broad and brooding, with those from the Terrace being earthy, savoury, textured and more ethereal.

Nelson is another of our pioneers. There’s been great pinot noir produced in Nelson for many years, and sitting at only 4% of the country’s production of pinot noir, we don’t tend to see a lot of it around. It’s not known as sunny Nelson for nothing; this region is the warmest of the areas in New Zealand where pinot noir is produced. Whilst quite a small region, particularly in comparison to its neighbour, there are two distinct styles that seem to come from here and represent the wines grown on the plains vs those in the hills.

The two days are not compulsory - come for one, or use the opportunity to spread your tasting over both, the choice is yours. A very popular event, there’s over 100 pinot noir on tasting, many of New Zealand’s leading winemakers in the room, and a host of pinot noir experience to enjoy. I hope to see you there. (LIZ WHEADON)  PN www.glengarry.co.nz

A maritime climate, Marlborough consists of various valleys and now spans quite a distance. More recently, a larger portion of the pinot noir grown in Marlborough has been produced from fruit grown off the hillsides up the back of the valleys - pinot noir certainly likes it here.

Waipara and North Canterbury are making huge leaps forward; in North Canterbury, where there are currently two vineyards, there is possibly some of the greatest future potential. The soil make-up through this area is gravel, limestone and clay, the vineyards in the north having a higher percentage of limestone.

You’d think with all the noise from Central Otago that more of the production comes from here - it is probably the loud shirts and personalities from the folk there that you are hearing. There’s 29% of pinot noir production coming out of Central Otago - including Waitaki. With its extremes in weather, pinot noir likes living here, loving the free-draining soil and difficult terrain.

This month at Glengarry we are holding our Annual Two Day Grand Pinot Noir tasting.

50 PONSONBY NEWS+ August 2016

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

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www.victoriaparkmarket.co.nz The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

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EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY GET TASTING @ CARO’S WINES With Caro’s Wines new Grey Lynn store up and running in Mackelvie Street they’re putting their custom-designed tasting room to good use.

Kicking off from 31 August, alongside Caro’s regular wine tastings, Bob Campbell MW will be presenting a series of master-classes focusing on some of New Zealand’s top performing varieties.

One of just over 300 people in the world to hold the Master of Wine qualification, Bob Campbell and is widely regarded as New Zealand's foremost wine educator. It’s terrific to have him bring his vast knowledge and insight to the local scene in what’s set to be a fascinating and fun look at some of New Zealand finest wines.

Bob will present four separate sessions at Caro’s which will cover New Zealand's leading fine wine styles - pinot noir, syrah, Bordeaux blends and chardonnay. Each night will focus on a selection of 10 wines Bob considers to be the very best. Some of the featured wines are recognised New Zealand stars - Felton Road Block 5 and Dry River pinot noirs, Neudorf Moutere and Sacred Hill Riflemans chardonnays and Te Mata Coleraine to name a few.

Others are cult wines with tiny productions such as the highly-regarded Kusuda pinot noir which is almost entirely exported to Japan and rarely seen on New Zealand shelves.

With a hand-picked line-up of this level, and the experience of tasting them with a famous educator and Master of Wine, this is an opportunity not to be missed. We can’t wait to get tasting! Master-class bookings are available through Caro’s Wines.  PN CARO’S WINE, 14 Mackelvie Street, T: 09 377 9974, wine@caros.co.nz www.caros.co.nz

52 PONSONBY NEWS+ August 2016

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20TH@ OF C THEAMONTH PONSONBY NEWS August 2016 53 WWW.C A ROS.CO.N Z | 0 9 3 7 7 9 9 7 4 DEADLINE | W I-NE RO S . C O. NZ

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EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY JEFF SCOTT FOSTER - MEKONG BABY’S MICHELIN-TRAINED CHEF There would be few restaurants who would not count themselves lucky indeed to have a Michelin-trained chef heading their kitchen.

With Dominique Parat’s recent announcement of Jeff Scott Foster as Head Chef at Mekong Baby, the iconic Ponsonby restaurant becomes, to our knowledge, the only restaurant in New Zealand to boast not one, but two Michelin-trained chefs under the same roof.

Foster’s appointment marked the culmination of a global search by Parat for a head chef with the skills and experience to help him guide Mekong Baby, one of the pioneers of Asian fusion cuisine in this country, to new levels of quality and excellence.

Foster trained under, and worked with, some of the most famous names in modern British cuisine, including Marco Pierre White, Anthony Worrall Thompson, Gordon Ramsay, Albert Roux and Michel Roux Jr. He is no stranger to New Zealand shores, having visited New Zealand as a young backpacker in 1998 and again, more recently, when he was brought here to run a cookery class as part of the Sanford Cooking School at the Auckland Fishmarket.

Although he trained in England, it was in Denmark that Foster honed his skills and developed a personal food philosophy based on the values of sustainability, fresh, clean flavours, European techniques and local foraging. Values that align with those that have contributed to Mekong Baby’s continued popularity over the past three years.

Recently joined by his wife and two young children, Foster is settling in to life in New Zealand. He is looking forward to the challenge, and responsibility, that comes with taking charge of a hugely successful kitchen. He is a regular face at Auckland’s various produce markets and cannot speak highly enough of the talented team he must now lead, and inspire, at Mekong Baby under the ever-watchful eye of Parat. “I am greatly aware of the massive opportunity that Dominique has given me, and look forward to working with him to continue Mekong Baby’s success” he says.

To Mekong Baby’s loyal and passionate customers, Parat and Foster promise that they will continue to see their favourite dishes on the menu. Parat says “You don’t play around with a highly successful formula, but that doesn’t preclude us introducing some new and exciting flavours and dishes to complement our existing offerings.”

photography: Martin Leach

Based in southern Denmark on the island of Funen, Foster quickly made a name for himself as a chef of outstanding ability and creativity. In 2008, his restaurant became one of only six in Denmark to be awarded a coveted ambassador role for ‘Valrhona Circle de Chefs’ - recognition of his mastery of all things chocolate. In 2015, he became the first Englishman ever to win the National Competition ‘SmÆrrebrÆd’- a bi-annual competition attracting Denmark’s top chefs.

Dominique Parat and Jeff Scott Foster We feel sure that with the talent of Jeff Scott Foster leading the kitchen, and with the benevolent guidance of Dominique Parat, Mekong Baby will continue to surprise and delight Aucklanders with its unique interpretation of Asian fusion cuisine for many more years to come.  PN MEKONG BABY, 262 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 360 1113, www.mekongbaby.com

JSH - AUTHENTIC AND PREMIUM STEAK HOUSE The Jervois Steak House menu showcases a veritable who’s who of meats in all forms, sourced from the very best beef and lamb producers.

It’s not just the menu that delivers style and authenticity, exposed distressed timber and brick leave you cocooned in an earthy warmth that screams hearty food and rewarding big flavours.  PN JERVOIS STEAK HOUSE, 70 Jervois Road, T: 09 376 2049, www.jervoissteakhouse.co.nz

54 PONSONBY NEWS+ August 2016

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

Squawking Magpies Wines, nestled below the hills in the world renowned Gimblett Gravels, Hawkes Bay, is one of New Zealand’s most awarded boutique wineries.

From these prestigious gravels Squawking Magpie are launching their new line of wines The Gravels. A stunning Syrah and a beautiful Chardonnay. When a vintage is just too good not to share what do you do? Come up with a new line of wines to compliment your catalogue that show off the care of the viticulturist and the wine maker.

Estate grown, produced and bottled these wines will appeal to the most discerning consumer.

They’re new wines, with newly styled packaging, but there’s decades of skill, experience and pedigree at play.

Buy a bottle from your nearest Farro Fresh store. www.farrofresh.co.nz

NEW RELEASES Squawking Magpie The Gravels Chardonnay 2015 ✰✰✰✰✰ For starters I really love the slick new label design at play here, mysterious, brooding and very 'magpie'. Here's an incredibly 'pure' chardonnay that's packed with tropical tang, so expect pineapple, nectarine and tangelo notes alongside honey-buttered cinnamon toast and creamy layers in the mid-palate. The acidity is elegantly structured, there's lovely balance and interest in this wine and those citrus forward flavours linger long after the first sip.

Squawking Magpie The Gravels Syrah 2014 ✰✰✰✰✰ The impenetrable, inky-dark colour saturation is the first thing that gets you with this wine, it's incredibly dense, dark, a stormcloud in a glass. Perfumed with blackcurrant, cherry and pepper-dusted damson plums, the nose is exciting, spice-driven and has smoke around the edges. Elegantly structured, the core of this wine is dark fruit, exotic spices and a seam of dark cocoa carries its savoury concentration through to the long, pillowy finish where earthy, graphite-like layers appear. It has freshness and verve, nice 'chew' and loads of chutzpah.

Buy a bottle from your nearest Farro Fresh store. www.farrofresh.co.nz www.squawkingmagpie.co.nz

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

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55

JULIE BONNER: NEWS FROM FROG POND FARM I was wandering about my garden the other day admiring my vegetables, as I do, hoisting the odd weed, mounding brassicas and promising those voracious feeders, that I would be back soon with some homemade fertiliser.

Did I return? Yes indeed, I waltzed back with my camera in hand, parting leaves to gloat at the midget purple Sicilian cauliflower or the sprouting broccoli that is just hitting its stride. I’m renowned for over planting, which means my bossy brassicas are attempting to flatten the kale. It appears that I will never learn.

Being a keen gardener and having plenty of homemade fertiliser on hand, I did return to slosh about the liquid stuff. Garlic and walking onions were the lucky recipients.

Standing back to admire my handiwork, (I am in the nasty habit of wiping my hands on my pants) and with an eye to the sky, it was time to venture indoors - Auckland has started raining again.

Do you have ducks? Probably not. We have two ponds, one of which is located adjacent to our orchard. This is home to several pairs of wild Mallard ducks. Given that our chickens receive restaurant tucker, the ducks arrive at mealtime unannounced and uninvited. With this in mind, it is no surprise that we have several ducks!

As much as I like our feathered friends, their visits do get a tad tiresome. It usually means that whoever has feed the chooks needs to stay about so that our hens can partake of their tucker in peace.

Given the time of year though, it won’t be long before Mrs Duck will be laying her eggs and then sitting tight for about 28 days. While those ducks appear to be on the ‘smart side’, they aren’t particularly ‘street smart’, so it is super-important to watch out for Mrs Duck and her ducklings. She has no qualms about venturing out onto the road! Oh the joys of living on a lifestyle block.

It isn’t the ducks either that will be doing their procreating thing soon - the turkeys are out and about more often, in rather large groups having their ‘turkey conventions’. They also sit on their eggs for about four weeks and joy oh joy, can hatch anywhere from 8-15 chicks. How I wish those not-so-attractive birds were less of a nuisance, but they do rather enjoy our orchard in summer. And I can’t say I blame them, I don’t mind it myself.

I was sitting at the kitchen table tapping away on my keyboard and endeavouring to write this article, while my hubby was busy cooking from Dish magazine. We had the yummiest dinner of braised pork with chorizo sausage and white beans. Superb! And it was particularly good with a glass of Toi Toi Pinot Noir.

That wonderful fruit we enjoy over summer also gets frozen or preserved. So to complement that divine pork meal, I had raided the freezer earlier and hauled out figs, poached quince and peaches. These were drizzled in lemon juice and honey and then topped with a crunchy crumble made with white chocolate, macadamias, coconut, butter, rolled oats, honey... it was superb topped with creme fraiche. A nice way to finish the weekend.

Do you grow your own garlic? We have for many years now. I have no idea what the variety is any more, except that it is all fabulous stuff and it grows so well in our garden! Ours is doing nicely with green stems skyward bound, but their bed does need mulching to stop those weeds and protect the soil from the winter weather. Garlic is a six-month crop from planting to harvest and one that is always so rewarding. I even administer it with cider vinegar as a tonic for those chickens of ours - no surprise they aren’t enamoured with it! Happy gardening. (JULIE BONNER)  PN If you are interested in more madness from our place, then check out my blog www.frogpondfarm.co.nz

56 PONSONBY NEWS+ August 2016

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

THE MAN BEHIND THE NAME: GOVERNOR WILLIAM FRANCIS DRUMMOND JERVOIS Herne Bay cafe - and neighbourhood bistro after hours - The Governor serves breakfast, lunch and dinner with a true focus on locality.

It has become a community meeting place since throwing open its doors just a few months ago in the space formerly occupied by Zus & Zo. Manager Cédric says that even in the cooler months customers are stopping by to tuck into their seasonal fare.

The cafe is named after the official title of an interesting character named William Francis Drummond Jervois, a well-travelled gentleman whose name was given to Herne Bay’s arterial road.

Jervois was born in 1821, on the Isle of Wight, England. He was the eldest son of Lieutenant Colonel (later General) William Jervois and his wife, Elizabeth Maitland.

After early schooling at Dr Burney's Academy, Gosport, and Barry's school, Woolwich, he entered the Royal Military Academy in 1837. Graduating two years later, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Royal Engineers.

Following service in the Cape of Good Hope, Jervois commanded a Royal Engineers company at Woolwich and Chatham from 1849 to 1852 before working on the defences of Alderney. In 1855 he assumed command of the Royal Engineers in the London military district, and the following year was appointed to the War Office with responsibility for designing Britain's harbour defences. As director of works for fortifications from 1862 to 1875, he was afforded great responsibility and closely oversaw their construction.

Jervois, who was made a CB in 1863, also became an authority on the defences of the British Empire - and of some of its potential enemies. During the American Civil War he visited the United States twice undercover, sketching the harbours of Portland and Boston while disguised as an artist. He reported on the defences of British North America, and travelled widely to inspect defences elsewhere. In 1871 he was approached for defence advice by Julius Vogel, then New Zealand's colonial treasurer, who was in London on financial business. Jervois obliged by drawing up a report in which he recommended a system of heavy guns at the country’s main ports. An impressed Vogel made arrangements whereby the colonial government might keep in touch with him in an unofficial capacity.

Made a KCMG for his colonial services in 1874, Jervois was appointed Governor of the Straits Settlements in April of the following year. In 1877 he was promoted to the rank

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of major general, and was asked to survey the defences of the Australian colonies.

He had completed the survey for New South Wales and was embarking on the task for Victoria when he learned that he had been transferred to South Australia. Although Premier Harry Atkinson had hoped to have Jervois report on Australia’s neighbour New Zealand's defence needs, his successor, Sir George Grey, was much less interested in the provision of harbour defences and refused to send the government vessel to fetch him. Ironically, a war scare in 1878 induced Grey's ministry to urgently acquire heavy guns with which to arm the ports on the basis of British advice that followed Jervois's 1871 report to Vogel.

These guns had still not been put in place when Jervois, now a lieutenant general, was appointed governor of New Zealand. He assumed office on 20 January, 1883 and reaffirmed the pre-eminence of heavy guns over new weapons such as the mine and the torpedo, and proposed that New Zealand supplement the ordnance acquired in 1878 with the most modern guns they could find. These weapons were ordered during another more serious war scare early in 1885. Late in March Jervois convened a meeting at Government House in Wellington that established an official emergency defence programme.

A very well-liked man, Jervois is said to have carried out his duties conscientiously and without fuss. Following the Tarawera eruption in 1886, he took the initiative in establishing a committee to consider means of providing relief to the survivors.

He was quite gregarious, and played a prominent role in the social life of a still-young New Zealand, serving as patron of various cultural and sporting bodies and travelling extensively. Such was his popularity that when he departed from New Zealand in March 1889, it was reportedly “to the accompaniment of many sincere and heartfelt expressions of regard and esteem.”

A fitting character after which to name a popular local eatery. Raise a glass to Jervois next time you stop by The Governor for a bite, including the new winter menu on PN offer now.  THE GOVERNOR, 228 Jervois Road, T: 09 361 5060, www.thegovernor.co.nz

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PHIL PARKER: WHOSE WINE IS IT ANYWAY?

Getting crafty - the rise of craft beer For a change, I thought I’d feature some craft beers this month. We tend to think of beer as a summer drink, but the huge range of craft beer options available has something to suit most palates and many dishes throughout the year.

The craft beer phenomenon has been exponential over the last five years or so, with funky new brands and breweries popping up all over the country. Here we go with a selection from north to south: 1. Sawmill Pale Ale 4.5% alcohol 500ml $8 IPA style from north Auckland’s Leigh Sawmill Brewery in Matakana. A rich mouthful.

Nicely hoppy and toasty with medium bitterness. Amber coloured, with a creamy foam, it has a hint of florals on the palate with a rounded, dry, hoppy finish.

2. Three Boys Pils 5.5% alcohol 500ml $8 This one hails from Three Boys Brewery in Woolston, Christchurch. Golden brown with white foam. Funky and yeasty, hoppy aromas. This is the classic Czech style pilsner, using traditional saaz hops. Lighter on the palate, it’s clean and refreshing with a hint of citrus zest.

3. Garage Project Hapi Daze Pacific Pale Ale 4.8% alcohol 330ml can $3.99 From Wellington’s Garage Project brewery, located in an old garage in central Wellington.

Having a bit of fun with the name ‘Hapi’ is the Maori word for hops. Orange amber with white foam, it has aromas of malt and grassiness. The sweet malt carries through on the palate with a dash of tropical fruits and a softer finish.

4. Behemoth Hopped Up On Pils 5% alcohol 330ml can $4.99 Old gold colour with white foam. Interesting nose of passionfruit and hoppy aromas.

Tangy and yeasty in the mouth, it has a nice balanced hoppy flavour. Similar in style to the Hapi Daze. Behemoth are from Warkworth in north Auckland, not far from the Matakana wine region.

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5. Harrington Breweries Belgian Tempest Spiced Strong Ale 7% alcohol 500ml $6.67 Amber coloured with not much carbonation or head after pouring. Softly spicy aromas in a medium-bodied ale with a palate influenced by addition of coriander seed and orange zest. Quite deceptively alcoholic, clocking in at 7% ABV, and with a soft finish hinting at pear juice. Made by Harrington Breweries in Christchurch.

6. Yeastie Boys Pot Kettle Black South Pacific Porter 6% alcohol 330ml $5.90 Great name for a brewery, Yeastie Boys is brewed in Invercargill. Suitably black in the glass with a light brown foamy head. Dark porter aromas of coffee, liquorice and toasted grains. In the mouth, it’s foamy and full with more coffee, chocolate, malt and funky yeast flavours. Nice medium to full-bodied palate.

7. Renaissance Craftsman Chocolate Oatmeal Stout 4.9% alcohol 500ml $10.80 Very dark in the glass with a mid-brown foam. Aromas of coffee, toffee and vanilla. Nice and full-bodied, with more vanilla and chocolate flavours from cocoa nibs in the mash. Easy on the palate and slightly sweet. Another South Island brew, this one hails from Blenheim.

8. Emerson’s The Rapture Seasonal Black IPA 7.4% alcohol 500ml $8 Reddish black with a generous tan foamy head. Plenty of hops and yeast on the nose.

Kicks in with good bitterness and upfront hops, this is quite a big mouthful at 7.5% ABV. One to linger over, with lots of dark-toasted grain stout-like flavours that linger on the palate. Emerson’s are based in Dunedin. (PHIL PARKER)  PN

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Phil Parker is a wine writer and operates Fine Wine & Food Tours in Auckland. See: www.finewinetours.co.nz Phil’s new cellar door book ‘NZ Wine Regions - A Visitor’s Guide’ is now available on Amazon Kindle.

NEW APP UNLOCKS PONSONBY NIGHTS OUT Nights out in Ponsonby have the potential to be even more fun with Heineken’s launch of a new app that surprises users with exclusive offers, rewards and experiences sent straight to their smartphones.

Heineken LIVE, the first app of its kind in New Zealand, uses two cutting-edge technologies, iBeacons (Bluetooth) with smartphone GPS, to give on-the-spot recognition to app users who have been out and about in their city. Rewards range from big ticket experiences such as flights around the country, helicopter transport to an event and special access to VIP events, to food and beverage vouchers or exclusive merchandise.

According to Taylor Green, Heineken New Zealand Marketing Manager, Heineken LIVE is a platform that celebrates what makes New Zealand precincts and cities unique while bringing a taste of the world to New Zealand - in a way that’s never been done before.

The more users get out and explore (Ponsonby in this instance), the more they interact with iBeacons recognised by the app, and the more offers, rewards and experiences they may unlock.

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For those looking for something new to do or a bar to visit, the Heineken LIVE also acts as a bar finder and event guide, notifying users of the latest events and venue offers in the area. Participating Ponsonby venues include Chapel Bar & Bistro and Little Easy.

HEINEKEN LIVE www.heineken.com/nz/Heineken-Live PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

TINA PLUNKETT: PONSONBY CENTRAL

The many ways to celebrate a dad...

In a few weeks we will be celebrating all the dads out there. So whether it is for those of you who are dads, or have dads...

For the poppas, or the koro, step-dads and uncle-dads, the grandads, or even all the mums who are dads. We’ve come up with some fun things to do for Fathers' Day. So let’s spoil them all (and even make a week of it)!

Of course you could just leave them to sleep in with Netflix and a badly made cup of tea, but where’s the fun in that?

1. Hit up Heroes for Sale comic book shop, off the end of Ponsonby Road. Once you reemerge, starved for nourishment and in need for more reading time to pour over your finds then grab a seat at Burger Burger or Fish Fish for bowl of hot chips and a burger, and devour all.

2. Grab a hot chicken and salads from Bird on a Wire, or all the trimmings for a picnic from Ceres Market and fresh bread from Little Bread and Butter bakery, and go for

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a wander down Rose Road to Grey Lynn Park. It's perfect if you fancy a bit of oneon-one B-ball action too, or take your skateboards and see if you still have the magic.

3. Come in for a good old-fashioned Sunday brunch at Foxtrot Parlour, bring your bikes and then cycle the Pink Path loop AKA Lightpath/ Te Ara i Whiti, finish up back where you started with Auckland's best ice cream sandwiches from The Dairy. You’ve deserved it!

4. Bring the dog and grab some kids. Pick up a legendary Dante’s Pizza and go for a wander around John Radfords buried building sculptures, ‘TIP', at Western Park and try out the new paths and playground at the bottom.

5. Pick up grandad or pops on your way in, come dressed up in your flash gears and shout him a pamper at Boar & Blade, then take them out for a dinner date at Blue Breeze Inn or The Tokyo Club, Make sure you hashtag #handsomdate on Instagram.

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EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY AZABU - YUKIO OZEKI'S NEW HAPPY PLACE The recently opened Azabu Restaurant and Sake Bar is the proud new venture of co-owner and executive chef Yukio Ozeki.

Having previously made his name working at Ebisu and Lucky Lucky Dumpling Yukio felt that the time was right to do his own thing and he is very excited to be a part of the Ponsonby scene.

As a fan of Nikkei cuisine, Yukio's menu combines modern Japanese and Nikkei -influenced dishes with an emphasis on the fun and the interesting. Nikkei was the original fusion cuisine, being a blend of both Peruvian and Japanese cuisine. This style of cuisine is known to be bold, vibrant and lip-puckeringly tasty. At Azabu, a mixture of large and small plates is served in such a way that diners are meant to share, so don't be shy. Signature dishes include Tuna Sashimi and Beef Tataki served on a warm tostada.

Seating up to 120 people, the modern interior is a mixture of concrete and warm oak.

Azabu is located at the Karangahape Road end of Ponsonby Road with the entrance via the hidden and slightly naughty late night destination of the ROJI saké and cocktail bar; ROJI translates to 'Alley Way'. You may wish to stop by for a pre-dinner cocktail or call in after your meal at Azabu - the perfect way to end your evening.

Some of the dishes on the Azabu menu include: Tostada Heritage tomato aburi - w/ jalapeno mayo, mint, basil, crushed almond, coriander.

Tukune W/ chicken meatball, teriyaki glaze, onsen tamago, aji amarillo puree.

Salmon sashimi W/ passionfruit, coconut cream, tiger dressing, crispy squash spaghetti.

Azabu Head Chef Yukio Ozeki

Tuna Sashimi W/ chia seeds, pickled cucumber, apple puree.

Appetizer Octopus w/ yuzu pepper, purple potato, chive.

Twice cooked chicken W/ asian citrus sauce, star anise, cinnamon.

