Ponsonby News February 2025

EUROPEAN ANTIQUES

SIMPSON: DEPUTY MAYOR OF AUCKLAND

015 DAVID HARTNELL: ONE

MEOLA ROAD WORK

The new Meola Road is magnificent. I realise the project is not entirely finished, but take a bow AT and everyone else involved with its planning and building. I returned recently from four months overseas and was reminded what progress Auckland has made. Walking and biking along Meola Road – such an improvement. And driving that way is also a relief, after the battered state of the old road surface.

Alistair Woodward

Editor/Publisher: MARTIN LEACH M: 021 771 147 martinleach@xtra.co.nz or martin@ponsonbynews.co.nz

Distribution Manager: JAY PLATT M: 021 771 146 jayplatt@xtra.co.nz or jay@ponsonbynews.co.nz

Advertising Sales: JO BARRETT M: 021 324 510 joannebarrett@xtra.co.nz

Advertising Sales/Ad Designer: MELISSA PAYNTER M: 027 938 4111 melissapaynter@me.com

Operations Manager: GWYNNE DAVENPORT M: 021 150 4095 gwynne@ponsonbynews.co.nz

Fashion & Beauty Editor: HELENE RAVLICH M: 021 767 133 helene@mshelene.com

Designer: ARNA MARTIN M: 021 354 984 arna@cocodesign.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. PONSONBY NEWS is published monthly, excluding January by: ALCHEMY MEDIA LIMITED, P.O. BOX 47-282 Ponsonby, Auckland 1144, T: 09 378 8553, www.ponsonbynews.co.nz 006

AUCKLAND CITY… YOU ROCK!

One minute the January streets are empty as every second person seems to head for the beach, and the next minute there’s a wonderful lively atmosphere going down as we all return with New Year goals on our minds. People walking by are chatting in various foreign languages. The buskers are singing it up. The sun comes out and Auckland City feels like a great place to live.

Last weekend, the Viaduct and Wynyard Quarter harbour edge was alive with those who came to watch the SailGP regatta happening on the inner Waitematā Harbour. Our Kiwi boat, Black Foil, was competing against 10 other big foiling yachts. A gusting easterly breeze lifted the excitement stakes, giving us all a sense of imminent catastrophe at every turn but, ultimately, it all went very well and everyone survived to sail another day.

Good on you, Auckland. It was a great spectacle and it was good to see the cafés and bars busily doing their thing. Great to see an event like that bringing vitality to the city.

Rock the Vote NZ

www.rockthevotenz.org.nz

STREETS AROUND K’RD/MERCURY LANE ARE STILL CHANGING LAYOUTS...

AT assured 3 Cross Street building owners that their K'Rd service lane is no longer being narrowed by a southern side footpath; nor being constricted at Mercury Lane intersection; and no humps will be installed, so it will be accessible for the trucks and forklifts supplying the supermarket and commercial buildings. When I presented this to the AT Board with an owner, Chair Richard Leggat voiced his delight, until I pointed out that such glaring, money-wasting mistakes should never have occurred in a professional design.

Despite or in spite of the petition by 250 K'Rd business owners and managers, AT is still insistent on changing the direction of Mercury Lane uphill. A misdirected email has revealed AT’s future deceptive intention to pedestrianise the top area contrary to massive feedback against it, resulting in an assurance that won’t happen. There are also changes afoot for East Street that may include a direction change and would therefore require the removal of the cycle lane.

After four years, K'Rd finally has its public toilets. Against the wishes of 250 petitioners, it is located on Mercury Lane. Because the street is too steep for mobility-impaired people, there is a ramp for disabled and wheelchair access to the first toilet. The second toilet is accessed via three steps. The handrails do not appear to make access safe. There will be public toilets at the CRL stations at the top and bottom of the hill within two years. Will AT move this toilet block then?

Ponsonby is experiencing the same loss of public toilets with the development of PoP that has closed off access to the Pompallier Street public carpark.

Gael Baldock GaelB@xtra.co.nz

LETTER TO THE EDITOR – MEOLA ROAD PARKING

On Meola Road just before the bridge and Seddon Fields is an area that was used as Dempsey Wood’s material storage area during the construction of Meola Road. This site would make a great overflow carpark for the soccer players instead of them parking on grass areas. All that would be required would be gravel instead of hay.

It was also used as a storage area for all the bluestone kerb blocks that were removed from the length of Meola. Where are they now? They fetch around $45 each on TradeMe. These city assets need to be accounted for.

Further along the road, dog walkers are also parking on the grass as there are insufficient carparks for the users. Simply by moving the boulders forward 2m closer to the tree, there would be space to add an additional 10 carparks to the other side of the existing carpark. I have proposed additional parks but this is the least that should be done immediately. Unfortunately, the City Vision members of the Waitematā Local Board are too anti-car to approve this, even when a husband of one of them has a dog walking business. Go figure!

I don’t play soccer or have a dog. My concern is purely empathetic.

Gael Baldock, Community Advocate

PONSONBY NEWS READERS ARE EVERYWHERE

Mayor Wayne Brown is photographed reading the latest issue while staying in Haikou, a port city and the capital of China’s Hainan.

Opinions expressed in Ponsonby News are not always the opinion of Alchemy Media Limited & Ponsonby News.

I know it’s February already but Happy New Year to everyone. We hope you are all rested and have enjoyed a good old break.

In case you missed the news you will be aware that we are now going fully online. I love print and have been in the magazine business since 1990, I will miss those days. Thank you to all the locals who supported our Give a Little campaign. Sadly, we didn’t quite reach our target. It’s been a tough old year and going fully online will bring us more readers, which in turn gives our loyal advertisers more bang for their buck.

We’ve always enjoyed a delicious degustation. One of our favourite restaurants SIDART has recently changed its menu so instead of Italian they are going back to the old menu we all knew and loved.

If health is one of your New Year's resolutions you may consider an Ayurveda Autumn Cleanse retreat. The retreat is hosted by Ponsonby’s Sarita Blankenburg and her Ayurveda New Zealand team at Parohe on Kawau Island from 27–30 March. This retreat is an opportunity to escape the hectic pace of daily life and embrace the rejuvenating practices of authentic Ayurveda in a stunning natural setting.

Happy 20th birthday, Two Hands Tattoo… Fashion and beauty editor Helene Ravlich had her first ever tattoo done in Ponsonby, at Dermagraphic (now College Hill Tattoo Studio) almost 30 years ago.

Local artist Stefan ‘Spider’ Sinclair is at the top of his game and celebrating 20 years in business, most of those in Ponsonby Road. “The best decision I ever made,” Stefan says of his move to Ponsonby. The studio flourished, growing incredibly quickly. Two Hands has become renowned for its ultra talented visiting international artists. The studio attracts people from all walks of life including those who want an elevated tattoo experience. Stefan says he had no real plan when he opened up Two Hands. He simply wanted a space to tattoo in that he could create and have all he ever wished for in a studio.

(MARTIN LEACH & JAY PLATT)  PN

DATE: AUCKLAND RAINBOW PRIDE PARADE - 7PM, 15 FEBRUARY - SEE YOU THERE!

Photography: Connor Crawford

Jay Platt & Martin Leach

photography: Alex McVinnie

IT’S A TEAM EFFORT...

WE COULDN’T DO IT WITHOUT OUR CONTRIBUTORS

CHLÖE SWARBRICK

Chlöe Swarbrick is the MP for and the biggest fan of Auckland Central - she is Co-Leader of the Green Party of Aotearoa NZ.

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 over three decades; I have met and interviewed some amazing people.

DESLEY SIMPSON

I am a dedicated and approachable Deputy Mayor of Auckland, with a handson approach and genuine commitment to improving local communities and solving issues in Auckland.

GAEL BALDOCK

We each follow our moral compass shaped by training. Mine is sculpting, architecture, sociology, anthropology and betterment of our shared world by community advocacy… and saving trees.

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.

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.

LISA PRAGER

A life long advocate for community issues, I am passionate about protecting and enhancing our natural environment and built heritage.

MELISSA LEE

I have been a National List MP based in Mt Albert for the past 16 years. I am dedicated to listening and understanding the needs of our community, working hard to deliver outcomes and drive positive change.

MIKE LEE

I am the councillor for Waitematā & Gulf. A former seafarer, former chair of the ARC, conservationist, PT advocate, and author. I have represented the Ponsonby area since 1992.

PHIL PARKER

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

PUNEET DHALL

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

ROSS THORBY - QSM

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.

SARITA SOLVIG BLANKENBURG

I am a passionate Ayurveda practitioner based in Ponsonby for the last 15 years. Inspiring others to live a healthy and fulfilled life is my higher purpose.

SARISA NASINPROM

Born in Thailand. Aotearoa is now my home. I believe we have but one body, one being, and a duty to care for it and to help others to care for theirs.

SARAH TROTMAN, ONZM

She has been rated the most effective Governor on the Waitematā Local Board. However, we rate her as the most effective community advocate, who led the C&R team from her sole voice on the Board to the majority at the last election, until...

Welcome Brian

Joining Sibuns as the new manager, Brian brings a wealth of experience to the business.

Starting out as a Professional Cricketer and then Coach, Brian spent 10 years playing County Cricket in England for Worcestershire and representing New Zealand in the 80’s.

He then moved into the corporate world ending up at Fletcher Building, where he held various management roles. Kept busy with twin daughters, Brian made the move into Real Estate servicing the wider Pukekohe area for 15 years, before selling to one of the larger Corporates.

In early 2023 he decided on a complete change of direction and joined the team at Purewa Cemetery which was very rewarding and led him to his current role. He firmly believes in the term “we are only as good as our people”, therefore places a strong emphasis on training and supporting the Sibuns team. He is looking forward to carrying on the wonderful traditions of Sibuns.

To speak to any of the Sibuns team phone 09 520 3119 or visit www.sibuns.co.nz

THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS TEMPLE COMPLETION

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is delighted to announce the completion of the Auckland New Zealand Temple, a project that has been five years in the making.

To celebrate this milestone, the Church is hosting a free public open house from Thursday, February 27, to Saturday, March 22, 2025, excluding Sundays. People of all ages and faiths are warmly invited to attend. This is an opportunity for everyone to see the inside of the temple, walk through each of the rooms and learn about why temples are important to the members of the Church. The tour of the temple lasts approximately 30 minutes, and knowledgeable guides will be on hand to answer any questions.

Visitors can schedule their visit and obtain free tickets by scanning the neighbouring QR code.

Once the temple is formally dedicated, it will be accessible only to faithful members of the Church too perform sacred religious ordinances. Inside temples, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints can take part in these ordinances, they show their commitment to follow Jesus Christ and receive blessings and direction from God. Temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are places of peace, happiness and service.

Auckland Temple is located at 19 Redoubt Road, Goodwood Heights, Auckland 2105.

www.churchofjesuschrist.org/featured/auckland-new-zealand-open-house

AUCKLAND

NEW ZEALAND TEMPLE

OPEN HOUSE

27 FEBRUARY - 22 MARCH

(EXCLUDING SUNDAYS)

Experience the beauty and peace of the Auckland, New Zealand Temple during this special public open house.

SCAN THE QR CODE TO LEARN MORE AND RESERVE YOUR VISIT.

NATIONAL LIST MP BASED IN MT ALBERT

Embracing Opportunity for Transformation in 2025.

I hope you all have had a fantastic start to the year and enjoyed the summer break, taking time to reflect, rejuvenate and recharge. A new year brings fresh opportunities for communities to come together, strengthen connections and work towards shared goals. It is a time to embrace change, overcome challenges and look ahead with optimism. Across Auckland, people are finding new ways to support one another, foster resilience and drive positive transformation. The strength of our communities lies in their ability to adapt and grow, and 2025 presents a chance to build on that foundation for an even brighter future.

