PONSONBY NEWS - DECEMBER'18

+ PUBLISHED FRIDAY, 30 NOVEMBER 2018

Established: OCTOBER 1989 – CELEBRATING 29 YEARS OF PUBLISHING HISTORY!

DECEMBER 2018

THE SUCCESS OF GREY LYNN BUSINESS NATURE BABY JACOB FAULL PICTURED WITH HIS DAUGHTER THEA - P58

ponsonbynews.co.nz

Away in a manger, no crib for a bed?

With so many great listings on my books this Christmas, wise men, virgins and boy kings will be spoilt for choice.

Merry Christmas. Call me on 021 687 866 OR look me up on Facebook: Matt O’Brien Residential Sales

ALTOGETHER WITH YOU OVER

Think Family. Think BBQs. Think Picnics. Think Kiwi Summer.

Thinking of moving? Think Luke Crockford and Bayleys.

I’m here through the Christmas break, working with clients and qualified buyers and ŏam very happy to help with any of your property needs.

Give me a call.

Luke Crockford 021 2778 565 | luke.crockford@bayleys.co.nz BAYLEYS REAL ESTATE LTD, PONSONBY, LICENSED UNDER THE REAA 2008

A LT O G E T H E R B E T T E R

Res id entia l / Comme rcial / Ru ral / Prope r ty Servi ces

095 '

007 010 012 018 020 026 031 035

L to R: P24: Above: West Lynn's Liquor store owner Lakesh Makan's frustration with the new bus stop outside its door.

Celebrating John Elliott’s 80th birthday at one2one cafe in Ponsonby; L-R: Pippa Coom, Mike Lee, the birthday boy & Martin Leach.

FROM THE EDITOR DAVID HARTNELL: ONE MINUTE INTERVIEW PIPPA COOM: WAITEMATA LOCAL BOARD MIKE LEE, COUNCILLOR FOR WAITEMATA & GULF JOHN ELLIOTT: LOCAL NEWS U3A PONSONBY NIKKI KAYE: AUCKLAND CENTRAL MP EAT DRINK & BE MERRY

040 052 056 058 062 063 064 071

HELENE RAVLICH: LOCAL BEAUTY

072 076 078 081 106 116 122

JOHN APPLETON ON HEALTH

COVER PHOTOGRAPHY: Connor Crawford

VEG FRIENDLY: GARY STEEL PONSONBY NEWS READERS ARE EVERYWHERE FASHION & STYLE

NATURE BABY - COVER STORY HOROSCOPES: MISS PEARL NECLIS

LIVING, THINKING & BEING

FUTURE GENERATION PONSONBY PROFESSIONALS PONSONBY PETS HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS HEIDI PADAIN: ENTERTAINMENT IN YOUR GARDEN ARTS + CULTURE PONSONBY PINK PAGES

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

MARTIN LEACH; M: 021 771 147; E: martinleach@xtra.co.nz or martin@ponsonbynews.co.nz JO BARRETT JAY PLATT; M: 021 771 146; E: jayplatt@xtra.co.nz or jay@ponsonbynews.co.nz ANDREA KAHUKIWA; M: 021 689 688; E: andrea@ponsonbynews.co.nz MELISSA PAYNTER; M: 027 938 4111; E: melissapaynter@me.com GWYNNE DAVENPORT; M: 021 150 4095; E: gwynne@ponsonbynews.co.nz www.facebook.com/ponsonbynews FINN MCLENNAN-ELLIOTT; M: 021 134 4101; E: finn.huia@gmail.com www.twitter.com/Ponsonby_News JOHN ELLIOTT; M: 021 879 054; E: johnelliott38@outlook.com www.instagram.com/PonsonbyNews JESSIE KOLLEN and DEIRDRE THURSTON ARNA MARTIN; E: arna@cocodesign.co.nz

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

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69,000 readers per month (Nielsen Media), 17,000 copies distributed to homes and businesses in... Arch Hill, Ponsonby, Cox’s Bay, Freemans Bay, Herne Bay, Grey Lynn, St Mary’s Bay, West Lynn and Westmere. Plus selected businesses in Britomart, High Street, CBD, Kingsland, Mt Eden, Newmarket, Newton + Parnell.

4 PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2018

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

CHRIS

BATCHELOR SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

Herne Bay 16 Sentinel Road

Westmere 20 Fife Street

Westmere 20A Webber Street

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

Herne Bay 17 Ardmore Road

Herne Bay 61 Wanganui Avenue

Herne Bay 76 Albany Road

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

Westmere 33 Peel Street

Herne Bay (Off Market Sale) 32 Herne Bay Road

Freemans Bay 28 Picton Street

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

St Marys Bay (Off Market Sale) 54 Hackett Street

Herne Bay (Off Market Sale) 34 Herne Bay Road

Freemans Bay 21 Picton Street

With an extraordinary reputation built on his commitment to getting the job done, Chris has long been a trusted name in Real Estate.

A LT O G E T H E R B E T T E R

Chris Batchelor 021 217 7026 | chris.batchelor@bayleys.co.nz BAYLEYS REAL ESTATE LTD, PONSONBY, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

Re s identia l / Comme rc i al / Rural / Prope rt y Se rvi ce s

LETTERS + EMAILS AUCKLAND TRANSPORT UPGRADES - WHAT ABOUT OUR FERRIES? I have just read with interest Mike Lee’s column in the September edition of PN. His views on the (in) efficiencies and otherwise of Auckland Council closely match my own direct experience, Auckland Transport being a particular offender. Below is my recent message sent to Mayor Phil Goff: “Dear Phil, I am writing to you in your capacity as Mayor of Auckland. The discussion paper, [discussion paper and research not included here - Ed] outlines very real and genuine concerns surrounding the lack of development and future funding for ferry services in Auckland... The land-based bus and train problems in Auckland have got worse by the day [and] as you have commented, the proposed Auckland transport upgrade at $28 billion is one of the largest investments ever made in New Zealand. This should not go unchallenged, as is the current case.

"On your website, you cite one of your priorities as being 'Improving Auckland’s Transport', but of the eight priorities listed, 'Ferries' comes in at number seven, just above the last, 'Alternative Funding' - hardly auspicious. Compared to successful and expanding ferry services in similar global cities, the situation in Auckland is mystifying and demands investigation. In the discussion paper I make specific, and what I consider valid, criticism of Auckland MPs, city councillors and others for their apparent lack of interest and action on the issues involved.

"Finally, and relevant following the recent announcement regarding Chinese interests investing in the $400m cost for building the Pennlink connection from Whangaparaoa to SH1, is my suggested ferry investment by Star Ferries of Hong Kong, mentioned in the discussion paper. The paper has been sent to the leaders of all major political parties and also the Hauraki Gulf and Manukau Harbour Forums.”

As PN readers will appreciate, I am not necessarily arguing that $28 billion is not needed for the transport upgrades, rather that this huge investment apparently has not properly considered the contribution ferry service upgrades can make (never mind the positive feedback compared to the frustrations of road/rail passengers); other cities do it successfully, so why can’t Auckland? There have to be very compelling reasons why this cannot be done.

Phil Hickling, address withheld on request

LEYS INSTITUTE LIBRARY Library gate... I picked up October's issue and was fascinated by the response to LM Sales's letter. I do not agree that there is a lack of good books. But what is important is that people be allowed to criticize. Books progress people. In dictatorships books and literature are one of the first to be binned. People who criticise literature are imprisoned.

In democracies there is open dialogue on the good and the bad.

Read a Russian classic and you will see how much criticism there is of books, authors and society! If one person is saying that the library can do better, why lambast them?

They may be wrong but why not use it to consider what can be done better in terms of book offering. No one is the best at everything. I'm afraid the defensive responses to the letter just show that there is a problem with taking criticism. The continual journalism on this person's letter is looking like a preoccupation with their audacity to complain. Of course the library is great and one letter won’t change that. I disagreed with the view but welcomed the criticism and so should your editorial.

Mel Sharma-Barrow, Ponsonby THE WEST LYNN WORKS Like John Elliott, I, too, support a better job of the West Lynn works than we have seen to date. But nor is going back to what we had before a viable option.

We currently have substandard and half-completed works that connect with nothing.

We have few people using the bike lanes because they peter out at each end and offer separation only between Peel Street and Edwards Street on one side of the road.

We have an intersection with Richmond Road which is desperately unsafe for pedestrians, and is difficult to turn right into or out of, whether you’re on a bike or in a car. At rush hour, that intersection is a nightmare for parents of school children on a daily basis. Do we really want a continuation of that?

We need safe, fit for purpose, pedestrian facilities and separated bike lanes that connect with the greenway through to Coxs Bay and Great North Road, and with Surrey Crescent, and offer real transport alternatives. Yes, we need car parking too. These aren’t mutually exclusive.

THANKS MARTIN The correspondent is right. Auckland Council/Auckland Transport doesn't have a revenue problem, rather it spends money very badly.

Mike, by email

There’s a real opportunity in the next few months to get it right, and to deliver safe streets for everyone. Let’s not scaremonger about the costs, let’s contribute to a process and a solution that takes us forward not backwards.

Adrian Field, Grey Lynn

KEEP THE AUCKLAND DOCKLINE TRAM RUNNING We are currently 1300 locals who believe in a vision. Imagine a modern, low impact, frequent and high-volume transit service from the Britomart Transport Centre to Wynyard Quarter carrying sleek modern trams and also heritage trams - commuters hop on to go to work from the station. Adults and children alike eat ice creams and delight in ways that you see at the cable car turning circle at Powell Street in San Francisco... our economy bristling with the continued hum of vibrancy - well, we are only a hair’s breadth away from achieving this...

HEIDI PADAIN’S: ENTERTAINMENT IN YOUR GARDEN I’m a dedicated Wellington fan of Heidi's column in the Ponsonby News, which my brother, a fellow columnist sends me. Her delightful photos and wise words raise my spirits and I laugh a lot at her descriptions of the avian antics in her garden. It so true about them providing entertainment. I have a sugar-water feeder for tui in my garden.

On one occasion, one arrived at the feeder table when I had taken in the bottle to refill it. The tui looked around for it and then looked under the table!

Panuku wishes to kill this idea and turn our last city centre 1922 heritage trams into ‘hot dog stands’. The city of the future is not just the one with biggest brightest buildings, it is also the one with the healthiest lungs. Save the tram - join us - our petition can be found at www.change.org - search for ’keep the Auckland dockline tram running’.

Puneet Dhall, Freemans Bay RE-ENGAGEMENT ON CYCLEWAY DELIVERY AND STREET IMPROVEMENTS Dear Mr Thomas, I am writing about your AT advertisement in the November issue of Ponsonby News - P15.

I almost have to admire your breathtaking and brazen hypocrisy - there might be a better word - when you write “We are delivering much more than a cycleway. We are aiming to fix drainage issues in the West Lynn village.”

This was an issue created by AT in the first place and not to admit this in the advertisement is at least a dissimulation. It is my view that it is this kind of attitude that has resulted in the massive disengagement of the public with anything AT is now seeking to do.

Christopher Johnstone, Grey Lynn

I coordinate a native tree revegetation project in the Town Belt on Mt Victoria where it got very dry last summer. I was concerned about birds not having water. So, inspired by one of Heidi’s articles, I set up a bird bath there in the lid of my compost bin. Just a few minutes after I did so a pair of fantails came down to bathe in it. I keep all Heidi's articles and think they’d make a lovely book. Keep up the good work.

David Lee, Wellington ENTERTAINMENT IN YOUR GARDEN - HEIDI PADAIN I had a similiar experience with one of my pet hens last month. I noticed that she was not walking at all. I thought she had a broken leg because I saw a neighbourhood cat roaming in my backyard. I quickly took her to the vet and the X-ray showed an enlarged kidney and liver.

The vet wanted her to stay in the clinic for a blood test and monitoring. If her condition worsened, they would put her down. I decided to go against the vet's advice and took her home and give her a warm Epsom salt bath. I then put her in a carton hoping she would be alive in the morning. However, she did not make it through the night. I said a prayer and buried her in my backyard. I'm happy in a way. I did my best to keep her alive... although the medical bill was $365... consultation, X-ray, two types of pain killer.

Tiong Ang, by email

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

6 PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2018

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

FROM THE EDITOR Photography: Deirdre Thurston aka Annie Leibovitz

Last month we celebrated our colleague John Elliott’s 80th birthday. Some friends joined him and his partner Cait at One2One cafe to wish him a happy birthday.

Local liquor store owner Lakesh Makan continues his opposition to Auckland Transport’s plan to relocate bus stops within the heart of Richmond Road’s West Lynn village - p24.

Our cover stars this month are Jacob Faull pictured with his daughter Thea. Jacob, co owner of Grey Lynn store Nature Baby, describes himself as “the change he wishes to see in the world” - p58.

There are two diary dates to note in December. The first is the Ponsonby Christmas Market Day on Saturday 8 December. The second is the Christmas Fest in Western Park, which is due to run on Friday 14 to 16 December. Visit iloveponsonby.co.nz for more details on both events.

L to R: Gwynne Davenport, Joanne Barrett, Melissa Paynter, Martin Leach and Jay Platt

Just as the issue went to print, we learned that the Ponsonby Business Association has announced its decision to withdraw support for the Pride Parade 2018.

“Furthermore, the feedback that the PBA has received is that the police should not be prevented from marching in uniform in the 2019 parade.

As the PBA pointed out, “This decision was not taken lightly. The board spent a lot of time considering things to make sure it is in the best interests of the whole association and all of our members.

“The board did, however, make it clear that it has always and will always support a Pride Parade in Ponsonby on the basis that it does not discriminate against any individual, group or organisation that wishes to participate.”

“The board met with the Auckland Pride Festival Board last month to discuss the ‘Police uniform ban’ and expressed clearly that we would find it very hard to continue to support the Auckland Pride Festival 2019 in the event that the police were not permitted to march in uniform.

Like us, we know our residents love to view the Franklin Road lights, a community gift which runs for all of December.

“The PBA board was assured at that meeting that a positive outcome was hoped for and would be communicated via a press release.

“This did not eventuate and the Auckland Pride Festival press release (15 November) stated that the New Zealand Police will still not be permitted to march in uniform.

“The board and all our stakeholders view the New Zealand Police as a very important part of the community.

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

This issue marks the final one for our dear colleague Jo Barrett. Jo has worked on Ponsonby News for over 12 years and we will all miss her input. She has relocated to the Hokianga where she plans to paint and write.

With Jo’s departure we welcome Andrea Kahukiwa to Ponsonby News. Andrea will be selling advertising space, writing editorials and bringing her new energy to the team.

The office is now closed for our Christmas holiday and will reopen on Wednesday 9 January. Merry Christmas and happy holidays to all our readers and advertisers. We thank you for your support. (MARTIN LEACH) F PN

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PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2018

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DAVID HARTNELL’S ONE MINUTE INTERVIEW Jana Seymour can be spotted in and around Ponsonby/Grey Lynn in her Driving Miss Daisy car.

Childhood memories of Ponsonby?

We moved from Devonport when I was 14. My sister and I were at Auckland Metropolitan College and Mum had her vintage clothing shop in Swanson Street so there was a lot of travel to the city. Mum wanted to live somewhere more exciting. Ponsonby pre gentrification was full of old-time residents, students, artists and Pacifica families.

The shops were all run down, but the neighbourhood had a real vibrancy about it. Paget Street had lots of old cars and parties.

Ivan’s was on the corner, SPQR was a garage and there was no coffee to speak of till Atomic Cafe opened.

Your parents bought Queens Hall in Paget Street, how did this come about?

I think my parents saw it as an interesting challenge. It was just an old empty hall when they bought it, and Ponsonby architect Nick Stanish transformed it into an open-plan home. It was on two levels and had a catwalk running from one end to the other. A lot of the furniture came from Design Design, the Michael Glock store on Ponsonby Road. Not long after we moved in they filmed 'Other Halves' in there.

What was your childhood like?

Very colourful and sociable. My parents were 19 and 21 when they had me so they always had a lot going on besides us kids. They met at Wellington Teachers Training College which was a pretty rad place in 1964. My father was a book publisher and Mum always had her own businesses firstly at Browns Mill and then the vintage clothing store Sh-bop in Swanson Street. We were always at Cook Street Market and all the flea markets sourcing clothes for the shop. My parents had a vast array of very eccentric friends and my father loved to entertain.

Really they were hippies with jobs and better clothes.

What job would you do other than your own?

I can imagine working with an organisation exploring the future of retirement because big changes are coming. We will have very different expectations of how and where we want to live to our parents and grandparents.

How would you like to be remembered?

Smart, kind and funny.

How did you become involved with Driving Miss Daisy?

I needed a job after being home with my kids, and couldn’t see myself going back to stage management or counselling. I saw a car around, enquired and found out Auckland Central Suburbs territory was available. It turned out to be a great fit for me combining my organisational and communication skills

Biggest disappointments?

My mother not getting to meet my children.

What is the strangest experience you have had in driving someone?

Early on I took a lovely man into hospital for a routine procedure and he never came home. That has really stayed with me.

Something few people know about you?

I’ve weight trained since my early 20s and don’t intend to ever stop.

Dream holiday?

I would visit my two oldest friends, so first to Zurich then on to Germany to see where my husband’s family came from. Over to the US for that drive up the West Coast to the Pacific Northwest, checking out Seattle and Portland then down to Mexico to visit with old friends there.

Your bucket list?

My DNA test reveals I’m 32% Scandinavian; I’d love to travel to Norway where my father’s family came from in 1870 and see if I feel a strange affinity with the place

What motivates you?

Taking care of myself and others. I am lucky to have a job where I get to feel good about that every day.

Your dream dinner party?

Stephen Colbert - for being so smart and funny.

Anthony Bourdain - food and soul.

J K Rowling - for being British and so clever and not afraid to say what she thinks.

Barack Obama - for pretty much everything.

PN (DAVID HARTNELL, MNZM) F

Most Kiwi thing about you?

My childhood on the farm. My grandparents had a small farm in Eketahuna and I was born in Masterton only 20 minutes away. Once we moved up to Auckland when I was four every school holidays we’d be up at 5.30am for the long drive back to the Wairarapa. I feel very privileged to have that connection with rural New Zealand.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

I will eventually move out of Auckland, not sure on the timeframe, I’d like to be healthy and active and involved with my community.

10 PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2018

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

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PIPPA COOM: WAITEMATA LOCAL BOARD REPORT

Sackville Reserve Playground opening As featured last month a small neighbourhood playground in Sackville Reserve has been refurbished with new equipment and improved access.

We'll be making use of the public barbecue and picnic tables in the reserve at a special opening celebration on Wednesday 5 December at 3.30pm. All are welcome to attend. Check out the details on the local board's Facebook page.

We're really proud to continue our ongoing support for the Franklin Road Lights with a grant of nearly $9000 that is used for the opening night celebrations. The residents have had a year of disruption due to the Franklin Road upgrade project construction so we really appreciate that they are still willing to turn the festive lights on again at their own cost for all Aucklanders to enjoy.

In September 2017 I wrote in my Ponsonby News update that Waitemata was set to be the winner from a significant package of walking and cycling projects due to be completed by the end of this year. A funding boost from central government through an 'urban cycling fund' first announced in 2014 had made the new investment possible.

As is well known, the Grey Lynn and Westmere project known as Waitemata Safer Routes (comprising two routes - on Richmond Road through the West Lynn shops and from Surrey Crescent to Garnet Road) turned into a 'fiasco' that failed to live up to community expectations. There is a lot to look back on that went wrong with Auckland Transport's approach. Starting the consultation during the election period in 2016 was opposed by the local board. We also didn't support the location of a bus stop in West Lynn and the compromised design that put the cyclepath on the berm.

Fortunately, the lessons have been taken on board. A far more robust engagement process got underway earlier this year with Auckland Transport setting up two community liaison groups, carrying out an independent safety audit and collaborating with urban design experts who live locally. Auckland Transport has now started consulting with the wider community. The proposed new designs are for far more than a cycleway project. It is a holistic complete streets approach

Reserve playground opening celebration is taking place on 5 December that will improve accessibility, safety and local amenities for everyone.

Safer, better connected streets are also good for business.

However, we know already there are concerns about further disruption and the impact on local businesses. There are also concerns about the relocation of bus stops and the failure to address the urgent fixes needed. We all want to be reassured that Auckland Transport is delivering good value for money. The current budget estimates for the consultation proposals is $17-22m against a budget of $7.8m so the feedback will help identify priorities to be progressed next year. The Local Board will not be forming an official position on the design, priorities or giving feedback until we've heard the results of the public consultation.

More details are on the project web page AT.govt.nz/haveyoursay.

Feedback is open until 14 December. Nga mihi o te wa. Season's greetings on behalf of all the members of the Waitemata Local Board. (PIPPA COOM) F PN

Contact Pippa Coom, Chair of Waitamata Local Board, pippa.coom@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz, www.facebook.com/waitemata

Proposed designs on the Surrey Crescent to Garnet Road route passing Grey Lynn and Westmere schools

12 PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2018

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

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I woul ould d like like to ta take ke thi thiss oppo opportu rtunit nity y to to than thank k my my many many lo oyal oy al cli client entss and and fri friend endss who who hav have e entr entrust usted ed the sa sale le or purcha pur chase se of the their ir pro proper perty ty int into o my my care care in 20 2018.

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I wish wish yo you u the the ver very y best best fo forr a sa safe fe and e enjo njoyab yable le Christ Chr istmas mas an and d a ve very ry bli blissf ssful ul New Ye Year. ar.

ANK YOU blaiir. bla b r.had haddow dow@ba @bayle yleys. ys.co. co.nz nz | bayl bayleys eys.co .co.nz .nz/bl /blair air-ha -haddo ddow w

Bayleys Real Estate Licensed REA Act 2008 - Ponsonby

Grey Lynn 53A Wellpark Avenue

Grey Lynn 502/11 Vinegar Lane

Point Chevalier 39B Wright Road

Herne Bay 56 SarsďŹ eld Street

Freemans Bay 424/28 College Hill

Freemans Bay 4/2 Collingwood Street

Mount Eden 24 Wynyard Road

Grey Lynn 18 Sackville Street

Grey Lynn 23 Allen Road

Ponsonby 24 Hukanui Crescent

Auckland Central 1/39 Pitt Street

Freemans Bay 12B/15 Hopetoun Street

Grey Lynn 17 Crummer Road

Grey Lynn 101/193-197 Great North Road

Grey Lynn 4 Wilton Street

Ponsonby 90 John Street

Freemans Bay 8-101 College Hill

Herne Bay 9 Saratoga Avenue

LOCAL NEWS PONSONBY PARK - DECEMBER UPDATE The whole of the site civic space, aka Ponsonby Park, is the Waitemat-a Local Board’s (WLB) 'One Local Initiative' and received strong support from 60% of local residents, in their responses to the 10-year Plan.

Following this result, council officers were tasked with preparing a report to consider amending the initial purchase resolution to match this outcome.

• Maximising place-making and supporting community empowerment - acknowledges the investment of the community and the quality of the process used to arrive at a preferred design.

Officers identified three options for the WLB to consider:

• Value for money - includes financial returns in the form of the commercial rent generated since 2006 and sale proceeds.

Option 1: Develop a 2000m2 civic space on the front portion of the site & dispose of 326m2 at the rear to offset the initial acquisition cost.

Option 2: Develop the whole site (2326m2) as civic space & dispose of an alternative site to offset the initial acquisition cost.

Option 3: Develop the whole site (2326m2) as civic space with no associated disposal.

Officers recommend Option 3 for the following reasons: This civic space will meet the present needs of local residents and visitors. While the proposed size slightly exceeds the council’s provision policy, officers confirmed this is justified as: 1. The location, proposed design and amenity values align with all other aspects of the policy and respond directly to two Auckland Plan focus areas, 2. The civic space could support local events and be used in conjunction with regional events such as the annual Pride and Saint Patrick’s Day Parades, 3. Ponsonby is a destination for a number of Aucklanders so the civic space will service a wider catchment, 4. Due to the success of previous consultations there is a high community expectation that the whole site will be developed.

How? The WLB has proposed the development of the civic space in two phases.

Phase 1 - $5.5M - Delivers the essential elements of the civic space, including landscaping, repurposing the existing structure, and toilet facilities (Long-term Plan funding).

Phase 2 - $5.5M - Repurpose existing building and improve streetscape (Partially funded through service optimization).

There is 'One Local Initiative' funding already available for phase one of the project. Waitemata- is one of the fastest-growing areas in Auckland. The population has increased by 6.7% since 2006 with further population and employment growth having the potential to impact on the use and enjoyment of the open-space network.

Ponsonby has been shown to be in need of a civic space. Civic spaces are not the same as parks. Despite the presence of other open space in the area, these do not provide a substitute for the amenity a civic space is intended to provide.

Having applied these criteria, officers recommend Option 3. They noted this the easiest option to implement as the civic space could be developed in the short-term in line with community expectations. The other options would cause significant delays.

Impacts Development of the civic space will enhance amenity and recreational opportunities in Ponsonby and the community has anticipated the achievement of this outcome since 2006. The community-led design process has resulted in a high sense of local ownership of the proposed civic space design, with the community’s aspirations aligning strongly with both the council’s public amenity values and the Auckland Plan.

Resolution The WLB strongly supports Option 3 to the Environment and Community Committee, being the retention of the whole site located at 254 Ponsonby Road (2326m2), Ponsonby, currently held by Auckland Council in fee simple under the Local Government Act 2002, for the purpose of developing a civic space.

Next step On 4 December the report goes to the ‘Environment and Community Committee’. Here the decision to retain or sell some of the land will be made.

We are delighted with the support and progress towards achieving the whole of the site civic space (aka Ponsonby Park). We now look forward to the support of the Environment and Community Committee to enable this much needed and desired community asset, for not only Ponsonby/Freemans Bay/St Marys Bay and Herne Bay but, as noted in the officers report, for the wider regional communities, too.

Once approved by the Environment and Community Committee, it goes 11 December to Finance & Performance meeting for funding allocation.

The whole of the site civic space at 254 Ponsonby Road PN - BRING IT ON! F For additional information visit 254ponsonbyrd.org.nz or Facebook ‘Ponsonby Park’.

The assessment criteria used in the comparison of the three options: • Strategic alignment - to the provision targets and network principles in the Open Space Provision Policy and the Auckland Plan focus areas.

• Amenity values and functionality - the range of recreational opportunities that can be provided, including for some regional events.

16 PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2018

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

AS RECENTLY OBSERVED BY OUR HERNE BAY VENDOR:

“A lot has changed in “

the property market over the last year.

“A lot has changed in the property market over the last year and I have been really impressed with the way you both have adapted to this change.

For us this resulted in the sale being completed, at a good price, in a market where we are increasingly seeing properties being withdrawn.

You managed to find that one buyer, who perceived greater value than others, and structured a deal that worked!”

Work with the sales team that is totally connected to your marketplace.

JOHN & NIC

John Wills

Nic Blackie

021 333 053

021 505 964

john.wills@customresidential.co.nz nic.blackie@customresidential.co.nz

Corner of Great North Road & Bond Street, Grey Lynn PH (09) 360 4860 W customresidential.co.nz CUSTOM RESIDENTIAL LTD - LICENSED REAA 2008

MIKE LEE: COUNCILLOR FOR WAITEMATA & GULF

Navigators & Naturalists - restoring our French history Next year will be the 250th anniversary of the visit to New Zealand of James Cook and the Endeavour.

No doubt, this will stimulate renewed interest in the epic Age of Discovery and its impact on our own history.

For some years now I have been writing a book; as it happens it’s not about Cook but about his seagoing contemporaries, most of whom were French.

Navigators & Naturalists - French exploration of New Zealand and the South Seas 1769-1824 weaves together natural and human history. It sets the scientific exploration of New Zealand and the Pacific in the context of the French Enlightenment with its veneration of science and philosophy and the quest to map the whole world - and everything in it - minerals, plants, animals and peoples, that fuelled the Age of Discovery.

It is a rather big book set out in five parts. The prologue, the scene-setter, is about Bougainville, his ‘discovery’ of Tahiti and the western mythologizing of the South Seas. Part 1, ‘To the Far Side of the World’, deals with enlightenment science, and the race between England and France to find the mythical Great Southern Continent. Part 2 ‘Jean de Surville - the Capitalist’ is about this littleknown Pacific voyage, launched from French India, at the same time as Cook’s. In fact Surville’s St Jean Baptiste and Cook’s Endeavour passed each other within hours off North Cape.

It includes fascinating accounts from old French journals of first contact - at Doubtless Bay. Surville’s expedition is still shrouded in with Maori mystery and controversy but is not nearly as controversial as Marion Dufresne’s. His visit to the Bay of Islands in 1772 is covered in Part 3, ‘Marion Dufresne - Enlightenment Martyr?’ Again there are detailed accounts of Maori-European interactions and some intriguing natural history observations. Marion, whose assassination along with 24 of his men led to a brief but vicious war between the French and Maori, is perhaps the centrepiece of the book. For most part the visit was an idyllic sojourn fulfilling its commander’s philosophical notions of the ‘noble savage’ but then, for reasons never satisfactorily explained, it suddenly turned terribly violent. Revisiting the reasons behind Marion’s killing, my ‘cold case’ review of the evidence comes up with an explanation different from that now widely accepted by contemporary academics and historians. Challenging 'received wisdom' tends be controversial so the reaction will be interesting.

Part 4 deals with the expeditions of La Pérouse and d’Entrecasteaux, the French Revolution and Napoléon Bonaparte.

Finally, Part 5 ‘Vicit Scientiam - science victorious’ is the book’s ‘grand finale’. It covers the successful La Coquille expedition (18221825) of Louis-Isidore Duperrey which visited the Bay of Islands at the height of the Musket Wars. There are fascinating anecdotes - rangatira, including Hongi Hika at one about the powerful Maori end of the social scale, and at the other of captive slaves, including the vivacious and brave Tinu, known to the sailors as ‘Nanette’.

Duperrey’s scientific expedition featured the naval officers-comenaturalists René Primevère Lesson and Jules-Sébastien-César Dumont d’Urville whose pioneering work in zoology and botany has left an enduring legacy for the natural sciences of New Zealand.

I think readers will find interesting the story of the original but unrecognised scientific name for the North Island brown kiwi, discovered and named by Lesson, and the rediscovery of the oldest existing specimens of this species, collected by d’Urville. One of which, much to the astonishment of the curators of the Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle in Paris was found only a few months ago, ‘hidden in plain site’ on public display in the Museum’s 'Grande Galerie de l'Evolution'.

The book also features a number of interesting supporting characters, barely remembered in their native France, let alone New Zealand. For instance, Pierre Monneron who came to New Zealand with Surville and 20 years later played a key role as a radical politician in the French Revolution. Also, from the opposite side of the revolutionary divide, the 20-year-old noble, Ambroise Bernard Jar du Clesmeur, elevated to command the two-ship expedition of Marion Dufresne after his leader’s death.

