PONSONBY NEWS - FEBRUARY '20 by Ponsonby News

Established: OCTOBER 1989

CELEBRATING 30 YEARS OF PUBLISHING HISTORY!

FFEBRUARY E B R UARY 22020 02 0

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Lakeside Living in Auckland from just * $680,000!

Retire in style: Lakeview Apartments in central Auckland! Offering the exclusive experience of lakeside living in the heart of Auckland, each apartment is warm, modern, finished to the highest standard and now completed for you to make your own. Located just 10 minutes from the city centre, and close to the bays and main arterial routes, this really is the ideal retirement destination in Auckland. From our rooftop gardens, you can also soak up the stunning views looking out across the village and across One Tree Hill. These apartments are proving to be a big hit amongst the retirement community, and if you are thinking of making the move then now may be the perfect time to do so. Starting from just $680,000* you can retire in style at this hidden oasis. Plus, for a limited time only, if you secure a Lakeview Apartment we will offer you an incredible $20,000 cash back† to spend how you wish!

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*Licence to occupy. †Terms and conditions apply.

For your free information pack, call 0800 SUMMER. Or visit summerset.co.nz/lakeview

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We’re open 7 days, so visit us anytime or get in touch with our sales team to arrange a personalised tour of the village. These are selling fast, so don’t miss out!

LOGAN CAMPBELL RETIREMENT VILLAGE

Serviced apartment living Enjoy the independence of your own home, with a little extra help.

We have brand new one-bedroom serviced apartments available now. They are priced from $450,000 and are located in the heart of the village close to the lounge and amenities.

Is a serviced apartment right for you? • Would you enjoy having a community and entertainment available to you when you feel like company? • Does a daily home-cooked main meal sound like a welcome change, along with help with household chores?

These apartments have a separate bedroom, kitchenette, and private ensuite.

• Would it be reassuring to have help close at hand if you happened to need it?

Along with help with daily living, there is also a range of activities and events on oﬀer as well as outings in the village van to the shops and further aﬁeld.

• If your health needs change, could you beneﬁt from help with personal care or day-to-day activities?

To find out more phone Liz on 636 3883 187 Campbell Road, Greenlane

• Could you beneﬁt from regular outings or transport to appointments, so you can get out and about with ease?

GREY LYNNâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S LATEST URBAN VILLAGE

Artist Impression

2020 marks the dawn of a new age of apartment living. There have been innumerable apartment developments popping up around Auckland city of late making the options of central, hassle-free living plentiful. None offer the locality, superior design or lifestyle that this new boutique development brings. The Hadlow promises terraced-style living, green open spaces and the centerpiece of an exciting new urban village in Aucklandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most liveable suburb. Located in the desirable suburb of Grey Lynn, these extremely limited residences are every bit as individual and iconic as their locale.

The Hadlow is set to be an exceptionally rare residential achievement. These boutique residences have been designed to facilitate a connection between its residents and their environment, encouraging a lifestyle that is convenient, sustainable and focused on community. Built with concrete inter tenancy walls, these freehold strata title residences are built to stand the test of time. The Hadlow has been brought to you by New Zealandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest apartment Eeveloper, Conrad Properties Group and multi award winning Brchitects The Leuschke Group. 3 Room Flexi/2 Bath plus Qowder Soom Sesidences Grom $985,000 Visit www.thehadlow.co.nz for more information and to request an appointment.

Alastair Brown 021 333 290

ONSITE Display Suite NOW OPEN 11am - 2pm Daily & Wed 5:30pm- 7:30pm Display Suite Located within Rose and Heather Furniture Store,

09 307 6340

406 Great North Road, Grey Lynn, Onsite Car Parking

All illustrations are artistâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s impressions only. Loose furniture, feature and pendant lighting, window dressings and wall coverings are shown for illustration purposes only and are excluded from the Purchase Price. All illustrations and artistâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s impressions of the landscaping to private courtyards, gardens and patios are indicative only and excluded Purchase Price.

photography: Connor Crawford

INSIDE THIS MONTH

009 010 023 024 026 036 037 041

P30: In December, Grey Lynn School had its reopening by the Prime Minister following an extensive rebuild; P106: Auckland Gospel Choir sang carols in Western Park, Ponsonby last month – clearly enjoyed by the locals FROM THE EDITOR DAVID HARTNELL: ONE MINUTE INTERVIEW JOHN ELLIOTT: LOCAL NEWS RICHARD NORTHEY, WAITEMATA LOCAL BOARD PIPPA COOM: COUNCILLOR FOR WAITEMATA & GULF U3A PONSONBY PREDICT WEATHER.COM NIKKI KAYE: AUCKLAND CENTRAL MP

048 050 058 062 068 081 089 092

EAT DRINK & BE MERRY VEG FRIENDLY: GARY STEEL TRAVEL BREAKS FASHION & STYLE HELENE RAVLICH: A YEAR OF GOOD HEALTH FUTURE GENERATION PONSONBY PROFESSIONALS PONSONBY PETS

098 103 116 124 128 129 130 131

PLANNING RETIREMENT HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS HEIDI PADAIN: ENTERTAINMENT IN YOUR GARDEN ARTS + CULTURE SUMMER STREAMING GUIDE WHAT’S ON IN FEB PEARL NECLIS: HOROSCOPES PONSONBY PINK PAGES COVER PHOTOGRAPHY: Everall Deans

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 Distribution Manager Ad Sales & Contributing Editor Advertising Sales/Ad Designer Operations Manager Contributing Music Editor Contributing Editor Proof Reader Designer

MARTIN LEACH; M: 021 771 147; E: martinleach@xtra.co.nz or martin@ponsonbynews.co.nz 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 FINN MCLENNAN-ELLIOTT; M: 021 134 4101; E: finn.huia@gmail.com JOHN ELLIOTT; M: 021 879 054; E: johnelliott38@outlook.com DEIRDRE THURSTON ARNA MARTIN; E: arna@cocodesign.co.nz

@ponsonbynews @Ponsonby_News @ponsonbynews

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.

6 PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2020

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

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LETTERS & EMAILS

COLLAPSING VOTES IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS It is ironic that Richard Northey is offended and cries the principles of democracy, when the entire thrust of my letter in the NZ Herald that he refers to is the undermining of democracy. The reality of collapsing votes in Local Government elections is a reflection of voters’ overall malaise, disinterest and disconnect. Many voters are feeling disempowered within an overly managed political process they do not feel a part of. No one can explain why party politics is even involved at local body level, let alone local board level. Part of the reason voters feel disenfranchised is a political ‘process’ whereby candidates are subject to party patronage and those parties then resource their election. Candidates should be vetted by the voters and not by experienced politicians who ‘know best’. I was shocked a number of years ago in hearing that one candidate, who ran as an independent and got elected, sunk in $45,000 to run as a local board member. This is supposedly a part-time role and is about being the people’s voice and providing community connection. Lets not forget the enormous cost of running for mayor which serves up hack national politicians who know how to work the system. Democracy is being undermined by a lack of independence with experienced, resourced people spending time strategising and managing a process, rather than allowing the system the freedom to work as it should. Ratepayers, voters and citizens want local boards free to not just talk the talk, but stand up unshackled to speak their truth. Russell Hoban, Ponsonby AUCKLAND TRANSPORT STRIKES AGAIN! This time it’s the main commute route – West End Road, Garnet Road, Meola Road, Pt Chevalier Road to the Western Motorway. Just like the debacle caused by Christmas consultation on West Lynn, the consultation closed on 10 December 2019. The plan removes car parking from residents, dog walkers and Pt Chevalier Road patrons. It moves Meola Road over to the south from the dog walking park to Pt Chevalier Road where new lights will be installed. In doing so, it removes 20 mature trees, but that’s okay according to AT because “they’re Australian” (no koalas will be harmed). Worst of all, they’re messing with the Meola Road roundabout by removing the straight ahead lane from Garnet Road and having raised table pedestrian crossings at each road. How will the buses that no longer service West End Road shopping village be able to turn around in this new constricted configuration? The design finishes just short of West End shopping village to avoid their consultation. The plan shows how it will link in with the ‘blood sandwich (my description) / ‘aspirational plans’ (AT’s description) / rejected consultation of the Garnet Road cycleway from last year! Happy New Year. Gael Baldock, Westmere

WITH RELUCTANCE, I MUST RESPOND TO CITY VISION’S RICHARD NORTHEY IN THE DECEMBER ISSUE: In 2018 as the chair of a council ‘representation review working group’, Mr Northey determined that Waitemata & Gulf having one councillor with a claimed population of 119,100 was “under represented” so therefore the ward needed to “shrink.” Having made up his mind, no rational argument or public submissions (88% against) could make him change it. There were two major flaws to his determination pointed out at the time. 1. Rather than just one councillor, there are also 17 local board elected representatives (seven in Waitemata, five each on Waiheke and Great Barrier Islands). 2. While Northey talks of “equality of votes” he refused to concede that while the ratio of electors (those eligible to vote) to the population is between 67-70% across Auckland and New Zealand, the ratio in Waitemata & Gulf was only 51%. That is because central Auckland truly is an international city with a large transient population of international students and expatriate workers on short-term work permits. Northey also dismissed the overwhelming weight of public submissions and the community of interest requirement of the Act (so much for ‘fundamental democratic principles’). As a result, residents of Grafton, Parnell and Newmarket were transferred to the Orakei Ward but confusingly kept within the Waitemata local board area. Northey’s ‘working group’ recommendations were rammed through a divided council by his long-term political associate Phil Goff, 11 votes to seven. Now, with the belated release of the 2018 Census Population Count, we learn the truth. The Waitemata & Gulf population in 2018 was not 119,100, as claimed, but only 92,865. An overstatement of 26,235! Did these boundary changes, made on the basis of highly inaccurate figures, make Waitemata & Gulf “more democratic”? Or result in “fairer representation”? Apart from the removal of 15,085 voters, further reducing the proportion of electors in the ward to 49% of the population, the hatchet job contributed to a fall in voter participation (in the Waitemata section) from 42% in 2016, to a miserable 36% in 2019. Richard Northey, a lifetime Labour politician, denies a political gerrymander. Okay. But I was present at the local board office when a (now former) City Vision board member – stating the obvious – opined that removing the ‘blue’ eastern part of the ward would make it easier to win for City Vision. As for the irregularities that went on in the campaign with City Vision candidates closely associated with council officers in ‘social voting’ events among the homeless and university students, I won’t go into as evidently this is the subject of a police complaint under the Electoral Act. Mike Lee, Waiheke RESOURCE CONSENT FOR THE EREBUS NATIONAL MEMORIAL TO BE NOTIFIED Prior to Christmas, the Waitemata Local Board recommended to the council that the resource consent for the Erebus National Memorial be notified. This recommendation, if accepted by the council, means that those opposed to the memorial can put their case in a forum that has specified procedures for resolving such matters without being intimidated by the Ministry of Culture and Heritage. Furthermore, the fact that the board made this recommendation indicates that the new board is listening to the community they represent which is a significant improvement from the approach of the previous board. The decision on notification is now with the council who has little option but to accept the recommendation, which is from an organisation that democratically represents the residents of the area. Keith McConnell Campaigner for Good Governance at the Waitemata Local Board. E: keith@keithforwaitemata.com

8 PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2020

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

FROM THE EDITOR

Just before Christmas, an operational decision was made to close Leys Institute Library and Gymnasium until further notice. A recently completed seismic assessment has found structural issues that make the buildings unsafe to occupy in the unlikely event of an earthquake. We appreciate this has caused a lot of concern (five letters to the editor!) about the future of the buildings and the continuation of library services. The Waitemata Local Board has ensured that services will resume from March at 14 Jervois Road in a pop-up library for at least the next three years and that the jobs of all library staff are safe. A report on the options for restoring the buildings will be going to the local board. We will be watching, very closely, decisions on the future of the Leys Institute by the Waitemata Local Board and Auckland Council. We will strenuously oppose demolition or sale to a developer.

Jay Platt, John Elliott & Martin Leach

We were pleased to hear that a pride walking event (Rainbow Pride Auckland) will be held on Ponsonby Road on Saturday 29 February – P16.

Our friend Gerry Hill’s memorial service was held last month at the Grey Lynn RSC. It was a great way for all his friends and family to show how much he was loved and respected by a huge number of people. Rest in peace, dear Gerry – P34.

Trees are the lungs of any city and we are in danger of losing even more in the city, owing to the inability of council to protect groups of trees – a right taken away from them by an amendment to the Resource Management Act by the previous government. See Gael Baldock’s editorial on – P23.

Readers will do well to read Kerry Lee’s editorial on the moth plant and check their gardens for this invasive pest – P40.

Auckland has a new theatre – The Covert, based at 51 Mackelvie Street. Its main purpose is to enhance human connection through play – P28. We were treated to a comprehensive tour of the new Western Springs College campus by Principal Ivan Davis and Board Chair Carol Gunn. The building is a stunning departure from the old standard Nelson block classrooms, which have been a feature for more than eight decades. The campus will be officially opened by the Prime Minister on 21 February – P32.

HAPPY NEW YEAR Benefit from our 20/20 vision when it comes to making your property stand out in buyers eyes

A new year usually includes resolutions about health; Helene Ravlich’s column this issue looks at ways of improving our wellbeing – P68. Western Park is the venue for this year’s Woof! event on Sunday 23 February. The Auckland Rainbow Dog Show is a great community event and a fun day out for all – P96. Just as we went to print, we learned we are on a countdown to the 2020 PN election on 19 September. Watch this space. (MARTIN LEACH) F

M AT T & RYA N N 1 I N G R E Y LY N N*

“Matt & Ryan have been amazing. From a painless initial engagement and going above and beyond with preparing the property, to open homes and the auction process. We were thoroughly impressed with Matt & Ryan plus the wider Barfoot & Thompson team at the auction, with their guidance resulting in expectations being greatly exceeded.” Sandy & Gareth

Ryan Harding 021 621 580

m.orourke@barfoot.co.nz

r.harding@barfoot.co.nz

* G re y Ly n n b ra n c h - ye a r e n d i n g 2 0 1 9

PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2020

LOCAL NEWS

David Hartnell: One Minute Interview with the team at BIG SUR Ann Gou and Bruce Ly run the Big Sur cafe on Richmond Road. They have both worked on and off in the hospitality industry from cafes to bars. Why did you call your cafe Big Sur? We adopted it from the previous owner. Where were you born? Vietnam. How long have you lived in New Zealand? 30 years. What was your childhood like? It was a great experience. As a young immigrant growing up in a small Waikato community, I got to really experience being around farmland and the great outdoors. I will die happy if... Knowing that I have spent this lifetime learning and experiencing the world around me. What is your favourite TV show? ‘The Chase’ – because I love knowing useless information. Where would your dream holiday be? Anywhere where I could trek through the wild – Amazon, Alaska, etc. What’s on your bucket list? Being able to witness and photograph the aurora borealis or northern lights. Most Kiwi thing about you? My love for rugby. Where do you see yourself in 10 years? Hopefully wiser than I currently am today… hahaha! What job would you do other than your own? A pilot because I would be given the opportunity to fly different types of aircraft. What do you dislike about your appearance? Nothing really. How would you like to be remembered? As someone who made the most of life. What do you love about your age? Being able to say I’ve got some life experience. What is something you really disapprove of? People who look down on others. What is your biggest disappointment? Not becoming a pilot. Ever seen a ghost? Funny you should ask this… but I’ll provide a bit of background first. George, a neighbour in his 70s, lived behind my friend’s house. I used to have some really fun banter with him. One night I stayed over and decided to go to the toilet in the dark. While doing this I saw a black shadowy figure in the mirror and felt a shiver down my spine but I didn’t think too much about it as I was still half asleep. Next day I saw an ambulance in the driveway and I asked what had happened. I was told that George had passed away that night so I think he was coming to say goodbye to me? Scary, I know! Give your teenaged self some advice? You should have put more effort into studying instead of playing lots of different sports, so you could get the grades needed to be a pilot.

10 PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2020

How do you chill out? I listen to music and I mean the stuff rom the 70s to the 90s, not the rubbish they have nowadays, or am I now just starting to sound like an old grumpy man? Your favourite hero of fiction? Hunman (The Monkey King) I don’t know if you can consider him a fiction character? As a kid I grew up watching it and he had all the magical powers I wanted to have, like being able to fly across the sky on a cloud. A talent you would like to have? Unlimited memory. What cliché do you hate? Better safe than sorry. Because I think if you’re living life safe, you’re not living. Greatest weakness? Ice cream. Handshake or a hug kind of person? Well it really depends – if I’ve only met them for the first time, I’ll shake their hand. But if I’ve met them more than once, I’ll most likely give them a hug. Your dream guest list for a dinner party? David Attenborough, because I love documentaries and I would just love to hear his life stories. Do you have a party trick? Not really. The only thing I can do remotely close is split the bottom of a beer bottle from the top with my bare hands. Travel light or heavy? Depends where I am going and what reason I’m going for; most of the time, pretty light. Favourite movie? ‘The Green Mile’. Do I really need to explain why? I think this would be in most people’s all-time top 10 movies. If you could change one law or policy in New Zealand, what would it be? Bring back capital punishment for serious crimes against human kind. PN (DAVID HARTNELL MNZM) F

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

LETTERS & EMAILS

PT CHEVALIER – WESTMERE – HERNE BAY – BEWARE Auckland Transport has released detailed information of their plans to link the recent Victoria Street revamp with the city centre, North Western, Karangahape Road cycleways, and run them via Pt Chevalier, Meola, Garnet, West End, and Jervois Roads. Business Grey Lynn has been approached by businesses in all these areas frustrated by the lack of consultation and lack of detailed information as to how it will affect their businesses. Small businesses in West Lynn, K’Road, Victoria Street and other suburbs around Auckland have born the brunt of these disruptive road works, with disastrous effects on their revenue and loss of customers. Auckland City does not even offer any rate rebates for the period of construction. In Pt Chevalier Road alone, 97 car spaces are planned to be removed; Westmere, it looks like most of the spaces outside the local shops will go, and probably many, many along Jervois Road, too. We all agree we want shared spaces for everyone in the community – but it’s how we go about achieving this which is the main concern at present. If we want to get more cars off the road, then we need our leaders to be looking at increasing Park n Ride spaces (Motat’s new carpark an ideal site). Discouragement of workers bringing their cars into the city to park all day by introducing city taxes during certain times of the day. Expansion of residents’ parking in a wide radius around the city. Tolls on the motorways into the city during peak times.

BLUESTONE KERB STONES Late last year, I was on a walk with the dog in Grey Lynn and I noticed the handmade bluestone kerb stones (circa 1800s) had gone on part of Cockburn Street. There is now new concrete kerb laid this morning. I spoke to Auckland Transport, who are doing the work. The project manager did not know the bluestone kerb had gone. He was going to site this morning and would call back (he didn’t call). He told me at the time that the stones were to be lifted then put back – that was not the truth. Where have the stones gone? What annoys me, apart from the bluestones going missing (potentially stolen from the people of Auckland?), is the double standard here. We are expected to keep our homes to a good Heritage standard and not alter them for Heritage sake but Auckland Transport can do what they want – even take Auckland Hertitage bluestone. Cockburn Street (part) now looks sterile, plastic and boring – are you proud Auckland Transport? This needs to be rectified. It’s not acceptable! Sorry for the angst but this type of thing is crazy when we need to hold on to Heritage. Colin Weatherall, Grey Lynn

Let’s think very carefully before we rip apart the streets and how this is going to affect the small businesses we love to support in our community. They have leases to pay for, and it’s not an easy road for many at this time. One K’Road shop owner confessed to us at Christmas time, “financially, I shouldn’t even be here now.” We know from the disaster of West Lynn how not to do it; we need to be very careful for the next suburb. Cars and cycles are both entitled to share the space – it’s happening well in other cities around the world and we can do it here too with a proper consultation process and much input from all road users of the community. Darryl Ojala & Soala Wilson – Co Chairs, Business Grey Lynn SAFETY ON FRANKLIN ROAD Standing on Franklin Road around 6pm one weekday evening, over a period of about five minutes, I photographed a cyclist riding up the pavement and two scooter riders going up the bike lane on the down side of the road. Plus a scooter rider zooming down the up hill cycle lane. Clearly there’s a few folk out there with limited common sense and a death wish! Two-way triple jeopardy for Franklin Road residents backing out of their driveways, as predicted by residents to the all-knowing folk at AT. A concerned Franklin Road resident, Ponsonby

LOCAL BODY ELECTIONS Last year, those of us in Westmere and Grey Lynn were going to be removed from the Waitemata and Gulf Electorate, as were Parnell and Newmarket because the numbers of residents were too high. We fought against it and, instead, Grafton was added in with Parnell and Newmarket to go to Orakei Elecorate. Yet, if this was actually true, then surely the votes would support that. ELECTORATE TOTAL VOTES COUNCILLOR

VOTES

COUNCILLOR

VOTES

Albany

28,510

Wayne Walker

24,768

Cathy Casey

19,255

79,878

Albert/Eden 75,541

John Watson

Christine Fletcher 20,239

Proving numbers were not high enough for two councillors. Maungakiekie/Tamaki

18,671

Josephine Bartley

8358

Whau

18,101

Tracey Mulholland

5853

Orakei

28,000

Desley Simpson

19,618

Waitemata- and Gulf

18,068

Pippa Coom

6581

The proof is in the pudding. It wasn’t necessary to slice votes off Waitemata- and give them to Orakei! Gael Baldock, Westmere Source: www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/about-auckland-council/elections/2019 electiondocuments/2019-local-elections-results-mayor-council.pdf

12 PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2020

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

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#iloveponsonby

LOCAL NEWS

Auckland needs better tree protection In 2014 when tree protections were removed, Auckland’s urban forest canopy was 18%. This figure is still being used by council after significant loss of the urban canopy five years later. In 2017, the Tree Council told us Auckland had lost one third of its mature tree canopy. The Strategy for Auckland’s Urban Ngahere, adopted in 2018 and published this year, wants to increase our urban forest canopy to 30%. This is an open-ended aspiration. Most other large cities have given themselves a time limit. Auckland does not know what the consequences of the removal of tree protections since 2014 has been because the 2016 Lidar information is faulty and cannot be produced. We are awaiting another study but there is no political will to do one. There is no one overall authority collating the tree losses. Politically, it suits the Mayor and a number of elected representatives driving the intensification agenda to not have the information. Waitemata Local Board (WLB) is the one local board that has done a report on tree loss [1] in its area. It is the biggest, most important mature climate managing trees that are being lost. Auckland puts no value on our trees. We do not value them for their amenity either; this is a problem. Most other big cities do this. Not only does it give a value to enable costings when destruction is mooted or injury caused to these ratepayer assets, it also serves to indicate to residents that the trees have value and to damage or remove them will have punitive financial consequences. Most cities in Australia not only put a dollar value on their valuable mature canopy trees, and on the amenity they provide, Australians are also actively protecting their valuable big trees and increasing their urban forest canopies. This is our best climate change management strategy. Auckland’s approach to its valuable climate managing canopy and biodiversity habitat serves to indicate to residents, ratepayers, particularly construction workers and developers, that our trees have no value. This is the way that they currently treat our street trees. Council itself is failing to enforce the tree protection regulations that it currently has. Even 100+-year-old native trees and those identified as Scheduled trees are not protected in Auckland. The WLB report also identified council as a ‘significant player in the loss of Auckland’s protected trees’ (p23) in the WLB area. I believe this is an Auckland-wide problem. When there is no overall collating going on of how many trees are being destroyed by council, let alone Auckland Transport and the other CCOs, there is a problem. Factor into that equation that every resource consent to cut down a valuable mature tree is looked at in isolation, means there is a problem. Then factor in the proposed large clearances by Tupuna Maunga Authority and the decisions being made by local boards on their patch to destroy trees, eg, Chamberlain Park and Western Springs Forest – there is a problem. Replanting is a long term 30-50+ – year plan for biodiversity and climate management, it is not mitigation. No consideration is ever given to what is to happen to the biodiversity when large habitat trees are destroyed. We cannot keep doing this. [1]

14 PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2020

Officially we also have a climate crisis and we in Auckland are actively destroying our climate managers. The resource consent process is part of the problem. Unaccountable, undemocratic, 95% of RCs are being processed non-notified including those involving Significant Ecological Areas (SEA). I believe many are non-compliant. This is wrong and demonstrates, to my mind, that council is not properly applying the RMA and the Unitary Plan Protections. The experience of London informs us that a healthy urban forest needs a diversity of species. Many of our native temperate forest trees are too sensitive for the difficult life of an urban forest tree and unsuited to the increasing temperatures of our urban centres. We cannot afford tree racism – we need to remain open minded. Auckland urgently needs an independent body to maintain an overall view and assessment of its urban forest canopy and green resources which informs the management. Sorry, Phil, one million saplings do not even address, let alone replace, the climate managing ecosystem services that have already PN been lost and continue to be lost daily. (WENDY GRAY) F

www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/about-auckland-council/how-auckland-council-works/local-boards/all-local-boards/ waitemata-local-board/Documents/tree-loss-waitemata-local-board-2006-2016.pdf PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

Free Even ď&#x192;&#x201D;

Ponsonby Road is open all day until 4:30pm.

00 am From 11:0 Marrket Stallls & Food de arts 5:3 d Rainbow Parad Auckland 30 pm St Tole Street Frrom

ds, Music & Live Band et Entertainment Stree Beach Club DJ Stage

From 6:30 pm om 6:30 pm Fro

Lincoln Street Stage

Allana Goldsmith

From 7:00 pm

ps The Pickup

00 pm om 7:0 Fro

Three Lamps Stage

d Stage Ponssonby X Richmond Road

Live 7:45pm Ponsonby X Richmond Road Stage

Drag Queen & Bears Finale Eat, Drink & Dance 'til Late

00 pm At 10:0

SAT 29 FE B 2020 Save the date to join us on Ponsonby Road and celebrate diversity, unity, love and connection.

Celebrating Diversity & Unity iloveponsonby.co.nz

#iloveponsonby

LOCAL NEWS

Rainbow Pride Auckland Walking Parade announced It's all happening on Ponsonby Road on Saturday, 29 February. • A diverse celebration of fun, colour and proud sense of community.

and Ponsonby Street Festival is the perfect occasion for this,” says Matt Bagshaw, chair of Rainbow Pride Auckland.

• Another chapter in the long and colourful history of Ponsonby. Ponsonby Road has long been regarded as the home of parades for the Rainbow Community. A place where lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex (LGBTQI) people feel safe to demonstrate diversity, inclusion, self-acceptance and pride, making the Ponsonby Street Festival the perfect opportunity for the Rainbow Pride Auckland Walking Parade. Taking place on Saturday 29 February, 5.30pm -7pm as part of the Ponsonby Street Festival, the Rainbow Pride Auckland Walking Parade will be an uplifting event bringing with it a carnival style atmosphere, an abundance of fun, all the colours of the rainbow and a proud sense of community. “This event will provide a safe place for everyone to have a voice. It’s an opportunity to demonstrate the importance of diversity and inclusion. Our communities, both local and across Aotearoa, deserve to celebrate their pride – the Rainbow Pride Auckland Walking Parade

Participants will put on a visual spectacle capturing the spirit of pride – bringing together colour and community for their unmotorised floats. After the parade, everyone is encouraged to stay and enjoy the Ponsonby Street Festival with family friendly entertainment, street activities, three main stages with live bands, and access to the many Ponsonby eateries. Nigel Shanks, chair of the Ponsonby Business Association, comments, “Ponsonby offers residents, visitors and business owners a melting pot of retail, hospitality, people and – most importantly – love and acceptance. Celebrating others is a common feature in the long and colourful history of Ponsonby and we are delighted we get to continue the tradition.” Details of both the route and participants will be shared closer to the time. F PN www.iloveponsonby.co.nz www.rainbowpride.org.nz

Ponsonby Street Festival and Auckland Rainbow Parade Saturday 29 February, 11am ‘til late Save the date and join us on Ponsonby Road to celebrate diversity, unity, love and connection at the Ponsonby Street Festival and Auckland Rainbow Parade. From 11am, Ponsonby Road will be filled with market stalls full of treasures, bargains and great food. Then, as evening settles, Ponsonby Road will close at 4.30pm in preparation for the Auckland Rainbow Parade starting at 5.30pm from Tole Street. Watch an abundance of fun and colour as the walking parade makes its way down Ponsonby Road, leading into an impressive show from street entertainers at 6.30pm. There’ll be live bands and music kicking off from 7pm with Allana Goldsmith live at the Three Lamps Stage and The Pickups live onstage at Richmond Road. The Topp Twins will play live on the Richmond Road Stage at 7.45pm and the fabulous drag queen and bears will do the finale at 10pm. Eat, Drink and Dance ‘til late at your favourite Ponsonby venue on Saturday 29 February. This is a free community event; get your friends and family together and share the love! www.iloveponsonby.co.nz F PN

16 PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2020

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

LOCAL NEWS

February is full of flavour! Ponsonby has long been one of the hubs of our Rainbow Community, having hosted the original and very fabulous Hero Parade throughout the 90s and into the 2000s. Ponsonby Community Centre is delighted to be a part of the Auckland Pride Festival by hosting a free event What’s Up: An Activist Gala being held on 12 February 7pm-9pm. The gala is back by popular demand after the first Pride Activist Gala last year. This is a chance to hear about the most pressing human rights challenges faced by different parts of our rainbow and takatapui communities – and how can we support each other’s struggles. What are the opportunities to make lasting change in 2020? The Pride Activist Gala is a time to stimulate constructive conversations and action across generations, identities and issues, and to spark intersectional activism. Last year’s event was filled to capacity. This year’s host organisation is Rainbow Path – a network for Rainbow refugees and asylum seekers living in Aotearoa. F PN www.ponsonbycommunity.org.nz

Whats Up: An Activist Gala

Wednesday 12 February, 7-9pm Ponsonby Community Centre, 20 Ponsonby Terrace Be inspired by Rainbow activists, with the chance to support each other’s campaigns and maybe create new ones together.

Part of Auckland Pride Festival 1-16 Feb 2020 www.proudcentres.co.nz PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2020

YOUR HOME OUR DEDICATION In a difficult market Tony and Jen achieved a new sales record for St Marys Bay, including a recent sale for over $7 million. They are solely focussed on achieving the maximum price your property deserves, above volume of sales. This ﬁts the New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty philosophy of achieving the 2019 top two highest sales in New Zealand and Auckland. Talk to Tony and Jen about how they can maximise the sale of your property in St Marys Bay, Herne Bay, neighbouring suburbs or any coastal gem you may have tucked away.

Thinking of selling? Tony and Jen have serious buyers looking for their next special property: Buyer Proﬁle: Overseas family of four

Buyer Proﬁle: Family

Area: St Marys Bay and Herne Bay

Area: Herne Bay, Ponsonby and St Marys Bay

Budget: $5 - $6 million

Budget: Up to $3 million

House Description: Four bedrooms, nice outlook, good sized section.

House Description: Three - four bedrooms, happy with some improvements.

Buyer Proﬁle: Couple

Buyer Proﬁle: Young family

Area: St Marys Bay and Ponsonby

Area: Ponsonby, St Marys Bay and Herne Bay

Budget: $5 million

Budget: $2 million

House Description: Modern home with views.

House Description: Happy with a project to add value.

