DAVID HARTNELL: ONE MINUTE INTERVIEW

HOROSCOPES

LOCAL NEWS DAVID HARTNELL: ONE MINUTE INTERVIEW WITH RUSTY SMITH

Russell (Rusty) Smith, is an absolute legend of locksmiths in Ponsonby. We asked him to answer a few questions.

Tell us about your family business. Smith’s Locksmiths established by Henry Leadbeater esq. in 1880 at 14 Wakefield Street has been in Ponsonby for the past 35 years - now based at 12 Sheehan Street, Ponsonby.

How has security changed over the years? In the past we deadlocked ALL doors and windows, so if someone was in our house when we got home we could catch them… Nowadays, if there is someone in our house when we go in the front door - we would like them to leave through the back door... life is precious - not things.

Best thing about Ponsonby? Our community. As I walk to the gym in the late afternoon, I am elevated by the many smiles, nods and brief chats - easily taken for granted in a busy city. I live in Ponsonby and love the Christmas buzz from late October - “Summer on The Strip!”

How have you survived the pandemic? Everyone has had lessons from this event - we were shown how busy we have gotten and forced to make changes. I have learned to be more aware of my own, and the mental wellbeing of others.

What was your childhood like? I grew up on Great Barrier Island in the 1970s and ‘80s, simpler times I will treasure always.

Favorite TV series? The Office (USA).

Russell Smith and his daughter Zared

Dream holiday? Paris in the summer – love the radiant heat of the stone/ concrete buildings at night.

Which item of clothing can't you live without? My Kathmandu merino hoodie.

Bucket list? A fishing trip to "The Three Kings” with my son.

Favorite time of the day? 3:10 pm - picking up my daughter from school.

Most Kiwi thing about you? My love of this land we call New Zealand. I love a holiday abroad but coming home makes me proud.

Your dream home? I am living in my dream home in Ponsonby - it is simple but I have always felt a connection to this house.

Treasured possession? I could easily let all things go but the plastic ankle IDs from the births of my son and daughter comes to mind.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years? Happily living and working in Ponsonby, looking after some grand-babies.

What other job would you like? Being a physiotherapist, as I enjoy helping people and making a difference.

Most dislike about your appearance? My skin - I spent too much time cycling in the sun - I should have been nicer to my skin.

What’s something that you really disapprove of? Discrimination and bullying.

What cliché do you hate? ‘Nothing is impossible’.

Your comfort food? A jam sandwich.

What’s your dream guest list for a dinner party? Sarah Jessica Parker, Taika Waititi, Billy Idol and Ryan Reynolds. I have always wanted to meet SJP and I love those three guys - it would be a fun night.

Biggest disappointment? Breaking four vertebrae in my neck and having no feeling from the neck down - I was disappointed in myself on behalf of my family.

Have you ever seen a ghost? I believe I did - on Great Barrier Island sleeping on a small peninsula as a kid. I will never really know, but it is still vivid in my mind - a Māori warrior as a misty apparition - kneeling and watching - looking towards the ocean. As I watched he didn’t move; when I looked away and back he moved out of sight. This island had hundreds of human bones sticking out of the banks merged with sea shells and was taken from the property owners by the government.

Changing one law or policy in New Zealand; what would it be? You must do community service to receive the dole. (DAVID HARTNELL, MNZM)  PN

OUR CONTRIBUTORS 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. 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.

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. PHIL PARKER

Journalist and published author, I have had a career involving both wine writing and hosting boutique wine tours in the Auckland region.

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. PUNEET DHALL

I am an Aucklander of Indian origin, Punjabi and Sikh. I have a keen interest in food, wine and politics.

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. 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.

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. SOFIA ROGER WILLIAMS

A vegan for over a year and vegetarian for over seven years with a passion for writing. I am a local student reviewing some of Ponsonby’s best vegan eats.