The National Government is focused on accelerating economic growth, building on the groundwork laid in our first year in office. Strengthening the economy, creating jobs and equipping young people with essential skills remain key priorities. While challenges exist, our Government is implementing policies that support businesses, enhance infrastructure and create opportunities for New Zealanders to thrive. With the right approach, 2025 can be a year of transformation for our country.

Engaging with communities and supporting local businesses will be a priority for me this year, ensuring that the momentum from economic changes translates into tangible benefits for hardworking Kiwis. I am committed to listen to our local

If you require any assistance I and my office are always happy and ready to provide advice and support.

Please get in touch on 09 520 0538 or at MPLee@parliament.govt.nz to make an appointment

Melissa Lee

National List MP based in Auckland

MPLee@parliament.govt.nz melissalee.co.nz mpmelissalee

communities, understanding their challenges and exploring ways to help them grow and succeed. Mt Albert continues to evolve and I look forward to seeing firsthand the innovation and resilience of local businesses contributing to our shared economic success. The rise in tourism has brought renewed energy to Auckland, boosting local businesses, restaurants and hospitality providers. With new Government policies designed to attract more visitors, tourism is set to play a vital role in economic recovery, supporting not just the city but also neighbourhoods like Mt Albert. These developments bring opportunities for local businesses to expand and create jobs.

Recently, I attended various Lunar New Year celebrations and the inauguration of the Sri Lankan Business Association in New Zealand. These events highlighted the remarkable contributions of ethnic communities to Auckland’s economy and culture. Many individuals I met have strong ties to Mt Albert, reinforcing how interconnected and diverse our city is. These celebrations remind us that embracing diversity and inclusivity leads to a stronger, united community.

While change brings uncertainty, it also offers the chance to shape a better future. I encourage you to stay engaged, share your ideas and help transform our neighbourhoods. My office is always open and I look forward to meeting many of you throughout the year.

Wishing you all the best for 2025 — I look forward to seeing you around Mt Albert and across Auckland.

(HON MELISSA LEE)  PN

National List MP based in Mt Albert

Authorised by Melissa Lee, Parliament Buildings, Wellington MPLee@parliament.govt.nz

Authorised by Melissa Lee, Parliament Buildings, Wellington.

THINK GLOBAL. SUPPORT LOCAL. ACT LOCAL. LOVE LOCAL.

We are humans working hard… and we all need help right now…

We are Builders, Carpenters, Plumbers, Painters, Tradespeople, Fashion Designers, Architects, Artists, Therapists, Retailers, Dentists, Reiki Masters, Interior Designers, Watch Makers, Jewellers, Candle Makers, Stay @ homers, Consultants, Truckies, Taxi Drivers, Bakers, Restauranteurs, Waiters, Wine Makers, Musicians, Yoga Aficionados, Healers, Crystal Collectors, Clairvoyants, Acupuncturists, Animal Lovers, Airline Pilots, Cabin Crew, Firefighters, Doctors, Nurses, Consultants, Beauty Therapists, Facialists, Hairdressers, Barbers, Farmers, Gardeners, Landscapers, Bee Keepers, Bankers, Brokers, Chimney Sweeps, Builders, Painters, Architects, Singers, Musicians, Tarot Readers, Actors, Directors, Producers, Dancers, Footballers, Rugby Players, Coaches, Funeral Directors, Antique Dealers, Astrologers, Weather, Forecasters, Newsreaders, Couriers, Electricians, Novelists, Lawyers, Sales Reps, Computer Programmers, Software Designers, Journalists, Baristas, Web Masters, Celebrities, Vets and Swimming Instructors.

SIMPSON: SUMMER FIRE SAFETY ALERT

New Restrictions Protect Auckland Communities

As the world watched in horror at the devastating fires that ripped through greater Los Angeles in January, it’s caused many to re look at preventative fire measures at home.

Auckland is currently at the height of summer and Fire and Emergency New Zealand has been positive in introducing new fire restrictions to safeguard our many communities across the region. These measures, effective from 16 January, are a proactive response to the heightened wildfire risk posed by soaring temperatures and dry conditions across Tāmaki Makaurau.

The restrictions cover several districts, with outdoor fires now limited in Waitematā, Auckland City and Counties Manukau. In the Hauraki Gulf, even stricter measures are in place with a complete fire ban. These precautions underscore the severity of fire hazards during the summer months and aim to protect lives, properties and natural environments.

Why Are These Restrictions Necessary?

Current weather conditions have created a high-risk environment for fires. While some rainfall is forecasted, experts caution that it will not be enough to offset the prolonged dry spell. Vegetation such as mānuka and kānuka, along with grasslands and forests, become especially flammable in these conditions, significantly increasing the risk of wildfires.

The new measures require residents to obtain permits for all outdoor fires, including those for camping, cooking or disposing of garden waste.

Open fires are now prohibited in all public spaces, including beaches, foreshores, parks, conservation areas and forests. Additionally, fireworks are banned in public areas to prevent accidental fires.

How Can We Stay Safe?

Fire and Emergency New Zealand is urging Aucklanders and visitors to adopt fire-safe practices during the summer. This includes avoiding activities that may generate sparks and

using established barbecue facilities in parks and beaches, as portable barbecues are currently restricted.

Community vigilance is critical. Residents are encouraged to treat fire risk assessments as a routine part of planning outdoor activities, much like checking the weather forecast. Any signs of smoke or fire should be reported immediately by calling 111.

While these restrictions may require some adjustments to summer traditions, they are vital for protecting communities and the environment. By adhering to the guidelines and obtaining necessary permits, residents can still enjoy outdoor activities safely.

Regularly checking checkitsalright.nz ensures you stay informed about current restrictions and can plan activities accordingly.

Protecting Auckland Together

When it comes to fire safety, prevention and compliance are our strongest defences. Stay informed, follow the rules and, together, we can protect our region from the devastating impacts of wildfires.

These fire restrictions remind us of our collective responsibility.

REMEMBER: A little caution goes a long way in keeping Auckland safe this summer. Wind, high temperatures and little rainfall can leave trees, shrubs and fallen leaves dried out and primed to fuel a fire, resulting in a trail of devastation. Let’s not let Auckland succumb to awful fire tragedy like we have seen in Los Angeles where thousands of residents have been evacuated, homes and ecosystems destroyed and many lives lost.

Together, let’s do everything we can to make our great city ‘fire safe’.

DESLEY SIMPSON, Deputy Mayor of Auckland www.desleysimpson.co.nz

DESLEY

Photography: Auckland Press

DAVID HARTNELL:

ONE MINUTE INTERVIEW WITH ASH NATH

Ash Nath is the owner of Nath Optometrists in Ponsonby Road.

In a few words tell us about your job?

“No, please just read the bottom line, not the whole chart!"

In all seriousness though, my job is primary eyecare where we examine eyes and make sure they are healthy. Whether you need new spectacles, contact lenses, have red eyes or dry eyes I am here to solve your eye problems.

What is new for frames in 2025?

Using more sustainable approaches and using metals and acetate that take the environment into consideration. This is to be achieved whilst maintaining the high quality standards that certain brands have kept up with over the years.

In terms of style we are seeing the return of retro styles, vibrant colours as well as minimalist understated luxury trends with the summer 2025 collections.

What do you like about Ponsonby?

It has to be the people. Everyone has been so lovely since we have moved here. We appreciate the trust many have in us to look after their eye care needs. Fellow business owners are also very supportive and we all want to see each other succeed. It's simply beautiful!

Your bucket list?

To see the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis).

Most Kiwi thing about you?

I end up using the word ‘bro' a lot. Everyone is my bro.

Best day of your life to date?

The day I married my best friend – my wife. Hands (knees and shoulders) down asking her to marry me.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Honestly, I love what I do every day. I will consider myself fortunate to be in the same spot meeting people every day and looking after their eye care needs. Perhaps my dog will be better behaved by then so I can bring him into work!

What job would you do other than your own?

I would LOVE to be a film maker. I do love telling stories and the process of turning a written text to a live moving image is something that excites me. I look at it similarly when we engineer a prescription and make it come alive in a pair of spectacles, sunglasses or contact lenses.

If you were reincarnated, what would you be?

A standard poodle. I love to get my haircut every two weeks or else I get a headache. I can behave and I love formal wear. I will get sassy and be brutally honest with you if you try on frames that don't suit you and I think agility (eye) tests are a lot of fun.

Biggest disappointments?

Not going into independent practice ownership earlier in my career. I love what I have done in the past 14 years –OPSM franchise, working in Adelaide as an optometrist and as an eye care manager. But helping people with eye care

and eye wear in my own independent business absolutely takes the cake.

What motivates you?

I compete with myself. I am my biggest critic and need to constantly improve in all aspects of my life. Except for the size of my nose. That can't be helped.

Ever seen a ghost?

Yes, all the time. It’s when I can't find things and, when my wife comes, suddenly the ghost seems to put things back and somehow my wife can find them. But I swear they weren't there before.

Most treasured possession?

My wedding photo albums.

Something very few people know about you?

I used to be in a squash team in high school and the only game we won was when the other team didn't show up.

Which talent would you most like to have?

Being able to play the piano really well.

What gizmo can you simply not live without?

My AirPods and my phone.

Your greatest weakness/indulgence?

Good coffee and banana bread.

Handshake or a hug kind of person?

A hug person.

Travel light or heavy?

Definitely heavy. You have to take a fifth shirt in case the lighting and sunlight hits differently at your destination and you have to change. And if you end up wearing the same shirt, at least your spare clothes get to go travelling too. Just like the book I intend on reading but never do because I'm too busy taking photos or watching a movie.

How did you survive the pandemic?

I did so many Wasjig puzzles and it taught me to be patient.

(DAVID HARTNELL, MNZM)  PN

www.nathoptometrists.co.nz/website/

WAYNE BROWN: MAYOR OF AUCKLAND

My wife and I have had apartments in Ponsonby from Blake Street to Hopetoun to Heresford and now back to Blake and Prosford all this century, so I feel I’m qualified to comment on our dear suburb, especially as I’m the only elected person on the council who is a city dweller, given that our ward representative lives on Waiheke.

We all love the proximity to the city where I walk to work and the range of shops, cafes and bars along Ponsonby Road but a walk from top to bottom of our ‘main street' does reveal a disturbing number of vacant premises.

Indeed, we are going through mourning over the loss of Dida’s, our closest and favourite watering hole only to be followed by Blake Street Cafe three stories below our own apartment.

Of course there are still others like Chapel which is great place to while away time over a beer and a pizza just taking in the people wandering by, but there are definite signs of the tough economic environment out there.

At least cafes, bars and barbers aren’t competing with online sales but if we don’t shop locally we’ve only ourselves to blame if shops shut. You have to take your hat off to new entrants at times like this, like the new wine bar halfway up College Hill that is setting new trends. Good on them!

When spending in a sector drops, there have to be casualties in order that there are survivors. If dining spend drops by 40% for example then either 40% close so others survive or they all close as they can’t survive on the reduced spend. This is just basic economics and owner operators have always known this.

There are other heavily subsidised sectors that refuse to acknowledge this and an example of this is the live theatre sector, whose advocates claim that they are too important to be left to face the realities of a serious downturn. They do add flavour to a city but they are not essentials like bakers, plumbers, nurses and electricians for instance.

Ratepayers are all facing pressure and it is a foolish council that keeps raising rates to cover for everything that some citizens might want. Currently, council subsidises a string of live theatres all struggling to survive, yet there are calls for ratepayers to cough up to restore old theatres to add to the number of infilled available seats in Auckland and this is not only during tough times but soon the Convention Centre will add another 2000 live theatre seats to what is already an oversupplied market.

Just pointing this out will probably upset some lovers of live theatre but if we don’t limit the number of venues that ratepayers support, then they will all fail along with many upset struggling ratepayers who don’t go to these even in the best of times.