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

Call Tony or Jen if you are thinking of selling. TONY VERCAUTEREN BA Dip Bus M +64 21 595 595 tony.vercauteren@nzsir.com

JEN KENDRICK M +64 21 022 02167 jen.kendrick@nzsir.com

LETTERS & EMAILS

THE LEYS CLOSURE As a long time Leys Library user and grateful supporter, I, too, was shocked at the sudden closure in late December. The dedicated staff, the local board, the governing body and even the Leys family were all blindsided by the decision. The buildings had a current WoF and the building Earthquake Certificate stated that “The building is not a priority building,” and that seismic work needed to be completed by 2053. This certificate was issued by council itself in 2018 – after the extensive bracing and reinforcing work had been done to the one corner where there were some cracks evident. Why then the indecent haste? Richard Northey has claimed on your website that “....experts have found that it is no longer safe for public or staff for even a day longer.” This contradicts what Ian Maxwell, who made the decision on 19 December, stated that day, in his council’s release on the Our Auckland site, “There is no immediate risk to people currently using the buildings.” What is the true situation? Perhaps his admission in the NZH (17-1-20) that an option could be “selling the building to a developer to upgrade for other purposes” gives some clarity. That same article has Ian Maxwell claiming that “library staff noticed shaking in the building.” I was at the library that day, and the next one when staff had to get their property out by 5pm. The staff were all quite shocked and bewildered as to why the closure decision was made. Since then I have also visited the library bus there, and over that whole period I spoke at length with many of the staff. None of them ever mentioned to me noticing shaking in the building. Perhaps Mr Maxwell is mistaken in his recollection on this matter? Also, it has been asserted to John Elliott that council cannot undertake remedial work to the small area where cracks are present without also doing major seismic work to the whole building. However, my checking with an expert in this work has found that providing council puts forward a programme for seismic work, this can be progressed gradually over some years – possibly whilst the library and gym remain open. This was the case with the earlier strengthening. At the minimum, council should postpone the intended stripping of the library books during February, whilst the reports are made public and the closure decision can undergo proper scrutiny. Simultaneously, Expressions of Interest could be called for to develop a programme and get some pricing for seismic work/repairs. The buildings and the community services they provide are of such value that due process must be followed – and the generous and visionary gift from the Leys family can thus be respected and honoured. Readers interested in this matter could attend the next Waitemata Board meeting on 18 February where further questions will be raised. Bob Tait, Freemans Bay LEYS CLOSURE It was with dismay that I read the notification from Auckland Council on 19 December 2019 that the Leys Institute and Library would close at 5pm the following day for an indefinite period. The Leys Institute is a well-used and important focus of our community. I wrote to council seeking further information and received the following response from Darryl Soljan, Head of Community Libraries – North & West, who advised: “A year ago under new legislation, council was required to reassess seismic risk of their buildings. Leys has the equal lowest rating of all council buildings at just 5% of the NBS (new build standard). There is recognition that Auckland is a low seismic risk zone; however, such is the construction of Leys that were an event to occur, it would likely be catastrophic. “But Leys also has another complicating factor and that is that the south west corner of the building is shifting and twisting due to underground conditions. Efforts have been made to stabilize that corner but it continues to move and monitored cracks were expanding. “Another round of assessments and site visits by experts late last year culminated in council’s Chief Engineer recommending the closure of the facility for the safety of staff and the public. (So) nothing really changed ‘quickly’, things just reached a critical point in the opinion of people qualified to make such assessments. We know the community treasures the Leys Institute Library and Gymnasium. At the same time I/we have a responsibility to respond to the recommendations of qualified experts when we are presented with an unacceptable risk to life. Closing a community facility, especially a library, is not one that we take lightly. “Throughout, I have been in close contact with the Waitemata- Local Board who support our decision.”

20 PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2020

I have subsequently written to the Head of Stakeholder & Land Advisory in the Community Facilities department today, to inquire about the status of, and schedule for, the physical building repair. I have also asked Darryl to forward my inquiry to council’s legal department in regard to my understanding that the Leys Institute has an ongoing endowment fund – The William Leys Trust Fund (handed over to the ACC in 1964) – that was deliberately and purposefully set up by the Leys family and their descendants, to specifically provide funds for maintenance and repairs to the buildings, as and when they where needed. However, I also understand that this endowment fund is now channelled into the general Auckland Council coffers, rather than specifically for the Leys Institue as it was set up to do. The good news is that new premises, only about 100m from the Leys Institute, have been found and an announcement of an opening date for the new space and library service is likely to be in early March. In the meantime, we look forward to council setting up a regular information update email option – similar to that for the Karangahape Road Enhancements newsletter – that coordinates all of the various different departments within council (libraries, community services, community facilities, Auckland Transport – re footpath safety alongside a vulnerable building, legal, etc) to keep the community well informed about the much used and loved Leys Institute repair and re-opening. Jennifer Ward, Ponsonby LEYS CLOSURE SHOCK It was a shock the week before Christmas to suddenly find that the Ponsonby Library and Gymnasium (Leys Institute) was closed with no warning, public notice or consultation. On the evening of Thursday 19 December the immediate closure, due to worries about structural issues, was posted on the council news website. By 9am the next day the library was already being emptied of books, but there was no information about the abrupt closure posted outside the library or even on the doors. It wasn’t till later in the day a very small A4 sign was stuck on a window. Staff were visibly upset, having only been told of the closure on the Thursday morning. I understand from the Herald, on Friday 17 January, worries about movement in the 1939 rear addition (which has been braced for a number of years) prompted the sudden action. It does seem ironic that there appears to be no immediate issues with the original buildings, built well over a century ago. The 1905 library and 1906 gymnasium are arguably Ponsonby’s most important heritage buildings, listed Category A by Auckland Council and Category 1 by Heritage NZ, meaning they are of national significance. How many buildings built 115 years ago are still being used for their original purpose? Not only do these buildings have important heritage status, they have over a century of social, cultural and community significance. We all understand that many heritage buildings need substantial work to bring them up to present building code standards. What is very worrying are the public statements from council officials saying it could be up to three years before strengthening will be done. A serious concern is that mothballed buildings get vandalised. We have a local example of this, with Carlile House on Richmond Road; another example is Building 5 at Greenlane Hospital. Both these listed heritage buildings are prime examples of demolition by neglect by their owners. Also of concern is whether the Ponsonby library will return to the Leys Institute, when and if it is seismically strengthened. Council Community Services Director Ian Maxwell cast doubt on this, speculating that it could be sold to a developer, along with adjacent land (presumably the courtyard, carpark and green space accessed from Dedwood Terrace). Apparently the Waitemata Local Board and councillor will make decisions on the buildings’ future. I urge all who value the buildings and the library to contact Councillor Pippa Coom and the Waitemata Local Board members, to advocate for the speedy allocation of funds for strengthening, and the return of the library. Helen Geary, member Civic Trust, former member Auckland Council Heritage Advisory Panel, St Marys Bay.

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

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JOHN APPLETON

Clare (Claudie) Caldwell is a creative arts therapist and freelance artist. She also runs a voluntary art and art therapy programme at Auckland City Mission.

I have a keen interest in nutritional medicine and how it may be used to support people with chronic illnesses.

CONNOR CRAWFORD

JOHN ELLIOTT

I am a working artist and photographer with a colourful and rhythmic perspective. I enjoy shooting the front covers of Ponsonby News.

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.

DAVID HARTNELL - MNZM

KEN RING

DEIRDRE THURSTON

KERRY LEE

For the last 53 years Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been a freelance entertainment journalist and author. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve lived in the Grey Lynn area for nearly three decades; I have met and interviewed some amazing people.

Writer/researcher/coach. Writing and the sea are my happy places. I bow down to natural medicine and animals. My philosophy: love and kindness.

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 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Witchdoctor and Doctor Feelgood â&#x20AC;&#x201C; focusing on my interests in music, technology, and the wellbeing of the planet and its denizens.

My yearly NZ Weather Almanacs began in 1999. During the tragic 2011 Christchurch earthquakes, my work created international interest. I currently live in Ponsonby.

Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been a freelance writer for a year now, and what I love most are the wonderful people Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve meet along the way. #best job.

NIKKI KAYE

Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m the local Member of Parliament for Auckland Central including Waiheke and Great Barrier Island. National Party spokesperson for Education and Sport and Recreation.

PHIL PARKER

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

HEIDI PADAIN

PIPPA COOM

More than a nature photographer, I am a storyteller, a visual narrator and environmentalist who seeks out bird stories begging to be told.

I am Councillor for Waitemata- and Gulf ward on Auckland Council. Formerly, Chair WaitemataLocal Board.

HELENE RAVLICH

ROSS THORBY

A freelance writer and copywriter for almost 20 years, I have written for publications all over the world and couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t imagine myself in any other job.

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.

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22 PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2020

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

LOCAL NEWS

John Elliott: More detail needed on Leys Institute closure The sudden closure of Leys Institute is disappointing, but the lack of information about the degree of danger in the event of an earthquake, coupled with the one day’s notice, has been more concerning. The report of the Waitemata Local Board by Chairperson Richard Northey was inadequate. He said, in part, “experts have found it is no longer safe for the public or staff for even a day longer.” He went on to say that the board had passed an emergency resolution to “ensure library services are continuing to be provided at 14 Jervois Road for at least the next three years.” Thankfully, Northey, in an amended article, also called for the building to be remediated.

fair to Mr Maxwell, he thought locals would strongly resist demolition or sale.

This was the first we had heard that council had no plans to remediate Leys quickly – at least not for three years.

The Leys Institute was built in 1905 following a bequest on the death of Ponsonby bookbinder William Leys, a former chairman of the Ponsonby School Committee. He was concerned that some local boys were loitering in Ponsonby, and could benefit from the ‘mental and moral discipline’ of a library. William Leys’ brother, Dr Thomson Wilson Leys, added to William’s bequest, and the library was built. Other members of the Leys family have contributed generously since the opening.

Ponsonby News sought, and received, a copy of a report on the state of the Leys Institute building in light of earthquake requirements.

Ian Maxwell said the Leys family had other nearby property which might be sold to help renovation costs.

I must commend Tarannum Shaikh, of the media team, for sending me the whole November 2019, 400 page report. The recommendations made in that report were the reason that Ian Maxwell, Director of Customer and Media Services, peremptorily closed Leys. Staff and the public needed to be safe, he told us.

This iconic building must be saved and restored, and the finance must be found. It has been a source of community wellbeing, making life a little better for residents for over a hundred years.

The Leys building is rated Heritage Category A. The need to upgrade it and many other old Auckland buildings to earthquake standards will be a costly multi-million dollar task. No costings have yet been done. The Waitemata Local Board will assess the situation and make recommendations to council. I urge our readers to lobby the board hard and insist that finance be found to restore Leys to its former glory. Ian Maxwell told me there are lots of options – demolition and selling off to a developer for swanky apartments are possibilities. But to be

I’m sure the Leys building will not suddenly fall down, and that an earthquake in Auckland is unlikely, but I can understand Ian Maxwell’s concern for his staff and the public, even though I told him I thought the sudden closure was a knee-jerk reaction to what was, however, a detailed and comprehensive council report. Now we watch closely what the Waitemata Local Board will say and do. Please let Ponsonby News know what you think about the Leys Institute Library’s future. I think it would be criminal to just let it fall down, or to sell it off to a developer. (JOHN ELLIOTT) F PN

Exotic trees don’t create ‘exotic oxygen’ Native birds don’t give a flying fig whether their habitat consists of native or indigenous trees. This conversation regarding bird habitat is not just about Western Springs Forest. Update: there is a resource consent for ‘clear felling’ that will decimate the native under storey if it goes ahead in April, after the end of native bird breeding season. Hopefully, the newly elected Waitemata Local Board will withdraw it and spend your rates on enhancing the natives by planting mature specimens of totora, kauri and kahikatea to eventually replace the habitat that the current pines offer fauna. Other mature exotic trees in our neighbourhood under threat: • All the roadside trees along Meola Road from the Meola Dogwalking Park to Pt Chevalier Road are in danger from the proposed cycleway that also proposes no street parking. • All the magnolia trees on Karangahape Road are being chopped down for the cycleway, while the nikau are being moved. • Chamberlain Park still has 1000 trees at risk if the proposed $30M soccer field goes ahead. • Exotic trees on all our maunga are to be removed. Mt Wellington has had most removed and those on the quarry face will be next. Mangere lost 152 exotic trees. Pigeon Mountain lost more than 110. The Tupuna Maunga Authority has resource consent to remove 345 protected exotics from Owairaka Mt Albert, and Grey Lynn residents have joined the protest to stop all removal by noisy chainsaws and helicopters in native bird breeding season as per the Wildlife Act 1953 that protects native birds, nests and eggs from killing, injury and disturbance. We are asking for the TMA to follow their own Integrated Management Plan with ‘succession planting’ where the mature exotics form a nursery for the seedlings; to save exotic species like the cherry grove and the banksia that provide tui with nectar; to save the olive grove that was grown from pips from Palestine that no longer exist. (GAEL BALDOCK) F PN PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2020

LOCAL NEWS

Myers Park Medley

Richard Northey: Waitemata Local Board Chair The new Waitemata Local Board, including its five energetic new members, has gotten down to positive work. At our December Business Meeting we approved our discussion material for next year’s budget and projects, for public consultation from 21 February to 22 March. We welcome your ideas, particularly on practical actions we should take on the climate emergency and homelessness. This consultation will also seek your views on the Review of the Council Controlled Organisations. At that meeting, we also delegated important roles to all the board members, who you are welcome to contact in their areas of responsibility. Alex Bonham leads the Planning and Heritage Portfolio and has Arts, Culture and Events as her co-portfolio. She is on the Karangahape Road Business Association and our link to the Herne Bay Residents’ Association. Adriana Avendaño Christie holds the Parks, Sport and Recreation portfolio and is co-holder of Local Economic Development. She is board rep on the Ponsonby Business Association, the Grey Lynn Community Centre and Deputy for the Ponsonby Park Project Group. She liaises with the St Marys Bay Residents’ Association. Graeme Gunthorp is our Transport lead and co-portfolio holder for Planning and Heritage. He represents the board on the Newmarket Business Association and on the Ponsonby Park Steering Group and is our liaison person with the Freemans Bay Residents’ Association. Deputy-Chair Kerrin Leoni holds the Arts, Culture and Events Portfolio with a co-portfolio of Environment and Infrastructure. She is our rep on the Uptown Business Association and liaison person with the Grafton Residents’ Association. Julie Sandilands holds the Environment and Infrastructure Portfolio and co-portfolio holder for Transport. She is on the Grey Lynn Business Association and liaison person with the Grey Lynn Residents’ Association. Sarah Trotman has the Local Economic Development Portfolio and is co-holder of the Community Development Portfolio. She represents us on the Parnell Business Association and liaises with Parnell organisations. I now hold the Community Development Portfolio and am co-holder of Parks, Sport and Recreation. I was appointed to the Heart of the City

Board, the Ponsonby Community Centre and am on the Auckland City Centre Advisory Board and the National Council of Local Government New Zealand. I liaise with the Citizens’ Advice Bureau and the City Centre Residents’ Association. On the afternoon of Sunday 16 February, from 12 noon to 4pm, the Waitemata Local Board hosts the Myers Park Medley, a major public event for us. Myers Park will have exciting music groups, community group and food stalls, and a range of participatory activities for children and families. This annual event is great fun for Waitemata Local Board residents of all ages, abilities and interests. Come along on 16 February. The community-organised and Waitemata Board-sponsored Franklin Road lights were as spectacular as ever. I was privileged to help Jennifer Ward-Lealand turn them on 1 December. I was as surprised and saddened as you were to hear of the closure of the Leys Institute because experts have decided it is no longer safe for the public or staff for even a week longer. The iconic Leys Institute has served Ponsonby and Herne Bay wonderfully for a century. I am pleased that the board has acted to pass an emergency resolution to ensure library services will, from March, be provided at 14 Jervois Road for at least the next three years and that the jobs of all library staff are safe. We will work with you on how best to provide quality library and other services located in this area long term and to restore Leys Institute for public use. (RICHARD NORTHEY) F PN

Contact Richard Northey, Chair of the Waitemata- Local Board, northeyr@xtra.co.nz, facebook.com/waitemata

24 PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2020

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

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

Re s i d e n t i a l / Co m m e rc i a l / R u ra l / P ro p e r t y S e r v i ce s

Photography: Julie Fairey

LOCAL NEWS

Orange sky over Auckland on 5 January

Pippa Coom: Councillor for Waitemata- & Gulf The year started with an ominous sky as Auckland and the upper North Island was blanketed with thick, orange haze as a result of the tragic Australian bushfires thousands of kilometres away. I was relaxing at DOC’s campground on Waikawau Bay when the day suddenly darkened and the temperature dropped. It very much brought home that the effects of climate change are not just a future risk but a present reality. It highlighted, as well, the urgency of the task to work towards zero carbon emissions. In December, the Mayor’s proposal for the Annual Budget 2020/21 was agreed to go out for consultation on 21 February. The proposal is about showing leadership on climate change as well as continuing to invest strongly in infrastructure and services, and readying Auckland for the international spotlight in 2021, when the city hosts the 36th America’s Cup, APEC, Te Matatini and a range of other events. Key matters covered in the proposal include: • a $2.7 billion investment in capital assets and operating expenditure of $4.4 billion • 3.5% increase in average general rates and the Uniform Annual General Charge • cumulative annual savings of $63 million by 2020/2021, including at least $16 million in 2020/2021, $24 million saved in 2018/2019 and $23 million budgeted saving in 2019/2020 • progressively extending the living wage to contracted cleaners over the next three years with expenditure of up to $1.3 million in 2020/2021

• continued support in the council’s coordination and facilitation role in tackling homelessness in Auckland at $500,000 per annum for the next three years • $4.13 million per annum to increase the subsidy for child fares across public transport services • initial response to increased urgency of climate action ahead of the next 10-year budget, including up to $6.3 million for decarbonising the council’s fleet over the next five years funded from existing budget; $9 million for phasing out gas boilers in council aquatic centres over the next five years, with $1.5 million in 2020/2021; $2.7 million for planting an additional half a million trees over the next three years, totalling a million and a half trees this term and $900,000 for foundation work for climate change interventions Following Auckland Council’s climate emergency declaration in June last year, the Mayor’s proposal takes further steps to cut our carbon emissions in this budget ahead of more substantive changes once Auckland’s climate action framework is agreed later this year. We still need to do much more and urgently. The stark reminder we’ve experienced of what climate change can bring has made it clear that only real action and political commitment is acceptable in 2020. Feedback on the Annual Budget and Local Board priorities for 2020/2021 opens on 21 February. See the Auckland Council website PN for details. (PIPPA COOM) F

Bushfire smoke reaches Waikawau Bay

26 PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2020

Photography: Rod Haag

Contact Pippa Coom via pippa.coom@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

C O N S T R U C T I O N W E L L U N D E R W AY W I T H C O M P L E T I O N F E B . U N I T S R E M A I N I N G .

J ERVOI S ROAD H E R N E B AY

A considered acknowledgement of context has driven an intriguing architectural response for a boutique development of eight apartments in Herne Bay. Facing north on the ridgeline of Auckland’s most prestigious suburb, the design by Monk Mackenzie provides unobstructed harbour views. The building’s undulating façade references the bay windows of the area, while animating light play and affording privacy to Jervois Road. The generously proportioned threebedroom apartments are superbly located to access the best of Auckland’s urban environment. The interior design by Amelia Holmes is an expression of understated luxury, with custom details to assure individuality and enduring elegance. J E R VO I S A PA R T M E N T S .C O. N Z

A development by Artifact Property

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Patrick McCarthy patrick@uprealestate.co.nz +64 (0)272 333 988 +64 (0)9 280 1852 uprealestate.co.nz/UPH11496

Up Real Estate 162 Jervois Rd Herne Bay Auckland 1011 (View by appointment)

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LOCAL NEWS

Whose joining Probus? Meet three new members of the Ponsonby Combined Probus Club. What’s that you ask? Well, it’s a funny word to be sure – Probus. It comes from the Latin proba which means to inquire, to examine, to test, to find out. Retirees like us enjoy getting together socially, but we also want to be stimulated by interesting speakers who are invited every month to talk about their work, current projects or topical issues. That’s why we joined up – not only for the friendship and agreeable lunch outings, but also because we enjoy the variety of speakers that keep us thinking about issues and questioning the status quo. We like being entertained, informed and active. For example, last month we did a hike on Rangitoto. Okay, so we took the road train most of the way but still had a bit of walking to do and then enjoyed wonderful views – a really fun day out with new friends. So, who are we, these three new members? From left to right: Sue Saunders has a keen interest in painting, particularly abstract art. She also loves being active on the walking trails. Sue and her husband ran a licensed apparel business before she retired and they have two adult children. Neville Ryan, in the centre, raised a family of four. She has always enjoyed sport ever since her school days and, like Sue, she loves being outdoors walking with friends. And

L to R: Sue Saunders, Neville Ryan & Suzanne Barber then there’s Suzanne Barber on the right, a retired designer who started the trendy Newmarket design store Allium. She has three grown children. Surprise, surprise, she’s a walker too! All three enjoy a bit of glamorous entertaining from time to time. We’d love to introduce you to the club if you think you might enjoy the opportunity to get together with other like-minded retirees. If you would like more information about joining, please contact Alison Ruddell on M: 027 261 6344 or email her at johnali2@xtra.co.nz F PN www.probussouthpacific.org

AUCKLAND’S NEW THEATRE Auckland has a brand new theatre! In February 2020, the Covert Theatre will be opening its doors at 51 Mackelvie Street, Ponsonby. It’s an 86-seat theatre that is dedicated to improvised comedy; the only one of its kind in New Zealand. The Covert Theatre originally opened in K’Road in 2001 and closed its doors in 2005. It has been hiring venues all over Auckland for the last 15 years and now once again has a home. The Covert Theatre’s purpose is to enhance human connection through play. It’s a creative community and a place of belonging where people can connect in a meaningful way all while making people laugh. Improv teaches life skills and the goal is to create more creative, confident kids and adults by teaching them vital life skills through play and to bring more fun and vibrancy into the community. The theatre already has over 70 members and is launching its Improv School, where it’ll teach leadership and creativity programmes for kids using improv, plus run community programmes for adults. It's a breeding ground for New Zealand talent that will launch the careers of our future comedians, actors, directors and creatives. It offers a pathway from grass roots to tall shoots with weekly shows from improv rookies to its flagship show The Improv Bandits. The Covert Theatre is powered by the Yes And Trust, a registered charitable trust. While it creates its own income to survive, it relies on the generosity of the community to thrive – and wow, has the community been generous! The Covert Theatre has been supported by many businesses – all the paint (Dulux), wood (Red Stag Timber), coffee machine (Jack’s Coffee), print (Presentations), t-shirts (A2 Colour), insulation and sound proofing (InZone Industries), air conditioning unit (TemperZone), bathroom fit out (Plumbing World), flooring (Forbo),

28 PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2020

bar fridge (Asahi Beers), scissor lift for the building (Hirepool), fire system (Argus), signs (Sign It Signs) and lighting (Inlite) have been sponsored. Why? Because these companies want to be a part of something special! The Covert Theatre is launching the inaugural Auckland Improv Festival in April 2020 with international guest teachers already booked to teach and perform. It will be showcasing a number of shows during the NZ International Comedy Festival and Colin Mochrie, star of Whose Line Is It Anyway? is keen to return to New Zealand after performing with The Improv Bandits in 2017. “We’re so excited to have our own home again,” says Wade Jackson, founder of the Covert Theatre and chair of the Yes And Trust. “Improv is going through a revival globally; there’s even an improv show on Broadway running right now. One of the main reasons for this is, I believe, in this digital age, people are wanting more and more genuine connection and the essence of improv is connection. People are PN wanting what improv offers – fun, playfulness, connection and joy.” F The fun begins in February! For more information contact: comedy@coverttheatre.com, www.coverttheatre.com PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

Westmere - 3 Rawene Avenue A remarkable contemporary home, designed by Guy Tarrant, situated in the most prestigious waterfront avenue in Westmere – 3 Rawene Avenue. Bright, light and contemporary, showcasing a bold mix of materials, here is a sophisticate’s paradise, offering flexible living spaces with the creative use of floor to ceiling windows and a large floating terrace at the front of the home which extends the living room and is enclosed by timber screens for privacy and shelter. Fijian kauri panels and cedar slats turn this entrance into something extra special. Bold interior spaces unfold over three levels linked by glass staircasing and mezzanine floor. Indulge your passion for entertaining in this north-facing, generous sized living/dining/kitchen space, which runs the entire width of the home with seamless entry to the terrace to capture the spectacular harbour views, emphasising this amazing position. The impressive kitchen features a Tasmanian oak island, built-in sideboard and a durable stainless steel bench top. Three generous-sized bedrooms and an Italian sandstone tiled bathroom located in a wing separate from the living, opening to a private courtyard and manicured gardens and lawn with irrigation system in place. Ascending to the expansive master bedroom with walk through wardrobe and luxurious ensuite including double shower and freestanding bath. Retreat to the second living room and deck, perfect for relaxation and enjoying that special drop stored in your built-in wine cellar. Sit back and enjoy the stunning, unobstructed panoramic views and sunsets. Short stroll to the water’s edge, local shops and cafes. The address says it all! For further information call Kath Barnes on M: 027 240 0015, after hours T: 09 376 3737, E: k.barnes@barfoot.co.nz

Architectural Excellence - Sweeping Harbour Views 3 Rawene Avenue, Westmere 4 Bedrooms 2 Living 2 Bathrooms & guest powder room Double Garage & 2 off street parks 721 m2 North facing

For Sale by Tender: Tender closes 20 February at 4pm 533 Great North Road, Grey Lynn (unless sold prior) Kath Barnes M: 027 240 0015 E: k.barnes@barfoot.co.nz Jacqui Vaughan-Kells M: 027 447 5401 E: j.vaughan-kells@barfoot.co.nz

Kath Barnes

Jacqui Vaughan-Kells

www.barfoot.co.nz/property/residential/auckland-city/westmere/house/784673

PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2020

photography: Connor Crawford

LOCAL NEWS

Grey Lynn School reopening by the Prime Minister â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Friday 6 December 30 PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2020

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

LOCAL NEWS PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2020

LOCAL NEWS

Meet the Teacher Ivan Davis is the Principal of Western Springs College/Nga- Puna O Waiorea. I hear that the Prime Minister is visiting your school on 21 February. Why is she visiting? Actually, she is quite a frequent visitor to our school because we are in her electorate, but this upcoming visit is pretty special – it is the official opening of our extraordinary ‘new’ school. This $80 million project has been the biggest school build ever in New Zealand and we are delighted about Jacinda Ardern’s wish to officially open it. You said that the new school is extraordinary. In what ways? The scale, the height (three storeys), the university feel to the campus, the beauty of the Jasmax design, the innovative and flexible spaces, the superb quality of the learning spaces, the interior and exterior environment, the specialist spaces, NgaPuna O Waiorea and its whare tapere (performance space), the comfort – and the real pleasure students get out of coming to school. With a school like this, who wouldn’t? We heard about a no-shoes policy for the new school. Where did that idea come from? Haha. That is one of those great ideas that soon faded into oblivion. Introducing our students into this wonderful new environment, it seemed appropriate for everyone to take their shoes off... and they did for a while, but they soon got sick of it, petitioned me to reconsider – and I did! The funny thing was, about a week after I canned the initiative, somebody provided me with a piece of research out of the UK and Scandinavia that said academic achievement improves when students remove their shoes before entering the classroom! Our Maori-medium school still has a ‘shoes outside’ kaupapa.

32 PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2020

How did the students and teachers cope with all the construction activity? Students and teachers have shown amazing resilience, with a clear focus on maintaining teaching and learning despite the rebuild going on around them. Students will fondly remember the ‘container bridge’ that enabled them access to the gymnasium, turf and sports fields across the construction road without hindrance or danger as just one of the many innovations that were put in place to keep us operational. Many readers will have attended events on the ‘village green’ (the space we created in the centre of the temporary school of prefabs), and will remember it with affection. Was there any time for teaching? Of course – this is the purpose of all schools! And I take my hat off to the ministry and its rebuild team for the way in which this development has been carried out with little or no disruption to the teaching programme. Springs has an excellent academic record and we have been able to maintain this even though we have been surrounded by construction work since December 2016, when the first of the demolition began. How did you cope as Principal with all the extra work of this development? Actually, I’ve really enjoyed it! And I’m very proud to see what we have created. Working with architects, designers, engineers and contractors has been a new and very rewarding experience for me. We are looking forward to making the most of all the opportunities our new spaces offer. F PN

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1MFBTF KPJO VT GPS UIF 0Å¥DJBM PQFOJOH PG UIF 8FTUFSO 4QSJOHT $PMMFHF /HÂ½ 1VOB 0 8BJÄ&#x2030;SFB OFX DBNQVT by the Prime Minister Rt.Hon. Jacinda Ardern on Friday February 21st at 10am 1BSLJOH /PSUIFSO 4QPSUT 'JFMET 5PVST PG UIF TDIPPM BU UIF DPODMVTJPO PG UIF PÅ¥DJBM DFSFNPOZ Please RSVP by 7th February 2020 to goodesc@wsc.school.nz

LOCAL NEWS

John Elliott: Well deserved, spirited farewell to Gerry Hill The Grey Lynn RSC was chock-a-block full for Gerry Hill’s memorial service last month. It was wonderful to hear his voice in the video they made. But it was terribly sad to have to accept that we wouldn’t chat again. Sally will be very lost without her partner in war. John Roughan gave a warm obituary to Gerry in the Herald, but pointed out how he and Gerry disagreed on politics. It was Gerry Hill’s politics, and the humanity that went with them, that was at the heart of who Gerry was. He was unashamedly and old-fashioned lefty, and although only 64 he could stretch back in time to his famous father, Toby Hill’s time, and recall strong union support for workers, their families and most of all, their jobs. I saw that solidarity most strongly at the Trade Union roast for Gerry at the Trades Hall, Great North Road, some weeks before Christmas, when Gerry was quite ill with the motor neurone disease that did him in. He was feted as a hero by union speaker after union speaker, and he deserved those accolades. I always thought Gerry was undervalued in Ponsonby, especially by council entities who he disagreed with. He could get his bit between his teeth and stick to his guns, but it didn’t get him elected to, say, the local board as it should have done. I was so pleased when that very board gave Gerry Hill a certificate for Honourable Long Service to his community. Gerry would reminisce about the introduction of the welfare state by the first Labour Government, the evil of the 1951 Waterfront Lockout and, like me, bemoan the onset of Rogernomics which began the wicked march to greater inequality, and the diminution of union powers. We both hated the way the 1% ruled for the 1%, instead of all New Zealanders. Gerry Hill will be missed by many. He made a real contribution to his community and to wider New Zealand. (JOHN ELLIOTT) F PN

John Elliott: Waitemata Local Board off to a tentative start I attended the first meeting of the new Waitemata Local Board in December. It includes five new members out of seven, with only new Chairman Richard Northey and Adriana Christie remaining from the previous board. It will obviously take a bit of shaking down with so many new members, and the first meeting was a bit shaky.

memorial. Mayor Goff, probably unwisely, hoped the Waitemata Local Board would support the Parnell site. He may well be disappointed.

I think Northey will prove a capable leader. He is vastly experienced in both local and national politics, but newcomer, C&R member Sarah Trotman was feeling her oats at the first meeting – polite but challenging! Also, some of the usual suspects were present to put their cases and to listen to arguments.

Debra Manning submitted on the Western Springs Pine Forest. That schermozzle is far from over. I see in the Herald this morning (14 January) that Pouroto Ngaropo the chairman of Ngati Awa is opposed to both the destruction of trees on the Mt Albert maunga and the felling of the 200 pines in Western Springs forest. Sarah Trotman submitted that there was a one in 150 million chance of being hit by a falling pine if you were walking in the Western Springs Park.

The Erebus Memorial site question remained unanswered, as Heritage New Zealand withdrew its application to the board to decide on use of land in Parnell.

Despite the Waitemata Local Board having received resource consent to remove all pines, this argument isn’t over until the fat lady sings, and she is just warming up her voice. Hold your bets on this one.