Combine these modern Japanese and Nikkei flavours, add a dining room that provides a lively atmosphere, you will be sure to have a truly unique Azabu dining experience.  PN AZABU, 26 Ponsonby Road or 11 Maidstone Lane (some car parks available), T: 09 320 5292, www.azabuponsonby.co.nz

photography: Jono Parker Photography

Respiradero Del Fuego - basil and chilli cachaca, lime and pandan syrup

Head Mixologist - Kula

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Beef Tataki Tostada - beef tataki w/truffle sesame dressing, shiitake mushroom and pickled daikon PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

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GARY STEEL: VEG FRIENDLY

Dare to dream

To our children’s children’s children Vegetarians and vegans have a big job to do, and it takes a bit of work, avoiding meat.

The thing is, most of the time we’re busy in the here and now, accepting the limitations of the world we live in and looking for ways to make our passage through a sometimes unfriendly environment as smooth as possible.

Despite the necessity of living in the moment most of the time, occasionally we dare to dream. Behind every person who rejects an animal-based diet is the idea that one day, the whole world will follow suit.

But what will that world be like, and what would the transition be like?

The sad fact for me is that my generation is unlikely to live to see such a radical shift in thinking and eating, but our actions now might at least benefit our children’s children, if not our own children!

Having said that, if we use the rapid downfall of the tobacco industry in many countries as an example, perhaps there’s hope that an effective and relentless campaign to expose the truth about the meat industry and the consequent ill health of humans might just make vegetarians of us all.

I can visualise the raised eyebrows of all those who consider New Zealand’s meat and dairy industries the metaphorical backbone of our export and therefore the country’s economic health. But we all know the down side of agriculture by now - or we should do.

It could be that in the quest to continually ramp up the beef and dairy industry, we’ll end up despoiling our own so-called 100% pure environment to the extent that our other big earner, tourism, loses the very essence that makes it so successful.

CALIWATER - THE CACTUS WATER REVOLUTION Like packaged sunshine, the cactus water revolution has arrived!

Recently landed at local health and whole foods stores, Caliwater is the original Californian cactus water, coveted by health and beauty enthusiasts for its super-hydrating properties, antiageing antioxidants and succulent taste.

Caliwater’s makers have brought out the best notes of the wild Prickly Pear fruit to create a truly nutritious and thirst-quenching experience. Containing zero fat, the drink has fewer calories and less sugar (only 2.7g per 100ml) than most coconut water and aloe juice products.

Caliwater is made from sustainably and fairly-sourced cactus fruit, hand-picked in the intense heat of late summer from centuries-old Prickly Pear plants that grow in the desert regions of California and Mexico. The Prickly Pear cactus produces the only fruit to contain all 24 known betalain antioxidants. First discovered in beetroot (though the cactus super-fruit contains double the amount), betalains are rare and potent antioxidants that help to revitalise skin and fight the signs of ageing.

Additionally, Caliwater delivers five naturally occurring electrolytes to support hydration, locking in the skin’s moisture and protecting it from dryness. The cactus extract in Caliwater has even been shown through clinical trials to relieve the symptoms of hangovers! It's 100% natural, cleansing and refreshing, Caliwater is gluten-free, vegan-friendly, NonGMO Project verified, and certified as OU Kosher.

Caliwater can be discovered in your neighbourhood at Farro Fresh, Huckleberry Farms, Nosh Food Market, Harvest Wholefoods, Body Fuel Nutrition in Les Mills and New World PN Victoria Park, or ordered online at www.bestbeverage.co.nz. 

In truth, New Zealand farmers have had decades to evolve into cleaner modes and models (I mean, hippies were talking about degradation of our pasture and rivers back in the early 70s!) and there’s huge demand for organic produce both for export markets and locally, so surely, horticulture is the obvious future-proofed primary industry. And with the calamitous political and weather events occurring internationally, why isn’t our Government launching new initiatives to grow types of crops (rice, soybeans, for example) that may in future become impossible to source for importation?

My dream is that we’ll stop living off the backs of other species. There’s no doubt in my mind that if we no longer depend on animals for our nutrition (or anything else), there will be no need for the mighty industrial-machine that sees the detention, brutalisation and murder of millions of animals and birds here in our small country alone every single year; and that the consequence of such a massive change will turn us into a kinder society.

What would a meat and dairy-free society be like? Healthier, for one thing, especially if we took another big initiative towards whole foods and away from the processed muck that constitutes so much of what we buy at supermarkets and consume through convenience takeaways.

Okinawa is often cited as having the healthiest oldest people in the world, and it’s thought the reason is because they only eat a very small percentage of animal products, and the highest percentage of (non-GMO) soybeans of any country on earth.

My dream is that New Zealand goes organic, develops the most energy-rich crops, and gets those scientists working on ways to ramp up the life-giving minerals in our soils, which have been suffering under the deluge of chemical fertilisers for more than 50 years. If we only gave it a chance, we could end up showing Okinawa (and the world) PN a thing or two. (GARY STEEL)  Gary Steel is an Auckland-based journalist who runs online vegetarian resource www.doctorfeelgood.co.nz He can be contacted via beautmusic@gmail.com

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LAURAINE JACOBS: THE SEASONED PALATE

Paris Butter Lauraine Jacobs finds herself almost in France.

If there’s one thing missing from the plethora of good eating options across our city, it is a swept-up French bistro. Now we’ve got one: Paris Butter, an exciting new restaurant on the rue de Jervois, filling the space formerly occupied by Vinnies. In the kitchen, talented owner/chef, Nick Honeyman is thoroughly steeped in real French cuisine. So much so that after only three or four weeks at the helm of his new gig, he took off to the South of France where he runs a pop up summer restaurant in the tiny town of Saint Leon sur Vezerez. Incroyable!

The amount of confidence that would take aside, Honeyman has been working towards his own place here for several years. He first sprang into diners’ spheres cooking out the back of Sale St pub where he dished up the sophisticated fare he’d learned at three star Michelin restaurants in Paris. Then he headed up various kitchens around the city before taking an executive chef role at a busy downtown hotel. All good experiences to add to the rich fabric of a chef’s life.

At Paris Butter he had carte blanche, due to serious investor partnership, to revamp the Herne Bay premises and has created a space that keeps the bones but seems a more comfortable contemporary dining area than before. The entrance, with its plush turquoise banquettes and smoky mirrors reeks of French influence, while the main dining areas with solid tables and chairs, and comfort-loaded linen is attractive.

And to the food. Honeyman’s menu is succinct with around eight entrees and eight main courses to choose from. In any restaurant that combination must be ideal, as it would seem the bigger a menu gets, there’s more opportunity for mistakes and thoughtless dishes. Keep it tight and keep it interesting.

I have tried several dishes over a couple of dinners and the very first thing I ate there was the most ethereal tender dish of creamy egg with fresh black Canterbury truffle grated over the top. The menu at present is filled with tastes of truffle for these gourmand delicacies are being produced in various truffières around the country in unprecedented numbers. Such a joy to see and taste truffled butter accompanying the warmed sourdough bread, and hints of truffle in the creams and sauces accompanying the dishes.

Other standout entrees were soft buckwheat blinis with gravlax salmon and truffle cream, gin cured salmon with dill, crisp shallots and coconut cream, and a play on salad Niçoise where the sashimi kingfish was surrounded by a floral-like arrangement of ingredients including the surprise of melon. Even better were the Cloudy Bay clams, done á l’escargot style - the clams were cloaked in a herby butter, sitting atop a dramatic plate of warmed stones.

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Honeyman puts French influence into many dishes; a rich chicken liver parfait, and a confit pork belly with boudin noir and scallop on the entrée choices. He continues that theme, with little twists, over to the main menu. You’d expect to see confit duck, steak and fried with butter sauce, a rich braise and a classic fish dish. They’re there but reinvented here with playful style. The duck is in a pie, steak is roasted at 50°C as a piece of sirloin for several hours and then cut to order and seared (very tender), the braised beef cheek arrives with kale and truffle jus, fish sits on an artichoke puree and risotto is reinvented as a vegetarian dish of broccoli and basil with marinated feta. The masterpiece of the mains was my prawn ravioli stuffed with fish mousse and presented with a tangle of saffron vegetables and a classic sauce bisque. A dish bursting with freshness and flavour.

The desserts are also playful adaptations of French classics and the wine list features some lovely New Zealand equivalents. My only reservations about Paris Butter are the wine prices which seem quite steep across the board, and the service, which was very good but a tad overpowering at times. I don’t need to be questioned about “how my meals are going,” but that seems to be a current and recurring trend everywhere. Closed Monday and Tuesday, dinner Wednesday to Sunday and lunch Thursday to Sunday.

(LAURAINE JACOBS)  PN www.laurainejacobs.co.nz PARIS BUTTER, 166 Jervois Road, T: 09 376 5597, www.parisbutter.co.nz

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ROSS THORBY: SEA FEVER One of the extra perks of doing a full world cruise is the special cocktail parties thrown by the ship in your honour. On this year’s World Cruise I can report one particularly special party and the return to the good old days with an old-fashioned caviar station.

I know that you are sick and tired of hearing about the good old days of cruising, how the QE2 was the unrivalled height of luxury and Cunard was only for the rich and infamous; but in those days on the QE2, caviar really did flow like water from a tap of extravagance.

It was served from great vats, you could order it for free in the dining rooms, it was used as butter on sandwiches, cooked into omelettes and spread liberally on pieces of toast with vodka chasers. In those days, we served ourselves with great spoonfuls of the stuff, perhaps afterwards, whole blobs were fed to us intravenously during our sleep.

The QE2 was the largest consumer of caviar on the planet and rightly so, the passengers were known to take huge bowlsful back to their suites and do God knows what with it.

Stories abound of passengers face-masking in it, ordering it in takeaway sandwiches for excursions and even of one passenger requesting her unused allocation be packaged up and be taken off with her at the end of her world voyage.

In those days it really flowed - without conscience.

But the old order has changed, the bean counters entered service about the same time as Cunard was sold to Carnival PLC. Now, if we are lucky to come across this delicacy, it is down to one of the chefs dolling it out carefully, respectfully and with great aplomb, passing it to us in tentative apology while armed guards stand menacingly behind him, glaring at us as we scoff it down. Just kidding... they weren't that menacing. At US$10,000 a pound though, I suppose they have every right to ensure that we were imbibing it immediately and not ferreting it away to sell later on some nefarious black market.

First world problems I know and I shouldn't complain, if it wasn't for Carnival PLC, my home away from home would not exist and caviar would be the least of my problems.

The Queen’s Ballroom is usually the centrepiece for such events. A glorious double height chandelier-bedecked room, resplendent with stained glass windows, polished floors and marble pillars, that boasts one of the largest dance floors afloat, second only to that on her big sister the QM2.

At one end, the Queen’s Orchestra and the resident vocalist belts out hits from the Sinatra era, whilst gloved waiters circulate with vast trays of champagne, cocktails and freshly prepared hors d’oeuvres.

During the day, this room is the scene of fencing lessons, at night, after dinner entertainment or sometimes another form of combat, a formal ball. Despite the world becoming a far more modern place, Cunard specialises in traditional cruising, and each night when we world cruisers weren't gatecrashing it, the ship's resident crooner would be hosting a night of ballroom dancing. The dancers sparkling with sequins and Swarovski, quadrilling and twirling around, showing off newly acquired skills from the day's dance lessons, and there is always a multitude of ship-sponsored “Gentleman hosts” on board ready to accompany the solo female attendees.

I await the day that they are joined by hosts ready to accompany the solo male attendees.

Those of us intimidated by such displays and possessing at least two left feet, prefer to retire to one or other of the numerous bars and theatres on board and be entertained by, amongst others, New Zealand singer, Will Martin. He made a welcome change from the juggler who was thrown off balance on the main stage of the theatre by a sudden rogue wave and hasn't been seen since he disappeared headfirst into the orchestra pit.

Cunarders seem to prefer the throwback to the more formal version of cruising which contrasts most cruiselines that have a dress code of resort wear. They only have formal nights as a special held maybe once a week. On the opposite end of the scale, Cunard’s version of a casual evening is tie not required but a jacket is always definitely de riguer.

There is a cruise line to suit everyone, and their expectations of a holiday. However, if it takes a formal code to enjoy the occasional foray into a caviar station... count me in.

PN (ROSS THORBY) 

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‘MORA MORA’ IN MADAGASCAR

by Tony O’Callaghan, a World Journeys Travel Designer

The best advice I can give anyone going to Madagascar can be covered off by the phrase ‘mora mora’. Loosely translated as ‘slowly slowly’; the sooner you decide to just ‘go with the flow’ the better!

I’d also highly recommend you go guided, as the local knowledge of a native Malagasy adds greatly to your insights of the country.

Madagascar is an easy place to like. The world’s fourth largest island, it has evolved in isolation for over 88 million years, resulting in an amazing diversity of unique flora and fauna, with 90% of its wildlife found nowhere else on Earth.

The people of this tropical country are a melting-pot of Asian, Arab and African, with at least 18 different ethnic groups. Malagasy and French are the official languages but many people also speak some English and the national sport is rugby union, so I felt right at home!

The capital city of Antananarivo (referred to as Tana) is home to about 1.4 million people and has a colourful and chaotic vibe with much of life lived out on the streets.

Founded in the early 1600s, the narrow cobbled streets and old buildings at its centre have a medieval feel while in the ‘suburbs’ you can see small houses alongside rice paddies, churches and markets. The roads are shared not only by cars, trucks and the ubiquitous taxi-brousses (mini-van shuttles) but also with zebu (bullock) carts, rickshaws and hand-pulled wagons.

The exotic wildlife of Madagascar’s National Parks is a major drawcard, and one of the best is Andasibe-Mantadia National Park - a World Heritage Site that is home to

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Madagascar’s largest lemur, the Indri, as well as others including the diademed sifaka, the brown lemur, and the black and white ruffed lemur, not forgetting more than 100 bird species plus colourful chameleons, amphibians and reptiles. South of Tana is the incredibly scenic Ranomafana National Park, a large area of cloud forest and also a World Heritage Site. Well marked trails make exploring easy, and night walks along the park boundaries reveal some of the tinier treasures such as red mouse lemurs.

Madagascar is incredibly photogenic, typified by sweeping rural landscapes complete with ox-drawn ploughs. Numerous artisan workshops and backyard cottage industries were an unexpected highlight for me. The thermal spa town of Antsirabe is home to the country’s largest brewery and artists’ workshops that are fascinating to explore and worthy of support.

For a beach stay head to the low island of Nosy Be - with snorkelling, swimming and diving or day trips to smaller off shore islands boasting stunning white coral-sand beaches and fantastic seafood.

The word ‘unique’ is overused these days but Madagascar can certainly lay claim to it.

Better suited to travellers than tourists, its infrastructure is modest and things don’t always come easy - which is a large part of its appeal. Combine this with friendly and accommodating people, diverse landscapes and an amazing variety of flora and fauna and you have a destination that will reward your efforts at every turn.  PN

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1. Christina Asher tell us she was photographed outside the Pink House where Eva Peron stood on the balcony to address her working people. "I, along with 40 other Kiwis, enjoyed a week in BUENOS AIRES. I meant to give the mag to some of those who travelled to Iguazu Falls but unfortunately the airport strike interrupted the hand over.

Oh well, maybe next time. I’m a director with Ponsonby Productions, having just screened our doco the night I left for BA, and have lived in the area for 23 years. I have seen all the changes in that time and used to hang out here in my youth when Ponsonby was the realm of uni students and the Progressive Youth movement."

2. Ponsonby residents Kim and Teru Harase enjoy a moment with Ponsonby News outside their TOKYO cafe iki Espresso. The couple tell us, “If you long for a great coffee when in Tokyo, come to iki!”

3-4. Gyula Gali and his wife Dora are from Hungary and tell us that they are big fans of Ponsonby News. "We bring the magazine everywhere when we are travelling. We are on the way to Europe, and we will share with you more photos shortly. We had a stopover at TAIWAN brought the latest Ponsonby News to the Sanxia and Zushi Temple, Taipei."

5. Ron Craig from Ponsonby Road legal firm Chambers Craig Jarvis (celebrating 20 years this month since being established) is pictured in front of a 'trullo' a dry stone circular residence in Alberobello, Apulia, SOUTHERN ITALY. Trulli used to be farm buildings which being dry stone were demolished when the tax collector was in the district to avoid being taxed on a residence - and then reassembled when the tax collector’s back was turned.

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

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6-7. Maree Porter is pictured on a recent trip to ITALY with daughter Mikaela. The two locals took the Ponsonby News to the Vatican in Rome and to Venice.

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FASHION + STYLE: JULIE ROULSTON

Menswear “We didn’t suddenly get a whole arrival of new men land on the planet... However, in recent years what we have seen is an increase in the number of men bothered about fashion” - Edited.com

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WHERE TO BUY IN GREATER PONSONBY 1. Deadly Ponies Man backpack $655 www.deadlyponies.com 2. Deadly Ponies Man tangle doll $95 www.deadlyponies.com 3. I Love Ugly jacket $239 www.iloveugly.co.nz 4. I Love Ugly tee $69 www.iloveugly.co.nz 5. Zambesi tee $245 and trouser $505 www.zambesi.co.nz 6. Salasai shirt S150 www.salasai.com 7. Zambesi tee $245 and short $340 www.zambesi.co.nz 8. I Love Ugly pant $135 www.iloveugly.co.nz 9. Adidas Originals trainer $240 www.adidas.co.nz 10. Meadowlark ring $2535 www.meadowlarkjewellery.com 11. Stolen Girlfriends Club leather shirt $595 www.stolengirlfriendsclub.com 12. Levi’s ‘Engineers Coat’ $149.90 www.levis.com.au 13. Stolen Girlfriends Club sweat $249 www.stolengirlfriendsclub.com 14. Working Style pocket square $99 www.workingstyle.co.nz 15. I Love Ugly boot $299 www.iloveugly.co.nz

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

VERMONT STREET, PONSONBY 15 AUGUST 1925

Dear Louisa,

A much tamer view - that of the inner Auckland Harbour - is what I’ve been occupied with of late as I accompany a mutual acquaintance of ours on her quest to find a new home for her family. You will remember Eliza Swain from school. Her parents lived in that wonderful, huge rambling Victorian villa in Mt Eden. If you don’t, you must remember their summer house where we’d rehearse our dramas for the annual competition? It had an aviary built into one end and the cockatoos would always, for some strange reason, screech whenever you laughed.

Eliza and I have always got on rather well and have managed to keep in regular touch, even after she got married and moved down to Christchurch where her husband practises the law. Now that Eliza’s mother is getting older and more frail, they’ve decided to move back to Auckland to be closer to her. After living a good way from the sea for five years now, Eliza is very keen on a harbourside villa which is where I come in.

Until her husband arrives to take over, I’ll be helping her find her perfect house in Ponsonby. I made her write a list of what she’s looking for in her ideal house and I must say that the list is rather long. They have a very decent budget indeed so we are having fun looking around some of the more splendid villas in these parts. Her husband would prefer Epsom or Mt Eden but I’m sure he’ll come around if Eliza becomes transfixed by a particular abode.

As it was our first day looking, we spent far too much time drinking tea and reminiscing instead of focussing on the task at hand. But we did manage to visit one villa which wasn’t far from the Jervois Road tearoom where we had lunch. We actually drank and ate our way through three Ponsonby Road tearooms before arriving at our lunch destination. Some of them get a little snippy if you occupy a table for more than half an hour without making an order.

Our villa was rather handy to our tea room and located only a short walk from the beach at Evans Bay. Such a pretty frontage with a handsome wide verandah running around the entire house! It had seven large rooms including two which had fireplaces with splendid kauri surrounds. All the rooms have been recently treated to expensive-looking and very beautiful papers. My favourite room had pretty coloured glass doors leading out to the verandah which in turn overlook the harbour. Walls in this room were papered in pale pink with a lovely pattern of trailing lilac wisteria that apparently matches the

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colour of the wisteria growing up and along the verandah posts. Wouldn’t that be a treat to see in summer. I would have this as my sitting room or perhaps my bedroom.

In keeping with such a large house, the kitchen was of a good size, and in remarkably good order. Perhaps the owners don’t eat in. I was very impressed with the porcelain bench tops but especially with the marble pastry table.

Wouldn’t it be a fine thing to have one of these? This one had racks underneath for holding trays of dainties concocted on the slab! This is a kitchen for a proper cook, which Eliza will no doubt have, in addition to at least one maid and a nanny for the child. Curiously though, this kitchen still had its original big old coal range. Like Eliza, I can’t abide these sooty old things. They take an age to heat up, and then are uneven in their heating, are intolerable in summer, and filthy to clean (not that Eliza would be doing this). We both agreed that it would be substituted very swiftly with a new gas range if this is where they end up living.

The house is fully installed with electric light, as is the little summer house in the back garden. Imagine sitting there on a summer’s evening with the gramophone playing while sipping on a cool drink. I would fix little paper Japanese lanterns over the lights to make it even more magical. The lawn, by the way, runs down to the water’s edge where a little boathouse is situated.

We didn’t go down there as Eliza was worried about soiling her shoes. I wish we had though - I’ve seen this many times from the water and have a notion that it would make a wonderful little private hideaway for writing or painting, or simply watching the harbour on a lazy afternoon. Louisa, I really think I was born in the wrong era!

In addition to all of the above charms, this property also comes with an adjacent freehold section which has been laid out with gardens, a small orchard and with shell paths rambling throughout. There is also a fowl house and run and some bee hives. Heaven don’t you think?

Eliza seemed most impressed with everything but she was worried about the lack of fencing down near the water, especially as her little one is only five and of an adventurous nature. If one can afford the asking price of (hold your breath) - 1550 pounds - then surely a little extra for fencing is neither here nor there!

Oh dear, coming back to my humble little cottage has been a little bit depressing, especially on such a cold, wet evening. Come summer though, when my flowers are out and the sun is warming my favourite chair in my sitting room, all will be well with the world again.

Please do write soon my dear, Warmest wishes,

Maudie xx

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illustration: Michael McClintock

I hope that my letter finds you in happy spirits and keeping warm in your darling cottage by the sea. I often think of you when the wind is whipping the trees and the rain is lashing my poor window panes - and remember how thrilling it was to be rugged up warm and cosy by your fire drinking tea while the westerlies coursed all around us and whipped up the sea into a foaming frenzy. Do you remember how worried I was that your house would be ripped from its very foundations and dashed on the rocks below, with us tumbling into the icy Tory Channel? And that you poured us both a glass of your best Irish whisky to calm my nerves… (and that it took three of them to work their magic!) Even so, I do believe that I could tolerate the odd panic for such a magnificent and ever changing view.

HELENE RAVLICH: LOCAL AGENCIES

Kathryn Wilson One of the nicest people on the New Zealand fashion landscape by far, shoe designer and local retailer Kathryn Wilson is one of a kind.

After studying footwear design internationally she returned to New Zealand to start her own label at the tender age of 23, and now has three flagship retail stores in Auckland and over 100 stockists throughout New Zealand, Australia, Hong Kong and online.

An AMP scholarship recipient at the age of 22, she went on to carve out a reputation as not only New Zealand’s favourite shoe designer but also one of our country’s most successful businesswomen. Her acute business acumen has meant Kathryn is in demand as a leader, speaker and brand ambassador, garnering the attention of global brands like BMW, Veuve Clicquot, Orly, San Pellegrino, Vodafone and Moroccan Oil to become long-term supporters of herself and the brand.

She is also a fiercely loyal local, having lived in the Herne Bay area - where she opened her first store - since her early 20s.

“I have lived on Wharf Road, Bayfield, Sarsfield Street... Herne Bay has always been my walking circuit with the girls and then my husband, and now with our daughter Lola,” she says, adding that she has watched the pretty city fringe suburb grow alongside her business. “As a village Herne Bay has developed a lot but only to a certain point,” says Wilson, “and I love that although it has grown, it has still kept its charm.” The same could be said of the designer, who is now a formidable businesswoman in her own right but still remains the caring, hardworking talent who first dreamed up a small but perfectly formed collection of highly wearable flats all those years ago.

She likens the Herne Bay neighbourhood to Sydney’s Woollahra, which is just a few minutes by car from the busy CBD but a true destination-style shopping village rather than a master-planned, bustling thoroughfare. Like Herne Bay, it is elegantly packed with a unique collection of fashion boutiques, speciality stores, food stores, cafes and galleries, and Kathryn is proud to call her favourite Auckland ‘hood her home. “I love that Herne Bay is still very much a village rather than a shopping precinct,” she says, “and our local store has a totally different clientele than our Newmarket and Britomart ones because of that.”