Balancing the books is never easy managing the competing pressures of needs and wants of a community and ratepayers should be wary of those calling for the delivery of everything at a time when even the Government is battling cost pressures and telling councils to stick to basics of pipes, roads, buses, drains and rubbish.

Just saying! Right now we need more income into our city and that means making it easier for tourists to visit for example, yet the Government refuses to reciprocate visa-free entry to countries with big local populations like Chinese who can go to Thailand visa free now.

You will all be asked for your views on what many in the accommodation industry want which is a 2.5% surcharge on overnight stays to build up a fund to pay for big events which fill the hotels, as council doesn’t want to rate struggling households to fill flash hotels, but the Government doesn’t like this either.

This year will be a challenge, so let’s celebrate what we’ve got here in Ponsonby and support it. (WAYNE BROWN)  PN

www.facebook.com/WayneBrownAuckland Mayor.Wayne.Brown@Aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

AL FRESCO DINING ON DELICIOUS FRESH PRODUCE AT KELMARNA COMMUNITY FARM

February is all about enjoying our beautiful outdoors and what better place to be than dining al fresco on delicious fresh produce at Kelmarna Community Farm?

An unforgettable pop-up dining experience, Kelmarna Farm Dinners – now in their seventh year – showcase the best of our farm fresh ingredients in delicious and creative set menus crafted by local chefs. Sharing amazing kai with whānau and friends at long communal tables amongst trees, plants and flowers is a magic way to spend a summer’s evening.

The series kicks off on Friday 14 February with two outstanding chefs collaborating on what promises to be an exciting fourcourse menu. Long-time supporter of the farm, Tom Hishon, chef and co-owner of Kingi and Daily Bread, and Guilio Sturla of Lyttelton’s six-seater restaurant, Mapu, will work together to produce a meal inspired by the fresh produce of Kelmarna.

The following night, Saturday 15 February, Guilio will take over the pans solo to cook and serve creative, seasonal dishes that have become his signature.

Kelmarna also welcomes some new faces to the series this year. Head chef at Mr Morris, Georgia van Prehn, is cooking a four-course menu over Tuesday 18 and Wednesday 19 February. Well known for her creativity with vegetables, Georgia’s menu will be complemented with drinks curated by Michael Hanna of Project Hydrosol. Michael will be gathering botanicals from the market garden to distil unique matches for Georgia's flavours.

And finally on Thursday 20 and Friday 21 February, chef and co-owner of Pici and Ooh-Fa restaurants, Jono Thevenard,

teams up with Kia Kanuta (ex Ada) to lay down a hāngī. Using vegetables from the farm alongside kai moana and lamb, this hāngī will be served with the modern-Māori touch for which chef Kia is so well known.

The Farm Dinner series is not only a culinary tour de force, it helps raise valuable funds to support Kelmarna’s educational and therapeutic work in the community, with 50% of proceeds from Farm Dinners going straight to the charitable trust.

General Manager Sarah McFadden says the series has grown from strength to strength over its seven years running, and this year features a line-up like no other.

“We're super excited to welcome some of Tāmaki Makaurau's most talented chefs to curate an array of amazing summer dining experiences for our guests. Their generous support of our kaupapa really validates the important role the farm plays in the community. And because these dinners are important fundraising events for the Kelmarna Community Farm Trust, it's a great way to start the year as we pursue our goal of becoming a more resilient and impactful organisation."

So grab whānau and friends and come on down to the farm to join us for an evening of fantastic fresh food at your beautiful local community farm. All dinners run from 6pm - 9pm apart from Sunday 16 February which will run from 5pm - 9pm.

kelmarna.co.nz/events @kelmarnafarm

GAEL BALDOCK:

PLEASE FAST TRACK COUNCIL CONTROLLING AUCKLAND TRANSPORT...

Auckland can’t wait another six months for the legislation to give the council the decisionmaking power over AT, who is carrying on with the destruction of traffic movement in our city.

At Auckland Council's monthly public meetings, Auckland Transport sings their praises but that’s not how ratepayers see it – they remain one of the most hated organisations. CEO Dean Kimpton admitted that cycleways are unused, “in that emissions reduction plan, cycling is supposed to rise to 17% of all trips. But it's still stuck on 1%. I'm not a believer in 'build it and they will come’.” [NZ Herald 26/11/23];

The Government called a halt to humps and cycleways, but AT is still building them. The road designs in our area have major design flaws caused by a lack of understanding, restricted consultation and being cycleway dominant. Meola/Pt Chevalier cycleway is nearing completion, Great North Road is starting and Surrey/Old Mill is planned for July.

Great North Road Cycle Lane

I saw a truck struggling to turn from Great North Road into Maidstone Street on its way to the Williamson Avenue supermarket. Yet construction is underway narrowing that intersection entry, without regard to service vehicles, in yet another cycle-centric design. Apparently, the humps at the steep roads leading to the ridge have been amended out of the construction after I pointed out vehicles are already slowed by ‘hill starts’.

Contractors have felled 23 mature trees because they were in ‘sight-line’, that wasn’t a problem for at least the last 50 years. WLB chair assured me on Facebook, “Additional trees are being planted so please try not to worry. That will be better for the climate so no need to be distressed.” Wrong, cutting down mature trees and replacing them with seedlings is akin to firing a teacher and replacing her with a 5-yearold. It doesn’t improve the environment or the aesthetic, and certainly doesn’t give her a 'beautiful boulevard'.

The intersection from Bond Street will no longer allow vehicles to access Williamson Avenue via Grosvenor Street. This is the street with one of the worst cycleway designs, only to be beaten by West Lynn Village.

Pt Chevalier T3 Transit Lane

AT insisted traffic using Meola were ‘rat-runners’ and it wasn’t an ‘arterial’ road, even though it is the outer link bus route. They must have changed their ‘collective mind’ – the new layout now has a T3 lane added without public consultation. It’s half a block long on Pt Chevalier Road, on the side of the evening commute from 3 pm to 7 pm. It also restricts 7 am to 10 am morning traffic commuting on the other side of the road.

The length of the zigzagging cycleway, there are only 36 carparks (reduced to 12 during T3 operation), one loading and no disabled parking. The short block, the other side of the Meola roundabout, has 17 carparks. That loss must be devastating for business. The side streets have also lost carparks. Parking for dog walkers and soccer players has not been solved. There are also drainage issues and the last time it rained heavily, water was going into the Twisted Tomato Cafe. AT has also put in an ‘over-engineered solution’, at the intersection of Meola and Moa, a ramp and a set of stairs. This has to be seen to be believed.

Meola/Garnet Roundabout

Before the new layout, the Meola/Garnet roundabout worked well. With two lanes going uphill from the shops, local traffic continued uphill while commuters turned right into Meola. Now, the downhill entry into the roundabout has two lanes and gives heavy vehicles the option of straddling both lanes. Interestingly, no allowance has been made for heavy traffic turning left or going uphill.

The removal of the second lane uphill lane was supported by four Waitematā Local Board members and a petition from the new Westmere Village businesses – Seabreeze Cafe, Ragtag and the bakery next door. AT chose to use this to back up their design. They ignored those who understood local traffic patterns backing two lanes remaining – Mayor Brown (Sunday Star Times 15/9/24 with AT’s Mark Banfield

assurance), Councillor Lee, myself, three C&R WLB members and a petition from nine long-term Westmere Village shops. Many buses left turning from Meola are getting stuck on the new, extra wide, high roundabout.

Meola/Garnet Traffic Light and CCTV

Residents have been informed via maildrop that a “weekday morning peak traffic light will only operate when there's long queueing on Meola Road” stopping downhill traffic and giving priority to commuters. Whilst all traffic on a roundabout gives way to their right, are the lights going to confuse traffic that they have right of way?

“CCTV cameras will be installed on street light poles outside 17 Meola Road, and 122 Garnet Road where three more carparks will be removed.

Gael Baldock

Surrey Crescent and Old Mill Road Improvements – AT’s Construction Plans haveyoursay.at.govt.nz/97322/widgets/452508/ documents/299878

Also refer to PN p35 Sept 2022; p20 May 2923; p31 Mar 2024; p25 July 2024; p36 Aug 2024

AT IS RESURRECTING GREY LYNN ‘BLOOD SANDWICH’...

When I presented this to the AT Board with an owner, Chair Richard Leggat voiced his delight, until I pointed out that such glaring, money-wasting mistakes should never have occurred in a professional design.

Despite or to spite the petition by 250 K'Rd business owners and managers, AT is still insistent on changing the direction of Mercury Lane to uphill. A misdirected email has revealed AT’s future deceptive intention to pedestrianise the top area contrary to massive feedback against it, resulting in an assurance that won’t happen. There are also changes afoot for East Street that may include a direction change and would therefore require the removal of the cycle lane.

After four years, K'Rd finally has their public toilets. Against the wishes of 250 petitioners, it is located in Mercury Lane. Because the street is too steep for mobility-impaired people,

there is a ramp for disabled and wheelchair access to the first toilet. The second toilet is accessed via three steps. The handrails do not appear to make access safe. There will be public toilets at the CRL stations at the top and bottom of the hill within two years. Will AT move this toilet block then?

Ponsonby is experiencing the same loss of public toilets with the development of PoP that has closed off access to the Pompallier Street public carpark.

Gael Baldock GaelB@xtra.co.nz

PONSONBY U3A:

DECEMBER 2024

In Celebration!

At the December meeting, with new president Bronwen Hughes presiding, Ponsonby U3A closed out the year with a celebratory Christmas party. It was a time of rollicking good spirits, laughter and fun. Old friends were reunited, former acquaintances renewed and new friendships formed. Entertainers Brenda Liddiard and Mark Laurent contributed to proceedings, treating members to their beautiful music.

Ask any member to name three things they enjoy at Ponsonby U3A and you will hear at least one of these: friendship, exposure to stimulating new interests and learning new skills and knowledge. Often, you will hear all three, but each one provides the vital element of sociability.

There is an increasing body of research that points to the importance of sociability for mental health. Chief among the plagues that beset people as they age are loneliness, boredom and helplessness. Ponsonby U3A prides itself on being a community organisation, dedicated to addressing such issues through the opportunities the club offers. You may be newly or partly retired with time on your hands, you may be a newcomer to the area, or you may be looking for something new or different. You are invited to see for yourself by first attending as a visitor. All you do is first call President Bronwen Hughes (M: 021 549 093) and she will welcome you and give you the next step.

U3A is an abbreviation of the French words for University of the Third Age. In New Zealand it must only be referred to as U3A, with no reference to the word ‘university’. Starting in France at Toulouse University in 1972, the movement has spread around the world. In New Zealand they are well known.

Ponsonby U3A holds monthly general meetings which feature a principal speaker, someone who is an expert in his or her field. They come from disciplines such as science, medicine, the arts, the corporate, sport and journalism, to name a few. As well, during the meeting, a member gives a short presentation on their life and interests or anything they wish to talk about.

At the heart of Ponsonby U3A are over 30 special interest or study groups that meet once a month. Members are encouraged to join at least one. It is here where friendships are forged, new learning and the sharing of ideas and skills take place. It is here where people learn that everyone has something to give and impart. Groups number about 12 people and members often meet in each other’s homes. Topics include public art walks, heritage walks, architecture, gallery

visits, dining out, armchair travel, writing, drawing, ad lib speaking, current affairs, science, history and play reading.

The first meeting of 2025 will be in February and for every month thereafter on the second Friday at the Herne Bay Petanque Club, 19 Salisbury Street, Herne Bay.

(CHRISTINE HART)  PN

NEXT MEETING: 10am, Friday 14 February 2025

SPEAKER: Mary Kisler on 'Florence in the time of the Medici'

ENQUIRIES: Bronwen Hughes, President, Ponsonby U3A. M: 021 549 093, www.u3a.nz

Bronwen Hughes

CHLÖE SWARBRICK: CO-LEADER OF THE GREEN PARTY AND MP FOR AUCKLAND CENTRAL

And just like that, it’s 2025.