That argument awaits another day, although Jo Malcolm and Paul Baragwaneth made compelling arguments opposing the use of Dove Myer Robinson Park, usually called the Rose Garden, for the

Attending a board monthly meeting might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but there are interesting times ahead for this board. There are PN likely to be some spirited debates in 2020. (JOHN ELLIOTT) F

34 PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2020

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

LOCAL NEWS

John Elliott: Chloe Swarbrick wants to win Auckland Central seat If a Green Party candidate could win an electorate seat in November, it would be massive insurance against the possibility of falling below 5% at the 2020 election, leaving the Greens out of parliament completely. I spent a very pleasant hour with Chloe Swarbrick last month. She wants to stand in Auckland Central in November and she wants to win – with, of course, the blessing of her party. She recognises and respects Nikki Kaye’s hold on, and work for, the seat, but feels uniquely qualified to challenge her. She is a born and bred central city woman. In a New Zealand Herald write up, she was called the MP for K’Road, which she found amusing. I thought it rather frivolous, but she has frequented K’Road most of her life, including running a couple of small businesses there. Swarbrick is a highly intelligent and articulate young woman who, as spokesperson for cannabis reform, handles media interviews superbly with a keen sense of the 30-second sound bite. This has given her quite a public profile. Of course, she also lit up the city during her campaign for the mayoralty in 2016. A 22-year-old securing 30,000 votes was unheard of. I suggested to Chloe that an electorate MP must be more than a one-trick pony, and she agreed, pointing out that Green MPs carry a number of portfolios. Her interests and involvements have included tertiary education, mental health, small business, broadcasting, the environment, local government and the arts. She is also the Green Party Musterer (Whip) and Caucus Strategist, regularly engaged in constructive dialogue across the aisle with the likes of Gerry Brownlee and Chris Hipkins. Swarbrick has a double degree – one in law and one in philosophy. She is definitely a thinker, even calling herself a ‘pointy headed wonk’, and an ‘idealist’, but also, she asserts, ‘very practical’. Interestingly, she said among her favourite people to talk to were those who think they disagree with her. An important part of her campaign in Auckland Central will be “engaging with people and ensuring communities actively participate in issues, therefore owning their solutions.” Perhaps she detected a feeling that I thought she doesn’t listen enough when she told me, “All the policy of the 2016 local body campaign was borne of community engagement. I still actively run all my social media channels and public events to facilitate genuine dialogue and feedback. Nobody from out of nowhere gets the privilege of representing New Zealanders if they think they know it all. Frankly, any politician who pretends they do is either lying to themselves or completely lacking self awareness.” She is committed to meeting as many residents as possible during the campaign, through both door knocking and cottage meetings. There are advantages in a seat like Auckland Central for a young woman like Chloe Swarbrick – a young demographic, thousands of students at the University of Auckland and AUT. As a young apartment dweller without a car, Swarbrick knows personally about the need for better public transport and affordable housing. She links housing with transport, education (eg, school zones), the environment, cycle ways, amenity values, all as part of a complex web of integration in a world-class city. She says we would do well to follow some overseas trends and seek their fitness for purpose locally, such as Sweden and Switzerland, where strong unions protect people instead of defunct jobs in the ever-evolving gig economy.

However, there are three flies that I see in the ointment when discussing the future of Auckland Central. The first is that many, or most, of those thousands of students in Central Auckland are not enrolled in Auckland Central. The second is that Auckland Central has been steadily gentrifying over the last 20 years, making it a more solid National seat. And the third issue is the incumbent Nikki Kaye. Kaye will seek a fifth term as MP, and she has become solidly entrenched. Kaye is one of the better local MPs I have known in many years, and she looks after her constituents very well. I have said somewhat frivolously that even if God herself stood for Auckland Central, she could not beat Nikki Kaye. Of course, no one is unbeatable and history can tell of unexpected victories. And those comments leave out the question of Labour’s intentions for Auckland Central. The bright and effervescent Helen White could well spoil Chloe Swarbrick’s party by again splitting the centre-left vote. Chloe Swarbrick is undaunted by the challenge. She has quiet confidence “no one is entitled to anything when it comes to the House of Representatives; resting on one’s laurels can speak to a lack of passion and energy”— but is up for the effort. Kaye is on the liberal end of the National caucus, with strong environmental interests, but she does have to follow the party line which could hardly be described as liberal. I once urged her to cross the floor on an environmental issue and vote against her party. She demured. Still, Chloe will have her work cut out to persuade voters to abandon Kaye and put their faith in climate change action, public transport, more affordable housing, forging a more equal society than neo-liberalism has provided, and the free market has delivered, in the last 30 years. I know that Nikki Kaye loves her electorate and will be up for the fight. PN Bring it on. (JOHN ELLIOTT) F PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2020

LOCAL NEWS

Ponsonby U3A: December 2019 The Ponsonby U3A Christmas function showcased a wealth of talent among U3A members. Poet Dianne Walker read her Christmas Poem, which she had written for the Poetry Special Interest Group. As well as writing and discussing their own work, members of the group, led by Barbara Bailey, study the work of major poets. Dianne has been writing poetry for many years and finds belonging to a group of like-minded people a great stimulus. Ruth Busch had been the 10-minute speaker at the November meeting, which had left her audience asking for more. She previously outlined her many years of legal work on domestic violence, which had earned her the Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit. This time, she spoke about growing up in the Bronx as the daughter of refugee Holocaust survivors. Two U3A members, Kathy Walker and Rosalie Williams, were members of the Marvellous Theatre Group which performed a dramatised version of Katherine Mansfield’s The Doll’s House. The production will also be performed at the 2020 Auckland Fringe Festival. The 2020 guest speakers’ lineup promises a fascinating year ahead for members, starting with Dr Nic Smith, Dean of Engineering at Auckland University (son of members Lydia and Ian Smith). The speakers’ programme, coordinated by Marianne Willison, includes return visits by two previous speakers at the request of members. The increasing membership of Ponsonby U3A reflects its aim of people coming together to continue their enjoyment of learning and sharing knowledge. It is a movement for people in their ‘third age’ post career and family. Members come from all walks of life – all that is needed is some life experience and a desire to keep learning.

Ponsonby U3A is one of 25 U3A groups in Auckland with a total membership of over 3600. There are over 80 groups in New Zealand. Ponsonby U3A meets monthly on the second Friday morning of the month. There are two speakers at each meeting – an invited guest speaker and a 10-minute talk by a member that shares stories from their career, personal life or a particular interest. The lifeblood of U3A is said to be the special interest groups, of which Ponsonby U3A has 24. They are Antiques and Collectibles, Appreciating Architecture, Armchair Travellers, Art History, Bijou Home Cinema, Concert Going, Current Affairs, Dining Out, Drawing, Family History, Garnet Station Tiny Theatre, Gallery Visits, Green Fingers, History ad hoc, Maori Language, Music Appreciation, New Zealand History, Pétanque, Poetry, Public Art, Ramblers, Science and Scrabble. Members are expected to join one or more groups, or as many as their time allows, in groups that have not reached the maximum number of members. Discussions and presentations are member-led and there are no exams involved. One of the benefits of belonging to groups is the opportunity to develop new friendships with people with similar interests. Visitors are welcome to attend a U3A meeting, but are first asked to telephone Christine Hart, M: 027 289 5514. Guest speaker Dr Nic Smith’s topic for the February meeting will be ‘Personalised Healthcare, Computer Modelling and the Heart’. PN (PHILIPPA TAIT) F NEXT MEETING: 10am Friday 14 February at St Columba Centre, 40 Vermont Street, Ponsonby. ENQUIRIES:

Christine Hart, President Ponsonby U3A. T: 027 289 5514, www.u3a.nz

Gym Kids @ Leys Institute Library and Gymnasium has closed It is with great sadness that Gym Kids needs to advise that the Leys Institute Library and Gymnasium has been closed by the council for the foreseeable future. The grand old ladies’ bones are tired and with a big shake she will crumble. Gym Kids has been very proud to have continued the tradition of gymnastics at the Leys Institute for the past seven years. It has come as a huge shock right on Christmas that the council has made this decision without any forewarning.

Ponsonby Holiday Programme With the great support of the Ponsonby Community Centre, we have managed to secure the St Stephens Church Hall in Jervois Road for our holiday programme. The hall has an indoor and outdoor space which will be a great addition to our summer programme. The programme will be running from 13-16, 20-23 and 28-30 January.

We do, however, understand that now the building has been deemed an earthquake risk it is not safe for the Leys Institute to stay open.

Ponsonby Term 1 Gym Kids has found some great new spaces to be able to continue our classes for 2020.

We are determined to continue providing gymnastics to the Ponsonby Community. As such, we have worked with Auckland Council, Ponsonby Community Centre and several private providers to find alternative venues for our classes in the central Auckland area.

Freemans Bay Community Hall, 52 Hepburn Street, Ponsonby – gymnastics, tumbling and parkour classes. Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. Empire Dance Studio, 2 Bond Street, Grey Lynn – gymnastics classes. Tuesday, Friday and Saturday. F PN

We look forward to continuing our involvement in the Ponsonby Community. Please contact us on admin@gymkids.co.nz, T: 09 416 0003, www.gymkids.co.nz

36 PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2020

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

LOCAL NEWS

Ken Ring: Auckland weather diary, February 2020 – weather by the moon February may be drier, sunnier and warmer than normal, with a heatwave predicted for the second week. With the first two weeks dry and sunny, the last two weeks could see a rain day each, although the rain total may be less than half the average for February. The second week is the hottest and sun care should be observed, with the hottest afternoon (around 11th) reaching around 28°C. Day temperatures may average 24°, slightly exceeding the average. But temperatures overnight may average 15°, which is normal. The coolest night may be at or near the 26th at 12°. The 18th and 19th may also see cooler nights. The barometric average may be 1017mbs. Most of the winds are from the southwest. For fishermen, the highest (king) tides are on the 11th, with a lesser king tide on the 26th. The best fishing bite-times (in the east) are at dusk on the 8th11th and 23rd-25th, and in the west at around 12 noon on those days. Chances are also good in the east for 12 noon of the 1st-4th and 15th-17th, and in the west around dusk of those days. For gardeners, the 7th is the best sowing day, with the waxing moon ascending. The best pruning days are the 20th-22nd with the waning moon descending. If harvesting for longer shelf-life, choose lower water-table neap days of 3rd and 19th.

Allow 24-hour error for all forecasting. (KEN RING) F PN For future weather for any date, see www.predictweather.com

Lucia Mataia: Leys Institute News - Tena koutou A lot has happened to Leys Institute Library and Gymnasium since last year. A seismic assessment found structural issues and deemed the buildings unsafe in the unlikely event of an earthquake. As a result, the buildings were closed due to health and safety concerns. From Saturday 21 December through to Christmas Eve, we operated outside the library on the mobile library bus. And throughout January we were also onboard the bus outside Leys. In the planning is the Leys Institute Little Library opening along Jervois Road in the coming weeks. We are looking forward to seeing you, so watch this space. Pride Festival 1-16 February Pride Poetry Speakeasy – moved to Grey Lynn Library Same same but different and Auckland Council Libraries present the Pride Poetry Speakeasy. Share your poetry or come and listen in a welcoming word nest. This free event has been moved to Grey Lynn Library, 474 Great North Road, Grey Lynn. When: Wednesday 12 February. Time: 5pm – 7pm Big Gay Out Come and say hello to staff at the Auckland Libraries’ mobile bus. There will also be some big games and a selection of LGBTQI books to browse. When: Sunday 9 February. There is also an extreme weather date of 23 February. Where: Coyle Park. Point Chevalier. Time: 12 noon – 7pm.

Book Chats Recommendation Just to let you know Book Chats will be at Mary’s Cafe, across the road from the Leys Library, on Wednesday 26 February. The non-fiction book ‘Say Nothing: A True Story of Murder and Memory in Northern Ireland’, by Patrick Radden Keefe, is a carefully researched history of The Troubles. Immensely readable, it concentrates on the emotional costs of the Irish conflict, and at times reads like a crime novel. And if you need further endorsement it was one The New York Times Book Review 10 best books of 2019. We also have two fiction books to recommend. ‘Wyoming’ is the debut novel from American novelist JP Gritton. Beautifully written, it tells the story of the hard life and misfortune of a grifter during the economic downturn of late 1980s. And if you want something lighter, ‘The Lying Room’ from a husband and wife duo who go under the pseudonym Nicci French. This is a domestic thriller about a married woman who finds her boss, who she was having an affair with, murdered. And her secret life unravels as she becomes a prime suspect. Free event – Wednesday 12 February at Grey Lynn Library, 474 Great North Road. PRIDE Poetry Speakeasy speak it slam it recite it read it perform it sing it same same but different and Auckland Libraries present the fifth PRIDE Poetry Speakeasy. Share your rainbow poetry or come and listen in a welcoming word nest. Speak your truth to an open-minded audience of fellow poetic scribes and daytime dreamers. This popular event is the ideal aperitif before the weekend’s main course. PN (LUCIA MATAIA) F

THE LEYS INSTITUTE LIBRARY, 20 St Marys Road, T: 09 377 0209, www.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2020

LOCAL NEWS

Ponsonby Park – February Update - Happy 2020 everyone 2020 the year when Ponsonby Park (aka the whole site civic open space at 254 Ponsonby Road) finally begins to be realised with on-site work scheduled to begin this July. It is said that ‘good things take time’ and if time is the measure, then Ponsonby Park is going to be magnificent. At the end of last year, the Community-led Design (CLD) group held a ‘final consultation’. This was needed as work on the detailed business case had revealed significant issues with the existing building and canopy structure that impacted the budget. Consequently, community input was required to determine the preferred way to proceed. This is at the very heart of any CLD project, as it is the community that directs and drives outcomes. The consultation ran for nine days and three options were presented for consideration: Option 1 - Re-mediate + Retain Option 2 - Re-mediate + Adapt Option 3 - New Build

The Project Control Steering Group (PCSG) presented a full update to the Waitemata Local Board (WLB) at a workshop held in midDecember 2019, where the three design options and the results of the CLD consultation were tabled. The WLB was supportive of the consultation process and outcome and the PCSG is now progressing the business case on the basis of Option 3 – New Build. The business case is currently being finalised by the project team. At the time of writing, they are scheduled to present their draft findings to the PCSG and the WLB at workshops in late January 2020. So what happens next, you eagerly ask? The current indicative timeline is: • Late January 2020 PCSG and WLB workshops to present business case findings. • February 2020, subject to the workshop outcomes a ‘formal report’ will be taken to the WLB. • In either April or May 2020, subject to approval from the WLB, a ‘formal report’ will be taken to the Finance and Performance Committee, to seek approval for the remaining funding. • June 2020, subject to funding approval, preliminary design and consent processes will commence.

For more information about each option, please go to our website 254ponsonbyrd.org.nz or use: https://tinyurl.com/svpfk2l The iLandLAB image at the top of this page of Option 3 – New Build, shows the slightly smaller building and canopy areas, and the subsequent larger uncovered space for events and activities.

2020, is the year that Ponsonby Park will be realised. The beautiful LandLAB Park+ design, now with a smaller and sustainably designed new build, along with all the other features and attributes of the original concept design, is happening – brilliant. 2020 Ponsonby Park – bring it on! (JENNIFER WARD) F PN

For more information, follow or contact us on Facebook: ‘Ponsonby Park’ or on our website: www.254ponsonbyrd.org.nz

38 PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2020

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

LOCAL NEWS

Kerry Lee: Gwendoline Smith’s new release ‘The Book Of Overthinking’ One of the biggest problems facing the 21st Century is the continued rise of depression among young people in New Zealand. Best-selling author, blogger and clinical psychologist Gwendoline Smith has just written her new book ‘The Book Of Overthinking’, where she writes about the dangers of what she’s termed as ‘worrisome overthinking’. So what is ‘worrisome overthinking’, and why do we do it? According to the Oxford Dictionary, the term overthinking is ‘to think about something too much or for too long’. It can also be traced back to a time thousands of years ago when our ancestors had to depend on what was commonly known as the fight/flight/freeze response. It’s an instinct that they had to rely on to be able to make split-second decisions to deal with the dangers that they would have faced daily. The part of the brain responsible for this instinct is known as the amygdala, which releases adrenaline and cortisol – stress hormones that allow the body to run faster and become physically stronger than it usually would be. Skip forward to 2020 and, for the most part, the dangers that our forebears would have had to contend with are no longer here. The instinct to fight/ flight/freeze is still with us, though, but it’s now being used for more mundane problems. Maybe you’re worried about not having a big enough house, or you might be wondering if your friends secretly hate you? Unfortunately, the amygdala can’t differentiate between what are and are not dangerous situations. Hence, it releases adrenaline and cortisol to deal with our perceived problems, regardless if they’re serious ones or not. That’s when over worrying begins to have an impact on our overall health and emotional wellbeing because when we worry too much and become afraid of what might be, we release chemicals like adrenaline, which can then exacerbate the over-worrying process in a lot of people. “When that fight/flight instinct is on, there’s no rational thinking; there’s no oxygen in the brain for rational thought. “A person might wake up in the middle of the night worrying about a problem that they’re experiencing, so now their sleep is disturbed and they become irritable. They may then begin experiencing headaches, and if they have a predisposition to migraines, then worrying can exaggerate them,” says Gwendoline. “Psychologically, worrying can leave a person in a position of being fearful, suspicious and mistrustful of other people because they’re always predicting that negative things are going to happen to them. Predicting catastrophic, huge, negative outcomes.” That’s the definition of worry according to Gwendoline. When we worry, we create mild emotional distress. As we begin to over worry, the danger is it can turn into anxiety for some people, which may eventually lead to depression if left untreated. (KERRY LEE) F PN If you or anyone you know is suffering from anxiety or depression, please visit www.youthline.co.nz And for more information about ‘The Book Of Overthinking’, please visit www.allenandunwin.com

PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2020

Introduced to New Zealand in the 1880s, as an ornamental vine, arajula sericifera, or moth plant as it is commonly called, is a significant danger to our country’s unique native flora. By wrapping itself around other plants, it deprives its victim of sunlight, nutrients and other resources. Within a two to three year period, the vine may completely smother its host, eventually killing it. Moth plant is incredibly invasive. Flowers turn into fruit (gourds) which may contain up to 500 seeds.These seeds are attached to little silken like parachutes and can be spread up to 30km away on the wind. Each little seed has the potential to grow into a new vine which is why moth plant is such a problem. Fortunately, there’s a Facebook support group to help people report moth plant sightings and learn how to kill moth plant wherever they find it. Known as S.T.A.M.P. (Society Totally Against Moth Plant), it’s a group made up of volunteers whose main goal is to detect and destroy any signs of araujia sericifera. S.T.A.M.P. volunteers are working in the Ponsonby News area but greater awareness and more volunteers are needed. You can check if S.T.A.M.P. has a record of moth plant having grown on your property by becoming a S.T.A.M.P. member and looking at the current map on the Facebook page (Files / Moth Plant Maps). If you see moth plant you can either email the location to mothplantlocations@gmail.com or contact S.T.A.M.P. directly via its Facebook page. Sightings are logged on to the online map, and volunteers then aim to visit sites where moth plant has been identified as growing. Volunteers try to educate people about the dangers of having moth plant growing on their property and teach people how to kill any moth plants they have growing. If you have found an Auckland Council moth plant brochure in your letterbox recently, it is likely that moth plant has been sighted on your property or there is an adjacent property where moth plant went to seed and your property has possibly been invaded as a result. At this time of year, moth plant is in flower so it is both easy to spot and quick and easy to kill. The flowers are little, white, star-shaped

(five petals) flowers which may have a pinkish tinge. If you tear a leaf off a vine, both ends will ooze a milky white sap. This sap can be an irritant, and some people are highly allergic to it, so if you have identified moth plant, before you do anything else put on gloves! The easiest way to kill a vine is just to dig or pull the entire root right out of the ground and hook the root up around the host tree. This breaks the nutrient flow to the vine and quickly kills it. If you leave it, and let the flowers turn into fruit (the gourd seed pods), you must first kill the vine and then collect every gourd and put them in the rubbish. Don’t put them in your compost or leave them lying around. A local S.T.A.M.P. volunteer told me that she’d like to see more local people have a greater awareness of the problem of moth plant in our PN area, and to take a more active role in controlling it. (KERRY LEE) F For more information, please visit the S.T.A.M.P. Facebook page at www.facebook.com/groups/234572443294360/ And to report a sighting of moth plant, E: mothplantlocations@gmail.com

The old Ponsonby Post Office and the flag

A motion to scale the dome there and then to remove the remains was fortunately narrowly defeated. Over the next few days, however, a more rational approach to the issue was tabled with a plan to replace and maintain the flag. The retired Australasian flag team, Neil Spencer and Phil Jones, picked up the mantle, this time supported by apprentice Charles Scoones.

Old flag

A few beers and a yarn in early December among a group of yachting friends, including a visiting ex St Marys Bay resident Aussie, led to debate over the tattered remnants of the national flag still flying above the old Ponsonby Post Office.

The current landlord was happy with the plan and supplied a new flag. Access was granted to the tower once more and during a full gale of wind, replacement lines were run and the new flag hoisted. This current flag should survive intact for three to four months, and the flag team intend to ensure that the national flag continues to fly over Ponsonby. However, the old mechanical clock, bell and the four illuminated dials are in need of some expert maintenance and not quite such an easy fix. The hope is that with goodwill this too can soon be operational. (CHARLES SCOONES, APPRENTICE FLAG ATTENDANT) F PN STOP PRESS: Update on the clock, since writing my story the clock is running once more. An ongoing plan is in place to protect the old mechanism and arrange for regular winding. More details very soon.

40 PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2020

New flag

LOCAL NEWS

Kerry Lee: the dangers of the moth plant

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

LOCAL NEWS

Nikki Kaye – an update Last year, I sent an update to the electorate on the local projects that I have been delivering. This included progress on issues right across the electorate from the central city, western bays, Waiheke and Great Barrier Islands. Thank you for the feedback regarding these projects and other issues that people have raised as a result of receiving the update. Taking apartment law reform to Parliament Over a number of years, I have worked with a range of residents, property professionals and lawyers to draft a large statute covering apartment law reform. Last year, Hon Judith Collins and I launched the Unit Titles (Strengthening Body Corporate and Other Matters) Amendment Bill to make critical changes to the Unit Titles Act. In October last year, a large group of stakeholders launched a petition calling on the Government to urgently reform the Unit Titles Act 2010. With almost 500 people lending their support to this petition calling for change, momentum is certainly building to reform the law around Unit Titles. This petition reflects good support for the Unit Titles (Strengthening Body Corporate Governance and Other Matters) Amendment Bill that Judith Collins and I launched more than a year ago. The bill aims to: • Improve the information disclosure regime to prospective buyers of units. • Strengthen the governance arrangements in relation to the body corporate, the entity responsible for the management and operation of a unit title complex (owner). • Increase the professionalism and standards of body corporate managers. • Ensure planning and funding of long-term maintenance projects is adequate and proportionate to the size of the complex concerned. This legislation is crucial for communities in Auckland Central where the numbers of multi-unit housing developments has increased dramatically over the past few years. Unfortunately, the Government hasn’t picked up the bill and refuses to prioritise these issues. Public support is crucial to put pressure on the Government to ensure there are changes. I have a number of people whose lives have been significantly adversely impacted due to poor law, a lack of transparency and barriers to dispute resolution. It is my intention to hold a meeting of body corporate chairs, body corporate managers and other interested parties in Auckland Central to discuss further steps to push for change. Please contact my office if you want to help support changes or attend the meeting. Ensuring we continue to tackle homelessness I visited the Auckland City Mission in December last year to drop off some food and check in to see how they were doing. I have a great relationship with Chris and the team at the City Mission, having worked with them to secure support in areas such as the Housing First programme and their HomeGround project. They told me they were expecting to hand out food and gifts to over 8000 families over the course of that week. I am continuing to advocate to the Government for the need for additional funds to better support the health and mental health services of the City Mission. I would also like to take this opportunity to farewell Moira Lawler, CEO of Lifewise. Moira has been incredibly dedicated and worked long hours helping our most vulnerable. I have worked alongside her on a range of issues. Our city has been fortunate to have her care and commitment over many years.

Acknowledging our local educators It was a privilege to be at the farewell of legendary principal Sandra Jenkins from Freemans Bay School. Sandra has contributed so much to education and Auckland Central, and has retired after many years at Freemans Bay School. Sandra has contributed to education for many decades, was a Waitemata Local Board good citizen award winner and a Kiwibank local hero recipient. I have enjoyed working alongside her on the beautiful rebuild of her school and other local education issues. Thank you for all your years of service, Sandra! I would also like to thank Dr Anne Malcolm, who was principal of Ponsonby Primary School, for her years of service, her love of the community and the huge contribution she has made in sailing, skiing and yachting. She has held numerous leadership positions including President of the Auckland Primary Principals’ Association and last year was awarded the Waitemata good citizen award. Anne, I feel very fortunate to have worked alongside you in the community. Thank you so much! Thank you for the privilege to continue to serve Auckland Central. (NIKKI KAYE) F PN If you have any local or national issues or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact me or my office on T: 09 378 2088 or email mp.aucklandcentral@parliament.govt.nz Authorised by Hon Nikki Kaye, MP for Auckland Central, 48C College Hill, Freemans Bay. www.nikkikaye.co.nz

Hon Nikki Kaye MP for Auckland Central I regularly work on local issues and meet with constituents Please contact my office if you would like to discuss anything with me Drop In Constituency Clinic: 48C College Hill, Freemans Bay Friday 21st February 8am—9am

Funded by the Parliamentary Service. Authorised by Nikki Kaye MP, 48C College Hill, Freemans Bay, Auckland.

Pania Papa, Trustee Kotahi Rau Pukapuka Trust PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2020

LOCAL NEWS

Grey Lynn Business Association – a new decade, the 2020s It’s all about sustainability, building stronger and more resilient communities that enjoy living,working and shopping locally. What truly makes Grey Lynn a great location to live work and shop. That’s where GLBA has been putting its focus for the last two years – understanding more about us and the opportunities for the new decade.

Every one of us, I am sure, has an opinion on these issues, but our association’s objective is to try and understand a variety of views and minimise these disruptions by working with AT to bring about positive changes.

Over the next year, we will be starting to translate more and more of this thinking into a really cohesive project called the Grey Lynn Project.

Having a strong GLBA voice is going to be critical going forward and we want businesses in District 1021 to be across the changes and have their say.

Changes proposed by Auckland Transport (AT) will both facilitate multi-modal safe passage to and through our communities while at the same time strengthening and building enjoyment of our very unique part of inner city Auckland.

We have been active with AT in visiting all of the businesses impacted by the proposed remedial work in the West Lynn Village. We and the businesses are having a say on such things as when and how the work will be done; best times of the day to do the work and logistics such as shifting of pedestrian crossings.

Initially, our objective is to remediate the problems in West Lynn Village left after the first cycle way development. GLBA has joined with AT in ensuring the consultative process is constructive and the solutions are community driven. To that end, AT is also consulting with the Grey Lynn Residents’ Association to ensure that members of the impacted local community understand the proposed changes. Sometime in late March, we will be advised of a number of other proposed changes. These are likely to include some further consideration of parking solutions – the Restricted Parking Zone (RPZ) imposed in part of Grey Lynn during the last consultative phase is now impacting throughout the wider Grey Lynn area; improved parking for businesses largely through increasing turnover of parking spaces; the new speed restrictions to be applied to the various villages and, of course, the further work on the cycle ways. Our observation is that the slower speeds reduce the need for cycle way separation and this could be a win win for all. If you have been through the centre of the city recently or along K’Road, you can see the impact infrastructure development is having on the communities. It’s very challenging living, working and doing business in any area with changes of such magnitude.

Throughout 2020 we’ll bring to you a programme of activities which range from working with Government to build stronger SME businesses; to promoting the artists, foodies and designers of Grey Lynn and, of course, our focus on building sustainable, resilient businesses. Our last networking function of 2019 had Mark Todd of the Ockham Group speaking at Ozone. Mark typifies GL business – he works, lives and takes great enjoyment from all things local and is building a thriving business, developing community and environmentally friendly apartments. It is inspiring to hear how a clear vision and a sound ethical base have translated into business success. GLBA turns 10 this year – along with this celebration, we’re really looking at more ways to promote and build awareness of our community. There are so many opportunities building for 2020/21 – PN come along and join us. F For more information contact irene@glba.co.nz

The Sisters Gay Present... Classics! Following a 2019 coup which displaced the Brothers Grimm and refreshed Fairyland, Grey Lynn Library’s Sisters Gay present their sequel – a second After-Hours Storytime for Grown-Ups and Other Family, with alluring twists in the tales. Move over Austen, Dickens, Hemingway, et al: we’re talking Lorde (Audre Lorde, that is), Rich, Waters & Co. All welcome. Free – donations accepted. Refreshments available. An Auckland Pride Festival event, held in association with the Same Same but Different Festival. F PN THE SISTERS GAY, Thursday 13 February at 6.30pm at the Grey Lynn Library, 474 Great North Road.

42 PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2020

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

LOCAL NEWS

John Elliott: Quiet (for now) follows chaos on Picton Street Residents living on Picton Street had a hard time while essential stormwater infrastructure was set in place last year. No one questioned the merit of the improvements, which would help to prevent further discharge of raw sewage into our harbour, but they did question the lack of consultation between the council, the contractor and the residents. I did finally get some answers to questions I posed to council. Some questions were pushed sideways to Auckland Transport and, as always, they were the hardest to get answered and resulted in unsatisfactory responses. I asked eight substantive questions and here are the answers I received. 1. What is the completion date for the Picton Street work? April 2020 – but all tunnelling work will be completed on time by Christmas, December 2019. That time line has been achieved. I thought that didn’t seem like too long an extension because, in fact, most of the work was completed before Christmas, and all is quiet on Picton Street this week of 13 January. However, when Hepburn Street is completed, workers will be back in Picton Street about April to hook the new system up. 2. What was the result of vibration tests? Residents had severe vibrations shaking their homes as digging work was carried out, and could get no satisfaction from council about the scope and damage this vibration was causing. I was told independent experts concluded, “measurements fell under the consented requirements and were shown to be below building limits.” A later vibration test on berms “further demonstrated that vibrations were under the allowable limit.” Why weren’t residents told that to allay their fears?