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Newmarket has a real commercial edge whilst Britomart is the destination for the corporate woman needing to nail that perfect pair of shoes in her lunch break, “but Herne Bay is the truest reputation of what we are as a brand. We like to think we are friendly and accessible, and that our service is really personal and caring. It is much easier to get that vibe across in Herne Bay than either of our other more fast-paced boutiques.”

Spending time in store at Kathryn Wilson Herne Bay is more than encouraged - it is pretty much expected and always very welcome. Locals are known to come in on a weekly basis just for a chat, and there is even a private fitting room upstairs in the heritage building for bridesmaids and those who want a ‘meet the designer’ style experience. “I like to think of Herne Bay as a real brand presence rather than a cookie cutter retail experience,” says the designer with a smile, and her customers love her even more for that.

Eight years after her brand was launched, Wilson established the website she considers her fourth retail store, but she says physical stores are still hugely important. "They go hand-in-hand. Our online store complements the retail stores and vice versa, and I wouldn’t want it any other way."

By the time you are reading this, the designer’s eagerly-awaited spring/summer collection will be just starting to drop in store, and needless to say it is unapologetically feminine and destined to be a runaway success. The colour palette includes fuchsia pinks and stand out metallics, as well as pretty pastels lending a Harajuku vibe to sandals with playful detachable pom poms. A textured paisley fabric covers sneakers and loafers, whilst the kitten heel gets a re-visit in the softest nubuck. There is also a new range of toddler shoes under the Little Wilson banner and baby shoes in the Baby Wilson collection, so the whole family is pretty much covered when it comes to effortlessly cool and always wearable footwear.

“I personally love it when it’s time to design the summer collection every year as it is just so flirty and playful after creating more of a serious and sexy vibe for winter,” says the designer. “This year it just feels so feminine and optimistic, I can’t wait to see it shining brightly in the window while it’s still cold outside.”

PN Somehow I think her legions of loyal customers will too. (HELENE RAVLICH) 

KATHRYN WILSON, 236a Jervois Road, T: 09 361 6100, www.kathrynwilson.com

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FASHION + STYLE NEW ZEALAND FASHION WEEK SHAPING UP TO BE A WINNING YEAR New Zealand Fashion Week (NZFW) has announced its provisional designer line up for 2016, with a strong stable of established and emerging talent set to showcase their collections on the NZFW catwalks at the ANZ Viaduct Events Centre from Monday 22 August - Sunday 28 August.

Amongst those are two of our favourite local designers, Turet Kneufermann and Adrian Hailwood, who both have solo shows on the timetable.

Celebrated local design duo Harman Grubiša - recently revealed as the recipients of Mercedes-Benz Presents accolade for 2016 - will open NZFW in their signature style with an elegant show on Monday evening at 8.30pm. The show is set to be one of the hottest tickets of the week, with the dynamic duo pegged for big things from day one.

Some of the country’s bestloved labels will the feature across the schedule with forward-season looks from the aforementioned Hailwood, Federation, Carena West, Wynn Hamlyn, Lucilla Gray, Penny Sage and Eugenie showcased at the ANZ Viaduct Events Centre and Huffer, Stolen Girlfriends Club, Knuefermann and Twenty Seven Names presenting their collections at off-site venues. A stellar AOK K’Road

show featuring Lela Jacobs, Jimmy D, Ovna Ovich and Maaike is set to stun on Tuesday night - reinforcing the serious style pedigree that hails from that part of Auckland’s central city.

The calibre of new design talent from around New Zealand triggered the decision to include a second New Generation show this year. The two New Generation shows will feature emerging designers on the rise including Erik Yvon, Mitchell Vincent, AO Label, Campbell Luke, Motel Bible, Kendall Watt and Danielle Power-Silk.

Dame Pieter Stewart says that this year “sees a particularly strong group of emerging, new generation and graduate designers and New Zealand Fashion Week is incredibly proud to provide a supportive platform which this next generation of talent can launch their careers.”

The 2016 Miromoda showcase is set to be another highlight of the schedule featuring exceptionally talented designers of Maori heritage, including 2016 Supreme Winners of the Miromoda Fashion Design Competition, Keri Wanoa and Brooke Strang of Wanoa Four.

The Friday Fashion Lunch closes out the week with a punchy show featuring corporate looks from fashion powerhouses Kate Sylvester, Hailwood, Ruby, Juliette Hogan, Trelise Cooper, Liam, Kneufermann and Adrienne Winkelmann.

Both NZ Fashion Weekend and the Resene Designer Runway shows offer plenty of opportunities for the public to experience the exhilarating buzz of NZFW as well.

(HELENE RAVLICH)  PN

Trelise Cooper

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FASHION + STYLE ‘PONSONBY PRESENTS’ AND MORE AT NZFW’S WEEKEND The public’s chance to experience the buzz and energy of New Zealand Fashion Week (NZ Fashion Weekend) running from from Friday 26 to Sunday 28 August and is full of in-season runway shows, a Beauty Hub and discounted designer shopping.

NZ Fashion Weekend will open officially on the Friday night with a show by Trelise Cooper.

The show starts at 8.30pm, and the party continues after the show well into the night, with all four bars operating and tunes by some of New Zealand’s hottest DJs. Fashion Weekend doors then open early on Saturday and Sunday for the much-loved Designer Pop Up Sale filled with designer fashion, footwear and accessory labels on sale for a fraction of the price.

The weekend schedule is packed full of in-season shows with looks from Andrea Moore, Federation, Radicool Kids, the Resene Designer Runway, Fashion Quarterly, Miss FQ, NEXT, YMCA and NZ Weddings all heating up the runway. Naturally ‘Ponsonby Presents’, which always features some of Ponsonby’s hottest fashion brands, is our pick of the bunch.

The popular Beauty Hub also returns again this year with a HITO Hair Styling Bar, OPI nail bar and Glameyelash applications, tanning advice from St Tropez and smoky eye tutorials from the Body Shop. Be Yu skincare and Beauty Temple will cover the skincare bases while a beauty seminar hosted by Smashbox gives make-up lovers the opportunity to learn the latest looks directly from the catwalk. Tickets for the runway shows are available now and range from $24-$60 - we hear they are selling fast!  PN NZ FASHION WEEKEND www.iticket.co.nz NZ FASHION WEEK www.nzfashionweek.com

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FASHION + STYLE

PONSONBY DESIGNER DUO JOINS FASHION ELITE It has been a stellar year for Harman Grubiša since opening its first boutique in Ponsonby last year.

The force behind the label, Jessica Grubiša and Madeleine Harman, have seen a rapid rise from emerging designers to headlining the country’s most prestigious fashion event.

Mercedes-Benz, entering its third year as an Elite Partner of New Zealand Fashion Week, has recognized the achievements of Harman Grubiša with the prestigious 2016 ‘Mercedes-Benz Presents’ designer accolade. The talented pair will premiere their 2017 Autumn/Winter collection as ‘Mercedes-Benz Presents Harman Grubiša’ at New Zealand Fashion Week on August 22. The exclusive runway show will feature as the debut evening show at the premier fashion event. Their success comes just a year after their first Fashion Week showcase in 2015.

According to Ben Giffin, General Manager, Mercedes-Benz Cars New Zealand, Harman Grubiša is "unquestionably one of New Zealand’s most cutting-edge and innovative new design duos."

Madeleine Harman of Harman Grubiša says, “We are both thrilled and humbled to have been invited into the global Mercedes-Benz family. Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to promoting fashion worldwide is incredible.” The ‘Mercedes-Benz Presents’ accolade is a global initiative which recognises designers who demonstrate dedication to the use of high-quality materials, innovative design and unique style. Harman Grubiša joins esteemed previous global recipients including designers such as Carolina Herrera, Derek Lam, Badgely Mischka, Kate Sylvester (2015) and Dame Trelise Cooper (2014).

The duo’s entrepreneurial success and design appeal was also globally recognised with a nomination for The 2016 International Woolmark Prize - one of the first New Zealand labels to do so.  PN HARMAN GRUBIŠA www.harmangrubisa.com MERCEDES-BENZ www.mercedes-benz.co.nz NEW ZEALAND FASHION WEEK www.nzfashionweek.com

FLOWERS FOR YOUR WRIST FROM BLUSH Fashionable florist Blush has designed two stunning, elegant wristlets to complement this year’s event season.

The Orchid Wristlet is set on a black velvet ribbon, and features a cymbidium orchid lightly dusted with gold leaf. The Rose Bud Cluster Wristlet features a cluster of creamy white rose buds, finished with icy grey foliage and set on a black velvet ribbon.  PN BLUSH BOUTIQUE, www.blush.co.nz

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FASHION + STYLE RETAIL SUPERSTAR Jo Mickelborough, Zambesi

How did you come to be a retail salesperson?

As a 17-year-old at dance school, my first retail job was at Danish Delight Icecream in Downtown Square on the weekends.

What brought you to Zambesi?

I’ve been with Zambesi for just over 10 years. I started as a customer, the girls in Teed Street used to say "you should work for us". When an opportunity came up I applied and the rest is history. The Zambesi brand is iconic in my eyes, I feel very lucky to be surrounded by and immersed in everything that is Zambesi.

What do you love about your store?

The location, I love Ponsonby. Ponsonby has such a community feel so we have lots of regulars who drop in to say hi, regardless of whether they buy or not! We have great staff and beautiful product to sell.

What makes a standout retail salesperson?

A person who is warm, friendly and willing to go that extra mile to make things happen.

Honesty is super important to build a long lasting relationship. Retail is an art!

Tell us about a memorable sale you've made this year...

Finding a special customer a white dress to wear to an important function. The catch was, she doesn’t wear dresses! Thinking of her lifestyle and personality I nailed it with the first dress I tracked down for her. She looked amazing and was very happy.

If you could wave your wand and have anyone in the world walk into your store right now, who would it be?

Rick Owens and his wife Michelle Lamy - we stock Rick Owens' brand. I would love them to see our store and spend the afternoon talking about their philosophy on fashion and life.

If you could wave your wand and have anyone in greater Ponsonby walk into your store right now, who would it be?

Any one of our lovely customers who I can have a laugh with!

Where do you enjoy shopping?

I love food. Longroom for waffles, Il Forno for a crepe, SPQR for date night.

Name someone you think is a great greater Ponsonby retail salesperson…

Naynay at SPQR... he’s a star!  PN

photography: Olivia Hemus

ZAMBESI, 169 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 360 7391, www.zambesi.co.nz

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HELENE RAVLICH: HEALTH + BEAUTY

All good, all new: natural and organic beauty Natural, organic skin and makeup solutions get me really excited, especially when they are high performance to boot. I’ve rounded up three of my favourite discoveries of late, which should put a little bit of shine on our dark, grey winter mornings and chilly nights.

The first is RMS beauty, which is stocked locally at Mecca Cosmetica and is the creation of top makeup artist, Rose -Marie Swift. One smart cookie, she is passionate about natural and organic beauty solutions, stressing that we mustn’t be affected by marketing, product claims and brand names: "Just get cleaner makeup." Which brings me to her line, RMS Beauty. It is essentially an original, pure, organic colour cosmetic line that performs and then some.

Based on living and organic principles, each product is created to hydrate and illuminate vital, radiant skin and is the perfect choice for the best ever ‘natural’ look. RMS Beauty is dedicated to transforming the way women use RMS founder Rose-Marie Swift makeup, creating a product that is not only non-toxic, but actually heals and nourishes skin. Consider it skincare with mineral colour - giving makeup a whole new meaning.

I have been lucky enough to have a play with the brand’s 'un' powder - which they like to call “the one and only powder you will ever need.” It is an ultra, ULTRA fine, light reflective powder designed as the ultimate finish for perfectlooking skin. It looks virtually invisible but dramatically minimises the appearance of pores, softens the skin and absorbs oil. Amazing!

Talc free, silicone-free, perfume-free and paraben-free, it works with pretty much every skin tone as far as I can tell, and importantly it leaves behind no white residue.

Now onto something for the little ones. Over 13 years old this year, the Skinfood brand was one of the first in New Zealand to offer locally made skincare that was paraben free and used natural-based ingredients at an affordable price that often had to be seen to be believed. I fell immediately in love with it for all of those reasons, and the fact that the products worked was an added bonus.

The skincare experts behind the brand announced a long overdue makeover for Skinfood back in 2013, which was still around but had been swamped by the influx of similar products from overseas and a slew of eco-friendly beauty options. They took inspiration from the innovations and resources in natural skincare over the past decade, with the end result being even more premium quality, yet affordable skincare made with the finest food and natural-based ingredients.

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Now they have unveiled their latest innovation, which sees the baby care aisle of your supermarket get a whole lot greener. The highly praised, sustainable brand has released its first ever range for babies and young children, and it is fantastic. With products that are 100% natural and certified organic by ECOCERT, looking after your little ones - and yourself, as some of the products are definitely mama friendly - using the best ingredients is now not only easier, but also more affordable.

As little skin is thinner, more delicate and more permeable than our own, it was imperative that Little Skinfood products, like their adult Skinfood counterparts, be hypoallergenic, and free from synthetic preservatives, fragrances and colours. The beautiful new products care for little bodies top to toe, and their collection comprises six products including body wash, shampoo, body oil, body lotion, body powder, and bottom balm. My seven-year-old son has been all over using their ECOCERT Organic Certified Little Body Wash, which has an RRP of just $14.99. Also ECOCERT Organic Certified is the Little Head Shampoo at the same price point, which is plant based and super safe for little scalps, skin and hair. My mama-friendly favourite is the heavenly Little Body Oil, made up of sweet almond oil, sunflower seed oil and vitamin E help to nourish any skin. It is the perfect, nourishing and neutrally scented body oil now the temperature has dropped, and I am definitely going back for more!

Last up, I’d like to give some love to locally-produced, super-ethical beauty brand Petalhead. It’s the creation of Nora Bird, a specialist in beauty who I first met many moons ago when she was working at Lucy and the Powder Room. An absolute natural marvel, Nora is passionate about oils in particular.

My favourite from the Petalhead skin offering is the Royal Oil, which is a powerful medicinal and restorative face oil combining extracts used for thousands of years throughout the Ancient World.

Perfect for the cooler months when skin needs extra love, it contains naturally occurring vitamin A from the seeds of the moringa tree, regenerative and oxygenating 24 carat gold, healing New Zealand manuka and vitamin E and restorative antioxidants from the resins of frankincense and myrhh. It is blissfully free of artificial fragrances, colouring agents, mineral oils, petrochemicals, sulphates, silicons and parabens, and not tested on animals. Great stuff.

Petalhead also create beautifully subtle perfume oils, one of which - The Woods - I have been wearing this winter.

A lush green incarnation of sharp citrus notes and cut leaf scents, it is unisex and alcohol free - and I guarantee you will love it. Petalhead is stocked at Miss Crabb and PN a little farther afield at The Tonic Room in Kingsland. (HELENE RAVLICH) 

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

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CLARE CALDWELL: THE ART OF LIVING I was an incredibly romantic little girl. From an early age my world was filled with little beings - fairies, gumnut babies, water spirits, elves - fuelled by my myopia that created a world of perpetual soft focus and my mother reading me stories filled with imaginary worlds full of imaginary people.

Bath times were all about trying to turn into a water baby (if I just shut my eyes tight enough and wished...) and visits to bush reserves were filled with glimpses of little flying spirit beings making tiny houses, tiny clothes, hiding behind leaves, hovering just out of sight.

So of course I was a dead ringer for 'Lord of the Rings' when it came out in the 1970s.

We were all hippies in my large student house and all doing various degrees at Auckland Uni. Many people now resemble characters out of the book in what they wore or adorned themselves with, including a young flowing-haired Dean Buchanan who I remember had the nickname of Pippin!

The eloquence, elegance and just sheer beauty of Tolkein’s writing has stayed with me over the years and helped form an extension of the imaginary childhood world of ‘otherness’ into a realm of romance, intuition and deep moral quests. Some characters in the book embodied virtues of such purity, gentle wisdom and goodness that they elevated the reader’s mind to impossibly high levels of idealism. Others grovelled about in the dark recesses of the unconscious while others were an uneasy blend of the two.

This was a piece of writing that had an enormous influence over a whole generation of young forming minds.

What was elevated and extolled in this series wasn’t integrity, loyalty and honour, it was strategic manipulation, deceit and the ability to cleverly and cynically outwit your opponent at any cost. This value system is now slowly permeating our New Zealand culture, from business dealings to cheating at universities. If these new values become extolled and elevated and life is to be lived as one giant game of chess then I can’t help wondering what moral code will this generation and the ones that follow ultimately choose to live by?

Give me the 'old fashioned’ goodness and optimism of 'Lord of the Rings' any day!

I know which value system I want to live by. (CLARE CALDWELL)  PN Clare (Claudie) Caldwell is a creative arts therapist who runs a small private practice from home. She now runs a voluntary art and art therapy programme at Auckland City Mission. She is also a freelance artist. Enquiries: T: 09 836 3618; M: 021 293 3171, E: clare.e.caldwell@gmail.com

In 2015 another hugely influential tale of battles, intrigue and moral manipulation took the world by storm. I am talking about the series 'Game of Thrones'. However, the only whisperings in these stories are of betrayal and intrigue, not the gasp of ethereal connection to a higher being.

I am not an expert on this series by any means but actually found after watching several early episodes that I had a deep feeling of dread. Something felt really disturbed in me.

I chose to stop watching it even though many people assured me that they weren’t all about babies being killed or women being raped. Several months went by and I chose to watch more. Once again I appreciated the graphic beauty of the special effects, costumes and environments and the cleverness of the script writing, but something was still bothering me. Then the penny dropped.

TRUE FOOD AND YOGA OPENS IN THE FORMER HAMMERHEADS' BUILDING Months of planning and building, years of dreaming and a lifetime of healthy practice came together with the opening on 16 July of hospitality couple Nic and Kelly Watt’s TRUE food and yoga wellness centre in Okahu Bay. Their names will be familiar to local foodies from the amazing MASU by Nic Watt at the foot of the SKYCITY Grand hotel, but TRUE is quite a different proposition. The waterfront Okahu Bay space is comprised of two studios, a healthful bistro, beauty room, chiropractic services and a shop in the restored heritage pumping station that most recently housed the legendary Hammerheads Restaurant.

The couple seeks to bring together communities they love in Auckland - from the walkers and cyclists of Tamaki Drive, to yoga, pilates and barre practitioners and lovers of good nutritious food. Ponsonby Barrefigure instructor Maryse Dalton will be running the barre side of things, whilst yoga practitioners have been sourced from around the city and offer a variety of styles that includes yoga for kids.

“TRUE is based on our true story,” says Nic. “It combines what we do at home - our love of good, natural and nutrition-dense food, our own yoga and healthy practices. These studios overlooking the Waitemata and city through the curved windows can’t be matched, anywhere.”

photography: Babiche Martens

Nic is overseeing the kitchen operations, which are managed by well-loved hospo veteran Brett Grey with chef Trevor Hubbard in the kitchen. Bistro lunches and dinners include Nic’s signature fresh vibrant and seasonal foods and his clever takes on comfort foods. Kelly contributes with her green omelette, wild mushroom salad and her favourite dish ever, kokoda. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options are PN a given on the delicious menu. (HELENE RAVLICH)  19 Tamaki Drive, Okahu Bay, Orakei; T: 09 528 8781, www.truefoodandyoga.co.nz

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JOHN APPLETON: ON HEALTH

Your thyroid Just below your ‘Adams Apple’ (larynx) is a small gland weighing less than 30gm. When viewed from the front, it looks somewhat like a small bowtie.

The thyroid gland is a key player in our endocrine system which is an information signaling system much like the nervous system. Whereas the nervous system uses nerves to ‘transmit’ information, the endocrine system uses glands which release chemical messengers called hormones into the blood stream. Hormones are important regulators of many functions in the body.

Our thyroid could be likened to the furnace in a central heating system because it has the ability to control the metabolism of every cell in the body. The thyroid is aided in its function by two other glands, the pituitary gland (which is the size of a peanut) located in the base of the brain and the hypothalamus (which is the size of an almond) located just above the brain stem.

In the central heating system, the pituitary would be the thermostat and the hypothalamus would be the person setting the thermostat.

The thyroid gland works by taking in iodine (deficient in New Zealand soils) and converts it into hormonal messengers known as thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). Thyroid cells are the only cells in the body which can absorb iodine. Every cell in the body depends on the hormones released by the thyroid. In a happily functioning thyroid, T4 production is approx 80% and T3 20%, but T3 is about four times as active as T4.

If the level of circulating T4 and T3 drops too low, our pituitary (thermostat) releases a thyroid stimulating hormone known as TSH which tells the thyroid to produce more hormones. When the thyroid responds the pituitary switches off production of TSH and waits until the next signal. The controller of this process, the hypothalamus, determines at what level the thermostat (pituitary) is set by releasing a hormone known as TSH releasing hormone (TRH). The pituitary then knows how to react to a given situation.

If only this happened as it should for the duration of our lives. Regrettably it doesn’t and thyroid problems are now so widespread that they affect hundreds of millions of people worldwide. Women are affected more than men and it is estimated that one woman in eight will develop a thyroid problem in her life and women are five to eight times more likely than men to have thyroid dysfunction.

There are two major categories of thyroid dysfunction: one which involves an under-active thyroid gland (hypothyroidism) and the other an over-active thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism). Hypothyroidism occurs when too little thyroid hormone is released and the body's metabolic rate decreases. Symptoms include: fatigue, depression, low body temperature, weight gain, dry or itchy thin skin, dry hair/hair loss, slow heart rate,

constipation, poor memory, hoarseness/husky voice, high cholesterol, goiter (enlarged thyroid gland).

Hyperthyroidism occurs when too much thyroid hormone is released and the body's metabolic rate increases. Symptoms of hyperthyroidism include: palpitations, heat intolerance, nervousness, insomnia, breathlessness, increased bowel movements, fast heart rate, weight loss, muscle weakness, warm moist skin.

Hypothyroidism is, however, the most common reason for a visit to the doctor when thyroid issues are suspected.

Most often blood tests are used to diagnose the problem and tests might be for TSH which measures the amount of thyroid stimulating hormone, total T4 (total thyroxine) free T4 or total or free T3.

Most hypothyroid patients are put on a pharmaceutical thyroid medication thyroxine which is T4 only, and while it can work quite well for some people, for others it can be problematic. In New Zealand, another option worth discussing with the doctor is the use of ‘whole’ thyroid which has T1 T2 T3 and T4. I have heard of many PN people doing very well on this. (JOHN APPLETON)  Have a look at the comments on this website. www.druglib.com/ratingsreviews/armour-thyroid/

APPLETON ASSOCIATES, T: 09 489 9362, john@johnappleton.co.nz, www.johnappleton.co.nz

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CARING PROFESSIONAL Alex Melrose A vet for over 25 years, Alex Melrose runs two clinics in central Auckland.

How did you come to be a vet?

I always wanted to be a vet and even remember trying to save a road-killed possum when I was three. I studied for five years to complete a BVSc at Massey University in Palmerston North and then chose to head in to companion animal medicine and surgery.

I worked in the United Kingdom for a few years at some massive hospitals gaining techniques and speed - three-minute consults at peak times! I took on a tonne of surgical challenges as I have a pretty steady hand. There was a lot of collaboration in treating cases and swapping knowledge with vets from all over the world.

Eventually I came back to Mount Maunganui for the surf lifestyle. Then I decided I wanted to do my own clinic so I headed back to where I grew up in Auckland. I built the Grey Lynn clinic 12 years ago, and opened a clinic in partnership with Unitec Vet Nursing School 18 months ago, taking on the practical teaching of nearly 100 vet nurse students. I’m working on continuing to develop both clinics into the best around, for pets and their servants alike.

What do you love about your job?

I’m both a cat and dog person which makes me perfect vet material! I see having pets as an integral part of a community. In my view they don’t take anything, but add everything.

That’s why I reckon I’m the luckiest man in the world - being able to save an animal’s life and see it stop suffering.

I have no problem taking work home either, where Prince, our fantastic black Brussels griffon (who loves stand up paddle boarding) and Vegas, our stunning Burmese cat, keep me, my wife and our four-year-old boy pretty busy.

What do you find challenging?

Getting a clear, lasting message through about the best treatment plan to caring owners who are often in an understandably distressed state.

How do you differ from other similar ‘caring professionals’?

Half our job is looking after people and half our job is looking after pets.

Can you share an anecdote about a case?

The craziest case I ever had was a giant African stick insect. Owner goes: “He’s not well.” I go: “How can you tell?”