I sincerely hope that you and your loved ones were able to get out and enjoy the best of what Auckland Central and Aotearoa as a whole has to offer and, if you were able, have some well-earned down time. My personal highlight was my annual kororā lifeguard duties at the one and only Waiheke Native Bird Rescue.

However, across the summer, Parliamentary politics didn’t stop. Submissions opened and closed for a number of divisive pieces of Government legislation, from the Treaty Principles Bill (which would rewrite our founding document), to the Regulatory Standards Bill (which would further entrench austerity in the public sector) and Boot Camps (which John Key’s former Chief Science Advisor, among all the other experts, make clear not only don’t work, but increase harm and offending potential).

While many New Zealanders turned to enjoy our beaches under the hot sun, environmentally disastrous Fast-Track consents for mining our land and seabed moved ahead without, and indeed against, community, mana whenua and conservationist concerns.

And now, so-called Government ‘leaders’ are pointing to the housing crisis, inequality, productivity decline and poverty that 40 years of trickle down economic thinking has created, asking New Zealanders to swallow more of the same poison that created this mess, by privatising our public services.

I first got involved in politics several years ago because I was frustrated that so many political decisions went in the opposite direction of what the evidence, community leaders and service providers knew worked. While the earnest belief in evidence remains, I’ve learnt in that time that it is, for better or worse, not actually the facts which tend to change peoples’ minds. It’s relationships and trust, and establishing the values we have in common — a foundation from which we can forge a shared future together.

That’s why, despite all the frustration and concern I’ve heard from many that the effort they’ve put into breaking records in Parliamentary submissions might be ignored by the incumbent powers that be, I have so much hope. So many people have engaged with our political system for the first time in their lives, not only seeing how straight forward it can be, but how you

are just as entitled to engage with your representatives as the lobbyists with Beehive swipe card access.

Whether the current Government decides to finally listen or not, it has been meaningful for New Zealanders to spend time reflecting on the country we want to live in and actively articulating what that looks like through these submissions. I know that, in turn, has spurred critical, informed conversations around barbecues and dinner tables these holidays. Those ripples of engagement and education are necessary prerequisites for transformational, positive political change — which brings us right back to building those relationships and practising that change on a growing scale.

A wonderful opportunity for such relationship building around shared values arrives on our doorstep this February with dozens of events making up Auckland Pride. This year’s theme is Tētahi ki Tētahi: entanglement. It's about the connections we have with one another and the places we share. Such conversations and creativity can be messy and confronting, but what is love if not that?

I’ve also been hearing from and working with local hospitality businesses about some of the challenges that they’re having with their licences because of neighbours’ concerns about the noise from their venues. This to me seems like another situation which can and should be quite straight forward. Do we want Ponsonby Road to be a living, thriving hub of joy and local entertainment ? Or do we want to put a lid on it? Do we want to find a way to live in greater harmony in one of the innermost, happening city suburbs?

This year, I would love to hear from you and I will continue to do everything I can to make myself as available as humanly possible as your local MP. You can find my electorate office at 3/1 Cross Street, or contact me any time via mp.aucklandcentral@parliament.govt.nz (CHLÖE SWARBRICK)  PN

CHLÖE SWARBRICK, T: 09 378 4810, E: chloe.swarbrick@parliament.govt.nz www.greens.org.nz/chloe_swarbrick

Chlöe with the kororā at Waiheke's Native Bird Rescue

MIKE LEE:

A NEW MARINE RESERVE FOR THE HAURAKI GULF?

My letter to PM Christopher Luxon.

As Aucklanders, we know the Hauraki Gulf as one of New Zealand’s ‘jewels in the crown’. A scenic masterpiece, an unsurpassed recreational boating paradise and at the same time an economically significant fishery. But, beneath the picture postcard surface, the gulf’s marine ecosystems and lifesupporting capacity are stressed, damaged and disrupted, especially from over fishing. On the need to do something meaningful about this the general public has long been ahead of the politicians. The previous Labour Government did make an attempt with its ‘Tīkapa Moana / Hauraki Gulf Marine Protection Bill’, but unfortunately it was too little – and left so late the task was handed to the National-led Coalition to pass it into law – likely sometime this year. But not before the new Government’s ministers weakened its provisions even further.

The novel aspect of the Bill is 12 so-called ‘High Protection Areas’ (HPAs) and 5 ‘Seafloor Protection Areas’. The HPAs are not really ‘highly’ protected because they are also earmarked for Māori customary fishing. In October the Minister of Conservation Tama Potaka in response to backdoor lobbying, opened up two of these so-called ‘High Protection Areas’ for commercial fishing. The move evidently blindsided the Prime Minister who had to watch with dismay as the ensuing uproar from conservationists and Māori spoiled the opportunity for the Government to take some much needed political credit.

Meanwhile, since early 2021 the Friends of the Hauraki Gulf Inc., a conservation group which I chair, has been working on parallel marine protection for the Hauraki Gulf. One that does not need any new, and in my view conflicted, legislation. I refer to our application for the Hākaimangō-Matiatia (NW Waiheke) Marine Reserve. This is a process, enabled under the Marine Reserves Act 1971, passed into law by the Holyoake National Government. This was visionary legislation for its time and made New Zealand a world leader in marine conservation. A status it has since lost. Marine reserves are no-take and just like national parks and nature reserves, prohibitions against exploitation apply equally to everyone. Last November, 32 months after its public notification, we were advised that DOC had finally completed its review (evidently favourable) and had forwarded the application to the Minister of Conservation. Given recent events, my committee decided I should write to Christopher Luxon. Here is the letter sent before Christmas:

Dear Prime Minister,

As a person with local connections you will be aware that there is a live application for a marine reserve off Waiheke Island.

The proposed Hākaimangō-Matiatia (NW Waiheke) Marine Reserve predates the Marine Protection Bill by 18 months. The application by a qualified community-based conservation group, the Friends of the Hauraki Gulf (Inc) was made under section 5 of the Marine Reserves Act 1971. This proposed marine reserve, the first new marine reserve application for the Hauraki Gulf this century, was publicly notified in January 2022 and drew c1300 submissions, 93% in support, (95% support from Waiheke-based submitters) and 70% support from submitters identifying as Māori. It was opposed by the Ngāti Paoa Iwi Trust but supported by the Ngāti Paoa Trust Board.

After reviewing the application from April 2021, the Department of Conservation has finally submitted its report to the Minister of Conservation for his decision. I am writing to you as Prime Minister to ask you to engage with the Hon Tama Potaka to secure approval of this marine reserve.

The proposed marine reserve, as the results from the statutory public process revealed, is overwhelmingly popular with voters. North Shore MP Simon Watts is a strong supporter.

This new marine reserve will be an important step in turning around the ecological decline of the Hauraki Gulf. It is an important complement to the Marine Protection Bill, but it is not associated with any previous government, nor is it complicated by controversial, divisive, ‘customary fishing rights’ – the same no-take rules apply to everyone – and it is ready for immediate delivery by Order-in-Council.

The proposed marine reserve at 2350ha would be the largest in the Hauraki Gulf and will almost double the size of the area of fully protected marine environment in the gulf.

The enclosed leaflet explains the reserve and the fine (indeed visionary) legacy of National Party leaders from the time of Sir Keith Holyoake in the field of marine protection. You have an opportunity to add to this legacy, and I ask that you do this by pressing for the approval of the reserve. (MIKE LEE)  PN

www.mikelee.co.nz

Let's make it as beautiful under water. A view towards northwestern Waiheke across the waters of the proposed Hākaimangō-Matiatia marine reserve.

photography: Shaun Lee

PUNEET DHALL:

FINE BURGUNDY @ ORIGINE

Well, from what I could observe, the people of Auckland Central really let their hair down and got a bit loose over the recent festive period.

Every district in town was buzzing. I noticed things hotting up from about mid-November onwards. Lunch services were getting slammed. The House’s full allocation of BillecartSalmon Champagne would be emptied by 1pm. In such cases ‘who ya gonna call? Dhall and Nash of course!’. Our wine hotline would buzz and a panicked voice would come in. ”There’s a table having fun and they want to keep the party going.” “No worries, Sir, 30-minute service coming with a smile,” we’d reply. And so the party just kept going.

And it was no exception for myself. One of my most memorable experiences in this period was on a still November evening at the delightful Origine restaurant in Commercial Bay. As soon as you walk into Origine you are transported. Two vertices of floor to ceiling windows looking out to the harbour edge and to sea. This is as good as any Auckland vista can get and you feel great instantly.

We had worked with Chef and Sommelier to pair some dishes with some of our fine Burgundies. Burgundy, simply put, is one of the holy grail regions of the wine world. A gentle hilly strip running north to south of no more than 60 kilometres or so with the town of Beaune at its centre. Fundamentally, the region is famed for its chardonnay and pinot noir. Every village (and there are dozens along this strip) has a slightly

The World’s Greatest Vineyards

different nuance of the variety. So much so, that the wines are named after the villages and the greatest wines simply named after their vineyard such is the difference. And so, for example, we had the 2021 Morey-Coffinet Chassagne Montrachet Blanc with the Akaroa salmon followed by the 2020 Domaine Remi Jobard Meursault 1er Cru Les Genevrières with the blue cod. In each case, chardonnay. The first from the village of Chassagne Montrachet and the second from the village of Mersault and specifically from the vineyard Les Genevrières. Both were incredible and of the best in the world, but so different. The Chassagne from producer Morey Coffinet possessed a linearity, minerality and freshness that were sublime and matched the acidity of the dish. The Meusault has a larger mouthfeel, body, slight nuttiness and creaminess and, again, matched the hearty cod so well.

And so the meal played on into great red Burgundy and then for fun a 1982 Vintage Port from iconic producer Niepoort with some blue cheese. And suddenly we were past midnight and with the threat of glittering chariots tuning into pumpkins we availed ourselves of this beautiful place and slid mirthlessly into the night. (PUNEET DHALL)  PN

SEE MENU HERE: www.dnfinewine.co.nz/event/morey-coffinet-origine/

@puneetofponsonby

Morey-Coffinet Chassagne Montrachet Blanc 2021

More Blan

A deep gold. Lively aromas of white stone fruit, citrus, white flowers and a hint of minerality. Intensely citrussy yet with an elegant, pithy texture and a dry, mineral finish.

Master Sommelier Ian Cauble describes producer Thibault Morey as ”approaching the upper-echelon of Côte de Beaune producers.”

A dee citrus Inten textu Mast prod uppe

Remi Jobard Meursault 1er Cru Les Genevrieres 2020

93 Points - Allen Meadows for Burghound “Airy and elegant aromas freely offer up their nuances of exotic tea, spice and essence of white peach. The elegance continues onto the refined, pure and energetic middle weight flavors that exude evident minerality on the balanced and harmonious finish that displays excellent length. This beautiful effort is quite Zen-like.” , ”

Rem Gen 93 Po nuan peac pure exud harm Thisb

@ LEYS LITTLE LIBRARY

Happy Pride month.

Ponsonby has history with the LGBYQ community. Back in 1996, Census information found men in single-sex couples made up 5.2 per cent of all men living in couples between Westmere and Newmarket. For many years, Ponsonby was home to the Hero Parade. And in 2021 Shaughan Woodcock, in The Herald, described Ponsonby as, "one of the most gayfriendly suburbs in Auckland."

So, for February’s Pride, we have highlighted the work of two exceptional people.

First up is Derek Jarman, primarily known as an English filmmaker whose many talents included poetry, stage design and gardening. He was also an AIDS and queer rights activist, who died at the age of 52 of an AIDS related illness. Tony Peake’s updated biography, Derek Jarman has been described as an honest tribute to Jarman’s life and art. Auckland Libraries also has Jarman’s collected film scripts and related works. Jarman’s home, Prospect Cottage and its magical garden planted in shingle, has spurred books and much media interest. A lovely new book Prospect Cottage: Derek Jarman’s House by Gilbert McCarragher includes photos of the interior of Jarman’s home, hitherto unseen by the public. You can also read Jarman’s nature writing inspired by his garden Pharmacopeia: A Dungeness Notebook. Check out our catalogue for more Jarman-related books.