3. Has the geology and clay base of the land been adequately taken into account by the contractor? “A professional geotechnical team’s investigation was incorporated into the design of the project, and the original designer continues to work with the construction crew.” Why weren’t residents told that? 4. I asked about parking, the damage to the iconic plane trees, and damage from heavy traffic vehicles on Picton Street. I was told larger trucks were being diverted via Barrie Street. I was also told this was an Auckland Transport issue, not a council one. I had thought AT was a council controlled organisation, but long ago I realised CCO was a total misnomer. Street cleaning was also AT’s responsibility, and I had no response to my question about safety concerns around children, the elderly and the disabled. Most of this information came from media specialist Tarannum Shaikh, who I found very helpful. It is a pity residents find it so difficult to get information. Council’s consultation processes are still abysmal. They do put lots of information on their website, and do from time to time send out newsletters, but it is inconsistent, and often not timely information. If your house was shaking from drilling vibrations, wouldn’t you want to be sure it was not damaging your property? Yet requests for vibration test results were not forthcoming. I thank Tarannum for her information, but would call on council to be more proactive in telling residents what is going on when important infrastructure developments like these are being quite disruptive for residents. Knowledge of the process will allay many fears. (JOHN ELLIOTT) F PN

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09 376 3289 / www.onestepahead.co.nz 287 Ponsonby Road / Three Lamps (next to Salta Café) / e: onestepahead@xtra.co.nz PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2020

photography: Connor Crawford

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Franklin Road Christmas lights switched on by Jennifer Ward-Lealand - Saturday 1 December 44 PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2020

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LOCAL LOCALNEWS NEWS PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2020

LOCAL NEWS

Deirdre Thurston: On My Mind... Australia Fair and living my best life My aunty Kitty, my dad’s younger sister, had a middle finger with a strangely shaped nail like two rivers converging into a central maelstrom. As she smoked her Matinee filter cigarettes, I used to watch this finger like it was a secret she held. A mark of something extraordinary only she knew about. My aunty was extraordinary. I adored her. She returned that love a hundred fold. Her home was in every way different to my childhood home. Her sofa, she covered in thick, clear plastic. All the better to not get ciggie burns or stains from Uncle Bill’s work clothes. I never had any real idea as to what Uncle Bill worked at each day but his overalls were spattered in a rainbow of paint colours and grease. Uncle Bill wasn’t really my uncle. Aunty Kitty’s first husband, my real uncle, died of cancer. He called me Tuppence and, even on his deathbed, at about 35 kilos, he managed a smile and a barely whispered ‘Tuppence’ to me. I loved the bones of Uncle Arthur. Uncle Bill, although likeable enough, was irritating, loud, quite deaf and ‘watered’ the lemon trees when the call of nature fell upon him. The resulting crop was massive and juicy. No way would I ever try one of those large yellow orbs, however. Uncle Bill was also kind, generous and boyishly loving. And he doted on my aunt. So, not a bad bloke all in all apart from the toileting habit. As well as the plastic sofa covers, Aunty Kitty used to cover her TV screen with sheets of coloured cellophane. As the whim took her, she taped up sapphire blue, emerald green, ruby red or yellow. I’ve never come across the accurate descriptive word for the yellow. Being my favourite, I did try and work out the exact colour but never could quite hit on it. That yellow cellophane filled me with a feeling the other colours didn’t even touch on. The yellow was definitely my favourite. It also prompted my love affair with Greece, and lemons – despite Uncle Bill’s predilection. One summer evening, my mother and Aunty Kitty sat in Kitty’s cramped, spotlessly neat kitchen, newspaper lining the bench ready for peeling the spuds for tea, drinking a glass of Blenheimer. Or sipping a cup of tea. More likely the wine – a cavalier name for what was inside those casks. I sat in the lounge watching a programme on Greece. My love affair with everything Grecian sprang to life. I knew, even then, that one day I would travel to those craggy, dry shores edged in turquoise and deep sapphire blue. The antiquey, magic yellow hue of the cellophane gave words and names like the Acropolis, Dionysus, Athena and Odysseus a magic that coursed through my veins. I was hooked.

46 PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2020

In January this year, I sat on my bed, leaning back on pillows, reading a fantastic book (The Heart’s Furies by John Boyne if any of you are interested) and suddenly the light altered dramatically in my room. A yellow hue cloaked the white walls and coloured my verandah through my French doors. Trees took on a mythical, unnatural colour. The colour deepened, second by second, saturating the sky and everything around me. Immediately I was back in Aunty Kitty’s lounge, seated on her plastic-covered sofa. It was an eerie, apocalyptic feeling observing the outside world change. The bushfires. My heart ached for Australia. If this was what we were seeing from the fires raging and destructive, imagine what our ‘neighbours’ over the ditch were seeing and feeling. I had to get out of the house and shake an eerieness creeping in. Heading for the beach, I saw people coming out of their houses to stare at the sky and check in with neighbours that all was safe. Unlike in Australia, where people and animals and homes and villages and suburbs were dying. Words have no meaning around the level of destruction. Will Australia ever be the same? We can ask why did this happen. Why didn’t Scott Morrison, PM, act with more leadership and integrity. On and on… but right now, we need to put those questions and judgements aside and concentrate on helping in any way we can. Praying, donating, whatever. Some time has elapsed, some rain has fallen (bringing its own set of problems along with its aid). I am grateful my Australian friends are safe. My heart breaks for the animals lost. For the pain Australia will feel for ever over this catastrophe. Like with the yellow cellophane, there really is no word that can name what has occurred. Our lives move forward into a new year but let’s not stop helping that ravaged landscape and its inhabitants in whatever small or large ways we can. Don’t let out of sight, as the pictures of great orange flames and burned koalas and kangaroos lessen, become out of mind. I’m hoping for a wonderful 2020 and to live my best life. Join me? PN (DEIRDRE THURSTON) F

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Liz Wheadon: It’s all about Bordeaux There’s much talk at Glengarry about Bordeaux this month. Check out the events below and you’ll soon understand why. To start the journey of exploring Bordeaux, you need to first start with the Classification System. In 1855, being lovers of red tape, the French authorities created what became known as The Classified Growths of the Médoc, a five-tier classification of 61 of the leading Médoc Châteaux, along with two from Graves. This formalised lists that were already in place based on each château’s relative quality as expressed by the prices of each individual estate. These growths, or cru, range from first (Premier) through to fifth (Cinquièmes). Over the years there has been very little change to the 1855 Classification, other than Château Mouton Rothschild moving from second growth to first growth in 1973 (Baron Philippe de Rothschild reportedly saying, ‘Mouton I am, Second I am not’). Château Cantemerle was added as a fifth growth in 1856 and Château Dubignon, a third growth, was absorbed into Château Malescot St Exupéry. Saint Émilion added its own classification system in 1955, which has subsequently been frequently amended. Pomerol has never been classified, although the greatest wine from this region, Château Pétrus, is generally spoken of in the same hushed tones as the five first growths of the Médoc. Ladouys – St Estèphe, Phelan Segur – Saint Estèphe, Larcis Ducasse – Saint Émilion and Pavie-Macquin – Saint Émilion.

The Médoc First Growths are: • Château Lafite-Rothschild (Pauillac) • Château Margaux (Margaux) • Château Latour (Pauillac) • Château Haut-Brion (Graves) • Château Mouton-Rothschild (Pauillac) Whilst much of the classification system holds true today, the inherent problem with a system is that some of the châteaux have improved out of sight since it was first introduced, while others are considered to have rested on their laurels, smug in the knowledge that their wines will always fetch high prices, as this was what the classification was based on in the first place. It is a good guide as long as one keeps in mind the fact that some of the wines outside its boundaries can still be superb. Glengarry is New Zealand’s pre-eminent supplier of Bordeaux. With its long-standing relationships and experience honed over 30-odd years, Glengarry is an old hands at this and once again have made the commitment this year to ensure you the best service and advice. It’s on the back of these great associations that it has not one, two or six, but an impressive 14 chateaux joining us here in New Zealand during March: Domaine de Chevalier – Pessac Léognan, Haut Bailly – Pessac Léognan, Brane Cantenac – Margaux, d’Issan – Margaux, Beychevelle – St Julien, Langoa Barton – St Julien, Leoville Barton – St Julien, Pedesclaux – Pauillac, Grand Puy Lacoste – Pauillac, Pontet Canet – Pauillac, Lilian

GRAND BORDEAUX TOUR T U E S DAY 1 0 T H M A RC H 2 0 2 0

ng There’s a tasti m 14 of the wines fro a dinner, Châteaux and or both of join us at one ents. these great ev

With representatives from all of these properties here, Glengarry has scheduled two impressive events that are not to be missed. We’ll start with a very special tasting, where each estate will be presenting their wines from the amazing 2016 vintage. The more time these spend in bottle, the clearer it is that this is one of the finest years ever for Bordeaux – maybe even better than the famed 2015. This will be a walk around event from 4.30pm to 6.30pm where you can go from one château to another and talk with them as you taste. Following that, a fantastic dinner with these Bordeaux Estates. The opportunity to dine and enjoy a beautiful, three course meal with the representatives from these châteaux, one of whom will be joining each table. Each of the estates will be providing an older vintage of their Grand Vin to enjoy, all in the picturesque setting that is Sails Restaurant. Both events are on the same day, Tuesday 10 March with a ticket price of $49 for the walk around tasting, $195 for the dinner and $210 for both events. These not to be missed events are a unique opportunity to try the wines of these properties and meet those behind them. (LIZ WHEADON) F PN www.glengarry.co.nz

New Zealand has never seen su ch an incredible arra y of Bordeaux Chât eaux at one event – do n’t miss out, book now!

G L E N G A R R Y V I C TO R I A PA R K ESTABLISHED SINCE 1945 | WWW.GLENGARRY.CO.NZ | P: 0800 733 505 | E: SALES@GLENGARRY.CO.NZ

48 PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2020

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY

DINE @ TOKYO CLUB, PONSONBY

1. Crunchie tiger prawn roll; 2. Chicken yakitori skewers; 3. Octopus balls takoyaki; 4. Duck dumpling shumai; 5. Seared beef scotch tataki TOKYO CLUB, Ponsonby Central, 4 Brown Street, T: 09 376 8016, www.tokyoclub.co.nz

Modern Japanese Main Beach Takapuna Beach Bookings essential Ph 09 390 7188 www.tokyobay.co.nz

Japanese Izakaya Dining Bar Ponsonby Central No bookings required Ph 09 376 8016 www.tokyoclub.co.nz

PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2020

EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY

Gary Steel: Rednecks dump on plant-based diets. Again. Federated Farmers is up to its old tricks again. This time, it’s pressuring the Government to quash an education programme that encourages children to eat less meat. Why would it do that? Federated Farmers claims that the climate change resource, which has been created by the Ministry of Education, is inappropriate in New Zealand, the inference being that somehow Big Ag is cleaner and greener here than elsewhere. It’s not surprising that the industry body would stick up for its members, but Federated Farmers is acting more and more like a law unto themselves and, like America’s all-powerful gun lobby, it continues to push an agenda that represents the views of its most retrogressive constituents. The fact is, there are many farmers who are upping their game, and many others who are switching to horticulture, but it’s the rowdy rednecks that always get heard, along with those who have invested in industrial farming practices that will never square with environmental science. A shocking example of the head-in-the-sand attitude of Federated Farmers was highlighted on the TV news the other night when an environmental scientist claimed that prior to the mycoplasma bovis outbreak, the organisation actively discouraged farmers from using the computerised system for monitoring herd numbers and movements (from one place to another). Had farmers used the automated system, then perhaps the outbreak may never have happened. And now, this lobby group, which wants the ‘eat less meat’ advice omitted, is attacking an educational programme with advice based on hard science and the course changed in other ways, supposedly to better reflect New Zealand’s supposedly unique situation. It would be laughable if Federated Farmers didn’t hold such sway over Government. Our farmers have already got a sweet deal with the concessions made by the coalition in their climate change policy – but clearly, that’s not enough. It’s not enough that New Zealand agriculture is bombing our land with super phosphate and chemicals,

ruining our rivers with farm run-off and packing the land with more animals than the environment can cope with. Nope, all that matters is that our farmers are the ‘salt of the earth’ and the farming export industry is one of our top earners. Because, well… to hell with our children’s children who will be paying the price for this woefully short-term greed. Federated Farmers has launched a petition to change the programme, and NZ Beef And Lamb have also slammed it simply for its contention – widely supported by science and health professionals – that eating less meat is better for both the environment and human health. It would be a sad day indeed if the Government backed down and ordered the Ministry of Education to review the climate change programme simply because of the irresponsible indignation of a lobby group that’s increasingly coming across like some kind of remnant from the last century. Philip McKibbin of the NZ Vegetarian Society had this to say about Federated Farmers’ attitude: “According to the Government, here in New Zealand animal agriculture accounts for almost 50% of our greenhouse gas emissions. “This isn’t a conspiracy – it says this very clearly on the Ministry for Primary Industry’s website. MPI isn’t an anti-farming organisation; in fact, it’s the government department that’s most supportive of our farmers. Even they admit that there’s a serious problem.” Perhaps it’s time for farmer-supporting organisations to encourage their members to check out the huge growth in veganism in New Zealand and to support any move towards horticulture? Maybe, they would be better petitioning Government for horticulture-transitioning subsidies than attacking science-based environmental courses. (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

50 PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2020

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

EAT, DRINK +LOCAL BE MERRY NEWS

IN A RIGHT PICKLE Foodies to learn tricks of the trade from pickling master. Kiwis can take their pickling game to a dill-icious new level next month, when Detroit-based master of pickles and co-founder of McClure’s Pickles, Joe McClure, shares his extensive knowledge at two Auckland events: the barbecue and music festival Meatstock and an exclusive pickling masterclass at Farro Fresh Grey Lynn. At Meatstock, attendees need only look for the neon pickle to find the McClure’s Pickle Bar, where they’ll be able to enjoy an array of pickle-inspired dishes courtesy of the talented team from Burger Burger. The treats on offer will include deep fried spicy pickle bites and deep fried garlic and dill pickle spears as well as an extra-special treat for those pickle fans who also have a sweet tooth – Duck Island McClure’s Pickle Shakin’ shakes and ice creams. Farro Masterclass attendees will get to hear the story of how the McClure’s took a beloved family recipe and turned it into a multimillion dollar business that produces two million jars of hand-picked pickles from their Detroit factory each year. They’ll also get some ‘pickling 101’ tips from one of the best in the business, before pickling their own jar of pickles.

“I’m also looking forward to my first public pickling masterclass in this part of the world. I’ve found Kiwis are as passionate about pickles as we are in the US, so I’m hoping to do more around the country on future trips.” Meatstock is on from February 15-16, with the McClure’s pickling masterclass taking place at Farro Fresh Grey Lynn on February 17 from 7:15pm - 9pm.

McClure says he can’t wait to return to Auckland next month. “I’m really looking forward to escaping the cold in Detroit, coming back to New Zealand and being part of Meatstock – I was at the event in 2018 and it was epic.

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

Meatstock tickets can be purchased from www.meatstock.co.nz, with tickets for the Farro Fresh masterclass available via www.farro.co.nz. The cost of the masterclass is $45 and includes PN pickle-inspired nibbles, light refreshments and a gift bag. F

SIDART, Level 1, Three Lamps Plaza, 283 Ponsonby Road T: 360 2122 www.sidart.co.nz

PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2020

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Cherry developments offer healthy returns for savvy investors China’s rising middle class and increasingly wealthy southeast Asian consumers are driving the demand for premium New Zealand cherries and specifically fruit from Central Otago. Horticultural investment specialist Hortinvest is tapping into this unprecedented and growing demand by developing large-scale developments at Lindis River and Mt Pisa which Kiwi investors can buy into. Two $15.5 million projects, both spanning 80 hectares, are backed by cornerstone investors including the sheep and beef landowners at Lindis Peak Station and Mt Pisa Station. The landowners who wished to diversify their businesses and provide long-term security for their families, approached horticulturalists Ross and Sharon Kirk of Hortinvest to develop the projects on the strength of their first development at Tarras Cherry Corp, also in Central Otago. Investors include a couple who started investigating opportunities in horticulture five years ago before buying into both developments. Having observed first-hand, cherries being air freighted to North America and Asia, Andrew and his wife already understood New Zealand cherries were on a global growth trajectory and wanted a slice of the action outside the property investment space to sustain them after retirement. “We looked at other corporate cherry investments but wanted something where we knew the people growing our cherries and where the service was personal. The Hortinvest model is hugely appealing. We like being able to talk directly to Ross and Sharon, see the trees growing and taste the cherries,” Andrew says. “We have five to 10 years of working life left and can wait for the cash flow. We understand the risks associated with horticulture, especially with the weather. To split the risk, we’ve invested in both projects. We believe the long-term benefits will far outweigh the risks,” he says.

“China’s middle class is the largest emerging market globally. With some 400 million consumers, it’s larger than the entire US population and accounts for 55% of the world’s online sales,” marketing and sales manager Sharon Kirk says.

Cherry investment returns Trees have been planted over the first 10 hectares in each development and are growing well. The second planting at Lindis River and Mt Pisa will be undertaken this winter. Returns range from 34-59%t based on 12-18 tonnes per hectare. Trees are set to reach full mature production in 2025-2026.

“The New Zealand Government has forecast cherry revenue to increase 25 % to $100 million over the next four years. Current plantings total approximately 800 hectares and the industry is currently producing less than 4500 tonnes for export. With demand far outstripping supply, a real opportunity exists to market more than 10,000 tonnes.” F PN www.hortinvest.nz E: investhortinvest.nz

52 PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2020

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

Grow your wealth... Invest in New Zealand cherries

Cherry investments respond to global demand

• Two orchard developments • Ideal investor $1 million dollar plus

Hortinvest offers investors two exciting opportunities to invest in premium cherries in Central Otago.

• IRR: 20.8-25% ﬁrst 10 years

Reap the rewards from this growth industry as Hortinvest responds to global demand for New Zealand cherries.

• ROI: 34-59% (peak mature production)

Units are available in two $15.5 million developments.

• Returns based on 12-18 tonnes per hectare

Both set over 80 hectares on gently sloping land ideal for premium cherry production.

• Minimum investment $100,000

• Returns start in ﬁnancial year 2024

Lindis River and Mt Pisa orchards will produce their ﬁrst cherries in 2021-2022.

Hortinvest’s expert team manages all services from growing, packing, shipping and marketing. Get in touch today and ﬁnd out how to generate wealth for the long-term.

Request a Lindis River or Mt Pisa Information Memorandum. p: 027 484 5099 e: invest@hortinvest.nz / www.hortinvest.nz

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Phil Parker: What I drank in the holidays Okay. Here we go with a few of my wine highlights of the festive season. We were blessed with a sunny Christmas and New Year. And it looks like we are in for another hot, dry, extended summer – which means a good year for grape growing. Now, I’m pretty sure that Ponsonby legendary character, the late Gerry Hill, will very likely be featured in this issue of Ponsonby News. And he would have loved it! I always think of him as Chef Gerry. Show up for dinner – and next minute, you are prepping the veggies and pouring drinks as part of the team for the evening. As a former Merchant Navy cook, Gerry was a skilled chef and, with his partner Sally, hosted some amazing dinner parties, with great food and endless wine and laughter. Gerry Hill and Sally James have been very dear friends for 20 years and Gerry was one of the most inclusive, generous and entertaining hosts at numerous meals and events at The Great Ponsonby Art Hotel and at their home in Ponsonby Terrace. A toast to you Gerry, and arohanui Sally and whanau. Man ‘O’ War Waiheke Pinot Gris 2018 - $22 Rich, generous and mouth filling. Fruit is sourced from the far eastern end of Waiheke Island and from adjacent Ponui Island in the Hauraki Gulf. A sweeter style at 10.5% alcohol, it is rich and unctuous with citrus, honeysuckle and stone fruit flavours. Available: Glengarry. Loveblock Marlborough Pinot Gris 2019 - $22 From Kim Crawford’s organic Marlborough label, this is a vegan wine. Off-dry, with complex flavours of peach, nashi pear, rock melon and a lengthy crisp finish. Widely available. Saint Clair Wairau Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2018 - $29 Big, pungent and complex – not so much in the classic passionfruity style. But heaps of cape gooseberry and grapefruit, with moderate citrus and a long finish. Available: Glengarry.

Church Road McDonald Series Hawkes Bay Chardonnay 2018 - $24 About 25 years ago, Church Road chardonnay was the gateway wine to my fine wine career. It has slipped a tad as one of Brancott’s premium labels, but still bang for buck. Toasty oak and a rich peachy palate of stone fruit and a lengthy finish. Widely available. Pegasus Bay Waipara Valley Chardonnay 2017 - $50 A big, bold intense wine in the flinty reductive style, packed with flavour. Very grapefruity and rich with toasty French oak spice and long finish. Available: Caros Wines. Obsidian Waiheke Montepulciano 2018 - $42 Still a youngster at nearly three-years-old, this Italian grape variety is fruity and spicy with a touch of earthiness and hint of potpourri. Medium bodied with flavours of black currant and plum. Fine Wine Deliver Company. Or order direct from the winery. Brown Brothers King Valley Prosecco NV - $13 Nice presentation in a colourful champenoise-style bottle and sealed with a Champagne cork. Frothy bubbles in the mouth, dry style sparkler, great with seafood or as a cork-popping aperitif to start a dinner party. A hint of citrus on the nose, with tangy crisp apple and a clean finish.Available: Countdown. Brown Brothers Prosecco Rosé NV - $13 At 11% alcohol (5% less than the previous wine), this is a very drinkable, just off-dry aperitif wine that will be a crowd pleaser at a great price. A generous, rounded palate with hints of strawberry and ripe cherries. Available: Countdown. (PHIL PARKER) F PN

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.parker@xtra.co.nz

54 PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2020

www.insidertouring.co.nz

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY www.thesurreyhotel.co.nz

Retail, restaurants and recreation all on your doorstep Â&#x2122; Â&#x2122; Â&#x2122; Â&#x2122; Â&#x2122;

-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

PONSONBY NEWS MARCH 2020

- Gusto Italiano GUSTO MEANING â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;TASTE AND ENJOYMENTâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

When you dine with us, the focus is on freshly prepared classic dishes, featuring an excellent range of pasta, seafood, meats and our pizza classics.

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COPY DEADLINE: THURSDAY 20 FEBRUARY PUBLISHED: FRIDAY 6 MARCH Call 09 378 8553 to book or email martin@ponsonbynews.co.nz

We also offer our pasta dishes to takeaway, phone for details or check our website for the menu. 263 PONSONBY RD, THREE LAMPS, 09 361 1556 www.gustoitaliano.co.nz

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@ SABATO Polenta has been a staple in Italian cuisine ever since the 16th Century. One of the great vessels of the Venetian Republic returned to Venice with a sack of maize from America and, upon discovery, Northern Italians were taken by this versatile grain.

In a small saucepan, reduce the Griottes with one teaspoon maple syrup until the liquid is slightly thickened. This can be done in advance and refrigerated in an airtight container or jar for up to one week.

Today, polenta is enjoyed with meat, game and fish with accompaniments of a variety of sauces, grilled or roasted vegetables and cheeses.

In a heavy-based pot, bring milk to a boil. Add butter and stir to melt. Rain in the polenta while whisking.

At Sabato, we love to experiment with our quality ingredients. Here is our latest recipe creation for a delicious polenta porridge to have for breakfast – and we promise that once you try this recipe, you will go back to it over and over again! QUICK WHITE POLENTA PORRIDGE - Serves 2 ½ cup La Grande Ruota white quick cook polenta 2 cups milk 1 tbsp Lewis Road Creamery butter ¼ tsp Heilala vanilla extract ½ cup Sabarot Griottes (with liquid) 1 tsp Escuminac late harvest maple syrup, plus extra to drizzle 3 tbsp Hazelz roasted hazelnuts, roughly chopped 2 tbsp Tabletop Muscatel clusters

Continue to whisk the polenta for 4-5 minutes until creamy and smooth. Add the vanilla extract and stir until incorporated. Pour polenta into serving bowls. Top with Griottes, roasted hazelnuts and muscatels. Finish with a drizzle of maple syrup to taste. Suggested variations: • Top polenta with fresh in-season fruits and a drizzle of maple syrup. • Pair the polenta with poached pear and a drizzle of J Friend & Co honey. • For an indulgent option, stir in melted Valrhona Guanaja chocolate and top with fresh or freeze-dried raspberries. F PN SABATO, 57 Normanby Road, T: 09 630 8751, www.sabato.co.nz

56 PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2020

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

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Faces @ Grey Lynn Farmers Market Phill and Chris Pirie bring their Mt Eden butchery to the market on Sunday mornings. Phill, what brought you to New Zealand? As a teenager, my parents brought me here on holiday. I fell in love with the place and always dreamt of returning someday. What was your plan? I started an electrical apprenticeship and I worked in a traditional English butchery on the side to fund my study. I fell in love with the butchery craft and Dad encouraged me to make the switch. After working for several years and competing in butchery competitions, I decided to try new horizons that brought me back to New Zealand. Where did you start in New Zealand? My first job was in the Mt Eden village – I was there for 10 years. I hear that is where you met Chris? Yes – she was my customer and was always popping in. And we’d often see each other around the village. I often spotted her meeting clients in the same window seat of the local cafe. But you moved away from Mt Eden for a while. What happened? We moved to Christchurch to manage a third-generation butcher shop and learn more from some of the best. The adventure and experience were great and gave me the drive to run my own store.

Tell me about the bike outside the shop. Chris gave me the old butcher’s bike for my birthday and told me that by the following birthday she wanted to see it outside our own shop. As luck would have it, the butcher close to the Mt Eden village became available. Now the bike sits outside the shop and is the last thing we put away. Regulars know that if the bike is still out, then we are still open – even if it’s past closing time! I hear that you have represented New Zealand in international butchery competitions. Yes – I was a Sharp Black for three years and we won three times against UK and Australia. I did get a bit of flak from the English for competing against my birth country. In the competitions, we got to use our flair and show off our passion and skills. Recently did well in the New Zealand sausage awards. We were delighted to win gold for our traditional English black pudding and were highly commended for our Portuguese pork sausage. We would have liked to see our pork and hemp sausage up there too because it has been a popular one at the market! And sometimes you lose sight of Chris at the market. (Chuckle.) I always know where she is. She’s either getting coffee, selling eggs or chatting at the honey stall. We love the community there. www.glfm.co.nz

Sunday mornings at the Grey Lynn Community Centre 510 Richmond Road PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2020

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Ross Thorby: Thank you for coming – now, please, exit via the gift shop... Anyone who has ever heard of or visited New Zealand cannot help but associate our great country with Sir Peter Jackson and the hobbits. Even our national carrier has gotten into the act and the image of a bunch of hobbits completing wacky world-saving tasks whilst simultaneously struggling to put on life jackets is as well known as our reputation for extreme sports. So now that we have arrived in Tauranga Harbour, and with White Island off the menu, Hobbiton was so close that it seemed churlish not to visit. After a few mind numbing and depressing experiences, I have been avoiding ship-organised excursions, finding that most were geared towards the slowest common denominator. After being jammed on to a stuffy steel tube for several hours, driven through dull countryside to disembark for a brief hour or two, only to be herded like sheep through some overrated tourist destination, before finally being stranded in an expensive and tacky souvenir outlet. (I’m intimate with tacky – my parents once specialised in quality gifts, clothing and souvenirs.) All of this while being monetarily fleeced not just by the extreme cost of the ship’s excursion but by everybody else in between. Having said that, this particular experience was to be something quite different. Maybe it was being a tourist in my own country or maybe it was the high-quality providers we had, but Hobbiton turned out to be a world-class experience deserving of its 650,000 annual visitors. It makes me regret not having visited it sooner – this, our ‘largest ranking, international paid attraction’. All my life I had not realised that we lived in such a Tolkenesque paradise. It’s no wonder that Peter Jackson returned to New Zealand to film his series – he found all of the elements of his Hobbiton Shire in just one farm in the Waikato. Rolling hills, a pristine lake, empty hobbit burrows and, most of all, seclusion. More location scenes and production benefits than even Jackson could use in just one film. With the help of the New Zealand Army he built what would become a New Zealand icon and propel us into world cult status. The first set for the Lord of the Rings was dismantled after he filmed the first movie; it had taken nine months to build but mere days to

58 PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2020

dismantle. With the success of ‘The Fellowship of the Ring’, he decided to continue with the series and rebuilt the shire as a permanent film set spending two years re-creating the village and its surrounds. This time, instead of using polystyrene and plywood, he used macrocarpa wood and steel so that the set would endure. Vinegar was used to age the wood to appear two- hundred-years-old and fruit and leaves were individually wired on to trees to make them appear in season even when they weren’t. The attention to detail is so meticulous that even the moss on the fences and gates is simulated. All hobbits were catered for with each hobbit having their own burrow particular to that character, all done to the scale of 3ft 5in – hobbit height. Unfortunately, to my embarrassment, I discovered that the urinals in the public bathroom are also to this same scale. On viewing Bilbo Baggins’ house, one American lady on our tour mixed up Bilbo’s name – pronouncing it with a ‘D’ instead of a ‘B’. Fortunately, I was able to convince the others in our group that she was indeed correct and that he was the little-known, elder brother of Bilbo and therefore saved a little old lady immense embarrassment. The most amazing statistic thrown at you during the tour is that even though the site took two years to build and cost many millions of dollars, over the 24 hours of the hobbit movies it is on screen for exactly 12 minutes. Today, 300 people still work maintaining the site. Gardeners, guides and maintenance workers keep the village in tip-top condition ready for the hobbits to move back any time they wish. But, here at the end of the tour, in the overgrowth, its entrance nearly hidden by brambles, is the souvenir shop filled with trinkets that would make even a hobbit’s eyes gleam. And there it was, in time honoured fashion, the utter ring of those fateful words: “Thank you for coming, now, please, exit via the gift shop.” That fear of being locked into a gift shop brings back such horrific childhood memories that I named my 2016 World Cruise blog: www.exitviathegiftshop.blogspot.com Note the unashamed self promotion here! (ROSS THORBY) F PN PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

TRAVEL BREAKS

Gorillas in the mist anyone? Heading out on safari in Uganda will treat you to your own unforgettable primate adventure! As you hike through wild jungles, you’ll gaze in wonder at chimpanzees, various subspecies of monkey, and the world’s last remaining mountain gorillas. Bonus? Uganda also offers great wildlife viewing including elephant, buffalo, hippo, leopard and tree climbing lions! So, what do you need to know about a Ugandan safari for your own special visit? Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is home to half the world’s population of endangered mountain gorillas, making it one of the best places to spot these gentle giants up close. The other half live throughout the remainder of the Virunga mountain ranges in Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Rwanda. On a visit to Uganda, you can track gorillas in both Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Operators know where the families are at any given time and therefore spotting them and spending time watching them is almost guaranteed. The trek itself could last anywhere from a few hours up to eight hours in length, traversing dense foliage and steep inclines, so a good level of fitness is essential. Once you reach the habituated gorilla family, you’ll have one magical hour to spend in their company. This is of course at the discretion of your guide, who may opt to leave early if the family becomes agitated. Although gorillas can be tracked at any time of the year, the most comfortable months are during the drier seasons in December to February and June to September. World Journeys prides itself on only dealing with lodge owners and safari companies who have a core ethos of giving back to the land, the people and the wildlife. Some of our favourite places to stay in Uganda include Buhoma Lodge, Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp and Clouds Mountain Lodge.

TAILOR-MADE UGANDA

These safari operators work with the locals for the good of the community and conserve wildlife in these special areas. Though physically challenging at times, gorilla trekking is a once in a lifetime experience that surely ranks on anyone’s African safari wish list. The adventure is well worth the effort, and your visit doesn’t just begin and end with gorillas. For the complete safari experience, head to Queen Elizabeth National Park to spot Uganda’s famous tree climbing lions, along with leopard, jackal, hyena, hippo and over 600 varieties of birdlife. In Kibale National Park, you can also enjoy encounters with chimpanzee and 12 other species of primates including the red colobus monkey, greycheeked mangabet and olive baboon. OUR TIP: Book your trekking permit well in advance – only a set number are available each day. Prices increase to US$700 per person from 1 July 2020. You must be over 15 years of age to obtain PN a gorilla viewing permit. (OLIVIA GRAVES, WORLD JOURNEYS) F www.worldjourneys.co.nz

TAILOR-MADE JOURNEY On safari in Uganda, experience the awe of the world’s last remaining mountain gorillas, spot tree climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park, and track chimpanzees throughout tropical forests. www.worldjourneys.co.nz/destinations/ africa/uganda

T 09 360 7311 www.worldjourneys.co.nz /worldjourneys PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2020

TRAVEL BREAKS

Ponsonby News Readers are everywhere...

Late last year, local resident Brian Wadman returned from a walk in PALESTINE (Jenin to Jericho), and had fun one day carrying Ponsonby News around and finding interesting places in which to read it. Brian Wadman takes a break to read Ponsonby News while walking the Wadi Qelt towards Jericho in Palestine. This centuries old aquaduct still carries water into Jericho, and as well as being a good water source, is great for cooling off in during the desert walk in 40+ °C heat. Tim Hagyard (leader of the Amos Trust Palestine Walk from Jenin to Jericho) is fascinated by the 30-year edition of Ponsonby News when produced en route by loyal reader, Brian Wadman. This is despite almost reaching the monastry of St George of Kaziba (Greek Orthodox church) just outside Jericho and pictured nestled into the steep cliffs in the background. Despite distractions, Brian Wadman tries to concentrate on his latest copy of Ponsonby News at the Walled Off Hotel (by Banksy) in Bethlehem. He had just finished a two week walk from Jenin to Jericho, and on his right is UK singer/song writer Garth Hewitt who

is (distractingly!) trying to practise songs from his CD ‘My Name is Palestine’ which he launched at the hotel in the evening while Israeli soldiers patrolled the wall just outside the hotel. F PN

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.