Young du Clesmeur produced a remarkably handsome sketch of Mt Taranaki which I discovered last year in the margin of his navigation journal in the Paris archives. It’s the oldest known artwork of the iconic mountain in existence and is now published for the first time, featured on the book’s cover. Then there is the heart-touching story of the first woman to visit New Zealand, Louise Victoire Giradin who disguised as a man was a member of d’Entrecasteaux’s crew. And from that same 1793 expedition, Raoul and Kermadec, well-known as names but unknown as men.

We spend some time on the back-stories of Joseph Raoul, the sailor from the lower-decks who rose to be a hydrographer then a fighting commander in the Napoleonic Wars, and a rather different personality, much-loved by his crew, the intellectual aristocrat Jean -Michel Huon de Kermadec. Kermadec along with many of the French Pacific explorers did his fighting in the earlier American War of Independence. He died en mission at New Caledonia a few weeks after visiting New Zealand and the archipelago named after him.

Navigators & Naturalists I hope will go some way to restoring something that has been lost over time - the French contribution to our history. Happy Christmas and New Year everyone. (MIKE LEE) F PN Navigators & Naturalists - French exploration of New Zealand and the South Seas 1769-1824. Bateman Books. Hard back. RRP $69.99 available at all good booksellers.

Mike Lee is the Auckland Councillor for Waitemata & Gulf Ward, www.mikelee.co.nz

18 PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2018

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

JOHN ELLIOTT: LOCAL NEWS

Local Italian woman honoured by Italian state Italian Alessandra Zecchini has been a New Zealand resident since 1997, living in West Auckland.

At last month’s annual Italian Festival, now staged on the streets of Newmarket, of which Alessandra is the founder and, for the last 14 years, director, she was awarded the highest Italian presidential honour, Cavaliere dell’ Ordine della Stella d’Italia, for services to Italian culture and foreign relations. She was presented with the honour by the Italian Ambassador, Fabrizio Marcelli.

The honour - which translates as Knight of the Order of the Star of Italy - is bestowed on Italians who have promoted relations between Italy and other countries.

Alessandra was born in Milan and grew up in Modena in Northern Italy. Along with husband Peter Dowling she founded Oratia Media, a publishing company, and currently holds the position of Media Director of the company.

As well as her publishing work, Alessandra has been closely involved with the Dante Alighieri Society whose Auckland HQ is in Freemans Bay Community Centre. Her involvement over 21 years, which has included a stint as President, has been recognised by this honour as a significant contribution to the building of a strong and visible community of Italians, and cross cultural relations in New Zealand.

The current President is Sir John Kirwan, whose Italian wife is also an active member of the Dante Society.

Just as importantly, Alessandra is an elected member of the Comitato Italiani All’Estero (ComItEs), a committee representing the interests of Italians living outside of Italy. In 2015, Italians officially registered in New Zealand reached the 3000 threshold required for a ComItEs to be formed and Alessandra reports that in the four years since, the number has grown to 4500. She estimates that more than half of those are in Auckland and that there are perhaps the same number who are resident but not registered.

Along with seven others, including Ponsonby’s own Sandra Fresia and sculptor Chiara Corbelletto, Alessandra was elected for the first five year term. This committee represents the interests of local Italians, liaising with the Italian Embassy in Wellington, with regard to topics such as work holiday visas, pension reciprocity questions and any other issues and policy matters relevant to ex-pat Italians. Registered Italians are eligible to vote in the Italian elections and the committee provides a valuable link where matters of concern can be raised.

photography: Gianni Flego

As a writer and editor Zecchini has contributed to the publication of a number of books in New Zealand. She has also produced numerous articles about Italian food, culture and travel, and authored three cook books. Alessandra founded the Slow Food Waitakere chapter, now Slow Food Auckland, the country’s most active group.

Alessandra Zecchini with Fabrizio Marcelli, the Italian Ambassador to New Zealand The New Zealand Italian community is a vibrant and colourful one, whose commercial and cultural activities are making their mark.

A weekly radio hour, Ondazzurra airs each Sunday morning and broadcasts, entirely in Italian, interviews with Italians resident in New Zealand. Alessandra reports that overseas streaming of these broadcasts accounts for a proportion of the audience. She says there is a lot of interest from young professional Italians in coming to New Zealand and they are glad to hear the real life stories of those who have already made the move.

On Saturday 8 December the Italian community will be out in force once again at the Freemans Bay Community Centre. The Italian Christmas Market to be held between 10am and 3pm is always a lively event. Food, drinks, Italian goods and Christmas specialty ideas for great gift making will be on offer. This is a great chance for Auckland’s Italian community to meet up and showcase the best of the lifestyle they have brought to New Zealand.

Ponsonby News congratulates Alessandra Zecchini on her honour, and her Italian ex-pat friends for the contribution they are making to their adopted country. (JOHN ELLIOTT) F PN

DAVID HARTNELL RECYCYLED In David Hartnell’s October one minute interview column, he interviewed Tommy Doyle. Just after the magazine came out Tommy went into hospital for an operation.

During his stay in hospital someone very cleverly folded David’s interview page into a lovely little sail boat, complete with a flag, a silver chain and anchor and the picture of Tommy at the helm and sent it to him.

They had hand written a note on the side of the sail boat which said: "He who marches out of step hears another drum." Which sums up Tommy perfectly.

Tommy has no idea who sent or made the boat, but he was delighted to receive it. It now sits on his mantelpiece in pride of place.

PN Ponsonby News readers are so creative. F

20 PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2018

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

HILLPARK, 8 & 10 EARLS COURT

5

3

4

Vendors on the move. Seriously for sale!

Due to increasing off shore work commitments, our vendors have decided it’s time to move on after 18 wonderful years in this amazing property that you have to see to fully comprehend. Situated in a quiet cul-de-sac with direct access to huge open spaces, sits this gorgeous 1920’s historical treasure constructed of double brick with hand-crafted kauri doors, beamed ceilings and matai floors. Think English or perhaps French country style living and you won’t be disappointed. There are five bedrooms in total plus a guest wing or studio work space. Formal living, library, country kitchen with walk-in and butler’s pantries. Indoor conservatory and loggia spaces for dining, relaxing or more social occasions. There’s also the original gardener’s cottage, consisting of two rooms plus double garage and carport, with potential for further development. Options aplenty and just minutes from the local school and motorway make this essential viewing for those looking for that something special. Country style living, incredible beauty and character, all yours if you act quickly.

FOR SALE: $2,900,000 View: nzsothebysrealty.com/NZE10828

By Appointment

Jason Gaddes M +64 21 994 921 jason.gaddes@nzsir.com nzsothebysrealty.com

Each Office Is Independently Owned and Operated. Browns Real Estate Limited (licensed under the REAA 2008) MREINZ.

LOCAL NEWS GREY LYNN 2030 INVITING NEW MEMBERS Want to get involved in an exciting community organisation which has helped shape Grey Lynn the vibrant suburb it is today? We are looking for new members and trustees.

Grey Lynn 2030 Transition Community is a voluntary grassroots organisation, based on the transition movement, and we are currently looking for more trustees with a range of skills contributing to the trust’s functioning.

Transition Community Grey Lynn 2030 is a local response to the principles of the international, grassroots transition movement. The goal of transition is to bring people together to explore how we - as communities can respond to the challenges and opportunities of climate change and peak oil. Transition Towns work on the understanding that communities have within themselves the innovation and ingenuity to create positive solutions to the converging crises of our time.

Our Vision Grey Lynn 2030 is a participatory community organisation promoting and engaging in building neighbourhood spirit and cooperation, while working towards a vision of a self-reliant, positive, resilient, vibrant, connected and sustainable community.

We are currently looking for people who are interested in joining the trust or are keen to start a local project or lend a hand with existing ventures. F PN So, if you are interested, please contact us by writing to: greylynn2030@gmail.com www.greylynn2030.co.nz

Pictured some Grey Lynn 2030 members gathered to celebrate its 10th birthday at the Grey Lynn Community Centre

FORMER SPOKESWOMAN OF A LOCAL PENSIONER HOUSING ACTION GROUP TURNS 100 Maureen Alexander now 100 became a local activist in her 80s when Auckland Council threatened to sell the Anglesea Street pensioner flats she lived in.

While the units were not put up for sale the rents were raised so high that Maureen and her neighbours were unable to pay.

Joining other seasoned activists and supporters, Maureen battled to stay in her Anglesea Street flat at the original rent. Writing letters to mayors and organisations around the country and giving rousing public speeches Maureen was able to gain support for the pensioners’ situation.

Despite being taken to court by Auckland City Council for refusing to pay the increased rents and having to negotiate a payment for the arrears, Maureen received a reprieve.

The Government purchased the flats from Auckland Council ensuring that Maureen and her neighbours could remain in their homes.

Maureen now lives in a rest home in Wanaka but is a wonderful example of the ‘spirited ageing’ community that thrives in the greater Ponsonby area. The team at Ponsonby News wishes her a very happy centenary birthday.

(ANDREA KAHUKIWA) F PN

22 PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2018

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

A NEW STRIKE OF BALANCE The townhouse aspect in Wynyard Quarter.

As the new heart of Auckland, Wynyard Quarter is where you’ll find what it is you’ve been looking for.

With only six townhouses available at 30 Madden, now is your chance to have the best of both the high life and the home life.

Whether you desire the space to host or an outdoor oasis, each distinctive townhouse is expertly appointed to surpass all expectations. Right on your doorstep, this waterfront community boasts gourmet experiences, live entertainment and all the recreational trimmings.

Visit the 30 Madden display suite on the corner of Madden & Daldy Streets, open Saturday and Sunday 2pm – 4pm or by appointment.

Louise Stringer 021 628 839 – l.stringer@barfoot.co.nz Mike Thorpe 021 877 351 – m.thorpe@barfoot.co.nz

30Madden.co.nz

LOCAL NEWS PONSONBY GIFTS WITH A CONSCIENCE A new kind of gift fair is coming to Ponsonby on Saturday, 8 December. All gifts sold on the day will ‘give twice’.

Stallholders at this market will be offering gift ideas for products that give twice.

principles of social, environmental and economic sustainability towards an adequate process of our community in the country.

As welll as giving beautiful items handcrafted with love, stallholders will be offering gifts which help us minimise our carbon footprints, or celebrate humanity and its diversity, and share profits with those in need.

Another stallholder will be the Migrant Workers Association which has been helping migrant workers who are being exploited in the workplace. Help offered can be from education and awareness about migrants' work rights and responsibilities to advocating for exploited workers and ultimately working towards prevention of exploitation.

Among the stallholders are such women as those from ‘The Travelling Sewing Box’. They are a group of women who are recent migrants and refugees, showcasing crafts in their own unique way. Its main objective is to empower immigrant women by giving them a voice and a sense of participation within society.

The 'Travelling Sewing Box', originated by Victoria Martinez Azaro and developed in collaboration with Aotearoa Latin American Community Incorporated (ALACINC) has been supporting migrants and refugees settlement process in Aotearoa New Zealand over the last 24 years.

This project is aligned with ALACINC’s Community Development Craft Therapy Programme and powered by the E Tu Whanau Programme (Ministry of Social Development) to promote women’s empowerment; tackle isolation and support entrepreneurship initiatives under

They will have gifts such as hair ornaments, Christmas tree decorations and gift-wrapped cookies. In addition, they will be selling t-shirts, badges and some literature promoting the cause.

Eco-products and Mums4Refugees will also be selling various ‘gifts with a conscience’.

The Unitarian Gift Fair will be held at the Auckland Unitarian Church, 1A Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby from 10am-3pm on Saturday, 8 December.

For more information, contact the fair coordinator, Kay Parish at PN auckland@unitarian.org.nz F

LIQUOR STORE OWNER'S FRUSTRATION WITH NEW BUS STOP You can't blame Lakesh Makan for feeling frustrated - his family has run its business in West Lynn's Richmond Road for 25-years!

Business has been noticebly down for the past few months. In fact Lakesh Makan believes business has dropped at least 30% in the eight months since Auckland Transport moved a bustop from its position outside the Child Youth and Family to right outside his shop.

He’s not the only business or resident unhappy with the decisions made by Auckland Transport. There is growing discontent amongst the West Lynn community with the way Auckland Transport is making its decisions and managing its communication process.

“They say they are consulting, they turn up to meetings the community organises, they listen, but they don’t hear us. They just go ahead and do the very things we all object to. The community just wants the bus stop moved back to its original location,” says Lakesh. (ANDREA KAHUKIWA) F PN

24 PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2018

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

Auckland Harbour Bridge

Clip-on lanes closed for maintenance 26 December to 4 January The NZ Transport Agency will be carrying out work to upgrade the streetlights on the Auckland Harbour Bridge this holiday season.

Three lanes in both directions will remain open across the Auckland Harbour Bridge at all times.

While work is carried out, access on and off the motorway will also be affected: • Southbound – Shelly Beach Road will remain open but the off ramp via the motorway will be closed and access via Westhaven Drive will operate on a stop/go system

DATES OF WORK

LANES CLOSED

26 to 30 December

Southbound clip on lanes

31 December to 4 January

Northbound clip on lanes

Delays are likely and motorists are advised to consider using alternative routes along the Northwestern Motorway (SH16) and State Highway 18 (SH18).

Unfavourable weather or other unforeseen circumstances may result in a change from advertised dates.

For more information contact: help@ama.nzta.govt.nz or call 0800 444 449

• Northbound – Curran Street on ramp and Stafford Road off ramp will be closed

PG 16653 1118

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2018

25

PONSONBY U3A: NOVEMBER 2018 Speakers at Ponsonby U3A meetings often challenge members’ perceptions in all manner of ways - and none more so than Dr Kira Bacal who spoke at the November Ponsonby U3A meeting.

These days she is a director of the Medical Programme Directorate at the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences at Auckland University - but for several years she worked at the NASA-Johnson Space Centre designing medical systems for space.

She shared many of the issues she worked on at the space centre and led U3A members through an exercise to plan a mission to Mars “by engaging all the brains in the room, asking what kind of mission we are going to have: to reach Mars, plant a flag, grab some rocks and come back, or establish a manned base that would never be left unattended - a permanent station that we have a commitment to?”

Members were initially asked to show their preference for one or the other mission and give their reasons. However, as the discussion deepened and more facts surfaced many people changed their minds.

It was an engrossing exercise as information and implications of the missions came to light. For example, it would take six months to get to Mars and the same to get back - how long would we want to be there?

She talked about the factors that would affect either venture, from the provision of potable water (from a reclamation system with a very good filter) and other aspects of health - what needs to be taken into account and the known and possible effects of space travel.

By contrast, the 10-minute speaker U3A member Tricia Brown, spoke about her considerable travel here on Earth - and showed that even the best laid plans can go awry. She entitled her talk 'Travel - Oops!' and kept members entertained with her travel mishaps culminating in a cycle tour in Lithuania last year, where she ended up spending 18 hours in a cell at an airport. It transpired that New Zealand belongs to a group of countries, including Lithuania, that do not require a visa for less than 90 days.

Her problem was that she had exceeded the 90-day limit. After her night in a cell she was escorted to the steps of her plane by a guntoting official. Other 'Oops' concerned train and road travel, including driving in Romania in a hired car, where she had been allotted the task of getting the satnav organised. It was soon discovered that there was no satnav cover in Romania and she and her companion drove without a satnav or map for the duration of their journey. She

Dr Kira Bacal summed up by saying that mishaps have not put her off travel and she is sure that there are a lot more to come.

U3A offers its members the opportunity for informal study and new learning experiences for people in their ‘third age’, post career and/ or children. Its aim is for people to come together to continue their enjoyment of learning and sharing knowledge. Ponsonby U3A meets on the second Friday morning of the month, with two speakers and reports from some of the more than 20 special interest groups that offer a host of topics and activities. The special interest groups are considered to be the lifeblood of the U3A movement. Details of these can be found on the Ponsonby section of the U3A website.

There will be no speakers at the December meeting which will be the annual members’ Christmas function.

The first meeting for 2019 will be on Friday 8 February, at which visitors will be welcome. Intending visitors are asked to contact Christine Hart on 027 289 5514 prior to the February meeting.

(PHILIPPA TAIT) F PN ENQUIRIES: Christine Hart, President Ponsonby U3A, T: 027 289 5514, www.u3a.nz

26 PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2018

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

Auckland’s Hippest Strip Shop, eat, drink, play, repeat

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If you’ve made it onto Santa’s nice list, he might just reward you* *Santa’s random gifts of kindness are a limited number of vouchers redeemable at Ponsonby retailers.

#ILOVEPONSONBY #HAPPYHOLIDAYS

PONSONBY

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iloveponsonby.co.nz

PRESENTS

PONSONBY CHRISTMAS

LETTERS CONTINUED ‘OUR' PRECIOUS TREES THAT INCLUDED A CORAL AND OAK TREE Ponsonby has a lost a very special and impressive natural feature : 'our' precious trees that included a coral and oak tree. Excluding Te Wai Orea (Western) Park, arguably the coral tree was Ponsonby's oldest, most colourful and largest tree on the strip.

Maybe we can't call it 'our' tree, as it's a privately owned site. But then who really owns living things anyway? In a communal sense, it was 'our' tree - our beautiful coral tree; a stunning Erythrina crista-galli specimen that had stood like a sentinel on the site of the Ponsonby Central car park near the corner of Ponsonby Road and Richmond Road for more years then anyone can remember. This massive deciduous tree flowered every Christmas and residents would break off the bright fiery red flowers for festive decorations. Some of us remember the old house that stood adjacent to it and the legend (or urban myth) of a murder and a body being buried there. Maybe even under that tree, as it goes back to that time! The site is, as most of Auckland appears nowadays, under development.

The coral tree might more aptly be called a Brazilian coral tree. It was naturally, if you can excuse the pun, not a native thus despite being a feature of our area and showering the Richmond Road pathway with flower petals every December, was not judged worthy of protection. Just simply 'always been there' as one of our oldest locals commented recently, is not an argument that stands up at a hearing or can be measured or justified against the clarity of a square meter of chargeable office floor space.

It didn't go quietly. Apart from chainsaws going for two days, residents in the area had attended many hearings concerning the development of the site and had tried in the early days to save it. A number of resource consent applications (4 Brown Street) had been submitted over the last 30 years that included development for a supermarket, a liquor outlet, a weird post Parnell mansard roof residential apartment complex and more laterly, an underground car-park and retail and office space crowned by a luxury apartment.

Residents had regularly trudged along to argue for the protection of the trees on the site and adjacent to it and the plethora of details relating to the development of the site.

I personally was told after attending two days of hearings over 10 years ago that it was just 'a test' of what could be done for the site. I forsook two days of pay for that 'test'.

Locals trying to stop residential amenity being destroyed by a thousand cuts require superhuman tenacity against those that know better and claim more right. You feel as though you are against some kind of masterplan, not that anyone can actually articulate what this is and who decided it. It ends not being so much a masterplan, but a matter of different motivations and values. Why not design something that accommodates trees, rather then destroys them? After all they constitute the very features that defines the place and gave it its value.

At one of the hearings, an arborist report was submitted. It claimed the tree had internal rot and its life was limited. As you can see from the photo of it being cut, (the photographs with the man with the chainsaw) - we are able to confirm what we already knew - that this specialist's report was a complete fabrication, a red herring. At that hearing, I recall at six lawyers in black suits, four planners, an arborist, a noise specialist, and a traffic and building expert.

Not so much a partridge on a coral tree but rather a dull room full of intimidating professionals. Residents noted that the drawing scale for the apartment block was completely out of scale. Just a subtle detail, but part of the smooth system of pre-planning meetings between developers, lawyers and council and well managed process framed by 'experts' who incidentally are paid for by developers. By the time naive well intentions residents roll up with their tree hugging ways for an audience with the nodding commissioners; let's face it, it's a box ticking exercise. How do you quantify

beauty and the aesthetic of a tree against systems from another universe orbited by specialist data and an entirely different value system? A least we are fortunate to now have a reasonably sensitive and responsible developer for the site. It could have been far worse, we could have got mock 19th Century France.

So, we tried. We as residents attended the hearings. We pushed against the inevitable.

I made a point of being there to witness the passing of 'Coral' and made those removing the trees nervous taking photos to record the matter. Some of us get up in the morning thinking how to make a dollar, some of us get up to the sound of chainsaws and mourning the loss of our communal wealth. Looking through the protective barriers, I said a sad wee waiata for 'our' tree, as a last action to recognise the loss of a beautiful living feature of our community. A great tree has fallen and with it another link to 'old Ponsonby'. It's starting to look a lot less like Christmas. We are also starting to look a lot less like Ponsonby, and a lot more like Newmarket.

Kai te hiahia (a wishing), Kai te koronga (a desiring), Kai a Tane (for Tane). F PN Russell Hoban, Ponsonby

PONSONBY NEWS+ FEBRUARY FEATURES MAINTAINING GOOD HEALTH VALENTINE'S DAY (14 FEBRUARY) PLANNING FOR RETIREMENT Copy deadline: Sunday 20 January Published: Friday 1 February

28 PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2018

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

I LOVE PONSONBY

CHRISTMAS presents our most magical event of the year iloveponsonby.co.nz

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Bring the whole family for a bite at the food stalls and be enchanted by our musical stage entertainment every night from 6-9pm.

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*Charges apply

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LOCAL NEWS NEWS FROM THE GREY LYNN BUSINESS ASSOCIATION Defining success in the context of Grey Lynn businesses has been integrally linked to an underpinning of the values and desire of our community.

In many communities defining this is challenging but not so in our community where the essence of Grey Lynn has evolved over a period of time to one today based on leadership in connecting our urban scape with sustainability. For this we can thank the Grey Lynn 2030 movement, now 10 years old and looking to lead the next wave of change.

GLBA is about translating many of the ideas and concepts of GL2030 into commercial reality. We see businesses both attracted into the area and businesses emerging from the 2030 values creating an emerging vibrancy which will see GL develop as the eco hub of the inner city. Carrying on from our successful launch of the Grey Lynn project we now see the real work beginning.

On 22 November we have Ludo Campbell-Reid, head of the Auckland city design office speaking at our AGM. He has a particularly clear vision of the essence of great urbanisation and what makes inner city living attractive. His vision transcends the streets and footpaths addressing the social context, the look,feel and heritage of the city scape, urban enjoyment, engagement and building communities. This is quite a different vision and one we see emerging in down town Auckland where people simply say wow what a vibrant place to be. The AGM is being held at 8am at the old bank building attached to Pocket Bar - all are welcome - come share a coffee and croissant.

As we progress into 2019 we want to ensure the Grey Lynn Project takes shape but we want to stress that the business association sees itself very much as a facilitator and not the owner of the how the project will be shaped. This shaping is by the community.

For example, we don’t see ourselves as dictating the ambiance of the various prescient in Grey Lynn but what we do see ourselves doing is promoting what’s on, co-ordinating various initiatives, working across projects and working collaboratively to ensure the very best outcome for all in the area.

We don’t pretend this is without its challenges. Auckland Transport has advised that it will be engaging with the community over the cycleways projects. We know that there are both protagonists and antagonists. What we do ask is that each one being consulted

participate and express your views. It would be fair to say that many businesses have very significant concerns around this project particularly around parking.

Other businesses are concerned about the ambiance of the area. We have yet to hear anyone say they really like the present landscapes of our villages. It was interesting listening to an 'old timer' talk about the very different approaches to design scape evident throughout the years in the Grey Lynn village. Apparently we have had trees, we’ve had trees in containers, we’ve had large pots and right now not much of anything at all. It’s no wonder as villagers we get confused. However, I think there is universal agreement that we want to see our villages beautiful, attractive and safe for us all to enjoy.

The point I would make again is that at the high level there is some overarching agreement - the association sees its role as participating in taking these high level ideas and translating them into something that is enduring and representing the soul and values of Grey Lynn. It is not for us to tell people how and what should be done - it is for us to carefully listen to the aspirations of our community and to work with Auckland Council, Auckland Transport, The Waitemata Board and all of the Grey Lynn stakeholders as to how this should be done.

As we head into 2019, it is becoming very apparent as businesses we must build resilience to change. We ask that those we oversee the change do so in a way that builds on the look, feel and values of our community and the businesses who are part of that community.

Wishing you all the very best for the festive season and a big thank you to our great magazine the Ponsonby News for giving this association the opportunity to contribute its thoughts around the opportunities and challenges in the years ahead. Remember the villages of Grey Lynn are open for business during the festive season and we look forward to welcoming many you to our eco hub.

(IRENE KING AND JACOB FAULL JOINT CO-CHAIR GLBA) F PN www.glba.co.nz

PARTY WITH PONSONBY PLAYGROUP 18 DECEMBER 9AM - 12 NOON Previously run by willing parents, the Ponsonby Playgroup is now being managed by the Ponsonby Community Centre.

2018 is the 20 year anniversary of the inception of the group and we are celebrating with a special Christmas party on Tuesday, 18 December 9am - 12 noon. There will be face painting and music and dancing with Antonio the Music Man. All past, present (and future) Ponsonby Playgroup families are welcome to come!

Ponsonby Community Centre (and Leys Gymnasium Hall) office will be closed from 21 December and will reopen on Monday 14 January 2019.

Ponsy Kids Community Preschool last day for the year is Friday 21 December. They will re-open for bookings on Monday 21 January 2019.

For more information on Ponsonby Community Centre, our activities and venue hire, please visit www.ponsonbycommunity.org.nz

PN Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to everyone! F

WE NEED YOUR EXPERTISE! Ponsonby Community Centre will be closed over the Christmas break from the 21st of December until the The Ponsonby Community Centre, including Ponsy Ponssyy Kids Kidds 13th January 2019.

Community Preschool, Preschhooool,l is is looking look lo o inng for for community fo comm co munity minded mi m inded nnddeedd people peoplle with wiith w t professional profeess s ioona nal skills sskkiillllss to to join jjooin in our u Board.

Booaard rd.

For Fo or more information infor orrm maation please plleeasse emaill the Manager Mana Ma naggeer on lillisa@ponsonbycommunity.org.nz issaa@ @ppoonnso sonb onnbbyyccoom mmu m nityy.oorgg.nnz @thePonsonbyCommunityCentre | 20 Ponsonby Tce Te Tc www.ponsonbycommunity.org.nz | 378 1752

Ponsonby Community proudlyfor supported Please contact at julie@ponsykids.org.nz or onCentre 376 is0896 morebyinformation nfformation

30 PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2018

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

NIKKI KAYE: AUCKLAND CENTRAL MP

Valuing and respecting our teachers The primary teacher strikes which started last month are the second round of strikes this year.

Through the many conversations that I have had with teachers and principals throughout New Zealand, it is clear they need more support. Few people in society undertake such an important role in ensuring young people learn and are cared for. Many teachers also provide a crucial role in supporting some of our most vulnerable children. The current strike follows on from the strike in mid-August which was the first primary teacher strike in 24 years. There is also a strong possibility of secondary teacher strikes in the coming months. Teachers and parents need this resolved to prevent further disruption to learning for students. The Government’s process for the collective bargaining for primary and secondary teachers has been worrying. For several months, important costing information about the offer was withheld by the Government from both NZEI and the PPTA. We are now six months in and many teachers are questioning why it has taken so long to get to the current offer and some teachers are concerned that statements made by Government ministers are misleading.

NZEI has confirmed the offer is unchanged in terms of percentage increases of 3% a year over three years. It is fair to ask questions about what National did while we were in government. While National was in office we had to manage the Global Financial Crisis and the Canterbury Earthquakes, but despite the deficits we managed to increase the education budget every year we were in office from $8 billion to more than $11 billion. Despite difficult circumstances we managed to continue to invest in education with an additional $359 million in salaries for some teachers and principals through Communities of Learning. We know that the Government has spent billions on tertiary students and on commitments to NZ First which has constrained the amount that can be offered for teachers.

It is also important to acknowledge that other groups in the public sector like the New Zealand Police have been offered more. The other area the Government should consider improving in its offer to teachers is a commitment to reduce class sizes in primary schools.

Earlier this year National made a strong commitment to reducing class sizes in primary schools. Labour talked about reducing class sizes for years in Opposition and some Labour MPs distributed election material committing to reductions, but since coming into Government, Education Minister Chris Hipkins has refused to commit to this stated policy.

I believe that the pay and conditions element of this collective bargaining will be a major lever to resolve teacher shortages. This means the stakes are high with this three year agreement. If the Government is unable to find the right salary and workload package it will also make it even harder to staff schools in the future. If it appears settlement is unlikely and the Government refuses to shift on salary increases, then the minister needs to consider providing greater certainty on the detail of learning facilitator roles, commit to reducing class sizes or increase the time that teachers have available out of the classroom for planning, evaluation, reporting or personal professional development. I lead our education team of more than seven Members of Parliament and we are working hard. Every week we assist education staff, boards and parents across New Zealand with issues which require attention by the ministry or the minister. Our education team is also focused on developing new education policies and holding the Government to account when required.

Women’s MP of the World Conference I was grateful to be recently nominated by the British High Commission to attend a conference in London at the Palace of Westminster. The conference focused on several important policy areas including promoting women’s economic empowerment, ending violence against women and girls and reducing barriers to girls’ education.

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I felt very honoured to be asked to speak in the Chamber of the House of Commons on breaking the barriers to girls’ education. As part of the conference I also attended a reception at 10 Downing Street where I had the chance to chat to UK Prime Minister Rt Hon Theresa May. During the week in London I also met with several ministers, officials, policy leaders and experts on education policy.

The conversations that I had there focused on policy areas such as the future of work, reducing disadvantage and improving access to apprenticeships and on-the-job training.

If you have any local or national issues or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact me or my office on 09 378 2088 or send me an email on mp.aucklandcentral@parliament.govt.nz. My office will be closed from the 22 December until 7 January. If you require urgent assistance over this time I will be able to be contacted directly at Nikki.kaye@parliament.govt.nz. I wish you a safe and happy festive PN season. (NIKKI KAYE) F Authorised by Hon Nikki Kaye, MP for Auckland Central, 48c College Hill, Freemans Bay. www.nikkikaye.co.nz

Merry Christmas From Hon Nikki Kaye MP for Auckland Central

The office will be closed from 21st Dec till 7th Jan. If you need any urgent assistance during this time then please contact me directly at nikki.kaye@parliament.govt.nz 48 C College Hill Freemans Bay 09 378 2088 mp.aucklandcentral@parliament.govt.nz nikkikaye nikkikayeMP

Funded by the Parliamentary Service.

Authorised by Nikki Kaye MP, 48C College Hill, Freemans Bay, Auckland.

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DEIRDRE THURSTON: ON MY MIND

Vulnerability I realise it is not all about me at this time of year; that there are far more important things to think about such as poverty, homelessness, dumped animals. However, I am dwelling on vulnerability - which is the end result of all the above anyway.

One would think that rewarding oneself with a saunter along the beach at low tide after a mammoth housework binge would all be seagulls and cockleshells. Murmuring low tide and glinting rock pools. In my case, no.