Apparently he was off his tucker, and after discussion with my awesome zoo vet boss, we added bird vitamin drops to his water as (I now know) African stick insects get vitamin deficiency.

What do you do to care for yourself?

Lots of fun family adventures and any watersport going.

What's your advice to people seeking veterinary treatment for their animals?

Catch disease early. Then everyone wins: we get to save more lives, clients get better results, pets suffer less and it usually works out saving pet owners money in comparison to trying to fix something much later down the line.  PN VETCARE www.vetcare.net.nz

FALL IN LOVE WITH ECOYA’S SUMMER LIMITED EDITION FRAGRANCES Everything that home fragrance house and bodycare brand ECOYA does is absolutely flawless in my opinion - from killer scents to beautiful events and gorgeous and surprising imagery, it seriously hits the nail on the head. Every time.

Ecoya is also always updating and refreshing what they do - which I equally love - in the form of delicious limited-edition scents and gifting ideas, with its latest releases for summer being Sweet Papaya & Melon and Citrus & White Magnolia.

When the Antipodean home fragrance and bodycare stars launch a limited edition fragrance, you know it’s going to be good (great, even). Many have gone on to be so popular that they have entered the permanent collection whilst others sell out the minute they hit the shelves. To put it mildly, these guys hit the bullseye, every time.

Sweet Papaya & Melon comes in the iconic ECOYA Madison jar, and sitting pretty in a pastel mint Limited Edition carton.

It’s clean and fruity but never cloying, tempered with leafy greens from gardenia, jasmine and rosewood. Citrus & White Magnolia is a muskier proposition, with sweet citrus notes blended with a floral heart of white magnolia and patchouli water. Just gorgeous and also it comes in Madison jar, encased in a fruity orange-toned carton.

Both are also available as Mini Reed Diffusers, which ECOYA now offers as alternatives to its full size versions.

These are perfect for smaller spaces and make wonderful gifts, and are available in all seven of the iconic ECOYA fragrances.

ECOYA - who reportedly now sells a product around the world every 45 seconds - is set to be the scent of summer I reckon, and these two are in store now for a limited time so be quick! (HELENE RAVLICH)  PN

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LIVIING, THINKING + BEING The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

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LIVING, THINKING + BEING ARVIGO MAYA ABDOMINAL THERAPIES® I came to Aroha Healing to assist me with my fertility journey.

I have a low anti mullerian hormone and prior to engaging the help of Aroha Healing I had already done three rounds of IVF. My hope was that the treatments it offers would increase my chances of conceiving either naturally or with future rounds of IVF. I was looked after by Rosanna who instantly made me feel relaxed and at ease.

Rosanna recommended a course of Arvigo treatments. This involved a series of amazing fertility massages and steam sessions at the clinic. Also by demonstrating how to do these to myself at home she helped me connect more deeply to my body and grow a stronger awareness of how I was thinking and feeling about myself. It was a powerful process which boosted me physically, mentally, emotionally and contributed strongly to being able to remain optimistic during an extremely difficult time.

Rosanna is a beautiful positive woman who I looked forward to seeing each week. She is extremely knowledgeable, genuinely caring, gentle, totally professional and treats you as an individual tailoring her care to your unique circumstances.

I have recently fallen pregnant naturally and I attribute this joy in part to the care Rosanna and Aroha Healing have provided. I could not recommend Aroha Healing more highly.

J. Newell The Arvigo techniques of Maya Abdominal Therapy® work on the power of being unrestricted at the core of your being. Abdominal therapy is a non-invasive hands -on healing technique for the uterus and surrounding structures. This almost-forgotten ancient remedy can assist the removal of restrictions in the abdomen including the organs and ligaments, circulatory, lymph, and nervous systems. These techniques have been passed down for thousands of years, from generations of midwives and holistic practitioners, to Dr Rosita Arvigo, DN (Rosanna’s teacher). Rosita’s teacher, the well -known Maya shaman Don Elijio believed, “The uterus is a woman’s centre and if it is out of balance, she will be physically, emotionally, and spiritually out of balance.”

The anatomy and physiology of the reproductive system is complex including all the ligaments that support the ovaries and the uterus. The artery leading to the uterus is so small that if the uterus is tilted in any direction, it can cause a significant decrease of proper blood flow to the uterus. Just as a bend or kink in a garden hose will slow or stop the flow of water, a tilted uterus can slow the blood flow (which includes the oxygen, nutrition and all those hormones). This tilt can impede the five systems of flow, therefore bringing your body to homeostasis is challenging without support.

This treatment has wonderful results for those with ovarian cysts, fibroids, endometriosis, adenomyosis and many other conditions.

When stressed, we feel tightness in our bodies, which restricts our breathing. Our necks might get tight and eventually our shoulders are hunched up around our ears; we might even have a knot in the back that reappears every time we are stressed out. If it’s happening in your neck and shoulders, there is a good possibility that this stress is going on in your abdomen, too. The uterus sits right in front of the large intestine so if one is inflamed, you can bet the other organ is upset too. This is why Arvigo Abdominal Therapy® is really good for your digestion tract as well.

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However, this work is not just for women. Arvigo Abdominal Therapy® is for everyone; that’s right, men can benefit from this work, too. Relieving the tension that men have in the gut, including gastroparesis, and surrounding structures can decrease pressure and inflammation on the prostate, without working directly on it. By applying these techniques, they can decrease symptoms of prostatic congestion and other reproductive and digestive conditions men have.

Arvigo Abdominal Therapy® applied to the upper abdominals has numerous benefits to all organs, digestion, breathing, reproduction and well-being. Arvigo Abdominal Therapy® works specifically to bring well-being back through our five systems of flow.

To read more about Arvigo® therapies please go to the Aroha Healing website or email Rosanna directly. (ROSANNA MARKS)  PN AROHA HEALING, 3 Maidstone Street, M: 0273 866 587 or T: 0800 MINDBODY, E: info@arohahealing.co.nz, www.arohahealing.co.nz

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LIVING, THINKING + BEING FAMILY DENTISTRY REMAINS THE HEART OF THE PRACTICE After 50 years in business on Karangahape Road, Dr Philippe Gianni and his team have moved to Lumino The Dentists Ponsonby.

His father, of Italian descent, set up the Gianni practice and Philippe joined him 30 years ago. Family dentistry has always been at the heart of the practice and Philippe is very caring and empathetic with his patients, often seeing people out of hours. He has built a strong and loyal following among many families and when children grow up he treats their children as well.

Philippe is experienced in all facets of clinical dentistry having graduated with a BDS from Otago in 1983. He has taken courses around the world to stay abreast of the latest dental techniques. Philippe’s specialities include maintaining and rehabilitating worn teeth, endodontics (or root canals) and implant dentistry.

He is now enjoying being part of a modern group practice with our young, energetic team. Lumino The Dentists Ponsonby includes three other dentists and two hygienists. The clinic has been upgraded and expanded to accommodate Philippe and his team members Natasha and Lianne.

Practicing at Lumino the Dentists Ponsonby will be business as usual for Philippe; just at a new address and he’s excited to be in the neighbourhood.

Call to book an appointment and visit and meet Ponsonby’s newest dentist.

There is free parking available, behind their building, off Pollen Street.  PN LUMINO THE DENTISTS, 114 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 361 2060, ponsonby@lumino.co.nz Philipe Gianni of Lumino The Dentists Ponsonby

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ANDREA FRIRES: HOLISTIC MEDICALCENTRE CENTRE: ANDREA FRIRES HOLISTIC MEDICAL

Cardiovascular health When it comes to cardiovascular health, prevention is much better than cure. Catching the disease in its early stage can help halt its progression and may even help reverse any damage done.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in New Zealand, accounting for 30% of deaths each year. This is a gloomy statistic, particularly when this high number could be reduced by simple diet and lifestyle adjustments. The challenge is heart disease has few obvious symptoms, and many people are unaware they have a problem until it has moved to a serious stage. There are a number of genetic and congenital causes of heart disease that require specialist diagnosis. However, most people can have their health risk assessed by a qualified physician.

Carrying excess fat, particularly visceral fat, is a serious red flag for cardiovascular disease.

Visceral fat is stored underneath the skin in the abdominal cavity where it wraps around the internal organs. As it builds up it pushes out of the abdomen, creating a firm, protruding belly. Although people may joke about pot-bellies, visceral fat is dangerous as it is capable of producing hormones and chemicals that increase inflammation in the body and raise the risk of heart disease.

While it is most pronounced in obese people, visceral fat is not always obvious and can be in thin people too. While levels can be estimated using weight and waist measurements, a more accurate measure can be obtained using a body composition monitor.

High blood pressure causes extra pressure to be placed on your blood vessel walls as blood flows around your body. This increases the likelihood of the delicate lining of the blood vessel walls becoming damaged and inflamed, which in turn raises the risk of heart disease and stroke. Hypertension has been coined the silent killer as it often has no warning signs or symptoms. So if it’s been a while since you had yours checked, it might be an idea to book in a wellness check with your doctor or naturopath soon.

The good news is that your cardiovascular health can be greatly improved - and preserved - through following a healthy diet and lifestyle. If caught early it is much easier to manage cardiovascular problems such as high blood pressure, cholesterol imbalances and inflammation naturally, and thus avoid the need for medication.

“Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food,” as Hippocrates’ ancient saying goes. Following a Mediterranean-style diet has been consistently proven to be one of the most effective steps you can take to prevent heart disease.

There is no calorie counting, but rather simple guidelines around the best foods to eat, including an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables, regular servings of oily fish, cold pressed oils such as olive and avocado, fresh nuts and seeds, and wholegrains rather than refined carbohydrates.

However, for those with existing cardiovascular disease, or a higher risk of heart disease, there are a number of nutrients that may be beneficial to take in a supplement form along -side enjoying a heart-healthy diet including the powerful antioxidant co-enzyme Q10.

This assists with maintaining healthy cholesterol levels as well as blood vessel health and supports optimal heart function and energy production. Magnesium, taurine and omega 3 essential fatty acids will also help reduce risk factors for heart disease.

For nutrients that may be beneficial in reducing heart disease risk factors, visit our website...

Follow a heart-healthy Mediterranean-style diet by including:

Cholesterol is a waxy fat-like substance found in all cells of your body. It is necessary for healthy cell membranes, hormone production, vitamin D synthesis, and digestive function. However, too much cholesterol can increase your cardiovascular risk.

Cholesterol imbalances can be improved through diet and lifestyle changes, as well as professionally prescribed supplements and herbs that address what’s behind a person’s high cholesterol levels.

Weight gain, poor cholesterol balance and blood pressure can all be exacerbated by elevated blood sugar levels. This may be the underlying driver of heart disease for many people. Symptoms of high blood sugars are often masked until they become severe, so it is important to have these checked regularly. When caught early, elevated blood sugars can usually be remedied by diet alone.

Inflammation is often overlooked when it comes to assessing an individual’s cardiovascular health, yet if prolonged this can dramatically raise the risk of cardiovascular problems.

Addressing inflammation may include investigating and supporting adrenal and thyroid function, hormone balance, allergies and autoimmune conditions as well as checking specific inflammatory markers in the blood such as homocysteine and high sensitivity C-reactive protein.

Nutritional deficiencies such as B12, folate, iron, vitamin D and zinc are also important to check. Imbalanced levels of these can vastly increase your risk of cardiovascular problems and yet are usually simple to address.

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An abundance of fruits and vegetables rich in heart-healthy antioxidants, fibre, vitamins and minerals.

•

Lean and plant-based proteins such as fish, poultry, beans, nuts and seeds.

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High quality oils and fats such as cold pressed olive oil and avocado.

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Whole grains including brown rice, quinoa, buckwheat and oats.

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Fibre, in the form of fruits and vegetables, wholegrains, nuts and seeds.

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Heart-protective herbs and spices such as turmeric, garlic, ginger and cinnamon.

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Daily exercise of 30 minutes or more.

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Stress management and good social support. (ANDREA FRIRES)  PN

Andrea Frires is a qualified naturopath, nutritionist and medical herbalist from The Holistic Medical Centre, 48 Ponsonby Road. To make an appointment for a consultation with Andrea or any of the holistic GP’s call T: 09 370 0650 or visit www.holisticmedicalcentre.co.nz for more information.

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

LIVING, THINKING + BEING WESTEND TENNIS CLUB’S PROMISING JUNIORS COMPETE IN THE QUEENSLAND JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIPS On 30 June, three of Westend Tennis Club’s promising juniors ventured to Brisbane to compete in the Rod Laver Lead-In and Queensland Junior Championships.

Jamie Mackenzie (8), Max Dickey (12) and Charlotte Catherwood (14), all members of the WEST (West End Squad Tennis) development programme not only took on the Aussies in their own backyard, but had some impressive results at the end of 12 days on the road.

Playing up to five matches in a day, sometimes in hot conditions, didn’t deter this trio from bringing back some silverware.

In the lead-in tournament, Mackenzie, competing two years above his age, made the doubles final and the quarter finals of the singles before falling to the eventual winner in a tight third set super tiebreaker.

"The commitment of the coaches who travelled with these players was commendable, as was the unwavering support of the other players for each other and, of course, the support from the parents," says Westend Tennis Club’s head coach, Justin Mackenzie.

"These three players deserve our congratulations, and they’ll now be working towards their next goals."

The development and outstanding results of these players is no sheer coincidence.

A multi-tiered junior platform was put in place at Westend Tennis Club three years ago with the best players being identified and grouped accordingly.

Dickey was runner up in the 12/U doubles and Catherwood finished a credible 10th out of 64 girls in a tough draw in the 14/U - a great effort for her first overseas trip.

Coupled with coaches with international experience, and led by former professional and New Zealand tennis development coach, Mackenzie, these players have had all the opportunity to be able to excel without leaving their club environment.

This led into the main event - the Queensland Junior Championships. One would think playing 10 matches in three days would take the edge off this impressive trio but the hard work they had put in with the coaches of Westend Tennis and the Auckland Tennis Super City Academy was evident as they continued to beat out the competition.

“With tournaments like the West End Cup in their back yard to see the pros in action it is no wonder that West End is producing players of national and international standards,” says Mackenzie. The club also has two players currently in the United States on university tennis scholarships who have come through their system.

Mackenzie knocked out three seeded players en route to the 10/U boys’ singles final, falling to the number one in Australia in that age group. He also made the doubles semi-finals.

“With new clubhouse facilities, the best coaching system for all ages in the area, and a picturesque setting, we suggest you come and check it out.”

Dickey had some great wins over top ranked Aussie juniors to make the semis of the singles and finish 4th out of over 120 players.

For information visit www.westendtennisclub.co.nz or call Justin Mackenzie on M: 027 577 4000.  PN

Catherwood won four qualifying rounds and put up a brave fight against the number 2 seed in the first round, falling 6-2, 6-4 in a tough match. Catherwood went on to play a third tournament, finishing third in that event.

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SARAH-JANE ATTIAS: HEALTHY LIVING My partner, Tanah, has just returned from Bali, where a trip on a slippery tiled pool area resulted in a painful fractured wrist - ouch!

This raised some questions in our household; am I covered by ACC even though the injury happened abroad? How much will ACC contribute to my rehabilitative treatment costs? With ACC, many people are unsure of what they can and can’t access.

ACC is highly regarded around the world, it offers us affordable healthcare for a personal injury that is the result of ‘an accident’. It is an amazing multi-layered system of support, it also reduces the litigious nature of ‘fault’ because ACC makes a substantial financial contribution (all costs in many cases ) to your medical treatments taking you through to a full recovery. And yes, that includes if you sustained your accident overseas.

I have noted that for many people this financial contribution is an incentive to seek treatment earlier and the whole ACC set up encourages both practitioner and patient to continue on-going treatment with a superior outcome for you - the patient.

What steps do I take to apply for treatment ?

If you have an accident of a musculoskeletal nature you do not need to go to a GP first.

Osteopaths are primary health care providers, we will assist you complete forms and correspond with ACC, as appropriate. Your osteopath will be able to determine whether you are eligible for ACC cover based on your injury story and the physical findings resulting from it.

Who is the best therapist for my injury and can I see more than one practitioner?

Different injuries respond well to a variety of treatment options. At Living Osteopathy we have a strong professional cross-referral network, we often refer a patient onto a specific specialist or, for example, acupuncturist or physio-Pilates - all on the same ACC number. All practitioners we refer you to work as a team to get you back on your feet.

I suggest this option rather than a whole lot of ‘scattered’ treatments - it’s a powerful network, take advantage of it.

Ask around, remember you are in control, practitioners vary, make sure you find the practitioner who resonates with you. If you have two or more practioners for the same injury it’s important to be transparent with practitioners if you do this. They can transfer your ACC number, Xrays, MRI scans, etc, so we evaluate your condition and speed up your healing to full vibrant health.

Disclaimer: This article is for general information purposes only. If you have a specific health problem you should seek advice from an appropriate registered health care provider. Living Osteopathy is a Primary Health Care Provider registered with ACC and the OCNZ. Living Osteopathy does not accept any liability other than to its clients.

LIVING OSTEOPATHY, 29 Scanlan Street, T: 09 361 1147, www.livingosteopathy.co.nz

How many treatments am I allowed?

ACC subsidies are based on the type of injury diagnosed by your osteopath, and varies depending on body site and injury type.

How long can my ACC claim remain active?

You must seek treatment within six months of your accident. Your claim is active for one year from the date of accident. If you suffer a relapse of symptoms from that injury, within that year, then you can seek further treatment.

How much does ACC subsidise my payment costs ?

Depending on the practitioner, you may need to cover the full cost of your treatment until ACC have confirmed they are covering your claim. (You should receive a confirmation letter from ACC within 7-10 days.) Remember to keep your receipt so that you can be reimbursed against the cost of your next treatment.

ACC pays a portion of your treatment costs, and you may need to contribute more towards the full payment. Commonly, this is called a co payment. The amount will vary from practitioner to practitioner.

Private health Insurance If you have private health insurance you can, depending on your policy, claim for the co payments made.

A good tip - take a photo of your ACC45 form with your mobile phone for easy access.

Please, if you have any questions about whether your injury may be covered by ACC, feel free to call us at the clinic and remember - safety first - with accidents prevention is the PN best cure. (SARAH-JANE ATTIAS) 

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FUTURE GENERATION BUILDING ENTREPRENEURS Entrepreneurs are a very particular type of person - they embrace failure as a learning opportunity, they focus their energies on positive outcomes rather than worrying about negative results, they are adaptable and they see opportunity in many shapes and forms.

Entrepreneurs are also more likely to be men. Forbes magazine reported that in 2014 only 36.8% of new businesses in the United States were opened by women. At St Cuthbert’s we are seeking to counter this global trend by embracing a leading-edge style of learning that teaches girls there can be infinite solutions to problems and endless possibilities for creativity.

We are instilling querying minds from Year 1 with our Junior School Stretch programme.

Stretch is designed to do exactly that - stretch our girls in many practical areas that are best learnt through doing. Approaching problems rationally, analysing available information, applying creativity to solutions and learning from errors to formulate a more perfect response.

Stretch allows our girls to choose one STEM subject and one arts subject. The rational approach learned in the STEM subject and the creative freedom learned in the arts subject then come together for classroom inquiries, where girls pose a question and work collaboratively to find an answer.

By teaching our girls that there are multiple ways to present solutions to problems, we encourage them to keep exploring until they have found the one that resonates most with the audience, an absolutely essential skill for those wishing to break ground as business leaders of tomorrow.

For Senior School students we help to advance key business skills. The Young Enterprise Scheme is offered in Year 12 and girls create real products, implement a business plan and strive to make a real profit.

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St Cuthbert’s students’ social enterprise, Float, is helping kids to swim and breaking ground in the Young Enterprise Scheme.

This isn’t the classic lemonade stand business model, our girls create fully-functioning businesses that deliver products to the market in slick and inventive ways. Social media, online sales, professional photography and well-designed websites all play a part in creating sell-out products and award-winning businesses at regional and national levels.

Better still, our girls are embracing risk throughout the process, evaluating how much is acceptable and investing real money against their business plan.

These programmes allow our students to create, fail, learn, try again, problem solve and finally succeed within a safe and supportive environment. As a college it is our hope that the creativity, confidence, resilience and initiative fostered within St Cuthbert’s enables our girls to back themselves in future businesses.  PN For more information visit www.facebook.com/thefloatprojectnz

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MEET THE TEACHER Julie Lynch Acting Principal Westmere School - 617 students How did you come to be a primary school principal?

Carolyn Marino, Principal of Westmere School, won an ASB/APPA Travelling Fellowship Award to visit schools in New Zealand, Australia, Canada, England, Spain, Finland, Sweden, Denmark and Norway. Whilst Carolyn is away I am Acting Principal for Terms 2 and 3.

Where did you train?

Faculty of Education, Auckland University.

What brought you to your current school?

I was working in Whangaparaoa and living in Mt Eden. When I saw the Deputy Principal position at Westmere School advertised I asked to meet with Carolyn. The school at that time was a building site due to a rebuild. This excited me! The opportunity of working in a school with innovative learning environments really appealed to me.

What are your favourite things about being a principal?

Every day is different and the scope of the job so varied. There is never a dull moment.

What is a highlight of your teaching career?

The children. I feel very privileged to be in a profession where every day is so special because of the children we teach.

What is a low point of your teaching career?

I could talk about the politics, and the pressures of enforcing policies that don’t reflect the realities of day-to-day teaching but instead it has to be Onesie Day. There is something wrong about an adult wearing a onesie to school!

How would your chairperson describe you?

I asked our chairperson and she said, “A gem! Really easy to work with. Decisive.

Inclusive. A great leader. A team player.”

How would your teachers describe you?

Once again I asked teachers and they said "Respectful, diplomatic, trustworthy, people person, supportive, ‘strong vision’, conscientious, has integrity, authentic and fun!"

How would your students describe you?

One of our students wrote a poem about me last year. Here is the condensed version: Here she skips down the path - meet Julie.

Julie is as stylish as a peacock and as tall as a giraffe.

She loves to teach us about nits. When she talks to us about nits, she laughs.

Julie is usually as happy as sunshine but she can be a ogre when she doesn’t have a coffee in the morning.

I love Julie as a deputy principal at my school because Julie will always be willing to help in a bad situation.

Julie loves to help when you need it.

WESTMERE SCHOOL www.westmere.school.nz

$19M REDEVELOPMENT OF FREEMANS BAY SCHOOL GETTING UNDERWAY Construction work is set to begin on the $19.2 million redevelopment of Auckland’s Freemans Bay School, Associate Education Minister Nikki Kaye announced last month.

“Local kaumatua buried a mauri stone and blessed the construction site, so construction workers can now pick up their tools and get cracking,” says Ms Kaye.

“This is a big milestone for the school, which needs a significant rebuild to accommodate roll growth and remediate leaky buildings.

“Last December, I announced that the redevelopment originally planned for the school would be upscaled. This takes into account long-term population growth in Auckland’s CBD and the Western Bays communities that the school serves.

“The rebuild will allow for a roll of 600, and will include a new learning block, as well as a new multi-purpose hall, library, administration building and Rumaki Whanau Ata, the school’s Maori Immersion Unit.

“The Government is investing $18 million in this project, with the school’s Board of Trustees contributing $1.2 million towards the new hall.

“Preconstruction work was carried out during the most recent summer holidays, and it’s great to see construction work commencing this month as scheduled.

“The redevelopment is due to be completed by the end of 2017. This will enable the new facilities to be used from the start of Term 1 in 2018.

“As with all major school redevelopments, the new learning block will provide an innovative learning environment which supports evolving teaching practices, now and into the future.

“Freemans Bay School is one of the oldest schools in New Zealand, having been established back in 1888.

“I’d like to acknowledge the hard work of the board and principal over the last few years.

A lot of planning has gone into this project, and the redevelopment will set the school up PN to serve its communities for many more years to come.” 

90 PONSONBY NEWS+ August 2016

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

BILLY HARRIS: KIDS IN THE COMMUNITY

A dancer finds his own beautiful game Growing up as a dancer in a football-mad family is tough. Louis Ramsay is the middle child of three, with big brother Oscar and little sister Margot being rep soccer players, and dad Grant also heavily involved in the 'beautiful game'.

The time the family devoted to soccer rankled with Louis, with dinner-time conversation often dominated by who was playing who on the weekend, or what player was moving to Barcelona or Manchester United, rather than the moves of Carlos Acosta or Mikhail Baryshnikov, which, it is easy to argue, are more beautiful than anything Messi or Neymar did on a football pitch. World Cups and Euro Champs were especially annoying for Louis, as football would reach saturation point in the Ramsay household.

