DAVID HARTNELL: ONE MINUTE INTERVIEW

DAVID HARTNELL: ONE MINUTE INTERVIEW WITH GUY CATER

Guy Cater has been a hypnotist and magician for decades, both here and internationally.

What are your childhood memories of Ponsonby? Going as a kid to the Cameo Picture theatre in Grey Lynn. I was born at a very early age at the St Clare Maternity Home which was until 1957 at 26 Williamson Avenue, Grey Lynn. I spent my early years above my Great Aunt Dora’s sewing shop in Great North Road.

Have you ever performed in the Ponsonby area? Many times at the great late lamented Gluepot Hotel. Such a wonderful venue and sadly missed by many.

What was your childhood like? Really great. My folks said there was not a lot of money but I don’t remember ever going without. The best thing about my childhood is that it hasn’t finished yet.

I believe the Sir Peter Leitch had an input into your early career. We became friends before he became ‘Mad’. I did a show for the Mangere Hawks and then Peter had me perform at his butcher’s shop in Mangere. When my first wife died, Peter was more than kind and helped me through a really rough time.

When did you get your interest in magic? My parents gave me a magic set when I was 10. I never lost the thrill of fooling people. I’m a long time member of the Brotherhood of Auckland Magicians, who meet every month at The Surrey Hotel in Grey Lynn.

Favorite TV series? ‘800 Words’. So much of that show I can identify with a widower bringing up two children.

Your dream holiday? Las Vegas... Disneyland for grownups. I have performed in three casinos in Vegas and just love the lights and excitement. It isn’t a real world, but the best escapism ever with magnificent shows.

Your bucket list? I’ve done most things I’ve wanted to and been to most places I’ve wanted to visit so perhaps there is only a trip into space left.

Most treasured possession? My photo album of my kids growing up.

Most kiwi thing about you? Bare feet all summer except when I’m working.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years? If I’m not dead then semi retired. It would be impossible for me to fully retire... I NEED to be performing.

What do you dislike about your appearance? My teeth do not show when I smile.

Do you read movie or TV reviews? No; reviews are just one person’s opinion. I prefer to make my own mind up.

Like to be remembered how? As someone who created laughter and made people happy.

What do you love about your age? Not a lot. My mind thinks I’m 32 but my body proves I’m 72.

Biggest disappointments? In 1989, my late wife and I were in the States and I did some shows at the Comedy Store on Sunset. I met some great people, and one couple offered to let us buy the Australasian rights to a new toy. We didn’t; after all, who was going to want something as silly as a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle?

Favorite movie? ‘Being There’ with Peter Sellers. A great story of an autistic man who has lived the life inside. When he finally is put out on the street, all he knows is what he has seen on television. Peter Sellers was superb and there was a great display of honesty and innocence as a gardener who ends up advising the President.

Tell us about your dream home. I’m living in it because my wife is here, and my kids and friends visit. It’s all you need.

Tell us something very few people know about you. I was production manager in a pickled onion factory a lifetime ago.

Favourite hero of fiction? Jack Reacher because he is everything I am not.

What cliché do you most hate? Time heals... because it doesn’t.

Your greatest weakness/indulgence? My weakness would be being unable to pass an animal that looks like it needs attention. And my indulgence would be hokey pokey ice cream.

What is your comfort food? Hokey pokey ice cream.

Your dream guest list for a dinner party? Emma Thompson... ‘cos she is hilariously rude and has an amazing sense of humour.

John Lennon for the same reasons.

Robin Williams - obviously.

John Wayne, so I can find out if he really did walk like that.

Cher - such an interesting lady with a voice I love.

If you could change one law or policy in New Zealand, what would it be? Harder sentences for domestic violence. (DAVID HARTNELL MNZM)  PN

IT’S A TEAM EFFORT... WE COULDN’T DO IT WITHOUT OUR CONTRIBUTORS

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

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

KERRY LEE I’ve been a freelance writer for a year now, and what I love most are the wonderful people I’ve

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

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

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

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

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

Ray White Damerell Group has continued their impressive growth with the people of Grey Lynn set to benefit from a newly announced rebrand of Custom Residential to Ray White Grey Lynn.

Custom Residential’s extensive work at the coalface, with a reputation for providing outstanding results as well as an exceptional customer experience will remain at the heart of the partnership. We’ve been working on this for a significant period of time to ensure that it was a good fit for both parties.

So here we are! Ray White Grey Lynn are always here to help you in whichever way we can.

We look forward to meeting you, catching up in the neighbourhood, and continuing to be your locally focused, high performance real estate team.

Ray White Grey Lynn 39/332 Great North Road Grey Lynn Mon - Fri 8:30am - 5pm (09) 360 4860 rwgreylynn.co.nz