Little Bird Kitchen international chefs’ table experience The team at Little Bird are incredibly excited to announce their new International Chef Series with the goal of bringing the Netflix Chefs Table experience to life. In the first of a planned series to bring aspirational chefs from around the globe in celebration of international plant-based cuisine and women in food, they will be welcoming Mari Fuji to their cafe. Mari has over 30 years’ experience of Shojin Ryori gained from her husband, who was a Buddhist monk and served as a temple cook at three different Zen temples. Throughout the series, renowned international chefs will share their culinary talent and disciplines, personal stories, inspirations and unique styles, as they prepare mouth-watering, plant-based dishes and impart knowledge. They will be running demonstrations with tastings as well as hands-on workshops with a multi-course dinner experience.

Demonstration details What: Cooking demonstration with tastings of nine Shojin Ryori dishes – Monday 10 February and Tuesday 11 February. Time: 7pm – 9pm. Cost: $109. Hands on workshop & dinner details Hands-on workshop with Japanese Shojin Ryori Kaiseki dinner – Monday 17 February and Tuesday 18 February. Time: 7pm – 9:30pm. Cost: $179. Ticket sales at www.littlebirdorganics.co.nz/collections/classes For more information, please email jasmin@littlebirdorganics.co.nz Instagram: @littlebirdkitchennz. Facebook: Little Bird Kitchen

LITTLE BIRD KITCHEN, 1A Summer Street, Ponsonby, T: 09 555 3278, www.littlebirdorganics.co.nz

60 PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2020

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

TRAVEL BREAKS

HELLO SOLO TRAVELLERS Are you planning a solo trip or want to meet new people whilst travelling? Would you like to meet other like-minded solo travellers? We are pleased to introduce our new helloworld Travel Solo Travellers Club here in Ponsonby and surrounds. We understand solo travel and the challenges that arise when travelling on your own. Therefore, we are able to personalise your holiday and accommodate your needs and concerns to ensure you have a relaxing and stress-free experience. Top 5 benefits of travelling alone 1. Pushes you out of your comfort zone as you encounter new situations. 2. You have the opportunity to travel off the beaten track with the freedom to go wherever you desire. 3. You meet new people and make lifetime connections. 4. Easier to plan your travels, because not working in with fellow travellers’ plans. 5. More time to enjoy sights and museums as you travel at your own pace. SOLO TRAVELLER CRUISING Don’t be under the impression that cruises are only for couples, families or large groups of friends. Cruises are for anyone looking for a new travel adventure and an opportunity to indulge in some ‘me time’. Cruising allows you to unpack only once and tailor make a holiday to suit you. • Meet like-minded people: Onboard activities and onshore excursions give you the chance to mingle with fellow travellers.

• I don’t want to pay over the odds for a single supplement: An increasing number of cruise lines are offering single cabins so that solo travellers aren’t penalised for travelling alone. • What about meal times – I’m concerned I will have no one to chat to: The flexibility of open-seated dining is perfect for solo cruisers. Enjoy your breakfast whilst gazing out at wonderful scenery in the morning, then spend dinner with a group of new friends at another table for an evening filled with delightful food and lots of laughter – it is completely your choice. • How easy is it to make new friends? The cruise director will quite often make sure that the solo cruisers are included in all activities and introduce them to other guests. • Added security: A cruise offers safety in numbers and a secure environment on board.

Contact the team of travel and cruise professionals at Helloworld Travel Ponsonby to register for our solo travellers club and enquire about your next solo travel dream holiday.

PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2020

FASHION 30 REASONS + STYLE

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@ MAGAZINE DESIGNER CLOTHING 1. Chocolat Beautiful Blooms Drape Back Top — exclusive to Magazine 2. Lyman 198060 Jumpsuit 3. Magazine Exotic Dress — exclusive to Magazine 4. Frank Lyman Jacket 5. Frank Lyman Flute Sleeved Top

MAGAZINE DESIGNER CLOTHING, 937 Mt Eden Road, T: 09 630 5354, Magazine Milford, 119A Kitchener Road, Milford, T: 09 488 0406, www.magazineclothing.co.nz

62 PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2020

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

ETON shirts – for every occasion From luxurious soft cottons, linens and cotton-silk blends in relaxed soft-washed casual shirts – perfect for a day out on the boat – to formal evening shirts for a night out on the town, ETON has a shirt for you.

Available from Fifth Avenue Menswear. www.fifthave.co.nz

PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2020

FASHION + STYLE

Creative energy at the cutting edge The Servilles Ponsonby salon is an extension of the creative energy that underpins the brand, the academy and epitomises a philosophy owner and founder Paul Huege De Serville has nurtured over the last 50 years. “It’s what our people bring to it that sets us apart,” says Paul as he explains the breadth of talent and creativity of the team that make up Servilles Ponsonby. “Our people are artists in their own right and hair dressing is just one of the ways they channel their creative energy.”

For Matt, Servilles is like one big extended family. “I met my wife who is also a hair stylist at Servilles. We bounce off of one another creatively and understand each other’s work. We are like one big family at Servilles. We have stars who have gone on to shine bright in the industry all over the world. It says a lot about the company to have people return to us after many years away starting families, travelling the world or studying.” Jacqui Jo Multi award-winning platinum stylist Jacqui Jo uses her strong creative voice to inform her work and mentor some of Servilles’ most talented, up and coming hair stylists. “I was approached by a young and eager hair stylist about improving his skills and together we set off on a journey that saw him winning New Zealand Hairdresser of the Year. It was a really defining moment of my time with Servilles,” says Jacqui.

Matt playing in band Set on End

A talented musician, Matt is the songwriter and guitarist for critically acclaimed metal band Set on End. Impressively, the band is signed to US label Artery and in 2016 was listed by Metal Hammer Magazine as one of this country’s Top 10 metal bands. “I’ve played guitar in bands since the age of 10 and had opportunities to cross over my passion for music into my career, music video shoots, shows, industry people, etc. I’ve drawn on the fashion in music for elements of my work but it doesn’t define my style. I’d say it’s more classic than edgy but it’s great to have that balance,” says Matt.

Having spent time growing up in both England and New Zealand, Jacqui has an appreciation of the value and beauty of diversity. “I have always been interested in how design is a reflection of our identity and self awareness. It’s why I strive for ‘home grown’ design as a way of defining and celebrating our differences,” explains Jacqui. While the Servilles’ team is comprised of a diverse bunch, all members have some key things in common. They all maintain a strong sense of loyalty, a drive and acceptance of only the best. Not just individual best but also helping bring out the best in others. “Being part of the Servilles’ dynamic brings so much joy and wellbeing into all parts of my life. I am a mother now. Your whole world changes, changes for the better. In me, It’s fostered a greater sense of nurturing and now I find myself increasingly taking on a mentoring role within the salon,” says Jacqui. Servilles Ponsonby salon The new Ponsonby salon at 18 Sale Street next to CityWorks Depot is due to open soon. SERVILLES PONSONBY, 348 Ponsonby Road, T: 09-378 9799, www.servilles.com

64 PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2020

Jacqui Jo

Moochi Swim

“Stepping up into the management role three years ago has been a defining moment for me. Watching the team grow and being an influential part of their personal developments is really rewarding,” says Matt.

Matt Borsos

Matt Borsos Salon manager and platinum stylist Matt Borsos is a key part of the Servilles’ creative team, having trained and worked with Servilles Ponsonby for over 18 years as well as training Servilles’ colour specialists.

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

Servilles Ponsonby, 18 Sale Street.

OPENING SOON servilles.com

FASHION + STYLE

HEAVENLY SOLES OPENS IN MT ALBERT Heavenly Soles, the gorgeous footwear and fashion boutique brand from Matakana, has opened a new store in Auckland 10 minutes from Ponsonby at 849 New North Road in Mt Albert. The new store is located next to Good Thing, the gift and homeware store and the Taco Loco Cantina and Bar site that is also the venue for a great weekend farmers market and foodtruck events. With convenient parking behind the store, a ready made, mini retail and hospo hub has been created for locals or anyone looking for a new urban village alternative to the regular crowded retail centres in town. The original Matakana store in the Village Square has been providing fashion lovers with beautifully curated collections of footwear, fashion and accessories for over 10 years and is a mecca of good taste north of Auckland. Having previously had a store in Jervois Road, business owner Mandy is delighted to bring the brand back to Auckland. Mandy tells us that the new store is a more intimate space, but still stocks the same amazing New Zealand, Australian and European shoe brands including Kathryn Wilson, Beau Coops, AS98 and Dept of Finery, together with apparel brands Zoe Kratzmann and Bird & Kite, and accessories by Briarwood. If you are looking for a beautiful addition to your wardrobe and a great retail experience, visit the girls at Matakana or Mount Albert soon. F PN HEAVENLY SOLES, 849 New North Road, T: 09 423 0040. 2 Matakana Valley Road, Matakana www.heavenlysoles.co.nz

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6 4

1. Vanessa boot leopard suede; 2. Jinx trainer white metallic rainbow; 3. Trinity boot black calf; 4. Sol sana croc heel; 5. Park Ave slipper black crock; 6. Brady boot hot pink croc

NEW AUCKLAND STORE 849 New North Road, Mt Albert MATAKANA STORE 2 Matakana Valley Road, Village Square 09 423 0040

lf heavenlymatakana

www.heavenlysoles.co.nz

66 PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2020

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

FASHION + STYLE

@ CARATS Engagement rings 1. Four-claw platinum oval diamond engagement ring 2. Modern six-claw platinum diamond solitaire engagement ring

3. Princess cut four-claw platinum diamond engagement ring 4. Cushion-cut diamond and platinum engagement ring 5. Baguette-cut diamond platinum engagement ring 6. Platinum diamond Art Deco engagement ring

Wedding rings 7. 18ct yellow gold and platinum cross-over diamond wedding ring 11

8. Platinum cross-over diamond wedding ring 9. Platinum diamond wedding ring 10. Platinum carrĂŠ-cut diamond wedding ring 11. Wide pinched platinum diamond wedding ring 12. Shared claw 18ct yellow gold diamond wedding ring

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

PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2020

LIVING, THIKNING + BEING

2020

Studio Red Yoga

A YEAR OF GOOD HEALTH

The last of the summer months and imminent arrival of autumn (sad, but true) doesn’t just mean a change in your wardrobe. It’s true that the back to work blues really is a thing, but that doesn’t mean it’s too late to put a plan in place for a healthy, happy rest of the year from here on in. Take the best of summer into the cooler months; give yourself permission to take your summer mindset into March and April and beyond. Continue to spend time outdoors, to eat fresh produce from the farmers market, to take things slow when the weekend hits, and maybe add a few of the following to your wellbeing arsenal for a great 2020. Don’t give up on your ﬁtness goals just yet Switch up your fitness routine now you’re back at the coal face and challenge yourself with something new. Make it less of a shock by taking some of your sessions indoors over time and keep up the evening walks while the days are still long and light. Take in the beauty of the changing season whilst boosting your mood and creativity along the way, and add in a new challenge like boxing to satisfy your yang side and yoga to coddle your yin. My pick for a great boxing gym is Newmarket’s Studio Box, whilst my yoga go-to’s will always be Brown Street’s snuggly Urban Ashram and the stylish wellness hub, Studio Red Yoga, in City Works Depot, which has regular restorative yoga events in what must be the city’s chicest practice space. Choose skincare that soothes Chances are over the summer your skin has taken a bit of a hammering from the sun, wind, sea and more, so gently bring it back to life with products designed to heal and soothe. One of my

68 PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2020

newest discoveries is the facial oil and body moisturiser from Rayna Skincare, created right here in New Zealand using high performance, natural and clean ingredients. It’s also the perfect time to embrace ‘skip-care’, a considered and consolidated skincare routine that has become popular of late as a reaction to the idea of an overly complicated multi-step routine. Opt for powerful, multitasking products that go to work on more than one thing, and take some time to assess how your skin feels on the day. Skip-care also has the added benefit of making beauty more sustainable simply by reducing the packaging required.

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

LIVING, THIKNING + BEING Studio Red founder Vicki Cullinane

Eat immunity-boosting foods This time of year salads are still the go-to, but beautiful vegetables and fruits make their appearance in supermarkets and farmers markets across the nation. As the weather gets colder and flu season starts, it’s important for your immune system to be in tip-top shape. Eating healthy foods with vitamin C (like limes, oranges and lemons) are key to fighting off infections, whilst garlic, ginger, spinach and almonds are also big winners when it comes to boosting your health and immunity. Try to shop local – we love the Grey Lynn Farmers Market – if you can, and eat seasonally so what’s going into your body is at its optimum best.

Try meditation If you’re committed to goal setting and letting go of stress in 2020, it doesn’t come much better than a regular meditation practice. Be it training in Transcendental Meditation (a favourite of creative types like David Lynch and Lady Gaga), using an app or just practising mindfulness wherever you are, there are thousands of studies that have shown meditation can positively impact mental and physical health. Whether it’s by reducing stress, improving sleep, increasing focus, or improving relationships, research shows that meditation – when

PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2020

LIVING, THIKNING + BEING

practised regularly – works. Studio Red owner Vicky Cullinane explains it best when she says, “Meditation is about taking time to clear your head and relax your body. Meditation, yoga, drinking tea – all these practices are quiet moments. They are coping tools so that we have clarity around everything we want to achieve and the energy to do it.” Vicky tells me she meditates because it gives her “a wonderful boost of energy. Yes, I feel calmer, clear headed and gain perspective around my thinking. However, it’s the energy boost I receive from meditation that makes me a committed daily meditator. I’ve always thought the hardest relationship you have is the one with yourself. Meditation is a great way to truly spend time with yourself and build a wonderful, healthy, successful relationship with you.” Keep up your H2O It may seem counterintuitive, but we’re actually more likely to be dehydrated in the cooler months than in the warmer months, according to recent research. The reason is two-fold: Not only does our thirst response diminish during this time of year, but our urine output increases (sorry, it had to be said). All of this can result in dry skin and lack of energy, and those glasses of buttery chardonnay downed at still-happening barbecues aren’t helping either. My solution for summer is filling a reusable bottle with water and a helping of Dose & Co’s new Beauty Blends. The super-powered formula has 10g of Type 1 marine collagen per serving, as well as 1000mcg of biotin (vitamin B7) per serving to enhance energy and mood. Formulated using ingredients clinically proven to not only support your skin, nail, hair and gut health, but to

70 PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2020

help you glow from the inside out. I’m loving the citrus flavour Beauty Blend mixed into water, juice and smoothies. There are also a number of apps (like Daily Water) that will help you monitor your water intake if you need a bit of a helping hand. Soak in a bath When it gets cooler outside, there’s nothing more relaxing than ending your day with a hot bath. It’s not the most attractive option in high summer when it’s steamy outside, but soon you can start reintroducing this all-time favourite, relaxing nightly ritual. Add in Epsom Salts — which contain magnesium sulphate — and reap the benefits post-exercise, and enjoy the best sleep of your life. Oh, and as Epsom Salts are ridiculously inexpensive given their relaxing powers, splurge on a beautiful, luxe candle and really make a night of PN it! (HELENE RAVLICH) F

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

LIVING, THIKNING + BEING

Inflammation and mental wellbeing Not everyone has mental illness, but everyone has mental health – and maybe it’s not all in our heads after all, literally. As statistics around poor mental wellbeing look progressively more bleak, the role of diet and lifestyle in mental illness is being increasingly acknowledged. Taking a deep dive into the modern diet of the western world, it makes sense. Stress is everywhere, as are processed, refined, energy dense, nutrient-poor foods. Our collective physical health is suffering and so is our mental health. Research is now showing that this is no coincidence.

The food we eat either fights inflammation or feeds it. Following a wholefoods-based diet – rich in fruit and veggies, nuts, seeds, oily fish, grass-fed meat, free-range eggs, whole, gluten-free grains 80% of the time is our best bet for keeping the inflammation at bay. When our baseline mode of living effectively manages inflammation, our bodies are able to process the odd treat here and there efficiently. Getting adequate sleep and moving our bodies regularly are also effective tools for keeping inflammation levels within an optimal range.

Could inflammation be slowly dismantling both simultaneously? Inflammation is a natural response from the body that protects us. It’s involved in repair processes that happen constantly, and a tool used by our immune system to fend of pathogens and treacherous bacteria. However, when levels of inflammation are elevated and out of control, chaos ensues in both our bodies and our minds.

The inflammatory response requires chemical messengers to set it off. An essential ingredient for creating those chemical messengers are omega 3 fatty acids, which can’t be made by our bodies, and so must come from either or both our diets and supplementation. Everything is interlinked.

Chronic inflammation expresses itself as achy joints – leading to arthritis if the inflammation is left to fester long enough, and skin issues like eczema, gut issues and even depression and anxiety. The key to managing our inflammation levels is found in very similar daily habits – diet, lifestyle and nutrients, omega 3s, in particular.

What’s good for our body, is good for our mind, and vice versa. When we nourish the wellbeing of our whole being, we heal ourselves, and slowly the world around us heals too. (BEN WARREN, FOUNDER & CLINICAL DIRECTOR OF BEPURE) F PN BEPURE, T: 0800 52 54 52, info@bepure.co.nz, www.bepure.co.nz

PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2020

LIVING, THIKNING + BEING

John Appleton: Magnificent magnesium I first heard of magnesium during chemistry classes at high school when we burned magnesium ribbon in the laboratory. I have subsequently discovered that there is a lot more to magnesium than one might think – a lot more and it’s a long list. According to Julian Whitaker MD head of the Whitaker Wellness Institute in California, “magnesium relaxes and dilates blood vessels thus improving circulation and lowering blood pressure. It can prevent spasms in the heart muscle and coronary arteries, a common cause of angina and heart attack. Magnesium can also smooth out cardiac rhythm problems and help to prevent blood clots. Inflammation is now known to be a significant risk factor for heart disease and many doctors now order a routine blood test for levels of C-Reactive Protein, a marker of inflammation, and guess what, our unsung mineral hero helps to lower CRP.” When it comes to myocardial infarction (MI) or heart attack, several trials have demonstrated a protective effect of magnesium against heart muscle injury. A study involving 200 people given intravenous magnesium immediately after a heart attack show a lowering of the death rate by 74% and review of seven other studies showed it cut the death rate by 50%.

Raynaud’s Syndrome, chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia could well find a friend in magnesium. And then there’s diabetes. Once again magnificent magnesium comes to the rescue. Dr Jerry Nadler, chief of Endocrinology and Metabolism at the University of Virginia, says that a low dietary intake of magnesium can encourage insulin resistance, the precursor to diabetes. In a study, Dr Nadler placed patients on a magnesium deficient diet for just three weeks. Not only did the cells become deficient in magnesium, the insulin became less capable of transporting glucose from the blood into cells. Dr Nadler’s message was clear. You can cause insulin resistance in people who do not have diabetes – just deprive them of magnesium. It’s not easy to test magnesium levels. This could explain why a magnesium deficiency can go undetected and is so common.

In pregnancy, adequate magnesium levels are clearly important. Several studies indicate a low intake or tissue store is associated with a greater risk of pre-eclampsia and eclampsia. Favourable results have been reported with 80% of 3000 women being given 200mg of magnesium daily. In a double-blind study of 255 expectant mothers randomly selected to receive 300mg of magnesium, preterm delivery rate was significantly lower in the supplemented group versus the control group.

Not only is it highly likely that we cannot obtain adequate magnesium from our food, there are many ways we can exacerbate the problem. Alcohol has a dramatic effect on magnesium levels. Alcohol and caffeine promote urinary excretion of magnesium as do some pharmaceutical drugs, while others can inhibit its absorption. Emotional and physical stress can also deplete the body’s stores. Excessive sweating during athletic training can cause significant mineral loss.

Magnesium also comes to the rescue of migraine sufferers. Researchers from the State University of New York treated 49 patients with migraines, cluster headaches and tension headaches with an IV infusion of 1g of magnesium. Within 15 minutes, 80% of them had complete resolution of pain, nausea and sensitivity to light.

I take magnesium daily after dinner in the form of magnesium malate powder which I simply stir into water. Magnesium is the ‘sleep’ mineral. Anyone having difficulty getting off to sleep could get some help from magnesium. An Epsom Salt bath before bed can be a very helpful and extremely relaxing way to increase magnesium levels. Epsom Salt is magnesium sulphate.

The list goes on to include asthma, where new research supports a role for inhaled magnesium. Those who suffer with restless legs,

Dr Thomas Levy’s extremely well researched and very enlightening new book on magnesium is available on Amazon.com. PN (JOHN APPLETON) F

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

72 PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2020

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

LIVING, THIKNING + BEING

Honey Pot ceremony Honey Pot is a movement of human connection, aiming to build a community abundant in love and compassion. The Honey Pot crew does this through creating collaborative ceremonies that take you on a journey through breathwork, yoga, meditation (and more). Each ceremony is different, but all share the same purpose, to reconnect you with yourself and those around you.

The Honey Pot ceremony includes breathwork and mindfulness with Tish McNicol and Sarah Vickers of Honey Pot, and a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;moving meditationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; with Logan Pike followed by time to connect and enjoy nourishing whole foods.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Humans are tribal by nature â&#x20AC;&#x201C; community and connections are a fundamental part of our wellbeing,â&#x20AC;? says Tish McNicol.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;At Honey Pot we encourage people to just be for a little longer, to stay, to talk and truly connect,â&#x20AC;? says organiser Tish McNicol. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re excited for this special Honey Pot! Magic is brewing.â&#x20AC;?

On Thursday 20 February in Pollen Street in Grey Lynn, Honey Pot organisers will take you on â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;dream realisationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; journey, where your inner worlds and outer worlds will collide. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a process of letting go of limiting beliefs and realising dreams can be your reality.

Space is limited, so be sure to book at www.honeypotculture.nz/events

AVOID FEET LIKE YOUR MOTHERâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S - ESPECIALLY HER BUNIONS BUNIONS affect 1 in 3 New Zealanders Bunions can lead to pain and discomfort, which affects mobile, balance and quality QH NKHG 6JCVoU PQV VQ OGPVKQP VJG NQQM QH VJGO CPF VJG FKHĆ&#x201A;EWNV[ QH Ć&#x201A;VVKPI UJQGU

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SPECIAL OFFER â&#x20AC;?Bunion Evaluationâ&#x20AC;? for only $33 (worth $85) "vviĂ&#x20AC; Ă&#x203A;>Â?Â&#x2C6;` Ă&#x152;Â&#x153; Ă&#x201C;Â&#x2122; iLĂ&#x20AC;Ă&#x2022;>Ă&#x20AC;Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x201C;Ă¤Ă&#x201C;Ă¤

What does this offer include? r #P KPFGRVJ EQPUWNVCVKQP CDQWV [QWT DWPKQP â&#x20AC;˘ A complete assessment to pinpoint VJG WPFGTN[KPI ECWUG QH [QWT DWPKQP r # VJQTQWIJ GZRNCPCVKQP QH VJG WPFGTN[KPI ECWUG CPF JQY VQ Ć&#x201A;Z [QWT DWPKQP

Ä?Ă&#x152; Â&#x153;Ă&#x20AC;Ă&#x20AC;iVĂ&#x152;Â&#x2C6;Ă&#x203A;i Â&#x153;Â&#x153;Ă&#x152; Ă&#x192;Â&#x153;Â?Ă&#x2022;Ă&#x152;Â&#x2C6;Â&#x153;Â&#x2DC;Ă&#x192;] Ă&#x153;i Ă&#x2022;Ă&#x192;i > }iÂ&#x2DC;iĂ&#x20AC;>Â?] Â&#x2026;>Â&#x2DC;`Ă&#x192;Â&#x2021;Â&#x153;Â&#x2DC; Ă&#x152;iVÂ&#x2026;Â&#x2DC;Â&#x2C6;ÂľĂ&#x2022;i Ă&#x152;Â&#x153; ivviVĂ&#x152;Â&#x2C6;Ă&#x203A;iÂ?Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x152;Ă&#x20AC;i>Ă&#x152; >Â&#x2DC;` VÂ&#x153;Ă&#x20AC;Ă&#x20AC;iVĂ&#x152; LĂ&#x2022;Â&#x2DC;Â&#x2C6;Â&#x153;Â&#x2DC;Ă&#x192; Â&#x2021; Ă&#x153;Â&#x2026;Â&#x2C6;VÂ&#x2026; Â&#x201C;i>Â&#x2DC;Ă&#x192; Ă&#x152;Â&#x2026;iĂ&#x20AC;iÂ˝Ă&#x192; Â&#x2DC;Â&#x153; Â&#x2DC;ii` vÂ&#x153;Ă&#x20AC; Ă&#x192;Ă&#x2022;Ă&#x20AC;}iĂ&#x20AC;Ă&#x17E; Â&#x153;Ă&#x20AC; Â&#x153;Ă&#x20AC;Ă&#x152;Â&#x2026;Â&#x153;Ă&#x152;Â&#x2C6;VĂ&#x192;Â° We use Foot Mobilisation Therapy Ă&#x152;Â&#x153; VÂ&#x153;Ă&#x20AC;Ă&#x20AC;iVĂ&#x152; Ă&#x152;Â&#x2026;i Ă&#x2022;Â&#x2DC;`iĂ&#x20AC;Â?Ă&#x17E;Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2DC;} V>Ă&#x2022;Ă&#x192;i Â&#x153;v Ă&#x17E;Â&#x153;Ă&#x2022;Ă&#x20AC; LĂ&#x2022;Â&#x2DC;Â&#x2C6;Â&#x153;Â&#x2DC; LĂ&#x17E; Ă&#x153;Â&#x153;Ă&#x20AC;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2DC;} Â&#x153;Â&#x2DC; Ă&#x152;Â&#x2026;i Â&#x201C;Â&#x2C6;Ă&#x192;>Â?Â&#x2C6;}Â&#x2DC;Â&#x201C;iÂ&#x2DC;Ă&#x152;Ă&#x192; Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2DC; Ă&#x152;Â&#x2026;i vÂ&#x153;Â&#x153;Ă&#x152;] >Ă&#x192; Ă&#x153;iÂ?Â? >Ă&#x192; Ă&#x192;Ă&#x152;Ă&#x20AC;iÂ&#x2DC;}Ă&#x152;Â&#x2026;iÂ&#x2DC;Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2DC;} Ă&#x152;Â&#x2026;i Ă&#x153;i>Â&#x17D;iÂ&#x2DC;i` >Ă&#x20AC;Â&#x153;Ă&#x2022;Â&#x2DC;` Ă&#x152;Â&#x2026;i Â?Â&#x153;Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2DC;Ă&#x152;Ă&#x192;Â°

â&#x20AC;&#x153;I only wish Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d found you soonerâ&#x20AC;? "Ă&#x203A;iĂ&#x20AC; Ă&#x152;Â&#x2026;i ÂŤ>Ă&#x192;Ă&#x152; viĂ&#x153; Ă&#x17E;i>Ă&#x20AC;Ă&#x192;] Ă&#x153;iÂ˝Ă&#x203A;i LiiÂ&#x2DC; Ă&#x152;Ă&#x20AC;i>Ă&#x152;Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2DC;} LĂ&#x2022;Â&#x2DC;Â&#x2C6;Â&#x153;Â&#x2DC;Ă&#x192; Â&#x2DC;>Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2022;Ă&#x20AC;>Â?Â?Ă&#x17E; Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2DC; Ä?Ă&#x2022;VÂ&#x17D;Â?>Â&#x2DC;` >Â&#x2DC;` />Ă&#x2022;Ă&#x20AC;>Â&#x2DC;}>Â° 7iÂ˝Ă&#x203A;i Ă&#x152;Ă&#x20AC;i>Ă&#x152;i` Â&#x2026;Ă&#x2022;Â&#x2DC;`Ă&#x20AC;i`Ă&#x192; Â&#x153;v ÂŤiÂ&#x153;ÂŤÂ?i Ă&#x153;Â&#x2C6;Ă&#x152;Â&#x2026; LĂ&#x2022;Â&#x2DC;Â&#x2C6;Â&#x153;Â&#x2DC;Ă&#x192; >Â&#x2DC;` Â&#x2026;>Ă&#x203A;i >VÂ&#x2026;Â&#x2C6;iĂ&#x203A;i` v>Â&#x2DC;Ă&#x152;>Ă&#x192;Ă&#x152;Â&#x2C6;V Ă&#x20AC;iĂ&#x192;Ă&#x2022;Â?Ă&#x152;Ă&#x192;.

Why wait and let it get so bad that surgery becomes your only option?

/Â&#x2026;Â&#x2C6;Ă&#x192; Â&#x2C6;Ă&#x192; > LivÂ&#x153;Ă&#x20AC;i >Â&#x2DC;` >vĂ&#x152;iĂ&#x20AC; Ă?Â&#x2021;Ă&#x20AC;>Ă&#x17E; Â&#x153;v > ÂŤ>Ă&#x152;Â&#x2C6;iÂ&#x2DC;Ă&#x152; Ă&#x153;Â&#x2026;Â&#x153; Â&#x2026;>Ă&#x192; VÂ&#x153;Â&#x201C;ÂŤÂ?iĂ&#x152;i` > Ă&#x192;Â&#x2026;Â&#x153;Ă&#x20AC;Ă&#x152; VÂ&#x153;Ă&#x2022;Ă&#x20AC;Ă&#x192;i Â&#x153;v / Ă&#x153;Â&#x2C6;Ă&#x152;Â&#x2026; > v>Â&#x2DC;Ă&#x152;>Ă&#x192;Ă&#x152;Â&#x2C6;V Ă&#x20AC;iĂ&#x192;Ă&#x2022;Â?Ă&#x152;Â° A normal bunion angle is between 12 and 15 degrees. Pretreatment 28 degrees and now 16 degrees.

Clinic number, 09 212 9250 .GXGN D 2CTPGNN 4F #WEMNCPF YYY EQTTGEVKXGHQQVUQNWVKQPU EQ P\ PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2020

LIVING, THIKNING + BEING

An occasion to remember Established more than a century ago, Sibuns Funeral Directors & Advisors has long been recognised and valued as one of Auckland’s leading funeral directors. After the death of a family member or friend, it is important to know that you can depend on experienced, professional people to make all the arrangements to ensure the day of the funeral flows smoothly. It is also important that you choose the funeral ceremony that is right for you and your family. The Sibuns' team can guide you through all the decision making and the choices available, and will take care of all the details if you wish. Families seeking meaningful services appreciate the tradition and attention to detail that the staff at Sibuns are proud of. The calibre of the team, from the caring support staff to the qualified and experienced funeral directors, ensures every family’s requirements will be met down to the last detail, easing stress and grief at this most difficult time. While keeping these traditional values, Sibuns also recognises the changing attitudes different generations have towards funerals and the increasing preference for a more modern approach.

