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ED CRUIKSHANK: CREATING CONVERSATIONS THAT MATTER

Ed Cruikshank has specialised in custom designed hand built furniture for over three decades since beginning his career in London working alongside designer and cabinet maker David Linley.

Over the twenty years he has been practicing in New Zealand, Ed has developed his own unique style with a goal to create modern classic furniture that will stand the tests of time - pieces that immediately belong wherever they sit and work perfectly. Everything is beautifully crafted from materials that get better with age so they will wear in, not out.

Since 2010, his bespoke pieces have often integrated personal meaning with encoded words, statements and even poems that are meaningful to their owners and their loved ones, both present and past. The thought behind his work and the design of furniture itself is all intentionally aimed at forming connection.

“I love designing furniture where we gather because whether we are connecting with family, friends, neighbours or work colleagues, whether the conversation is easy or challenging, it’s the connection that matters and which makes a difference to our lives, relationships and communities.”

A perfect example of this type of connection often happens around fire, which is why Ed has always been attracted to designing extraordinary fire tools like his super-useful and striking Infernorator fire poker and blower, and more recently the ingenious and portable Crucible fire pit and barbeque.

“Ever since I was a little boy I have loved open fires. I’ve had some of my most meaningful conversations and most creative ideas sitting around the glowing embers of a good fire under the stars.”

You can see Ed’s work by visiting www.edcruikshank.com and www.firebrandnz.com

HOME WHERE THE HEART IS TOP DESIGN TRENDS IN AUCKLAND GARDENS

Over the past year, Auckland gardens have taken a few design turns, driven both by urban landscape limitations and a more natural approach to the outdoors.

Softening the landscape seems to be one of the key outcomes. Whereas in the past, small city sections have been defined by large amounts of concrete and pavers with very squared off lines, courtyards and pathways are being redefined in loose material such as lime chip or decorative pebbles. A popular trend in pebbled areas is to embed pavers for a decorative effect.

Part of this is driven by high site coverage from dwellings, resulting in the need to look at permeable surfaces outdoors to fulfil stormwater runoff requirements. Recent instances of city flooding are contributing to this trend.

Similarly, increasing reflection on environmental issues is inspiring people to develop their garden in a more natural style. There's a desire for more flowering plants that not only attract bees for pollination, but also please the eye. And even that bastion of the suburban garden, the fertiliser hungry lawn, may be endangered because a small flowering meadow might be planted in its place.

The move to grow food at home has been gaining popularity. With no access to farmers’ markets around the city since midAugust, the construction of wooden sleeper vegetable beds has increased. Filled with garden or veggie mix, these have become natural adjuncts to the cooking of food at home in the absence of restaurants and Uber Eats.

Cutting herbs, picking salads, or simply teaching children where their food is from, are all possible with a few steps out to the garden. And to keep the look natural, the surfaces around the beds are easily made walkable with bark mulches or hoggin.

The exciting new gardens of urban Auckland are emerging from the past two years and with greater focus and importance than before. For more information on what’s trending in garden design check out these pages at www.centrallandscapes.co.nz/pages/inspiration

For help with getting your project started, Central Landscapes Avondale is open seven days right through to Christmas Eve. And after a well-earned rest the team will be back on Wednesday 5 January 2022.

CENTRAL LANDSCAPES AVONDALE, 419 Rosebank Road, T: 09 828 5533, Facebook: @CLSAvondale, www.centrallandscapes.co.nz

Turn dirt into gold.

Landscaping is one of the easiest ways to add value to your home. Talk to the team at Central Landscape Supplies Avondale about your latest project.

Central Landscape Supplies Avondale

09 828 5533 • avondale@centrallandscapes.co.nz Open 7 Days • 419 Rosebank Rd, Avondale

For our Christmas holiday hours visit www.centrallandscapes.co.nz

TIMELESS, CLASSIC CRAFTING

366 Great North Road Grey Lynn t:09 376 2895 www.roseandheather.co.nz

WESTERN SPRINGS FOREST Only 20 to 30 years till the Western Springs forest is back. The myselium layer and fungal networks have been choked by the spreading chip and turned over clay.