It started off that way. Rangitoto wore a pink beret at a rakish angle – a sure sign of rain later. Oyster catchers suppered in the shallows, pigeons nestled into the cliffs. It ended with one beyond-slippery rock that flipped me up in the air and down hard onto my right side. I resembled a gasping fish literally out of water. My left arm worked but that was about it. The beach was deserted. Not a labradoodle or a French bulldog wearing a natty bandana around its neck folds or an owner in sight. I lay there stunned for a bit then thought: “I have to get up or the tide will come in and I’ll drown. Or maybe I’ll bob back higher up on the beach closer to the car...”

Finally, gingerly I managed to pull myself up thinking I had at least broken a hip, shoulder and thigh bone. Limped slowly back to the car covered in sand, slime and mortification, drove home, shed soaked clothes and went to bed. The pain was diabolical. When we are in shock our brains don’t work right. All mine told me was ‘go to bed’ when I should have called someone to take me to A&E. Next day my body felt like it had received electric shock treatment. Not that I know what that feels like but I’m assuming it’s like someone has put you in a metal cage and rattled you ferociously for several hours until you’re spitting teeth chips from your mouth and your bones are fragments of their former selves. A friend loaded me with codeine and took me to the hospital. X-rays, ultrasounds and an extremely cute freckle-dusted doctor later, I found out I have a torn hamstring, torn rotator cuff, bone-bruised femur and hip and ulna. I didn’t even know bone bruising was a thing. Just goes to show, everything is an opportunity to broaden one’s knowledge. I call that looking on the bright side. Which I have been trying to do among the pain and pain killers. For instance: had I been skinny I would have broken bones most likely – a bit of padding is a good thing. Another bright side to this awful accident is friends’ kindnesses. I’m getting dinner delivered each night from one and another has driven me to the hospital and health shop and is even going to water blast my brick path. Which is very timely, it being as slippery as the damn rock that chose my footfall.

All this has made me very vulnerable. Set me to thinking how hardy we humans are and yet in a screech of a gull anything can happen.

Emotional vulnerability is the key to truth and spiritual wellbeing in my book. Physical vulnerability is another thing altogether. Makes me realise how I take my body with all its pitfalls for granted daily. What a marvellous machine it is. And, if we treat it with the respect it deserves it does its job perfectly. Even if we don’t treat it with respect, it generally carries us along day to day.

However, if we are in the situation of not having enough decent nutrition, we have to sleep rough or can’t afford the medicines needed to fix us, then we become vulnerable in negative ways. Physically and emotionally.

Christmas is a time when this is highlighted even more so.

There are more suicides and family violence at this time of year. More families struggling to make ends meet. More children underfed with not much hope of a Santa stocking stuffed with goodies. More animals mistreated, dumped and left to die. The pressure on many families becomes too much.

The Auckland City Mission serves Christmas dinner for higher numbers of people each year. Food parcels are also provided. The mission needs donations from those of us who are lucky enough to have a roof over our well-fed heads, and clean sheets and a table groaning with food.

The SPCA desperately needs towels and blankets and food donations for all the unwanted, vulnerable pets that cram their cages all year let alone the upsurge over the December/January period.

I’ll repair with care and kindness from myself and others and my ability to afford a doctor’s visit and a shopping basket full of leafy greens. The roof over my head will keep me safe this holiday season. Let’s remember how fortunate we are and give a generous hand to those in need. My family members are getting ‘thankyou for the donation’ letters from the SPCA and City Mission as Christmas gifts. Not one of them needs anything.

Remember the vulnerable humans and animals and be safe and happy this Christmas.

(DEIRDRE THURSTON) F PN

LUCIA MATAIA: LEYS INSTITUTE LIBRARY NEWS Meri Kirihimete and Seasons Greetings from the team at Leys Institute Library Summer holiday reading Going on holiday? Pop in and grab some great summer reads, or if you are travelling overseas why not download e-books and e-magazines onto your mobile devices which means you have plenty of room for all that shopping. If you need help accessing e-resources, stop by and we can give you a hand.

Wrap up of our pre-school programmes for 2018 Our last week of preschool programmes will be Christmas themed. The dates are: Rhymetime Tuesday 11 December 10.30am; Wriggle and Rhyme Wednesday 12 and Thursday 13 December 10.30am; Storytime Friday 14 December 10.30am. All pre -school programmes resume early February 2019.

Reading voyage for tamariki over summer Kia Maia Te Whai - Dare to Explore is our tamariki’s summer reading voyage. Don’t let

32 PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2018

your tamariki lose the skills they’ve learned at school. Fun challenges and activities for ages five to 13 years. It’s free so join at your local library.

Saturday 22 December, 2.30pm - 3.30pm Bring the children along for a fun, free afternoon of making Christmas gift bags, cards and gift tags. There’ll even be some fancy colouring for the younger ones and maybe a treat or two. (LUCIA MATAIA) F PN Christmas/New Year Library Hours: Monday - Friday 9am - 6pm; Saturday 9am - 4pm; Closed: Tuesday 25 December and Wednesday 26 December; Closed: Tuesday 1 January and Wednesday 2 January; Normal hours resume Thursday 3 January 2019.

LEYS INSTITUTE LIBRARY, 20 St Marys Road, T: 09 377 0209, www.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

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DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2018

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LOCAL NEWS TRUE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT SHINES BRIGHT ON FRANKLIN ROAD No strings attached, it’s simply an untethered sense of Christmas and a ton of unbridled community spirit.

Ross Thorby and the residents of Franklin Road will again share their massive Christmas spirit with Auckland when special celebrity guests officially turn on the lights at 8.30pm on1 December. Contrary to what some may believe the residents are not sponsored by power companies but decorated their homes and run their lights 24/7 as their Christmas gift to Aucklanders.

Since 1993 the Franklin Road community have decorated their properties with lights creating a Christmas event that extends the spirit of kindness beyond their front doors. In a time when anonymous apartment living and gated communities are becoming more common, the Franklin Road Lights goes against the trend and is an iconic and enduring part of Auckland’s Christmas landscape.

Today it is one of the few truly free, non-commercial events that Auckland families and friends can enjoy without feeling the pressures of spending money. “It’s our gift to the community and it’s accessible to everyone; it’s one event everyone can bring their kids to without worrying about having to buy something,” says Ross Thorby, the man who started the project. Earlier this year ‘Roscoe’, as he is affectionately known, was awarded a QSM for his contribution to the community and can’t believe that such a simple gesture all those years ago grew to be what it is today.

Ross believes the reason Franklin Road Christmas Lights is so special is because he and his neighbours do it simply because they want to do something wonderful at Christmas. “No one has to put up lights, no one is paid to put up lights, everyone does it as a genuine gift to the community because they really want to,” says Ross.

Jacqui acknowledges that the first Christmas can be bit daunting as a new resident to the street but everyone is really welcoming and helpful. While a lot of work goes into some of the lighting displays, others are more simple but they are all done with same sense of giving. “Every decorated house is equally special and wonderful regardless of the size of the display.”

“Every year we choose a different celebrity to turn on the lights.

The first was Dame Cath Tizard and since then we’ve had the RT Honorable, Helen Clark, actor Karl Urban, the infamous Buckwheat and Testicles, Academy Award winner Ngila Dickson, Dave Dobbyn, and Her Excellency The RT Honorable Patsy Reedy" says Ross.

“Everyone we have ever asked has been delighted to take part and no one has ever declined, which I think speaks volumes for the event,” says Ross. Every year the details of who will turn the lights is kept secret, but Ross promises that this year will be pretty special. A lovingly restored grand villa at Number 38 Franklin Road is this location for this years event and sausage sizzle and will be the perfect location for a festive start to the Christmas lights season.

PN (ANDREA KAHUKIWA) F

photography: Michael McClintock

Over the years Ross and his neighbours have avoided the constant pressures of commercialisation, discouraging any organisation trying to exploit the event for profit or promotional purposes. “It’s really important to us that businesses, and even charities don’t take over and make it something it’s not. We all give this beautiful experience without wanting anything in return,” explains Ross.

Jacqui Dixon, owner of Sabato, moved into Franklin Road about five years ago and agrees. “We’re really lucky to be part of something beautiful. When you see the looks on children’s faces as they walk up and down Franklin Road in their dressing gowns it’s truly heartwarming. You are literally giving joy,” says Jacqui.

34 PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2018

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY SPICED STRAWBERRIES AND COCONUT ICE CREAM This summer strawberry sauce made with fragrant spices and black pepper makes for a delicious ice cream topping.

We love ours drizzled over granola and yoghurt, or freshly made pancakes for a special treat.

Serves: 4-6 Prep time: 15 mins Cooking time: 20 mins INGREDIENTS: For the sauce: 250g strawberries, stalks removed 1 small thumb fresh ginger, finely grated 1 lemon, zest and juice 1 lime, zest and juice 1 teaspoon ground black pepper ¼ teaspoon salt 225g caster sugar ½ teaspoon ground cardamom ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon ¼ teaspoon ground fennel

Blend on full speed until completely combined to a sauce consistency.

Remove strawberry mix from the blender to a small saucepan.

Add the caster sugar and the ground spices to the strawberry mix.

Heat the saucepan over a low heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 15-20 mins or until the mixture has thickened.

Remove from the heat and transfer to a bowl to allow to cool completely.

250g strawberries, stalks removed, halved or quartered if large 1 tub of your favourite coconut ice cream 12 small fresh mint leaves, picked from stems Method: In a blender add 250g strawberries, ginger, zest and juice of both lemon and lime, black pepper and salt.

To serve divide your prepared strawberries amongst the serving bowls, spoon over some strawberry sauce, add a dollop of your favourite ice cream and spoon over a little more sauce and top with the mint. F PN www.huckleberry.co.nz

BOTTOMLESS LUNCH Enjoy two hours of a never-ending Italian set menu accompanied by bottomless glasses of Ora Prosecco and Bellinis.

Every Sunday in January. Two sittings available: 12pm–2pm and 1pm–3pm. $90 per person. Bookings essential.

For more information and to book visit skycityauckland.co.nz/bottomless Strictly R18.

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DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

11649 1164 9

Gusto at the Grand strictly enforces the responsible consumption of alcohol by all our guests.

Guests will not be served more than one alcoholic beverage at a time as part of the Bottomless Lunch package.

We offer non-alcoholic beverages at all times and will stop service to any intoxicated persons.

PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2018

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EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY VEGAN PIE AWARDS An Ellerslie bakery new to the vegan cuisine scene has swept a vast majority of the awards up for grabs at the inaugural New Zealand Vegan Supreme Pie Awards.

Held in the green room at The Butcher's Son in Herne Bay, Auckland’s Richoux Patisserie walked away with seven of the eight awards, including the Supreme Pie Award, at the event organised by the Vegan Society of Aotearoa New Zealand to coincide with World Vegan Day on Thursday 1 November.

In a blind taste testing the judging panel awarded Richoux pies top marks in the Vegan Steak and Vegan Cheese, Vegan Mince and Vegan Cheese, Vegan Chicken, Vegetable, Café Boutique, and Fruit categories - every category the bakery entered.

Shervey. Vegan Society National Coordinator Amanda Sorrenson says the event was devised to give the Kiwi dietary staple a modern makeover, better reflecting this country’s growing trend in choosing healthier, more sustainable, fairer food options.

“Plant-based pies are going to be more and more popular as people cut down on their intake of animal products in future.”

More than 30 companies throughout the country submitted 90 pies for the competition's first programme, established to acknowledge the current explosion in high-quality vegan pie options offered by all types of New Zealand eateries.

Supreme Vegan Pie Awards 2018 results: • Vegan Steak and Vegan Cheese: Richoux Patisserie • Vegan Mince and Vegan Cheese: Richoux Patisserie • Vegan Chicken: Richoux Patisserie • Fruit Pie: Richoux Patisserie • Café Boutique: Richoux Patisserie • Vegetable: Richoux Patisserie • Gluten Free: Pioneer Pies • Plus a Supreme Pie Award: Richoux Patisserie (fruit pie)

The judging panel comprised internationally recognised chefs Gerrard O'Keefe (Hector's Restaurant, Heritage Hotels) and Josh Barlow (The Sugar Club, The Grove), as well as actor, writer and producer Holly

For further details of the competition head to www.vegansociety.org.nz www.thebutchersson.co.nz

The final category, Gluten Free, was picked up by Albany bakery Pioneer Pies.

NZ Vegan Society board member Amanda Sorrenson with MC Julie Gunn

Chris Kinnell owner of the Butcher’s Son & Amanda Sorrenson

The crowds gather at the inaugural 2018 Vegan Pie Awards

Executive Chef Gerrard O’Keefe and Actress Holly Shervey

Pie judges Gerrard O'Keefe, Josh Barlow of the Sugar Club in SkyCity & Holly Shervey

NZ Vegan Society board members Helen Fletcher, Amanda Sorrenson & Adrian Fletcher

NZ Vegan Board member Helen Fletcher with Phillipa Stevenson representing the Tart Bakery in Grey Lynn

One of the judges Josh Barlow of the Sugar Club in SkyCity

photography: Kerry Lee

Executive Chef Gerrard O’Keefe, NZ Vegan Society board member Amanda Sorrenson, and Actress Holly Shervey

THE INAUGURAL 2018 VEGAN PIE AWARDS - THURSDAY 1 NOVEMBER

36 PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2018

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

TINA PLUNKETT: PONSONBY CENTRAL

STAYCATION Park your e-bike or scooter up on the racks outside, and wander through for drinks, ice creams or dinner. Or grab some picnic bits, Dante's pizza, or Bird on a Wire rotisserie chicken, and fresh bread from Little Bread & Butter, and keep on going down the road to the beach or the park.

Get your summer day feasts sorted with prosciutto from Yugo Kitchen, cheeses and ice creams from The Dairy, and bubbles from Wine Direct.

You can even grab the picnic blanket or a towel from Wallace Cotton if you forgot one, and after your staycation adventure finish your day with a drink and bite to eat (you deserve it).

Check out our website for the markets and summer events happening throughout Ponsonby in December and January and we will keep you updated on all our pop ups if you need some retail therapy.

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DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

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EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY THE MOTHER OF ALL CHRISTMAS CAKES IS CALLED STOLLEN The Stollen is a Christmas loaf of one of the oldest traditions. First baked at the Saxon Royal Court in 1427, it is now baked by Bread & Butter Bakery in a contemporary form, especially for the Southern Hemisphere Christmas.

Over centuries the ingredients of stollen became richer and richer with the addition of butter and fruit. In 1730, August the Strong, who liked to impress his subjects, ordered the Bakers’ Guild of Dresden to make a giant 1.7-tonne stollen big enough for all 20,000 guests to have a portion to eat. It’s a tradition that continues to this day.

“Our stollen is not quite as big and is made with organic quark to give it a lighter texture. The yeast leavened - brioche like - the dough is enriched with almonds, nuts, fruit soaked in booze and often lots of marzipan,” says Isabel Pasch, director of Bread & Butter Bakery.

It’s perfect for Christmas breakfasts and picnics on the beach. “It’s better suited to the Southern Hemisphere summers, with its generous helpings of almonds, walnuts and organic dried fruits,” says Isabel.

Bread & Butter Bakery stollen, like all the other Bread & Butter breads - is given an extra long fermentation time, which adds to the rich and complex flavour. Surprise your loved ones this Christmas with something traditional yet different.

Available at the Little Bread & Butter store in Ponsonby Central as well as the main cafe and bakery at 34 Westmoreland Street in Grey Lynn.

LITTLE BREAD AND BUTTER, T: 09 376 4007, Market 7 Ponsonby Central BREAD AND BUTTER BAKERY AND CAFE, T: 09 378 9111, 43 Westmoreland St West www.breadandbutter.nz www.facebook.com/BreadandButterBakeryandCafe/ www.instagram.com/breadandbutterbakeryandcafe/

Christmas products traditional cakes pastries organic sourdough breads

Little Bread & Butter – Ponsonby Central / Café and Bakery – 34 Westmoreland Street, Grey Lynn / www.breadandbutter.nz

38 PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2018

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY ENJOY AUTHENTIC THAI STREET FOOD @ CHU THAI EATERY Chu Thai Eatery brings authentic Thai street food to Ponsonby Road, curating dishes designed to broaden your palate and take your dining experience to new levels.

In fact the word chu in Thai means to ‘rise up’ and owner Pam Tawornsawad has designed her menu with just that in mind. “I want to take people on a taste adventure,” says Pam, who has been in the hospitality business in Auckland for the last 15 years.

Pam draws some of her unique flavours and approaches from the traditional recipes and techniques used by her mother and a sister in Thailand and a sister here in Auckland. All are talented foodies and restaurateurs.

Standout dishes on the menu include bang bang cauliflower, green papaya salad, chu chee tofu skin and the already infamous hangover noodles. Chu Thai also has an extensive and expanding vegan menu complete with vegan wines and deserts and separate street food menu. WIth their Thai bottled craft beers and their signature Sabai Sabai cocktail using a special Thai whiskey, Chu Thai Eatery has you covered.

Open Wednesday to Monday from 11.30am - 2.30pm and then from 5pm till late Chu Thai Eatery is licensed and BYO. Like them on Facebook and they will announce when they can offer takeaways within a 5km radius.

“We want our guests to try and enjoy the different tastes and flavours of Thai street food,” explains Pam. Rather than just sticking to the tried and true Thai classics, Pam and her team make bases from scratch testing and refining dishes so their guests can enjoy a wider Look out for Chu Tai Eatery this upcoming Ponsonby Market Day to try some authentic Thai street food. (ANDREA KAHUKIWA) F variety of flavours comfortably. “Our wait staff want to help people PN explore new tastes, and try new dishes and matching them with wines from our list,” says Pam. CHU THAI EATERY, 244 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 376 9909, www.chuthaieatery.co.nz

Ask for our set menu including a vegan option 244 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 376 9909

Special Offer: Wednesdays only Purchase any main meal and receive no surcharge on BYO wine only (normally $8 per bottle) Valid till 31 December ’18 Not valid in conjunction with any other promotion

Order online

www.chuthaieatery.co.nz Parking behind the restaurant Home delivery within 5 km

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2018

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GARY STEEL: VEG FRIENDLY

Alien universe - veganism remains challenging With all the good news about the astronomical rise in veganism, the scientific evidence that a shift to plant eating is necessary to save the planet, and the medical prognosis that it can make us healthier and prolong life, you’d think that we’d have plenty to celebrate.

And certainly, promoters of veganism have pushed the positive barrow with a lorry-load of enticements and celebrations, like the events around the annual Vegan Day and various other initiatives.

Heck, there was even a recent vegan pie competition! Who would have thought that the humble slumming-it, meat-eaters' delight would ever get recast as an ethical, animal free treat?

Yes, there’s a lot to be positive about and grateful for, but the fact is that those of us trying to avoid meat still face an uphill battle every day; and that the world at large has yet to sit up and take any notice.

Us city folk happily slam dairy farmers for polluting rivers or egg producers for their inhumane treatment of hens, but right here in Auckland city there are huge segments of society that just don’t care.

The other day I had to venture a few blocks further out towards the city fringes and suddenly found myself ravenously hungry. Vegans and vegetarians tend to become experts at organising their itineraries so that they never find themselves horribly hungry in alien areas, but on this occasion I slipped up. My only option amongst a sea of BBQ restaurants and Asian eateries where none of the menus were in English was a Korean bakery selling typical Kiwi fodder. Every single item in the cabinet contained meat or fish, but miraculously, in the pie warmer, there it was: ‘vegetarian’. I asked the counter person for the vegetarian pie, and I made sure that he picked it out from the right category. But soon after, when I hungrily chowed down on its flaky pastry, I got a sinking feeling. Yep, he’d sold me a meat pie. I took

it back and tried to explain why I was upset. I got a blank stare of utter incomprehension. After some hesitation, he went out back and chatted to the boss, came back, and gave me a refund. No apology, no explanation.

This will seem like a small matter to those of you who happily partake in the consumption of animal matter, but it’s not. It’s a reminder that while plant-based eating (whether totally vegan or part time) is gaining traction in a massive way, there are segments of society that are willfully ignorant.

Without wanting to sound like a supporter of NZ First, it’s seems that the majority of Asian immigrants to New Zealand simply have no idea about veganism or vegetarianism, and don’t care to. While even meat-oriented cafes in the CBD usually cater to plant eaters because they see profit in it, most Asian restaurants (and don’t mention night markets) are scary prospects for those who have decided - for whatever reason - to be meat free.

While immigrants bring cultural diversity to our city, countries like Korea and China also have woefully lacking standards of animal welfare, and it’s upsetting to see those attitudes seeping into Auckland. In the old days, it was the rotten smell of butchers and fish vendors that used to offend my vegetarian sensibilities; these days, it’s more likely to be ducks hanging from windows or the rank smell of dead animals in various stages of decomposition from the Asian food stores where I buy my tofu.

It makes me wonder: while organisations like SAFE do an admirable job of enlightening English-speaking New Zealanders about animal welfare issues, perhaps the next step is to figure out how to educate immigrant cultures about the pressing issues around the treatment and consumption of animals.

But let’s end on a positive note. The winner of the inaugural Vegan Pie Awards? The Supreme Winner was Richoux Patisserie of Ellerslie for their spiced apple and blueberry fruit pie. Yum! (GARY STEEL) F PN Gary Steel is an Auckland-based journalist who runs online vegetarian resource www.doctorfeelgood.co.nz

! " #$

He can be contacted via beautmusic@gmail.com

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

40 PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2018

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY HERITAGE AUCKLAND HECTORS NZ’S FIRST VEGAN CERTIFIED RESTAURANT Heritage Auckland Hectors restaurant has been announced the first New Zealand restaurant to achieve Vegan Certification by a new scheme created by the New Zealand Vegetarian Society.

The Vegetarian Society is running the Vegan Certification programme in collaboration with the Vegan Society of Aotearoa New Zealand.

“The increasing demand for vegan food and products made this a good time to launch the programme. The certification symbol will make it much easier to select products and dining experiences that are authentically vegan,” says Julia Clements, president of the New Zealand Vegetarian Society.

For Heritage Auckland, the certification involved a stringent, independent audit of every ingredient in the hotel’s Hectors restaurant plant-based menu range.

The rigour of the Vegetarian Society’s certification sent Gerrard O’Keefe, Heritage Auckland’s executive chef, on a major culinary research project, but it was worth it to his mind.

“The New Zealand Vegetarian Society process proved a great discipline and their support is hard earned, so it’s a real honour to be the first restaurant to achieve their accreditation,” says Gerrard O’Keefe.

Heritage’s executive chef Gerrard O’Keefe with Julia Clements, president of the New Zealand Vegetarian Society Hectors restaurant offers a delicious vegan range for breakfast, lunch, high tea and dinner. Worth sampling is ‘The Creative Kitchen - Meat Free Monday’ menu with new seasonal plant-based dishes presented each week.

Hectors restaurant is open seven days and welcomes both in-house guests and casual diners and caters plant-based menus for conferences and weddings upon request.

A six-course plant-based meal will be available on Christmas Day. (Bookings are essential.)

For more on Hector’s dining at Heritage Auckland call 09 979 7434.

Website www.heritagehotels.co.nz/auckland

NEW ZEALAND’S 1ST VEGAN ACCREDITED RESTAURANT Hectors Restaurant at Heritage Auckland is proud to be the first vegan accredited restaurant in New Zealand.

Try our vibrant, flavoursome, nutritious and sustainable food on our menu or celebrate Christmas with our special 6 course plant base Christmas menu.

WWW.HERITAGEHOTELS.CO.NZ/HECTORS

or call 09 979 7434

Hectors Restaurant 35 Hobson Street, Auckland (09) 979 7434 The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

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EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY ACTIVE 4 ANIMALS...

Active 4 Animals is a Grey Lynn-based youth group for vegetarians, vegans and other young people who care about animals. It’s been running for about 10 years now.

The group meets the first Tuesday of the month from 6.30pm to 8pm at The Trades Hall on Great North Road. At each session the kids are involved in activities like creating art or music, movie making, learning about food, nutrition and cooking, watching movies, playing games and more. The group aims to support youth to become and remain vegetarian and vegan by giving them a place to be themselves; where they are the norm and in the majority, not the minority. The kids have a lot of fun at the meetings and really look forward to meeting up. Some have passed the age limit but they just don’t want to leave the group!

Photos from A4A November animal mosaic collages

Their members range in age from 8 to 13 years. They also have occasional external trips for example at the start of the year they hit the streets to walk down to the Ponsonby Food Court where the kids have a budget and get to order their own vegetarian food at any of the stands. They often go to Kelmarna Gardens to learn about gardening and where food comes from. Sometimes they visit the Animal Sanctuary in Matakana to get some hands on experience with animals and make a donation to their work. All meetings involve food whether it be getting involved with preparation or competing in MasterChef challenges!

They have a Facebook page filled with the kinds of activities they get up to: www.facebook.com/Active4Animals The meetings are run by volunteers Amanda Sorrenson, Pia Alderson and Madeleine Bella. Amanda retires this year to start a new youth group on Waiheke island, leaving the group running in the capable hands of Madeleine who is a new entrants teacher at Balmoral School and Pia who is the Events

Manager and sales rep for vegan food producers Angel Food.

The group is sponsored by the NZ Vegetarian Society who administers the group. Anyone wanting to make enquiries about joining A4A can contact the Vegetarian Society: E: active4animlas@vegetraian.org.nz, T: 09 523-4686, or visit www.vegetarian.org.nz/active4animlas

TOP SEVEN SABATO CHRISTMAS GOODIES! With the festive season upon us, Sabato has the shelves stocked high with Christmas treats, gifts and essentials for the holidays.

To make your decision easier, we’ve put together our top 10 favourite Sabato foodie treats this Christmas: 1. Flamigni Panettone - Traditional, artisan, soft, buttery panettone containing quality candied fruit and raisins. Often topped with a glaze.

2. Christmas mince pies - Our family recipe of melt-in-your-mouth Christmas mince pies.

3. Venchi Chocolate Baubles - Assorted milk, dark and hazelnut chocolates in festive tin baubles.

4. Masoni Panforte - Traditional handmade panforte with quality candied fruit, nuts and honey.

5. Flamigni Limited Edition Sabato 25-year anniversary nougat - Top-range brittle nougat with 65% almonds in celebration of Sabato’s 25th birthday.

6. Fiasconaro Panettone - Traditional, Sicilian, artisan panettone with fresh candied orange and sultanas, flavoured with Marsala & Zibibbo (sweet Sicilian wine).

7. Peluso Sicilian Biscuits - Superb, soft, almond-based biscuits in assorted flavours such as lemon, mandarin, orange or pistachio.

For more products, ideas and inspiration, call into our retail store to see our friendly and knowledgeable staff, or visit our website for further information and recipe ideas.

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

42 PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2018

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

METHODE TRADITIONELLE

Award winning bubbly A

5 Fort Lane, CBD T: 09 379 9702 cassiarestaurant.co.nz

Favourite

squawkingmagpie.co.nz

SIDART, Level 1, Three Lamps Plaza, 283 Ponsonby Road T: 360 2122 www.sidart.co.nz The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

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PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2018

43

LIZ WHEADON: WINE, GLORIOUS WINE

It’s all about pink One look at the back page of our Wineletter this December and it is clear that ‘it’s all about pink’ this summer, rosé wine, rosé Champagne and pink gin.

So, what is pink gin? Does rosé have to be pale to be good? And why is rosé champagne more expensive? These and many more questions answered here.

Let’s start with rosé and how it is made, as the production method has a lot to do with the resulting colour. There are three main ways to produce rosé wines; through skin contact, the saignée method and blending.

The first is most commonly used when the aim from the start to the finish is to make rosé. Red skinned grapes are picked, then crushed and the skin and the juice are left together for a short period of time. After this the skins are pressed and then discarded prior to the fermentation. In red wine production, the skins would remain with the juice until after fermentation. The resulting colour of the rosé depends on how long the skins and juice have been in contact for.

This method of producing rosé usually results in wines with tannin and a reasonable amount of colour.

The second method, saignée (meaning ‘bleeding’ in French), is a technique whereby rosé is made as a secondary product to red wine production. This method of production involves removing some of the pink juices from the initial crushing of the red grapes. This juice is then fermented and a rosé produced. By doing this the red wine being produced has more tannin and colour. This style of production results in very light, fruity rosé.

The third method, blending. This is where red and white wines are blended to produce a rosé wine. This method is not as common as the first two and is in fact banned in Europe, except in Champagne, where some rosé Champagne is made this way, predominantly with chardonnay and a little pinot noir added.

So, what makes a great rosé and what should you be looking for?

One thing is for sure, a pale colour in isolation does not determine whether a rosé is brilliant or not. Here are some more facts to take into consideration; Côtes de Provence Rosé. It’s a very large area and not all are excellent in quality, so be very wary of cheap Côtes de Provence wines. Côtes de Provence does produce some of the most exceptional rosés in the world, the very best have a gorgeous fragrance, a delicate hue and wonderful texture.

Rosé made because it was intended to be rosé. The very best rosé wines are those made, year in year out, from grapes intended for rosé, and not from grapes that did not make the red wine cut.

Grapes selected with care. Rosé sales are booming, and it is no surprise that there are a very large number of rosés being made in New Zealand and imported into New Zealand. To ensure that we carry only the best, what we did this year (as we do regularly) was taste all the potential rosés that we could stock and have selected our range very carefully. The range in a Glengarry store is one you can have a high level of confidence in.

My favourite rosés this summer? Château Léoube Rosé and Secret de Léoube are two of my favourites. Château Riotor is a winery and rosé I have been a fan of for years. And on the New Zealand front, Waipara Hills Waipara Rosé 2018 stands, I believe, head and shoulders above many that sit at far higher prices.

Rosé Champagnes are generally slightly fuller bodied, and often drier, than normal champagnes, which makes them an excellent wine for matching with food. Most Champagne houses nowadays will do two or three rosés: a non-vintage, a vintage, and maybe even a prestige cuvee.

As with normal Champagne, the non-vintage represents the ‘house style’, and will usually offer good, if straightforward, drinking and a promise of what is to come with the top wines. Of the non-vintages, I’ve always been a fan of Billecart Salmon Brut Rosé. It always makes the list as one of the ‘best rosés’ and will appear somewhere near the top, and with good reason - it is a lovely, dry style, with copious amounts of strawberry and raspberry, an intriguing minerality, and a beautiful velvety texture. I recently tasted Perrier-Jouët Blasson Rosé and would have to say I was super impressed. A rich, complex rosé with a wonderful hit of dosage that lends this wine nicely to be a perfect aperitif style rosé Champagne.

Pink gin. Apart from the blindingly obvious, that it’s pink, what makes pink gin so cool? There’s various pink botanicals and berries that have been added to gins to make the colour different. Adding these of course makes the taste of the gin different too. Whilst not all are sweet, the Gordon’s pink gin gushes with berries that do give it a sweeter profile, making it sensational with half lemonade and half prosecco in a large glass with ice. Beefeater is full of strawberries.