Over recent years, families have shown an increasing wish to be more involved in the planning process and preparation for the day. Our job is to support and meet all the family’s requirements, whether it be for a full and comprehensive funeral service, or a small and private farewell. As befits Sibuns' history and tradition, the funeral home is located in a timeless, turn-of-the-century home – standing as a landmark in Remuera and overlooking the eastern bays. The tastefully refreshed facilities include a small personal chapel and spacious sitting rooms for families who wish to talk with the funeral directors, or who wish to come and view their loved one. Sibuns Funeral Directors & Advisors are members of the Funeral Directors Association of New Zealand (FDANZ) and are pledged to uphold the highest professional standards, meaning peace of mind for families and ensuring that saying farewell for the last time will be an occasion to remember. F PN

SIBUNS FUNERAL DIRECTORS & ADVISORS, 582 Remuera Road, Remuera, T: 09 520 3119, www.sibuns.co.nz

582 Remuera Rd, Remuera Auckland 09 520 3119 | staff@sibuns.co.nz www.sibuns.co.nz

74 PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2020

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

LIVING, THIKNING + BEING

Accent your smile “Sonia was a simply superb patient and was a delight to work with, and we were both very pleased with such a fantastic end result,” Matt says. Sonia was unhappy with the look of her front teeth, especially with how chipped and worn they were. She also didn’t like the colour. Underlying the cosmetic look of her teeth was a problem caused by loss of support and height in her back teeth. This placed excessive force on her front teeth, which are simply not designed to carry these sort of loads, with consequent wear and significant chipping. “In Sonia’s case, we had no choice but to build more height into her back teeth; we did so by crowning them, and this helped to provide the space needed to restore the strength and appearance of her front teeth.” With any change of height, many different factors need to be taken into account – speech, chewing patterns, ratios of appearance, soft tissue contours... to touch on just a few. A case like this requires significant planning, patience and attention to detail. “When you really dig into why people are nervous about going to the dentist, it’s not about getting cavities filled – it’s about feeling powerless. We change that. At Accent our patients are treated like people, not a mouth full of teeth. “That’s why we love what we do, and why we’re leaders in the cosmetic dentistry space. You get more information, more world-class treatment options and more power to choose for yourself.” “Thank you Matt and the team for giving me back my smile and the ability to speak with confidence once again,” Sonia says. ACCENT YOUR DENTISTS, Dr. Matt Sumner, 332 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 376 4374, www.accentdentists.co.nz

The Accent Is On YOU! Cosmetic Dentistry Hygienist Family Dentistry 1- Hour Crowns “ Thank you Matt and the team for giving me back my smile and the ability to speak with conﬁdence once again” – Sonia

BOOK ONLINE

Visit: bit.ly/bookapptonline

PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2020

LIVING, THIKNING + BEING

Tadhg Stopford: Jesus used hemp? Check out Keneh bosem - Exodus 30:23 The reality is, you and I can perform many of Jesus’ miracles, if we can get enough cannabis. It’s clearly written in human history and biochemistry. Praise Jesus! In his day, mankind’s first crop was controlled by the powerful priestly class. In our day, it has been successfully banished from public use and memory by politicians, business men and churches; but the Bible shows us the way, as do artefacts like this 12th Century mosaic, and much of human history. The historical and archaeological records show hemp/cannabis had been a food, fibre and holy oil in the Middle East for millenia by Jesus’ time. In our body, cannabinoids are important signalling molecules for cell function. In plants, apparently, protection and reproduction. In 1936, (the year before hemp’s prohibition in the US), Polish Professor Sara Benetowa – later known as Sula Benet – found after extensive research that ancient Aramaic and Hebrew versions of the Old Testament referenced hemp/cannabis as a fibre for rope and cloth, and as an incense. But, pre-eminently, keneh bosem (kineboisin, kannabosm) was a key ingredient in the ancient Hebrews’ holy anointing oil. (Keneh bosem was mistranslated in the King James Bible as calamus, a plant of useful, albeit much more limited benefit than hemp/cannabis). Cannabis is a unique plant with remarkable healing and entheogenic properties. During the Jewish exodus from Egypt, Moses famously came down from the mountain (where he heard God in a burning bush). He brought with him a recipe for holy anointing oil which included nine pounds of cannabis to six and a half litres of holy anointing oil. Nine pounds of cannabis equals $37,800 worth of wholesale blackmarket cannabis. The police would call it $134,460, and it was concentrated into just 6.5 litres of oil. You could grow that $134,460 of health for $50 if you were allowed. The effects of this anointing oil, even topically applied, would have been intensely ‘spiritual’ and therapeutic. But this oil was reserved for the priestly and royal class, a bit like today’s increasingly wealthstratified world.

Except in Thailand, where the government has just launched a ‘Dr Ganja’ campaign to encourage the public to grow and use cannabis for health purposes. “This is to be my sacred anointing oil for the generations to come. Do not pour it on men’s bodies and do not make any oil with the same formula. It is sacred, and you are to consider it sacred. Whoever makes perfume like it and whoever puts it on anyone other than a priest must be cut off from his people.” (Exodus 30: 22-23). Making the Bible’s holy cannabis oil will get you 14 years jail in New Zealand because it’s a Class B drug here. In the US, (even though there are zero deaths ever and 4750 years of recorded therapeutic use), it’s a Schedule One drug due to having ‘a high risk of abuse and no medical value’. Despite being legal as medicine in 30 states, and with 3,000,000 doses of it prescribed in 1937, the year of its prohibition. So, how did this ‘man born of woman’ heal the ill, infirm and blind, cast out the demons of psychiatric illness and dementia? Maybe it was magic, but Jesus’ healing miracles match the abilities of ‘our bodies’ own medicine’, the signalling molecules called cannabinoids – which also occur in hemp/cannabis. If citizens don’t understand the past, we can’t understand the present, or change the future. Sadly, and through no fault of our own, most of us have become consumers instead. A citizen is an informed, independent thinker who shares responsibility for their societies’ fate. A consumer simply consumes, enjoys whatever protections their Donald Trump permits, and society can go to hell. We are like Nero – fiddling while Rome burns; only we shop and watch sport instead. I will leave you with these questions: Why were cannabis and hemp removed from world medical and industrial markets? Who benefitted? Why does a vegetable oil that can save lives get you 14 years in prison? Why isn’t New Zealand leading the world with this broad-acre agricultural crop? Who benefits? I think the moneychangers bought the temple. It’s time to do what Jesus would – in 2020 we have to #makeitlegal. PN (TADHG STOPFORD) F

76 PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2020

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

LIVING, THIKNING + BEING

Let’s clear the air While we may pretty much live outside over summer – when the Auckland sun shines, anyway – it’s still a good idea to think about protecting our indoor air quality. We can start by taking a look at the fragrances in everyday household products. Many of us connect that ‘pine’ smell with a clean home. But synthetic fragrances in conventional cleaners, detergents, fabric softeners and air fresheners can release potentially toxic chemicals into the air. Fragrances may be tested for skin irritation, but not for adverse health effects when inhaled. These ingredients can affect people with allergies, causing dizziness, headaches and nausea.

• Use less cleaning product and more elbow grease.

While it’s mandatory to declare potential allergens in skincare, only some brands (including ecostore) disclose all the ingredients and fragrance components in their homecare products.

• Open windows to prevent toxic chemicals building up inside. (If someone in your household has a pollen allergy, consider a filtered air conditioning system.)

Chemicals commonly used in fragrances, like diethyl phthalate, benzene and aldehydes, are known carcinogens and hormone disruptors.

Ecostore uses essential oils and fractions extracted from citrus, eucalyptus, lavender, patchouli and other plants, which are safer, more sustainable alternatives to synthetic fragrances from petrochemicals. However, these may still cause a reaction for some sensitive people.

• Replace aerosol formats with trigger sprays.

Five ways you can clear your indoor air

If someone in your home is sensitive, even to naturally derived fragrances, consider switching to fragrance free products like the ecostore Ultra Sensitive range for your cleaning and personal care. (ECOSTORE) F PN

• Look for brands that list fragrance components. • Choose fragrance-free products (for allergy sufferers), or fragrances derived from essential oils.

ECOSTORE, 1 Scotland Street, T: 09 360 8477, www.ecostore.co.nz

20% Off Summer Sale* Our storewide summer sale is back on! From the 17th-29th February we’ve got 20% off everything* in store, so come and stock up on your personal care, home care, and everything in between. *Sale excludes bulk, refills and Merino Kids Brand.

Shop Hours

Visit us in store

Mon–Fri 10am-6pm Sat–Sun 10am-5pm Public Holidays: hours may vary

1 Scotland Street Freemans Bay Auckland

PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2020

LIVING, THIKNING + BEING

Medical cannabis rules are changing From 1 April, access to medical cannabis is going to get much easier for patients and prescribers, with new regulations taking effect. Gone is the process of ministry sign off for any patient accessing a THC product. The new regulations set a ‘Quality Standard’ for products in New Zealand; not only must such products be pharmaceutically prepared to give confidence to prescribers, but they have a thorough list of potential contaminants to be tested for to ensure patient safety, over and above what is required in other countries. This ‘Quality Standard’ will be the envy of other countries and could become a gold standard globally.

‘eye pain’ matching up to modern glaucoma, and ancient Assyrian treatment for ‘hand of the ghost’ assumed to be epilepsy, matches up to the recent approval of the first cannabis-based medicine by the American Food and Drug Administration. Research is underway globally for various forms of medical cannabis, with trials being done successfully for severe neurological conditions such as lethal forms of epilepsy and multiple sclerosis and other conditions such as cancer, nausea, vomiting and various forms of chronic pain.

For products that meet the ‘Quality Standard’, any prescriber will be able to prescribe any product for any condition for any patient. This is a big improvement from the current situation, where specialists, even senior ones, would have to seek approval from the Ministry of Health for every patient in their care to access medical cannabis.

Research has been slow with chronic pain due to the complexity of the psycho activity and patients such as the various forms of arthritis, fibromyalgia and chronic back pain.

This change frees up prescribers and ensures that politicians and their delegates are no longer involved in primary healthcare decisions.

More recently, in 2017 an American organisation, the National Academy of Sciences, performed a literature review and found that there is conclusive or substantial evidence that cannabis or cannabinoids are effective for the treatment of chronic pain in adults.

Cannabis has been used medicinally for thousands of years, with ancient Egypt having several papyrus papers describing it as far back as 1700BCE. China’s ‘Shennong Bencaojing’ a tome of medicines categorised by their side effects from approximately 250CE, refers to cannabis as a noble herb with benign side effects. Remarkably, the symptoms treated in ancient times match up to the symptoms it is used for today, with ancient Egyptians treating

78 PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2020

Despite this, questions still remain around ideal doses and formulations, efficacy versus conventional medicines, and long-term use. However, with no practical fatal overdose limit, medicinal cannabis could be a much safer option for those currently relying on opioids and benzodiazepine medications, both of which pose addiction and overdose risks.

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

LIVING, THIKNING + BEING

What makes cannabis medicinal? Despite being classified as illegal, many drugs are showing promise as novel therapies for hard to treat conditions, with Auckland University getting approval for trialling tiny doses of LSD, through to the fact that ‘medicinal cocaine’ is still on the books in our regulations in New Zealand. How cannabis works has only been discovered relatively recently, with the cannabinoid receptors (drug targets) being revealed from the late 80s onwards, and the effects of the various compounds in cannabis are only now beginning to be fully understood. The caveat for much of the effects is that they often haven’t been compared to conventional medications to compare efficacy equivalence (or indeed, superiority) or an improved safety profile. For this reason, many prescribers will consider medicinal cannabis as a medicine of last resort. Tetrahydrocannabinol or THC is the substance we most associate with cannabis; it provides pleasurable psychoactive properties for many, and for others can trigger sensations of anxiety, even in small doses. One of the first benefits that became understood in the modern era was that it reduced internal pressure in the eyes for glaucoma patients. This effect was invaluable in the 1970s and 1980s but has been gradually superseded by better drugs with a longer duration of effect and zero psychoactive effect. The same can be said for other effects, such as its anti-emetic (antinausea and vomiting) effects, where THC is still useful but, due to its side effects, would be reserved for those getting poor results from conventional anti-emetics. The main use, however, is pain relief, with THC being the leading illicit use of cannabis for medical reasons. Debate surrounds how much true analgesia it provides compared to its psychoactive effects helping patients cope better. Cannabidiol or CBD is the substance that has been of much interest to researchers and the public alike. It has unique synergistic effects; it reduces the psychoactivity of THC while preserving its therapeutic effects to a degree that is still useful. CBD first entered the public consciousness in the US based on the reports of children with intractable, and often deadly, forms of epilepsy, having exceptional reductions in seizures, both in intensity, duration and the raw number of seizures.

abuse and addiction across the spectrum from sugar and nicotine, through to stronger medicines such as opioids and benzodiazepines. A remarkable feature of CBD is that it has no practical upper limit on dosing, with safety studies showing thousands of milligrams per day are safe, while typical patients are using a mere fraction of that on average.

Other conditions show promise too, with CBD showing benefits as a novel anti-inflammatory, perhaps useful for at least some forms of chronic pain, and multiple trials show it could be useful in treating anxiety from many sources such as PTSD.

How do I go about getting medical cannabis? Luckily, Auckland has local cannabis clinics, with knowledgeable GPs who are already experienced with medical cannabis, and have been prescribing for years, these are:

Animal studies suggest even more possibilities that need confirming, with CBD reducing rates of diabetes in mice, and reducing substance

Dr Mark Hotu at Greendoctor, www.greendoctors.co.nz and Dr Graeme Gulbransen at Cannabiscare, www.cannabiscare.co.nz

www.medleaf.co.nz PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2020

LIVING, THIKNING + BEING

Clare Caldwell: The art of living Recently, in my local neighbourhood I’ve witnessed three times now how developers have bought up properties, moved or destroyed the houses on them, then proceeded to cut down every single tree. They then cover the land with concrete. For days we were subjected to the relentless gauging and grinding of the chipper as it destroyed every last semblance of plant life on the properties. This callous and short-sighted disregard for another and biologically very valuable life-form in pursuit of money is an ongoing travesty that seems unstoppable in Auckland right now. Developers seem to have carte blanche to do whatever they like with our heritage and our flora. The Auckland Council with its transparent lack of legislation around these issues then tries to placate us by announcing they’ve planted one million new trees!

With the fierce heat of our New Zealand summer approaching, I seriously doubt that exposed new seedlings would survive without the protection of established trees to shelter and nurture them.

With the best of intentions, many public plantings have ceased to thrive because the basic requirements of how to grow different plants aren’t met, aren’t known or even thought of. It’s all about seeming to have good intentions and the kudos of ‘planting more trees’. But so often, after the photo opportunities have all died down, there’s no follow-up care of the plants to ensure their wellbeing and survival.

Do we have the right to just destroy them regardless of the reasons? Has it really come to this? That beautiful, noble oak trees and macrocarpas that house established eco systems and absorb so much of our CO2 emissions are to be chopped down because they’re non-native ‘exotics’?

Trees grow very, very slowly. A new plant will take years to grow to maturity – years we may not have left if our present world trajectory of deforestation and climate change destruction continues. Every fullgrown tree that’s cut down creates a loss not only to the plant world and its community, but to the health and survival of all humans as well. And it seems, for very different reasons, the conflict over the maunga (mountain) trees in Auckland also continues. The removal of the English oaks and macrocarpa trees and re-planting them with natives has gone ahead in some places but is being stalled by the courts in others. Aucklanders have proven to be very divided over this issue. Many protests and debates on both sides have ensued and some are still ongoing. Re-planting and re-creating new ecosystems is a complex task and requires a detailed knowledge of appropriate soil types and locations for different plants, knowledge of companion planting, feeding, irrigation, growing rates, ongoing pruning, etc. One size does not fit all.

80 PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2020

The inhabitants of the present eco systems formed in and around these old trees that have stood there quietly for so long will also all be destroyed along with the trees. Eco systems take years to form and are highly complex, exquisitely interdependent communities that scientists are still learning about. Trees have an intelligence in the way they operate; in fact some scientists are now crediting them with sentience.

Isn’t this rather arrogantly anthropocentric? Tree energy is one of the most gentle, benevolent and healing energies on our planet. Surely right now where our entire human species is heading for global extinction, it’s time to be less divided, more focused on the common goal of working together for our survival and realise that trees, all trees are a fundamental part of that survival. Nature herself doesn’t differentiate so harshly. Trees are natural altruists. The Mother tree who heads each eco system community nurtures all the species within it, regardless of whether they’re native or exotic. She transcends their origins and species. To her, they’re all living entities that are all worthy of life and love. Maybe there’s something we humans can all learn from this. PN (CLARE CALDWELL) F Clare (Claudie) Caldwell is a creative arts therapist who now runs a voluntary art and art therapy programme at Auckland City Mission. She is also a freelance artist. Enquiries: T: 09 836 3618; M: 021 293 3171; E: clare.e.caldwell@gmail.com

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

FUTURE GENERATION

King’s College and KCOCA present Celebrating 40 years of girls at King’s The year 2020 marks the 40th anniversary of girls at King’s College, a major milestone worthy of a major celebration. And celebrate we will! On 2 May 2020, the King’s community is invited to a Gala Ball, in The Great Room at the Cordis Hotel. Our enthusiastic organising committee is a mixture of Old Collegians and current parents, bound by a desire to get the community together to celebrate what King’s has given to, and received from, the girls who choose to attend. Inspired by the gala balls of yesteryear, this ruby anniversary event celebrates more than just female contribution to King’s – it celebrates both the legacy and the future of this dynamic school and the people who have enjoyed it. The wider King’s College community – whether Old Collegians, current parents, former parents or friends of the school – is invited to come together for this special evening. Against a dazzling backdrop of spectacular music, entertainment, dinner and drinks, we’ll look back at the highlights of life at King’s. It is a unique thing to choose to be a girl at King’s, whether you attended in the early 1980s as one of only a handful, or today, where Taylor House is bursting at the seams and the college is set to open a second girls’ day House, Marion Bruce. Dust off your dancing shoes, get your friends and family together and join us in May for this ruby anniversary celebration of a fantastic college. F PN Book your tickets today: www.kcoca.com/event/kingsgalaball

Saturday 2 May • The Great Room, Cordis Hotel •

Book your tickets now!

kcoca.com/event/kingsgalaball

PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2020

photography: Connor Crawford

LOCAL NEWS

Ponsonby Christmas Market Day â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Saturday 7 December 82 PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2020

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

FUTURE GENERATION

Setting the foundation for the future The vision at King’s School is: to develop the individual talents of each boy… for life. Teachers are focused on recognising every boy as an individual, offering each child the opportunities to discover and explore his full potential. Headmaster Tony Sissons believes every boy should be given the best possible chance to flourish. “Our goal is to ensure each boy who passes through our gates is given a solid foundation of learning, has a sense of self-confidence and selfbelief, is motivated, flexible and resilient” he says. Tony is not a fan of the current Modern Learning Environment direction that public schools are taking. After 35 years in education he is convinced that children need to feel secure and supported before they can learn effectively. Each class at King’s School has a dedicated teacher and their own homeroom. Class sizes are kept small so that the boys get the best possible level of attention to maximise their learning. Boys form an important bond with their teacher and their classmates and this sense of belonging helps them feel confident to take risks and challenge themselves. “Boys love the competitive instinct and can reach whatever standards you expect of them. Our boys at King’s are challenged to go far and not feel inhibited. It is my belief that if you don’t have expectations and set goals then boys will easily gravitate to the middle ground. But… if you care to their needs providing a nurturing environment, recognising and rewarding success, then you are on the way to creating fine young men. Ultimately we are responsible for creating good citizens of the future so we must create an environment for them to build self-esteem and do well,” says Tony.

French, science, physical education and swimming. Every boy learns a musical instrument and there are a variety of cultural groups to join as well as sports teams to participate in.

Supporting the reading, writing and mathematics curriculum, the timetable includes a wide range of enrichment and extension activities to inspire and stimulate the boys. Specialist teaching is provided for music, drama, art,

King’s boys are expected to live by the Golden Rule, “Treat others the way you would like to be treated.” All facets of the school reflect the importance of values, with boys being acknowledged for modelling these character strengths.

KING’S SCHOOL, 258 Remuera Road, Auckland 1050, T: 09 520 7770, www.kings.school.nz

King’s School

Open Day Wednesday 4 March 9.00am Register at kings.school.nz Accepting applications for 2022

FOCUSED ON BOYS PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2020

FUTURE GENERATION

Bill Harris: Young striker shoots for the clouds If you asked any young footballer what his dream is, chances are he’d say to play in the World Cup finals. Where, and against who? Both times the answer would be Brazil, the world’s most popular and successful footballing nation. That dream has just become reality for Western Springs’ teenage striker Bradley Wilson, who represented New Zealand in the under 17 World Cup in Brazil last October. But far from satisfying him, it’s only whetted his appetite for more. “The whole experience has only made me want to play at the senior World Cup and to become a professional footballer even more,” said Bradley, “and it’s motivated me to work as hard as I can to make those things happen. “It was unforgettable,” he enthuses. “We played Mexico and Argentina in warm-up games in Argentina, and then in the finals we were based in the capital city, Brasilia, where we played Angola, Brazil and Canada. It was a surreal experience as we were treated so professionally, staying in a top hotel with security everywhere and a police escort to trainings, etc. It really gave us a taste of life as professionals.” A 7-1 hiding by Argentina brought the Kiwis solidly down to earth, but they learned their lessons and acquitted themselves well in the finals, losing narrowly to African powerhouse Angola 2-1, and 3-0 to Brazil (with two goals coming in the last 10 minutes), before beating Canada. That wasn’t quite enough to qualify the young All Whites for the next round, so that was where Bradley’s World Cup adventure ended for now. It was an adventure that almost didn’t get off the ground. In Oceania qualifying, Bradley and his team lost to their Solomon Islands’ hosts 5-0, but with the help of Bradley’s goals against Vanuatu and Papua

84 PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2020

New Guinea, they recovered to reach the final. There they met the Solomons again, this time prevailing in a penalty shoot out to earn their place in Brazil, where Bradley really had his eyes opened. “Playing against world-class players, some already professionals, taught me so much,” he says. “I think the main difference between us and the Brazilians and Argentinians is that they have much more hunger. They mostly come from poverty, and football is their only way out. You can tell on the field that they’ll do whatever it takes.” But having played in Western Springs’ senior men’s team from age 14, Bradley was far from overawed, though he’s well aware that to make the big time there’s still plenty to do. “I need to work on so much, on and off the field,” he acknowledges. “My finishing, with both feet, and my confidence in 1 v 1 situations.” On the plus side, anyone who watches Bradley in action notices his speed and work rate – “I try to be the hardest worker at every practice and in every game” – qualities which would stand him in good stead should he realise his ambition to play in Japan. “Being half Japanese, I’ve been over there many times and love everything about the country – the culture, the food, everything. Also, the atmosphere in the J-League looks unreal and it would be a dream to play in front of those crowds,” he says. That’s all in the future. Meanwhile, Brad’s a realist and knows any aspiring footballer needs a plan B, and to that end is eyeing a career as a commercial pilot. Footballer or pilot – either way, it looks like Brad Wilson is in for quite a ride. (BILL HARRIS) F PN

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

Amazing energy Open Day Saturday 14 March Register: stcuthberts.school.nz PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2020

FUTURE GENERATION

Young Minds Matter @ Ficino School When we think of the important journeys that we take in life, there is a growing understanding that these start from the moment we are born and continue throughout our lives. Parents of young children will have witnessed just how much, and how quickly, they grow, change and learn. Much research has gone into the impact experiences and activities have on the development of these young minds. Ficino Preschool in Mt Eden has been open since September 2016. They have always worked on the premise that young minds matter. Their holistic curriculum looks at the development of the whole child, focusing not only on their intellectual, social and physical needs, but their spiritual needs too. A Ficino Preschool education enhances the children’s sense of themselves as competent, capable and confident learners. The dividends of this approach can be witnessed when we look at the Preschool students who have since successfully transitioned to school where they continue to flourish. An inaugural alumni gathering saw one of the ‘old boys’ commenting, “I was so happy when I was here!” “Start as you mean to go on” is a well known saying that relates to a consistency in one’s manner and behaviour. Ficino Preschool and School see the critical role they play in ensuring that a student’s foundations are solid ones which they establish in the early years of their education. It is important they not only build a love for learning but that they learn to develop life skills such as persistence, inter- and independence, respect,

resilience and integrity. These life skills, once established, continue to serve them throughout their lives. Ficino Preschool welcomes you to come and see their daily programme in PN action for yourselves. F www.ficino.school.nz/tours

The Mind Lab responds to growing digital skills gap with a new course for business professionals The workplace has undergone seismic shifts in the last decade. Admin is simplified through apps and workflow management platforms. We are paperless thanks to Cloud-based communication and file management. And, with unprecedented connectedness, we can work from anywhere in the country (or world). However, operating within a changing environment has its challenges. With a growing remote workforce, how do we motivate, communicate, collaborate with teams in multiple locations? As a conscious business, how do we fulfil sustainability and carbon zero objectives? And, how do we remain current with new and evolving digital systems and processes? The Mind Lab’s new NZQA accredited micro-credential is a response to these challenges. Digital Skills for the Workplace is a seven-week course offering an overview of key digital tools and techniques, teaching how each can easily be incorporated into daily working life to streamline business operations. “Change can be really scary for some, so our goal is to remove the fear and equip individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to fully embrace opportunity and thrive in today’s fast-changing world of work. Innovation is constant so we all need to embrace change and refresh our skills in new ways of business operation,” says Fiona Webby, General Manager of The Mind Lab. Purposely designed to work around busy people, the programme is held on Saturdays with a combination of face to face and online sessions.

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Topics include Cloud-based applications, productivity apps, design thinking, agile methods, lean thinking, remote working and support tools, and creative digital tools for visualisation, communication and collaboration. The first intake runs from 15 February to 3 April and costs $295 (including GST). To enquire, please email digitalskills@themindlab.com or visit www.themindlab.com/digital-skills-for-the-workplace PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

FUTURE GENERATION

Young Minds Matter Ficino Preschool is a haven for young children to grow in self-belief and confidence as they explore and experience new skills. Young Minds Matter. We nurture and develop the social, intellectual and physical skills your child will use to thrive and help them take the next step to our on-site primary school. Book a visit. Hop online, book a visit and discover why Ficino Preschool is more than a stepping stone to their school education; it is the Greatest Gift you can give your child.

BOOK A VISIT TODAY

FICINO.SCHOOL.NZ

PRESCHOOL TO YEAR 8

MOUNT EDEN

Institute for Innovation

Feeling a tad outdated at work? Boost your digital skills in just 7 weeks! There is nothing worse than that sneaking suspicion that you are past your sell-by date at work. Eventually quirky and clueless become less fun and more embarrassing. There is no reason to feel this way if the issue is not being digitally literate. Digital Skills for the Workplace, offered by The Mind Lab, is fun. It’s not a bunch of “how to” steps that you need to follow once you’re back at your desk and pray that it works - you experience the impact of the skill while using it, so it’s already part of your DNA by the time you get back to work.

Apply NOW Our next intake starts 15th February 2020 themindlab.com/digital-skills-for-the-workplace 09 964 4444

digitalskills@themindlab.com

PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2020

FUTURE GENERATION

St Mary’s College Open Day 2020 St Mary’s College is very pleased to confirm details for its annual Open Day. This special event will be held on Thursday 5 March in the Paul Keane Gymnasium at 11 New Street, Ponsonby. Two separate two-hour sessions will be run, with the first one beginning at 2.30pm, followed by an evening session at 6.30pm. The event includes a warm welcome from new Principal, Sarah Dwan, and will be closely followed by guided tours from senior pupils. Ms Dwan is a former Deputy Principal of Epsom Girls Grammar, and she is very pleased to now be connecting with St Mary’s College and the wider community. During this wonderful event, you will have the opportunity to view the lovely school grounds located in the heart of Ponsonby. You will also visit the brand new Mother Bernard Towers Science Centre, the recently opened Sister Marcienne Kirk English Centre, School Chapel, Sister Loreto Centre for Religious Education and Visual Arts, Technology Buildings, Veronica Delany Library, swimming pool, classrooms and much more. Everyone is welcome, including prospective students, parents/caregivers and grandparents. Please note, there are stairs on the tour route. Please visit the website below or contact the school for more information. F PN ST MARY’S COLLEGE, 11 New Street, Ponsonby, T: 09 376 6568, Facebook: stmaryak, www.stmaryak.school.nz

Open Day

ENROLLING NOW FOR 2021

Thursday 5 March 2020

ENROLMENT DATES FOR 2021 Monday 3 February 2020 - Enrolments for 2021 OPEN Thursday 19 March 2020 - Enrolments for Year 7 and limited places for Year 9 in 2021 CLOSE (Enrolments for other year levels will be considered) Tuesday 28 April 2020 - Acceptance of Offer CLOSE

General Enrolment queries please contact: Kim Lockhart, Enrolment Ofﬁcer Email: enrolments@stmaryak.school.nz Phone: 09 376 6568 www.stmaryak.school.nz/enrolment

88 PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2020

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

PONSONBY PROFESSIONALS

Citizens Advice Bureau – free, confidential and independent Citizens Advice Bureau is an independent community organisation offering a free, confidential and independent service of information, assistance and referral from 84 locations stretching from Northland to Invercargill. As we move into the new decade that this year 2020 sets in motion, it is perhaps a good time to take stock and make sure we know why we do what we do and to ensure that all our volunteers, our clients and you, our potential clients, know that too. One of our aims at CAB is to “ensure that individuals do not suffer through ignorance of their rights and responsibilities, or of the services available, or through an inability to express their needs effectively.” We aim to have that in mind for everyone who walks through the door at any branch, who emails or phones us or sends an online query. CAB has produced a short video which sets out clearly our philosophy. I encourage you to take a look at it on our website: www.cab.org.nz/what-we-do/about-us Sometimes, however, people’s needs are complex and our organisation is truly fortunate that at our branch and other branches we have another group of volunteers with special areas of skill and interest who assist; again, free of charge. For your convenience we list our special clinics at Grey Lynn/Ponsonby below. The most commonly known and our busiest service first: Justice of the Peace (six days a week from 11am till 12.30pm): For this no appointment is necessary but we ask you to phone us to confirm times and availability on the day. Amongst other duties, Justices of the Peace can:

Personal Counselling Clinic (weekly by appointment only): If you are in need of someone to talk through any personal issues affecting you, our experienced, qualified volunteer counsellor can assist. Other CAB branches in wider Auckland provide these and other special clinics and we will refer people who require assistance to them. For example, at Eden Albert CAB there is an Immigration Legal Clinic, a clinic for preparation of your CV and Employment clinic. They also offer information sessions for new migrants on a regular basis. Finally, we have a new shared management arrangement at our CAB and introduce Lesley Bradley as joint manager. Lesley has been involved with CAB in Auckland for almost seven years, initially as a volunteer at our Grey Lynn branch. Originally from Scotland, she is also the lead trainer for volunteers in the CABAC (CAB Auckland City) region and a peer reviewer and is settling into her role at the branch. Lesley has a busy time outside the branch too, with six grandchildren under seven, all living within a 10-minute drive, and a very cute and active miniature schnauzer pup to keep up with! We would like to leave you with this whakatauki (proverb) which also represents the essence of the work we do: Hapaitia te ara tika, pumau ai te rangatiratanga mo- nga- uri whakatipu. Foster the pathway of knowledge to strength, independence and PN growth for future generations. F

• Witness documents • Certify copies • Take declarations, affidavits and affirmations Legal Advice (Saturday mornings by appointment only): These are 15-minute legal consultations with qualified volunteer lawyers. Appointments must be made in advance and confirmed before the appointment date. The lawyers cannot represent you but they can set you up on a path to working through your issue.