It will take at least 20 years to reseqester the carbon from the fell, as there will be more and more green undergrowth dying, rotting, and respirating until the intermediate canopy is up to shade the undergrowth and allow the myselium and fungal systems to regenerate - the absolute minimum needed for the growth of the tall timber into a native vegetated forest.

At the moment they are planting the scar with trees that I guarantee will turn into sticks; a terribly managed project all round I say.

Adam Baines, Westmere

COUNCIL’S GOOD CITIZENS AWARDS A FARCE? Until 9 October, I was on the selection panel of the 2021 Good Citizens Awards.The selection panel were told that if a member of the community feels strongly enough to nominate a fellow constituent that those nominated usually got an award.

I am concerned to learn that the person who many observe to be the most active in advocating for community, in fact she does it full time, has not been selected this year.

I did not nominate her, but up until I resigned from the selection panel, six respected members of the community had already nominated her. These six nominators represent a cross section of the community and are respected community contributors themselves.

I urge the Waitemata Local Board not to turn these important community awards into a farce; they must give credit where it is due. Not doing so would undermine the efforts of all nominees and recipients of the 2021 awards.

On another matter - encourage the Chair of the Waitemata Local Board, Richard Northey, and members of Auckland Council’s senior leadership to stop ignoring or not replying to emails. It is a form of abuse of the public who put a great deal of unpaid time into holding elected members and Auckland Council to account.

Finally, on 4 November I requested a 10-minute deputation at this meeting of the Waitemata Local Board. I wanted to speak on the numerous and inappropriate claims for mileage that the chair of this board has made since being a councillor and local board member at Auckland Council.

It states very clearly on the Auckland Council website that, I quote, "A deputation is delivered in a public meeting and is recorded on the official minutes". It also says "You can talk about issues facing you or your community”.

I have been a ratepayer in Auckland for over 30 years, contributing over $120,000 in rates over that time. I have never previously asked for a deputation, nor an audience in front of councillors. I expected Chair Richard Northey to honour what is promised on Auckland Council's website, the opportunity for me to talk about the issue of use of rate payer funds to travel between one’s bach in the Coromandel and Auckland.

In closing, I note once again, the minutes of the last board meeting are incorrect.

Photography Greta Kenyon TAKING BOOKINGS FOR CHRISTMAS EVE LONG LUNCH AND NEW YEAR’S EVE DINNER

Village Rentals & Property Management will be operating through the Christmas and New Year period...

Please feel free to ring Natalie or Charlotte for any of your property management requirements, including casual letting and rental appraisals. For property management we will assist with bringing your home up to Healthy Homes Standard in order to avoid the significant fines that are associated with non compliance.

Charlotte Aitcheson M. 021 180 2723 E. charlotte@villagerentals.co.nz Natalie Gonthier M. 021 416 836 E. natalie@villagerentals.co.nz

@ Dawson & Co.

From concept to cooking Intersection, the new project by Vincent van Duysen, is a strongly expressive kitchen with sophisticated details that highlight Dada’s excellence in working with materials.

Each Dada kitchen is a unique reflection of the client and their designer complimenting their lifestyle and needs. The journey starts with an in-store consultation to introduce you to the collection and showcase the materials and finishes available.

THIS PAGE Intersection kitchen by Dada available from Dawson & Co

Meluka’s first ever Baby range is now here. Meluka's new COSYcot is more than just cosy - they're cute and practical too.

Perfect for a new born baby and comes with a adjustable toddler bed rail for all growing kids. Made right here in Auckland, all paint is water based and safe for your family. Plus complete your bedroom with our must have toys and books online now.

meluka.co.nz HOME WHERE THE HEART IS