For me, it’s a bit drier and perfect with tonic and a strawberry to PN garnish. (LIZ WHEADON) F www.glengarry.co.nz

ITT’S ALL ABOUT

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FINE WINE DELIVERED SINCE 1945 | WWW.GLENGARRY.CO.NZ

44 PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2018

|

P: 0800 733 505

| E: SALES@ GLENGARRY.CO.NZ

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

Come in and enjoy nice SAKE with authentic Japanese GYOZA

S

ER N W O ND

SU

NDAY U S Y A MOND NSET SU 4PM -

DRINKS Chapoutier Rose $8 Estrella Damm $8 Absolut Vodka & Soda $8

EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY

SEVENOF DAYS

Christmas set menu for four people or more DAILY DRINKS’ SPECIALS

COCKTAILS Longroom Margarita $10 Aperol Spritz $10 thegyozabar | 171C Ponsonby Road www.gyozabar.co.nz

We are New Leaf Kombucha, New Zealand’s very first pure kombucha taproom and we’ve just opened in Grey Lynn.

LOCATED AT 37 CRUMMER ROAD, we serve five different kombucha flavours on tap and all made on site.

We only use organic ingredients and everything for us begins and ends with the organic teas we import directly from Asia. You just can’t make good kombucha with bad tea.

NEW LEAF KOMBUCHA Not your grandmother’s tea Have a glass and see where we brew OPEN Wednesday – Sunday 10am to 6pm

Cold, crisp and refreshing, all of our kombucha is made with four ingredients... filtered water organic tea organic sugar our organic kombucha culture

37 Crummer Road T: 09 360 0199 www.newleafkombucha.nz @newleafkombucha

Photography: Sharlene Ferguson - Focal Point Photos

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2018

45

PHIL PARKER: WHOSE WINE IS IT ANYWAY?

Christmas crackers - wines for celebration Here comes summer and the holiday season. Whoo-hoo!

It’s time to smell the sun block, fire up the barbecue, feel sand between your toes and listen to cricket on the radio. And time to embrace wines that match well with outdoor entertaining, and celebrating with your nearest and dearest over the festive season. Here are some great personal recommendations. Season’s Greetings from Phil!

Spencer Hill 2015 Nelson Reserve Fumé Sauvignon Blanc - $25 www.spencerhillwine.com Wild yeast ferment and left on the lees residue for nine months.

A bit of oak on the nose plus some typical sav notes of gooseberry and a hint of nectarine. Creamy palate of gooseberry, elderflower, passionfruit with a lemon citrus finish. Definitely a special take on the South Island’s most prolific wine. Match with seafood.

Saint Clair Origin Marlborough Pinot Noir 2017 - $24 (Glengarry) Fantastic value. Ticks all the boxes. Floral nose of ripe cherry and tamarillo, opens up on the palate with ripe fruit and spice - sweet plum and ripe back cherry with a lengthy savoury finish. A classic pinot to rival Central Otago’s best. Great with chicken, duck or mushroom dishes.

Spade Oak Gisborne Tempranillo - $20 (Some Countdown branches) Looks like a medium to light red on first sight, but in fact it’s a quite a grunty and spicy wine, a bit like a muscular pinot noir. Nose of

tamarillo, spice rack and vanilla bean. Palate of ripe cherry, with red and black berry compote, tobacco and earthy spices. Soft tannins.

Pairs with red meats, duck or tomato-based Italian.

Pirathon Black Barossa Shiraz 2016 - $49 www.pirathon.com Wow. Blockbuster, inky Australian shiraz, typically bursting with flavour. Aromas of pot pourri, black pepper and licorice. Opens up on the palate with Black Doris plum, licorice, black currant, dark chocolate, ripe fragrant boysenberry and cassis. Long firm tannic finish. A cracker barbecue match.

Saint Clair Dawn Marlborough MéthodeTraditionelle 2013 - $49 www.WineNZ.com Green gold colour with aromas of yeasty brioche and nectarine. Ripe golden queen peachy mid palate with nougat and a tangy yeasty finish. Fab aperitif style.

No 1 Family Estate Marlborough Rosé NV - $47 (Glengarry) Stunningly good traditional methode 100% Marlborough pinot noir rosé from Daniel Le Brun, whose Champagne-making family has been in France over the last 12 generations. Smells like sour cherry and nougat. Rich, ripe and voluptuously frothy in the mouth with creamy almond nougat, sour cherry, a hint of sweetness. Lengthy finish.

Gorgeous at any time! (PHIL PARKER) F PN

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.

FINE WINE & FOOD TOURS “No. 4 Auckland Food & Drink” – TripAdvisor Your host, Phil Parker wine writer.

Boutique tours for small and large groups.

E: Phil@finewinetours.co.nz

46 PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2018

www.finewinetours.co.nz

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY DINING AT COCORO - ‘A FAULTLESS EXPERIENCE’ 2018 Cuisine Restaurant of the Year winner Cocoro is described by judges as ‘An exceptional Japanese experience to treasure’.

Executive chef and co-owner Makoto Tokuyama shares this success with his customers.

“I want to thank all our regular locals who have supported us over the last eight years, they are part of our success,” says Makoto Tokuyama.

It has been a year of accolades for the Ponsonby restaurant that has just celebrated its eighth birthday. Not only is Cocoro the winner of Cuisine Restaurant of the Year with its highest Three Hats rating, it is also in the Metro Top 50 Restaurant with also the highest rating of Five Spoons for 2018. Its success is no surprise when you consider the thoughtfulness of the menu design and the absolute beauty of the dishes presented.

Cocoro’s signature sashimi platter (pictured) uses only the highest quality seafood mostly from New Zealand, but also feature those from Japan and other parts of the world.

“Our sashimi platter highlights New Zealand’s flavour through its 25-30 different sashimi styles. It’s also the result of my15-plus years of work in New Zealand,” explains Makoto Tokuyama. The platter requires a significant amount of preparation and there’s only limited availability each day, so advanced bookings are required. The dish has proven so popular that it is often booked out two weekends in advance.

Makoto Tokuyama believes the range of New Zealand seafood is wider than most people realise, and he has always sought ways to bring a broader variety of seafood to his restaurant’s tables.

“Until a couple of years ago, the best quality seafood was sent straight to export markets,” says Makoto, who has worked hard to develop trust and relationship with a group of local New Zealand suppliers to ensure access to the best sustainable seafood for his restaurant.

The Cuisine judges describe dining at Cocoro as a ‘faultless experience; a place with a charm, enveloping customers in calmness and serenity’. It is consistently described by those who dine there as intimate, divine and innovative. It is contemporary Japanese cuisine at its very best.

“We will never have large-scale buying power, but I am proud to have contributed to making more seafood varieties available commercially to the public and chefs throughout New Zealand,” says Makoto Tokuyama.

Part of what makes it so special is the careful attention the owners Makoto Tokuyama and Ricky Lee pay to every aspect of the dining experience. Everything from the selection of wines list and sourcing of ingredients are carefully thought through.

With the busy festive season coming up, bookings are essential. This year, besides their usual trading from Tuesday to Saturday, Cocoro will open on Sunday 23 December and Christmas Eve (Monday 24 December) for dinner only. It will close from Christmas Day PN and reopen again on 11 January. F COCORO, 56a Brown Street, T: 09 360 0927, www.cocoro.co.nz

Japanese Restaurant 56a Brown Street 09 360 0927 cocoro.co.nz

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2018

47

EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY

SIT BACK AND ENJOY RELAXED FINE DINING AT LILLIUS Lillius, located on Khyber Pass Road, offers a relaxed style of fine dining. You can select either a threecourse menu, choose your own dishes, or leave it to them to take you on a five-course culinary adventure.

The food at Lillius is based on using local seasonal products. They make everything themselves including their own bread and butter. When preparing the meat dishes, they prefer to utilise whole animals instead of specific cuts; their focus is meat supply from small local farmers. The respect for seasonality shows with their menu which changes every three to four weeks.

The style of service at Lillius is based around ensuring guests feel at home. It is attentive but not pretentious. Lillius is a place where you can watch the chefs work, dine on fine food, but always feel comfortable and well looked after.

Lillius's opening hours are Wednesday to Saturday evenings from 6pm. Lunch is served on Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 12 noon. The same menu options are available for lunch and dinner.

On Sundays they do things a little differently; they still offer the three or fivecourse menus, but both menus are decided by the kitchen on the day. This allows you to sit back, choose something to drink and enjoy your Sunday in the best way possible. You can book direct via the Lillius website or by phone.

LILLIUS RESTAURANT, 19 Khyber Pass Road, T: 09 217 4069, www.lillius.co.nz

For a relaxed yet sophisticated New Zealand dining experience

LILLIUS RESTAURANT 19 Khyber Pass Road, Auckland 09 217 4069 www.lillius.co.nz

48 PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2018

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

THE WINE AUCTION ROOM Reece Warren’s face lights up when he talks about rare and fine wine, but truly great wines are the sweet spot for the man in charge of the country’s newest wine auction company, The Wine Auction Room.

The New Zealand based company opened its virtual doors for business in February 2018 and held its first monthly auction in April - online.

“A truly great wine is one that resonates with the drinker. It may be for the memory it holds or the memory it’s about to create. The great wines of the world are agnostic to price and everything about the value prescribed by the buyer. Which is why wine bought at auction is a great way to understand the market value of that wine at that moment in time.”

The key to wine auction success is to give the buyers the best experiences possible.

“We are creating a fresh approach to specialist wine auctions so that our buyers have confidence when they bid with us. We support our buyers with quality information ranging from the condition of the bottle, photos of the actual bottles on offer (not stock photos), the cellaring conditions as well as scores from reputable critics around the world,” says Reece.

Knowledge and provenance are two essential ingredients in buying wine at auction.

Reece has worked in every aspect of the wine industry from growing grapes, working vintage and selling wine to running tastings, auction houses and, now, his own specialist wine auction company.

Reece has dreamed of having a wine auction business ever since he studied the Wine & Spirit Education Trust’s highest qualification, the WSET Level 4 Diploma in London, in the early 1990s.

In those days, he regularly attended Christie’s and Sotheby’s wine auctions. He later joined Webbs as the head of its Rare and Fine Wine Department. Setting up his own wine auction company was the obvious next step.

He says any wine or spirit that is in a saleable condition qualifies for auction and while he cannot absolutely verify its storage conditions, storage remains an important aspect of all products he sells. When asked how fussy he is about the storage of the wines he sells: “Very” he says, simply.

“You can never tell what is in the bottle as it is sealed but we can make sure that the wine has been stored in a way that is suitable for the long term. As we can’t visit every cellar, we get wines from, I place a lot of trust in the vendors about their storage and what they tell me in the many questions I ask them about their cellars.”

Wines that sell on The Wine Auction Room’s online auctions include those from New Zealand and further afield. Local classics include Dry River Wines from Martinborough and Te Mata Coleraine from Hawke’s Bay, both of which fetch high prices and a strong following on The Wine Auction Room’s online wine auctions, which suggest that auctions can build up a strong following for relatively new brands in the global wine picture.

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

One of the myths he would like to dispel about buying wine at auction is the question of age. “Just because it’s old, doesn’t necessarily mean it’s good.

If a wine tasted dodgy back in the 1970s, then it’s not necessarily going to taste any better now. The wines we sell need to be good to start off with, irrespective of price.”

Reece is no stranger to the great wines of the world - the most expensive bottle he has ever sold was an imperial (six litre bottle) of Chateau Haut Brion - but his key to selling wine online via The Wine Auction Room, is to deliver great taste experiences for an affordable price.

“Accessibility is key - we want to give all our customers a great experience to turn them onto great wines at prices they can afford, no matter what their budget. Many believe that wine auctions are just for wines that are expensive or unobtainable, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. There are often well priced wines and many everyday wines that have often been cellared and are ready for drinking now. They offer great value for an interesting drink at an attractive price - an experience that you couldn’t find elsewhere,” says Reece.

One such example was a wine in The Wine Auction Room’s June auction this year. Its reserve was $16 while its recommended retail price was about $30. Such a wine has strong appeal to a wide range of wine lovers while other wines have average global price tags of $3650 and reserve prices of just $2000 at auction, which can make collectible bottles very attractive to collectors of high-priced bottles.

One of the key features that sets The Wine Auction Room apart from its competitors in the New Zealand market is its offer of gift certificates. The perfect gift for experienced and novice wine enthusiasts that enables the recipient the opportunity to purchase a wide range of collectible wines. “Our online platform is easy to navigate and makes bidding easy, without needing to turn up at a definite time and place.”

Its doors may be metaphorical but if you’re up for a chat about wine, the country’s new wineauctionroom.com is the place to go, either on a virtual buying tour or in person by meeting owner Reece Warren, the man behind the wineauctionroom.com (JOELLE THOMSON) The Wine Auction Room has a physical office in Grey Lynn, and an online one here: wineauctionroom.com

DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2018

49

EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY FACES @ GREY LYNN FARMERS MARKET Yusef Özbal is the man behind Zeki’s Turkish bread and cafes.

Where are you from?

I was born in Ankara, Turkey. Before I came to New Zealand, I distributed farm products - grain and wheat.

How did you come to New Zealand?

I had heard lots of good things about New Zealand so I came for a holiday to have a look. I didn’t know anyone here but I decided to move my family.

Why move all that way?

I love it here - people are smiling and there’s no stress. Life is simple and it is not hard to achieve something if you want to. It is more relaxed than Turkey.

What did you do when you got here?

I started working here, making bread for Zeki. In 2006, I bought half the company. In 2013, I bought the rest of the business.

Is it just bread?

No - With the cafe we started making other traditional foods - dips, stuffed gözleme, börek. We have vegetarian and vegan options. We make everything fresh with all natural ingredients.

Do you sell in supermarkets?

No - we supply to many cafes, restaurants, delis and a few small retailers, but the unsupervised supermarket shelves are no place for our bread. We do not use preservatives so our bread needs to be sold fresh. That is why selling at the farmers market works so well.

We use an authentic recipe and a method dating back to biblical times, repeated by successive generations of bakers. We bake the Turkish pide in a woodfired oven.

What do you like about Grey Lynn Farmers Market?

It’s the regulars who turn up every week no matter what the weather.

It is those dedicated customers that make me turn up every week,

even when challenging things happen. I don’t want to let our customers down.

How big is the business?

We started with the factory in Henderson making Turkish bread and then opened a cafe at the front because people kept coming to the factory wanting to buy our bread. We sell at four farmers markets.

And we have just opened a new cafe on Karangahape Road, in the same block as the Mobil station. My son Andy is running that.

What about Zeki, is he still involved?

No, but we are still friends and his wife, Clare Hindmarsh, designed our new cafe in Karangahape Road.

What do you do when you aren’t working?

I don’t get much time off because this is a seven-day-a-week business and there is always something that needs to be done. I used to have a big vegetable garden but it is overgrown now. I love reading, mainly Turkish authors like Orhan Pamuk - in Turkish of course. F PN www.glfm.co.nz

FREE CHRISTMAS MEAL @ SATYA

COCKTAIL RECIPE

For almost a decade the Indian restaurant Satya has been providing free Christmas meals on Christmas Day and they are doing it again this year.

With summer coming up there’s nothing like a cold Cosmopolitan on a long hot night.

Cosmopolitan

As Sammy Akuthota tells us, "Once again a completely free Christmas meal to give back to the Auckland community that has supported us through the years. One and all are welcome. Please pass this information on to any tourists who do not have a family to spend Christmas day with or families who have had a tough year and want to celebrate with the Satya family at any of our sites.

Ingredients 30ml vodka 15ml cointreau 30ml cranberry juice a squeeze of lime juice 15ml sugar syrup Slice of lime

"There will be a special menu so that we can look after as many people as possible. We will try our best to look after simple dietary requirements so that everyone can enjoy. There will be vegetarian and vegan options available.” F PN

Equipment you’ll need A stainless steel cocktail shaker Martini glass Jigger (measurer)

SATYA SOUTH INDIAN RESTAURANTS, 17 Great North Road Grey Lynn; 57 Mt Eden Road; 515 Sandringham Road; Satya Chai Lounges - 271 Karangahape Road; 515a Sandringham Road

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice, add in vodka, cointreau, cranberry juice, sugar syrup and lime juice. Shake and strain into a chilled Martini glass. Add lime slice onto the rim of the glass to garnish.

(KERRY LEE) F PN

50 PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2018

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

Experience the magic of Matakana, stay at one of our luxurious new Plume Villas and enjoy the superb food and À QH ZLQH DW 3OXPH 5HVWDXUDQW &RXQWU\ OLIH VWDUWV KHUH A one-hour scenic drive north of Auckland and 5 minutes from 0DWDNDQD WRZQVKLS \RX ZLOO À QG Plume Restaurant, an oasis for gourmet travellers in a coastal country setting. Recognised for its superb cuisine, and as the cellar door for Runner Duck Estate 9LQH\DUG¡V À QH ZLQHV 3OXPH Restaurant has gained quite a reputation.

Now, 12 new luxury Plume Villas, ranging from 1-3 bedrooms, have been added within the grounds.

These all share a swimming pool and are within a relaxed stroll of the restaurant. No matter the season or the length of your stay, you will À QG 3OXPH 9LOODV D FRPIRUWDEOH place to base yourself while enjoying the many delights nearby, including the fabulous food and wine at Plume Restaurant. $OUHDG\ ERDVWLQJ D SULYDWH OLJKW À OOHG function room, Plume Restaurant has just become the perfect venue for weddings, conferences, meetings and private events set within a peaceful country location.

www.theplumecollection.co.nz

37 Sharp Road, Matakana 09 422 7915 / 09 283 3630 SCL/PLU2018/15

49A Sharp Road Matakana 09 422 7915

1335 Leigh Road, Matakana 09 423 0390

Cellar door Plume Restaurant 09 422 7915

PONSONBY NEWS READERS ARE EVERYWHERE

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1. We LOVE your magazine and always take it to NIUE when we run retreats there (Wellness Retreats NZ + The Boyd Clinic). Pictured are Melissa Carroll who is teaching the yoga on the left and Kaytee Boyd on the right - and REALLY relaxed guests on the floor (ha ha!).

2. Ron Craig from Ponsonby law firm ChambersCraigJarvis about to embark on a two hour journey up 1700 steps up the mountain to Temple Lempuyang Lukur on BALI. Sarong not just colour coordinated but obligatory. 3. Ron Craig having received succour from a local whose water stop is about an hour up the steps of Temple Lempuyang, Bali, offers her a bit of Ponsonby culture. Mostly locals doing their pilgrimages and not many tourists.

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.

52 PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2018

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PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

TRAVEL BREAKS: THE NEW THERAPY!

TOP TRAVEL DESTINATIONS FOR 2019 Kiwis are such avid travellers, the pressure is always on to find the next ‘hot’ destination, the new horizon.

Based on enquiries for travel in 2019, here are our predictions of destinations emerging at the top of the nation’s travel desires.

ALASKA Don’t leave it for your retirement! There is so much more to Alaska than big ship cruises. Head for the Interior with its towering peaks, expansive tundra, and Denali National Park. Even on the highway from Anchorage to Fairbanks you need to lookout for wildlife. Go fishing, dog sledding, kayaking or rafting, or travel in April for the best Northern Lights viewing. For the ultimate in bear viewing head for Kodiak in the South West.

PANAMA Take the engineering feat of the Panama Canal, add in lush jungles teeming with wildlife, endless tropical beaches, a lively culture and the best coffee in the world, and there’s no wonder Panama is in demand.

Spanish colonial architecture, pirate history and the epic Panama Canal story add to the diversity of this tiny nation lying between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Often combined with eco-tourism friendly Costa Rica, this is Central America at its best.

NAMIBIA Okay, so you can get exceptional wildlife in Botswana, and gorgeous wine regions in South Africa, but nowhere else offers Namibia’s unique flavour. From the vast towering dunes of Sossusvlei, to the rare desert-adapted wildlife of Damaraland, the Germanic architecture of coastal Swakopmund and the staunchly traditional Himba tribes, this is a land of survival in harsh yet breathtakingly beautiful landscapes.

Prepare to fall in love with Namibia and its people.

WORLD COLLECTION 2019

JAPAN The charm of Japan should never be underestimated - prepare to be surprised! A highlight for many is the food - fresh, delicious and revered, and for others it’s the people - unfailingly polite and friendly.

Amidst the hustle of Tokyo you’ll find an orderly metro system, and beautiful gardens hidden amongst the skyscrapers. Outside the cities you’ll find forests and mountains, macaque monkeys soaking in natural hot springs, and traditional thatched houses that wouldn’t look out of place in the Swiss Alps. Go in spring for the Cherry Blossom season, or go for the rugby next year and catch the autumn foliage of Hokkaido.

IRELAND You don’t need Irish heritage to visit the Emerald Isle, your Kiwi accent is enough to ensure a warm welcome and a healthy dash of humour.

Dublin, Blarney Castle and Waterford Crystal are all well and good, but we recommend hiring a car and travelling the countryside south of Dublin, dotted with beautiful villages, lakes and castle ruins. Stop in at the village of Cobh from where the Titanic last set sail, and allow time to take some walks in Killarney National Park. Staying in stately country house hotels and manors will give you a taste of the old Ireland, and a truly local atmosphere.

Where will your new horizon be in 2019? Check out our new World Collection 2019 brochures and see where they take you.

Brochures out now!

See more of the world in our World Collection 2019 brochures, featuring tailor-made travel to Africa, Latin America, Antarctica, the Arctic, Canada & Alaska, Asia, India, the Middle East, Europe, and more!

Order free copies at worldjourneys.co.nz/brochures

T 09 360 7311 www.worldjourneys.co.nz /worldjourneys

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2018

53

ROSS THORBY: SEA FEVER

Madeira - it's not all cake and wine you know lt all started innocently enough. I was offered a glass of fine Madeira the other night (apparently it’s back in fashion) and a terrifying flashback propelled itself from the deep recesses of my consciousness to my frontal lobe, the sensation of a dark abyss and me spiralling out of control down a steep incline in abject terror … but I’m getting ahead of myself.

Although, I will say it brings back the memory of a day in Madeira.

Madeira you see, is a rather fabulous Portuguese Archipelago set in the North Atlantic 300 miles west of Morocco, bathed in a glorious Atlantic sun and protected by grand craggy cliffs. It boasts a year-round spring climate and combined with its rich volcanic soil, produces a wide abundance of Mediterranean-style produce supporting a tradition of gastronomy and culture. If you are a foodie - this is the place to come.

Of course cruising and food go together and so it’s Portugal’s leading cruise liner port for very good reason. It offers passengers a wide variety of spectacular landscapes and experiences and is only a few day’s sail from the repressive confines of Mother England.

The capital, Funchal, was settled in the 1400s and what remains of those early years of Portuguese habitation is a colourful history smattered by the residence of Christopher Columbus and a slave economy supporting what was to become a sugar cane powerhouse - the 15 and 16 Centuries' version of white gold.

More recently it was boasted as the birthplace of Cristiano Ronaldo - more white gold.

Deeply Catholic, Madeira’s high hills are interspersed by exotically decorated churches dedicated to various saints and sinners and a vast array of mansions called 'Quinta' - left over from the wealthy classes who fled from the foothills to the mountains for some relief from the summer’s heat.

The multitude of church bell towers toll out their sound across the steep volcanic slopes, bouncing off the old stone walls that line the smooth roads and terraced gardens, while from the coast up towards the abundant plantations on the palisades, an aerial cable car stretches silently skywards. Suspended high in the air and hovering over a myriad of dilapidated but otherwise occupied Quinta, you are offered a birdseye view as you peer into the lives of the inhabitants cultivating and cherishing their orchards and garden plots thriving in the fertile soil of the Andisol. Oblivious to the curious sailing high above their heads, they work their bountiful crops that are destined to feed the town below just as generations before them have.

It is these cultivations that in a way, had caused my nightmarish recall, for it’s not just a dubious wine and cake that Madeira is most famous for, but a hair-raising toboggan ride, 'The Carros de Cesto'. Originally you see, they propelled cane baskets full of produce, down the steep roads to the market below and more recently it morphed into offering tourists a very thrilling ride.

54 PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2018

To hell in a hand-basket so to speak.

But first, think about it folks - they carried vegetables not people.

Now, wheel-less toboggans are not a ride for the faint hearted. You begin by choosing a pair of drivers that you think look the most experienced. Those you think may have something to live for. It is they who launch you from the top of the hill, careening through a series of corners and dips along a public road gaining speeds of up to 38km an hour. A stone wall on one side and the other a drain protecting a terrifying drop to the valley floor below.

Your two outriders, famous for their looks and straw hats, lean and turn into the corners, communicating by a series of whistles and hand gestures. Deafened by terrified screams reverberating off the walls and houses on the hill, you open your eyes to realise that it’s not some escaped maniac screaming at the top of their voice, but yourself.

Your guttural cries are a primal response to the caress of the wind from the near misses of cars, horses and pedestrians sensibly making their way down the hill attempting to avoid you and the wind whirling past them.

Then it’s over. The handsome outriders help you unravel from the confines of the flimsy basket, your pins shaking and unsure, your dazed mind trying to gather its wits before they hold out their hats.

“What? You scare me half to death and now you want a tip?” The questionable gift that keeps on giving - an experience not lightly forgotten. (ROSS THORBY) F PN

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

TRAVEL BREAKS SUMMER CRUISING & ACTIVITIES

Get out on the water these summer holidays with a range of activities from The Red boats.

BECOME A FRIEND OF

THE RIVERHEAD CRUISER

MOTUIHE ISLAND FERRY

Cruise to the Riverhead – historic tavern

Spend the day on an Island paradise with the Red boats Motuihe Ferry

Trips depart daily from Pier Z Westhaven Marina $35pp Adults $15pp children

Trips depart daily $35pp Adults $15pp Children

FISHING CHARTERS

K ELMARNA GARDENS KELMARNA G A R D E NS

Catch the big one these summer Holidays on a Red boats Fishing charter!

Public Trips depart Twice daily from $55pp

FOR AS FOR AS LITTLE LITTLE AS AS $$55 A M MONTH ONT H Your regular donation will help connect more school children with nature, empower people all

over Auckland with sustainable living choices and develop and maintain a therapeutic garden. Join now at: www.kelmarnagardens.nz/donate

Book online at www.theredboats.co.nz Ph 0800 Redboats for more details

www.thesurreyhotel.co.nz

Retail, restaurants and recreation all on your doorstep ™ ™ ™ ™ ™

-BSHF TFMG DPOUBJOFE SPPNT BOE BQBSUNFOUT 4FMFDUJPO PG NFFUJOH SPPNT )PNF PG UIF 4VSSFZ 1VC 'SFF DPBDI BOE DBS QBSLJOH )BQQZ )PVS QN QN The Surrey Hotel 465 Great North Road, Grey Lynn, Auckland, New Zealand Phone + 64 9 378 9059 Fax + 64 9 378 1464 Email reservations@thesurreyhotel.co.nz www.thesurreyhotel.co.nz

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2018

55

FASHION + STYLE NEW MOONTIDE FLAGSHIP STORE TO OPEN PRE CHRISTMAS New Zealand’s most iconic swimwear brand is set to make its home in Grey Lynn with an exciting new 150sqm store at 24 Williamson Avenue.

Located a stone's throw from Ponsonby Road, the newly fitted store will also be the home of the Piha and Quayside brands, creating the country’s most comprehensive range of New Zealand swimwear brands brought together under one roof.

With customer parking available and seven luxurious changing rooms, the shopper experience will be as comfortable as the perfectly fitting swimwear.

Piha

To celebrate the new opening, Moontide is offering Ponsonby News readers a 10% store-wide discount when they quote this article - the discount is valid through to the end of January.

The three swimwear brands are well represented in a wide range of stores across Auckland, New Zealand and indeed the world, but this is the first flagship store the brand will have had in New Zealand for more than a decade.

Moontide Sales and Marketing Manager Sarah Taylor says: “We are so excited to open this store and restore a true flagship retail offer for this proud New Zealand brand - at last it is back in a home on the New Zealand high street and we can show - our complete collection of swimwear on one shiny new floor.”

Over almost four decades, Moontide has grown from a proud New Zealand brand to be represented in more than 50 countries around the world. The highest quality fabrics and innovations are sourced from the world’s leading fabric mills to create the best fitting swimwear and give beach confidence to women the world over. Available in leading department stores, specialist swimwear boutiques and surf stores globally, Moontide’s award-winning collections reflect a south sea island heritage and with a commitment to using only the finest fabrics and latest garment technology.

Moontide

With a wide range of sizes and cup fittings to G-cup, Moontide prides itself on its superb fit and strives to create the perfect silhouette to help every woman achieve beach confidence. With decades of experience buying lingerie and swimwear and heading-up fitting teams for the likes of Harrods and Rigby and Peller London, Sarah’s goal is for the new Moontide store to become the home of the perfect-fit for the discerning swimwear shopper.

This season’s Moontide collection is both refined and super sexy as embodied in the latest campaign. The range truly has something for every woman, from tribal adventures with textural prints, to bohemian styles inspired by travels through the far east - right through to floral prints and the ever-present classic stripes and vibrant solids in Moontide’s timeless shapes.

Piha

The new store is also home to the Piha and Quayside brands. Since its inception in 2011, Piha has taken inspiration from the natural beauty and sun-soaked coast of New Zealand and woven this into its swimwear design.

This season’s Piha collection is fun and vibrant. There is plenty on offer for the young fashionista with vintage shapes, pops of ethnic chic and for those who like a bit of action, sporty shapes abound.

The Quayside brand is a focused offer comprising six beautiful prints that all work back to the solid options of black, navy and royal blue. The classic swimwear tones work effortlessly with the array of shapes that form a collection designed for the elegant woman with fit, function and durability at its core.

The new Moontide store is located at 24 Williamson Avenue, Grey Lynn, starting in December it will be open from 10am to 5pm, Monday to Saturday.

For more information please contact the store on 09 218 8780, or www.store@moontide.com

56 PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2018

Moontide PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

MOONTIDE.COM

NEW STORE NOW OPEN 24 WILLIAMSON AVENUE, GREY LYNN PH: 09 551 7720

FASHION + STYLE THE SUCCESS OF GREY LYNN BUSINESS NATURE BABY Jacob Faull, co-owner with wife Georgia, of Nature Baby, describes himself as “the change he wishes to see in the world.”

The Faulls have flown somewhat under the radar in Grey Lynn. When I asked Jacob if I could profile him, his business and his recent activities with the Grey Lynn Business Association, I half expected a ‘no thank you’ from him.

Jacob has never sought the limelight. He is modest and unassuming, but highly principled and with a strong commitment to sustainable business and strong local communities.

Jacob and Georgia started their business as so many others do, out of their flat in Ponsonby, 20 years ago.

They wanted quality sleepwear, skincare and play toys for their own children. Jacob explained the importance of breathable bedding materials, especially mattresses.

Nature Baby has grown steadily just like Jacob’s children - Eliza now 20, Nat 16 and Thea 10.

They use a considerable amount of local merino wool, but source their organic cotton from India. An excellent business relationship has developed with a couple in Gujarat who make their garments.

The Indian business has grown as Nature Baby has. The team visits India each season to coordinate the manufacture of their products and continue this relationship with Georgia and Jacob both visiting regularly too.

Wholefoods for a litre of Rice Dream and some un-yeasted Findhorn bread.”