Peter Wells was initially a film maker, his credits include Desperate Remedies and Jewel is My Darl, featuring transgender MP and Mayor Georgina Beyer. (Her

autobiography Change for the Better: The Story of Georgina Beyer, is part of our collection.) Succeeding his film career, Wells became a celebrated and decorated writer. His work is expansive. He has written about New Zealand history including The Hungry Heart Journeys with William Colenso, produced memoirs: Long Loop Home, and Dear Oliver: Uncovering a Pākehā History. And written short stories and novels, including Iridescence. Our lovely librarian Claire remembers Well’s Author Talks at Napier Library and described Hello Darkness as an ‘emotionally moving’ read. This is only a few of Wells' books. We have many more for you to discover.

For Pride, Leys is supporting a poetry speakeasy, which marks the start of The Samesame but Different Queer Writer’s Festival, (now in its 10th year). Nathan Joe is the host and Michael Giaconis, the guest poet. Come along and read your work in a supportive environment. The event takes place on 12 February, at Studio One Toi Tū, from 5pm-7pm.

You are also welcome to come to Little Leys to make your own Pride badge. This is a drop in event that runs all day and every day throughout February.

Hours Monday - Friday 9am-6pm. Saturday 9am-4pm. Sunday closed.

LEYS INSTITUTE LITTLE LIBRARY, 14 Jervois Road, T: 09 377 0209, www.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz

HELEN WHITE: THE TREATY PRINCIPLES BILL

Happy New Year! I hope readers have had a decent break and enjoyed a swim or two (despite the sea lice at so many beaches).

Many of you found time to submit on the Treaty Principles Bill and locally on the helicopter pad application in Westmere. Thank you for those of you who took these opportunities to participate. I have also received many emails raising concerns about the proposed Regulatory Standards Bill. This hasn’t been drafted yet, but we are informed to some extent on what is likely because David Seymour introduced a member's bill of the same name in 2021. This was rejected by its select committee and many of the submitters at the time including Treasury.

Worryingly, the Coalition agreement commits to passing it during this term of government. So, what is it all about and why are so many people worried?

In brief, this bill attempts to dictate a set of regulatory principles a law must take into account. It also says any breach of these principles must be fully compensated. For example, if a law can be argued to breach a property right, then the Government must provide compensation for it. If mining were to be regulated for environmental reasons, the companies that lose property rights would need to be compensated or could sue the Government.

My own learning from this job and my career in law is that litigation by private interests with deep pockets is a significant contributor to why it is so hard to get anything done in this country and many other countries. The threat and reality of those with lots of money embroiling anyone who threatens their private interests in litigation to delay and thwart change works.

It seems ironic to me that the Minister for Regulation who says he wants to cut red tape is adding to it. He intends to disempower elected decisionmakers by dictating the criteria they must take into account and disincentivising brave calls. I want braver decisions to be made that are in the public interest.

Professor Jane Kelsey says this bill attempts to entrench a neoliberal ideology in every piece of legislation. She says in her submission to the Ministry of Regulation:

“The objective is to bind governments forever to the logic of economic freedom (libertarianism) by setting overarching rules and principles within which all future political decisions must be made.”

Hon Duncan Webb says:

“The bill is an unnecessary power grab and would make David Seymour the Rule-Czar, limiting the ability of the other ministers to effectively operate and requiring them to certify compliance with his demands before they can make rules or laws… It seeks to limit what Parliament can do – for example by giving priority to property rights over things like environmental standards.”

In New Zealand's democracy, we're not bound by a fixed constitution or ideas stuck in time. Facing an environmental crisis, Parliament can act to prioritise that. So long as we have the will of the majority of New Zealanders, we get to move much more quickly than many other countries. We get to say that we don’t want guns or mines or gambling, and that we want laws to consider our obligations under Te Tiriti, and the costs to society, the environment or future generations. The Regulatory Standards Bill undermines this.

It is ironic that this piece of legislation is being proposed by the very Government which has ignored the processes we

My office is open for 2025 (and undergoing some upgrades)! Please feel free to get in touch

already have to maintain the integrity of new legislation and avoid unintended consequences and expensive mistakes. They could choose to better observe the public submission process by reducing the use of parliamentary urgency or to allow enough time for the preparation of a Regulatory Impact Statements, but they have not.

Addressing climate change and providing affordable houses won’t be achieved by empowering the 1% to sue us every time the Government changes the law against its interests.

I am hosting a public meet on this with guests Professor Jane Kelsey and Max Harris on 7 March, 6pm at the Trades Hall, 147 Great North Road. All welcome. (HELEN WHITE)  PN

helen.white@parliament.govt.nz www.labour.org.nz/HelenWhite

PHIL PARKER:

WHAT I DID IN THE HOLIDAYS

Taking advantage of a very slow early December, we booked a package trip to Tasmania.

I had heard good things about the cool climate wines and green countryside. Other than that, I had no expectations.

There are no direct flights to Tassie from Auckland, so we had to fly first to Melbourne and then on to Hobart. About eight hours all up. Somehow, our baggage stayed in Melbourne so we did a wine tour the following day in our travel clothes from the day before. It was a cool, rainy day and we were not offensive as far as I know. (And I stole my wife’s hand cream as emergency hair gel.) Shhhhh…

Hobart is a port city, with many handsome Georgian era sandstone buildings dotted around the waterfront and CBD. Locals don’t dress up, possibly because of the unpredictable weather. It’s a bit like Melbourne without the funkiness. The locals are laid-back and friendly. One of the breakfast staff at our hotel loaned Mia her woollen coat for the day after hearing of our luggage woes. Hobart is the same latitude as Wellington. Temperatures were in the mid-20s. The whole of Tasmania has a population of 570,000, with greater Hobart at 250,000.

Our first wine tour was to the Southern Wine Trail near Hobart, where we visited Nocton, Pooley and Frogmore Creek. They were mainly cool climate wines such as Champagne- method pinot gris, riesling, sauvignon blanc and gewürztraminer –but with a few chenin blancs and chardonnay. Reds were dominated by pinot noir, with a sprinkling of syrah, cabernet and merlot. Overall, the whites were bone dry and elegant with high acids and restrained fruit flavours. Pinot noir was the star of the reds – light-bodied, cherry/berry flavours and made to cellar.

Day 2. We took the ferry to the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA). Described by its owner David Walsh as a “subversive adult Disneyland,” it features exhibits which toy mostly with themes of sexuality and death. Not my cuppa Dilmah TBH. More like a multimillionaire indulging his naughty schoolboy side with a huge budget and no taste. Each to his own, I guess. Hobart cafes and restaurants feature ocean-fresh seafood and use local produce to their advantage. Not a bad meal was had, although the coffee was a bit variable. After a fab Chinese waterfront lunch, we finally checked out of our hotel and drove to Bichino on the east coast in our truly horrific rental car, an MG3. Tiny, underpowered and annoyingly quirky, it was at bare minimum a means of independent travel. Mia said it drove with all the oomph of a sewing machine. Anyway, we

got to see Australasian ‘little blue’ penguins waddling in for the night to feed their demanding chicks at the local penguin tour operation. Recommended.

Day 3. We climbed to the Whale Watcher Outlook for ocean views and then had an early lunch of Lobster Roll $AUD22. Essentially, a very good crayburger with amazing fries. But a whole crayfish is around $AUD140. So much for my dreams of cheap seafood. Sad face.

Day 4. St. Helens in the Bay of Fires. One night stop-off in an upscale seaside village with a good Thai restaurant.

Day 5. Up early for sightseeing in the Bay of Fires. Spectacular huge ancient boulders with red and orange mineral deposits, set against sapphire blue seas and white sand beaches. Then we drove to Launceston at the top end of Tassie. Before settling into our hotel, we visited the Tasmania Zoo on the very outskirts of Launceston. I boosted their budget by getting my photo taken with a cuddly young wombat who seemed to be on board with the programme and happy to snuggle with a Kiwi superannuitant (no discount for NZ Gold Card).

Another wine tour, this time with a young honeymoon couple from Sydney. We took in the Tamar Valley region close to Launceston, visiting Moores Hill, Tamar Hill, Velo and Winter Brook. Again, it was Champagne-method pinot gris, riesling, sauvignon blanc, chardonnay and pinot noir with the odd syrah (they don’t call it shiraz in Taz). Very consistent with the lean and elegant cool climate style wines of the Southern Trail as above, the pinot noirs shone out for my palate and we bought one home from Moores Hill.

Day 6. We drove from Launceston back to Hobart and visited the Museum and Art Gallery. A bit of a downer to end on, the small museum documented what was essentially the genocide of Tasmanian native people by colonising British authorities. Also, an exhibit on how the Tasmanian Tiger (a dog-like marsupial predator) had been similarly wiped out by colonisers. On a brighter note, we dined at highly acclaimed Mure’s Seafood restaurant on the waterfront, where I had the best seafood linguini of my life.

All up, we had a very relaxed time and enjoyed friendly locals, coastal scenery, wildlife, wine and food. The pace of life is definitely slower than Auckland. Six days was too short. I’d recommend 10 days. (PHIL PARKER)  PN

www.finewinetours.co.nz, phil.parker@xtra.co.nz

LISA PRAGER:

THE COWGIRL AND THE CONE

Scene: Garnet Station, Westmere

Cone: Happy New Year Cowgirl!

Cowgirl: Happy New year Cone. I hope we’ve put a stop to your kind being strung out all over Auckland.

Cone: Nope! Haven’t you seen the current big job on Great North Road? We were deployed while everyone was out of town on holiday, hee hee hee.

Cowgirl: That’s not the attitude I want to hear from you, Cone.

Cone: Ah well, the trees have been cut down, side streets are fenced off, it’s a thing of beauty.

Cowgirl: How can you say that?

Cone: Because I’m famous now, thanks to you. Auckland Transport copied that Facebook post you made of me talking a couple of years ago!

Cowgirl: You’re joking? AT using you to spin their own story?

Cone: For real. I get put in a tree by some kids and rescued by a traffic management guy who is the hero of the story; it only cost them $30,000 to make it.

The Cowgirl has whipped out her phone, found the clip and is open-mouthed and incredulous at what she is seeing.

Cowgirl: $30,000 – this is an outright breach of copyright.

Cone: Sounds technical and dangerous, what are you going to do?

Cowgirl: Sue them!

Cone: Because you did it first and they copied you?

Cowgirl: That’s right and more to the point it only cost me $14 to animate you. My original video is a work of art that is automatically protected from being copied by anyone else.

PAGE OF

Cone: But they changed the story.

Cowgirl: I created you as a piece of satire to draw attention to Auckland Transport spending $786 million on temporary traffic management and producing cones.

Cone: I’m only worth $71 dollars brand new, there must be an army of us?

Cowgirl: Yes, exactly, but they’ve flipped the story around to make them seem like heroes as they fleece the public –business as usual.

Cone: Oh dear, I don’t like being manipulated like this, it doesn’t feel very nice, they’ve made me out to be weak and defenceless.

Cowgirl: As your creator I am protected from copycat rip offs for my whole lifetime plus 50 years.

Cone: That’s quite a long time. So you’re going to stop this happening to us?

Cowgirl: Yes I am. Auckland Transport should have licensed the rights to use you.

Cone: Why don’t you open an ad agency?

Cowgirl: Not a bad idea my little talking cone. There’s $3.5 million up for grabs to advertise what AT is up to.

Cone: Will you really sue them?

Cowgirl: Don’t see why not. It’s clear to me that AT knew about your Facebook debut because the scripts were published in the Ponsonby News, then Gael Baldock made sure that AT got copies of them.