But while everyone around him was chasing a bouncy ball, Louis chose his own path, instead pursuing, from the age of four, the physical perfection of ballet. He has never wavered from that road, as right from the beginning he loved everything about dancing - the performances, the practices, and the close-knit classes. But it has taken a special type of discipline, as ballet isn’t exactly the typical New Zealand pastime for males. For instance, how many boys come home from school and watch Swan Lake? But with the support of his family and community, Louis perservered, and with considerable success.

Now, age 16, he trains at the Australian Ballet School in Melbourne, the national training school and feeder for the Australian National Ballet Company. It’s a whole different story to ballet in New Zealand, not least for the fact that for the first time, Louis has boys in his daily classes - 10 - to partner 15 girls at his level. That means Louis will need to add improved upper body strength to his turns, fast feet and flexibility, as lifting girls is a prerequisite for a male dancer.

He is one of just six New Zealanders in the 100-plus students at the school, having secured his place by way of a video audition. “We just sent in the video of me dancing a set of exercises plus a solo piece, so it was a big surprise to be offered a place,” recalls Louis. It wasn’t a straight forward decision either for Louis and the family, as around the same time he was offered a place at the New Zealand School of Dance in Wellington. In the end the new boarding residence in Melbourne swung the decision.

Louis left Western Springs College after NCEA 1 last year. In January he moved in with 22 others into the purpose-built house, including out-of-state Australians, two other Kiwis and four from China and Japan. With all those Aussies and Kiwis, it’s like flatting in Earl’s Court in London, only without the beer.

"The boarding school is great and I’ve made lots of friends, but it’s pretty controlled," said Louis. “You have to apply for leave 24 hours in advance and go out in groups.” As a result, Louis hasn’t seen much of the city yet, except for his favourite mall and occasional doughnut stop on the way home.

Never is the expression that success is 10% inspiration, 90% perspiration more true than in dance. Louis gets up at 6.30 every weekday for the 30-minute tram ride from the residence to the school in the city centre. As well as three hours of ballet a day and extra classes of contemporary, character (folk dance), gym and conditioning, he also studies academic subjects for three hours at the nearby Victorian College of Arts Secondary School. Saturdays mean more classes and rehearsals, and Sunday is time for homework and washing. Somewhere over the weekend Louis finds some time to hang with his friends.

This is just one of the benefits Louis enjoys from having studied at the Philippa Campbell School of Ballet in Mt Eden, where self-management is valued as highly as the technical

training. He explains: “My teachers Philippa Campbell and Joye Lowe always encouraged us to organise ourselves and have discipline because you need this in ballet.”

Homesickness isn’t much of an issue, as at the end of each 10-week term Louis comes home for two weeks.

Louis is now taught by two strict Russian teachers, and it’s a hard slog through the year with few opportunities for performance. In New Zealand there were always competitions to dance in which he did for many years, while also appearing on stage at the Civic and the Aotea Centre as an extra for two Royal New Zealand Ballet productions.

He is lucky enough, however, to be part of the first Australian Ballet School show - for which all the Melbourne dancers are taken to Sydney - to be performed at the Opera House in December.

And after another two years of study, he hopes to be touring Australia with the ABS trainee dancers’ company.

“I’ll end up with a Diploma in Dance after my study,” says Louis, as he casts an eye to the future, “but I really want to become a professional dancer either with the Australian Ballet or with another top company in the world.”

That’d bump football off the agenda for a while. (BILLY HARRIS)  PN

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SIDELINE WITH GEORGE BERRY

Pass mark for Umaga If the Blues had headed home during the recent end of term holidays with report card in tow, how do you think it would read?

Showed more potential than in recent years, but still struggled. Loses concentration at important moments?

Or, signs of promise and improvement definitely there but has difficulty dealing with pressure?

How about: looks really comfortable and happy at home, but away games are another story, they seem to lead each other astray and succumb to distractions?

I think all of the above could be very fair assessments on the Blues' first season under new coach Tana Umaga.

But perhaps it could equally have read: huge improvements shown give players the belief things are heading in the right direction, plenty of reasons to show confidence in their abilities.

Their attack as usual was pretty sharp, but it was the way their defence improved throughout the season that was perhaps most impressive. Also their fortitude to dig deep in crucial moments had them so nearly there on multiple occasions. In years to come those adversities will evolve into ‘grinding out the victory’.

Despite finishing last in the overall New Zealand conference, coach Tana Umaga should be awfully proud of his first year in charge of both the Blues and a team at Super Rugby level. The competition is gruelling and unforgiving and for the first time in a long time when it comes to the Blues the pros certainly outweigh the cons.

Umaga and co will no doubt be working just as hard over the off season, dissecting where things went right and making a plan to fix where things went wrong. Umaga will also continue hunting down new signings, like he already has in Sonny Bill Williams, and shaping a team the way he’d want it to look. SBW’s combination in the midfield with George Moala should be one of the strongest they’ve produced in years.

Kara Prior, Steven Luatua and Blake Gibson are a promising lose forward trio, not to mention a certain All Black - Jerome Kaino. And their outside backs are as usual full of electrifying talent.

Umaga has no reason to feel he has a rock under his beach towel this summer, or worry about those few 'what if' moments, but feel confident that the plan he’s begun to implement will reap rewards, because most of the players seem to be on board. None of them are looking for a way out, in fact for the first time in as long as I can remember, PN players are actually putting their hands up to join the Blues. (GEORGE BERRY) 

Plenty of effort was shown throughout the season and with the help of one or two others this Blues side could, and should, offer more than just the odd exciting patch, perhaps even going as far as being real title contenders in years to come.

92 PONSONBY NEWS+ August 2016

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

SIDELINE WITH GEORGE BERRY

Olympians to look out for Tyla Nathan-Wong Like the Womens eight, New Zealand has never been represented at an Olympic games by a New Zealand Women's Sevens team either. But while this is somewhat of an unknown, there’s certainly high hopes the women will return with a medal of some description.

While it’s a new boat for the women, the North Island dominated crew is under the guidance of London bronze medallist Rebecca Scown. While pressure jobs seem to be a thing in the Tew family with 22 year old Ruby Tew, daughter of New Zealand Rugby CEO Steve Tew, one of the eight.

That would be a dream come true for not only former Lynfield High School student Tayla Nathan-Wong, who’s best described as a natural-born athlete, but her entire family.

Nathan-Wong has an amazing sporting pedigree behind her. Her grandfather, David Wong, was the first Chinese New Zealander to play rugby league for Auckland and he has had a long involvement with Ponsonby United. Her aunty Sheree and mother Deanne both represented New Zealand in touch rugby while her father, Russell, was an Auckland Maori representative.

Lauren Boyle These days you’re more likely to find the softly spoken Lauren Boyle near a pool in America than in Henderson where she grew up, but Boyle still sees herself as a girl from out West. After Danyon Loader won his two Olympic gold medals in 1996, Boyle's passion for swimming ignited, finding her subsequently spending hours and hours at the Tom Johnson Swim School in Henderson. In 2007 Lauren made the move to the United States to further her swimming career. Attending the University of California at Berkeley she got the opportunity to compete for three years and train with some of the best athletes the sport has to offer. Lauren didn’t just succeed in the pool either. She graduated from Haas School of Business with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.

Sam Webster "It’s better to be the bulls-eye rather than have to chase it." That’s the motto for the New Zealand men’s sprint track cycling team. The current world champions consisting of Sam Webster, Ethan Mitchell and Eddie Dawkins have dominated the sport in recent years and are heading to Rio looking to continue that trend.

At one stage it seemed Webster, a former Auckland Boys Grammar student might be destined for a career in road cycling after finding himself engrossed in the 2004 Tour de France, but his talents in the Manukau velodrome ensured this wasn’t the case. After attending club meets and participating in some training sessions, Webster discovered the track was his calling. In 2007, Sam made a statement by claiming four national titles and two national records at the tender age of 16.

Since finding his love for the track, he has worked his way up through the junior cycling age groups, and has earned three world championships.

Tom Walsh Born and bred a long way from Auckland in Timaru, Tom Walsh has skyrocketed to fame on the world stage of athletics. In his own quite unassuming way, Walsh has quickly surpassed the profile of North Shore youngster Jacko Gill who featured in his very own crazy Youtube workout videos to be New Zealand’s best and most recognisable men’s shot put star.

With a 120kg, 185cm frame, not much can stand in his way, except the occasional hammer or saw. While the sport is a long way from professional in New Zealand, Tom is one of many Kiwi athletes who has contested titles while seeking leave from work.

Walsh has a building job with Mike Greer, and if a shot put isn’t in his hand, you can find him donning his tool belt when he returns home. After he won gold at the World Indoor Athletics Championships earlier this year, he received one week off, and then he was back on the tools. Walsh is a serious medal contender in Rio and one to look out for.

(GEORGE BERRY)  PN

photography: Dianne Manson/CyclingNZ/UCI

NZ Women’s eight This year’s Olympics will see Rowing New Zealand create history by taking its biggest ever squad to an Olympic Games and out of the 35 athletes, an elite bunch make up the women’s eight. History doesn’t stop there, however, it’s the first time that New Zealand has had a women’s eight at an Olympic Games. The squad head to Rio with high medal potential as well, having finished second at the World Championship finals just behind the United States. The women will also be joined by their male counterparts, who will attend their first games as an eight since 1984.

Since moving back to New Zealand, as a member of the United Swimming Club in Auckland, Lauren has committed herself to the sport, and reaped the rewards of her dedication.

She is set to become just the fourth Kiwi swimmer to attend three Olympic Games, after attending both the 2008 and 2012 Summer Olympic Games. The New Zealand Olympic Committee describes Lauren as “New Zealand's most successful swimmer, winning five of the country's 10 medals ever won at the FINA World Championships.” She is set to compete in the 400m and 800m freestyle at the Rio Summer Olympic Games in August.

Eddie Dawkins (left), Sam Webster and Ethan Mitchell compete in the Men's Team Sprint qualifying during the UCI Cycling World Cup at the Avantidrome, Cambridge, New Zealand, Friday 4 December 2015 The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

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PONSONBY PEOPLE + THEIR PETS

Maya, Rowan, Amber and Hank

SPCA ANIMALS LOOKING FOR HOMES

Maya Paddy (15) is in Year 11 at St Mary’s College. Her brother Roman is nine and a pupil at Richmond Road School. They both love animals, especially their cats.

How old are the cats? What breed are they?

Hank is four months old and Amber is seven years old. Hank is our Tonkinese kitten and Amber is our Burmese cat.

How did you come to choose Hank and Amber?

We brought Hank from a breeder in Morrinsville on our way home from a road trip. We had previously been looking at photos of others of the breeder’s kittens, but when we went to visit them we couldn’t look past Hanky. And Amber we bought from another breeder in Mt Albert.

How did get the cats get their names?

We got the idea for Hank’s name from a Breaking Bad character but we often call him Hanky, Rank Hank or Hanksta the gangsta. We got the name Amber from her eye colour.

Gary

What is your favourite thing to do with the cats?

Hank is super playful and he loves to play on his ‘scratch palace’. We enjoy snuggling and playing with him. He also goes crazy for videos of other kittens. Amber is more chill than Hank - she often curls up on Maya’s bed and sleeps with her.

Do the cats have any friends?

Hank isn’t the best at making friends especially when it comes to befriending his stepsister Amber. He gets confused with playing and attacking, and Amber isn’t a big fan. Amber doesn’t have many cat friends but she’s always visiting our neighbors and jumping on everyone.

What do the cats like to eat?

With his appetite, Hank could be mistaken for a pig. He loves ice cream, coffee and Weetbix. Amber tends to stick to cat food.  PN

Mamacita

Max

Madison

94 PONSONBY NEWS+ August 2016

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

FURRY AND FABULOUS ANGELA BEER: PETS & PATS FOUNDER

PETS & PAT’S FARM STAYS AND DAYCARE Welcome to dog Disneyland, a 20 acre farm, 18 minutes from Ponsonby, where your dog can do as much or as little as it likes. Pricing from $40.

FARM STAYS: Limited to eight VIP guests, boutique indoor living, 20 acres for outdoor fun, 24/7 onsite vet.

DAYCARE: Small numbers, 20 acres for outdoor fun, internal spaces to relax, on-site vet, all ages, pick up.

1. How many dogs are in your facility/care?

At Pets & Pats, we look after a small number of families, whereas in larger internal facilities it’s not uncommon to have numbers in the hundreds.

2. What is the staff-to-dog ratio?

Once again, in larger facilities or even with individual walkers taking out dogs, staff numbers can be as low as 1 to 40 dogs. At Pets & Pats we are 1 to 8.

3. What does my dog do when in your care?

I was shocked when looking into founding the farm that many ‘leading’ lodging facilities have dogs in ‘lock down’ in their pens for between 22-23 hours, only letting them out once or twice a day. In internal daycares, ask: how does my dog spend their day, how much space do they have, how many dogs are with them, what variety is offered during the day? What are the qualifications of the staff?

4. What onsite care is available when my dog is boarding with you?

In many facilities, once the kids are put to bed between 5pm - 7am, there is no on-site care. Often kids are housed in a separate facility where they are checked on once during the night.

At Pets & Pats, we have a vet who lives onsite and as the kids live inside our luxury farmhouse, they are with someone 24/7. If you’d like to try the Pets & Pats’ experience, your meet and greet and first session is on us. We look forward to welcoming you.

Dog HQ: Herne Bay; Country Estate: Dairy Flat. M: 021 539 699, angela@petsandpats.com facebook.com/petsandpats

THE SWEETEST WAY TO HELP THE ANIMALS Calling all home bakers and cupcake connoisseurs! Do you want an opportunity to show off your skills and creativity? On Monday 15 August you’re invited to join the SPCA for the sweetest event of the year.

SPCA Cupcake Day is a fun way to bring Auckland’s communities, schools and businesses together as they bake and sell cupcakes to raise money for the 15,000 animals that come through the doors of SPCA Auckland each year. Last year over $390,000 was raised across the country and, with your help this Cupcake Day, will raise even more for abused, neglected and abandoned animals.

With all sorts of television programmes dedicated to baking competitions, it has never been cooler to be talented in the kitchen. Cupcake Day gives you the chance to channel your inner Nigella, challenge yourself to hone your skills and expand your creativity. With practice batches to be tested and decorations to experiment with, you’ll no doubt have friends and family lining up to sample your wares.

The SPCA will provide all the support and inspiration you need, so even if you have limited baking experience you’ll have no problem giving it a go - simply check out the tips and tricks on our website!

So, go on, tie on your apron, dust off your mixing bowl and get practising; it really is the sweetest way to help the animals.  PN Register for SPCA Cupcake Day now, at www.spcacupcakeday.co.nz

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

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LOOK... WHO IS IN THE ZOO!

Celebrating orangutans In celebration of World Orangutan Day, 19 August, Auckland Zoo primate keeper Vanessa Johnson shares her love for and experience of working with these beautiful great apes that are over 97% genetically like us.

Primate keeper Vanessa Johnson

What do you most love about working with the zoo’s three orangutans?

I love that they’re so intelligent. It’s a challenging job and as keepers we’re very focused on ensuring our orangutans have a rich and stimulating life every day, with activities that bring out their natural behaviours, like tool use and climbing.

I feel very privileged to be able to get to know them individually. These great apes are not outwardly emotional or expressive, so you really have to learn to read and understand their more subtle behaviours, and they each have distinct personalities.

I’ve worked with orangutans for more than five years now, and what’s incredible to experience is when they start recognising you and seeking you out. It’s then you can really see and appreciate that you’ve built a relationship.

Do you have a favourite?

I have a real soft spot for our 27-year-old female Melur, who I’ve been working with intensively for the past year. She’s got a very quirky personality, and despite her age is very playful and silly, like a big kid. She’ll roll around and swing in sheets (something we give our orangutans to encourage natural behaviours). She also makes this cool clicking noise when she is feeling particularly playful and excited. Melur is a beautiful soul, and also very pretty.

What makes the orangutan so special?

Orangutans are the only truly arboreal great ape. They spend 90% of their time living up in the trees. To enable them to do this, they have these incredibly long arms (at least a third longer than their legs) and brachiate from tree to tree as they move through the forest. They also sleep in the trees, and each night, with leaves, twigs and branches they weave these beautiful intricate giant baskets. It’s like they are building their own home every night, it’s quite incredible.

Have you seen orangutan in the wild?

Holidaying in north Sumatra last year, I had the breath-taking experience of seeing orangutans up-close in Gunung Leuser National Park. We saw a young sub-adult male, and also mothers and babies, playing and swinging in the trees.

We also visited the orangutan rescue and rehabilitation centre run by the Sumatran Orangutan Conservation Programme (SOCP), a project that Auckland Zoo has supported for many years. It was amazing to see the many baby, young and adult orangutans and see first-hand how our support is helping. From here, fully rehabilitated orangutans can then be released into Pinus Jantho Nature Reserve in Aceh Province.

Female Bornean orangutan Melur

... and elephants Auckland Zoo elephant keeper Joel Milicich says World Elephant Day on 12 August is a great opportunity to celebrate this most extraordinary and majestic of mammals - a species that needs all our help and support to ensure its future.

Along with his team mates and everyone at the zoo, Joel will be celebrating our Asian elephants Anjalee and Burma. If you’re visiting on this day, don’t miss the 11am Elephant Encounter at Elephant Clearing.

Just over a year after Anjalee’s arrival from Sri Lanka’s Pinnawala elephant orphanage, Anjalee and Burma have become near-inseparable and are flourishing in every way.

“Not only has Anjalee put on over 700kg, she’s also gained enormously in confidence and has brought out the best in Burma, including her playful side,” says Joel.

“As well as developing an incredibly strong bond with each other, they have a great relationship with us as a team. It’s because of this, that we’re now able to walk them through the zoo to meet visitors. We also take them up into bush areas at the back of the zoo where Anjalee loves to climb. She’s very agile and has quickly built confidence in her own ability to jump up on rocks and pull down browse.”

Anjalee turns 10 years old on 23 August! Follow us on Facebook www.facebook.com/AKLZOONZ to see how keepers celebrate this special milestone.

What are the biggest threats facing these great apes?

The destruction of their rainforest habitat is the greatest threat to these Critically Endangered great apes in Sumatra and Borneo, primarily from illegal deforestation for oil palm plantations.

Join us and ‘Ask for choice’.

Auckland Zoo, and our zoo colleagues from around New Zealand and in Australia are joining forces with Unmask Palm Oil to demand clear labelling of palm oil on food products. We want to be able to choose sustainable palm oil, and help save orangutans, tigers, elephants and many other rainforest species, and their rainforest homes.

Currently, palm oil labelling on products in New Zealand and Australia isn’t mandatory - it can just be listed as vegetable oil. But with your help and support, we could change that!

In mid-August, we’re launching our ‘Ask for Choice’ campaign. Follow us on Facebook and visit www.aucklandzoo.co.nz

96 PONSONBY NEWS+ August 2016

Elephant keeper Joel Milicich with elephants Burma and Anjalee PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

PONSONBY PROFESSIONALS: METROLAW GOT A LEGAL QUESTION? ASK MICHAEL@METROLAW.CO.NZ Email Michael with your question and include PONSONBY NEWS in the subject line. Michael Hemphill, a partner of the firm, will answer one topical question each month.

Q:

I am currently in the process of setting up a trust. I am unsure who to elect as a trustee of my trust besides myself. My lawyer has told me that I should have an independent trustee and that they can provide this service. Do I need to have an independent trustee for my trust? Is it enough to have my father or sister as an independent trustee?

A:

There is no legal requirement for a trust to have an independent trustee.

A trust arises when the legal ownership of property is separated from the beneficial ownership of the property. The trustees hold the property on trust for the beneficiaries listed in the trust deed. So if you hold the property in your own name on trust for you and your family, then you have a trust.

But, having an independent trustee is a good way of clearly demonstrating to the rest of the world that the property is owned in a trust, especially when this is a professional independent trustee. Having an independent trustee also helps to ensure that your trust is managed correctly and that all decisions of the trust are correctly documented by a resolution, separating the personal affairs of the settlors from those of the trust. This means the trust is better protected from attack.

We therefore recommend taking a more conservative approach and appointing an independent trustee for your trust, especially when that trust is holding core assets like your family home.

Many trust deeds require that there be at least one independent trustee who is not beneficially interested in the assets of the trust. You should check the proposed trust deed to see whether your trust requires an independent trustee. If it does have this clause and you don’t appoint an independent trustee then often the actions of the trust while it does not have an independent trustee are invalid and may be set aside.

A family member will not usually constitute an independent trustee. An independent trustee is someone who is not beneficially interested in the assets of the trust either as a named beneficiary or in a class of beneficiaries. A family member may have a beneficial interest in your trust.

A further issue arises when it comes to borrowing. Bank’s standard terms do often limit liability for trustees but only when that trustee is independent and their documentation recognises them as independent. As a family member may be a default beneficiary then they may not have their liability limited. You often end up having to choose whether you want them as trustee or beneficiary when you really want them to be both.

When you think about the value of assets that you want to protect with your trust it is worth a little additional cost and admin that may be involved in having a professional independent trustee to ensure that you are getting the best protection.

PN (MICHAEL HEMPHILL)  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.

METRO LAW, Level 1, 169A Ponsonby Road, T: 09 929 0800, www.metrolaw.co.nz

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HELENE RAVLICH: LOCAL AGENCIES

Katie West, Director, Bare PR Ponsonby-based PR company Bare PR was one of the first of its kind that I dealt with on a regular basis early on in my career, mainly because it had in its stable a line-up of brands very much in line with my own philosophies when it comes to beauty, health and wellbeing.

It was - and still is - deeply rooted in the eco-friendly space, and their current roster of clients is amongst the most enviable in the industry. Names like Trilogy, Weleda and GO Healthy grew up alongside Bare PR and there is much love, respect and trust on both sides.

Rebecca, and the two met for coffee. “I fell in love with the business straight away,” she says, “and I thought ‘I get this’. I loved the way that it operated in a niche and I understood why the clients were there. It just made perfect sense and I could identify so much potential there for the future.”

The company itself has been around since 2004, and was originally started due to the well worn but often very true cliché: that there was a gap in the market that needed to be filled. Its authenticity really went up a notch when a woman called Katie West took the helm almost 18 months ago, and she is proud to honour its legacy.

Despite her initial excitement the deal wasn’t done that quickly, as she really wasn’t sure if she wanted to buy a PR/media company. “We talked for six months,” says the petite company director, “and then when we were at a point where Rebecca and I were both happy we made a deal. Rebecca knew she wasn’t able to give enough time to Bare as well as her new company, but she also had to be sure that the person who bought Bare approached the concept with the same passion that she did when she originally founded the brand.” She adds that the move “had to be within the best interests of both sides, and had to consider the future of Bare’s clients as well.”

“The company began because there were a couple of key clients floating around out there in the natural space that were in desperate need of a PR agency that understood what they were all about,” West tells me. “They made contact with Bare’s original owner Rebecca, and things really snowballed from there.”

West comes with 11 years of extensive experience in the media industry across marketing, advertising and sales roles, but prior to Bare she had never worked directly in PR. She also spent 10 years working in the FMCG sector, and “across large media campaigns and in-house projects for large corporate initiatives designed to change the way they do business,” she tells me. “It’s quite funny when I think about the fact that I have worked across pretty much every discipline apart from PR,” Katie says with a smile, but when the opportunity arose to buy Bare the time was most definitely right.

“To be honest I never even went looking to buy a PR company,” she explains, “but after my husband and I sold a successful company that we had built up over a few years and had then taken some time off, the chance came up and it intrigued me.”

At the time she was looking for a role within a company that was not her own, but was finding that nothing quite fitted. “I was constantly told I was over-qualified for pretty much every role I applied for,” she says, “so I started looking for a business I could take on and make my own.” A broker eventually put her in contact with the aforementioned

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Key to honouring those clients is creating the perfect environment for them to feel fully supported in. “Even thought I don’t have a background in PR,” says Katie, “I believe in bringing in the right staff who do and pairing them with the correct clients. I am constantly blown away by the passion and knowledge my staff members have about food, skincare, health and beauty, which combined with our client’s knowledge makes for a great resource.”

She adds that the whole team “really believes in what we do and the brands we represent. Being able to work with such passionate brands and assist in getting them in front of consumers is hugely satisfying.

“We also have the opportunity to do not just traditional, historical PR, but to give our clients more depth and variety and that’s where we come together really nicely.”