The new involvement of Jacob in the Business Association has quickly raised his local profile and he is making a huge impact. Jacob has the kind of quiet but amusing personality that wins people over.

In a time of local division, particularly over cycle lanes and road makeovers, with criticism of Auckland Transport and the Waitemata Local Board, Jacob always rises above the vitriol spewed out by a few locals. He wants serious collaboration and consultation and everyone inside the tent. He invites politicians, business people and residents to tell his association what it wants for its community, and to seek consensus.

With strong but quiet determination, Jacob Faull will soon be well known throughout our local suburbs, and his inclusiveness and sincerity will become obvious.

Grey Lynn and the wider Greater Ponsonby News region will be all the richer for having Jacob Faull on board, to help lead the business community forward in a positive and constructive way towards a brighter era.

I sincerely hope the whole community will get behind Jacob whose PN vision is positive, inclusive and selfless. (JOHN ELLIOTT) F www.naturebaby.co.nz

“Our business is a commercial version of activism, and we have created a business model that supports organic agriculture, supports social accountability in the work place, and expands parents’ empathy for a better world and the best for their baby to wear, eat and play with.”

Nature Baby is both idealistic and capitalistic at the same time, Jacob explains. They support a strong, but fair version of the world, along with a successful business model. They put money back into the community, supporting schools, play groups, local organic gardens, environmental organisations, groups for the disabled. They go to local boards to encourage them and other businesses to think the same way.

This is a business that is very connected to the local community and its ideals.

Some people come to Nature Baby because they are organic, some come for the quality and some because of their design ethic. All are determined to do the best for their children.

The Grey Lynn-centric business attempts to replicate the atmosphere of Grey Lynn as they expand overseas. Jacob and his team are looking for the ‘Grey Lynn suburb’ in the ‘Grey Lynn city’ in different parts of the world.

photography: Crawford Photography

Nature Baby now has three New Zealand concept stores and they sell on-line around the world. They cater for new born, infant, toddler and ‘kids’, all under five.

Jacob feels the time is right for him to give back to the community which has embraced his business, so he has taken up the role of co-chair of the Grey Lynn Business Association.

Jacob explains, “We have lived in the area as students, young parents and business owners for the last 24 years. I originally discovered Grey Lynn when I walked from Mt Albert to Mamata and Harvest

58 PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2018

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

FASHION + STYLE @ CARATS

A selection of Carats Jewellery's beautiful creations from past and present.

CARATS, 25 Vulcan Lane, Auckland CBD, T: 09 309 5145, www.caratsjewellery.co.nz

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2018

59

FASHION + STYLE @ DIAMONDS ON RICHMOND 1. Pave Set Diamond Bangle - 18ct white gold - 1.50ct (Total Diamond Weight) - $9900 - Christmas sale price $7920 2. Diamond Earrings - available in white or yellow gold - Prices start from $345 3. Diamond Circle Pendant - 9ct white gold - 0.25ct (Total Diamond Weight) - $2145 - Christmas sale price $1716 4. Morganite & Diamond Ring - 9ct rose gold - $1450 - Christmas sale price $1160 5. Diamond Square Cluster Ring - 9ct white gold, 0.50ct TDW - $2500 - Christmas sale price $2000 6. Six Stone Diamond Ring - 9ct white gold - $3900 - Christmas sale price $3120

CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE

1

As the festive seasons dawns upon us, many of us are coming to the realisation that we can’t put off our Christmas shopping forever. Luckily, Diamonds On Richmond is here to help.

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Jewellery is a gift that can cater to anyone. Whether the person you are buying for has a simplistic taste or a love for glitz and glamour, there is something for everyone.

Coming up to Christmas, it’s often difficult to refrain from going overboard with your spending. To your advantage, the boutique jewellery store puts the price in your hands and can tailor any design to suit your budget. If you have something particular in mind, Diamonds On Richmond are easily able to tailor any design to suit your budget.

No stress.

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With Diamond On Richmond’s 30 day exchange policy, you’ll have a peace of mind after your purchase whether it was something over the counter or custom made.

If you’ve left your Christmas shopping a bit last minute or don’t have the time to visit in-store, the family-run business have a newly launched Tailormade Gift Service on their website.

The result of the online process is the ideal gift based upon your answers to a few questions as it asks about your budget and the person you are buying for. Easy as that.

'Tis the season to be jolly, not to be stressed about buying gifts! Visit Diamonds On Richmond in store or check out their website www.dor.co.nz

60 PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2018

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DIAMONDS ON RICHMOND, 98 Richmond Road, Grey Lynn, T: 09 376 9045, www.dor.co.nz

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

FASHION + STYLE @ MAGAZINE DESIGNER

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White Label Noba Avery Top & Capri Pant White Label Noba Tucci Kaftan White Label Noba Isabella Top White Label Noba Avery Top & White Label Noba Ava Pants White Label Noba Bella Top & White Label Noba Tilly Pant White Label Noba Carmen Top and White Label Noba Poppy Skirt White Label Noba Pippa Dress

MAGAZINE DESIGNER CLOTHING, 4 Byron Avenue, Takapuna, T: 09 488 0406, 937 Mt Eden Road, T: 09 630 5354, www.magazineclothing.co.nz

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2018

61

HOROSCOPES: MISS PEARL NECLIS WHAT YOUR STARS HOLD FOR DECEMBER

♐ Sagittarius (the Archer): 23 November - 22 December

♊

You seem to have a bit of a money issue this month or so you think. Having lots is never enough and you have a fear of losing everything. Reassess your goals in life and you will find you can manage better.

Gemini (the Twins): 22 May - 21 June Looking back is probably not the healthiest thing you can do right now. You keep thinking of your past, but remember we all have memories that are different and bring up things differently so keep what you remember to yourself.

♑ Capricorn (the Goat): 23 December - 20 January

♋ Cancer (the Crab): 22 June - 22 July

Don’t use all your energy focusing on what might never be. You can use all the choices you have now to create whatever future you want.

♒ Aquarius (the Water Carrier): 21 January - 19 February

There are definitely parts of yourself that you don’t like or are unhappy with. Don’t think too much about the past as it can’t be changed but you can alter your future.

♓

Pisces (the Fish): 20 February - 20 March You have a choice this month of not getting swept up in other people's emotions or staying inside and avoiding everyone. The latter is just impossible to do so you may as well face the fact that you have to be a shoulder for someone to cry on.

♈ Aries (the Ram): 21 March - 20 April

You have loads of energy just ready to burst out. Hold on to your horses though. Your goals have to be reassessed if you are to reach your full potential.

♉ Taurus (the Bull): 21 April - 21 May

You have a thirst for knowledge and all that you absorb makes you hungry for more.

Stop looking for answers to something that you’ll never get to the bottom of. It will only drain you.

You are busy seeing to the needs of a few others at the moment and it’s not giving you the time you deserve. You can look forward to something special coming up though.

You’ve been looking forward to a change and it’s almost upon you.

♌

Leo (the Lion): 23 July - 21 August You’re making improvements all around you but still you get frustrated with yourself.

Don’t beat yourself up about it. Whatever changes you make will be for the good of those who have your ear.

♍ Virgo (the Virgin): 22 August - 23 September

You get bored so easily and it takes a lot to get your attention. Whatever you decide to do that will indulge your pleasure, go for it as long as it doesn’t hurt anyone.

♎ Libra (the Scales): 24 September - 23 October

If someone in charge is giving you a hard time it might not be for the reasons you think.

You’re tougher than you know and before you do anything drastic look at what’s going on around you and things might make some sense.

♏ Scorpio (the Scorpion): 24 October - 22 November

Don’t over analyse your decisions this month. If you think it’s the right thing to do then do it. You’ll get lots of no’s from your closest friends but ultimately you have to decide what’s best for you.

THERE ARE NOW 254 PLACES IN THE WESTERN BAYS, WHERE YOU CAN EAT, DRINK AND BE MERRY. They are all listed in the Ponsonby Little Black Book... ponsonbynews.co.nz/ponsonby-little-black-book

62 PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2018

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

LIVING, THINKING + BEING

KEEPING CALM OVER CHRISTMAS Christmas is a time of the year most of us look forward to, but with it comes pressures and expectations - that feeling of stress creeping up on Christmas Day, the pressure to provide, the pressure to host and the pressure to live up to expectations.

This often results in feeling overwhelmed, overfed and sometimes hungover. But you don’t need to wait until New Year's Day for the resolutions, A repa is here to get you through the festive season by supporting your brain and body.

Auckland local Angus Brown developed A repa after losing loved ones to cognitive related illness. While working for an energy drink company, Brown teamed up with the help of world renowned neuroscientist Professor Andrew Scholey to develop a beverage for the brain that was natural and good for you.

- for alpha, as in the alpha brain wave frequency) is made Arepa (Maori right here in Auckland. A repa is a clinically researched ‘Smart Drink’ proven to reduce mental fatigue and support neurological function during times of stress, pressure and anxiety. It is also packed to the brim with plant based natural bioactives. Here are six reasons why A repa can be a helping hand for you over the break: 1. Keeping Calm - Tense about the in-laws staying? Have that social event coming up that you’re a bit nervous about? A repa contains 200mg of the relaxing amino acid L-theanine which is shown to support stress and anxiety without making you drowsy.

2. Competition - Many of us have that sibling or relation we compete against, from Scrabble, to barbecuing to backyard cricket - A repa contains New Zealand blackcurrant extract which has been proven to reduce mental fatigue and improve alertness so you can stay quick witted and on your A game at all times.

3. Immunity - Push the boat out too much on Christmas Day then need to get up early to make that bacon and egg pie for the Boxing Day beach trip? A repa contains polyphenols from New Zealand pine bark extract and blackcurrant extract as well as vitamin C so your circulation is flowing and your immune system is supported.

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

4. Coffee? It’s summer, it’s hot, do you really need that first or second cup? Arepa is a delicious and refreshing cold alternative, that is caffeine free and counters its negative effects, so if you’re addicted to the brown bean but hate the jitters, you can count on A repa to keep things chill.

5. The perfect alternative to wine - A repa looks like red wine, has fewer calories and zero alcohol (which means zero carcinogens), so if you’re socialising but want to stay sober and covert, sneak a bottle of this dark berry velvet juice in your wine glass and no one will know otherwise...

6. Back to work - We all know it takes a lot effort to beat the holiday inertia to get into the swing of things, Arepa’s formula is patented to improve mental clarity so why not stay sharp and kick that first week off with fine form.

For more information head over to www.drinkarepa.com

DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2018

63

HELENE RAVLICH: LOCAL BEAUTY

Jeanine Chell, Facial Alchemy In the beauty world at the moment I hear a lot of talk of ‘intuitive’ facial work, which is the act of going deeper than just the skin to address the whole person.

Sadly, it seems that many practitioners are just jumping on the bandwagon, throwing a few crystals in the mix, waving about some sage for an Instagram photo and hoping for the best.

Jeanine Chell is most definitely not one of those facialists however, and as I’ve got to know her I have been increasingly amazed by both her depth of knowledge when it comes to skin, and the many incredible alternative modalities that she calls upon when treating it.

She is a proud, card-carrying member of what many term The Slow Beauty movement, which describes a growing sub-culture of facial therapists who have lost faith in the ‘quick-fix’, often invasive products and procedures that abound in the beauty industry. This enlightened group is instead drawn to a holistic approach to skincare with a focus on dermo-nutrition, wellness and genuine skin health from the inside out.

An authority on taking an intuitive approach to facial therapies for many years, Jeanine has long believed that treating each and every client as a whole person, and addressing their skin and overall wellness concerns accordingly, elicits the best results. From a tranquil space on Turangi Road in Grey Lynn she puts this into practice on a daily basis, and her loyal client base keeps coming back for more.

She says that she spent the first half of her career “learning what I like to refer to now as ‘how not to treat skin’, with aggressive treatments and a quick fix approach,” but views those years as an invaluable education rather than a waste of precious time. “My experiences over those years really did lead me to a place where I can confidently say that having experienced the contrast, I know that working holistically gets far better results. I see sick, impaired skin becoming healthy, glowing and resilient on a daily basis.” She sees tricky skin conditions (like my own rosacea) as a challenge, and calls on a full arsenal of working styles and philosophies when creating a treatment plan that works for each individual client.

which Jeanine says, “Delivers beautifully plumped, vibrant skin paired with deep relaxation and a greater sense of wellbeing.” Tension held in the face, décolletage, neck, shoulders and scalp melt away with massage, acupressure point work, warm compress therapy and Gua Sha, before a craniosacral therapy treatment begins to stimulate your body’s natural healing processes and physical vitality. Finally, a chakra balancing restores tranquillity to your system that will last for days. “You will leave tension-free, with dewy skin and a deep feeling of connection to self,” she says, making me want to book in for one even more!

Jeanine tells me over a cup of Bestow Beauty tea (another amazing brand she works with) that she can’t emphasise enough how much a quality touch, advanced massage skills and healing work can greatly benefit the whole system, so hence the skin. “Every client and every skin is so different, and we all have so many stories to tell that have brought us to where we are today,” says the skin wellness superstar. “I’m always learning, and getting to know each new client at a deeper level is a revelation, and a great challenge for me as a skin specialist. I am working not only with the human structure, function and anatomy, but also the emotional, mental and spiritual wellbeing of each client to bring all these aspects into balance, alignment and harmony.

“This is a skill that has taken years to develop, and the longer I do it, PN the stronger it gets.” (HELENE RAVLICH) F www.jeaninechell.co.nz

After so many years in the industry she also knows what works and what doesn’t, and has selected some very special skincare and wellness names to work with as a result. The one I experienced is a course of facial treatments using Qi Beauty, which involve application of 1000 (or more) of their signature gold-plated magnets according to your individual matrix, or face map. They are strategically placed around meridians and acupuncture points to lift areas like the eyes, cheeks and lips, whilst deep lines, pigmentation and red veins can also be targeted. You can have a detoxifying matrix applied if you suffer from fluid retention and puffiness, or a sensitive skin one if that is your area of concern. Often clients fall asleep or enter a space of deep relaxation whilst the magnets are being applied, after which Jeanine adds in the appropriate peptide serums for your skin type followed by an application of beautiful anti-inflammatory and nourishing oil. Whilst the magnets are on the skin (and for hours after) the skin cells are more permeable, so are able to absorb much more of any topical products than normal. You get a real glow after just one treatment, and the craniosacral work that Jeanine added into the mix while I was on the table made the whole experience all the sweeter.

The talented skin coach also works with the highly effective botanical range, Janesce, and has developed her own Signature Energy Fusion Facial, for those who want to fully experience her areas of expertise combined. I haven’t tried this one-of-a-kind treatment,

64 PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2018

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

LIVING, THINKING + BEING TATTOO REMOVALS - LEADING THE WAY Tattoo Removals owners Cherryl and Vicki say, “Our business philosophy is simple, to do one thing and to do it well. It’s all we do - making us New Zealand’s leading laser tattoo removal clinic.”

Tattoo Removals lasers are amongst the best in the world. They have invested huge amounts of money providing their valued clients with the latest, leading-edge laser technology, to ensure the best results every time.

They believe that every tattoo removal treatment is different and needs to be treated accordingly. Experience and a detailed understanding of the process are necessary in order to ensure safety and the best results.

Tattoo Removals have a range of lasers to choose from depending on the tattoo. This means effective, fast and most importantly safe tattoo removal. They are highly trained and have completed comprehensive Laser Safety and Certification courses. They also hold a Health Protection License issued by Auckland Council, so you can rest assured that you are in expert hands, in a friendly and private environment.

Variables such as skin tone, ink colour, age of the tattoo and other factors must be considered when determining which laser, wavelength and energy levels to use, as well as how much time should be allowed between treatments. Tattoo Removals will guide you through this process, educating you fully during your free consultation process, in order to help you obtain the best tattoo removal results.

TATTOO REMOVALS, 283 Ponsonby Road, Three Lamps Plaza, M: 022 045 7748, E:info@tattooremovals.co.nz, www.tattooremovals.co.nz

Removed eyebrow Tattoo - before and after

In progress nearly there

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DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

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LIVING, THINKING + BEING MEDICINAL CANNABIS EDUCATION Saint Columba Church in Surrey Crescent, Grey Lynn looks set to become HQ for Medicinal Cannabis Education and Auckland Patients Group meetings.

If you suffer from pain, arthritis, cancer, fibromyalgia, or any other difficult to treat condition, contact the Hemp Foundation regarding dates and times. Come examine the evidence and talk to real people who use cannabis to treat conditions that their doctors can't help with.

Can you help? After a very successful conference in Wellington, the Cannabis Referendum Coalition is calling for campaign volunteers to help take things to the next level. Contact us via Facebook.

This week New Zealand finally legalised hemp seed as a food, after 22 years of struggle. Try some hemp seed and seed foods at the Hemp Store on K'Road.

Hemp medicine information is now available at the Grey Lynn Farmers Market most Sundays.

National news: Not many people know that a). Cannabis is one of the most effective medicines in the world, b). Its seed is one of the healthiest and most nutritious foods in the world, 3). Our legal industrial hemp crops are medicinal cannabis 4). That the Ministry of Health is preventing farmers' ability to provide product to the public because of lies and falsehoods that have left New Zealand's Chief Forensic scientist fighting MoH to “defend the integrity of the criminal justice system.”

Their lie, “that CBD is THC and therefore a controlled drug” was due to be exposed during Rose Renton's trial on 8 November, but all has gone suspiciously silent, with no media reporting on the case at all. If made public, this evidence could cause the collapse of MoH's moral authority to regulate cannabis. Their claims to be operating under principles of equity, quality, safety and compassion appear a sham.

Here’s the thing, 89% of GPs do not know about our own system of health regulation and protection. This system uses cannabinoids as its control mechanism, and that’s why cannabis is ‘medicinal’.

So great is the potential, that evidence suggests we could save New Zealand $.96 - $2.5 billion in pharmaceutical expenses. Given that the ‘silver tsunami’ is upon us, and twin epidemics of obesity and diabetes, innovating swiftly and smartly seems a no brainer. But which politicians have you ever heard address that fact? None, and yet most of them know.

Although MoH denies any convincing evidence about cannabis and pain, doctors in legal states prescribe 1826 fewer painkillers, (usually opiates) and 4593 fewer prescription drugs per doctor per year. That’s a lot of revenue disruption.

US President Coolidge said that, “the business of government is business.” Could this explain why, despite over 50 New Zealanders dying this year from synthetic drugs that 'occupy the cannabis market space' (MoH), cannabis policy formation and execution remains slow, opaque and backward? Or is this just the risk-averse nature of bureaucrats and politicians?

66 PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2018

Imagine if 50 people had died from drinking beer or pinot noir.

Government would be doing backflips to prevent any more deaths (and disruption to industry).

Yet, although every party supports medicinal cannabis, and acknowledges the need to reduce harms, legalising cannabis is not in the policy mix of solutions to stop the deaths. Instead, penalties will be increased for suppling ‘synnies’. But synnies are easier and more profitable for criminals than cannabis, and prohibition does not work. I expect these avoidable deaths to continue.

Interestingly, although both Labour and National have Cannabis Bills, a highly placed Treasury source says “cannabis is too political to write a report on.”

Why would the Government not commission Treasury to examine the evidence? What is informing Government policy? Because OIAs indicate the Ministry of Health has commissioned no research on the subject at all. Is it possible that corporate influence is a factor in preventing market disruption with a Kiwi-owned economic sector?

Internationally it has been widely recognised as a major factor.

With 12% of voters undecided on cannabis, the misinformation in the label ‘synthetic cannabis’ seems likely to confuse and contaminate public understanding in the lead up to the promised referendum.

If only more people knew that the American Medical Association had fought the prohibition of cannabis for five years, because it was their most valuable medicine. If only more people knew that cannabis and hemp were the pharmaceutical industry's top-selling products for 50 years.

Pharma was glad of its prohibition though. It allowed their new, dangerous, less effective, (but patented) medicines to fill the gap, in much the same way as ‘synnies’ have filled the gap today, each with terrible consequences.

500,000 people die every year from psychiatric drugs that cannabis medicine could largely replace without death or even severe adverse effects. Synnies are chump change really, but cannabis is the answer to preventing all of those deaths.

We’ve all seen big tobacco and big oil at work, let's just accept that big pharma works as hard, (and as a USD$1.1 trillion dollar industry, its well resourced). It's time to do the right thing, but it all starts with understanding the issues. We will deal with these over the next year.

Meanwhile, please write to us, and your MP, to share your views.

PN (TADHG STOPFORD) F We want to help you understand all aspects of medicinal cannabis and cannabis in general, please send your questions to learn@ thehempfoundation.org.nz and we will respond in future columns. www.thehempfoundation.org.nz

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

LIVIING, THINKING + BEING

SHOE REPAIRS KEY CUTTING + KNIFE SHARPENING

NEW

Photo Printing Framing

Shoe Repairs Key Cutting Shoe Care Products Photo Printing / Framing Knife Sharpening

09 376 3289 / www.onestepahead.co.nz 287 Ponsonby Road / Three Lamps (next to Salta Café) / e: onestepahead@xtra.co.nz

ANY PAGE IN PONSONBY NEWS IS A GOOD PLACE TO BE SEEN

Wishes you A Magical Summer Season THE DENTAL FAMILY FOR YOUR FAMILY

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WWW.KEITHNELSON.CO.NZ

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CLARE CALDWELL: THE ART OF LIVING

Is our brain development being put at risk by the digital age?

Approximately 6000 years ago our brains developed something additional that was able to navigate moving from an oral tradition to the evolution of the written word.

By learning to read, over time we slowly grew new brain circuitry.

As we learned to read more complex, multi-layered material, that initial circuitry changed again, becoming encoded into our DNA, and becoming correspondingly more complex, “transforming the nature of human thought.” (Maryanne Wolf, Developmental Psychologist, 2007).

Thus the rewiring led to the sophisticated reading brain we have today.

When we’re reading books, the physical presence and smell of the book gives a certain geometry and presence to the act of reading. We’ve time to pause and think about the passages, thus enhancing our comprehension and memory retention of what we’ve just read. It’s generally a relaxed, focused and immersive experience. Before the advent of television and social media, reading books was one of the primary leisure activities. Our literary-based culture is now a digitally-based culture.

Which means we’re reading very differently. Research shows many of us now habitually browse the Internet, flicking back and forth to Facebook, Twitter and email sites as well as checking texts on our phones. Our concentration is often very fragmented and less lineal, as we skim, scan and appropriate key words (which can, of course, also be an asset).

Reading on a screen often seems to encourage this multi-tasking, which is a different form of attention span. It’s changing the way we absorb and retain information. We’re exposed to huge amounts of information but that doesn’t necessarily translate into the knowledge and wisdom which constitute an important part of an evolving and healthy culture. Our over-stimulated brains are bombarded hourly with an overwhelming rapidity of trivia, fake news and sound bites. Alarmingly our ability to engage with deeper, more complex texts, both digital and literary, is in decline and some publishers are even asking their writers to simplify their language to reduce the syntactic load on the reader!

Seeing a toddler happily being 'babysat' by a noisy tablet presses alarm bells. I just hope the parents at least read them a gentle and quiet bedtime story at night.

But having said all that, I do love the convenience of instant ubiquitous information, dialoguing and sharing on Facebook with myriads of people globally on myriads of subjects, being able to contact people in most locations via mobile phones, and I know from friends that the graphic possibilities of digital technologies are both educational and hugely expansive.

The key questions and concern are: is this increasing reliance on digital media threatening our young people's ability to build their own cognitive foundations of knowledge, and is it destroying the child’s ability to think and imagine for themselves?

“Or will these technologies provide the best, most complete bridge yet to ever more sophisticated forms of cognition and imagination?” (Wolf) Only time will tell.

PN (CLARE CALDWELL) F Clare (Claudie) Caldwell is a creative arts therapist who runs a small, private practice from home. She now runs a voluntary art and art as 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

Is this evidence of a subtle atrophying of our intellect? Or are we just being ‘dumbed down’? We’re losing the beauty of our language and the art of conversation - the nuances and subtleties of complex and descriptive prose in favour of ungrammatical and abbreviated language forms, both written and spoken. One of the saddest indictments of the digital age to me is seeing two people out on a date, both on their devices.

Those of us who are middle-aged and older are not so affected. It’s the young and very young who know nothing other than a world of laptops, tablets and smartphones.

68 PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2018

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

LIVING, THINKING + BEING

PRESCRIPTION SKIN CARE The holidays are nearly here. Prescription Skin Care remains open until Saturday 22 December, reopening for the new year on Tuesday 8 January.

Best skincare products for summer To keep your skin protected and nourished over the summer break, ensure you wear and carry your sunscreen at all times. If you choose your sunscreen correctly, it will not only protect you from the burning and ageing rays of the sun, it will help maintain your body’s hyaluronic acid levels. Hyauronic acid is your body’s naturally occurring internal hydrator and is easily lost through epidermal water loss with sweating. As we age, our body struggles to maintain production levels, so a sunscreen that adds this back in, is a must -have for dewy, more youthful looking skin.

EltaMD Sunscreens are medical grade, are gentle, non-irritating and sit elegantly on the skin. All are broad spectrum UVA and UVB protectant. Both Prescription Skin Care and About Face stock a varied number of sunscreens for your face and a few for your body. They are approved for use by Plastic Surgeon Stephen Gilbert and range in

price from $45 for a tube of UV Sport (water resistant to 80 minutes) to $68 for UV Elements (tinted, chemical-free, water resistant and full of healthy skin promoting antioxidants).

Travel packs – for the beach house or trips away Don’t lug the entire contents of your bathroom away with you on holiday this year. Instead pick up a travel sized skin care pack filled with the skincare products you love and use already. The Aspect Dr range are excellent money savers and make wonderful Christmas presents. They include vitamin C and vtamin A, essential antioxidants for preventing and correcting photo-damage to the skin. For those of you travelling for longer periods of time, ask about the Age Management Kit which may be better suited to your needs. To view the full range of kits, pop into Prescription Skin Care Ponsonby.

The ultimate treatment for fat reduction under the chin The latest in facial rejuvenation is fat reduction under the chin, providing a more youthful look to the neck and lower face. If you have ever wanted to reduce wobbly fat in this area, you can now do it within a simple two-hour appointment. The result is permanent and does not require surgery or needles. No bandages or hiding away after the treatment. This treatment has been liberating for our patients.

Talk to one of the registered nurses at Prescription Skin Care for a complimentary, no obligation assessment and see if CoolSculpting in this area is suitable for you.

The before and after photos above are of a 55-year-old woman, after one CoolSculpting treatment. Photos are taken three months apart.

Plus Christmas gift ideas Prescription Skin Care vouchers can be made out to any price point. It comes in a suitably festive silver envelope with ribbon and bag.

Christmas and New Year bookings Last day for appointments in 2018 at Prescription Skin Care Ponsonby is Saturday 22nd December.

Reopens on Tuesday 8 January 2018 TO BOOK: email: ponsonby@prescrpitionskincare.co.nz, T: 09 360 0400 Ponsonby: 197 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 360 0400, E: ponsonby@prescriptionskincare.co.nz, Remuera: 243 Remuera Road, T: 09 529 5784, E: info@prescriptionskincare.co.nz, www.prescriptionskincare.co.nz

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69

LIVING, THINKING + BEING AN UPDATE ON HEADWAY HOUSE Earlier this year I spent time at Headway House, an organisation dedicated to the care and support of people that had suffered major brain and head injuries.

I recently I was invited back to see how they were doing and sat down with Michael Denton, one of the staff working at Headway, to discuss the ongoing challenges that they were still facing.

Tell us how you became involved with Headway House?

My brother was involved in a car accident and sustained quite a major brain injury that left him in a coma for about six weeks. I ended up having a keen interest in how people can be rehabilitated and how they manage their lives after having brain injuries.

So what do you do exactly?

Well, they call me a liaison officer for the Brain Injury Association, but my duties can involve anything from dealing with stuff from WINZ to finding people accommodation or food. It really is ‘ambulance at the bottom of the cliff’ work.

Michael Denton

I’m also involved with organising events and support groups and providing a lot of individual support for the people we look after.

What’s the biggest challenge that Headway is facing at the moment?

It can be quite difficult in terms of resources being slightly limited. We’re a bit cashstrapped, so we have to do things on a certain budget. It would be great if we could expand and had more resources to assist more people. At the moment we’re helping a truckload of people on a shoestring budget, so yeah it would be great to have more money.

Are you funded through ACC? We don’t get much funding from ACC, but there was a project that I was involved in with AUT called the Brain Injury Whanau Project that led to PhD research. ACC put some money towards that particular venture, but we don’t really get any funding from them.

Occasionally we’ll get money for advocacy for conferences, but we haven’t done that in a long time.

So if not ACC, where does your main source of funding come from?

Steve Jenkins, our manager, has had to source funding through charity sources like the Community Organisation Grants Scheme (COGS), we also get a little funding from the Ministry of Health.

I was here for Blackout for Brain Injury Day, why are days like this important?

I think that’s an important aspect of what that provides is some social interaction, and you could also call it social rehabilitation where people meet and get to interact with each other. With a bit of luck people can learn to deal successfully with social situations outside of Headway.

So it really helps people to re-enter mainstream society?

I think that it is really helpful, a lot of individuals end up socially isolated even from their families, so it is important that people are able to meet.

It also helps people with their social skills where they can meet in the supported controlled setting that Headway provides, where we can keep an eye on them and see what's happening. Hopefully, they can take the skills they learn and maybe use them to manage situations outside of Headway more successfully.

If you could tell people one thing about Headway, what would it be?

That we’re a free service, we’re there to support people with camps and events and we’d encourage people to come along and get involved to support us. I think going forward we’re looking forward to providing a lot more including more structured programmes and support groups.

As you can see, Headway makes the most of what little it has. If you would like to volunteer or learn more about Headway, please visit the following website and Facebook page. (KERRY LEE) F PN www.headway.org.nz, www.facebook.com/braininjuryheadway or for more information on the Brain Injury Association please visit www.brain-injury.nz

70 PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2018

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

JOHN APPLETON: ON HEALTH

Going away this Christmas? Be prepared New Zealanders are avid travellers and thousands of us will leave our shores for holidays overseas during the Christmas break.

It’s well known that being in close proximity with hundreds of others on planes and ships, there is ample opportunity for picking up an infection. How many times have you sat next to someone on a plane who sneezes and coughs for the duration of the flight and wondered how you can avoid being infected?

There’s nothing worse than arriving at a destination only to find that a tickle in the throat develops into a really bad cold, or worse, the flu or pneumonia. It’s happened to me several times over the years and my father had to be flown home from Hawaii when he was diagnosed with pneumonia soon after arrival there.

When we fly it can be very stressful. Lack of sleep, having to sit in the same place for many hours and breathing air that has 20% less oxygen than the air we breathe at sea level, adds up to a lot of stress. This can significantly compromise our immune system thus reducing our resistance to infections. Animals that make their own vitamin C make considerably more in response to stress. When humans are stressed they make no vitamin C and this is a big problem for us.