Margaret Antunovich and Lesley Bradley, joint managers of Citizens Advice Bureau, Grey Lynn/Ponsonby Branch, 510 Richmond Road, Grey Lynn, T: 09 376 0392, E: ponsonby@cab.org.nz

Family Law (weekly by appointment only): These appointments with an experienced volunteer family lawyer are available for assistance with family law issues relating to partners, children and relationship property. Budgeting Clinic (weekly by appointment only): Auckland Budgeting Services provides free budgeting advice from volunteers through our branch. Help available with working through issues with debt, credit management, KiwiSaver withdrawal, personal insolvency issues, etc. CAB Volunteers

Your FIRST

CALL for a wide range of free,

up to date and confidential information about: • • • • •

Consumer rights Budgeting Legal clinics Employment rights Justice of the Peace

• • • • •

Health & welfare issues House & tenancy issues Unemployment problems Education & training Personal & family issues

• Immigration needs • Local & general information • Photocopying & faxing

Citizens Advice Bureau

0800 FOR CAB or 09 376 0392 510 Richmond Road, Grey Lynn www.cab.org.nz PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2020

PONSONBY PROFESSIONALS

Metrolaw: Got a legal question? Ask michael@metrolaw.co.nz Q: I am planning on using my Kiwisaver funds to purchase a property. Can you please let me know what the rules are and how I go about obtaining these funds? A: Thank you for your email. First, you have to have been a Kiwisaver member for three or more years and the funds must be used to purchase your first home. If you have previously owned a home, you may in certain circumstances still be able to use your Kiwisaver funds. However, you will need obtain an approval letter from Housing New Zealand confirming that your financial position is the same as that of a first home buyer. You will need to apply to your Kiwisaver provider in order to make the withdrawal. Note that you must leave a minimum balance of $1000 in your account. Most Kiwisaver providers take 10 working days to process your application. Some can take 15 working days or longer so it pays to check. If you have a conditional agreement for sale and purchase, you can use your Kiwisaver funds towards your deposit. You will need to make sure that there is enough time for your provider to process your application before the deposit is due. If you have an unconditional agreement for sale and purchase, you can use your Kiwisaver funds towards the balance of the purchase price on settlement. There will need to be enough time for your Kiwisaver provider to process the application prior to settlement.

It is important to think about these time-frames prior to entering into any agreement when relying on a Kiwisaver withdrawal. Generally, for a first home withdrawal application, you will need to include the following: •

First home withdrawal application form which can usually be obtained from your provider’s website;

•

Statutory declaration, this is also obtained from the website but must be completed in front of a solicitor or justice of the peace;

•

Approval letter from Housing New Zealand (if applicable);

•

Letter of undertaking from your solicitor;

•

Your solicitor’s trust account deposit slip for payment of the funds;

•

Identity verification;

•

Copy of the Agreement for Sale and Purchase.

Hope that helps, Maia. Please contact us if you would like assistance in preparing your application. (MICHAEL HEMPHILL)

METROLAW, 169a Ponsonby Road, T: 09 929 0800, www.metrolaw.co.nz

Property transactions that come up smelling of roses.

SPECIAL FIXED FEE PRE-AUCTION REPORT $300

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When you’re buying or selling a property in the Auckland region, our legal expertise makes for smoother transactions, right down to securing the keys on settlement day.

Talk to us about conveyancing Call us today

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169a Ponsonby Road Ponsonby, Auckland +64 9 929 0800 www.metrolaw.co.nz Trusts & Wills

Business & Commercial

90 PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2020

develop and maintain a therapeutic garden. Join Property

now at: www.kelmarnagardens.nz/donate

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

PONSONBY PROFESSIONALS

Logan Granger: Ensuring your prescribed investor rate (PIR) is correct If you have invested in a portfolio investment entity, such as a KiwiSaver scheme, you provide them with a PIR so that they can make tax deductions. If you have provided the correct PIR rate, then PIE income received is excluded income and the PIE tax is final. However, if your PIR rate is incorrect (rate too low), then any PIE income will be taxable income and will need to be included in your tax return. The IRD now has access to this information, and is sending letters to individuals who may not be using the correct PIR rate and, in some instances, issuing tax assessments. This can happen if you have had a pay rise, started a new job on a higher salary, if you were a student and then started employment, or moved overseas. It is important that your PIR rate is correct as this helps you to pay the right amount of tax. If your PIR is too low, you may have a tax bill at the end of the year. If your PIR is too high, you are unable to claim a refund. Your PIR is based on your income from the previous two income years. If you qualify for two rates for the two previous income years, your PIR is the lower rate: Taxable income was: $14,000 or less $48,000 or less All other cases

AND taxable income plus PIE income was: $48,000 or less $70,000 or less

Correct PIR is: 10.50% 17.50% 28.00%

The PIR rate for non-residents is 28%. The default rate for failure to advise your PIR is also 28%. To change your PIR rate, you will need to contact your portfolio investment entity directly. For more information about choosing the correct PIR, visit www.ird.govt.nz (search keywords: PIR) or contact a tax advisor. For any further assistance or guidance, please contact us. (LOGAN GRANGER) F PN Disclaimer â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 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

PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2020

PONSONBY PETS

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PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

PONSONBY PETS PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2020

PONSONBY PETS

Make a bucketload of difference for animals in need

@ SPCA – PLEASE CAN I COME HOME WITH YOU?

Our SPCA Annual Appeal is back and we need your help!

Adopt an SPCA animal today and in return you will be rewarded with a lifetime of unconditional love. www.spcaauckland.org.nz/adopt

Between 2-5 March, we are hitting the streets again for SPCA’s Annual Street Appeal and we would love for you to join us. Our biggest fundraiser of the year, our Annual Street Appeal is a great way to give back and a fun day out for you and your furry friends. Just a few hours is all it takes to change thousands of lives forever. Will you be a hero for New Zealand animals? It’s so easy to make a difference. All we need is a short amount of your time to join Team SPCA and collect a bucketload of funds around Auckland for our furry friends. Bring a sidekick and use your superhero powers and shake your bucket to help us transform the lives of thousands of animals out there who are suffering each day and need our help.

Casanova

It costs us millions of dollars each year to rescue, rehabilitate and rehome abandoned, neglected and unwanted animals. To help us do what we do to create a better life for New Zealand’s animals, we rely on the help of our dedicated and incredible supporters. Please help us spread the word and pass on to your friends and family that we need your help! F PN For more information, visit our website here: www.spca.nz/appealcollector

Make a bucketload of difference

Rubin

Help collect for SPCA’s Annual Street Appeal Join the team at www.spca.nz/appealcollector

Thistle

Angus

94 PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2020

8. PonsonbyNewsAdvert_2020_C4C.indd 1

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January) 9/12/19 1:54 PM

PONSONBY PETS

Osteo for pets Osteopathy is for the whole family and Health Within Osteopathy recently extended this to include a patient’s much loved pet. While not normal practice, one of the Health Within team treated Benson, a much loved family dog who had injured his leg jumping off a bed. Osteopathy works on the musculoskeletal system to not only speed recovery from injuries and reduce pain but also improve mobility, function and performance. It also plays a significant role in preventative care. “Our furry animal companions have very similar bodies to ours, and many of the same conditions affect their bones, muscles and ligaments,” explains osteopath Rebecca Walker. Both humans and animals can benefit from osteopathic treatment. Osteopathy is a hands-on, drug-free and non-invasive approach that can help to treat the musculoskeletal system with the aim of also balancing other systems of the body.” Rebecca explains that as animals are unable to communicate to us easily when they are in discomfort, there are signs we can watch for. Holding up a foot, unprovoked aggression, lack of coordination and slow movement can all be tell-tale signs. In the case of dogs, reluctance to get into or out of the car and ignoring commands can also indicate soreness. As part of the service provided to those registered at Health Within, the team of osteopaths will examine and treat their patients’ pets.

Below is one of the Health Within Osteopathy practitioners, Vikasini, treating a very cute Benson, who injured his leg jumping off the bed.

HEALTHWITHIN OSTEOPATHY, 141 Garnet Road, Westmere, T: 09 378 1980, www.healthwithin.co.nz

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

safe.org.nz

PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2020

PONSONBY PETS

Woof! will be fluffier, furrier and more fabulous than ever in 2020! Pooches and people from across the Rainbow spectrum and our friends and whanau, are invited to an afternoon of four-legged fun in luscious Western Park, Ponsonby. Because nobody likes wet fur, in the unlikely event it rains we will unleash the hounds on our rain date 1 March.

MC Steven Oates will have a celebrity panel on a loose leash as they judge categories including Best Dressed, Best Dog/Owner Look-alike, Campest Dog, Butchest Dog, Wee Woofers(kids), Best Talent or Trick – and, of course, the coveted title of Best in Show.

Come celebrate all things K9 at New Zealand’s biggest and most furrrbulous Rainbow community dog show! There will be heaps of goodies to purchase for all your furry friends, and human refreshments will be available to buy as well, so bring some doggy dollars. F PN

Thanks to our friends at Nutrience, Air New Zealand and Barkley Manor, we have a king-size kennel full of prizes for the taking, including return airfares to Winter Pride in Queenstown up for grabs. Register your prize-winning pooch at 1pm. The paws will be hitting the dog-walk at 2pm sharp.

Diary date: 23 February. See you there! Woof! www.facebook.com/WoofPride

Woof! will again be located in lower Western Park, near the tennis courts, with the closest road access via Beresford Street West and Howe Street.

The Auckland Rainbow Dog Show Proudly Supported by

1pm February 23rd Western Park Ponsonby (Beresford St Entrance) Alt. Rain Date: MARCH

1ST

REGISTRATIONS BETWEEN 1 & 1:30PM Let your pooch put their best paw forward in the fun day for all the furry whanau!

Prizes for Best Dressed Dog and more! Celebrity Judges with MC

STEVEN OATES

WIN Flight to Winter Pride in Queenstown

GET $20 OFF ®

Present this voucher in store to get $20 off a bag of 10kg Prairie Red Subzero Dog food* CODE: 73776

*Offer redeemable from Animates Stores. Offer ends March 31st 2020. Not available in conjunction with any other offer.

TM M

96 PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2020

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

PLANNING RETIREMENT

SUCCESSFULLY AGEING Children seem to be getting older younger, while older people are increasingly staying younger and active longer. Children seem to be getting older younger, while older people are increasingly staying younger and active longer. This is not merely an anecdotal observation. The Governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s longitudinal study: Life and Living in Advanced Age (LiLACS) suggests that todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 85-year-olds are probably the 60- year-olds of 50 years ago. This means 60 really is the new 40 and successful ageing is not measured by the quantum of your years but your ability to stay active, social and make your own choices in terms of life-stage and lifestyle. As the concepts of age and retirement continue to be redefined, people 65 plus enjoy an increasing range of choices. While age brackets can be used to define or stereotype large generational groups, think Boomers (1946-1964) versus Generation X (19651980) versus Millennials 1981-present) how each group chooses or is forced to live as they age no longer fits neatly into a pre-defined box. Having choice is key and now more than ever before there are

98 PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2020

a variety of organisations and businesses that offer advice and solutions to suit almost every age, life-stage and means. In fact, retaining the freedom to choose is considered one of the most valued assets as people grow older. The LiLACS study led by Dr Ngaire Kerse found 85-year-olds considered themselves successfully ageing if they have the ability to make their own choices, have control and autonomy. Reasonable health was important but not as important as having choices and autonomy. In fact, the study found that for most of the 900 participants, their own health came third to meaningful social interactions and the wellbeing of their family and friends. If meaningful social interactions and the ability to choose and maintain autonomy are fundamental to successful ageing, what can people in their 40s and 50s do to prepare themselves? Alternatively, for those of more advanced years what options provide the most choice?

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

HOMEPLANNING WHERE THE RETIREMENT HEART IS In the wider Ponsonby area people in their 40s are more likely to be planning to start a family than they are to be planning for retirement. For those nearing their 50s, selecting the right primary school or buying a bigger home could take priority over planning for the ‘golden years’. When traditional retirement ages can actually be a time for retraining or mentoring others rather than slowing down, it’s more about knowing what’s out there in terms of support and services so that you can make the best choices. One thing GreyPower local advocate Gillian Dance suggests is that everyone from 50 years up should join Grey Power. “It’s a way to ensure that governments, local councils and other organisations are acting with the best interests and needs of the older age groups in mind,” says Gillian. Older age groups are a significant cohort. There are currently almost a million people in the 65-plus age bracket and its size is growing 10 times faster than the under 14s.

An organisation like EnableMe can be a great way to ensure your finances are not going to limit your lifestyle choices as you get older. Director Hannah McQueen says that it is never too early to engage a financial trainer. “As soon as you have a mortgage is the best time to start. I wouldn’t like to say it’s ever completely too late, but the later you leave it the tougher the changes might feel and the fewer options we’ll have to bridge your gap for retirement. Our clients tend to range between 40 - 55, although we work with a wide range – the youngest is 16, the oldest 76,” says Hannah. Essentially, EnableMe is a set of tailor made strategies and ongoing support to help people become ‘financially fit’ and get ahead in a way that will give them greater choice. “While having a mortgagefree home is an important part of any retirement plan, ultimately you can’t eat your house – so we have been developing strategies that will allow people to afford their lifestyle in their golden years – or they may not end up being particularly golden,” says Hannah.

“The most important thing for Grey Power is to carry out its function of being an advocate on issues that impact senior age groups. As an organisation, we recognise how important it is to provide information and advocacy for this diverse and rapidly growing group of Kiwis,” says Gillian. Grey Power has a history of achievements from the removal of a driving test for those over 80, to ensuring access to student loans and the retention of the Gold Card. “One of our recent initiatives is our own power company, Grey Power Electricity. Its power plans are especially tailored to meet the needs of members and it feeds money back into the organisation,” says Gillian. Grey Power Electricity is a partnership with Pulse Energy, designed to provide Grey Power members with lower electricity prices and better services. Available across New Zealand and with the added benefit of unlimited broadband options, Grey Power Electricity is an example of the work Grey Power does for its members. It’s not only not-for-profit organisations that are committed to offering support for those wanting to maintain a sense of self determination in their advanced years. Companies like EnableMe seek to help people enjoy greater choice through achieving improved levels of financial freedom. Supportive financial coaching, and financial expertise to reduce debt and increase wealth are at the core of the EnableMe model. Hannah McQueen, EnableMe

PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2020

PLANNING RETIREMENT

After social interactions, wellbeing of family and friends and one’s own health, financial security is the next most important factor in determining whether participants in the LiLACS study considered themselves to be ageing successfully. It is also one of the factors that people can take control of both before and during retirement. Retirement planners are one option of making sure the money lasts so that lifestyle can be maintained, another is reverse mortgages from financial institutions like Heartland Bank. Greg Moyle of OnePlan Retirement explains that with effective retirement planning, clients enjoy the confidence of knowing that their future is financially secure. “Clients don’t have to worry about being a burden on their children. They can spend with the confidence that they won’t run out of money,“ says Greg. OnePlan Retirement is a specialist in retirement planning and believes it is important to know what your retirement dream is so that you can plan for it. “You want to embark on the adventure secure in the knowledge that you can afford to live the life you’ve been planning,” says Greg.

Greg Moyle of OnePlan Retirement

Heartland Bank’s reverse mortgage facility also offers people over 60, with equity in their homes, the choice of staying in their house while enjoying the benefit of its value. The reverse mortgage facility can be used to pay for a range of things from living costs, travel and new cars to debt consolidation, renovations or medical expenses. There are pros and cons but, with reverse mortgages, as with many of the options available in retirement, the key is that people have choices. Websites like sorted.org.nz also offer a range of independent advice on what to consider when planning for retirement, so whether you choose to work well into your 80s or retire at 65 and travel the world, there is no set formula. There is no one way to retire, but knowing what your choices are will help you to age successfully. (ANDREA KAHUKIWA) F PN

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HOMEPLANNING WHERE THE RETIREMENT HEART IS

Could this be the best retirement address in New Zealand? Generus Living Group, the people behind a number of New Zealand’s premium retirement residences, certainly believes so. Generus has already gained a reputation for some of New Zealand’s most iconic villages, including The Russley in Christchurch and the beachside Pacific Coast in Mount Maunganui, to become the undoubted champions of a new retirement style for those seeking a premium experience. The Foundation is named because of its enviable location right next door to the original, iconic Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind building on Parnell Road. So, for location alone, these premium retirement residences could not have found a better home. This is arguably one of the most soughtafter residential locations in all of Auckland. Because of this premium location, from the very outset the vision for The Foundation was to create a world-class haven of refinement, sophistication and care. This is achieved by combining superb design style with resort-like amenities and boutique care facilities. These amenities will include such offerings as a cafe, lounge bar, restaurant, roof terrace garden and barbecue, cinema, swimming pool, health and wellbeing suite, as well as discrete hospital and memory care facilities. When completed, the peace and quiet of each residence will be further enhanced by the landscaped surroundings and pathways which will open onto The Domain next door. Just like the design and materials of the building itself, each of the residences and penthouse suites will combine classic design detailing with contemporary finishes and features.

The assurance of the most up-to-date technology in security and care with in-residence assistance available, will provide residents with even greater levels of comfort and peace of mind.

From the private, underground car park with additional storage, your keyless entry opens in to the timeless wooden-floored living spaces with warming fireplace, generously proportioned ceiling height and private covered balcony.

In essence, each of the residences at The Foundation is designed to firstly ensure comfort and safety at all times and, secondly, to provide an environment that lifts the spirits and creates a space where people will feel just as happy spending time alone as they will entertaining friends and family.

A large, integrated chef’s kitchen with scullery, fully equipped with only the very best in appliances, and a separate full laundry room with storage area to further ensure comfort without clutter. Each residence will have double glazing and integrated air conditioning, while large windows and expansive balcony doors will ensure a light, airy environment.

The best retirement address in New Zealand? It could well be. Construction starts late 2020 with a completion timetable of 24 months. Applications for residences are being taken now.

THE FOUNDATION – PARNELL, Sales Suite is located at 541 Parnell Road, Parnell, Auckland, T: 09 09 869 3947, enquiries@thefoundationvillage.co.nz, www.thefoundationvillage.co.nz PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2020

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PLANNING RETIREMENT

Retire in style: Lakeview Apartments in the heart of Auckland Summerset at Heritage Park in Ellerslie offers you the unique experience of lakeside living in the heart of Auckland, from just $680,000!* Our brand new Lakeview Apartments are warm, modern, finished to the highest standard and now completed for you to make your own. Located just 10 minutes from the city centre, close to the bays and main arterial routes, this really is the ideal retirement destination in Auckland. From our rooftop gardens, you can soak up the stunning views looking out across the village and across One Tree Hill. With a wide range of activities, a vibrant community of residents and stunning indoor and outdoor facilities, there’s always something to do, no matter the weather! We also have a state-of-the-art care centre, should you or your partner need it in the future.

“We eventually selected a fourth-floor apartment with views of One Tree Hill and Sky Tower, plus the Auckland City skyline. The apartment facilities are superb – heat pumps, three bedrooms, two bathrooms and a nice sized balcony (upon which we spend a lot of our time). We have been in residence for three and a half months and have attended the majority of Friday happy hours, and most of the special dinner nights (where friends have been allowed to dine with us.) The immediate welcoming and camaraderie throughout the village is absolutely superb. We just love it all.”

– Frank and Tricia

In the last couple of months, we have been delighted to welcome many new faces to the village. Having decided that Lakeview life is the way forward for them, here is what some of them had to say about their move in to a Lakeview Apartment:

These apartments are proving to be a big hit amongst the retirement community, and if you are thinking of making the move, then now may be the perfect time to do so. Starting from just $680,000* you can retire in style at this gorgeous hidden oasis. Plus, for a limited time only, if you secure a Lakeview Apartment we will offer you an incredible $20,000 cash back** to spend how you wish!

“When we saw Summerset at Heritage Park we couldn’t believe the facilities and especially the lovely outlook. One look at the three-bedroom apartment that we now call home, and we were sold. Moving in was a breeze thanks to Senior Movers paid for by Summerset. It was a great decision and we are so settled and happy to call this place our home.”

We’re open seven days, so visit us anytime or get in touch with our sales team to arrange a personalised tour of the village. You’ll find us at 8 Harrison Road, Ellerslie. You can reach us by calling T: 09 950 7962 or by emailing Ellerslie.sales@summerset.co.nz. These are selling fast, so don’t miss out!

– Peter and Barbara

*Licence to occupy **Terms and conditions apply www.summerset.co.nz/lakeview

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We’re experts in investment, commercial and residential real estate with a massive database of investors and buyers. Whether you’re buying or selling, we’re your one stop property shop.

HOME WHERE THE HEART IS

Property Ventures is an agency with a difference

The new three R’s Back in the day the three R’s were reading, ‘riting and ‘rithmatic.... but a local real estate agent has put her own spin on the old adage. Repeat, refer and recommend - that’s the three point hit list for realtor Karina Thorburn, the newest member of Property Ventures Real Estate, located on Auckland’s Ponsonby Road. She can add another point, results - something that comes easy to Karina, whose sales and marketing career spans over nearly 25 years, the last 10 seeing her established as one the most successful real estate agents in the north-western area. Karina divides her time between Kumeu and inner city Auckland, which keeps her up to date on the variety of properties and opportunities both areas offer. Her move to Property Ventures Real Estate came from a desire to progress into upmarket, inner city residential sales as well as share her experience around new builds, developments and high-end properties. Born with an entrepreneurial streak, Karina started her first business at 19 and oversaw her first property subdivision at just 24. This first-hand experience provided valuable insights and understanding of council processes and procedures, experience that has saved her clients time, money and stress – and built long lasting relationships based on trust and confidence.

Our current listings include these two outstanding properties...

As a busy mother of three teenagers, Karina appreciates the value of time, especially family time. A keen soccer player and active member of the Norwest Soccer Club, she also knows the value of team work.

Above - Alexandra Park Apartments in Auckland, starting at $1.3M

Karina loves the challenge of having to adapt to rapidly changing markets, while staying focused on her clients’ goals and staying resilient during tough negotiations – all with the support of the experienced nationwide Property Ventures team.

Below - Willoughby Avenue Apartments in Howick, starting at $400K

Her keen grasp of the property market, together with her desire to deliver a premier customer experience guarantees the best results for her clients, whether buying or selling. Says Karina, “I’d like to meet and talk to developers, people wanting to sell their property or anyone wanting to scale down. The Property Ventures‘ advantage is our people, our experience and our ability PN to make the process enjoyable and stress free for our clients.” F Call M: 021 477 955, E: karina@propertyventures.co.nz, www.propertyventures.co.nz

77a Ponsonby Road, Auckland M: 021 477 955 or 0800 697 767 E: karina@propertyventures.co.nz www.propertyventures.co.nz

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HOME WHERE THE HEART IS

@ ARTISAN Retro is big again this season; Artisan has plenty of options to make your walls look stunning...

Seven Sisters â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the new wallpaper collection by MissPrint. Exclusively available from Artisan, along with hundreds of other retro designs. 31a Normanby Rd, Mount Eden artisancollective.co.nz/missprint

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1. Arabian Birds by Florence Broadhurst - $448 per 10m roll. 2. Pendulum by MissPrint - $215 per 10m roll. 3. Tingari by CasaDeco - $270 per 10m roll. 4. Backgammon by Mini Moderns - $189 per 10m roll 5. Chevron by MissPrint - $215 per 10m roll. 6. Lines by Ferm Living - $215 per 10m roll. ARTISAN, 31a Normanby Road, T: 09 302 2499, www.artisancollective.co.nz PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

HOME WHERE THE HEART IS

Grow green and soothe your mind The festive holidays are over and reality has come crawling back. With a new year comes new resolutions which, for some, will include a new health kick. Far too often though, we tend to focus our time and energy on diet and exercise, forgetting that our mental health is just as important. After all, without a calm and relaxed brain, how can we possibly stick to a new health routine? For decades, scientists have been studying the health benefits that gardening can provide our minds with and the results have been positive: From a reduction in cortisol levels and the onset of depression, boosted moods and an increase in happiness, to family bonding and community connection. They’ve even found a reduction in anxiety linked to the subconscious inhalation of a healthy bacteria found in soil! In fact, just being exposed to nature can induce these benefits, which means you don’t even need to get your hands dirty. Nature truly is remarkable. At City Botanics, they are committed to ensuring that our communities never lose sight of this special connection with nature. As our city skyline grows and our outdoor spaces become smaller, their goal is to provide customers with access to their own slice of green happiness, regardless of your gardening experience.

Forget any preconceived notions you may have about achieving a garden in an apartment, townhouse or small backyard – there are solutions for every situation and City Botanics is ready to transform your space, from design through to installation. They even provide complimentary maintenance follow ups to ensure your new garden stays on track, and to keep you calm. If you’re committed to reaching those 2020 health goals, take some time to consider your mental health and be kind to your mind. Perhaps plants are the answer to your brain’s happiness. F PN

For further informations call Martin on M: 027 215 7884, www.citybotanics.co.nz

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@citybotanics PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2020

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photography: Connor Crawford

LOCAL NEWS

Auckland Gospel Choir — carols in Western Park, Ponsonby, — Saturday 14 December 106 PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2020

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

2/35 ALMORAH ROAD, EPSOM

The owners have already moved out of this beautiful apartment in the friendly building of ‘Almorah Rise’.

RICHARD BURT +64 21 773 187 richard.burt@nzsir.com

A spacious, timeless, two bedroom, two bathroom apartment, one of only 12 tightly held units in the block. Constructed in 1988 from concrete block with a luxuriously warm indoor heated swimming pool and spa, gym, and wonderful private BBQ area for entertaining. Immaculate as is with further potential to enhance should you so desire including two car parks plus large storage area in the basement. Ready for you to move in and enjoy.

STEWART MORGAN +64 21 933 305 stewart.morgan@nzsir.com Auction (unless sold prior) 1:00 p.m. Thursday 5 March 2020 on site nzsothebysrealty.com/NZE11158

The “Art and Science” behind Successful Real Estate Results.

STEWART MORGAN BSc (Hons) M: +64 21 933 305 stewart.morgan@nzsir.com

RICHARD BURT BFA, GradDipT M: +64 21 773 187 richard.burt@nzsir.com

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

HOME WHERE THE HEART IS

@ OUTDOOR CONCEPTS Some of the latest premium products from Outdoor Concepts... 1. The Aquapop30 is a lightweight, soft and extendable portable hose. Packs away into a colourful bag, ideal for backyards, apartments, RV’s, boats, and older people who still love gardening but are unable to carry and pull a standard hose — $119. 2. Yeti Hopper is leakproof, tough-as-nails, carry-the-day soft cooler. Compact and with a wide mouth it makes for easy loading and access to food and drinks. Super popular — $399. 3. Sunny Style Solar Shower. This outdoor solar shower is perfect to take camping or have permanently set up outside at home or the beach house. The water in the base is heated by the sun and then mixed with cold hose water to deliver a warm shower, comes with a hose as well. Fun and colourful — $295. 4. Zee manufactures a cool and modern hose in Belgium. A big seller — 30m $459.

5. Ooni Koda gas fired pizza oven makes jaw dropping pizzas in 60 seconds. Super compact and easy to use — $599.

4 3

OUTDOOR CONCEPTS, 77 The Strand, T: 0800 266 206, www.outdoorconcepts.co.nz

77 The Strand, Parnell Phone 0800 266 206 www.outdoorconcepts.co.nz

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HOME WHERE THE HEART IS

Perfectly Ponsonby – 24 Sheehan Street, Ponsonby This perfectly positioned villa has undergone a stylish and fastidious renovation and is a masterpiece in its own right with a focus on quality, bespoke details, creative design and beautifully considered use of space. Boasting two very spacious double bedrooms, master with roomy wardrobe and ensuite, luxe, fully tiled bathroom, glistening floorboards, chic entertainers’ kitchen with Bosch appliances and open plan living bathed in natural light. Open the glass doors, venture outside and this space continues to give, flowing seamlessly to the fabulous deck with pergola and a seating and dining area, sumptuous garden and lush lawn where you can relax and enjoy the peace and tranquillity in your own private sanctuary. Whatever you desire – this home will serve up endless entertaining options. Add to all this, modernised additions of underfloor heating, security system and off-street parking complete this fantastic package. With the vibrant energetic pulse of the Ponsonby cafes and restaurants just minutes’ walk away and the sophisticated boutiques of Jervois Road nearby, this certainly is a very special offering. PN This is quintessential inner city living at its very finest. F

Call Carl Madsen to view on M: 021 953 152, E: c.madsen@barfoot.co.nz

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HOME WHERE THE HEART IS

Revolutionary design that endures the test of time Elegant swirls of vines, flowers and leaves in perfect symmetry, William Morris’ iconic patterns are instantly recognisable. Textiles designed in the 1800s from Morris’ woodblocks were revolutionary for their time and represent designs that endure today. For award-winning interior designer, Tricia Dunlop, Morris and Co is one of the many European furnishing brands from Lahood that are part of her design tool kit. “The extensive range at Lahood gives me scope to truly reflect the personality of my clients while also meeting the demands of their lifestyle,” says Tricia. The Morris and Co range is one Tricia’s favourites. “It’s perfect for traditional homes with high studs and period detailing, but at the same time it’s also fantastic in modern homes. A splash of the iconic Morris patterns can transform any contemporary space,” explains Tricia. Lahood’s Morris and Co range supplied by long-term partners Textilia, include prints, plains and textures. For designers, it offers the scope to layer, mix and match pieces easily from within the range. “William Morris, was one of the most influential designers of the ‘Arts & Crafts’ movement, producing some of the most exciting textiles and wallpapers of the time,” says Tricia. “For me, both his original designs and the newer interpretations are perfect for creating statement interiors with timeless appeal.” There is much to learn from the legacy of William Morris who was not only an artist but also a philosopher and political theorist. Significantly pre-dating Marie Kondo’s directive to only keep items that ‘give joy’, is Morris who said, “Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.” Lahood is showcasing the work of this 19th Century design icon in the first of a series of Design Talks to be held throughout the year. In conjunction with Textilia, Lahood’s inaugural Design Talk will delve into the work and philosophy of this significant designer and artist as well as revealing the latest Morris and Co collection together with others from Textilia. Lahood Design Talk Thursday 5 March At: Lahood Window Furnishings, 104 Mt Eden Road, 4.30-6pm. Contact amanda@lahood.co.nz to secure your place Please visit our showroom, LAHOOD, 104 Mt Eden Road, T: 09 638 8463, www.lahood.co.nz

CURTAINS • BLINDS • INTERIOR DESIGN SHUTTERS • ROLLER SHADES • UPHOLSTERY

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HOME WHERE THE HEART IS

OUTDOOR STYLE JI Home’s classic Artwood wicker-style furniture is created on a rustproof, powder-coated aluminium frame, using handwoven polyethylene weave to produce a classic natural vintage finish with extreme durability.

Artwood solid teak tables are specially designed for outdoor conditions. Aging gracefully, they are the perfect partner for wicker seating.

1. Artwood Cross Outdoor Dining Table 2. Artwood Marbella Outdoor Dining Chair 3. Artwood Santa Monica Outdoor Dining Chair 2

FURNITURE DESIGN STORE

Open: Mon-Fri 9am–5.30pm, Sat 10am–3.30pm or by appointment. 36 Pollen St, Ponsonby - Free car parking in the basement - Ph: 09 930 6268.

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HOME WHERE THE HEART IS

Riddington Builders: specialists in architecturally designed renovations and new builds Creative couple Brad and Lee Riddington love making a difference in people’s everyday lives by building beautiful homes for their clients. Brad and Lee are the owners of Riddington Builders who specialise in architecturally designed renovations and new builds across Auckland. “We get to make a difference that other people love and being creative is why our job is so rewarding,” says Lee. Building has always been an integral part of Brad’s life from growing up in the Waikato; working in London completing high -end renovations; to now as an experienced craftsman. “So many of my memories are sparked by building, travelling, creating and inspiration comes from everywhere,” says Brad. With an impressive portfolio of projects across Auckland, the award -winning Riddington Builders’ team renovates character villas and bungalows, heritage apartments and builds new homes and pools. Most recently, Brad and Lee have just completed a 12-month renovation of their own 1920s bungalow. “We 100% appreciate the process for our clients,” says Lee. They transformed their modest two-bedroom home into a beautifully proportioned family retreat over three levels. With large sliders opening out onto the deck, a generous, inbuilt day bed to relax on, balconies with ocean views, and a stunning kitchen and scullery, this is an entertainers’ house, yet the home retains its bungalow character and has a relaxed family feel. Riddington Builders’ commitment is to deliver top-quality projects which respond to their clients’ individual requirements, desires, budget and site. “We have an amazing team of talented carpenters. There is a great energy in the team and we all have a passion for what we do,” says Brad. “Everything we deliver embodies our passion to create spaces that are beautiful to look at and live in” says Lee “And we believe in approaching every project collaboratively with careful planning and positive energy.” Got a building project you would like to discuss? Contact www.rbltd.co.nz

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HOME WHERE THE HEART IS

RESIDENTIAL SALES

I am unapologetically competitive, unreservedly down-to-earth and I love my job. What drives me is people and with my honest, energetic and positive approach, I will do everything possible for your next move. Give me a call today. I am locally made and in your neighbourhood.