Cone: Good on you Cowgirl, I wouldn’t be me if it wasn’t for you!

LISA PRAGER, Westmere  PN

TE RIMUTAHI – FEBRUARY 2025 UPDATE

Happy New Year 2025 to you all!

And what a great year it is going to be with Te Rimutahi due for completion in May this year. The Community-Led Design Group is delighted and extremely grateful to mana whenua who have generously gifted the name Te Rimutahi. The Waitematā Local Board formally received this taonga at their business meeting on 10 December 2024. We thank mana whenua and acknowledge their tāria te wā and kaitiakitanga (long-term thinking and guardianship) of the project. Ngā mihi nui.

Cassidy Construction’s team restarted work on-site in early January. Under the retained canopy roof, foundations are being installed to lay the wooden floor within the precast concrete edges that are already in place. This space will become the Urban Canopy and it will provide an all-weather area for markets, performances, events and so on. Universal access has been included in the design of this raised area, with a precast concrete 1:12 accessible ramp leading up from Ponsonby Road. All the spaces of Te Rimutahi have been designed to be accessible.

The steelwork of the Green Discovery Room, the Pergola structure (parallel to the Dizengoff Cafe wall), and the wall itself are being painted and the tiles laid. The Pergola will have a long timber bench seat fixed to the structure with planter boxes behind. The selected plants in these planters, with the support of steel lattice wires, will green and soften the perimeter wall.

The steel planters are in place and the precast linear bleacher seats and retaining garden levels are now mostly all in situ with the Green Room area at the (western) rear of the site, formed. Te Rimutahi is taking shape with a generous layout and enough space to accommodate multiple activities concurrently. Bravo!

At the time of writing, the roadworks and street improvements, to ensure accessing Te Rimutahi is safe and easy, are planned to take place from Monday 20 January.

Stage 1 (Southern side) 20 Jan – 10 Feb

Stage 2 (Northern side) 17 Feb – 24 March

This work involves the construction of a raised pedestrian crossing and the Ponsonby Road pavement improvement work.

So, get excited!

This previously unloved and dilapidated site is being transformed into a beautiful and multi-functional civic space. Te Rimutahi will be the common ground that enables everyone to come together; to rest, relax and recreate. A place to meet new people or catch up with old friends, to enjoy some of the many activities, exhibitions and markets that the space will be able to host. These are the very things that build and nurture community and it is why Te Rimutahi is exactly the infrastructure and amenity the community has reliably and consistently shown that they want and need here. The development of Te Rimutahi will create a new focus for the neighbourhood and will be an attractor to the Ponsonby area, which will support our local businesses.

Te Rimutahi will be an urban oasis that will be good for the people, good for the environment and good for Tāmaki Makaurau.

Future generations will enjoy the shade of the trees we are planting here. Bring it on!

For more information or to contact the Community-Led Design Group, please see our website: 254ponsonbyrd.org.nz or our Facebook pages: Ponsonby Park, or 254 Ponsonby Road. (JENNIFER WARD)  PN

The steps to the Urban Canopy

The ramp into the Urban Canopy & The view looking East to St. John’s Church

Precast bleacher seats positioned ready for installation

The Green Discovery Room planters

Te Rimutahi On the Urban Canopy roof line

Looking past the underside of the Urban Canopy toward Dizengoff with the new green roofed bus stop

KEN RING: WEATHER BY THE MOON AUCKLAND WEATHER DIARY, FEBRUARY 2025

February may be drier than average, warmer than normal, but with average sunshine.

While the first and last weeks may be the sunniest, the second and third weeks may be the wettest, with the highest air pressures in the last week. The first weekend, the 1st/2nd, may be the best for outdoor activities. The barometer may average around 1015mb for the month.

For fishermen, the highest tide is on the 1st. The best fishing bite times in the east may be around dusk of the 12th-14th, and 27th-28th. Bite chances are also good around lunchtimes of the 4th-6th, and 20th-22nd.

For gardeners, planting is best 10th-12th, (waxing moon ascending), and pruning is best 24th-27th (waning moon descending). For preserving and longer shelf-life, harvest crops or flowers around the neap tides of the 8th and 22nd.

Allow 24-hour error for all forecasting. (KEN RING)  PN

For future weather for any date, and the 2025 NZ Weather Almanacs, see www.predictweather.com

Opinions expressed in Ponsonby News are not always the opinion of Alchemy Media Limited & Ponsonby News.

FREYA – THE PONSONBY NEWS CAT

Our charming and spirited cat is a creature of many quirks and peculiarities.

Among her most notable traits is her inexplicable fear of mice. While one might expect a cat to be a natural hunter, Freya’s reaction to these small creatures is quite the opposite. This fear has become a topic of much amusement and curiosity in our household, leading us to ponder the reasons behind her unusual behaviour.

To begin with, it’s essential to understand that not all cats are born with the same instincts. While many felines exhibit a strong predatory drive, Freya seems to have a timid approach to a predator. This could be attributed to her early experiences. Freya was adopted from the S.P.C.A, and her past remains somewhat of a mystery. It’s possible that she had a negative encounter with a mouse or another small animal before coming to live with us. Such experiences can leave a lasting impression, which shape a cat’s behaviour and reactions to certain stimuli. This condition may never go away.

Another factor contributing to Freya’s fear of mice could be her personality. Cats, like humans, have unique temperaments. Some are bold and adventurous, while others are more cautious and reserved. Freya falls into the latter category. She is a gentle soul who prefers the comfort of her cozy spots over the thrill of the hunt. The mere sight of a mouse, even a toy one, sends her scurrying to the nearest hiding place. This instinctual flight response is common in animals that feel threatened and, for Freya, mice represent a source of anxiety rather than excitement.

Additionally, Freya’s fear may be linked to her heightened sensitivity to sounds and movements. Cats have an acute sense of hearing, and they can detect even the faintest rustle. When a mouse scurries across the floor, the sound may be amplified in Freya’s ears, triggering her instinct to flee. This heightened sensitivity can make her feel vulnerable, leading her to avoid situations where she might encounter a mouse. In her mind, it’s safer to retreat than to confront the unknown.

Interestingly, Freya’s fear of mice has also led to some amusing situations. Whenever we spot a mouse in the house, we often find Freya perched on a high shelf, watching from a distance with wide eyes. She seems to be both fascinated and terrified, as if she’s trying to understand this small creature that elicits such a strong reaction. It’s a reminder that even the bravest of hunters can have their fears, and Freya’s behaviour adds a layer of charm to her personality.

Moreover, Freya’s fear of mice has influenced her interactions with other pets. We have cats in the area that love to play and chase after anything that moves, including the occasional toy mouse. Freya, however, prefers to observe from afar, often retreating to a safe space until the commotion subsides. This is quite upsetting. I’d do anything in my power to quell this fear of hers but I am unable to. The stress and anxiety I feel on her behalf can be overwhelming.

This dynamic has created a unique bond between us as we navigate our differences in temperament and behaviour around one another.

In conclusion, Freya’s fear of mice is a fascinating aspect of her personality. It may stem from her past experiences, her gentle nature, or her heightened sensitivity to sounds. Regardless of the reasons, this quirk has endeared her to us even more. Freya may not be the typical cat who chases after mice, but her unique traits make her all the more special. In our eyes, she is not just a pet; she is a beloved member of our family complete with her own set of fears and idiosyncrasies that make her so special and part of our lives. (JAY PLATT)  PN

JOHNSTON ASSOCIATES: COMPANIES ACT REFORM – IT WILL AFFECT YOU IF YOU USE A COMPANY!

New Zealand is undergoing the first major overhaul of the Companies Act 1993 (the Act) in over 30 years.

This overhaul will have different practical effects for private v public companies.

The reform is set to be implemented in two phases:

Phase one commences early 2025, focusing on modernising and simplifying the Act to reduce compliance burdens and eliminate outdated provisions.

Key changes include:

Allowing companies to reduce share capital with board and shareholder approval, without needing costly court approval.

Clarifying that capital structure-related transactions are not considered 'major transactions' (transactions that are defined as large by value for example).

Expanding the scope of actions that can be taken with unanimous shareholder consent.

Addressing unclaimed dividends by allowing companies to mingle them with company funds after two years.

Phase two of the reforms focuses on a review by the Law Commission of directors’ duties and the related issues of director liability, sanctions and more effective enforcement. This stage will look at the issues raised in the Mainzeal case, among other matters. It is expected that the Commission will commence this work in 2025.

How these reforms will impact NZ Companies

The Act governs how the 730,000 companies in New Zealand are established, operated and dissolved. The Act is more than 30 years old, with amendments over that time. While in many respects the Act is still fit for purpose, the Government is looking to make targeted improvements to benefit businesses and the New Zealand economy.

The package of reforms will address issues with New Zealand’s company law. The reforms will:

Modernise, simplify and digitise the Act

These changes will better reflect the modern business environment and make the best use of modern technology by addressing out-of-date, ambiguous or overly complex elements of the Act. They will help reduce compliance costs for companies and the regulator.

Introduce a unique identifier for company directors and general partners

This will help with identifying and enforcing poor and illegal business practices, including phoenixing (creating a new company to carry on business at the detriment of stakeholders in the old company), by making it easier to identify all the companies a director is associated with. It will also permit directors and shareholders to replace their residential addresses with an address for service on the Companies Register. This will address the safety and privacy concerns that directors and shareholders have about their home addresses being publicly available.

Improve outcomes for creditors

These changes to insolvency law follow the recommendations of the Insolvency Working Group (which was set up in 2015, to look into aspects of New Zealand’s insolvency law). They include extending the period during which transactions with related parties can be voided, to four years, when a business is insolvent.

Improve uptake and use of the NZBN

These changes will make it easier for businesses to connect and transact with each other and the government, using their NZBN (a globally unique New Zealand Business Number). For example, the changes will make it easier for government agencies to require a NZBN, and enable other MBIE corporate registers to update information using publicly available data from the NZBN register.

In summary, once implemented the Companies Act modernisation and law reform can only bring benefits to New Zealanders in business, and should create a positive flow-on effect for the economy.

Disclaimer – While all care has been taken, 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.

TRUSTS AND TAX: THE BILL

THAT COULD HAVE BEEN AVOIDED

Kathy’s husband, Jack, had passed away three years ago.

She and Jack had a trust which owned their family home, a small commercial unit which was rented out and an investment portfolio with a reputable investment advisory company.

Kathy and Jack had two sons. One, Mark, lived in Australia with his wife and children, and the other son, Glen, lived in Auckland nearby to Kathy. Glen was not that financially secure. He had some difficulties which made him very vulnerable – he was not good with money and there had been many instances over the years where he had been taken advantage of.

When Jack died, Kathy did think about winding the trust up. Their initial reason for setting the trust up was because of their business interests. Their accountant had recommended a trust to give them some tax flexibility and protection if something had gone wrong in the business that Jack had been a director of. Those reasons were no longer relevant, but Kathy really wanted to make sure that Glen was protected if she died. She knew that if he received money directly, it wouldn’t last and, given the amount that was in the trust, it would be a significant sum of money just wasted.

Kathy went to see the lawyer who she and Jack had used over the years. She said that she was going to retain the trust, but it was really just a vehicle to make sure that Glen would be protected if she died. She said that she didn’t think she needed an independent trustee and that her preference would be for Mark to be appointed as a trustee as he would be able to look after the funds for Glen if she died. The lawyer drew up the paperwork and Mark was appointed as a trustee.

After that, Kathy decided that she would like to sell the commercial property. She was receiving enough income from the investment portfolio, and she thought it would be a good opportunity to use the funds to help the boys out.

Mark had a large mortgage on his property in Sydney and half the value of the commercial building would be enough to buy an apartment for Glen. The property was put on the market, sold and the trust made the distribution to Mark. The trust purchased the apartment for Glen and he and his partner moved in.