(HELENE RAVLICH)  PN www.barepr.co.nz

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PONSONBY PROFESSIONALS: LOGAN GRANGER

Panama Papers force overhaul of foreign trust disclosure rules With the leaking of the Panama Papers, New Zealand and its role as a destination for the use of some of those trusts came to light.

This has highlighted the days of a regulatory light touch for foreign trusts in New Zealand are swiftly drawing to a close with a raft of new compliance obligations being proposed by the Government.

• Every year thereafter foreign trusts must file annual returns with Inland Revenue disclosing any changes to the information provided at registration and the trust's annual financial statements.

A trust is deemed to be a foreign trust if none of its settlors have been resident in New Zealand since the later of 17 December 1987 or the date the trust was first settled. A trust would cease to be a foreign trust if it makes any distribution after a settlor becomes a New Zealand resident, or if a New Zealand resident makes a settlement on the trust.

• The trustees will also have to declare the nature and amount of all distributions made during any given reporting period and provide a range of tax identification details for each recipient beneficiary.

Readers who have followed this saga will recall that the inquiry by tax academic and former PwC chairman John Shewan concluded that our existing rules were wholly inadequate in the modern world. Consequently a substantial overhaul (if not a complete rebuild) of the rules was recommended to preserve our international reputation as the global fight against money laundering and aggressive tax practices continues to gain momentum.

Parliament will work through the first stage of legislative change with a tax bill that includes the following measures:

• Foreign trusts that fail to meet registration and disclosure obligations will lose their exemption from tax in New Zealand on income derived from sources outside this country. This implies a probable 33% impost on existing trustee income tax rates.

• A new register for all foreign trusts that can be accessed by key regulatory agencies.

What does this mean on the ground?

New migrants will be subject to a grace period so they have sufficient time to work through these issues in a measured fashion. Although we have seen little detail in this respect, we assume the grace period will be substantially the same

• Far wider disclosure obligations on registration to identify the settlors, protectors, trustees and beneficiaries of all foreign trusts, together with a copy of the trust deed.

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• Transitional rules are proposed for existing foreign trusts so they have time to meet all the new requirements for the tax year commencing 1 April 2017.

• A requirement for all foreign trusts to pay initial registration fees and annual filing fees (amount not quantified at this stage, but likely to be $500 in each instance).

as the exemptions and concessions that are available under our transitional residency rules.

On that basis we also assume the same concessions will be available to Kiwis who are considering a permanent return to New Zealand after a long period of non-residency.

While we expect more details to become public very soon, recent migrants who have an interest in an offshore trust of any type (including a testamentary trust or estate) would be well advised to seek professional assistance with these matters if they have not already done so.

Unfortunately this area of tax law is technically challenging and the international dimension only adds to the complexity that can exist. Notwithstanding that the bottom line is that a proactive approach will go a long way towards avoiding the hefty tax costs that can arise from unwitting oversights and unintentional mistakes.

PN (LOGAN GRANGER)  Disclaimer - While all car has been taken, Johnston Associates Chartered Accountants Ltd and its staff accept no liability for the contents of this article; always see your professional advisor before taking any action that you are unsure about.

JOHNSTON ASSOCIATES, 202 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 361 6701, www.jacal.co.nz

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GARDENING WITH GRAHAM SHIEFF

Spectacular winter colour!

Flame vine - pyrostegia venusta. Sometimes referred to as the “Chinese cracker flower” the flame vine is a native to Brazil. This highly attractive evergreen climber is presently smothered in intense orange tubular flowers.

Its flowering season begins around late autumn and continues until early spring. The flame vine prefers our sub tropical Auckland climate and excels in an open, sunny location. This versatile climber can be planted in a large container like a half whiskey barrel, so, if you live in an apartment with limited garden space you could place a container on the balcony and support the vine with wire or on a frame.

When planting, remember to add peat moss and slow release fertiliser to the soil and stake each tree for support.

Titoki or alectryon excelsa is a native to New Zealand and not only grows into a stunning specimen tree but is extensively used to form a hedge for privacy.

Lilly pilly or eugenia ventenati is one of the most popular evergreen trees grown for privacy within the Auckland region. Apart from its fast growth habit and dense form the lilly pilly shows off attractive bronze/red foliage throughout the year. Like the titoki and karo, lilly pilly can be easily trimmed to the height you desire.

It has the potential to reach, a height of 6m - 8m so is ideal if you wish to block out an unsightly building.

If grown as a specimen tree the titoki can reach a height of up to eight metres within 15 years but, if grown as a hedge or pleached, it responds favourably to trimming.

Lilly pilly is vulnerable to attack from masses of tiny insects called psyllid which congregate on the trees’ leaves and suck the goodness out of the foliage. This ravaging insect can decimate the lilly pilly so it’s critical that you spray your hedge quarterly with an organic insecticide like pyrethrum.

You can therefore maintain your hedge at whatever height you prefer.

Exquisite groundcover camellia Camellia 'Quintessence' is an amazing low-growing miniature camellia that produces adorable semi double creamy white flowers from late autumn to spring.

Planting for privacy Winter is an ideal time to plant trees for privacy and several evergreen specimens can be grown to form a perfect screen.

When planting, space the trees at two metre intervals and stake them to offer support.

Titoki can be planted in semi shade to full sun. Pleaching enables you to plant small shrubs like clivia or buxus below the taller specimens.

Karo or pittosporum crassifolium is an extremely robust New Zealand native tree that can withstand the elements in difficult coastal locations. Karo grows very well in urban gardens too. It’s an evergreen that can reach six metres when mature but, like the titoki, can be grown as a dense hedge for screening purposes.

This beauty is resistant to most pests and diseases and is easily maintained requiring two trims annually when grown as a hedge.

Attractive, small star-shaped, maroon flowers appear early in spring and have a beautiful scent. Once the flowers have been pollinated seeds are produced within vanilla-coloured fruit pods.

Quintessence prefers a garden position with filtered sunlight and free-draining quality soil. For optimum results add a little flowers of sulphur to the soil surrounding the plant and gently work it in.

This little stunner looks impressive when planted en masse beneath taller camellias, rhododendrons, magnolias or other acid-loving shrubs and small trees.

Try growing a Quintessence in a hanging basket but make certain it’s protected from direct sunlight.

Intriguing lime The kaffir lime also known as the makrut lime is a citrus fruit tree native to tropical Asia including India, Thailand and Malaysia.

To encourage a karo hedge to form the best shape keep the hedge trimmed on top as this will ensure dense growth from ground level upwards.

Its fruit and leaves are extensively used in Southeast Asian cuisine and its essential oil is used in the production of perfume. The kaffir can be easily grown in containers, pots or in conservatories. Try adding kaffir lime leaves to your recipe when cooking Thai green curry or other Asian dishes. (GRAHAM SHIEFF)  PN

The karo, when in bloom attracts birds including our fascinating tui.

M: 021 997 743, www.gardenhelp.co.nz

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MY FAVOURITE ROOM

Anna Jobsz Anna Jobsz is a freelance PR and Event Manager and owner of mineral makeup and natural skincare e-store EcoBoutique.

She’s also a solo parent to two-and-a-half year old son, Carlo.

“We live in an apartment in Grey Lynn. It’s cosy and homely with plenty of our favourite things dotted around to keep us entertained. We have a courtyard which is great in summer for scooter riding, pictures on the chalk board and entertaining friends.

In the winter the reading corner is our favourite ‘room’, where we play and connect.

We hang out in it quite a bit for games - which usually involve Buzz Lightyear, Elmo and plenty of imagination - books, puzzles and my bad attempts at playing the ukulele. Carlo is really enjoying books about dinosaurs at the moment and I’m reading a Daniel Silva book called ‘The English Girl’.

Our favourite things in the room? We have books that were given to us as presents from friends and family. Some of them are pre-loved hand-me-downs from other friends’

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children. The ukelele was a present for Carlo from a dear friend and the photo frames were given to me by my mum. Carlo likes to show people the pictures when they visit and point out that 'Mummy and Carlo' are in the photos.

When Carlo is in bed, I use the space to pack my makeup orders for EcoBoutique and sometimes I sit with laptop on knee to write press releases and get away from my desk.

I’ve been in greater Ponsonby for the past 10 years, mainly Grey Lynn, Herne Bay and St Mary’s Bay - with a wee stint in (cough) Parnell! We live close to the new Countdown supermarket and Grey Lynn Park which is all very handy. Carlo’s favourite local spot is Pane & Vino for a Romano pizza or St Pierres in Three Lamps for chicken teriyaki. We never need to travel far to find our favourite things!”

ECOBOUTIQUE, www.ecoboutique.co.nz

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MILLY NOLAN: DESIGNER GIFTS

Organic Forms Over the past few seasons, there has been a gentle shift away from factory made, generic homeware to objects and textiles that have a softer and more organic feel.

There is a desire to own items which tell a story through their character and imperfections. Organic forms such as hand-painted ceramics, calming watercolour prints and eco-friendly lambswool knits bring beauty and authenticity into everyday living.

1. Citta Design - Finch serving platter, $80 Inspired by the hand made ceramics found on the streets of Hanoi, the Finch serving platter provides a mellow backdrop for any delicious dish.

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2. Fazeek noughts & crosses napkin set, $100 These hand-printed 100% linen napkins will make you nostalgic for childhood games. The playful print and natural, organic material is easy to incorporate into any table setting.

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3. May Time organic wine glass, $27 With a casual feel and irregular form, the organic wine glass from May Time is a distinctive choice for everyday glassware.

4. Nkuku lambswool throw, $399 Ecofriendly and fairly traded, this lambswool throw is pure luxury. Large enough to cover a double bed, its generous size will envelope you in its warm cable knit weave.

5. Mini Grandi Artist calm print, $75 Inspired by the sea and the sky, this watercolour print by Sophie Melville will inspire feelings of peace and tranquility wherever it is hung.

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6. General Eclectic macrame plant holder, $26 A modern take on a 70s icon, this plant holder is perfectly paired with an indoor plant, potted in a ceramic planter or glass vase.

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7. Robert Gordon indigo brush organic spot mug, $26 Not only is this mug organic in shape but its indigo spots are all individually hand painted on the crisp white background. No two pieces are alike.

8. General Eclectic macrame wall hanging, $65 This macrame wall hanging brings an organic, handmade feel to the home, with its natural colour palette and cotton textile weave.

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9. Dinosaur Design large cloud bowl, $190 Crafted by hand, this unusually shaped bowl is as much a piece of art as it is a bowl to be used for practical purposes. Marvel in its beauty on its own, or use as a fruit bowl with pride of place on your table top.

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

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@ BOB & FRIENDS

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1. String shelving system price by design starting at $345 for the String Pocket; 2. Mathew Hilton's iconic Balzac Chair and Ottoman $10,995; 3. The Oscar sofa by Mathew Hilton three seater as shown $10,450 in velvet $10,995; 4. The Eos feather light shade by Vita from $475 large as shown $1890 BOB AND FRIENDS, The Villa, 231 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 378 7350 or shop online: www.bobandfriends.co.nz

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HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS

NOW IS THE TIME TO KILL IT! With Auckland property prices at an all-time high and interest rates at an all-time low, now really is the time to kill your mortgage, and set you and your family up for life.

In New Zealand these are the good years right now but we can’t predict the future. You need to be making progress. The sun is shining (it may be low in the sky for some but mark my words it’s shining) and it’s your time to make hay.

Some sort of correction will likely come at some stage. We need to be preparing for a downturn now. Bottom line, whether you’re in the property market or not, you have to be making the most of your financial position.

As a country our income-to-debt levels are running at 162%, higher than 2007 just before the GFC. A rising property market hides a multitude of sins and in particular masks overspending. It’s not a time to be keeping up with the Joneses. Believe me, the Jones are likely to be broke, you just can’t see it.

For most people, the right thing to do is pay down your debt as fast as possible and save for your future. This is often easier said than done. If you own a property in Auckland, you have a great ‘head-start’. You need to make the most of your situation with a proactive strategy that will set you up for life!

To help get you on the right-track Hannah McQueen is holding a FREE seminar at 6pm on Tuesday 16 August at The Wharf on Northcote Point.

Hannah McQueen is a regular on television and radio. She is the author of the best -selling book 'Kill Your Mortgage and Sort Your Retirement'.  PN Head to www.enableme.co.nz to secure your seat at this FREE event.

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Hannah McQueen

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

KILL YOUR MORTGAGE AND SORT YOUR RETIREMENT We are hosting a FREE seminar on the North Shore and are delighted to have Hannah McQueen, New Zealand’s leading personal finance expert as our special guest.

Don’t miss this opportunity to arm yourself with the tools you need for financial success this year.

WHEN

WHERE

BOOK NOW

Tue 16 Aug | 6.00–7.00pm

The Wharf 2 Queen Street Northcote Point

Online at: enableme.co.nz

IN THIS FREE 45 MINUTE SEMINAR YOU WILL LEARN: 1 The truth about money Why you spend all you earn irrespective of your income.

2 How to manage your finances and do things smarter to save money The ‘fritter’ factor.

3 About mortgage inefficiencies How to save at least $100,000 in interest costs on your own mortgage! Why you are paying thousands of dollars too much in interest costs!

4 The cost of your relationship with your bank Some ‘home truths’ about banks and how you can stop paying them so much.

5 What Life Stage are you?

Whether you are ‘Starting Out’, ‘Building Up’ or ‘Sitting Back’ taking control, goal setting and working to a plan is equally important.

6 Through real case studies Bringing it all together and show how working with a personal financial coach can make a huge difference to your situation.

Hannah is a regular on television and radio. She is the author of the best-selling book “The Perfect Balance – How to get ahead financially and still have a life” and has also released her second book “Kill Your Mortgage and Sort your Retirement”.

Wherever you are financially, Hannah will share her insights as to how you can get in control and get ahead faster with our innovative approach.

SEATS ARE LIMITED TO 50 – BOOK NOW! enableme.co.nz

ASK AN ARCHITECT: DANIEL MARSHALL Each month architect Daniel Marshall answers readers’ property related questions.

Q:

Do Architects have any ideas on how to solve the housing crisis? It would seem to me that your professional group would have a unique insight on the forces that are creating this problem and would perhaps be well placed to taking a public lead in finding solutions.

A:

What an incredibly insightful, and somewhat disconcerting question. I believe you are absolutely right, and architects as a profession could take a leading, role in voicing lateral solutions to these sorts of issues. And behind the scenes, on a volunteer basis, incredible effort is being put into trying to make our city a better place. A great example of this would be the work done by a huge army of volunteer architects providing feed back on the proposed unitary plan representing the Auckland Branch of the NZIA. This group has been incredibly influential in trying to help the council see ways that we can create extra housing capacity in the city.

A change to the fundamental planning systems of the city can provide a softer landing to the housing bubble.

What is causing the housing crisis? Easy answer: there aren't enough homes. Why aren't we building enough homes? Well, that is a very complex question that can not be answered in a soundbite or soothing powerpoint presentation. Gerrad Hall, a colleague I discussed your question with yesterday, had this to say: “I think there are two historical bureaucratic faults in Auckland and it's important not to confuse them when looking for blame or solutions. One is the shortsighted lack of providing more, and varied dwelling opportunities in the city. In my eyes this is the cause of our current crisis, and it's a resource consenting/planning issue. If there was no supply shortage, the opportunities for speculators would never have been there in the first place. Personally, I don't believe the actual 'cost of building' rising (perhaps caused by added red tape in the building consent process) is causing house prices to rise. In fact, the opposite causal relationship is likely to be true. That the fact values have gone up has made builders scarce, and people more willing to spend on building given their added equity.”

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Being on the ground, as it were, gives me a unique insight as to the complexity of getting things built in the current environment. I chuckled as a councillor wandered along Stanley Point Road lamenting the empty houses. Well, I can tell him about one of the houses. It has been languishing in resource consent processes within the organisation that he represents, for a year and a half. And I understand the reasons, it is in a coastal management area, the house was subjected to pre-1944 demolition controls, a special character area etc, etc. So all these things need to be addressed with montages and reports and consultants. It is on the owner to prove that the building they want to build is appropriate. Guilty until proven innocent. My point is this, if very wealthy people find it difficult to build a house for themselves, what chance does the average Kiwi have when fronting up to this behemoth? The important thing to note is more rules do not necessarily lead to better outcomes.

I think there really has to be a collaborative solution to building more houses quickly, cost effectively, and well designed in areas where people want to live. Currently the process is combative and the only way through the bureaucracy is to have a lot of money. The scale of the problem can only be addressed is if some large entities gear up and build in huge numbers using new technologies and investing in surrounding infrastructure... and not in the hinterlands of the city either, that creates more poverty ultimately.

We must shy away from the quick-fix solutions though, weakening the RMA, or cutting corners on building quality under the guise of getting rid of red tape. We must resist the temptation of trying to provide temporary solutions that end up being permanent disappointments. (DANIEL MARSHALL)  PN DANIEL MARSHALL ARCHITECTS, 472 Karangahape Road, T: 09 354 3587, www.marshall-architect.co.nz

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@ CORSO DE' FIORI 1. Newport loose cover sofa - This sofa mixes clean modern lines and generous cushions with the more relaxed aesthetic of a loose cover slip, upholstered in James Dunlop Heron fabric, 2.4 metre length. Designed and made in New Zealand. $6220 2. Kidney bean marble coffee table. A stunning coffee table with elegantly tapered legs covered in gold leaf. 120 x 75 x 42.5cmh. $739

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CORSO DE’ FIORI, The Foundation, 8 George Street, Newmarket, T: 09 307 9166, www.corso.co.nz

DON’T MISS THE SEPTEMBER

SEPTEMBER SPECIAL FEATURES

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+ LIFESTYLE, SPORT & FITNESS

COPY DEADLINE: Saturday 20 August PUBLISHED: Friday 2 September

+ SPRING FASHION (MEN AND WOMEN)

PREMIUM POSITIONS AVAILABLE

+ A-Z OF BARS

+ HOME RENOVATIONS

TO BOOK ADVERTISING: Call Jo Barrett on 021 324 510 or Jan 027 595 2557 t: 09 361 3356 or 09 378 8553 e: joannebarrett@xtra.co.nz e: jan@ponsonbynews.co.nz w: www.ponsonbynews.co.nz

@ FORMA 1. Forma Ella Chair: The stunning and comfortable Ella dining chair has black powdercoated steel legs and comes covered in a grey or a fabric of your choice. RRP $595

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2. Forma: Areaware Piggy Bank: The Harry Allen Piggy Bank is a piece of art in its own right.

Measuring 450mm long and 250mm high they are available in black, white and gold.

RRP $395

FORMA, 51 - 53 The Strand, Parnell, T: 09 368 7694, www.forma.co.nz, www.facebook.com/formafurniturenz

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ACCESSORISE YOUR GAGGENAU OVEN Baking stone: This specialty baking stone accessory by Gaggenau means you and your guests can enjoy stone-baked pizza, Danish pastries and tart flambé from within the comfort of your home. A separate element heats the stone from below to temperatures of up to 300°C, ensuring a golden, crispy base or crust. Gaggenau offers the exquisitely designed ceramic stone in three widths to suit their ovens: 60cm, 76cm and 90cm.

Pull-out system: Be reassured of your safety with Gaggenau’s pull-out system. Using this add-on feature means baking trays, wire racks, pans and even the rotisserie spit are fully extendable, ensuring there is no risk of dropping hot trays on unsuspecting feet!

The pull-out system can be used on every oven level and its cast iron frame can be easily PN cleaned using your Gaggenau oven’s pyrolytic function. 

Rotisserie spit: Enjoy smoky barbecued game without having to brave the harsh winter temperatures with this rotisserie spit by Gaggenau. This clever accessory can be plugged into selected Gaggenau ovens and is powered by a mechanical motor to ensure wonderfully uniform cooking.

To book an appointment to view the Gaggenau range, please call the Kitchen Things Newmarket store on T: 09 522 8375, www.kitchenthings.co.nz

@ FREEDOM 1. Freedom Furniture Zahra armchair in alpha natural, RRP $1099. Oversized and inviting with a warm-hued timber base and neutral fabric, the Zahra armchair is a dream to sink into at the end of a long day.

2. Freedom Furniture Wyatt coffee table 115 x 60cm in natural, RRP $699. The natural variations of the Wyatt coffee table’s sheesham timber body contrasts strikingly with its angular steel legs for a luxe industrial look.

3. Freedom Furniture Bridgeport cushion 35 x 55cm in sapphire, RRP $44.95. Add a bohemian aesthetic to your sofa or bed with the Bridgeport cushion, finished with tassels for a touch of tribal.

4. Freedom Furniture Mackenzie pouffe 45 x 45 x 45cm in natural, RRP $249. Featuring tufted wool in a neutral hue, the Mackenzie pouffe makes a subtly stylish impact in your living area whilst providing extra seating or simply somewhere to rest your legs.

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For more information go to www.freedomfurniture.co.nz

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Experience the Gaggenau difference.

Enjoy your complimentary Gaggenau Dishwasher available with purchases $20,000 and over* from the 400 Series Gaggenau range.

Offer valid 1 July – 30 September 2016. *Terms & Conditions apply Available from selected Kitchen Things stores: Newmarket (Auckland) Tauranga - Nelson - Moorhouse (Christchurch) - Dunedin

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HEIDI PADAIN: ENTERTAINMENT IN YOUR GARDEN Missy gave me her very best Dorothy Parker stare, which clearly conveyed...

"What fresh hell is this?"

Instead of placing grapes loosely around the deck as I would normally, I piled them up in a glass. Missy was decidedly unimpressed.

When I placed the glass on the table, Sinatra made an appearance. He recognised the grapes of course, but was baffled by the glass. Sinatra is familiar with my trickery; he's been challenged on more than one occasion. This set-up made him particularly excited.

It would, there was a really big pile of grapes on display.

Sinatra, proceeded to tap dance around the glass. He did several rounds while pecking on it furiously with his beak. The sound was fantastic. I found the whole scene immensely funny. When he finally stopped, he pulled his body up as high as he could and reached down over the rim of the glass. With a grape held firmly in his beak Sinatra flew up and over the top of the deck rail. His screech of delight diminished as he disappeared into the trees. It was quite a performance.

Having observed this spectacle, Missy landed on the table with her beak held high and then, in a manner that can only be described as cavalier, she hopped right up onto the rim of the glass, reached forward and grabbed a grape.

At this stage, I was wide-eyed with it all, and laughing so hard I could barely hold the camera still. Clearly, Missy is the smarter of the two birds I thought to myself.

This circus act continued for quite some time. When the glass was completely empty, I had a crazy idea - well, another crazy idea. I wondered what they would do if I refilled the glass with grapes and then filled the glass up to the brim with water.

I made it easy for them initially by placing a lot of grapes in the glass. This time around Missy took the initiative. She was the first to dive on in. Sinatra quickly followed suit. You can see in the images just what lengths they were prepared to go to.

They didn't manage to empty the glass but, for the love of grapes, what an outstanding effort. Who knew? I had no idea that blackbirds could, or would place their heads under water.

It has to be said, if you pay close attention to the birds in your garden, you can learn an awful lot, and if you really get to know them, look how much fun you can have.

PN (HEIDI PADAIN)  To see some of Heidi’s other photographic work go to www.flickr.com and type Heidi Padain into the search box or you can contact Heidi by email hidihi@xtra.co.nz

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HELP PROTECT OUR MARINE ENVIRONMENT...

Coming up 20 years operating in Greater Ponsonby, the team at Ray White Damerell Group have spent many years helping throughout the community to make our little slice of heaven the best it can be.

With a team not afraid to muck in, they often get their hands and gumboots dirty with cleanup projects and environmental projects throughout the greater Ponsonby area.

The removal of this rubbish is vital in protecting our marine environment as it washes into the Waitemata Harbour.  PN

Their clean ups of local Cox's Bay and the neighbouring stream in collaboration with Sea Cleaners and help from local families and children happens again this month.

If you want to help with the clean-up join them at 9.30am on 28 August. For more information go to facebook/raywhiteponsonby or call T: 09 376 2186

L to R: The team of volunteers and Ray White Ponsonby team members at the last Cox's Bay clean up in 2014; Two little Cox's Bay clean up helpers even managed to find a shopping trolley in the creek; One giant trailer of rubbish later, including a shopping trolley, a screen door, a car tyre and far too much plastic, the team of volunteers were astounded at the amount of litter that can accumulate in such a small area

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UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL Meg Pirie Stylist and Personal Shopper Meg Pirie’s aim is to bring a little bit of the luxe European shopping experience to New Zealand, “so women have an amazing shopping experience every time and are left with a functional capsule wardrobe.”