ERIN SANDOR 021 644 483

Best International Real Estate Agency 2018-2019 $GUV 4GCN 'UVCVG #IGPE[ /CTMGVKPI #UKC 2CEKÆ&#x201A;E $GUV #IGPE[ QXGT QHÆ&#x201A;EGU #UKC 2CEKÆ&#x201A;E

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@ METRIX 1. Duravit’s archetypical open oval of the Happy D. design classic runs through all elements of the Happy D.2 Plus range designed by Sieger Design. Above-counter basins with precise lines, standalone consoles and matching cabinets as well as circular mirrors combine to make perfectly harmonised washing areas. The new colour variants of refined Anthracite Matt or a two-tone contrast of glossy white inside and Anthracite Matt outside lend the above-counter basins an extra layer of individuality and class. 2. Dornbacht Meta by Sieger Design is synonymous with contemporary minimalism. With this tapware series, Dornbracht has perfected and enriched this principle, using a range of surface finishes, enabling Meta to demonstrate its flexibility, stylishness and progressiveness – all while remaining true to its own core values.

3. Dornbracht’s VAIA elegant tapware design harmoniously blends into traditional modern-minimalistic architectures combined with elements of different styles. Characteristic features of VAIA are the soft radii, the fine silhouette and flowing transitions. Dornbracht has raised the bar for depth and brilliance of colour in tapware to an unprecedented level with a specially developed manufacturing process and a unique matting method. Additionally, the silky surface texture originating from the particularly fine brushstrokes is exceptionally pleasant to touch. 2

4. CRISTINA’s Italy tapware range combines industrial production and artisan experience, representing the pinnacle of excellence being Made in Italy. The design is a re-proposition of modernity with the classic forms of the 1920s, characterised by the purity of shapes with the union of surface elements, to achieve a unique and timeless style. In addition to the suggested total look finishes, Italy offers several options to combine handles in marble or stone to the body in the various finishes. 5. CRISTINA’s indoor/outdoor shower series is simple, extremely elegant and functional, ideal for ultimate relaxation by the pool or in the garden. The open-air product range also fits perfectly in modern interiors, minimal industrial and spa areas. To see the latest in luxury bathroom ware, visit Metrix Showroom 155 The Strand Parnell or enquire about our latest catalogue. www.metrix.co.nz 3

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155 The Strand, Parnell, Auckland

Duravit Dornbracht Vola Paini Kaldewei Inda Valsir Cristina Glass Design Marblo Almar Effe 47

Toilets. Basins. Baths. Tapware. Accessories. Saunas. Showers.

metrix.co.nz

HOME WHERE THE HEART IS

Heidi Padain: Entertainment in your garden The holiday season has been all about the young ones. Late November, early December, I was really excited to discover a pair of kereru raising their young, right here, on our property. It’s fun watching them. However, we have become a little nervous of late. We have named the juvenile kereru, Bomber. Martin and I can no longer sit at the table outside without remaining very alert. Bomber will literally come out of nowhere and dive bomb us. Often, this happens when we have the umbrella up. It’s a small gap for a large bird to get through. I honestly can’t figure out why this bird feels the need, given the ample air space around the umbrella. I don’t know how we have escaped injury. If we invite friends over for dinner, we warn them in advance that there’s a fair bit of having to duck, and sometimes drop down to avoid being hit. Because Bomber’s parents are always close by, it feels as though we’re dodging three kereru, not one. The day Bomber entered our home, we finally reached the conclusion that the adults need to improve on their parental guidance skills. Were it not for my husband, Martin, witnessing this, I would not be writing about it. It’s so bonkers, even I couldn’t make this up. I was sitting on our couch, facing an open Ranchslider. I looked up just in time to see our infamous kereru flying right at me. I put my hands across my face, closed my eyes and ducked down a little. Within what seemed like a few minutes, I listened in anticipation for crashes and thumps. Nothing! Just a whirlwind whoosh as this crazy bird did a full rotation, and then left the same way it came in. Not to be outdone on the unhinged scale, the tui has produced a juvenile with a voice box challenge. Martin and I kept hearing what we thought to be squeaky brakes. Our neighbours have an almost vertical driveway and until we actually witnessed this young tui making the sound, we thought our neighbours had taken to reversing down. The biggest surprise over Christmas was when the song thrush won the territory battle in our pohutukawa tree. It’s delightful having a nest so close to the deck. I hope the fledglings are keeping an eye out for Bomber. Bomber’s latest trick is to land on top of our umbrella, slide down and make a perfect landing on the deck rail. Seriously, there’s PN never a dull moment in this garden. (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.

Clothing Alterations

Alter Ego Roong T: 09 376 8689

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”

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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

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

HOME WHERE THE HEART IS

REID group

KICKSTART YOUR 2020 WITH A NEW... Deck Fence Kitchen/Bathroom Renovation Residential Demolition CALL EDDIE FOR A FREE QUOTE

021 062 9104 “Dear Eddie, the paint job looks wonderful. The guys did a beautiful job, and they even mopped the floor after packing up. Thanks so much”

l @reidpainters

f @reidpropertyservices

– Annie and Dave, Freemans Bay

Successfully Selling Brilliant Homes In Your Neighbourhood BY AUCTION 17A Newell St, Pt Chevalier 4

• • •

62A Wellpark Ave, Grey Lynn Sold post Auction

Contemporary weatherboard four bedroom home. Sought after location as an easy walk to the beaches, park and school. Unique woodland aspect, designed with ample natural light and sun in mind.

20 Harcourt St, Grey Lynn, Sold at Auction

2C/2 Dickens St, Grey Lynn Sold at Auction

“Happiness is the new rich; Inner peace is the new success; health is the new wealth and kindness in the new cool.” Felicity Scott BBS | Residential Sales M 0274 522 241 B 09 376 3039 E f.scott@barfoot.co.nz | barfoot.co.nz/f.scott PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2020

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URBAN + BEACH – LIFESTYLE FURNITURE Extensive range, global style. Over the last five years, this family run business has internationally sourced an extensive collection of high-quality, indoor and outdoor furniture. Bringing together a global style that will add sophistication to any home, bach or office, Urban & Beach stocks classic, contemporary and unique collections from American oak dining tables, to handmade, recycled boat-wood pieces, modern, reclining leather sofas, luxurious, occasional chairs and high-quality teak outdoor furniture – ideal for New Zealand’s harsh outdoor elements.

Sustainability is an important consideration for Urban & Beach when selecting furniture. Whenever possible, indoor furniture products are sourced from suppliers using sustainable timber supplies. All recycled teak outdoor furniture sourced is issued with a SVLK certificate – which means the timber can be traced. New stock is arriving constantly to their huge North Shore store and showroom which is open seven days. Come and talk quality, design and style with the team and explore the extensive range for yourself.

1 3 2

1. Cayenne outdoor dining set; 2. Chisholm outdoor dining chair; 3. Laguna outdoor chair; 4. Teak outdoor dining set URBAN + BEACH, 31 Constellation Drive, Mairangi Bay, T: 09 479 9577, www.urban-beach.co.nz

Keep your drawers on! 15% OFF DRAWERS DRAWERrobe $1529 (you save $270) Or from $329 today & 5 weekly interest-free payments of $240

Furniture. Simply.

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CHESTYboy 1 Bay 3 High $829 (you save $147) Or 6 weekly interest-free payments from $138.16

meluka.co.nz

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CHESTYboy 2 Bay 3 High $1515 (you save $268) Or from $315 today & 5 weekly interest-free payments of $240

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PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

FEB SALE NOW ON!

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Cayenne outdoor dining setting, 2.2m table + 6 Lima chairs.

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HOME WHERE THE HEART IS

COASTAL CLASSIC Great design demands a keen eye for detail coupled with flawless finishing – both of which were provided by kitchen designer Shane George, from Kitchens By Design, in this beautiful beachside home at Scotts Landing. A successful design also relies on collaboration and a shared vision of everyone involved. “When Mary (the homeowner) and her interior designer walked into our showroom in Newmarket we immediately clicked and she was soon onboard with all of the materials and finishes I showed her. She particularly liked the leathered finish of the Titanium granite bench top of the contemporary kitchen we have on show – and that’s exactly what we ended up using for the bench top of her new kitchen,” says Shane. The basic shape and position of the kitchen in the house had already been drawn up on the architect’s plans, but Mary was keen to bring on the services of a specialist kitchen design team to expand on these initial concepts and to work on the design details and the material palette. “She didn’t just want a white kitchen,” says Shane. “It had to gel with the rest of the home in terms of its earthy tones and tactile finishes, so, together with the granite benchtop, I suggested a warm taupe grey for the cabinetry, together with an aged-bronze metallic finish above the central cooktop.”

option for up to six people. The distinctive I-beam design was an extension of an idea first muted by the architects, who also specified the rustic, wide-planked oak floor that grounds the whole space. Shane says that his client also took the opportunity to work with Kitchen By Design’s team of independent fabricators and craftspeople, with whom trusted relationships have been built over many years. “They are the best in the industry, and that certainly shines through in the quality of finishings in the completed kitchen,” he says. “I deliberately didn’t want this kitchen to shout too loud in the space – it just needed to sit there and look understated, but at the same time feel earthy and timeless,” explains Shane. “It really is a stunning location, right on the beach at Scott’s Landing, and I feel my design fits well within this modern, sophisticated home by one of the country’s top architects.” F PN

From the outset, the designer says he was very mindful and respectful of the architecture, particularly the form of the vaulted, open-plan living space. “Directly below the apex of the ceiling, I lined up the tap and sink on the island and also the cooktop on the back wall. I then continued the symmetry by flanking the central cooking bench with the fridge on one side and the wall ovens on the other, and gave the cabinetry a regular rhythm across the width of the room.” To enhance the functionality of the new kitchen, Shane designed a built-in ‘entertainment area’, hidden by bifold doors, as an extension to the back wall of cabinetry. This clever addition contains a small sink, benchtop, glass storage and under-bench drinks fridge. He also included a small study nook at the far end of the space. The signature design element in the kitchen is the large, multifunctional island that doubles as a casual seating area or dining KITCHENS BY DESIGN – if you’re thinking about putting in a new kitchen, give one of the team at Kitchens By Design a call, or pop into one of the two Auckland-based showrooms at 3 Byron Avenue, Takapuna T: 09 488 7201 and 7 Melrose Street, Newmarket T: 09 379 3084. And for inspiration, take a look at the website at www.kitchensbydesign.co.nz

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HOME WHERE THE HEART IS

Market Kitchen with Ray McVinnie An UnserHaus experience. As a place for connecting food culture and cutting-edge home appliance technology, UnserHaus invites people to join their NEFF Market Kitchen experience with leading chef and food writer Ray McVinnie. Starting with a visit to La Cigale French Markets, guests will shop for fresh produce and tasty treats with Ray, whilst learning about his own European market experiences. Ray will also be joined by UnserHaus demonstrator and chef Brigitte, who will offer her own insights about food, cooking and the NEFF brand. Upon returning to UnserHaus, guests can connect over their shared love of design, food, art or culture as Ray shares his extraordinary journey and knowledge of the culinary world, while preparing a delicious, shared meal for the group to enjoy around the NEFF kitchen table. With the opportunity for some hands-on interaction and insight into Ray’s ethos of “eat real food, cook it well and share it with people you like,” the NEFF Market Kitchen is sure to delight. Book now by visiting eventfinda.co.nz Saturday 21 March 2020 9am – 1pm Price per person: $183.50

Lunch at ours with Ray McVinnie.

Showroom 65 Parnell Rise Auckland 1052 0800 245 708 unserhaus.co.nz

Join Ray McVinnie at La Cigale French Markets, followed by the preparation of a delicious meal to be shared around the NEFF Kitchen table at UnserHaus. Saturday 21 March 2020, 9am – 1pm Visit eventfinda.co.nz for more information and to book tickets.

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PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

HOME WHERE THE HEART IS

@ HOMAGE

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30 Broadway, Newmarket T: 520 5711 Weekdays 10am-5pm Saturday 10am-4pm Sunday 10am-4pm Grey Lynn only Shop on-line www.homage.co.nz

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The Blind Boys Of Alabama photography: Jim Herrington

ARTS + CULTURE

Finn McLennan-Elliott: WOMAD returns with a phenomenal lineup WOMAD never ceases to amaze. Presenting a collection of music from literally everywhere in the world, this ‘World of Music, Arts and Dance’ is exactly that. It feels like a return to its core in the last couple of years, with representatives from all around the globe and a better understanding of the ‘world’ genre, in how all encompassing and inclusive that term can be. WOMAD takes over the beautiful and awe-inspiring Brooklands Park in New Plymouth, that features the TSB Bowl of Brooklands – surely one of the best locations for a concert in the world. Eight stages are dotted throughout the park, with workshop spaces, libraries, chill zones, bars and a craft market. It is a paradise of colour and wonder for three days.

One of the most sampled bands in the world, artists such as Kendrick Lamar and Chance the Rapper are finding inspiration from Hiatus Kaiyote; a beguiling outfit that stretches kaleidoscopic sounds into Grammy-nominated masterpieces. Jazz, soul, funk, fusion, hip hop and electronica are the band’s predominant building blocks but the resultant sonic shapes blur the edges and defy the pigeonhole. One of the special things about WOMAD is that most artists perform multiple times, meaning you have a high chance of seeing everyone who is performing if you work hard enough. WOMAD welcomes double performances from the living legends of gospel, The Blind Boys Of Alabama. The group that has performed to three different Presidents in the White House, collaborated with Stevie Wonder, Amadou & Mariam and presents a soulful and uplifting repertoire with one of the hottest bands on the circuit. Their 75year career brings them to New Plymouth for what is sure to be a performance to remember.

Laura Marling

Catrin Finch & Seckou Keita have been given the illustrious title of ‘most popular world music act of the decade’. Their collaboration of harp and kora is second to none with its originality and energy. Their newest record SOAR saw them take away ‘Best Fusion Album’ at the Songlines Music Awards in 2019, they graced the stage of Cambridge Folk Festival and now make their way to New Zealand. Catrin is Welsh, Seckou is Senegalese, and together they have created something that transcends music.

We haven’t even begun to talk about this year’s lineup. Right at the top of this is Laura Marling, making a one-off performance on Saturday. Over the course of six albums, Laura Marling has proven to be a leading voice in modern folk music. From bursts of powerful guitar to haunting melodies and elegant lyrics, she returns to New Zealand for the first time since 2015. The highly anticipated reggae icon Ziggy Marley will be performing once on Friday night, as will jazz, soul, funk fusion group Hiatus Kaiyote. The call to stand together in activism through love rings out loud and clear from eight-time Grammy Award-winning musician and reggae icon, Ziggy Marley. Following in the tradition and legacy that his father began, he’s finding his own path, and doing it in a positive and peaceful style.

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Representing Aotearoa, Albi & the Wolves, Reb Fountain, Soaked Oats, and Troy Kingi are all scheduled for repeat performances over the three days and The Black Quartet are set to play twice, once in a highlight performance with Trio Da Kali (Mali). WOMAD New Zealand is famous for bringing together artists from all over the globe for a vibrant showcase of the world’s many forms of music, arts and dance. The 2020 festival is no exception and will feature close to 100 hours of music, dance and voices across eight stages. 28 cutting-edge performers and world-class musicians from every corner of the planet, delivering fresh new takes on traditional music. And, come March 2020, multi-award-winning, solo artists, duos, trios and 12-piece brass bands from around the globe will come together PN to perform at WOMAD New Zealand. (FINN MCLENNAN-ELLIOTT) F For tickets, schedules and more information www.womad.co.nz PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

ARTS + CULTURE

ST MATTHEW’S FIRST TUESDAY CONCERTS START AGAIN 2020

The very successful First Tuesday Lunch Hour series starts again for 2020 on 3 March at 12.10pm. Esteemed performers Kotuku Quintet play a beautiful programme of music for four strings and piano by Granados and Frank Bridge called Forgotten Romantics. The Granados movement suggests the strumming of a guitar, accompanying a melancholy song. Frank Bridge (now famous as the teacher of Benjamin Britten, but a great composer in his own right) features his 1912 work described as ‘a high point of post-romantic English Music’. Hats off to Kotuku Quintet for bringing us this forgotten repertoire of beautiful music, which deserves a greater hearing and which will undoubtedly charm our ears in the warm acoustic of St Matthew’s. Between March and November, nine concerts have been organised in the First Tuesday series. They range from mysterious and beautiful music composed by Franz Liszt for solo piano – played by John Wells during Holy Week, to a solo organ concert by Paul Chan and the New Zealand Navy Band. The celebration of Beethoven’s 250th birthday anniversary will be highlighted by Lisa Chou (piano), while sublime music for flute and piano by David Kelly and Luca Manghi are also part of the exciting and innovative 2020 season. More than 500 people attended the concerts last year with feedback which included ‘sublime’, ‘beautiful sound’, ‘short and to the point’. This is a concert series to be followed and experienced during 2020. F PN FIRST TUESDAY, St Matthew-in-the-City, Corner of Wellesley and Hobson Streets, www.stmatthews.nz

@ WHITESPACE

Gerry Parke – Cut From The Cloth On until 14 February “The need to dominate, to impress, so central to masculinity, will find a way of expressing itself.” This series is part of a continued investigation into how masculine identity is formed, developed and expressed in the world. But also how others perceive, react and respond to this ‘Masculine Performance’. The jostling of original figures, as captured through photography, is echoed in a new form of jostling in painterly space across painting styles. Embracing paint as a language and a substance is a means of addressing painting’s potential. Given that the practice addresses ideas of masculine performance, male identity, group cohesion and masculine ‘baggage’, it is important to look at what paint contributes to the content of the work and, more specifically, how paint can represent and embody those notions, rather than merely re-presenting observed action via a photo referent. The performance of the painter becomes critical but how can this performance be calibrated to celebrate the potential of the medium while avoiding it being a simplistic celebration of all things male? Is this just another man making art about men? Is it only adding to the noise, and perpetuating the hegemonic masculine structure? Or can male behaviours be highlighted, even exaggerated in order to be offered as and for critique? The focus of Parke’s practice is directed at the deep-rooted tradition of figurative painting. It’s the combination of the historical gravitas inherent in the genre, plus the truly human stories or connections that are unique to figurative art; these are the things that inspire him to paint people. Parke graduated MFA First Class Honours from Whitecliffe School of Art and Design in 2019. F PN WHITESPACE, 20 Monmouth Street, T: 09 361 6331, www.whitespace.co.nz

Kotuku Quintet Tuesday 3rd March, 12.10-12.50pm Granados: Piano Quintet in G minor, Second movement: Allegretto quasi andantino Frank Bridge: Piano Quintet in D minor

26 JANUARY – 14 FEBRUARY 2020

GERRY PARKE

CUT FROM THE CLOTH

whitespace.co.nz 20 monmouth st, grey lynn, auckland open tues–fri 11-5pm, sat 11am-4pm

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Jimmie Dale Gilmore

ARTS + CULTURE

Finn McLennan-Elliott: Country icons return to New Zealand – Jimmie Dale Gilmore and Butch Hancock The Tuning Fork is proud to present two lauded country icons, Jimmie Dale Gilmore and Butch Hancock, who will play a special show in Auckland this March! Alongside Joe Ely, they formed 70s grassroots band The Flatlanders who brought us the iconic Americana album The Odessa Tapes landing them as the fathers of alt-country. They will be joined by Jimmie’s son, Colin Gilmore, critically acclaimed Americana singer and songwriter. Returning for the first time since 2015, Jimmie Dale Gilmore brings lifelong collaborator and friend Butch Hancock with him. They met in Lubbock, Texas, when they were both 12. In 1972 they formed the Flatlanders and recorded an album that took a decade to be formally released. It proved to be ahead of its time, and the band disbanded, allowing each of the members to find success as solo performers. When the record was finally released, it received significant critical acclaim and The Flatlanders are now considered fathers of the alt-country movement. Gilmore’s music blends elements of folk, rock, country, blues and bluegrass. His voice evokes the high-lonesome sound of the West Texas plains. As Nicholas Davidoff (New York Times Magazine) once said, “[Jimmie Dale Gilmore’s] voice would make even Hank Williams cry.”

Jimmie Dale Gilmore play with Joe Ely, Butch Hancock, Terry Allen and countless others shaped the way he saw and heard life. After making three critically acclaimed albums (and having a worldwide fan base), Colin is working on his fourth. Last year, Colin made his big screen debut, performing in (and writing songs for) feature film Barracuda, which debuted at SXSW Film to rave reviews. Colin has always seen music as something that makes life more real, and everything he is doing now helps prove the point. In 1990, Jimmie Dale Gilmore and Butch Hancock toured New Zealand and Australia and the result was a live album called Two Roads on Virgin Records. This will be their first appearance together in New Zealand since PN then. (FINN MCLENNAN-ELLIOTT) F www.tuningfork.co.nz for tickets.

He has been prolific in his long career, with seven solo albums, three Grammy nominations and numerous collaborations with Butch Hancock, the Flatlanders, the Wronglers and Dave Alvin. His most recent release was the collaboration with Alvin, Downey to Lubbock.

Colin Gilmore has called Austin home for a long time, but he never shook off his Lubbock upbringing. Sitting in his living room, watching his father

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Colin Gilmore

Hancock has been called “one of the finest songwriters of our time” and is acknowledged by his peers and critics alike as one of the premiere singersongwriters Texas has ever produced. He sings of mystical visions and windswept, dry plains. His lyrics are profoundly imaginative, revealing the miracles of ordinary life. After moving to the progressive country hotbed of Austin in the mid 70s, Hancock started his own label (Rainlight) and released the quintessential West Texas Waltzes and Dust Blown Tractor Tunes in 1978. Since then he has recorded 10 solo albums and his songs have been covered by Emmy Lou Harris and others. A multifaceted artist, Hancock has also received critical acclaim for his photographs and ballpoint pen drawings.

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

ARTS + CULTURE

UPTOWN ART SCENE Starting the new decade with a visit to our local community art centre, Studio One Toi Tu, reassures me of the rich, diverse viewpoints our community is comprised of. Inside the building at One Ponsonby Road, 18x18 gets raw and real on what being 18 and a woman is like today. The exhibition talks with 18 women from different backgrounds, all 18-years-old, using photography, type and video to tell us their experiences of this liminal time. The young women’s stories are succinct and touching. When asked what she thinks about, Allyssa says, “ I think a lot about climate change, about Samoa. It hurts. There’s this new word that’s been created, solastalgia, it means the genuine pain of losing the homeland due to climate change. I think about it a lot; some days I think about it and get a huge pain in my chest.” The 18x18 exhibition is produced by Verity Johnson, Susanne Axelsson and Coco Janssen (also 18-years-old) for the YWCA which has been an advocate of female development for 140 years. The project is viewable online 18x18.co.nz

Allyssa from 18x18 YWCA

In another of the building’s galleries, Louis Bretana has assembled sculpture, jewellery and weaving into an installation that evokes the Philippine deities that existed before Christianity arrived from Spain. Golden brown woven mats covert the room to a warmly lit shrine, with bowls of rice offerings and towering carved stone symbols hung from the roof. Through to the next gallery where prints made of collaged images appear bright as stained glass windows, each depicting ‘Woman of Valour’. Naomi Azoulay has worked historical and pop references into saint-like portraits to undermine the religious iconography they’re based on. There are similarities in those densely built images with Timothy Clarke’s work in the fourth gallery. He takes us on a tour of Ponsonby buildings and landmarks, stacked together in a pleasant jumble of facades and familiar names: Leys Institute, The Women’s Centre, the Gluepot, SPQR…

Justice by Naomi Azoulay

As I left Studio One Toi Tu, I was gladly distracted from the bubbling traffic on Ponsonby Road by some humorous paintings by Helen Dowling and Priscilla Kinnaird in the Sidewalk Gallery which shows onto the street. I wandered off full of other people’s stories – what a good start to the decade. PN (EVAN WOODRUFFE/STUDIO ART SUPPLIES) F

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Henry Cavill on The Witcher a Netflix original

ARTS + CULTURE

SUMMER STREAMING GUIDE Talented Kiwi ﬁlm and television makers are stamping their mark on local and international streaming platforms. Some of the best episodic series available are free for all to watch on TVNZ OnDemand and others are easy to access via popular pay to view platforms. Disney+

The Mandalorian With episodes directed by New Zealand’s own Taika Waititi, The Mandalorian is both binge worthy and rewatchable. Both long time Star Wars fans and those just discovering it for the first time will find the series thoroughly satisfying. TVNZ on Demand

The Dead Lands - Season 1 Destined to be binge worthy, The Dead Lands series by talented local director Peter Burger offers all the thrills and action of the Walking Dead with awe inspiring landscapes and a subtle dose of Kiwi humour. Its a fresh take on the zombie genre introducing a heroine we all root for and an antihero we all wish we didn’t like quite so much. Its meaty enough to get your teeth into and leaves you hungry for the next episode. The Casketeers Netflix has picked up this Kiwi documentary series and it is no wonder. Now in it’s third series The Casketeers is captivating from the first couple of minutes. Francis and Kaiora Tipene of Tipene

Funerals are not just passionate about their work, which we get an incredible perspective on throughout the series, but they are instantly likeable and incredibly real. A must watch if you haven’t already. NETFLIX

The Witcher If you like a good fantasy, binged on GOT and you’re ready to see Henry Cavill out of his Superman suit then suspend disbelief and enter the mythical, intriguing realm of The Witcher. The world of Geralt of Rivia (Henry Cavill) known as The Witcher, is one where humanity is more likely to be found in a magically made mutant than it is to be found in a man. It’s a world that needs, yet despises a monster hunter. An adaptation of the fantasy books by Andrzej Sapkowski, this is a little bit of a scary, action-packed series complete with complex characters that you will want to know more about. LIGHTBOX

800 Words Set in the fictional coastal town of Weld, 800 Words is the surf beach version of Sex and the

The Casketeers The Dead Lands - Local actor Kirk Torrance as Ka

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City. Instead of Carrie writing a weekly column about her love life in the Big Apple, George writes a weekly piece for an Australian magazine about navigating small town coastal New Zealand after his wife dies. An endearing dramedy that plays on the relationship between Aussies and Kiwis, 800 words is full of great New Zealand acting talent and impressive scenery. Amazon Prime

Goliath - Season 1-3 Goliath’s a legal drama that delivers more than you might expect from this well used genre. The swagger and talent of Billy Bob Thornton combined with great performances by an impressive cast (including Oscar award winning actor William Hurt) elevates Goliath to another level. Carnival Row If you liked Orlando Bloom in Pirates of the Caribbean, you will find him refreshingly interesting in Carnival Row. Another fantasy world with allegoric nods to present day wars and prejudices, Carnival Row is dark, heavy and a little brooding.

The Dead Lands

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

ARTS + CULTURE

WHAT’S ON IN FEB Late summer fun. Here’s just a sample of what’s on in Ponsonby and beyond during February.

Auckland Zoo

Auckland Zoo – something for everyone Zoo Lates: Every Friday during February you can visit Auckland Zoo after hours (4-8pm) and enjoy the zoo in the evening light. Tickets just $15 per person, Friends of the Zoo and infants (0-3 years old) free. Openair Cinemas movies at Western Springs Park Openair Cinemas have the latest movies playing Tuesday to Sunday at 7pm throughout February. Catch the latest films with family and friends under the stars – everything from Jojo Rabbit to Frozen 2. Tickets available from www.openair.com.au/auckland A Conversation with Margaret Atwood at the Civic Tuesday 11 February: an unmissable evening of conversation, discussion and Q & A with one of the most vital authors of her generation. Margaret Atwood shares her signature insight, humour and intellect on stage at the Civic.

Anti Valentines at MOTAT Friday 14 February at MOTAT is the museum’s Anti-Valentine’s event promising an evening of light-hearted fun and entertainment without the clichés and expensive dinners. Tickets available from www.eventbright.co.nz Make Boobs Great Again – Sarah Yates Opening night of Make Boobs Great Again on Wednesday 19 February. An exhibition by artist and ex racecar driver Sarah Yates that took drawings made by women of either their car or their breasts and turned them into hand-sewn cushions made with up cycled woollen blankets. Yates explores how gender roles are portrayed in society and creates a space for women to reflect on and enjoy their bodies.

The BMW NZ Open Polo

Tickets available from www.aucklandlive.co.nz

Free exhibition 19 February till 19 March at Studio One Toi Tu, 1 Ponsonby Road. The BMW NZ Open Polo Saturday 22 February 2020: The BMW NZ Open Polo offers action, thrills, excitement, food, fashion and fun all set on the picturesque Auckland Polo Club grounds in Clevedon. Bring a picnic or indulge in some of the incredible food, wine and beverages available while you watch the best polo players in New Zealand compete for the coveted trophy.

Tampocalypse at Tapcac Tamocalaypse at Tapac is funny, raw and entertaining; an intimate yet bold story chronicling the journey of young women trying to better their world, one period at a time. An unmissable show on from 28 February to 1 March Tickets from www.tapaci.org.nz

Tampocalypse at Tapcac

Tickets start at just $40 from www.iticket.co.nz

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ARTS + CULTURE

Horoscopes: Miss Pearl Neclis – what your stars hold for February

Aquarius (the Water Carrier) 21 January - 19 February You are able to lift your mood and anyone who comes into contact with you this month. Thankfully, you are a person that can blend simultaneously real life and your imagination to produce some great results.

Pisces (the Fishes) 20 February - 20 March Your life has opened up in a way that will create many possibilities not just for you but for anyone that is in your orbit. Whatever the outcome that you have for your future, you must follow your heart if you’re looking for love.

Aries (the Ram) 21 March - 20 April If someone you know is dangling a few baubles in front of you to do something – beware, all that glistens is not gold. You don’t have to do anything that you don’t want to do anymore. You can lead your own life now.

Taurus (the Bull) 21 April - 21 May Changing your mind or reconsidering an offer is something that you may be faced with this month. If an opportunity presents itself to you regarding the tension you feel at work, then take it.

Gemini (the Twins) 22 May - 21 June Don’t dream about what might have been this month. Get out and do something about it. You have the whole summer to decide what might interest you but, when you have figured it out, grab it with all the enthusiasm that you can muster.

Cancer (the Crab) 22 June - 22 July Your interest in the creative side of life has always fascinated you but you have never fully exposed yourself to the delights the arts have to offer. Don’t restrain yourself to one thing. Explore what your surroundings have to offer and just go from there.

Leo (the Lion) 23 July - 21 August You’re able to accept anyone or anything that is different from you is a gift that you’ve been blessed with. Make sure your thoughts are not muddled with anything banal and you could open up more of your potential.

Virgo (the Virgin) 22 August - 23 September You have a highly trained intuition that has served you well for a long time. You can usually spot problems that appear and you are able to quickly sort them out. Finding clarity out of confusion is a skill that you have.

Libra (the Scales) 24 September - 23 October Whatever path you may choose to travel on, you should be glad in the knowledge that you are going in the right direction. Don’t be tempted to split your time between projects. Focus on the path in front of you and try not to deviate too much.

Scorpio (the Scorpion) 24 October - 22 November Taking time off to do what you want to do is something that you have always had a problem with. As tempting as daydreaming is, at some point joining the real world is something that you will have to do.

Sagittarius (the Archer) 23 November - 22 December Clearing your mind is definitely a prerogative this month. You have problems around you that you have to deal with. Try not to confuse emotional issues with those of the real world.

Capricorn (the Goat) 23 December - 20 January Any opportunity that comes your way could be within your grasp as long as you are ready to make some adjustments. Don’t limit yourself to what’s within your sphere when you can open up and make some truly great changes in your life.

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