Whenever I travel now, I am as well prepared as I can be. For some it might seem a bit over the top, but arriving in good shape can make the difference between thoroughly enjoying the holiday or having a miserable time. I take vitamin C prior to flying, during the flight and as soon as I land. I also ensure that I have plenty to take daily for the duration of my holiday. At the first sign of an infection I very significantly up my vitamin C intake and I keep doing this until I am on the mend.

I take Skybright Colloidal Silver in a spray form which I spray on my face during the flight and I have a bottle of liquid for use in the hotel or wherever I am staying. Colloidal

Silver is a wonderful natural antiseptic and antibiotic which was used extensively before antibiotics as we know them took over.

Antibacterial wipes are excellent to have in the carry-on baggage. These should be used after a visit to the bathroom and prior to eating. During the flight it’s very important not to rub the eyes or be tempted to put fingers into the nose or the mouth. Viruses enter the body through our mucous membranes or breaks in the skin.

Another must have in my travelling kit is a ‘NeilMed’ saline nasal rinse for use on arrival, to wash out the sinuses which are often the first port of call for viruses and bacteria. If I am going away for more than a few days I take an Omron ear thermometer. It’s really helpful to know if an infection has brought on a high temperature. When the temperature starts coming down it’s a clear indication that the worst is over.

While I haven’t yet done this myself, many travellers are using surgical masks on board aircraft. These can be purchased very cheaply from a pharmacy. Airborne ‘droplets’ from sneezes and coughs are circulating in all aircraft and a mask is a very effective way to limit exposure to these. It might be a good idea to let the flight attendants know that you are in prevention mode, so they don’t avoid any contact with you.

As I see it there is a lot we can do to ensure that we make the most of our time away enjoying real R&R without enforced bed rest. Being prepared is as important as taking out travel insurance. On the topic of travel insurance always ensure that you note any pre-existing conditions when applying. Paying a bit extra up front is a lot better than PN having a claim turned down. (JOHN APPLETON) F

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

A MEETING PLACE - For conferences, seminars, meetings, workshops or launches - Situated in a central location with five versatile meeting rooms - AV equipment and Internet access available - Extensive parking available - Since 2001 the St Columba Centre has gained a reputation as a centre of excellence and as such has become a location of choice for many organisations FOR ENQUIRIES AND RESERVATIONS P: 09 376 1195 E: COLUMBA@CDA.ORG.NZ 40 VERMONT STREET PONSONBY, AUCKLAND SAINTCOLUMBA.ORG.NZ

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MEET THE TEACHER Matthew Allen has been teaching year 5 at Ponsonby Primary for the last two years.

Where did you teach before Ponsonby Primary?

I taught for six years at Gordonvale Primary School, a sugar cane farming town, 30 minutes south of Cairns. I taught a range of year levels including years 3, 5 and 6. It was an amazing experience after having lived in Melbourne. I lived in the tropics and it was a privilege to work with indigenous communities and learn about their culture and the issues they face day to day.

How have you found the transition across the ditch?

Last year, was my first winter in seven years! I did not own a single piece of winter clothing and didn’t understand why it was getting dark at 5pm. This year I have been much more prepared and have enjoyed it a lot more. Teaching wise, New Zealand and Australia are pretty similar. I’ve been pretty lucky with the colleagues and leadership team at Ponsonby Primary, helping to make the transition easy and explaining things so an Aussie can understand.

This year, you have been appointed as a Within School Leader at Ponsonby Primary within the Te K-ahui Ako o Waitemat-a, what has your focus been?

I have been fortunate enough to be focusing on one of my real teaching passions, writing. I have coordinated writing moderations across each syndicate and provided assistance with writing plans and whole school overviews. I’ve also been able to work with other teachers within the classroom, modelling writing lessons, and team teaching.

It’s great when younger students come up and show me their improvements in writing, they get a real kick out of it.

Are you looking forward to working with other schools across the k-ahui ako?

I think it is an amazing opportunity - ako for schools within the kahui to collaborate and share their wealth of knowledge. There are outstanding things happening across all schools and we need to share and celebrate these successes. We are all striving for improved learning and having these common goals creates a real sense of community and team spirit which is what you need to improve practice and student learning.

What do you like to do when you’re not teaching?

I love nothing more than getting out and training for triathlon events. I have completed two full Ironman events and six half Ironman events, all in Cairns and the Sunshine Coast.

I hope to complete one here in New Zealand next year. I enjoy the mental and physical challenges and discipline that comes with all the training needed to complete these events. But when I’m not training I enjoy travel. I’m off to Italy and the UK during the Christmas break which I’m really looking forward to. F PN

CHILDREN’S BOOK REVIEWS Hero of the Sea by David Hill, illustrated

by Phoebe Morris (Penguin) $25 The hero in this story is of course Sir Peter Blake, beloved by many New Zealanders for both his sailing success and his concern for the environment. Here his life is retold in a superb picture book which is the latest in this stunning series about famous New Zealanders from the Hill and Morris duo.

‘Hero of the Sea’ was written with assistance from the Blake family and this is evident in the small personal details that are revealed. Did you know that Peter was in the bath when he found out about his knighthood? Or that he learned to navigate by seeing stars reflected in a bucket of water? We learn about Sir Peter’s childhood and how he developed his love of sailing and racing. The story goes on to cover his involvement in the Whitbread Round the World and America’s Cup races and how the red socks legend was born. The latter part of the book describes how Sir Peter’s attention turned to the environment and how important it is to preserve it. Well written with just the right amount of information, this book and the others in the series are all highly recommended for ages four to seven.

Lenny's Book of Everything

by Karen Foxlee (Allen and Unwin) $22.99 ‘Lenny’s Book of Everything’ is (and we don't say this often) one of those laugh, cry and 'see-the-worlddifferently' books. It is shiver-inducingly good.

Lenny, our central character, is small and sharp, but has a younger brother, Davey, who is dangerously tall and still won't stop growing. At seven, he is as tall as a man, but their mother wants to ignore the dark 'heart-feeling' she has that Davey might be ill. Life's tough and the family manage to have a roof over their heads, but not much else. Their lives are brightened only by the winning of a Burrell's Build it at Home Encyclopedia, which arrives in weekly instalments. Through the encyclopedia, Lenny and Davey explore the world. The beetles and butterfly pages become their absolute favourites. As Davey's health inevitably deteriorates, Lenny learns that the love shared between members of your family can be far beyond the wonders caught on the pages of an encyclopedia. A novel with a heart so big, it might just burst.

Packed absolutely full with the pains and joys of being human, it's simply a must read.

For ages 10 and up.

DOROTHY BUTLER CHILDREN’S BOOKSHOP, 1 Jervois Road, T: 09 376 7283, www.dorothybutler.co.nz

Best books for your children and teens for Christmas and summer reading.

Get your copy of our catalogue from the shop or click the link on our website: www.dorothybutler.co.nz Open late (til 7pm) Fridays and Saturdays until Christmas 1 Jervois Rd, Ponsonby • Phone: 09-376 7283 • Email: shop@dorothybutler.co.nz dorothybutlerchildrensbookshop • dorothybutlerbooks and yaatdb

72 PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2018

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

FUTURE GENERATION KADIMAH PRESCHOOL Kadimah Preschool is a warm, welcoming and inclusive inner-city preschool located at 108 Greys Avenue.

Auckland CBD. Kadimah Preschool has been operating for more than 35 years, offering a unique, values based curriculum for children aged three to five. There is a focus on providing a fun learning environment and preparing children for primary school.

The facilities include a large purpose-built preschool classroom with numerous outdoor spaces for exploring. Sharing a site with Kadimah School facilitates amazing opportunities for children to have experiences such as regular visits to the school library, music classes, reading buddies and participating in junior school assemblies.

The talented, caring and expert teachers at Kadimah Preschool are registered and fully trained. They strive to work in partnership with parents, to guide and promote a journey of lifelong learning, which is supported by Jewish values and the New Zealand Early Childhood Curriculum - Te Whariki.

The preschool has a Jewish special character but is open to everyone.

You don’t need to be Jewish to attend, but you will learn about the Jewish culture through fun participation in the numerous festivals that are on throughout the year.

Children are taught many valuable skills to prepare them for primary school, so while there is a lot of free play, there are many activities designed to prepare children for the next step in their educational journey.

This is a really easy option for parents who work in the city, as children can be dropped off as early as 7.45am and there is an option for after school care until 5pm.

Kadimah Preschool is open to children aged three to five with 20 ECE hours offered towards fees. They are now taking enrolments for 2019.

KADIMAH PRESCHOOL, 108 Greys Ave, Auckland City. Call Vikki on 09 777 7577 ext 401 or 021 213 9651 to make an appointment to see the preschool in action.

Check out www.kadimahpreschool.co.nz for more info.

APPLY TODAY!

APPLY TODAY!

Y Inner city Preschool for children aged 3 to 5 years old Y Purpose built classroom and outdoor environment Y Open Monday to Friday 7.45am-3.00pm with the option of after school care Y 20 ECE hours towards term fees Y Experienced fully registered teachers Y Limited places available for 2019 Prepared on behalf of the Bernard Goldwater Jewish Education Trust Board.

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Visit www.kadimahpreschool.co.nz DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2018

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FUTURE GENERATION PONSONBY SCHOOL OF DANCE REPORTS ANOTHER BUSY YEAR It has been another busy year for Ponsonby School of Dance with ballet, jazz, hip hop, contemporary and musical theatre students fully immersed in their chosen form of dance, with many dancers participating in all genres of dance.

Once again, Ponsonby School of Dance had outstanding exam results with a number of students receiving the top marks in Australasia in their chosen dance form. We are very proud of three senior students that have been acepted into dance schools in Australia to further their dance training. Georgie Brokenshire will move to Melbourne to dance at Transit Dance School, Georgia Payne will move to the Gold Coast to train at Dance Force and Ella McNae will train at Brent St Dance Studios in Sydney. We will miss these girls but wish them well in the next chapter of their dancing life.

Congratulations to our Senior and Intermediate Troupes that were nominated to compete at the Performing Arts of New Zealand Troupe finals in Palmerston North over Labour Weekend. Both groups danced beautifully and the senior troupe made it through to the top 12 troupes in the country. Awesome work girls!

All students are preparing for our annual end of year production on Saturday 1 December - a wonderful display of dance from our very talented dancers.

Ponsonby School of Dance looks forward to another exciting year of dance in 2019.

Please contact tracey@ponsonbyschoolofdance.co.nz or check the website for its 2019 timetable.

PONSONBY SCHOOL OF DANCE, 28 Hargreaves Street (just off College Hill), M: 027 533 8427, www.ponsonbyschoolofdance.co.nz

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PONSONBY NEWS CLASSES FOR ALL AGES FROM PRE-SCHOOL TO ADULTS

It no longer matters if you're in Paris, Prague, Perth or Palmerston North, if you're 'homesick' for PONSONBY, read your monthly dose of Ponsonby News online.

Royal Academy of Dance Ballet JazzAddict Urban Ignition Hip Hop Contemporary

Visit www.ponsonbynews.co.nz to view our e-mag...

Keep up to date with whats happening in Ponsonby!

28 Hargreaves Street | Ponsonby | T: 027 533 8427

www.ponsonbyschoolofdance.co.nz

74 PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2018

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

FUTURE GENERATION SUMMER SWIM SAFETY The summer holidays are an excellent time to take young children for a swim at the beach, lake or pool.

However, without an adequate level of water safety awareness, what is usually a fun outdoor activity can turn into a potentially dangerous situation.

Alarmingly, the 2017 Water Safety New Zealand Attitudes and Behaviours Survey indicated that, while 84% of New Zealanders say that they’re able to swim, only just over half of all Kiwis feel as though they have been exposed to water survival skills, such as identifying unsafe places to swim.

"The good news is that monitoring small children around large bodies of water needn’t be stressful," says St Cuthbert’s Swim School Manager, Ben Danieli, "especially if your child has been introduced to swimming from an early age."

According to Ben, being able to swim is the first step towards ensuring that you have a fun and safe summer and professional swimming lessons are an effective way of achieving this.

a one-week intensive holiday programme or a year-round programme, professional swimming instruction will not only raise your child’s aware -ness of water safety, it will provide them with a rewarding experience where they can improve their swimming skills, fitness, health and self-confidence.

Water safety is not just limited to ensuring that your child is able to swim, however. Other ways that adults are able to make sure that children are able to swim safely includes making sure that children are supervised around bodies of water and that they are no further than an arm’s length away at all times.

“Taking your child along to swimming lessons means that your child will be able to float, tread water, and perform simple strokes in the water,” says Ben.

Another suggestion that Ben offers is to talk to your family about water safety at home. Topics could include how to be sun-smart, how to identify a rip in the water or what to do if they see someone in distress in the water.

At the award-winning St Cuthbert’s Swim School, qualified swimming instructors work with small classes and squads to ensure that all children are able to build their confidence and abilities. Whether it’s

“A basic knowledge of water safety is integral to keeping you and your family safe this summer. Encourage your children to take the plunge and try swimming lessons in 2019.”

St Cuthbert’s Swim School, 122 Market Road, Epsom (inside St Cuthbert’s College grounds), 09 520 8272 www.stcuthbertsswimschool.co.nz

ENROL NOW FOR 2019 Swimm

ing NZ

Gold Q Swim s

uality

chool

2018 Register your child for swimming lessons at the award-winning St Cuthbert’s Swim School.

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PONSONBY PROFESSIONALS: METROLAW Got a legal question? Ask michael@metrolaw.co.nz

Q: A:

I bought a house last year with my girlfriend and we are now getting life insurance in place so that we could pay off a chunk of the mortgage if something happened to one of us. I’m not sure if we should each take out our own policy or have a joint policy, how does this work? Flynn, Grey Lynn.

Good question. Your insurance policy needs to work with the ownership structure for your home and with your will and other arrangements.

It can be a bit grim but if you want to test the arrangements that you have in place you have to ask some difficult questions: • What happens if I die? • What happens if my partner dies? • What happens if we both die?

If the insurance policy is held by you jointly then the survivor of you would receive the insurance proceeds. This would also happen if you each held insurance policies on each other, what is known as cross insurance. If you each own your own policies then the insurance money would need to go through that person’s estate and there may be some delay in having access to those funds.

Then you need to and check to see that what the outcomes are in terms of who will own the property? Will someone need to get probate?

Who will be responsible for the mortgage? How will the property get transferred?

Where property is owned jointly then if one of the owners dies the remaining owner becomes the sole owner by registering transmission by survivorship. If the property is owned as tenants in common in shares then the deceased person’s share needs to go through their estate.

If the title for the property records the registered owners as “Fred Dagg and Freda Dagg” then it is held jointly. If the registered owners are recorded as “Fred Dagg as to a half share and Freda Dagg as to a half share” then it is held as tenants in common.

It is useful to regularly review your arrangements to make sure that they have been done correctly. You should also review them whenever you make any changes, buy a new house, have a child and obviously if your relationship ends.

Another issue is that if you were incapacitated by illness or injury you might be eligible for a payout from your insurance company but not in a position to sign the claim forms. In those circumstances it would be useful to have an enduring power of attorney in place to your partner so that they could sign the claim forms for you. (MICHAEL HEMPHILL) F PN 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

Because we all deserve freedom SAFE helping animals out Help us fight cages

76 PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2018

safe.org.nz

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

PONSONBY PONSONBYPROFESSIONALS: PROFESSIONALS: LOGAN LOGANGRANGER GRANGER

Tips for paying 28 August provisional tax Are you due to pay 28 August provisional tax?

For many businesses, this will be their first instalment of provisional tax for the 2018-19 income year. It’s important to stump up what you owe on this date. IRD won’t hesitate in charging steep interest of 8.22% and late payment penalties if you don’t.

Below are some tips to prime you for paying 28 August provisional tax.

Assess your cashflow Now’s the time to look at money coming in and going out of your business. Cast your eyes over your debtors’ ledger to see which customers owe you money. If required, ask them if they can sort their bill earlier. Conversely, see if you can buy more time if you owe suppliers money. If cashflow is tight or you have a better use for the money, keep reading. There’s an option that lets you pay 28 August provisional tax when it suits you.

Be aware of the changes Familiarise yourself with the recent changes to provisional tax if you haven’t done so already. IRD has cut you a break by removing the guesswork and need to continuously re-estimate your liability throughout the year.

Basing your payments on a 105% uplift on last year’s tax bill means IRD won’t charge interest if your actual liability ends up being higher. This is the standard uplift method.

It’s a good outcome if you expect this year’s financial performance to be on par or better than last year.

Know your methods to calculate 28 August provisional tax It’s also important that you are aware of the different methods available to calculate your provisional tax payments. As mentioned, the uplift method suits those who expect their profitability to increase. It also caps the amount due at your first two instalments,

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meaning you have more certainty around what to pay. Those expecting their year to drop significantly may wish to estimate.

However, you must be certain there won’t be a repeat of the prior year’s result if estimating payments down. That’s because IRD interest applies on any underpaid provisional tax. IRD may also apply a shortfall penalty if your estimates are too low in comparison to your actual liability.

Consider using tax pooling An IRD-approved tax pooling intermediary such as Tax Management NZ can assist if cashflow is tight by letting you pay 28 August provisional tax at a time and in a manner that suits you, without incurring late payment penalties. You can defer the full payment to a date in the future or pay off what’s due in instalments. Paying via TMNZ also reduces IRD interest costs by up to 30%.

TMNZ holds date-stamped tax for you in its IRD account. You pay TMNZ at the agreed future date or as and when it suits your cashflow. If in doubt, consult a professional.

Finally, seek the advice of an accountant or tax advisor if you have any questions about 28 August provisional tax. They can determine the best provisional tax calculation for your business and help you manage your payments and cashflow. (LOGAN GRANGER) F PN Disclaimer - While all care has been take, Johnston Associates Chartered Accountants Ltd and its staff accept no liability for the content of this article; always see your professional advisor before taking any action that you are unsure about.

JOHNSTON ASSOCIATES, 202 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 361 6701, www.jacal.co.nz

DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2018

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PONSONBY PEOPLE + THEIR PETS

report card 2 0 1 7

report card 2 0 1 7

name: B a r l i P o l l a r d

name: A r c h i e R i d d i f o r d

breed: G e r m a n S p i t z

breed: B i c h o n F r i s e

age:

5 years

age:

class: l Colehill Cottage

Overall Behaviour

Overall Behaviour Making her absolute best friend in little Tatyana and becoming

best achievement

Consistently making an effort to express their excitement in a

best achievement

more confident with joining in the group games.

less verbal manner.

Recognising the importance of not shouting at their classmates and

needs some work

9 years

class: l Colehill Cottage

Following instructions from their teacher when asked to head outside

needs some work

teachers.

core subjects

with the group.

physical education

social studies

core subjects

physical education

social studies

manners

A

ball & tug

A+

gregarious / outgoing

A

manners

A+

ball & tug

A+

gregarious / outgoing

A

attentiveness

A

chase & wrestle

A+

amiable / charming

A+

attentiveness

B+

chase & wrestle

B-

amiable / charming

A+

attitude

A+

interactive games

B

reliable / thoughtful

A+

attitude

A+

interactive games

B

reliable / thoughtful

A+

best friends

best known f for or

best friends

best known f for or

Fifi NepiaMuru,Luka Stretten,Jazz

Always having plenty to say!

Harry Amor,Molly

Always having plenty to say!

Kelly,Poppie Steele,JJ

Tsoumas,Lupin Candy,Teddy

Woo,Tatyana Crowhurst,Elinor

Brown,Louie Dennigan,Wolfie

McNamara,Fynn Harrison

Domke,Murphy Treder

overall comments

overall comments

A real staff favourite, Barli knows how to charm us all with her

Archie is top of the class in the manners department and makes

infectious personality and cheeky grin. We are so proud of her

the pawfect teacher’s pet by helping show the younger ones how

and so glad she is having so much fun with her bestie Tatyana.

it’s done. Whilst he loves chatting with classmates and teachers, he is encouraged to work on his volume control. We just love seeing that gorgeous face and excited wiggly bum in the morning.

BARKLE Y MANOR 2 0 1 7 - 1 0 T H Y E A R A N N I V E RS A RY

78 PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2018

BARKLE Y MANOR 2 0 1 7 - 1 0 T H Y E A R A N N I V E RS A RY

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

PONSONBY PEOPLE + THEIR PETS O T T E R HO US E

report card 2 0 1 7

report card 2 0 1 7

name: O z T h o m p s o n

name: C h a r l e y S t o c k s

breed: S c h n a u z e r age:

breed: W h e a t e n

SOCI A L

9 years

age:

PL AY F U L

class: l Woodbury Park

7 years

class: l Budleigh Gardens

C A R EFR EE

Overall Behaviour

Overall Behaviour

best achievement

Working hard on their excitement levels in reception.

best achievement

Becoming more social and making new friends.

needs some work

Following instructions from their teacher when asked to head outside

needs some work

Pawfecting their patience and self-control on arrival.

with the group.

core subjects

physical education

social studies

core subjects

physical education

social studies

manners

A

ball & tug

B

gregarious / outgoing

A-

manners

A

ball & tug

B+

gregarious / outgoing

A

attentiveness

A

chase & wrestle

B-

amiable / charming

A+

attentiveness

A-

chase & wrestle

B-

amiable / charming

A+

attitude

A+

interactive games

B-

reliable / thoughtful

A+

attitude

A+

interactive games

B

reliable / thoughtful

A

best friends

best known f for or

best friends

best known f for or

Tank Sorrell,Tank Sorrell,Finn Lazelle,Barra

That delicious face!

Minty Crawford,Indie Helm,Cara

That delicious face!

Cadario,Baci Klein,Murphy Robertson,Archie Watson,Elle

Downie,Pixie McSmith,Sabine

Johnston,Marley Tanner,Dukes

Bella Glassey,Wallace Lello,Billie Carr

Woods,Charlie Frampton-Hewitt

overall comments

overall comments

Oz is top of the class in the manners department and makes the

Charley is top of the class in the manners department and makes

pawfect teacher’s pet by helping show the younger ones how it’s

the pawfect teacher’s pet by helping show the younger ones

done. While he loves a cuddle or silly game with the teachers, he

how it’s done. While she loves a cuddle or silly game with the

is encouraged to build confidence even further by joining in on

teachers, she is encouraged to build confidence even further by

group games and activities. We just love seeing that gorgeous face

joining in on group games and activities. We just love seeing that

and excited wiggly bum in the morning.

gorgeous face and excited wiggly bum in the morning.

BARKLE Y MANOR 2 0 1 7 - 1 0 T H Y E A R A N N I V E RS A RY

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BARKLE Y MANOR 2 0 1 7 - 1 0 T H Y E A R A N N I V E RS A RY

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PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2018

79

PONSONBY PEOPLE + THEIR PETS

‘WALK YOUR DOG TO THE MOON’ MET WITH ENTHUSIASM ‘SPCA’s brand new fundraising event ‘Walk your Dog to the Moon’ gathers animal lovers across New Zealand to walk the distance to the moon and raise money for animals in need!

Throughout the month of November, all animal lovers were encouraged to grab their human and furry friends, a pedometer and join the fun by being active and walking to a better future for animals.

The event was kick-started by a dog walk in Ponsonby on Sunday 4 November.

Lots of enthusiastic dogs and their owners turned up for the 3km walk down Ponsonby Road. It was a fun-filled day for everyone and the sun was out! Here are a few photos from the day. www.spca.nz

Together we’re walking the distance to the moon to raise money for animals in need.

Sign up and add your kilometres to the nationwide total.

Create your profile now at walktothemoon.co.nz Proudly supported by

80 PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2018

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS

SIMPLICITY AT ITS FINEST - A FAVOURITE FOR GENERATIONS In 1890 in Savoie in the French Alps, Joseph Opinel designed the first pocket knife that now bears his name.

He created a tool that was as robust and functional as it was simple and beautiful. Today, the same pocket knife is an iconic design object. So iconic, it is recognised by the Victoria and Albert Museum in London as being among the 100 most beautiful products in the world.

The Opinel knife features alongside the Porsche 911 sports car and the Rolex watch. The Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) in New York exhibited it as a design masterpiece - noting it as being instantly recognisable, imminently useful and beloved by generations.

Designed to stand the test of time, Opinel knives and tools are made with Opinel’s original dedication to craftsmanship and quality. The purity of materials used are the cornerstone of their manufacturing process. Specially selected beechwood is used for the handle, and the blade is made from the highest grade carbon steel. The company is still run by the descendants of Joseph Opinel, and continues to manufacture items of a quality that has made the brand famous for nearly 130 years.

So, from the humble pocket knife Opinel has gone on to create a cleverly designed knife for future chefs! Inspire your child’s culinary creativity with this Le Petit Chef set. The collection includes a chef’s knife, peeler and finger guard. When a young chef places their finger into the guard ring, their hand naturally assumes the claw grip position used by professional chefs to keep fingers away from sharp blades. A wonderful and unique gift for any young foodie.

Now available at www.dayandage.co.nz

Le Petit Knife set

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

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PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2018

81

GAMING REVIEWS: KERRY LEE

Red Dead Redemption II (Red Dead II) review High Ho Rockstar Away! It’s the little things that count...

Set in America in 1899 the game tells the tale of Arthur Morgan and his desperate gang of outlaws as they fight the inevitable march of progress, which eventually ended the days of the old Wild West.

Everything that made the first Red Dead Redemption such a smash hit has been refined and then refined again to the point where not even the smallest detail has been overlooked. Examples of this are everywhere, from the way your horse reacts when it gets spooked by enemy gunfire, to how characters in the game react based on the choices you make during the game.

I also liked how fleshed out the character of Arthur is, because when you step into his shoes you begin to realise that he isn’t just a mindless automaton, but instead, he’s a man who's made some very bad choices in his life and now he’s beginning to regret them. He’s also a man who has to go through the same motions that we go through everyday, like eating to keep his health up, or bundling up to stop him freezing to death while tramping through a snow-covered valley.

The detail doesn’t stop there through; everything from his horse to his clothes even to individual parts of his gun can be customised depending on how you want things to look.

It's this attention to detail, that makes Red Dead II so fun, because the level of immersion makes it feel like you're living in the Wild West.

However, this much detail comes with a caveat that may turn some gamers off.

It’s really slow going to begin with and the plot takes its time to unfold.

While I enjoyed myself, I can understand why the game's pacing might turn people away. However, the payoff for sticking with it is huge and after a little while I was gunslinging, lassoing and bar-room brawling with the best of them.

WIDE OPEN PLAINS Red Dead Redemption II boosts the biggest map I’ve ever seen in a video game; you could literally spend a couple of months just trying to explore the entire world that the game has to offer and still not see everything that’s there.

Little graphical touches are everywhere and I definitely appreciated how much effect went into making the game. Just like the gameplay, it’s the little things that add up to the overall experience and make it so beautiful to look at, things like Arthur’s facial hair growing in real time, to watching the sunset over a desert vista more than justifies the $100 price tag that the game asks for.

If that weren’t enough, characters look fantastic, with Arthur looking especially good. Also I loved how he was able to interact so naturally with the environment around him.

Hunting, for example, requires Arthur to bathe periodically to prevent animals from catching his scent and bolting at the first whiff of him, likewise if you roll around in the mud it won’t just disappear as it will in other games, but instead dries and then cakes onto your clothes.

Again these are little things but they add to the overall immersion of the game.

That would be a real shame since developer Rockstar has obviously put so much time and effort into making this game stand out from the plethora of other titles out there.

MUSIC TO MY EARS The sounds and music of Red Dead Redemption II are some of the best I’ve heard and put the competition to shame. From the opening musical score reminiscent of classic TV westerns to the unique dialogue from each NPC (non-player character) in the game, everything sounds vibrant and alive.

The world that Arthur lives in is an amazing one, filled with a variety of different locations to explore, ranging from vast open prairies and quaint homesteads to stinking muddy bogs, Red Dead II’s world is one of the most beautiful that I’ve ever encountered and there were times when I just had to stop and stare at the world around me.

VERDICT Gameplay, visuals, and sound are all ingredients needed to make a great game, Rockstar Games has taken all of them and created an experience that you won’t want to end, even when the final credits start rolling.

A FEAST FOR THE EYES Rockstar has always had a reputation for excellence, and it's considered royalty in the gaming world - if anything Red Dead II reinforces that reputation.

In short, this is the best looking game on the market to date and if you still want an excuse to get into gaming, then this is it. 10/10.

PN (KERRY LEE) F

82 PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2018

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS SLEEK, STYLISH AND SPACIOUS NEW APARTMENTS COMING SOON Proxima Residences is set to be the latest, most exclusive address to grace the Eden Terrace skyline.

Designed by award-winning, Construkt Architects, this exciting new development will incorporate 70 apartments over nine levels and will offer commanding views towards the Auckland Harbour, the central business district and Mount Eden. There is now an opportunity to secure one-bedroom, two-room flexi, two-bedroom or three-bedroom apartments within this exciting new complex!

With a graciousness and quality usually reserved for luxury homes, these apartments will feature large open plan living spaces and covered terraces that run the width of the apartment providing the perfect setting for al fresco entertaining. Quality chattels and materials will feature throughout, and the Matisse kitchens will boast premium Miele appliances. The building will be pet friendly, so your much-loved family members can enjoy your new apartment with you.

This development is situated in Eden Terrace, one of Auckland’s most up and coming suburbs. The Auckland Council has already implemented The Newton-Eden Terrace Plan making this a prime area for investment. With a vast array of trendy cafes, some of Auckland’s best fine dining, boutique shops, and easy public transport... this really is urban living at its finest!

Construction is planned to start in 2019 with completion expected in a 16-18-month period. Starting from only $659,000, a 10% deposit will secure your apartment (25% for non-New Zealand residents) with nothing else to pay until settlement.

Call now to arrange a time to view Proxima in Virtual Reality.

Aaron Cook M: 021 612 642, a.cook@barfoot.co.nz or Holly Huang, M: 021 190 8088, h.huang@barfoot.co.nz www.proximaresidences.co.nz

@ DESIGN WAREHOUSE 1. Mykonos Modular Sofa Create an outdoor living space that is luxurious, functional, comfortable and sharp looking. The Mykonos sectional furniture collection has clean lines, beautifully tailored Sunbrella® cushions. Have fun creating in your own unique space.

2. Sunbrella® Umbrellas Design Warehouse has over 30 styles of Sunbrella® umbrellas to choose from. Be sure to buy Sunbrella® for longevity and fabric outdoor protection.

3. Olivia & Santa Fe Dining Enjoy outdoor dining all summer long and for many seasons to come with the Santa Fe dining table and 10 Olivia dining chairs.

4. Kobii Sun Loungers The Kobii sun lounger is the definition of modern luxury living. It's perfect for poolside relaxing this summer! It comes with the Italian outdoor cushion as shown.

DESIGN WAREHOUSE, 137/147 The Strand, Parnell, T: 09 377 7710, www.designwarehouse.co.nz

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84 PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2018

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

Beautiful Owner Occupier Size Apartments Freehold and in the heart of Eden Terrace.

An easy stroll to Ponsonby, the City Centre and Mt Eden Station.