Where do you live?

I live in Herne Bay. I'm originally from a small coastal town in Wales and didn't feel truly feel settled until I moved to Ponsonby. I love the mix of beaches, cafes and of course the amazing shops.

Who is your partner? What do they do?

Mason Pirie. He works in the construction industry for Apex Interiors - an interior fit-out company. We have two beautiful fur babies. Mr Darcy our rescue tabby cat and Stella our naughty Frenchie.

How do you keep fit?

Does walking to get coffee count? I walk Stella daily and do yoga.

What's your perfect Sunday?

It would start with a coffee and brunch with friends, followed by a walk with Stella down to Westhaven or through the local parks. There'd be a bit of window shopping along Ponsonby road and a glass of vino to finish the day.

Where do you spend your holidays?

I go home once a year to visit my family in Wales. This year Mason and I are also going to Samoa (the United Kingdom isn't renowned for its reliable summers)!

Your best friend would say of you...

That I'm fashion obsessed, stylish, generous and crazy about animals.

Your mother would say of you...

I'm loyal, have a zest for life, that she loves the laughter we share and our joint artistic flair.

What are your virtues?

Patience (although my husband may disagree), I can laugh at myself, good work ethic, humble and bubbly.

And your vices?

Oh gosh, I have a few... without fail a coffee first thing every morning, addiction to shoes, Prosecco, and unfortunately I'm a Virgo perfectionist (still trying to learn to let things go).

Who's your ultimate rock icon?

The Killers.

What’s your secret passion?

Not so secret love of shoes.

What's your secret talent?

I have shopping X-ray vision. I can scan a store on walking in and know in seconds whether the item I'm looking for is there.

What were you going to be when you grew up?

It was either a vet, as I adore animals and would have a house full if I was allowed. Unfortunately I hate needles and blood so that was never going to happen; or a career in the fashion industry, doing something creative.

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How did you come to be a stylist/personal shopper?

I adore fashion and have always loved helping women look and feel their best. Truthfully, the crunch came when my sister became ill and she made me realise I should follow my dreams because life's too short.

I wanted to do something not only to empower myself but the amazing women around me.

If you weren’t a stylist/ personal shopper you’d be..?

I would have loved to be a magazine editor. I've always loved writing and collating articles and photography to be aesthetically appealing.

Which is your favourite Ponsonby cafe?

This is easy. I am slightly obsessed with The Governor and their amazing blend of Underground coffee. It really is the best! I'm a vegetarian and they have so many options (my favourite is the paleo bowl).

Your favourite Ponsonby restaurant?

I love the Blue Breeze Inn. They always do a good martini and have lots of veggie options. Their staff create a gorgeous ambience. Janken is also a firm favourite on Jervois Road.

Favourite Ponsonby store?

As a stylist I have so many and adore the New Zealand fashion scene. I love Workshop for its mix of international labels as well as Helen Cherry; Juliette Hogan for her beautiful homeware and clothes; Lonely for its lingerie and Ruby for its mix of quirky pieces. Mecca is my second home - I love the range of makeup and fragrances and the girls are always amazing.

Your favourite Ponsonby fashion label?

I have the biggest soft spot for Andrea Moore - I used to work for her and her tailoring is incredible. Kathryn Wilson has also done an amazing job of her label and her store may or may not be within walking distance of my house, so...

And your best-kept Ponsonby secret?

Its amazing coastline and small beaches. Perfect for sitting on when I need a bit of inspiration - I love watching the waves.

What's inspired you recently?

The trend of all these amazing women starting up their own businesses and empowering themselves and those around them.

Name your desert island distractions: Any books by F. Scott Fitzgerald - I adore him. The Ab Fab

series is also a pretty good distraction and hilarious. If I could also bring Channing Tatum - that would be amazing?

The house is on fire and your family is safe - what do you save?

My custom-made Jane Yeh wedding gown and my black and white Helmut Newton pictures of Kate Moss.

“I'd be lost without my...”

Monthly subscription to Vogue and my daily coffee (or two).

One thing you have learned about life is…

Be true to yourself and humble. Try and find a good balance of work, family and friends. Laugh often. Do what makes you happy as life's too short.

Your advice to Ponsonby fashion shoppers?

Know what you're going shopping for and try your best to stick to the plan (writing a list helps). It's true for so many of us - we come home with yet another item we don't need and our wardrobe can end up becoming a glorified storage unit. If you're stuck, don't be afraid to ask a shop assistant or book a stylist - that's our job. I’m slightly biased, but a large part of the population has (at least once) booked a personal trainer, has a regular hair stylist, and the list of little self-luxuries goes on. Why not add a personal stylist into the mix?

Your advice to young Ponsonby people looking to work as a stylist/personal shopper?

It's like anything in life - you need to be level headed and down to earth. Ask advice from people you trust and be willing to work hard and you'll do well.  PN MEG PIRIE www.megpirie-stylist.com

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SMART LIGHTING FOR PONSONBY HOMEOWNERS Thinking about renovating your home? Consider improvements to your lighting system.

Lighting - and specifically ‘smart lighting’, can not only drastically change how a room looks, but can also effect your mood and routine - and all via your smartphone, tablet or the like. Last month Philips launched Hue 2.0, a personal wireless lighting system that can be controlled from your device at any location.

Philips Hue enables users to customise a room by changing each of its light bulbs to any colour in the app’s 16 million colour spectrum. Match the lights with a colour from your favourite photograph! Or match to the colour of the paint on the walls in each room.

Preset light ‘recipes’, such as the Energise setting, change bulbs to a tone and brightness that will increase alertness - perfect for dark winter mornings.The Relax setting bathes users in warm tones to wind down in the living room.

You can also customise Philips Hue to your daily routines through the timer function.

Turn Hue into a morning wake up call or turn the lights off gradually to help fall asleep naturally. You can control your lights from anywhere - handy for frequent travellers who want greater peace of mind while overseas. Hue also features a Location Aware setting, to turn lights on to welcome the user home.

Philips Hue works by plugging a Hue bridge into your wi-fi router, which connects the Hue app, wi-fi and up to 50 Hue bulbs. A Philips Hue Starter Kit is available for RRP $319.95.  PN PHILIPS HUE www2.meethue.com/en-nz

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@ DAWSON & CO Every experience starts with a sensation...

Each Timothy Oulton leather has been created to evoke a unique sensation, and has its own story. It starts with the inspiration that comes from the beauty of well-worn leathers. Tim Oulton has spent a lifetime collecting antiques and his artistic eye sees the intrinsic beauty of a piece - from an antique armchair to the edge of a worn out handbag or briefcase, or the patina of a leathercovered tool handle.

The story continues in the effort taken to recreate that beautiful vintage finish. Different hides are selected, and translucent aniline dyes and oils are used to ensure that the natural character of the leather is retained. Like an artist landscaping his canvas, the dyes are layered into each crease and contour of the hide by hand. Multiple stages of distressing are completed, purely by hand, leading to a rich and deep colour palette, a warm and buttery touch and a soft, supple hand-feel.

Timothy Oulton’s unique and innovative leathers include the daring and extreme new Buck’dN Brok’n finish - featuring scores, scratches, worn and burnished surfaces, all of which hint at a storied past, and Jack’dN Brok’n - over-painted with the Union Jack graphic and contrasted with the classic form of the Westminster button sofa. Wrecked leather has a raw and cracked textural effect, inspired by a vintage suede jacket, while the company’s softest leather, Warrior, has a faded, washed-out look with a beautiful myriad of varied natural colours.

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Discover the full leather collection in store.  PN DAWSON & CO, 38 Constellation Drive, North Shore or 115 The Strand, Parnell, www.dawsonandco.nz

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HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS

GREAT KITCHEN DESIGN IS MUCH MORE THAN JUST GOOD LOOKS For many people, ‘design’ is synonymous with style. In a kitchen, great design is about so much more: from aesthetics to ergonomics, and even the effect it has on your home’s value, design is a critical part of any new kitchen.

Wayne Church, head designer for kitchen manufacturer Neo Design, says “Great design is also about how a kitchen works in a practical sense - an experienced designer will create a layout that works the way you do, with hardware designed to make tasks easier. Great design also makes your kitchen durable, by using quality materials and robust construction.

Wayne Church

“The kitchen is the heart of every home: we cook, entertain and just hang out. Typically, it’s part of a larger open-plan area (even in a modernized villa), setting the style of the overall living space. A skilled kitchen designer can work wonders, creating a kitchen that showcases your style and taste,” says Wayne.

But doesn’t ‘design’ cost more? “The design fee is a small part of the kitchen cost, with a big potential payoff. A well-designed kitchen is an investment in your daily enjoyment but it will also add value to your home.”

The team at Neo is design focused. For 25 years it has been producing award-winning joinery from its Glenfield premises, just 10 minutes north of the harbour bridge. Neo’s complete design, manufacture and install service makes it easy. Call Wayne Church or Aleisha Stanton for a consultation about your next designer kitchen.

NEO DESIGN, 96 Hillside Road, Glenfield, T: 443 4461, www.neodesign.co.nz

@ DESIGN WAREHOUSE 1. Nairobi Woven Dining Chair (Black) - the Nairobi dining chair by Design Warehouse is stunning and dynamic and is made with black powder-coated steel and durable woven wicker - premium materials for outdoor use.

2. Sydney & Concrete Dining Set - a modern take on chic European cafe dining, this dining set by Design Warehouse includes the Sydney chair and Raw Square concrete table.

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3. Nairobi Woven Relaxing Chair (White) - create a light and airy relaxing space with the Nairobi relaxing chair by Design Warehouse. The style, design and comfort of this chair is something you must experience.

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DESIGN WAREHOUSE, 137/147 The Strand, Parnell, T: 09 377 7710, www.designwarehouse.co.nz

120 PONSONBY NEWS+ August 2016

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AUCKLAND PROPERTY MARKET STAYS ON TREND DURING JUNE Prices edged up slightly in Auckland’s residential property market in June, while the number of sales and listings were consistent with the same period last year.

Peter Thompson, Managing Director of Barfoot & Thompson said the average sales price during June was $908,343, an increase of 3.9% on May and 4.2% on the average price over the previous three months. This follows very little change in the average prices of April and May. The median price for June was $839,500, an increase of 3.7% on the previous month.

“The moderate increases in the average sales and median prices are a measure of a very tight supply situation. At the same time it demonstrates that residential purchasers are maintaining a level head in terms of the value they see in the properties on offer.

These are signs that vendors are similarly realistic, even in a constrained market,” commented Thompson.

“During the first six - months of 2016 we have seen an 11.9% increase in the average house price across the city, and the June year-on-year increase is now 9.9%.

“The number of new listings (1170) and volume of sales (1168) were a marginal increase on last year’s record figures for the same period. However, June continued to conform to seasonal norms with numbers of new listings down 7% and sales numbers down when compared to May’s data.

“At month end we had 2936 properties on our books, which is marginally lower (2.6%) than the previous month’s 3013. Just under half of all the properties sold in June (446) sold for in excess of $1 million, with just 67 selling for less than $500,000.”  PN

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Thin Slab Porcelain

Thin porcelain 6mm slabs ranging in sizes up to 3200x1600mm.

Perfect for wall, floor, splashback, benchtop & cladding applications.

View our ECxtra range on our website!

AUCKLAND 8 George Street, Parnell, Auckland. Phone: 09 303 3226. Email: info@euroceramics.co.nz CHRISTCHURCH 139 Blenheim Road, Riccarton Christchurch. Phone: 03 348 7214. Email: stu@euroceramics.co.nz HOURS SHOWROOMS OPEN MONDAY TO THURSDAY 8.30AM - 5.00PM , FRI 8.30AM - 4.30PM

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NUMI

MU

by TIN A

Now in stock 300x300mm décor designed by Konstatin Grcic for Mutina, we are the exclusive NZ stockist. Contact us now!!!

AUCKLAND 8 George Street, Parnell, Auckland. Phone: 09 303 3226. Email: info@euroceramics.co.nz CHRISTCHURCH 139 Blenheim Road, Riccarton Christchurch. Phone: 03 348 7214. Email: stu@euroceramics.co.nz HOURS SHOWROOMS OPEN MONDAY TO THURSDAY 8.30AM - 5.00PM , FRI 8.30AM - 4.30PM

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LIGHTHOUSE LIVING IS EASY... JOIN THE RENAISSANCE Here’s your chance to purchase an affordable quality apartment with panoramic views.

Just 34 apartments will be built on the Dick Smith site, in this bohemian chic residential precinct, so close to Ponsonby. This is the kind of inner city living New Yorkers enjoy, Karangahape Road is coming of age - join the renaissance.

Neighbourhood: This is what everyone is looking for, but just 34 new owners will enjoy Lighthouse. This fast-growing residential precinct is surrounded by art galleries and superb cuisine. It’s becoming an extension of Ponsonby, with the creators of Ponsonby Central opening Food Workshop, just across the road. Preferred by so many who don’t want to dwell in the central city yet love to be minutes from the office, in a lower rise, bohemian chic community.

Investors, your tenants will pay a premium to enjoy this lifestyle and won’t want to leave.

Imagine a pied a terre in Auckland complete with harbour views right in the heart of this eclectic, neighbourhood just bursting with possibilities - join the renaissance.

Lifestyle: Lighthouse living is easy. Everything you need is moments away. Ditch the car, grab your bike and breeze into work on the Nelson Street Cycleway (entrance on Mercury Lane). Hungry? Grab a bite at Coco’s Cantina or Madame George. You can restock the fridge with fresh produce at the Food Work Shop (Completion 2017). Art, culture, great food - this is the kind of inner city living New Yorkers enjoy - now it’s here - join the renaissance.

Building: Alister Kitchen of Leuschke Group Architects has designed this boutique, premium apartment house. The elevated site allows for wide city views from almost every apartment. Floor to ceiling glass in living areas and bedrooms provides an abundance of light throughout. You’ll love the engineered timber floors, the fully tiled bathrooms, quality tap ware and stone composite bench tops.

of 2017. A storage locker and a bike rack will be allocated to each apartment which will be located in the basement with lift access. Elegant use of concrete, steel and glass will provide a new icon in this fast-growing residential precinct - join the renaissance.  PN

Thirty-four apartments will be built over seven floors with retail on the ground floor.

Construction is expected to start February 2017 and completion scheduled for the end

Sales Office: 452 Karangahape Road. Open daily from 2pm to 5pm. For all enquires call, M: 021 745 424 or M: 021 862 242

A typical studio apartment

Penthouse deck

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STREET NAMES: THE HISTORICAL BOROUGH OF PONSONBY AND GREY LYNN

Ring Terrace This street has long been associated with Flora MacKenzie but it was actually named after Charles Ring who was born In Guernsey.

His father, a London merchant, lost his fleet of ships through a bank failure. With no prospects in sight the family emigrated to Tasmania when Charles was 15. Later in 1841 Charles tried his luck in New Zealand where liberal land laws enabled him to purchase two farms in the Mt Roskill area that he stocked with sheep and imported cattle. This venture failed so he and his brother Fred left, hoping to make a fortune in the Californian gold fields where they had some success.

Charles next bought goods he intended for store keeping but lost them in a shipwreck, so he decided to return to Australia in the Ceres which was wrecked on a coral reef off Fiji. With hardly any water or provisions saved, Charles with some other passengers attempted to reach Queensland in an open boat. After enduring great hardship they were rescued by an American whaler who altered his course, picked up the rest of the passengers and landed them all in Auckland in 1852. Many of those on board the Ceres were experienced miners and Charles had an idea they might be induced to prospect for gold. He met with Mr Whitaker, later knighted, who was Attorney-General at the time with regard to getting a bonus for the discovery of gold as was the practice in Australia.

A public meeting was held that appointed a committee offering a reward for the discovery of a goldfield, the proclamation being signed by Whitaker, David Nathan, Captain Daldy, John Williamson and other prominent colonists. The two Ring brothers then prospected for gold in the Coromandel and the Thames ranges, their expenses paid by an Auckland syndicate. They discovered some at Cabbage Bay in the Coromandel, at McCaskill’s Driving Creek, Ohinemuri and at Te Aroha. They returned to Auckland and reported their find to the Reward Committee, showed samples and applied for the reward. Ring’s statements were greeted with scepticism, the Committee suspecting the samples might have come from California.

The two brothers accompanied a deputation from the committee back to where the gold had been found and collected larger samples to take back to Auckland. The committee reported at a public meeting that the existence of gold was proved but further investigation was necessary to find out whether there were sufficient quantities to make mining it worthwhile. The secretary of the committee, Mr T. S. Forsaith acknowledging the Ring’s reward application and the accompanying specimens said: “I desire, in the absence of Mr Whitaker, to express the satisfaction which the prospect of eventual success which you entertain affords the committee, and to tender their acknowledgement for the promise of further information.”

Unfortunately for the Rings, their find led only to a small patch of alluvial gold and

by April 1853 less than £1200 worth had been mined. Even a small strike attracts prospectors and if it fails they search again. Many of the Coromandel’s towns owe their existence to gold fever and its port was kept busy servicing the associated industries.

The region's gold mining history is evident in the old gold rush buildings at towns such as Thames, Coromandel and Waihi. It wasn’t until the 1860s that diggers discovered the precious metal in the peninsula’s quartz reefs but extracting it was difficult The goldfield had little success until well financed companies with quartz-crushing equipment arrived in the late 1860s.

FEEL-GOOD FINE ART Mount Albert Grammar School Fine Art Show 2016, 19-21 August Art Auction: 19 August, Free open days: 20 and 21 August The thrill of the annual Mount Albert Grammar School Fine Art Show 2016 is the ‘come one come all’ attitude. Not only do works from well-established and emerging artists hang side by side, but there’s no pomp in the popular three-day event. Instead, the family friendly extravaganza draws artists and art lovers together - and raises funds for the school.

“This is not scary or elitist art, but a rare chance to see a huge breadth of works under one roof,” says Clare Mora, co-ordinator of the show. The showcase of some 125 artists promises to be a feast for the senses. Selected Mount Albert Grammar School art students will also participate.

Rising talent such as TV personality Erin Simpson, whose graphic images of skulls, tiki and birds are very approachable, will exhibit alongside her mentor Dick Frizzell, a master of Kiwiana icons. “I love that art is not just about what I see, but about what artists encourage others to see," says Simpson.

Some artists use the event as a platform for innovation. “They can be more experimental since they are often creating one-off pieces for the show,” says Mora.

In the melting pot of paintings and prints, ceramics and sculpture, there’ll be many familiar names. Photographer Emma Bass, the only Kiwi artist chosen to take part in the Summer Exhibition 2016 at London’s Royal Academy of Arts, and graffiti artist Flox who has seen a phenomenal rise in popularity, will be showcased, as will ceramic artisans Peter and Julie Collis.

But it’s the lesser-known names that make this an occasion for discoveries. Visitors can meet many of the artists or watch demonstrations, and an on-site cafe will provide a coffee fix.

The event kicks off Friday, 19 August with a ticketed gala evening and art auction followed by free open days on the weekend. On Saturday, 20 August, a selection of ‘small-scale’ works will be on sale for $50 each. “It’s a real opportunity to find that special piece to kick-start a collection, to have a fun day out and support the school,” says Mora.

Visit www.magsartshow.co.nz or like the Facebook page.  PN

Even the government and the gold committee recognised the immense importance of the Ring brother’s discoveries but they were never recompensed beyond a paltry £200 paid for their actual expenses let alone the arduous prospecting they undertook, which was not without danger as Maori in the district were not welcoming. Several men on the committee offered to recompense the brothers but they were so disgusted they refused these offers and a niggardly government wriggled out of having to pay them their just claim.

Charles continued to live in the Coromandel for many years and became a good Maori linguist and was on such good terms with ‘the natives’ he was one of the few colonists who dared remain there during the 1863 war. He returned to Auckland in 1875 where he lived in affluent retirement till he died in 1906 aged 90. His obituary in the Auckland Star credits him as the first discoverer of gold in New Zealand, describes his adventurous life and extols him as the type of hardy pioneer who had done so much towards the spread of the British Empire.

PN (DEIRDRE ROELANTS)  Philippa Bentley

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BIRD OF THE MONTH The New Zealand dotterel The New Zealand dotterel is probably the poster child for beach and sand dune conservation in New Zealand.

They are seen as an appealing and easy option for communities to support and protect.

This is particularly true for the northern subspecies at summer beach destinations.

There are protection programmes in place, which largely revolve around signposting beaches where dotterels are present and monitoring for breeding birds. Fencing off sand dunes and maintaining good tracks along the edge of beaches is also crucial for the protection of chicks, nests and their habitat.

The dotterel was once widespread and are now more at risk than some species of kiwi, with only around 1700 birds left. They are found on sandy beaches, often near tidal estuaries where they feed. They are uniquely camouflaged for the beach with a pale grey back and white underparts. This camouflage makes them very difficult to see when they stand still. They call, with a sharp ‘chip’, and this is often heard before a bird can be seen, the call will increase in rate as a perceived threat increases or they become concerned. They are very vocal in defending their territory and nests from other dotterels and predators.

While dotterel colonies are often known in the area they nest, they spend most of autumn and early winter on other desirable estuaries in large flocks. These flocks allow young birds to find a mate for the first time, while also providing an opportunity for birds who have lost a mate to find new ones. These pairs will claim their nesting territory again in September, which they will defend thoroughly against other pairs. Eggs are laid in a scrape in the sand, surrounded by shells and driftwood. The nests are very difficult to see and can easily be crushed by people, pets, vehicles or stock.

Parent dotterels have a technique they use to distract intruders from their nests. They will commonly pretend to be injured and lead the predator away from the nest. These distraction displays are effective in drawing a predator from the eggs or chicks (who

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will freeze and crouch). Dotterel will re-nest up to four times in a season if required.

Sometimes a nest will be lost to natural factors like a storm or large tide. Hedgehogs are one of the main predators of dotterel as they can travel up to two kilometres in a single night, browsing on all the eggs they find along the way. Aside from hedgehogs, cats, stoats and rats are the most common predators.

Protection of dotterel began as early as the 1980s and normally revolves around predator control, fencing of nesting areas and advocacy. Close to a quarter of the population nationwide is managed and protected, but in those areas that communities aren’t managed there is significant decline in numbers. Breeding success is also low at unmanaged sites. The takeaway today is to become involved in your local beach and shore ecosystem. Join up with the community team who look after species at the beach, clear rubbish and advocate for local wildlife. It’s better for all of us if we have more little dotterels running around! (FINN MCLENNAN-ELLIOTT)  PN

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FINN MCLENNAN-ELLIOTT

Dave Weir goes it alone - ‘Food For Thought’ Dave Weir is a name known by many for his work with Auckland bands, The Nightshades and New Gum Sarn, but now we are about to be treated to his first solo release.

Weir is releasing his debut EP 'Food for Thought' on 19 August, a perfect collection of songs from a talented musician who has come to the front of the stage after giving his skill to so many bands. Having moved to Hamilton recently, I managed to catch up with Weir after one of his travels between Auckland and where he now calls home.

Weir grew up in the midst of Ponsonby and Herne Bay, “I have three brothers and none of them play music, though we all listen. I never planned on becoming a musician and sometimes I think I'm not one - anyone can play guitar; anyone can play anything. I was drawn to the guitar at a young age though, around eight years old, but I didn't play until I was 15 and I learned the bass first.”

Music wasn’t a path Weir knew he’d take, he isn’t even sure what that path looks like, “If music is a path, it is a very broad one, and easy to get lost on.” This is a deeply accurate remark, especially if you observe the number of musicians performing on any given night of the week, those sound engineers that make them sound great, the venue organisers, the promoters and the many other roles and jobs that are associated with music. There are many doing it for the love, and the path can be long and uncertain.

I asked Weir if he thought living and growing up in Ponsonby played a part in how he views music and this life he’s chosen, “I don't really know how to answer that, Ponsonby and Herne Bay are really different these days. Ponsonby is like a shopping mall now. My childhood was a blur of ups and downs, all contained within a generally safe, privileged environment. However, few things can prepare you for life's harsher realities like death and heartbreak, mental illness and addiction.”

Weir attests that the bands he’s become known for were sort of always formed by chance, “The bands I'd started with friends in my early teens tapered off. I joined Space Creeps after I heard that they needed a guitar player. I tried out and got the gig. It was a similar deal with New Gum Sarn, we met one day and it seemed like the next week

I was playing bass in a new band. The Nightshades are working on our second album.