A few months later, Mark called Kathy, distraught. He had been issued with a large tax bill from the Australian Tax Office – the Australian equivalent of the Inland Revenue. The distribution to him from the trust was taxable in Australia and he was now facing a bill equal to 45% of the amount that the trust had distributed to him. Kathy got in touch with her accountant who said yes, he had heard something about distributions from NZ trusts to Australian beneficiaries being taxable in Australia. He said that in the past some of this would have slipped through, but with the new disclosure rules in NZ and information sharing between the international revenues, it is likely that these things would be picked up.

He was also concerned to hear that Mark was a trustee of the trust, as this meant that the trust would also be pulled into the Australian tax net and that it was possible that there would be capital gains tax to pay in Australia on the sale of the commercial building. He also said that there could be a tax bill for the trust relating to any capital gains and/or exchange gains in the investment portfolio.

Kathy was panicking by this stage. Her accountant recommended to her to urgently go and get some specialist tax and trust advice. He said that her lawyer was obviously a general practitioner and, while a nice person, had overlooked the complexities around overseas beneficiaries and trustees.

The rules relating to overseas beneficiaries and trustees of trusts are changing all the time and it is imperative that you receive specialist advice before taking any action in this area. Kathy’s good intentions of protecting Glen’s inheritance ended up having huge financial consequences that could have been avoided if she had been given the right advice from those experienced in this area.

DAVENPORTS LAW:

New Zealand Trusts And Overseas Tax Implications.

Trusts are invaluable asset protection mechanisms, which allow a person to hold property and assets on behalf of another for the good of the beneficiaries.

However, if you have beneficiaries or trustees that are tax residents overseas, there needs to be careful planning and structuring to avoid unintended tax consequences. Laws around trusts and tax are not the same overseas as they are in New Zealand.

Contact our Trusts and Wealth Protection Team for specialist asset structuring and planning advice.

FACES AT GREY LYNN FARMERS MARKET

Market goers cannot help but be charmed by Fred Sy’s smile and energy as he tells them about his chilli oil with a Kiwi twist.

Where did you grow up?

In the Philippines, until I was 12 and moved here. Filipinos are often surprised when I speak Tagalog to them. It used to be a secret language that I could use in private conversations but now there are many Tagalog speakers in Auckland so it’s more of a bonding skill.

What other languages do you speak?

English is my main language but both my parents are Chinese, so I speak Mandarin and also Hokkien which is a dialect in Fujian province where my grandparents are from. That’s how I got asked to do food styling for Mulan.

Mulan – how did that happen?

They wanted the movie to be as historically accurate as possible and my connection to the region was known to one of the crew.

How did you get connections in the food and hospo world?

As a student, I worked at Salsa in Richmond Road. Through that, I met lots of interesting foodies. I ran food tours for a while which led to me being on the spice episode of Topp Country. And I used to cook Chinese banquets and classes for Peta Mathias, and she would invite other well-known chefs along – it was great fun.

How did you get into making chilli oil?

It’s a recipe I have used and shared for years so I shared it in the Topp Country recipe book. Eventually, I realised that I should be sharing the chilli oil with more people, so I made some tweaks to the recipe and packaged it. I’m also working on plans to launch a Chiwi Crunch condiment – it’ll be a bit less oil and more crunch.

Your brand is Chiwi – how did you come up with that name?

That’s me! I’m a Chinese Kiwi. And it is perfect for chilli with a Kiwi twist.

What gives it that Kiwi twist?

I have always been inspired by indigenous herbs, so my recipe includes horopito to give the flavour depth. I also got inspiration from the Māori concept of Manaakitanga (hospitality), so I was delighted when my Ngāti Maniapoto friend (Michael Murray) and his whanau supported me to use the pātiki (flounder) pattern on the label and packaging.

I have taken care to follow their guidance about placement, ensuring that the pattern is lead by the head of the fish to encourage abundance.

Tell me about Michael.

He was a dear friend and he was in the recent series of My Kitchen Rules. I was supporting him through that and he was supporting my Chiwi Oil journey, so I was heartbroken when he died of a brain aneurysm last year. For me this product will be a lasting tribute to our friendship.

You obviously have great friends. Yes, people are what it is all about. I have loved meeting stallholders at the market and creating new friendships. Leon Narbey (Narbey Olive Oil) told me about his involvement with Illustrious Energy and the tales of Chinese settlers. And Seyavesh (Ariana foods) and I are hatching a plan to promote his Cordon Bleu treats more widely.  PN

chiwioil.co.nz www.greylynnfarmersmarket.co.nz

CRUISING

There is an outstanding piece of infrastructure connecting Hong Kong to Macau – the Hong Kong - Zhuhai - Macau Bridge.

An impressive piece of modern engineering, it spans 55 kilometres (34 miles) and took nine years to build. Opened in 2019 at a cost of $USD19 billion, its elegant silhouette belies the scandalous number of cars that use it every day – 8900.

Here, where construction cranes seem to invade the landscape, the viability of projects only seem to be a trifling matter at the time that they are conceived. “Build it and hopefully they will come,” and here, interestingly, there is not a cycle way in sight.

The Portuguese were instrumental in making Macau what it is today. Two years after the British handed back Hong Kong in 1997, Portugal was to do the same with Macau and what was left behind would astound you. Now, the Chinese are building on their legacy with no end in sight.

Our guide dropped us in the middle of the old city and we could have been in any continental capital, certainly Lisbon, Rome or even Madrid. Cobbled streets and a style of architecture that would make any Spaniard feel at home, colourful buildings, elaborate cathedrals, intricate plasterwork and more culture than you could shake a stick at.

We started at the Ruins of St Paul. Built in 1602 by Japanese refugees for the Jesuits, it burnt down during a typhoon in the 1800s. The now preserved framework stands as a testament to those foreigners who dominated the culture of Macau at the time and who had built the structures that make up the old city. Decorated with skeletons and angels, pine trees and dragons, St Pauls is situated on the apex of an imposing set of stairs that is reminiscent of the Spanish steps in Rome.

We progressed down the stairway into a maze of cobbled streets and narrow laneways filled with the smell of coffee and pastries.

Plazas and public fountains abounded at every turn. We learnt of the merchants who had made their names trading in silks and pearls and built their mansions overlooking the various churches and squares. The old residences, now preserved, have been converted into public buildings and hotels.

The beautifully patterned cobbled roadways were imported in antiquity especially to build the streets here. Supplemented with different coloured stones from local quarries, the patterns created are still much in evidence, obviously there was an immense amount of money in the city and there still is today, thanks to the devil just beyond the Portuguese quarter – the evil that dare not speak its name… casinos.

Currently, there are 34 casinos in Macau with more planned. All of the Las Vegas names are here: Wynns, the Sands, the Venetian and they are all competing with each other with bigger and grander buildings. Of course, as our guide explains, none of the locals gamble, they are too sensible, it's all tourists.

Macau, we learnt, was named during a miscommunication by the original Portuguese explorers in 1594.

We had progressed from the old town to the 'A-Ma Temple' in the suburb of Sao Lourenco. Standing at its main gate built in the 13th Century and dedicated to both the Taoist and Buddhist religions, as the waves gently lapped behind us, you couldn’t help but absorb the calm settling over your soul and drawing us in.

Here in 1594, where the Portuguese first landed at what was then a little fishing village, they had asked the locals what the area was called.

Because neither party could speak the other's language, the locals thought that they were asking who the temple god was, which was 'A Ma' who was their patron goddess for sailors and fishermen. During the confusion, the locals also thought the sailors were asking what the temple was for and they added 'cau' to 'A Ma' which was translated to 'a place', thus 'the place of the temple of A Ma'. A Ma Cau.

Later in those early times, the A was dropped and today the area is called Macau.

We left the temple in the late afternoon, its incense, colourful prayer flags and the ethereal sound of a striking bell emanating from the surrounding forest, to catch our ferry back to Hong Kong Island. Onboard our home away from home, we threw our lines and sailed out with the strains of the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra and the city's light show fading in the distance.

Next stop — the 'Little Red Dot', Singapore. (ROSS THORBY)  PN

A SNEAK PEEK INTO LUXURY SUPERYACHT SCENIC ECLIPSE:

We were among the lucky few who had the privilege of visiting the ultra-luxury superyacht Scenic Eclipse 2 during her inaugural season in Australasia.

It is the world’s first discovery yacht, blending six-star luxury with adventure. From spacious, all-suite accommodations with private verandas, personalized butler service, to world-class dining from Michelin-starred chefs, every aspect of this cruise ship is a work of art. Alongside ocean cruising, Scenic River Cruising offers an equally all-inclusive, five-star experience along the world's most iconic waterways, from the romantic Danube and Rhine to the enchanting Seine and Mekong, blending elegance, culture, and immersive exploration.

Some of the exciting early bird offers for 2025 include:

• $2500pp* saving on 11-day river cruise itineraries in Central Europe and France

• $2000pp* saving on 11 Day Douro itineraries and 10 Day Central Europe itineraries

• $1000* saving on 8 Day itineraries in Europe *T&Cs apply

• Receive additional $300 per person exclusive discount for bookings made with Scenic Cruises at our cruise expo

Contact us today to discover the perfect itinerary just for you!

HELLOWORLD TRAVEL PONSONBY

54 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 267 8758, www.helloworld.co.nz/Ponsonby ponsonby@travel.helloworld.co.nz

Thursday 20 February 2025 5.30 - 7.30 PM Takapuna Bowling Club 7-14 Bracken Street, Takapuna FREE ENTRY

Learn about exciting cruise destinations for your next adventure. Limited space, to secure your place register here:

Travel Ponsonby 09 267 6758 54 Ponsonby Road, Grey Lynn, Ponsonby ponsonby@travel.helloworld.co.nz

HELENE RAVLICH:

HAPPY 20TH BIRTHDAY, TWO HANDS TATTOO

I had my first ever tattoo done in Ponsonby, at Dermagraphic (now College Hill Tattoo Studio) almost 30 years ago.

At the time, it was headed by industry icon Phill Matthias and was one of just two shops in the area, existing happily alongside Merv O’Connor’s Auckland Tattoo Studio, at the time located on Richmond Road. There Merv was known for inking school leavers from St Pauls directly opposite, before the shop shifted to Ponsonby Road where it still remains today.

Both figureheads have since passed away, but Ponsonby still attracts those looking for an elevated tattoo experience and Stefan 'Spider' Sinclair is a local artist at the top of his game. His shop, Two Hands Tattoo, is celebrating 20 years in business, with almost 16 of those spent on Ponsonby Road.

“We outgrew the space we were in on Symonds Street and I really wanted to find something in Ponsonby,” he tells me one summer’s afternoon in the studio, adding, “I grew up in the area and my family is here and it just felt right.” One night while “randomly scrolling Trade Me” he saw the site at 127a Ponsonby Road advertised as available, and once he’d set foot inside it immediately felt right. “The natural light is amazing, and there was more than enough space for us all to work. The move to Ponsonby was the best business decision I’ve ever made as once we were here, we grew super quickly and things really took off.”

So much so that just a few short years later, Stefan also took over the space next door at 125a Ponsonby Road, where he established Flash City. Offering barber cuts and tattoo designs painted by artists working at Two Hands and a selection of their friends from around the world, it was inspired by early tattoo parlours that historically were found out back of a barber shop. As well as being an entity on its own, Flash City also frees up more space for the team and visiting artists to ply their trade. “We can now fit eight artists – nine at a stretch – at one time, which is just awesome.”

Two Hands has become renowned for its ever-changing roster of hugely talented visiting international artists, was that always part of his vision for the studio? “No, I hadn’t considered that at all,” says the founder and creative. “It wasn’t until international artists started contacting us asking if they could come through that we started offering that to our customers. To be honest, I had no plan where we opened up – I just wanted a space to tattoo in that I could create myself, with all I had ever wanted in a studio.”