Sunny open plan living with generously sized balconies and stunning views.

Well appointed with European appliances and designer kitchens.

Enjoy convenience, security and the very best of city fringe living.

Now selling (off plans) For an information pack or to find out more about this exciting new property please Artist’s Impression contact sales@proximaresidences.co.nz.

Aaron Cook 021 612 642 a.cook@barfoot.co.nz

Holly Huang 021 190 8088 h.huang@barfoot.co.nz

proximaresidences.co.nz

HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS

@ CITTÀ 1. Finch Ceramics The Finch ceramic range features an organic, individual form that’s just begging to be picked up and put to good use.

2. Illuminado Lantern Indoors or out, the Illuminado Lantern with brass detail will add a warm glow to any table setting.

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3. Glazed Porcelain House This festive little ornament will light up any centrepiece or Christmas display with its internal LED. 4. Forget Me Not Linen Blend Tea Towel You’ll want to stock up on these beautiful floral tea towels for the entertaining season. They also double as the perfect thing to wrap smaller gifts in, Japanese style.

5. Dine Buttercup Napkin Dine and crumb-catch in style with this relaxed linen napkin featuring a hand painted floral pattern.

6. Sari Ladder This rustic ladder offers a contemporary way to display throws, clothing or magazines while making the most of your vertical space.

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7. Hand-Forged Utensils This beautiful brass range is sure to become a coveted part of your serveware repertoire. www.cittadesign.com

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86 PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2018

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

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PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2018

87

HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS

CHALK AND CHEESE By their own admission, Julie and Ian Williams were going around in circles trying to find inspiration for their new kitchen; that was until they came across the team at Kitchens By Design. Then everything became clear.

Could you tell me a little about you and your family, and also about your home - in particular, describe the existing kitchen before the makeover?

The existing kitchen was the original in a 80s-style house that we’d been living in for two years. We always knew a new kitchen was on the shopping list, and we’d got to the point where it was looking old, and our girls were getting bigger - we weren’t a family with little kids any more. We needed to do something. The kitchen wasn’t working for us, but we didn’t know what we wanted or where to go.

How did you come across Kitchens By Design, and why did you choose them to design your new kitchen?

We found them online, but it was their showroom that clinched it for us. It was very impressive - chalk and cheese compared to the others we visited. We started speaking to Jane [Fergusson], one of the designers there, and she immediately got who we were and what we were trying to achieve. We clicked straight away. Jane made it easy for us to visualise what our new kitchen could look like.

What was your brief to the designer, and how did it evolve?

There wasn’t much of a brief, really. We told her that we liked open shelving, and that we wanted a bit of wood in the new kitchen, and also somewhere to have a casual meal. Jane then asked us lots of question about how we lived, cooked and used the kitchen. She was the only one that did that of all the people we spoke to.

Jane then came up with three different concepts - one was the original footprint, upgraded, the other was a partial change, the third was a complete change with all the bells and whistles... and that’s the one we went for.

we asked for. It’s also a very durable and hardwearing material, which is ideal for the counter top.

The window seat is wonderful (Julie). It’s completely changed how I use the kitchen, because I can now lounge in the kitchen. Our daughters can hang out there, too. It’s great in the morning because it catches all the sun. We also love our new scullery.

What are the most memorable moments of the process?

Seeing the mood board for the first time, with all the samples of colours and materials - that was exciting. Also, choosing the benchtop material, then selecting each slab individually before they were templated, so we could see where the veining would appear on the final benchtop. That was a special service.

How did you find the experience of working with Kitchens By Design?

In a word... easy. Jane was great to communicate with, and she listened and ran with any ideas we had. Everything was so well planned out - she just instinctively knew where everything should go. Also, the whole team at Kitchens By Design were in our corner through the whole process, ensuring everything was done properly and we got exactly what we wanted, which saved us time and energy.

They were definitely value for money.

What are your favourite parts of the new kitchen?

We both really love the bamboo breakfast bar - that was Jane’s choice.

We never thought of using bamboo, but it gave us the touch of wood

In the end it comes down to trust. We trusted Jane and went with what she recommended, and it worked out really well. The kitchen speaks for itself, just look at it!

KITCHENS BY DESIGN’S showrooms can be found at 7 Melrose Street, Newmarket, T: 09 379 3084, and 3 Byron Avenue, Takapuna, T: 09 488 7201 The showrooms are open Monday-Friday 10am-4.30pm, Saturday 10am-2.30pm, or by appointment. www.kitchensbydesign.co.nz

88 PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2018

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

GREAT KITCHENS DON’T JUST HAPPEN...

THEY HAPPEN

BY DESIGN.

VISIT OUR AUCKLAND SHOWROOMS NEWMARKET SHOWROOM: 7 Melrose Street, Newmarket | 09 379 3084 TAKAPUNA SHOWROOM: 3 Byron Avenue, Takapuna | 09 488 7201 kitchensbydesign.co.nz

REAL ESTATE UPDATE: KAREN SPIRES We have more than one reason to be feeling merry this month as the residential real estate market looks set to have a cracker end to the year.

September’s surge in new listings has been converted into sales, with a 16.7% increase compared with September 2018, according to the latest figures from the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand.

The figures also showed a 15.2% increase in sales compared with the same time last year when the market was dealing with the uncertainty surrounding the election.

Average sales values in the Auckland Region increased by 1.8% compared to the same time last year. Now sitting at an average of $865,000, this is the highest median price we have seen for seven months. In Auckland City, the average sales price has increased by 14.9% compared with the same time last year, and is now sitting at $972,000.

It’s heartening to see such positivity back in the market. Over the past 12 months we have seen a gradual cooling off in the housing market and a stabilisation of prices.

Demand for housing remains strong, as does immigration levels, although there has been an easing off in immigration flows in the second half of 2018.

Looking ahead to the New Year, there are a number of factors still in play which could have an effect on the market in the first few months of 2019.

The suggestion of a capital gains tax is currently under review by the Tax Working Group. Whether or not it could be introduced is yet unknown, as is the potential impact this could have for investors and property owners. We have seen the number of enquiries from investors decrease owing to the uncertainly surrounding how new policy could affect profitability.

Interest rates have remained low throughout this year, with indications from the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) that they are likely to remain low until at least 2020. This has given confidence to firsttime buyers who we began to see re-entering the market throughout the year.

We have yet to see whether the foreign buyer ban will have any significant effect on the number of investors in the New Zealand market. This is likely to become clearer in the first few months of 2019.

Buyers have faced a number of challenges throughout this year. The continued tight loan-to-value ratio restrictions on banks has made it more difficult to access credit. Investors were wary of the foreign buyer ban which came into force on October 22.

At the time of writing, the RBNZ was widely tipped to ease the loanto-value ratios which were put in place in 2013 to protect banks from financial instability. These were eased slightly in January, allowing 15% (up from 10%) of a bank’s lending to be made to those with a deposit of less than 20%. The changes to the ratios is not expected to be large, but will give a further boost to the market.

Auckland remains one of the least affordable places to purchase a property in New Zealand, with average house prices still eight and a half times the average disposable income.

Here’s wishing you all a safe and very happy holiday.

(KAREN SPIRES) F PN

Karen Spires AREINZ, M 027 273 8220, E karen.spires@bayleys.co.nz, www.karenspires.bayleys.co.nz

MERRY Christmas S A L E

meluka.co.nz Furniture. Simply.

90 PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2018

D E SI G N E D A N D MA D E I N N Z

T H RE E KIN G S 98 3 M T ED EN R D N O RT H S H O RE 13A LI N K D R ALB AN Y 2 60 OTEH A VA LLEY R D B OTAN Y D O W N S 501 TI R A K AU D R H AMILTO N 15 MAUI ST

20% OFF

TAU RAN G A 4/68 3 C A M ER ON R D TAU PO 2 9 TOTA R A ST H AS T IN G S 810 HERETAUNGA ST PALME RS TO N N O RT H 699 M A I N ST LO W E R H U T T 2 8 R U TH ER FOR D ST

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

PIHA KIWIANA The wild and untamed beauty of the West Coast is epitomised perfectly in Piha. Black sand, crashing white topped breakers, blue summer skies and hot, hot sun complete the ideal summer setting.

The ever-changing moods of the Tasman Sea and the stunningly vibrant sunsets of the coast are framed by the summer blaze of the pohutukawa trees.

With just two owners in 70 years it is easy to see why properties like this iconic Kiwi bach don’t come to the market very often. Some stylish renovation has added to its charm, but the huge bonus of this beachfront property is twofold: just a minute from the water and with a massive, private, flat front lawn, it is like having your very own camping ground.

Family and friends can pitch up, enjoy a sensational summer holiday and yet not impact on you at all. There have been many memorable occasions celebrated at this bach and the 150 guests at a recent wedding spilling over the lawn and enjoying the sun and the

hospitality of their hosts are just a wee indication of how special this place is. Beautiful, gnarly pohutukawa provide the backdrop for this genuinely unique property that is surprisingly peaceful and private and with the majestic Lion Rock and The Camel flanking your outlook, that beach view just does not get any better.

Piha has a library, small but perfect, an art gallery that displays work by local and internationally recognised artists, two surf clubs, a bowling and tennis club, a well-stocked General Store and a cafe to while away those lazy Sunday mornings over coffee.

At less than one hour from the CBD this is a holiday home that will be used all the time, it is that convenient. Start talking to your family members, see if you can make this absolute Kiwi gem your own.

Come, check it out, I promise it is worth the drive.

Proudly marketed by Ngaire Lynch 021 027 41274, Licensee Salesperson.

Buy West Realty Ltd Licensed REAA 2008)

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2018

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HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS

@ ROSE & HEATHER

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1. Classic Eden 6-drawer chest in hickory and clear finish with satin nickel handles - $3980. Available in all finishes.

2. Chests and bedsides now available in oak and ash.

3. Newport Credenza - $2980 4. Newport bedsides 2-drawer with pull out slide for the morning cup of tea, coffee or iPad - $2680 the pair. Available in all finishes 5. Newport 9 -drawer in clear - $4690 6. Newport 6-drawer Longboy - $3880 ROSE & HEATHER, 406 Great North Road, T: 09 376 2895, www.roseandheather.com

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METAL AS ANYTHING SHOW @ PONSONBY CENTRAL Monday 28 January - 10 February, 9am - 9pm daily

Andrew Palace of ‘METAL AS ANYTHING’ will once again be exhibiting his wonderful collection of one-off eclectic spaceships lamps at shop 4D Ponsonby Central, opening on Monday 28 January running through till 10 February with opening hours 9am till 9pm daily. Andrew has been making his unique lamps for 25 years from his Grey Lynn workshop and exhibiting in and around Ponsonby in pop up shop exhibitions over this time period, this is another an exhibition not to be missed. F PN

92 PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2018

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

B E D S I D E C A B I N E TS C l a s s i c , c r a f t e d s i m p l i c i t y ..

w w w. r o s e a n d h e a t h e r. c o. n z 406 Great North Road GreyLynn

HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS

LOCAL SPECIALIST HEDGE TRIMMERS - LABYRINTH HEDGE TRIMMING Local specialist hedge trimmer Craig Heath brings the art and craft of hedge trimming to the greater Ponsonby area.

For over a year now Craig has been providing a dedicated hedge trimming service in Ponsonby, Grey Lynn, Westmere and central suburbs.

He’s a committed local who believes the secret to his success is being able to understand what people really want then completing the work to the highest quality in a timely manner.

“I have really happy clients because I specialise just in hedges so I’m able to deliver a precision job more quickly than most,” says Craig. With warm weather well underway and the garden growth at its zenith, Craig recommends hedge owners look to get their hedge maintenance underway before Christmas.

Labyrinth Hedge Trimming is your local Hedge Trimming specialist based in Ponsonby.

We offer a quality service in a timely fashion at a fair price.

Give us a call or send us an email today for a competitive no obligation free quote.

“Staying on top of things is far more cost effective than tackling largely over-grown hedges sporadically over time and the results are so much better,” explains Craig.

Labyrinth Hedge Trimming services includes helping clients work out a regular maintenance schedule so that their hedges stay healthy and look luscious.

LABYRINTH HEDGE TRIMMING

027 447 1445

Craig offers a dedicated individualised hedge trimming service, he will turn around free quotes within 24 hours and guarantees his reliability and a quality service.

(ANDREA KAHUKIWA) F PN

craig@labyrinth.net.nz www.labyrinth.net. nz

LABYRINTH HEDGE TRIMMING, T 027 447 1445, www.labyrinth.net.nz

MARKETING – WE SHARE THE COST – UP TO 50% SUBSIDY (CONDITIONS APPLY, CHECK OUR WEBSITE)

COMMERCIAL PROPERTY SALES 1% (+GST)

COMMISSION ON ALL SALES –

7.5%

ON LEASES (APROX 3.9WKS RENT)

Full details on our website:

www.investrealty.co.nz Invest Realty Ltd, MREINZ, Licensed Agent REAA2008

Graham Anderson, Ph 021959403 Email graham@investrealty.co.nz

94 PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2018

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

Ryman Respite Care Come celebrate Christmas and the summer season with us!

At Logan Campbell Retirement Village, community and friendships are some of the most valued aspects of village life. And Christmas is one of the many occasions that residents celebrate in style.

The magic and anticipation are brought to life through the village being decorated with all the trimmings, carol singing, and of course a bounty of delicious festive fare – to name just a few of the highlights.

“The staff were lovely, and they did very well by me. It was a good experience and one lovely girl sang to me and we danced together - it really impressed me.”

And after we’ve seen in the New Year, we’ll be enjoying the summer holidays with our annual children’s parties which are a highlight of the year, as well as enjoying the great outdoors with delicious barbeques and fun outings.

Logan Campbell provide care and support whilst welcoming your loved one into the village community, where they can enjoy the wonderful activities and events on offer. Making it a summer to look forward to for everyone.

For more information on respite care please phone Taryn or Lucy on 09 636 3883 187 Campbell Road, Greenlane The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2018

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KINGSLAND 3 Buchanan Street

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Three Level Cash Cow With Options Galore This grand old three level 1900’s character bungalow awaits you in trendy Kingsland. Couples, young or old will fall in love with the charm that this monster home has to offer, the sunny north facing aspect with a bushy private outlook, reminiscent of Titirangi and views of the Sky Tower in the distance. In a brilliant location just across the road from your favourite cafes, bars, boutiques, the train or bus into the city, or footie and cricket at Eden Park.

It’s been set up as a legal Home and Income; being 4 double bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and 2 living rooms, which are spread over the upper two levels. PLUS there’s a self-contained 2 bedroom (double and single) on the lower level, which has generous outdoor entertaining decks and an artist’s studio set in the garden.

SAINT MARYS BAY

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AUCTION 6:30pm on Wed 12th December, in rooms, 190 Ponsonby Road (unless sold prior) VIEW Sat/Sun 1:00pm - 1:30pm ljhooker.co.nz/ADKGUK CONTACT Steven Glucina 021 888 455 Dee McDade 021 448 832

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Great Location COMING SOON This big (220m2) 1900’s refurbished character home sits on over 600m2 level land, it basks in all day sun and is ideal for large families or to work from home! There’s three bedrooms and another room that can be used as a WK EHGURRP RU SHUIHFW DV D KRPH RIߔFH 7KHUH‫ڕ‬V D ODUJH JDUDJH DQG SOHQW\ RI RII VWUHHW SDUNLQJ IRU DOO \RXU WR\V FOR MORE INFO CONTACT %ULOOLDQW LQGRRU RXWGRRU ߕRZ WR WKH KXJH HQWHUWDLQLQJ GHFN DQG RQWR WKH ODZQ &XUUHQWO\ UHQWHG IRU SHU ZHHN Steven Glucina 021 888 455 until early next year. This home is conveniently located, close to the Jervois Road and Ponsonby Road vibe with Dee McDade 021 448 832 all the trendy bars, cafes and boutiques literally on your doorstep. In addition it’s in great school zones including Ponsonby Primary School, Ponsonby Intermediate and Western Springs College. This is a home to be cherished for many generations to come. This sought after location is becoming very rare - so be quick and don’t miss out!

LJ Hooker Ponsonby

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190 Ponsonby Road

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09 376 7530

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ponsonby@ljh.co.nz

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Ponsonby Estate Agents Limited

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Licensed REAA 2008

Approx boundary

HERNE BAY 45 Sarsfield Street

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First time on the market in 60 years! In family-friendly Herne Bay, home buyers, builders and developers will discover an exciting opportunity. This 1920’s character Californian bungalow is in original condition and it’s ready and waiting to be taken onto the next level. It enjoys a huge North facing garden with an abundance of fruit trees. ,W RR]HV ZLWK FKDUDFWHU EHDP FHLOLQJV QDWLYH SROLVKHG ߕRRUV OHDG OLJKW ZLQGRZV RSHQ ߔUHSODFH DQG D UHVWRUHG claw foot bath. Three spacious bedrooms, plus a sun room, a practical kitchen and bathroom. The bonus is the full basement underneath with high stud height, which provides endless opportunities. You may wish to keep the existing abode and renovate to taste or consider building your dream home. Whatever your plans, you can’t go wrong with the location with proximity to Jervois and Ponsonby Rd, bars, cafes, eateries, boutiques and schools.

Crummer Road, Grey Lynn

Grey Street, Onehunga LJ Hooker Ponsonby

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09 361 7740

Ardmore Road, Ponsonby

Jervois Road, Herne Bay

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

Second Avenue, Kingsland

SOLD Montrose Street, Pt Chevalier

190 Ponsonby Road

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09 376 7530

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021 888 455

Dee McDade

SOLD

Kowhai Street, Mt Eden

CONTACT Steven Glucina 021 888 455 Dee McDade 021 448 832

09 361 7701

SOLD

SOLD

VIEW Phone for View Times ljhooker.co.nz/A1SGUK

Steven Glucina

Recently Sold

by Steven and D ee

Clarence Street, Ponsonby

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PRICE BY NEGOTIATION

Rare Opportunity - Close to the Sea

SOLD

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SOLD Harbour Street, St Marys Bay

SOLD Calgary Street, Mt Eden

SOLD Oakdale Road, Mt Roskill

ponsonby@ljh.co.nz

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021 448 832

SOLD Archdall Street, Meadowbank

Ponsonby Estate Agents Limited

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Licensed REAA 2008

HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS

PROUD SPONSOR OF MAKE-A-WISH NEW ZEALAND Make-A-Wish transforms children’s lives, one wish at a time, by creating life-changing wishes for Kiwi children with critical illnesses.

One of the greatest joys I have in real estate is the ability to give back to the community. I am a proud Super Giver of the Make-A-Wish charity donating part of every home I sell.

Make-A-Wish is a worldwide charity which originated in the US in 1980 and has been in New Zealand for 30 years. Since it started, over 2000 wishes have been granted in all corners of the country, and every wish is unique to the child receiving it. To qualify for a wish, a child needs to be between three and 17-yearsold and currently, each year, there are 400 children eligible for wishes across New Zealand.

However, until the forming of their new, elite partnership with Bayleys Real Estate, Make-AWish New Zealand was only able to grant 200 of these wishes.

The positive impact of a wish lasts long after the wish is granted and spreads the positivity to everyone involved in the wish journey.

Collectively, the vision of the Bayleys Foundation and Make-A-Wish New Zealand is to make every eligible child's wish come true. MakeA-Wish works closely with the family, hospital, medical staff, school and the other organisations that each child is associated with, to ensure that every wish will be a totally positive experience. They have

a passionate management team with a committed wish delivery team at the hub and over 110 volunteers nationwide to assist in delivering the most amazing wishes.

To find out more please feel free to contact me anytime: Blair Haddow, T: 021 544 555, blair.haddow@bayleys.co.nz www.bayleys.co.nz/blair-haddow

NEW LISTING

Auckland 317 New North Road Character Office For Lease • 318m2 office or showroom • 11 onsite car parks The tenancy boasts a huge amount of character with polished concrete floors, high pitched roof, exposed trusses and large windows likely to suit a wide range of users.

The building is superbly located with proximity to the thriving Kingsland shops which offers a number of eateries, bars and entertainment for your staff to enjoy. The motorway system is easily accessible and the area is also well serviced by public transport.

For Lease Ben Wallace 021 184 4747 ben.wallace@bayleys.co.nz Andrew Wallace 021 148 7679 andrew.wallace@bayleys.co.nz BAYLEYS REAL ESTATE LTD, AUCKLAND CENTRAL, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

bayleys.co.nz/1686758

98 PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2018

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

CURATE YOUR WORLD Ibride animal portrait in authenticated limited edition framed print $590

24 Bottles Clima double wall bottle for cold or hot drinks, in Rose Gold $74.90

‘Rastignac’ design shown, other designs also available

Moulin Roty large toolbox set for kids $135 Pols Potten white rose vase 37cm high $249

Pols Potten 3D tableware (sold in sets of four) 4 cups $64, 4 bowls $80 4 plates $91

Dean Flowers

by Henry Dean Poppy vase 22cm high $49.90

La Paz waxed canvas & leather weekender bag $199

24cm candle sold out

Baobab Disco Tina 16cm candle $225 Vitra Eames House Bird $319

Mr Voss Candles $84.90 | Diffusers $94.90

Pols Potten hurricane vases in half gold 29cm h $99.90 14cm h $49.90

Men’s Society Weekender wash kit $75

THE FOUNDATION | 8 GEORGE ST, NEWMARKET | AUCKLAND | TEL 09 307 9166 | CORSO.CO.NZ

HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS

SUMMER-READY WITH COAST Getting ready for summer is easy at COAST. Its quality range of New Zealand-made outdoor bean bags, cushions, bags and textiles are perfect gifts that will last a lifetime.

“Thank you to all our customers for their support over 2018, and we wish everyone a happy and safe Christmas break.”

COAST, 77 Ponsonby Road, (parking on Colin Shaw lane) T: 09 354 4552, www.coastnewzealand.com

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1. COAST Picnic Bag, Charcoal $449; 2. COAST Marine Bean XL $699 and ottoman $425; 3. COAST Escape Day Bag $399; 4. COAST Picnic Rug and Bag $599, COAST Picnic Bag Charcoal $449

Kilim rugs & runners, saddle bags, cushions, leather & kilim weekend & handbags, uzbek suzani embroideries

Great Christmas GIFT IDEAS 53 WOOD STREET | FREEMANS BAY

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION & OPENING HOURS PLEASE PHONE MARY ON 021 211 8904 | mkelly@xtra.co.nz | www.marykellykilims.co.nz

100 PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2018

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS

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EFFLEURER Ja )V\PWVa 0IZ\ 5ILM QV -VOTIVL -`KT][Q^Ta I\ .IJ]TW][ .I]` .TW_MZ[

Call 021 174 8393 or email anthonyhartesq@yahoo.com | 293 Ponsonby Road | www.fabulousfauxflowers.co.nz | Follow us on &

A Track Record You Can Trust 204 THE DYLAN GREY LYNN

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I found Felicity very easy to work with and appreciated immensely her honesty and also her good communication skills. It was also refreshing to have a real estate agent who didn’t pressure me into any decisions. I really did feel as though she was working for me and not just for the dollars. Fay Clark, 204 The Dylan Grey Lynn

Double Your Dollar!

Go to the site www.everydayhero.com/nz, and search for Felicity Scott.

Pledge a donation and I will match your donation dollar-for-dollar, up to a combined total of $5000. The site will be live for at least the month of December, so please give generously to this very worthwhile appeal.

50 Norfolk St Ponsonby

48 Westmere Cres, Westmere

- Ref: 764748

- Ref: 762960

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2/22 Regina St, Coxs Bay, Westmere - Ref: 765291 3

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17 Miller St, Pt Chevalier

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Felicity Scott BBS | Residential Sales M 0274 522 241 B 09 376 3039 E f.scott@barfoot.co.nz | barfoot.co.nz/f.scott The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2018

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HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS

@ HAVANA HOUSE 1. Siglo snake skin cigar case 2s in white 2. Siglo bean shape metallic lighter in red 3. Siglo Retro II lighter in metallic blue 4. Siglo Opulent ashtray with gold 5. Siglo CC cutter in gold with silver 1

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6. Siglo cedar leather case with green stitch

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HAVANA HOUSE, 59-67 High Street, Auckland Central, T: 09 357 0037, www.havanahouse.co.nz

CUBAN PR

IALIST PEC

ODUCTS S

EX CL USIV

DUTY FREE HABANOS

R TO E DISTRIBU

RETAIL GIFT STORE

NATION-WIDE DELIVERY

GUARANTEED GENUINE

NEW STORE NOW OPEN! www.havanahouse.co.nz

59-67 High Street, Auckland Central

PH: 09 357 0037

Everything we touch turns to SOLD!

Professional Passionate Patient GREG NELSON 021 842 235 g.nelson@barfoot.co.nz

A big thank you to all our trusted clients and customers.

We look forward to wrapping up your real estate needs for 2019.

It’s time for you to put your feet up and enjoy the festivities!

While you’re relaxing and pondering your next move, give us a call to help you work through your property plan for 2019.

ANAH JORDAN 022 127 9080 a.jordan@barfoot.co.nz

09 376 3039 / barfoot.co.nz

102 PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2018

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

NEW SHIPMENT OF DECORATIVE CHRISTMAS GIFTS

21 Ariki Street, Grey Lynn, Phone 09 360 9858

www.europeanantiques.co.nz

HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS

@ JI HOME 1. A range of Christmas stockings and Santa sacks available now at JI Home, priced from $165 2. Magnificent Mimi, a stunning dining chair for your Christmas table $699 3. Artwood - the London Candle Holder a lovely gift idea $175

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4. A range of throws available now at JI Home, priced from $185 5. Birdcage lantern available in antique or vintage finish, a perfect gift for Christmas $255 6. Accessorise your Christmas table with a beautiful lantern available at JI Home, available in a range of finishes $145 JI Homes, 36 Pollen Street, www.ji.net.nz 4

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@ DAWSON & CO 1. TIKI pop up umbrella by Jardinico Classic shape and subtle colour ready for the beach, pool, deck or garden. Blend right in to the sandy landscapes or stand out with classic simplicity.

2. MOON table by COVE OUTDOOR The Moon table makes a bold statement with its soft curves and generous teak top itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a scene stealer and a conversation starter.

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3. RANGER 1-seater by COVE OUTDOOR Modern lines that suggest wrap around comfort and versatility. The Ranger one-seater chair in neutral hues is the perfect complement to any outdoor setting.

4. McKENZIE lantern by COVE OUTDOOR You can use this lantern to add mood to your garden setting or to light the way just as the McKenzie Lighthouse on Rangitoto is a beacon to the many sailors exploring the wonders of the beautiful Hauraki Gulf.

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5. PETITE table lamp by MAIORI Easy going and adaptable La Lampe Petite is an outdoor solar lamp that works as both a hanging or standing lamp, and because it is wireless, you can virtually place it anywhere you are, indoors or outdoors.

6. SYLT sunlounger by &CO Lightweight, elegant and versatile - even better when you lounge in pairs.

DAWSON & CO, 115 The Strand, Parnell and 38 Constellation Drive, Rosedale, T: 09 476 1121, www.dawsonandco.nz

104 PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2018

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PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

ENJOY LIFE OUTDOORS THIS SUMMER WITH OUR NEW SEASON COLLECTION

Ph. 09 476 1121 info@dawsonandco.nz www.dawsonandco.nz

North Shore Showroom 38 Constellation Drive, Rosedale, Auckland

Parnell Showroom 115 The Strand, Parnell, Auckland

DAW S O N & C O .

HEIDI PADAIN: ENTERTAINMENT IN YOUR GARDEN I’m never surprised by spring madness, but this year has produced a bumper crop of bonkers.

In the October issue, I mentioned that I was going to ignore the pukekos and the ducks because they’re very noisy, and there are far too many of them. They got the message. However, there’s always one. A female duck has taken up lurking on our property. At the most inconvenient moments she makes an appearance on our deck.

I should mention that we live in a pole house. Our deck is 25 feet off the ground. One morning, I looked over the deck rail, and there she was on the grass below. Suddenly, she launched herself like a rocket.

Her wings did little in the way of flapping until she realised that she was in my face, literally! Neither of us expected to be bathing in coffee that morning. I’ve named her Ivanka. Seems she wishes to escape the mob. That’s fine with me.

Speaking of mobs, have you ever seen a swarm of bees? It’s very exciting. I almost missed the moment. I was on my hands and knees, fiddling with speaker wire. Our sound system is a bit old and it makes an awful humming sound at times. No amount of fiddling would stop the hum, so I gave up and turned it off. That’s when I realised; the sound was coming from somewhere else.

When I stepped outside, I was wide-eyed with it all. There were a massive number of honeybees moving between a pohutukawa tree and a karo tree. The noise was incredible. Eventually, they merged into one fluffy shaped rugby ball. Seems to me the bees were playing an absurd game of Twister. They hung there, in the karo tree, until the morning. When the sun shone down on them, they all up and went. Shame, I would have liked it if they stayed.

As we near the end of the year, I like to reflect. Nature can be unkind at times. Early on this year, a cyclone swept through our property.

It pretty much destroyed a manuka tree that is alongside our deck.

There's little in the way of foliage on it now. Mostly it's a tragic display of jagged twigs. I had considered chopping the whole thing down, then I thought, no, I'm going to turn it into a fruit tree. I merely push half rounds of fruit through the twigs that I can reach. The birds seem happy. There are days when this tree looks like a scene from the Mad Hatters Tea Party. So, we already have our Christmas tree sorted. I’m going to wrap tinsel around the remains of this tree. The feathered decorations can come and go as they please.

I hope that when you reflect on this year, you too can turn the negatives into positives. Have a wonderful Christmas and New Year.

PN (HEIDI PADAIN ) F 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, or look her up on Facebook... Heidi Padain Photography.

FOR RENT CUTE CHARACTER OFFICE STUDIO CENTRALLY LOCATED ON PONSONBY ROAD · French doors to sunny deck · Bathroom and kitchenette facilities · Rent negotiable

CALL 021 722 222

106 PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2018

T: 378 9560 M: 0274 746 507 E: Phillipa@hotpropertyrentals.co.nz 1/1 Franklin Road, Ponsonby www.hotpropertyrentals.co.nz

“TAKE THE STRESS OUT OF BEING A LANDLORD – CALL US” PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

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Merry Christmas

We would like to thank our clients for their continued support, and wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a relaxing holiday.

Tricia Lafferty

Kym Aikin m: 021 596 222 t: 09 376 2186

m: 021 611 205 t: 09 376 2186

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For a free quote please call

Paul Skinner on 021 851 022 Email: skinscarpentry1@gmail.com

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NEW ZEALAND BOOKS FOR A NEW ZEALAND CHRISTMAS Selected by: Carole Beu of The Women’s Bookshop

Flourish: New Zealand Women and Their Extraordinary Gardens by Juliet Nicholas and Barb Rogers - $55 The known and the unknown, the formal and the fantastical, this lovely selection of gardens, revealed through gorgeous photographs, are works of art. Even if you never stick your hands in the soil, you will get pleasure and inspiration from this beautiful book.

