11 minute read
FUTURE GENERATION
FUTURE GENERATION HONOUR MITCHELL: TEEN PICKS - WAIHEKE, THE PERFECT MINI BREAK
A Waiheke trip has always been on my bucket list. Living only an hour ferry ride away, it surprised me that I have never been to check out the island before now.
So Mum and I decided to embark on a much needed "girls trip" to Waiheke in order to see what everyone is raving about. We set off early in the morning on the ridiculously convenient car ferry (located on Hamer St, barely five mins drive from Ponsonby) and waved goodbye to what had become sameold, same-old Auckland.
As soon as the ferry docked, we went full speed ahead to the Saturday morning market in Ostend (right next to Countdown). What I noticed first was an abundance of second-hand books, which is always a giant plus for me. Other gems included: strategically-placed recycle clothing racks, dainty jewellery stores capturing large audiences, and an impressive crystal selection which drew my sister in like a magnet. After a couple of circuits browsing, hunger distracted me and I got my hands on a Hungarian puffed-bread loaded with homemade pesto, tomatoes and feta (kind of like a cross between a sandwich and a pizza). As you can imagine it was absolutely delicious. What’s more it gave me the energy boost I needed to continue exploring the island, before checking into our accommodation.
For a first-timer, a drive around the island is a good way to start. Although Waiheke is small, the settlements are spread out to make the most of all the beaches. Each area has its own special charm. Despite taking a car, it really isn’t essential as there is an excellent bus network that meets the ferry and travels around the the island with astonishing frequency. While Oneroa is the commercial hub it still feels like a quaint village. Our Airbnb was a stone’s throw away from Oneroa - in Little Oneroa - making it extremely convenient, but at the same time more secluded and peaceful than if we were in the main town.
After admiring the stunning view from our deck and a spot of unpacking, we headed straight for Little Oneroa beach. On a sweltering 30 degree afternoon this sojourn was the ideal antidote. It was quiet with a laid back vibe as more people seemed to be attracted to the main Oneroa beach, instead of the little, sweet one. Honestly, I preferred having the cute, peaceful beach. It was a great place to swim with the perfect water temperature due to the petite, sheltered cove. We also checked out Onetangi beach, which was idyllic, long and expansive but more breezy with a slightly cooler water temperature than Little Oneroa. Palm Beach is also appealing - but unfortunately it was a little cloudy when we arrived so I feel we didn’t see this piece of paradise at its best. Overall, we decided that Little Oneroa was our winning spot. We cherished it so much that on our last morning we trekked down a bush track to go for a dawn-breaking swim to enhance the memories we had made over the weekend. Absolutely no one else was there. It sure was a tranquil way to say farewell!
Shopping Oneroa has an eclectic array of shops. We checked out multiple surf shops, a designer recycle boutique down a little lane, and another boutique boasting over 1,000 anklets and loads of pastel flowing skirts (sadly none in my size!). But our favourite was an amazing crystal shop which had exquisite hand-made crochet tops crafted by a girl on the island - plus an intriguing selection of crystals, spiritual books, cards and an in-house tarot reader. Opposite this little marvel was our second favourite: The Island Grocer. Not only did this organic grocer supply an excellent range of fresh and packaged goods, but it had an attached wing with coffee, smoothies, raw slices and very appealing lunch snacks.
Food There are so many places to eat on Waiheke and we certainly admired many captivating menus, but with the spectacular view from our rental we decided to opt for takeaways and easy meal options purchased from our newly-discovered Island Grocer. We constructed many delicious platters and thoroughly enjoyed take-out from Dragonfired (pizza and an organic polenta/black bean bowl) and Little Oneroa Takeaways (Fish&Chips) all while drinking in the mesmerising view.
Waiheke surely lives up to its reputation and more. I had a great first experience, perfect really! I loved the the relaxed island atmosphere as well as the amazing beaches. Two nights was a rejuvenating break - so nipping over to Waiheke for just a weekend is definitely worth it, even in the summer peak, as there still seems to be plenty of space for everyone. (HONOUR MITCHELL) PN
Olivia Stewart and Michelle Buckley
NUMBERWORKS’NWORDS
NumberWorks’nWords have opened a brand new centre at 316 Richmond Road, Grey Lynn. Owned and managed by experienced NumberWorks’nWords franchisees, Michelle Buckley and Olivia Stewart.
NumberWorks’nWords Grey Lynn specialises in providing individualised maths and English tuition to children ages 5 - 16. Returning to the classroom after the disruption to schooling caused by Covid-19 can be a challenge for students due to missed learning opportunities. Catching up and closing gaps is more important than ever after the interruptions to schooling that students have faced during lockdowns. Now is the time for students to get back on track with their learning!
NumberWorks’nWords offer free assessments in maths and English which identify gaps and weaknesses. With this information, in conjunction with the parents and child, the team develops a personalised learning programme to meet each child’s learning needs.
The in-centre tuition is customised to each child, and delivered by trained tutors who are experts in their subjects. Tutoring with NumberWorks’nWords Grey Lynn improves school results and boosts confidence through a personalised approach to tuition which caters to students of all abilities and complements the work that students do at school.
NumberWorks’nWords tuition is computer-based, using bespoke tutoring software. Traditional learning methods are also incorporated into teaching practices.
Maths and English tutoring with NumberWorks’nWords is beneficial for students who need extra support or are falling behind at school, and those students who require extension work that challenges them.
If you are interested in learning more about where your child is at with their learning, contact NumberWorks’nWords Grey Lynn, and book a free assessment today.
