5 minute read
FROM THE EDITOR
We hope you’ve all managed to take a decent break. It’s been a very testing few years with Covid-19 and we pray things will get better one day. Most people I know have had their boosters to help keep everyone safe.
This month Ponsonby’s new medicinal cannabis clinic - CannaPlus+ is opening and breaking barriers to improve our quality of life. This new business is New Zealand's first internationally affiliated medicinal cannabis clinic network and telemedicine platform dedicated to improving both health and lifestyle. The CannaPlus+ clinic is conveniently located in the heart of Ponsonby, opposite Bambina.
I can’t tell you how disappointed we were that Gael Baldock did not get a Good Citizens Award. This local advocate does a huge amount of unpaid work on behalf of our community. Despite meeting the criteria and with eight nominations, Gael was overlooked by the Waitematā Local Board when selecting the recipients of their Good Citizens Awards. I agree with Sarah Trotman’s sentiments in her letter opposite.
We love our local community gardens. For the fourth year in a row Grey Lynn’s Kelmarna Gardens is inviting Aucklanders to join them for an outdoor restaurant experience, enjoying food from the farm - on the farm. The team are working with Auckland restaurants for a unique farm-to-table experience at their urban community farm.
John Elliott and I have been talking about housing and young people who are trying desperately to get onto the property ladder. Many can’t afford the deposit and are desperate. We like the quirky possibility for empty nesters living in large houses with spare bedrooms who could take in young people as both companions and boarders. This is the premise of the British programme now on TV, 'Lodgers for Codgers'.
A lot of learning can take place both with the young and the old. Any innovative ideas are worth trying. We have been banging on about the dangers of glyphosate for several years, but nothing seems to change. Recently my colleague John Elliott told me how incensed he was to find the berm outside his house had been sprayed, despite being on the no-spray council list, or is supposed to be. We have been told repeatedly assured by Council, including Councillor Pippa Coom, that glyphosate is being “phased down”. We'll believe it when we see it!
Last month we walked through the Western Springs Forest (the tracks are good) to see how the newly planted natives are faring. Most are still alive, but very dry. It will be way beyond our lifetimes before any real restoration of a native forest actually occurs. It’s a shame, but relitigation of the pine removals was pointless; however we have to move on. But what an error of judgement was made by our local board.
Keeping fit and healthy, both physically and mentally is paramount says Helene Ravlich, especially as we head further into 2022 as the pandemic continues to rage on and life remains in a constant state of upheaval. It’s easy to say that the best way to counteract the feeling of uncertainty is to just roll with the punches. But that is most definitely easier said than done.
This month’s cover story is all about the KT10 Sushi Train, located at the rear of St Pierre's in Three Lamps. Check it out. (MARTIN LEACH) PN
Jay Platt & Martin Leach
ONE STEP AHEAD CLOSES THEIR STORE IN PONSONBY...
Last year local businessman Gary Ashton made the hard decision to close his business - One Step Ahead.
As he told Ponsonby News, "I would just like to thank all of our customers for their business over the years and that it was not an easy decision to close, but after Covid lockdowns, signing a new lease was just not feasible for us.
"My longtime colleague Bruce has now retired and he is working on jobs around his home. I have closed down the shoe repair side of the business, but have moved Photoprints printing and framing to work from home as an online business."
Please check out the www.photoprints.co.nz website and their contact email is as follows: info@photoprints.co.nz
We are a boutique printer, proud of the quality of our products and the service we give to all our customers.
- Top-quality prints
- Fine art papers
- Handmade frames
- Friendly, expert help
OUR CONTRIBUTORS IT’S A TEAM EFFORT... WE COULDN’T DO IT WITHOUT OUR CONTRIBUTORS
CONNOR CRAWFORD
I am a working artist and photographer with a colourful and rhythmic perspective. I enjoy shooting the front covers of Ponsonby News.
DAVID HARTNELL - MNZM
For the last 53 years I’ve been a freelance entertainment journalist and author. I’ve lived in the Grey Lynn area for nearly three decades; I have met and interviewed some amazing people.
FINN MCLENNAN-ELLIOTT
I work as a booker, promoter and festival programmer. Active in all areas of the music community; folk music is my specialty. KEN RING
My yearly NZ Weather Almanacs began in 1999. During the tragic 2011 Christchurch earthquakes, my work created international interest. I currently live in Ponsonby.
KERRY LEE
I’ve been a freelance writer for a year now, and what I love most are the wonderful people I’ve meet along the way. #best job.
LUCY KENNEDY
I am a young local writer who loves to read! Each month you will find my reviews of new books for people who love to read as much as I do.
HONOUR MITCHELL
I have lived in the Ponsonby area all of my life. I write the column ‘Teen Picks’ which explores everything on offer in the greater Ponsonby area. PHIL PARKER
Journalist and published author, I have had a career involving both wine writing and hosting boutique wine tours in the Auckland region.
HELENE RAVLICH
A freelance writer and copywriter for almost 20 years, I have written for publications all over the world and couldn’t imagine myself in any other job. PIPPA COOM
I am Councillor for Waitemata and Gulf Ward on Auckland Council. Formerly, Chair Waitemata Local Board.
JOHN APPLETON
I have a keen interest in nutritional medicine and how it may be used to support people with chronic illnesses. ROSS THORBY
I have had a wanderlust for travel ever since I was old enough to own a passport. Since I discovered cruising, I have become unstoppable.
JOHN ELLIOTT
I am the founder of Ponsonby News and write for the magazine. My career has included politics, education and publishing. My interests include the environment, the economy and social justice. SOFIA ROGER WILLIAMS
A vegan for over a year and vegetarian for over seven years with a passion for writing. I am a local student reviewing some of Ponsonby’s best vegan eats.