Go Girl: A Storybook of Epic New Zealand Women

by Barbara Else - $45 This stunning collection of life-stories, with gorgeous paintings by New Zealand artists, is both a celebration and an inspiration for women ages nine - 90. These women stepped up, spoke out, and achieved extraordinary things. Included among the nearly 50 women are: Lorde, Helen Clark, Valerie Adams, Janet Frame, Merata Mita, Nancy Wake, Patricia Grace, Whina Cooper...

Hudson & Halls: The Food of Love by Joanne Drayton - $50 The love story, impeccably researched by an award-winning Auckland

Helen Clark will be in The Women’s Bookshop 1.30 - 2.30pm Saturday 8 December Ponsonby Road Market Day signing copies of her book 105 Ponsonby Rd Auckland 09 376 4399 books@womensbookshop.co.nz

author, of two TV chefs who, with charm, wit and spontaneity, captivated viewers and helped change 70s and 80s attitudes to homosexuality in New Zealand. This intimate portrayal is funny, moving and enchanting. It even contains the recipe for the famous green Frosted Cheese Mould.

Grandzilla by Lisa Williams - $28 A sassy, clever and utterly engaging novel from a local Grey Lynn author. Set in 1960s Cold War West Berlin and contemporary America, it explores growing up, growing old, and political activism. In a summer of love and politics, clashes are certain....

The Writing Life: Twelve New Zealand Authors

by Deborah Shepard - $50 Joy Cowley, Marilyn Duckworth, Tessa Duder, Chris Else, Patricia Grace, David Hill, Witi Ihimaera, Fiona Kidman, Owen Marshall, Vincent O’Sullivan, Philip Temple, Albert Wendt - 12 of New Zealand’s most acclaimed and admired writers speak candidly about their lives and work. Revealing, absorbing, moving - the perfect gift for literature lovers.

Shhh! Don’t Wake the Baby: An unauthorised story illustrated by Scott Pearson - $20 Proud parents, unnamed but smiling broadly, are easily identifiable in this delightful picture book featuring the ABs, the farm, and some deliciously recognisable members of our parliament.

And at the end - shh... Don’t wake mum and dad in their Kiwi caravan by the sea. Mum particularly deserves lots of sleep.

The Women’s Bookshop, 105 Ponsonby Road, opposite Ponsonby Central, T: 09 376 4399, www.womensbookshop.co.nz

online shopping womensbookshop.co.nz

108 PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2018

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

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@ REPUBLIC 1. Bijoux Chair - $1195 Plush gold velvet lounge chair that will add an element of glam to any interior.

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2. Almaty Coffee Table - $1295 Mughal designed iron base in a dark grey zinc finish.

The top is a chunky slab of white sand-blasted marble.

Matching side table also available.

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3. Clarke Chair - $1695 The Clarke chair is a cool throwback to 60s style with the added bonus of being seriously comfortable. Standing on straight wooden legs and in petrol blue, the slightly winged sides are reminiscent of flared trousers. It is upholstered in soft velvet and has cushion panels which shape to the curve of your back, so you can adopt an aptly casual position, sink in and relax.

4. Frazier Swivel Chair - $2595 The Frazier swivel chair is a cool throwback to comfy leather laid back swivel chairs from the 60s. It is upholstered in full aniline Charme Cigar leather. Sit back and analyse this!

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5. Carson Sofa - $5995 Slim and elegant, the Carsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s contemporary silhouette is accentuated by its stiletto metal legs in a shiny black nickel finish. Upholstered in high quality aniline-dyed leather, featuring a double layer cushion, this fashion forward sofa is a sophisticated choice in a contemporary lounge setting, and would also work well in a stylish corporate office environment.

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6. Supertube Chair - $2495 A large modern occasional chair channeling an industrial design vibe. Upholstered in Oxford Brown leather with a brushed stainless steel tube frame.

7. Shirvan Nesting Coffee Tables - $1595 A lovely juxtaposition of an industrial round iron base with an elegant and decorative top clad in brass sheet, which is then antiqued. This brass surface will patina over time.

The nesting tables provide the advantage of minimising or maximising coffee table space as required.

8. Tympani Swivel Chair - $1995 A mid-century inspired swivel tub chair with a brushed stainless steel base. Upholstered in full aniline Charme Russet leather.

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9. Khiva Round Table - $1895 The perfect dining table for a small space that allows comfortable seating for four to five. This table elevates the traditional pedestal table with a contemporary and minimalist statement. The sturdy natural wood base supports a round top of the same material. The simplicity of design allows this table to enhance any decorative style.

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REPUBLIC, 3 Pompallier Terrace, Ponsonby, T: 09 361 1137, www.republichome.com

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HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS

A HOME IN THE NEW HEART OF AUCKLAND The townhouse aspect in Wynyard Quarter.

30 Madden offers an undeniably unique waterfront lifestyle within the diverse and vibrant Wynyard Quarter community. Located on Madden Street and Tiramarama Way, six townhouses combine the best of both the high life and the home life.

Situated near one of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most beautiful harbours, which is set to host the 36th Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cup, 30 Madden enjoys an abundance of nearby public spaces, parks, restaurants and cafes. Designed

by Studio Pacific Architecture and developed by Willis Bond & Co, 30 Madden has been crafted by an award-winning team with an exceptional track record.

Spanning across three levels, the 30 Madden townhouses benefit from expansive and modern layouts and enjoy access to the central courtyard from the balcony of their open-plan living area.

With two and three-bedroom configurations available, and internal areas of up to 152sqm, every detail and specification has been thoughtfully and thoroughly considered. Adorned with the finest fixtures and fittings, beautifully tiled bathrooms, and kitchens finished with European appliances, these homes create the perfect environment for entertaining or unwinding.

The high ceilings of the upper levels of each townhouse are complemented by a serene outlook of the multi-level, versatile gardens of the private courtyard. The timeless yet contemporary exterior of the surrounding 30 Madden apartments is perfectly balanced by stylish and elegant interiors.

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In addition to six exclusive townhouses, 30 Madden comprises a mixture of apartment layouts including studios, one, two and three -bedrooms, maisonettes (two-storey apartments) and four exclusive penthouses.

Visit the open home at the 30 Madden display suite, located on the corner of Daldy and Madden Streets, Saturday and Sunday from 2pm-4pm.

For further information, please contact: Louise Stringer M: 021 628 839 or Mike Thorpe M: 021 877 351.

Visit online at www.30madden.co.nz

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

Corbin Bronze “A Girl on a Boat”

Beautiful furniture, lighting, accessories and memorable gifts for Christmas.

Clockwise from top left: Kose Ceramics; AERIN Margot Objet; AERIN Abel Large Vase Ink; Kelly Wearstler Bella Lamp; Augousti Lily Canister; McGuire Ojai Lounge Chair; Lalique Boulouris Vase; Global Views Tumblers.

AERIN Sphere Match Striker; R&Y A

Available exclusively from Cavit&Co. Auckland 547a Parnell Road, Parnell 1052 | Tel +64 9 358 3771 | Email info@cavitco.com

www.cavitco.com

HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS

@ ARTISAN 1. The iconic, over-size, 2019 Stendig Calendar. 122cm width x 92cm high.

From Paper Room at Artisan. $129 2. Tree for Life (not just for Christmas) - Wallpaper Christmas tree by Deborah Bowness. 84cm wide x 2m high. Exclusively available at Artisan. $395 3. Amara rug in khaki - from the Geometrics collection by Artisan. 2.8m x 3.64m. $13,500 4. Moroccan Runner rug in earth. 82cm x 380cm. From Artisan. $2857

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ARTISAN COLLECTIVE, 31A Normanby Road, Mt Eden, www.artisancollective.co.nz

Dear Reader is West Lynn’s independent bookshop, owned and managed by Grey Lynn locals.

The shop provides an eclectic mix of new books in a variety of genres HUK JH[LYZ MVY H YHUNL VM PU[LYLZ[Z HUK HNLZ ;OL Z[HMM HYL WHZZPVUH[L

Finish your outdoor living space with a beautiful rug from the ‘Outdoor’ collection by Artisan.

Mount Eden Remuera artisancollective.co.nz/rugs

112 PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2018

about books and are happy to help with particular requests.

436 RICHMOND RD T: 09 360 0383 email: dearreader@xtra.co.nz www.dearreader.co.nz

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS 1 W E E K ON LY 1ST - 8 T H D EC UP TO 50 % O FF SE LE CT E D FLOOR STO CK AN D ACC ESSORIES 15% O FF N E W ORDE R S 8 PON SON BY ROAD 09 3 76 9 9 6 3 APART M ENTO.CO.NZ

Thank you for your support over the last 26 years

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas 2017 TOP Salesperson Barfoot & Thompson, Grey Lynn branch Year ending 31 March 2017 Repekaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 26 years selling Auckland Real Estate has awarded her a substantial knowledge base.

Combined with 26 years of shining client testimony and you have one very approachable Property Expert.

027 499 0855 I r.lelaulu@barfoot.co.nz

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FINN MCLENNAN-ELLIOTT

The big question is where will you be for the New Year’s Eve countdown?

Returning for a third year, Wondergarden is bigger and bolder than ever before.

They’re pulling out all the stops with a lineup of artists that will get you dancing, moving and ever so glad you stayed in Auckland. Local names include Ladi6, Jess B, Katchafire and Avantdale Bowling Club.

2018’s event will be headlined by Leeds native Nightmares on Wax. As one of the most influential artists of a generation, Nightmares on Wax DJ set will feature a perfect blend of longtime favourites and future classics, intended to create the feeling of hanging out in your friend’s basement listening to your favourite music.

They will be joined on the lineup by epitome of funk, Damon ‘DaMFunK’ Riddick. His groove laden set will ensure the Wondergarden dancefloor sees out 2018 with one final gut-busting boogie. Also on the bill - fusing elements of R&B, UK garage and two-step with modern sensibilities and wide-eyed sincerity - are Melbourne’s Kllo and dreamy Melbourne via Hamilton electronic / hip hop duo Fortunes.

It is the welcome return of an event that organisers are growing into one of the city’s essential summer dates. Located at Silo Park, Wondergarden’s main stage sits between the harbour bridge and the city’s best view of the Sky Tower's midnight fireworks display.

If you're itching to get away from Auckland, then look no further than Gisborne and Rhythm and Vines. Over 100 international and local acts will feature at New Zealand's longest-running music festival, they will join some 21,000 festival attendees over three days celebrating the 16th edition of Rhythm and Vines, held at Waiohika Estate.

Top of the list for the festival this year is Juice WRLD. The American rapper is landing in New Zealand for the first time, and has been making headlines as he knocked Drake and Kanye West off the top spot regularly in 2018. He released his debut album ‘Goodbye & Good Riddance’ in May. Another Chicago native, rapper and producer Smokepurpp headlines the hip hop billing. Singer-songwriter Deal Lewis had a hit in ‘Be Alright’ that has seen him amass over two hundred million streams. Joining these are over 60 Kiwi names like SWIDT, Ian Munro, N eo and Mild Orange.

A short drive to South Head offers you AUM. Auckland’s creative community has got together to present what promises to be yet another standout fantasy-themed, three-day festival adventure. AUM is family focused, colourful, inclusive, safe and affordable. Featuring an incredible selection of music, art and activities, AUM 2019 represents the cutting-edge in contemporary boutique festivals. www.aum.co.nz

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www.rhythmandvines.co.nz

With a strong focus on artistry, diversity and quality, AUM has taken another step forward with its musical lineup selection for this year’s event. You can expect beautifully flowing programming on all stages with incredible music from all round Aotearoa and the world. You will be treated to more than 70 artists and a myriad of styles including live bands, psytrance, techno, world music, hip hop, spoken word and much more.

Just 45 minutes’ drive from Auckland City, AUM is held in the beautiful lush surroundings of one of the most comfortable, shaded, bestappointed festival sites in Aotearoa.

Aum Productions is fully New Zealand owned and operated. Whilst AUM has many international artists, the immediate focus is providing an active platform for the talented local musicians and artists from around Aotearoa. AUM is a zero-waste sustainable event that cares for the land as much as it cares for its guests. It is also BYO - no queuing for drinks at this event!

The Auckland Folk Festival will be back this summer with an interesting, both ethnically and gender diverse, line-up of local and international artists. New Zealand’s biggest annual grassroots folk music gathering will take place again at the Kumeu Showgrounds, over Auckland Anniversary Weekend, 25-28 January, 2019.

The family friendly festival showcases folk musicians from around New Zealand and the world to entertain guests of all ages. Festival goers can enjoy a full weekend of concerts, dances and educational workshops, all within the boundaries of the Kumeu Showgrounds, situated just a short drive northwest of Auckland city.

The Auckland Folk Festival provides opportunities for the artists and attendees alike to share their own music and celebrations with like-minded people from all cultures. Headlining the festival are six international artists, including Finn Andrews from The Veils, who technically grew up in the North Shore of Auckland. Lindsay Lou are a four piece bluegrass band from America, alongside singer Irish Mythen from Canada and Virelai, a Danish medieval folk band. Holly Arrowsmith, Fables, Tui Mamaki and The Nukes are some of the local names off the 20-strong artist lineup.

Have a wonderful summer, enjoy the beach and the waves, and make PN sure you see some great music! (FINN MCLENNAN-ELLIOTT) F

www.wondergarden.co.nz www.aucklandfolkfestival.co.nz

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

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@ CONSIGNMENT FURNITURE

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1. Knoll Bertoia side chair with leather seat 2. Lapalma thin barstool 3. Costes scented candles

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CONSIGNMENT FURNITURE, 2a Railway Street, Newmarket, T: 09 524 0084, www.consignmentfurniture.co.nz

CONSIGNMENT Welcome to Consignment . . . where we present opportunities for you to on-sell or purchase quality furnishings at reasonable prices. We’ve created an exciting, original space to showcase and sell contemporary designer pieces and iconic European brands on your behalf: Philippe Starck, Poltrona Frau, Cassina, B&B Italia and more! Our focus is on moving beautiful designs from one home to another and our model benefits both the buyer and seller.

CHRISTMAS

We offer a great return for vendors and affordable designer furniture for those wishing to buy.

Summer has finally arrived, so now is the perfect time to complete those final touches and get ready for a brand new year. Consignment is here to help you move those once-loved items, whether you are selling or wanting to buy that special piece. Visit our website or come and see us in our Newmarket showroom. We wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a fantastic 2019.

CONSIGNMENT furnishing. décor. lifestyle.

09 524 0084 consignmentfurniture.co.nz 2a Railway St, Newmarket, Auckland

New Space!

LETS CREATE YOURS...

STUDIO 1-13 BARRYS PT. ROAD, TAKAPUNA

FOLLOW US @collectliving

Shop online at www.collectliving.com

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Studio 1 - 13 Barrys pt rd, Takapuna Open 10-4 Mon-Sat Ph-489 4735

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CIRQUE DU SOLEIL - KOOZA Cirque du Soleil is ecstatic to return to Auckland this summer with its trademark blue-and-yellow big top (Grand Chapiteau) with the spectacular production KOOZA - a breath-taking, colourful homage to the traditions of circus.

KOOZA will premiere Friday, 15 February 2019 and will perform for a limited engagement at Alexandra Park, Epsom. Tickets are now available online at www.cirquedusoleil.com/kooza About KOOZA Cirque du Soleil rediscovers its origins with the company’s first Big Top show since Totem in 2014. A return to the intimate and fundamental human elements of circus, KOOZA combines thrilling acrobatic performance with the art of clowning. We follow The Innocent as he takes a journey of self-discovery through a comic kingdom of eccentric characters, electrifying thrills and out-of-the-box surprises.

The international cast of 50 acrobats, musicians, singers and actors present heart -stopping feats and laugh-out-loud antics to a live soundtrack fusion of jazz, funk and Bollywood beats.

“KOOZA is a show that blends, almost to perfection, its sub-continental sounds, its stunning lighting and costumes with theatrical ingenuity and acrobatic wonder.”

The Independent, London

“...a thrilling spectacle jam-packed with white-knuckle acrobatic moments.”

Los Angeles Times “...my heart stopped, I held my breath and even stifled a gasp.”

The Daily Mail, UK Prestige VIP Packages and Behind-The-Scenes Experience Various Prestige VIP Packages giving access to the best seats and a delectable culinary pre-show experience are available for selected performances of KOOZA. The exclusive VIP suite extends the show’s experience in a unique setting. Passes for a unique Behind-The-Scenes Experience comprising of a backstage tour, a meet and greet with the artists and access to all the VIP Package amenities are also available in limited quantities.

For more information about individual packages and corporate hospitality opportunities, visit www.cirquedusoleil.com/kooza

PONSONBY DESIGNER, CELIA VISSER, TAKES TOP HONOUR AT DESIGN AWARDS IN LONDON A stunning contemporary kitchen and bar for a client who loves to entertain, designed by Auckland-based designer Celia Visser, won the overall KBB award (Kitchen Bedroom Bathroom) at this year’s SBID Awards at an exclusive champagne luncheon, held in the ballroom of The Dorchester Hotel in London last month.

The SBID Awards, considered the most prestigious interior design competition in the global design calendar, was attended by top designers and architects from 46 countries, and recognises, rewards and celebrates design excellence across a broad range of categories.

Delighted after being shortlisted as a finalist Visser flew to London hoping, but not thinking for a moment she might come away with the top honour. However, when the MC, comedian Julian Cleary, announced her name as the winner, Visser said she couldn’t quite believe it.

“It all felt a bit surreal, especially having seen all the other fantastic projects from so many countries. We had interview after interview, and there must have been at least 10 photographers... it was like the paparazzi!” she says. “My client’s brief was that she wanted an award-winning kitchen and bar for her new

home. I’m so happy to have achieved that for her, not just locally, but internationally.”

Celia Visser lives and breathes design. Her passion for innovation and quality is matched only by her commitment to client satisfaction. Within the kitchen design industry, she is renowned for producing consistently excellent designs that have won her multiple awards. Celia has been in the design and construction industry for 26 years, and is currently a member of the Certified Designers Society, NKBA and DINZ. A past Vice President of the National Kitchen and Bathroom Association, she is a regular contributor to the design pages of magazines and newspapers, as well as a practiced public speaker and educator.

If you are looking for a fabulous new kitchen, bathroom or interior, give Celia a call.

CELIA VISSER DESIGN, T: (09) 917 1794, 54 College Hill, Ponsonby, www.visserdesign.com

116 PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2018

Award winning designer Celia Visser at The Dorchester Hotel London with her KBB Award

SBID Awards, winning kitchen designed by Celia Visser PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

CIRQUE DU SOLEIL RETURNS TO AUCKLAND! OPENS 15 FEBRUARY

UNDER THE ICONIC BLUE AND YELLOW BIG TOP â&#x20AC;¢ ALEXANDRA PARK

BOOK AT CIRQUEDUSOLEIL.COM/KOOZA EXTEND YOUR EXCITEMENT WITH A VIP EXPERIENCE Get the best seats, an all-inclusive cocktail reception, and more.

CALL 800 448 755

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ARTS + CULTURE

UPTOWN ART SCENE Our relationship to our body is one of constant negotiation, as we balance our desire for it to represent our inner self with the inevitability of its physical limitations.

The works of Virginia Leonard are incredibly bodily. They are upright vessels stacked uneasily on top of one another, mucky clay baked and glazed into gleaming, slick surfaces. Brilliantly coloured and with plenty of gold, these sculptures nevertheless invoke something physically brutal, a reminder that our notions of beauty are compromised by our physical shortcomings.

of our physical existence perfectly, with its smooth yet spiky exterior, precarious stacking, glimpsed interiors, and colours ranging from gooey greens to polished metal.

The human metaphor is strong: they are made from clay, figures formed from the earth like our mythological forebears; dull, flesh -coloured clays clothed in colour; hard clay that will shatter on a hard surface – seemingly all too possible as Virginia’s sculptures teeter in spindly legs above the gallery’s concrete floor.

Virginia has been making art for many years, originally as a painter graduating Master of Arts from Whitecliffe College of Arts & Design in 2001; yet 2016 was her watershed year, exhibiting with PAULNACHE at Melbourne’s Spring 1883 and attending a ceramics residency in Denmark. Recent shows include with Mindy Soloman in Miami, Taste Contemporary in Geneva, and Sydney Contemporary, again with PAULNACHE. In Auckland, Virginia has work at Objectspace and Two Rooms (alongside Gretchen Albrecht), both in our neighbourhood.

Unsurprisingly, these sculptures are born from Virginia’s chronic pain, which she has suffered from for decades, since a serious motorcycle accident in London. Her art marries the beauty and the grotesque

Virginia Leonard’s sculptures catch the pain and beauty of being human exquisitely. It’s been delightful to follow her career from 1990s to the successes of today. (STUDIO ART SUPPLIES) F PN

‘I came out of surgery looking golden’ – at Two Rooms; Virginia responds to Gretchen Albrecht's shared sense of coloour and gesture

Unique ceramic sculptures, at Two Rooms

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PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

FINN MCLENNAN-ELLIOTT

Ethno For the second year Ethno will take place in Aotearoa. This time between 18 and 28 January 2019 at Hoani Waititi Marae in West Auckland.

Ethno is a worldwide music movement for young folk, world and traditional musicians and singers. Founded in Sweden in 1990, Ethno is aimed at young musicians aged 17 to 30 with a mission to revive and keep alive global cultural heritage amongst youth. Present today in around 20 countries, Ethno engages young people through a series of annual international summer music camps, as well as workshops by working together with schools, communities and other groups of youth.

Ethno New Zealand came together for its first camp last year on Waiheke Island at the Piritahi Marae. The camp had 20 participants, crossing eight cultures and culminated in a performance at the Auckland Folk Festival. In 2019 Ethno returns to the Auckland Folk Festival, as well as a number of performances at Silo Park, and has made the Hoani Waititi Marae its home.

Ethno is an artistic residency, with all participants staying on site for the duration of the camp. They explore each others' traditions, music and techniques. These young musicians from Aotearoa and the rest of the world have 10 intense days of music, friendship, sharing through workshops and sessions. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the most immersive period of music learning they could have all year.

Today Ethno is active in around 20 countries with a mission to revive and keep alive global cultural heritage amongst youth. Ethno provides an opportunity for young people from across the globe to come together and engage through music in a manner that is characterised by respect, generosity and openness.

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

Ethno globally has strong objectives, including promoting and conserving traditional music, while allowing and facilitating intercultural dialogue. As performers, one of the best ways to learn is by playing with and watching other performers. Ethno allows the participants of the camp to not only experience this with fellow musicians from their own country but with individuals from backgrounds and worlds that are wholly unfamiliar to them. One of the most unique parts of Ethno is the coming together of all musicians at the end of the camp for one giant final performance, sharing songs, sharing techniques and performing what they have all consumed during the camp.

Ethno creates networks and pathways for young people to travel down, they always provide an inclusive environment that offers equal opportunities and safe experiences.

So far Ethno New Zealand 2019 will have representatives from India, Portugal, Ireland, Algeria, Sweden, England, Australia and more. This year they also have a select few scholarships on offer to musicians from Aotearoa that cover all costs associated with attending the camp in January 2019. Ethno is excited to offer this unique experience to the diverse communities of New Zealand and be able to open a pathway to a global musical network.

Scholarship applications closed at the end of November, but Ethno New Zealand is more than open to hearing from interested musicians.

(FINN MCLENNAN-ELLIOTT) F PN www.ethno-world.org www.ethnonewzealand.com

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ARTS + CULTURE RUFUS WAINWRIGHT

Brings his 20th anniversary tour to Auckland Town Hall.

Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Rufus Wainwright will perform a very special concert at Auckland Town Hall on Saturday 2 March as part of his 20year anniversary tour.

Rufus and his band will place the spotlight on material from both Rufus Wainwright (1998) and Poses (2001) - two critically acclaimed albums featuring fan favourites like Cigarettes And Chocolate Milk, Poses, April Fools.

California, and Foolish Love.

It was his self-titled debut which first burst him onto the music scene. Immediately beloved, both Rufus and the record were widely hailed as a breakthrough. It influenced many artists that came after him and set the path for his illustrious career ever since.

“Twenty years, what can I say?” states Rufus. “In life, one stands the test of time but in music, thankfully, one reaps the rewards. Come savour a very fine vintage of songs, those were some pretty good years!”

ST MATTHEW’S XMAS 2018 Advent is the season of waiting and preparation for Christmas and begins on Sunday 2 December.

Rufus Wainwright has collaborated with such stellar artists as Elton John, David Byrne, Mark Ronson, Joni Mitchell and Burt Bacharach.

At St Matthew-in-the-City, when you come to Advent services you will find no ‘Christmas carols’ but Advent music and carols which emphasise the longing of the people of God for the coming of God amongst them.

At the age of 14 he was named Canada’s best young musician and later received the Juno Award for Best Alternative Album. His album, “Rufus Does Judy” recorded at Carnegie Hall, was nominated for a Grammy. F PN

This year we are focussing on the characters of Advent: Zechariah and Elizabeth, John the Baptist, Mary and Joseph.

Tickets and VIP packages for Auckland show are available from Ticketmaster.co.nz

On 9 December at 5pm we have Evensong with Auckland Youth Choir.

On 16 December at 8pm we get a taste of Christmas with Christmas readings and carols.

The St Matthew’s Voices will sing Christmas music. Bubbles and strawberries to follow.

This service is hosted jointly with the Auckland Rainbow Community Church.

RUFUS WAINWRIGHT 20T H A N N I V E R S A R Y T O UR N Z MA R C H 2 0 1 9

Then we get to Christmas! Services are as follows: CHRISTMAS EVE: 7pm Nativity Service for Children (and their grown-ups).

9.30pm Music with a brass band 10.30pm Carols for Christmas - a good sing along and a few readings and poems.

11.30pm Midnight Mass - the first Eucharist of Christmas; music from St Matthew’s Voices with Paul Chan on the organ.

CHRISTMAS DAY: (There is NO 8am service) 10am Christmas Sung Eucharist - a service with communion, carols, a children’s talk. Music from St Matthew’s Voices and Paul Chan on the organ. F PN St Matthew-in-the-City, 87 Federal Street, Auckland City, www.stmatthews.nz

GREAT NEW SEATS RELEASED!

SAT 2 MARCH AUCKLAND TOWN HALL TICKETS ON SALE AT

120 PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2018

Christmas @ St Matthew-in-the-City Christmas Eve: 24th December 7pm 9.30pm 10.30pm 11.30pm

Nativity Service for Children Brass Band Music Carols for Christmas Midnight Mass

Christmas Day: 25th December 10am Christmas Sung Eucharist Cnr of Wellesley & Hobson Streets stmatthews.nz

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

@ OREXART

Kathy Barber - Out of Nothing, Until 1 December Opening 28 November 5.30 - 7.30pm Rather than using the canvas as a space upon which to project a series of preconceived mental images Kathy Barber approaches the making of each of her paintings from a place of nothing.

ARTS + CULTURE @ WHITESPACE

Disrupt Until 7 December Features the work of five artists: Lauren Lysaght, Locust Jones, Pete Wheeler, Ross Ritchie, Wanda Gillespie Artists looking at local and global concerns - political, social and economic, each artist presents their own personal commentary packed into a diverse and confronting exhibition.

Notions of outcome are held in check so the physical act of painting, the use of materials and a personal visual language can take centre stage. The result is of something intuitive and yet learned, forthright, but cautiously enigmatic.

What has gone onto the canvas is not a picture but what matters; the physicality, the intuition, and the personal expression.

Talisman 2018

Barber’s new paintings are in a sense a palimpsest. If, as in textural studies, a palimpsest is a manuscript or a very old document from which the writing has been removed and the surface rewritten on again, so it is that these paintings can be read as if there are many levels of meaning.

In essence, they are paintings where the subtext remains, but the thought has been rubbed away. What remains is the encounter. Out of nothing comes something inseparable from life, something biographically relevant - about the artist and about art.

Please contact rex@orexart.co.nz for details.

OREXART, 15 Putiki Street, Arch Hill, T: 09 378 0588, www.orexart.co.nz

Disrupt; Wanda Gillespie Seeker Also featured until 22 December The pale and beyond AKL, new ceramics

by Madeleine Child "It was seeing those tiny weeny thrown ceramics in the Museum that made me want to try working much smaller, and then from some recess I remembered Gillian Lowndes showing me Netsukes (but I was way too busy back then getting my college money's worth making huge things). These are 16th Century Japanese carved sculptural functional kimono pocket-holding fashion accessory toggle artefacts with their 'anything goes' subjects and either ricecake shaped or elongated with slits or solid 3D compact forms, and meant to be handled or rather fondled, fiddled with; and then if you muck Madeleine Child, about on the wheel these pretty much make themselves ceramic netsuke as throwing is always pulled up or poked at or opened out and then collapsed, either innie or outie, a thing or a hole, vessel or lump, positive or negative, and there’s that Grook about everything being either concave or - vex so everything being something with sex".

Madeleine Child is a finalist in the Portage Ceramic awards 2018, she has pursued the study of ceramic and glass in New York, Lisbon, and London where she received a BA(Hons) Camberwell School of Art, Masters from the Royal College of Art and Advanced studies Central St Martins College of Art. F PN

Navigate 2018

WHITESPACE, 20 Monmouth Street, T: 09 361 6331, www.whitespace.co.nz

G O O D TIDINGS selected artists 9 –22 December, 2018

28 November - 21 December 15 putiki street, arch hill open tue-sat, 09 3780588 The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

20 monmouth st grey lynn auckland whitespace.co.nz Image: Pete Wheeler

DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2018

121

THE PONSONBY PINK PAGES Consultation room

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Manipulated photo shown

If you work in health and would like to be part of a fantastic clinic which includes a full-time Practice Manager then please email: Debbie Lawton at reception@triuneosteopaths.co.nz

Call Gordon 021 667 181

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

T: 378 9560 M: 0274 746 507 E: Phillipa@hotpropertyrentals.co.nz 1/1 Franklin Road, Ponsonby www.hotpropertyrentals.co.nz

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122 PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2018

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

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We MANAGE and RENT Great property to Great people

Merrill Guttenbeil

Property & Rental Manager 021 37 47 57

merrill@executivepropertymanagement.co.nz

FOR LEASE 1HƂEG 6TGCVOGPV 4QQO KP %JCTCEVGT 8KNNC QP ,GTXQKU 4F Approximately 10 sqm

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david.wells@naiharcourts.co.nz

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The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

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commercial furniture

PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2018

123

69 Albany Road Herne Bay

MAC 101, 10 St Marks Road Remuera

Exceptionally tuned in to what’s happening in the Ponsonby area, Karen’s your No. 1 property professional.

For an outstanding result, let Karen direct your sale.

28B Shelly Beach Road St Marys Bay

28 Tirotai Crescent Westmere

53B Sentinel Road Herne Bay

76 Albany Road Herne Bay

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KAREN SPIRES AREINZ 027 273 8220 karen.spires@bayleys.co.nz

124

+ DecemberPonsonby, Bayleys Real Estate Limited, Licensed under the REA Act 2008.

PONSONBY NEWS 2018

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)