NumberWorks’nWords, 316 Richmond Road, T: 09 360 0816, www.numberworksnwords.com/nz
STRETCHING GIRLS’ MINDS AT ST CUTHBERT’S
St Cuthbert’s Junior School’s innovative ‘Stretch’ programme stretches the mind and gives girls a great foundation in STEAM subjects (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics).
As a result, students receive a hands-on, engaging education from passionate and committed teachers, to fully equip them for the future.
At St Cuthbert’s Junior School, learning is fun and interactive. St Cuthbert’s Stretch programme empowers girls to question, learn, and grow together. Girls across Years 0 - 6 all experience science, technology, engineering, dance, drama, coding, robotics, languages and visual arts. The programme is designed by our experienced junior and senior teachers, resulting in an increased depth of knowledge from an early age.
Every Wednesday afternoon, teachers and students alike look forward to the inspiration each Stretch session brings, creating and exploring concepts together.
The girls collaborate on a common project and are encouraged to solve problems and to think differently, challenging themselves and one another, all while having fun. This experiential learning and teamwork fosters curiosity, perseverance, and resilience as well as leadership. Girls can explore a range of STEAM concepts and learn through their successes, as well as when things don’t quite go to plan. St Cuthbert’s Junior School teachers say it’s incredibly special seeing the girls’ confidence grow.
“This amazing programme helps uncover special and new talents, while stretching our students’ minds. It offers our girls another learning experience, enabling all our students to thrive and find their unique strengths.”
The classes are hands-on, creative and full of wonder. Many girls demonstrate natural talents for particular subjects gravitating to these, and teachers nurture their talents and interests so they can be further explored in Senior School.
For more information on St Cuthbert’s Junior School, and the innovative Stretch programme please visit stcuthberts.school.nz/juniorschool
To see St Cuthbert’s Junior School in action please join us at our upcoming Open Day from 10.00am – 12.00pm, Saturday 12 March. Register at stcuthberts.school.nz/openday
ST CUTHBERT’S, Year 0 – 13, 122 Market Road, Epsom T: 09 520 4159, www.stcuthberts.school.nz
FUTURE GENERATION I Love Lucy Book Review:
Kay Donovan has a hard past, but she has put it behind her and now she is a different person. She is a star soccer player, popular with beautiful friends and she attends a prestigious private school - Bates Academy. Then on the night of an important school dance, a girl's body is found in a lake, by none other than Kay and her friends.
Suddenly it seems like everything Kay has worked so hard to construct is falling apart. Kay discovers that the dead girl has left her a scavenger hunt via a self coded website, threatening to push Kay off her pedestal, taking her friends and her future with her. The site clues many suspects for the murder of the girl in the lake, all of which are close to Kay. How can she know who to trust? Kay is totally prepared to do what it takes to keep herself, her scholarship and her carefully planned out future safe.
I read this well written suspense novel in two days because I couldn’t put it down. This is the kind of book that will send shivers up your spine and keep you hanging on its words. The whole idea of this book is, in my opinion, genius. I kept going back to it after I finished it, and continued to think about the plot line and characters for weeks after I turned the last page. Bates Academy honestly sounds like an amazing school with beautiful buildings, friendly people and cool dorm rooms - I would love to go there - minus the homicide.
I would recommend this book to people who like young adult fiction, private school dramas, menacing undertones, blackmail, descriptive writing and, of course, murder mysteries. There are obviously descriptions of death in this book, so if you are squeamish this may not be the book for you. (LUCY KENNEDY) PN
www.lucykennedywriter.wixsite.com/reviews instagram @lucykennedybookreviews out of 5!
LET PONSONBY NEWS READERS KNOW ABOUT YOUR BRAND…
ADVERTISING RATES START AT $235+GST
Email info@ponsonbynews.co.nz www.ponsonbynews.co.nz
STROLLING IN STYLE WITH SILVER CROSS
Ponsonby’s newest baby retailer has arrived, offering innovation and style to parents and parents to be.
There is nothing that conjures up an image of royalty quite like a Silver Cross pram. One of the oldest nursery companies in the world, Silver Cross is a quintessentially English brand that has been making buggies since 1877. If you stroll past Silver Cross’s newest retail store on Pompallier Terrace you will find one of the world’s most exclusive baby pushchairs - known as the “Rolls-Royce of prams” displayed for all to admire and appreciate the hand crafted perfection.
The Silver Cross story started in 1877 when William Wilson wheeled out the world’s first coach built ‘baby carriage’ from his Yorkshire workshop in Leeds, introducing a unique idea that would change parenting forever. This leading British nursery brand has much to celebrate with it’s first ever New Zealand store opening, and recently celebrating their 140 year anniversary, marking a significant contribution to the baby care market, spanning across three centuries.
The luxury pram is quite popular in the UK. In fact, the royal family have been patrons of it for decades - from King George VI to today's Duchess of Cambridge. Generations of parents have given their children the best start in life with prams, pushchairs, car seats, nursery furniture, and bedding bearing the trusted Silver Cross name.
More than ten million babies have enjoyed their first views of the world from the comfort and safety of a Silver Cross pram. Loved by royalty, celebrities, and families worldwide, the brand is firmly established as a household name due to its commitment to meeting the changing needs of modern parents.
The recently opened Ponsonby Store range includes prams, travel systems, strollers, nursery furniture and car seats.
Visit the team at Silver Cross Ponsonby to see the range or visit them online.