We began with a solo set I played in a flat on New North Road, after which two friends agreed to become a band with me.

“My first solo work was a collection of love songs I made for a girlfriend. I only made one copy. This EP ‘Food For Thought’ started as an attempt to rescue a selection of my songs from their bedroom haze, give them new life, so you don't have to lean in to listen.

Between the two guys I worked with, Jacob Moore and Tim Shaan, many great albums have been made, so they were just the guys for the job.”

Weir has only great things to say about Whammy Bar and The Wine Cellar, and is one of many who are sad to have seen Lucha Lounge close its doors for the last time.

“I would say the music scene in Auckland is lively and supportive. bFM does good things for alternative artists, and there is the Secondskin Collective who aims to encourage a wider range of voices and more equal participation in the alternative music scene.

People are conjuring new music and putting on new events and trying to make sure people don't fall by the wayside, and that spaces are safer for everyone.”

Basing himself in Hamilton at the moment, Weir’s moved back in with his parents, “I'm not sure if I intend to stay, I prefer Auckland. Music has never been easy for me, and having to bus to Auckland to play a show is making it difficult.”

‘Food For Thought’ is honest, with a nod to psychedelic music, it brings to the fore some of Weir’s earliest influences, The Beatles, The Kinks and Simon and Garfunkel. His approach to music and life is refreshing and heartfelt. (FINN MCLENNAN-ELLIOTT)  PN You can catch Dave Weir at his release show for ‘Food For Thought' on 18 August at The Wine Cellar in St Kevin’s Arcade. Tickets can be found at www.undertheradar.co.nz

Finn McLennan-Elliott has a Bachelor of Science Honours degree specialising in human geography at Auckland University. In his spare time, Finn plays clarinet and guitar in an orchestra and a folk music group. He is hosting ‘Folk at the Old Folks’ on the first Sunday of every month at the Auckland Old Folks Association Hall, an intimate afternoon concert of folk music.

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GARNET STATION TINY THEATRE AUGUST PROGRAMME Wine and dine before the show!

The William Brown Band, 13 August, $15/$10, 8pm Six musicians play original songs, late 60s covers, a bit of funk, psychedelic rock, and love putting on a good show.

BRIGHT beyond belief, 17, 18, 19 & 20 August, $20/15, 8pm A fact-based revolutionary mash-up guaranteed to get you laughing and thinking about the mysteries of the universe and the polarity of current politics. BRIGHT connects the past to the present with eloquent theatrical equations, tossing in the God quotient to explore the truth of radiance, matter and motion. An energetic kinetic surprise devised and performed by Verity George, last seen acting on Shortland Street, and Lisa Prager, who was trained in the Theatre Corporate days by Raymond Hawthorne.

ARTS + CULTURE SHOWING @ WHITESPACE Kathryn Stevens: Isometria 9-28 August

Kathryn Stevens works are inspired by architecture and the urban environment: the layers of mesh framing and scaffolding interacting with surfaces glass, concrete and steel. In the earlier works there was a deliberate ambiguity in the drawing. The grids, and the planes they implied, required that the viewer co-create the space. The now more dominant foreground grid gives more clarity, emphasizing the act of looking. The interface between the viewer and the painting is more evident; we are looking from a real space into a possible one.

Kathryn has a BFA from Elam School of Fine Art, University of Auckland.

Whitespace is now also open Sundays 11am-3pm.  PN WHITESPACE, 12 Crummer Road, T: 09 361 6331, www.whitespace.co.nz

Bill Perry and Friends, 27 August, 8pm, $20 Guitarist, singer and songwriter Perry returns with pianist Vladimir Shilov (Siberia), bassist Patrick Hedder (South Africa), and violinist Nick Jones (New Zealand) for a first rate evening of jazz, blues, reggae, swing and rock.

When We Dead Awaken, 1, 2, 3 September 8pm $30/$25 Written by Henrik Ibsen 116 years ago, this touring production from Wellington is the first performance of the work in New Zealand. The story centres round the difficulties of marriage, the unpredictability of artistic vision and the pursuit of a satisfying life in the face of adversity. This was reviewed by the 2016 NZ Fringe Festival as a ‘design and acting tour de force’. The cast is Ryan Cundy, Cathy-Ellen Paul, Tom Kereama, Catriona Tipene and Iris Henderson.  PN GARNET STATION TINY THEATRE, 85 Garnet Road.

Bookings email: garnetstation@gmail.com or T: 09 360 3397

Kathryn Stevens 2016, 750 x 600mm

Kathryn Stevens 2016, 1150 x 900mm

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ARTS + CULTURE

THE RNZB’S QUINTESSENTIAL ROMANTIC BALLET RETURNS Romantic, mystical and lyrical, Giselle is one of ballet’s great stories. The Royal New Zealand Ballet’s internationally acclaimed production of this classic, created by ballet superstars Ethan Stiefel and Johan Kobborg, is returning to New Zealand this August and September.

Giselle has become a signature work for the RNZB after sell-out performances in New Zealand in 2012, followed by subsequent tours to China, the United States, the United Kingdom and, and an adaptation into a feature film by New Zealand director Toa Fraser. A perfect fusion of everything that makes ballet so special: human characters, elegant costumes, beautiful choreography and exquisite pointe work, this is ballet at its finest.

RNZB’s artistic director Francesco Ventriglia has invited two guest artists to dance the leading male role of Albrecht: much-loved former RNZB dancer Qi Huan who will partner Lucy Green and former principal dancer with The Australian Ballet Daniel Gaudiello who will partner Mayu Tanigaito. Both will be performing selected shows during the Auckland season of Giselle which will also be accompanied live by the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra performing Adolphe Adam’s classical score.

The RNZB will once again be offering free events around performances to enhance the experience further, see details below.

Auckland, ASB Theatre, Aotea Centre: Wednesday 31 August - Thursday 1 September 7.30pm, Friday 2 September 7.30pm, (Free pre-performance talk 6.30pm) Saturday 3 September 1.30pm (Free Q&A post show) and 7.30pm (Warm Up, Curtain Up - see the dancers prepare for the show - 6.20pm).  PN For more information and to book see: www.rnzb.org.nz

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PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

31 August— 3 September ASB Theatre, Aotea Centre BOOK NOW

rnzb.org.nz

The quintessential Romantic ballet

CHOREOGRAPHY BY Johan Kobborg and Ethan Stiefel (after Marius Petipa) MUSIC BY Adolphe Adam ACCOMPANIED BY Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra CONDUCTED BY Marc Taddei

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NATIONAL TOURING PARTNER

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FEATURING

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ARTS + CULTURE WHEREVER YOUR TRIP TAKES YOU...

Tony McNeight has created a unique opportunity for people to tap into their creative side through his Travel Sketching classes.

There are a huge number of people wanting to give it a go and his classes in Devonport have proved to be no exception.

It’s easy, fun and teaches people who think they can’t draw that, in actual fact they can with some gentle guidance and tuition.

“We live in a ‘point and click’ world these days so here’s a chance to really see and engage with your subject,” says Tony. “Students are going away with beautiful little works they previously never dreamed possible. Travel sketching is perfect for travellers or those who just want to learn to sketch; even if their trip is to a cafe in Ponsonby.”

His small classes (maximum 10 people over 10 week courses) fill fast. Ponsonby, previously his old stomping ground, is a perfect venue with classes once a week on Friday mornings at the Pompallier Tennis Club. The classes consist of time in class then on location finishing at a local cafe to enjoy sketching and socialising.

Tony, an ex creative in advertising agencies, created the hugely successful Giant Poppy Art Project in the Auckland Domain in 2015.

The Giant Poppy consisted of 59,000 red metal discs written on with personal messages

by New Zealanders and placed in a giant poppy shape the size of a football field. This was to commemorate those who gave their lives in WWI and WWII. Following the Giant Poppy he took time out sailing round the Greek Islands and sketching. It was this trip that inspired Tony to create the Travel Sketching classes.

On his return he contacted an old acquaintance, Erin Hill, who successfully runs sketch courses in the Sydney suburb of Manly. He travelled over and spent time learning Erin’s unique method of teaching.

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Tony McNeight “I love sketching every day, says Tony, and I love giving people the opportunity to tap into the gift of enjoying travel sketching.”  PN ERIN HILL SKETCHING, Pompallier Tennis Club, corner New Street and Green Street, St Mary’s Bay, M: 021 925 031 www.erinhillsketching.co.nz

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

ARTS + CULTURE SHOWING @ LAKE HOUSE ARTS ‘As the soul grew coarse’ - Donald Overbeay, 3 - 28 August Rotorua artist Donald Overbeay is exhibiting at Lake House Arts this month.

Originally from the United States, Overbeay has held various academic positions at American universities and New Zealand tertiary institutions. He was a FulbrightHays Scholar in the early 2000s, studying Buddhist meditation techniques in Thailand and Taiwan, which has greatly influenced his artistic practice.

“My process is a vehicle, to search for originality and truth to self. It is pivotal in holding the image sacred. I use trance like states to free myself from the world around, and delve into the unconscious. This mimics the same process that prehistoric and shamanistic artists utilised when creating cave or rock paintings.

IDEA COLLECTIVE ANNOUNCES NEW CREATIVE COLLABORATIONS

"The imagery is ideally produced from the embedded structure of the mind and not from historic or contemporary references. As a result, I am freed from any artifice and open to multiple visual outcomes.

The Idea Collective at MOTAT unveiled two new installations at a launch event on Thursday 7 July.

"Preparation of the unconscious mind is central to my process. Before I start painting, I perform a series of ritualistic actions in an effort to conjure belief in myself, my process and my ability to capture the enigma. When I paint, I believe in something.”

(DONALD OVERBEAY)  PN

Each installation is the product of a creative collaboration between an artist and an innovative New Zealand company.

For more information please check our website www.lakehousearts.org.nz LAKE HOUSE ARTS, 37 Fred Thomas Drive, Takapuna, Open 7 days

The Idea Collective is an ongoing exhibition that celebrates New Zealand’s vibrant innovation culture by encouraging partnership between a diverse set of visionaries, artists, designers and technologists. Within the exhibition, five pavilions showcase the result of the collaboration between an artist and an up-and-coming technology company. Each pairing tells their innovation story in an abstract or conceptual manner within a themed pavilion. The Idea Collective is one of many ways MOTAT plans to focus on innovation moving forward.

Works pictured by Don Overbeay

The first new installation was the result of collaboration between optical company ODocs and filmmakers Armagan Ballantyne and Jon Baxter. The work aims to create a deeper understanding of sight, how the eye works, and what happens when it fails. The second, created by wine micro-oxygenating company Wine Grenade and artist Kasia Pol, consists of a four metre long object hanging from the pavilion, suspended off the ground, slowly rotating. The audience will experience the movement, soundscape, light and texture of the Wine Grenade technology.

The Idea Collective is open at MOTAT from 10am - 5pm daily. Entry is included in the MOTAT General Admission fee ($16 adults, $8 children and concessions).  PN THE IDEA COLLECTIVE, www.motat.org.nz/exhibitions/the-idea-collective

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ARTS + CULTURE PERFORMING WITH ST MATTHEW’S CHAMBER ORCHESTRA Virtuoso violinist Andrew Beer and charismatic conductor Holly Mathieson, 21 August, 2.30pm The pairing of virtuoso violinist Andrew Beer and charismatic conductor Holly Mathieson will produce a concert that will stay with you long after the applause stops.

Andrew has been concertmaster of the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra since 2014.

Strad Magazine says he “possesses a glorious string tone.” The New York Times says he is a “musical gift.”

As a soloist Andrew Beer has performed with leading orchestras in Canada and the United States. As a chamber musician, he has performed at festivals round the world and has appeared in concert with Midori and members of the Emerson String Quartet.

He has worked closely with some of the leading composers of our time: including Pierre Boulez, Mario Davidovsky, György Kurtág and Steve Reich.

In June 2015 The Scotsman praised Holly Mathieson’s ‘steely precision and sensitivity’.

She returns from Scotland for the third time to conduct St Matthew’s Chamber Orchestra.

In June this year she bested over 300 applicants to win a place with Scotland’s national orchestra (RSNO) for two years as assistant conductor.

Guy Needham - The Hamar in Southern Ethiopia

SHOWING @ THISTHAT CAFE & GALLERY Guy Needham - The Hamar of Ethiopia, until 31 August In late 2015 Guy Needham spent time with the Hamar tribe in Southern Ethiopia. Based in the Lower Valley of the Omo, he was there to photo-document contemporary tribal life.

St Matthew’s Chamber Orchestra who will accompany Andrew Beer and Holly Mathieson produce the kind of music that is magic; excellence is their only option. Highly recommended - their concerts play to full houses.

Make sure you get there early. Tickets door sales: cash or cheque, adults: $25, concessions $20, children under 12 free.  PN ST MATTHEW-IN-THE-CITY CHURCH corner Wellesley and Hobson Streets. www.smco.org.nz

Every market day he would go to the nearest town of Turmi and meet Hamar from the surrounding villages and photograph them against a backdrop of colourful shop walls.

The resulting collection of portraits, The Hamar of Ethiopia, is a vibrant homage to their way of life.

photography: Cathy Pyle

The images can be interpreted as cultural crossings, where the space between photographer and those being photographed is more than just physical. Written on the faces of those who posed is a mix of suspicion and acceptance, a personification of the deeper issue of tourism versus exploitation.

The simplicity of each image is a nod to Western society’s fascination with ‘the other’, and an expression of the fragile balance between celebrating indigenous beauty and maintaining a respectable distance.  PN THISTHAT CAFE & GALLERY, 57 Lorne Street, (opposite Auckland City Library) www.hamarexhibition.com

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Virtuoso violinist Andrew Beer

Charismatic conductor Holly Mathieson

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

@ TOI ORA An excerpt from...

THE MOREPORK, THE SKY AND ME by Keith Hopkins When I was small, and lived on the farm.

I’d step outside, then I’d run.

I’d go and touch the newly ploughed earth, and break it in my hands.

The smell would rush to my head.

Then I’d run again, and kick the clods with my boots.

A crop would push its way out of the same ground, that I had ran across while kicking clods.

On summer nights, I’d lay out on the lawn, that surrounded the Homestead.

The hard ground would be my mattress, and a pile of fresh cut grass, my pillow.

The stars overhead would be my blanket.

The night sounds would then come, and steal me away.

It would feel so good!

Especially when the more pork called.

I’d call back, “Come, take me away.

Fly me up, as high as you can.

Up into the inky black sky, set me free from this earth again!”

ARTS + CULTURE SHOWING @ OREXART Anita DeSoto - Vintage 16 August - 3 September Opening: 16 August 5 - 7pm

Anita DeSoto’s most recent paintings find sources in anonymous vintage snapshots. As a result, her subjects are people and settings she is not familiar with, but that are nonetheless presented in an intimate way.

DeSoto paints in a gestural way using broad strokes that appear to blur or smear the images; sometimes her oil paint application is so thick that the strokes drip and distort surrounding forms and give her work a ghostly feel or one of motion or a fleeting moment.

Untitled 4. oil on aluminium 1000x800mm

DeSoto’s palette is usually rich in colour evoking memories of summer days gone by. This recent photo-based figurative painting explores the relationship between the two and the use of paint to evoke pathos, memory and nostalgia.

In recognition of her contribution to the New Zealand visual arts she was awarded an arts residency in the prestigious Leipzig International Art Program in Leipzig, Germany (2010).

In 2014, she was artist in residence at the New Pacific Studios in San Francisco, 2014.

Please contact rex@orexart.co.nz for details.  PN OREXART, 15 Putiki Street, Arch Hill, T: 09 378 0588; www.orexart.co.nz

Then I’d say, “I’ll be closer to heaven, than I’ll ever been before.

I want to fly, not run.

I want to soar, not fall.

I want to go beyond that horizon, where there are no buildings at all.”

Then I’d lay quiet and still.

I’d listen to the crickets, singing in the grass.

I’d say to one, “I want to be the only one for miles around.

Except for you my little brother, please stay.

You, and your brothers and sisters, all make me feel so good.”

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

Untitled 3. oil on aluminium 1000x800mm

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ARTS + CULTURE NEW WORKS @ THE FRAME WORKSHOP With the winter doldrums upon us maybe it’s time to freshen up the home with a bright new artwork?

The Frame Workshop has new works from Sally Tagg and Cristina Beth framed and ready to hang.

Matt Payne is back with two new images to rival the success of his outstanding ‘Tawharanui Waves’ so if you are a fan of the sea or a homesick South Islander then these two images are well worth viewing.

Come into the gallery and lay hands on David Bosnahan’s fabulous work ‘I.D’ created by hand from swamp kauri and sanded to a smooth as glass finish this work will delight the senses. Set on a beautiful and rather fragrant stand made from macrocarpa this carving would be a stand-out in any home contemporary or otherwise.

David Bosnahan’s fabulous work ‘I.D’

Mirrors! the perfect way to make a room brighter and bigger. All the team at The Frame Workshop need is a ‘gap’ size and they will make to measure for you. If you are unsure about a frame suiting your decor, you can take home a sample or three to try out. And if you can’t face hanging it, they can help with that often daunting task too.

With a wealth of knowledge behind their team they can help you make the right decision about your framing or art purchase.  PN

THE FRAME WORKSHOP & GALLERY, 1/182 Jervois Road, T: 09 376 4749, www.frameworkshop.co.nz

CLAY WORKS POTTERS' MARKET, ST COLUMBA Clay Works Potters' Market at St Columba Church hall is on again!

Put a big circle on your calendars so you don't miss this golden opportunity to buy - as gifts, or for yourself - some beautifully crafted work by Auckland's best potters! Last year's array was amazing.

This year's market and fundraiser is of particular significance for St Columba as they are facing challenges with the church building which requires earthquake strengthening.

During the Potters' Market there will also be children's activities, Pacific food, tapa and craft in the beautiful grounds, and a diverse range of art and live music in the church itself. Everything on sale will be quality and affordable. Please Like the St Columba Facebook page to keep up-to-date with the musicians as they are confirmed.

Place:

St Columba Church, 92 Surrey Crescent, Grey Lynn. www.saintcolumbas.org.nz

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Enquiries: Liz Caughey, lizcaughey@xtra.co.nz Diary date: Friday 26 August 3pm and Saturday 27 August 9am PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

ARTS + CULTURE

UPTOWN ART SCENE FHE Galleries moved from the CBD to Ponsonby Road earlier this year, nicely positioned on the uptown art trail between Whitespace in Crummer Road and Melanie Roger Gallery in Jervois Road.

Director Kathlene Fogarty is a long-time resident of Ponsonby. Her keen interest in ethnology gives FHE its unique blend of historical and contemporary, where art blends with artefact to present a living sense of culture. This is evident in the work of carver Chris Charteris, who says, "I create work which […] has qualities of the old world and the new, to attempt to express my identity of cultures.”

At FHE, the old worlds and the new stand together. Artist Alexis Neal's Whariki, which mixes the traditional woven form with printed medium, sits more than comfortably alongside a fertility mask from the Bedu Tribe of West Africa - the checkerboard patterns common to both speak across distances of time and space about the constant and consistent work of art and craft.

One finds similarities too, in the fine tempera work of a tiny Russian ikon from 200 years ago and the stunning gouache paintings of Suzanne Kerr, both with their stylised fabrics, exaggerated facial features and application of gold leaf.

The delightfully naïve paintings of Melanie Mills reach back to the Modernists of the early 20th Century, like Frances Hodgkins and the Bloomsbury set, for their colours, flatness and patterned surfaces. Looking from these to a comb from the Chokwe people of central Africa, it seems there’s the same attention to simplified, cut-out shapes.

Renowned photographer Marti Friedlander’s images are an archive of both continuity and change in our lives over nearly 60 years, documenting the cultural and political growth of New Zealanders.

It’s a pleasure that a living archive like FHE Galleries can show us as the greater family of humans.

(WILL PAYNT STUDIO ARTS SUPPLIES)  PN

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HOROSCOPES: MISS PEARL NECLIS

What your stars hold for August ♌

Leo (the Lion): 23 July - 21 August You’re in the moment this month as you manage to push any obstacles in your path swiftly away, be careful not to over do it - you often charge ahead all guns blazing before you realise you’re firing blanks.

♍ Virgo (the Virgin): 22 August - 23 September

Try to not lose your confidence now just as you’re beginning to make huge improvements in your life. If you start to listen to gossip you will start obsessing about the past.

♎ Libra (the Scales): 24 September - 23 October

If you make a mistake don’t worry, just own up and move on. If you act responsibly now your actions will speak for themselves.

♏ Scorpio (the Scorpion): 24 October - 22 November

You feel like you have to hide and protect how you’re feeling this month without actually telling anyone how you feel. If it is a secret that you’re keeping now is the time to share.

♐ Sagittarius (the Archer): 23 November - 22 December

If you keep setting your sights so high romantically it’s no wonder you are always left disappointed. You can have high standards, just don’t obsess about the smallest of details.

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

If you can, you really should avoid any emotional contact this month, because if you don’t it will lead to more stress. Share how you feel, you can't control how others react so don't worry about it.

♒ Aquarius (the Water Carrier): 21 January - 19 February

As long as you remain enthusiastic about your future then there is no reason why you can’t accomplish what you originally set out to do. Just don’t act as if you have the weight of the world on your shoulders.

♓

Pisces (the Fish): 20 February - 20 March All your friends and relatives are there for you this month, and if you don't want to be social you don't have to. Just make sure you keep abreast of what's going on.

♈ Aries (the Ram): 21 March - 20 April

Try and not miss the obvious especially as you have a surprise in mind for someone special. Be cautious don't overstep any boundaries and relax.

♉ Taurus (the Bull): 21 April - 21 May

If you think you know where you are going then keep going and don’t hesitate.

Occasionally you want to stop what you’re doing but then you are reminded of why you started in the first place.

♊

Gemini (the Twins): 22 May - 21 June If you’re feeling bored with your present circumstances and wish you could change your life somehow, then do it. If you could look into the future you would see that whatever choices you make now can, and will, have some influence on what’s to come.

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

You’re always presented with choices as you go along in life and sometimes wish you didn’t always have to choose, but listening to your intuition finally always takes you along the right path.

PONSONBY NEWS OUTLETS FREEMANS BAY

NEWMARKET

Ecostore, 1 Scotland Street Glengarry, Corner Sale and Wellesley Streets Kellands Real Estate, 4 Drake Street New World, Victoria Park

Planet Ayurveda, 41 Gillies Avenue Taylor Boutique, 1 Teed Street

GREY LYNN Barfoot & Thompson, 533 Great North Road Barkley Manor, 400 - 402 Great North Road Grey Lynn Community Centre, 520 Richmond Road Grey Lynn Community Library, 474 Great North Road Raw Essentials, 401B Richmond Road Ripe, 172 Richmond Road Tapac, 100 Motions Road Vetcare, 408 Great North Road

NORTH SHORE Rug Direct, Wairau Park Dawson’s Furniture, Mairangi Bay

PARNELL Jane Daniels, 2 Birdwood Crescent Parnell Community Centre, 545 Parnell Road

PONSONBY

Atomic, 420c New North Road

Askew, 2b Jervois Road Bayleys, 305 Ponsonby Road Harcourts, 89 Ponsonby Road Leys Institute, 20 St Mary’s Road The Longroom, 114 Ponsonby Road Mag Nation, 123 Ponsonby Road Paper Plus, 332 Ponsonby Road Ponsonby Community Centre, 20 Ponsonby Terrace Servilles, Corner Jervois & Ponsonby Road Studio One, 1 Ponsonby Road Whitespace, 12 Crummer Road

MT EDEN

WESTMERE

Citta Outlet Store, Corner Enfield & Normanby Road Sabato, 57 Normanby Road Studio Italia, 25 Nugent Street

Glengarry, 164 Garnet Road

HERNE BAY Herne Bay Post & Stationers, 240 Jervois Road Five Loaves, 206 Jervois Road Icing on the Cake, 188 Jervois Road Momentum, 182 Jervois Road

KINGSLAND

138 PONSONBY NEWS+ August 2016

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

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

THE PONSONBY PINK PAGES

Clothing Alterations

Alter Ego Roong T: 09 376 8689

M: 021 032 9128

182-4a Jervois Road, Herne Bay E: ra_cha29@yahoo.com “I get all my bits & pieces done by the smiling helpful Roong... and she’s got Eftpos = sorted...” MARTIN LEACH

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