Also part of the original brief for Two Hands was to establish a space that was a bit more welcoming and friendly to the general public than a lot of studios were at the time. “A lot of the parlours in Auckland then were awesome, but could be a little bit intimidating to people,” says Stefan. “A lot of them also had walls of designs but weren’t really geared towards custom tattoos as such, mainly as custom tattooing was still a relatively new concept back then. I wanted no designs on the wall, just a light, clean space.”

He laughs when he recounts going back on his word with the opening of Flash City, “Which has walls full of flash art and is definitely like a traditional tattoo shop. The two spaces are like twins in a way, just non-identical ones!”

When the team first arrived in Ponsonby, those tattooing in the inner central were few and far between, with just two other businesses in Ponsonby, a scattering in the CBD and couple on Karangahape Road. “It was such a small community back then,” he remembers, “even more so when we first opened on Symonds Street and there were probably only about 10 tattoo shops in the whole city.” Now there could be around 500 city-wide, and part of that is down to a shifting customer base as the artform gained mainstream popularity.

“When I first started tattooing it was definitely something that attracted people from the fringe elements of society,” explains

the internationally celebrated artist. “It was people from the punk scene, extreme bands, people from the underworld, outlaws… people who didn’t really fit into any boxes in society at the time. Over the years, it’s got less and less taboo in society’s eyes and my clientele reflects that.”

Every year the Two Hands studio got busier and busier, “and the clientele became more and more everyday people rather than just those on the edges of society. After the freaks and outlaws came the cool young kids, and then successful creatives from the Ponsonby and Grey Lynn areas who were wanting to get their first tattoos.” Now, the Two Hands' customer could be from any walk of life, and Stefan and his team love it that way.

Another element that really made Two Hands stand out from the more traditional tattooing crowd was their poster runs, which began when they decided to go big with advertising the move from Symonds Street to Ponsonby Road. “It came about because I had a lot of friends in the fashion world who were designers, stylists and photographers, and I loved the work they were doing with New Zealand labels to raise their profile,” says Stefan. “I thought: why don’t we do something like that? I had people around me that were keen to be involved, and we put our heads together and started creating some really cool images.”

He knew that he didn’t want the campaigns to be close up images of tattoos or tattoo designs, “which can be super polarising as not everyone likes the same style of tattoos. I wanted instead to express a mood and a vibe, and we were putting out two campaigns a year before Instagram really took over as a way to show people what we were all about.”

That very first poster campaign can be seen currently around the neighbourhood advertising FOREVER, a retrospective exhibition at Studio One Toi Tū chronicling the studio’s

Stefan 'Spider' Sinclair

creative endeavours from 2005 to 2025. It presents a diverse collection of works by both local and international tattoo artists, including paintings, drawings, photographs, posters, videos and installations. As well as being a fantastic show from a nostalgia viewpoint, it serves to highlight the artistic evolution of Two Hands Tattoo, offering visitors a glimpse into the studio's rich creative history.

Towards the end of the exhibition’s run, Two Hands’ annual TATTOO TIME mini convention will also take place at Studio One Toi Tū, with close to 40 international artists making the trip to Aotearoa to celebrate the milestone birthday. The event will run across three consecutive days – 14, 15 and 16 February from 11am each day – with no door charge and an explosion of creativity on display.

A month later Stefan himself will be travelling to Los Angeles, where he lives for a large portion of the year. An LA base allows him travel more easily across the US and Europe as an in-demand artist, taking the Two Hands Tattoo name to an ever-growing fanbase around the world. Any plans to grow the studio again as a result? “Hell no,” he laughs, “I’m very happy with where we’re at. We’re at the perfect size, with the perfect number of artists and the perfect team of artists right now. It just feels really good.”

(HELENE RAVLICH)

 PN

TWO HANDS TATTOO, 127a Ponsonby Road, T: 09 376 6999, www.twohandstattoo.com

AYURVEDA AUTUMN CLEANSE RETREAT

Hosted by Sarita Blankenburg and her Ayurveda New Zealand team at Parohe on Kawau Island from 27–30 March 2025, this retreat is an opportunity to escape the hectic pace of daily life and embrace the rejuvenating practices of authentic Ayurveda in a stunning natural setting.

Why Cleanse in Autumn?

As summer fades and the crisp, cooler air of autumn settles in, our bodies naturally seek balance and renewal. This seasonal transition is the perfect time to cleanse, letting go of the heat and dryness of summer to prepare for the grounding energy of autumn.

The Location – An Island Sanctuary

Parohe is just an hour’s drive north of Auckland and a 20-minute ferry ride from Matakana. Surrounded by native bush and pristine waters, this peaceful haven allows you to leave behind accumulated stress and reconnect with nature.

Accommodations to Suit Your Needs

Choose from a variety of boutique accommodations, including private rooms or twin-share options, each designed to provide comfort and relaxation.

Ayurvedic Consultation and Treatments

As part of the package, each guest will have an Ayurvedic consultation with Sarita prior to the retreat which provides an opportunity to address any health concerns and select your Ayurvedic treatments for the retreat.

A Nourishing Culinary Experience

Delicious Ayurvedic plant-based meals are prepared by renowned Little Bird chef Gawain Cowley. The menu is designed to support your cleanse and balance your doshas. An Ayurvedic cooking class will inspire you to incorporate dosha-specific recipes into your daily life.

Daily Yoga Practices and Activities

Start and end each day with restorative yoga sessions in a tranquil setting overlooking the sea or surrounded by native bush. During your free time, explore the island’s walking trails, paddle boarding, kayaking or take a refreshing swim. For deeper relaxation, unwind in the Swedish sauna or enjoy an outdoor bath.

A Guest’s Perspective

Adam Harris, director and entrepreneur from Taranaki, shared his experience: “I had the pleasure of joining Sarita’s Ayurveda Spring Cleanse Retreat in November 2024 together with my wife to celebrate our wedding anniversary. The care, diligence and attention to each person’s needs were evident even before we arrived. Once there, I was able to relax, recharge and rejuvenate through the wonderful treatments, nourishing food and practical sessions on incorporating Ayurveda into daily life. This mini adventure has left me excited for more. It’s not a question of ‘if’ but ‘when’ I will book another retreat.”

Join Us in March

Take this opportunity to detox in a nurturing environment, set your intentions for the year ahead and reconnect with nature and likeminded people.

Contact us for more information or to book your spot. sarita@ayurvedanz.com M: 021 144 5768 @ayurvedanz

photo: Koa Photography

SARISA NASINPROM:

BEST LUXURY THAI. BEST INTERIOR DESIGN. BEST LUXURY URBAN ESCAPE.

When I entered Sa-Ni in the World Luxury Spa Awards 2024, I did so without expectation.

After all, we had been in business for just six months, and previous winners of the awards include such leading global spa brands as Aman, Six Senses, One&Only, Cheval Blanc, Gstaad Palace, The Ritz-Carlton and Waldorf Astoria spas, many of which I’ve visited and learned so much from in my journey to creating Sa-Ni.

However, I was encouraged when I saw the categories we could enter. I felt if we selected carefully, we had a chance. And we did. Sa-Ni Massage and Spa won in three categories in the Australasia/Oceania region:

Best Luxury Traditional Thai Spa.

· Best Interior Design.

Best Luxury Urban Escape.

It’s a tribute to the entire Sa-Ni team – our designers, management and, of course, our expert therapists, who ensure that every client enjoys and benefits from a treatment that meets their personal needs.

Personal significance

For me, personally, winning the award for luxury traditional Thai has special significance. It says our therapists have captured the essence of traditional Thai massage treatments in a luxurious and refined setting, preserving Thai traditions while incorporating modern amenities.

Attention to detail

While I contributed to the design, the award for best interior design really belongs to my partner, Nigel McKenna. His attention to detail has delivered an elegant environment where natural materials and detailed aesthetic elements are blended to create a truly immersive and luxurious experience, one where all six senses can be brought into play.

An urban oasis

But the award that means most to Sa-Ni as a business is the third one: best luxury urban escape. Sa-Ni is not a rural retreat, a remote destination. It’s a spa in the heart of Auckland, in the middle of one of the most bustling and vibrant streets in New Zealand. That makes us very accessible, but it also poses some immense challenges which we overcame through subtleties of interior design and by engaging all six senses from the moment you step through the door and onto the sisal carpet

I hope you will forgive me using this this column to talk about our achievements instead of offering advice and information. I simply wanted to share my excitement with you. Thank you.

Co-founder and Director, Sa-Ni Massage and Spa

SA-NI MASSAGE AND WELLNESS CENTRE, 8 Upper Queen Street, T: 09 320 1742, www.sa-ni.co.nz

Sarisa Nasinprom

Breathe in

Inhale relaxation and luxury, a new sensory experience.

Breathe out Unwind.

Breathe in

A sophisticated luxury spa and legendary Thai massage experience.

Breathe out

Let everything slip away.

Breathe in

This is that Sa-Ni feeling. Try the full effect for yourself.

AYURVEDA – THE ART OF LIVING WELL

Alcohol – To Sip or to Skip

During times of celebration, relaxation or even stress and boredom, the question of "How much is too much?” often arises when it comes to alcohol consumption. A glass of wine is sometimes cited as beneficial to heart health. The ancient science of Ayurveda traditionally employs small amounts of alcohol as a Rasayana (rejuvenating agent). However, it also cautions that excessive consumption is toxic and depletes the body’s vital energy, or Ojas. Striking the balance between moderation and elimination of alcohol in our lifestyles is key to liver function and overall health.

Alcohol in Ayurveda: A Double-Edged Sword

Ayurveda categorises alcohol consumption into three distinct levels:

Consumption in small amounts: When taken in moderation, alcohol can promote feelings of happiness, creativity, humour and mental satisfaction.

Excessive consumption: At this stage, alcohol begins to impair memory, speech and physical coordination, signalling its negative impact on the mind and body.

Severe intoxication: Here, alcohol disrupts sattvic (peaceful and balanced) qualities, giving rise to emotions such as fear, anger and confusion. The body and mind are left depleted and destabilised.

This Ayurvedic framework emphasises the importance of selfawareness. Are you in control of your alcohol consumption or is alcohol controlling you?

Restoring Balance with Ayurvedic Practices

Ayurveda offers powerful tools to restore balance, detoxify the body and protect the liver. Here are some practical steps to reduce alcohol’s impact and promote overall wellness:

Natural detox practices such as tongue scraping and drinking warm water with ginger on rising, removes ama (toxins), which are eliminated by the body overnight. Consuming light meals, avoiding snacking between meals and fasting or skipping a meal occasionally, can also allow the digestive system to rest.

Panchakarma, Ayurveda’s traditional detox programme, is a comprehensive approach to cleansing the body. Treatments include oil massages, sweat therapy, intake of herbs and medicated ghee to eliminate toxins and rejuvenation practices to restore balance. A gentle Panchakarma programme can help the body to heal from alcohol-induced stress.

Ayurvedic herbs for liver support are especially beneficial. In our Sattva Botanicals product range, we offer a variety of

options to facilitate a detox. Our top three recommendations are:

Triphala, a powerful immunity enhancer, full of three antioxidants which aid digestion and elimination.

Neem, a blood-purifier, known for its three anti-inflammatory and detoxifying properties.

Guduchi, a liver cleanser, that helps flush out toxins and strengthens immunity.

Embrace the New Year with Balance Summer is a time of joy and connection, but it’s important to remain mindful of how alcohol impacts your body and mind. By embracing Ayurvedic wisdom, you can find balance in your choices. Whether that means reducing alcohol consumption, incorporating Ayurvedic herbs, or committing to a detox programme, there are natural ways to heal, rejuvenate and restore your vitality.

If you would like to experience an Ayurvedic detox in a nurturing environment away from home, come to our next ‘Autumn Cleanse Retreat’ at Parohe on Kawau Island 27-30 March. (SARITA SOLVIG BLANKENBURG)  PN

photo: Koa Photography

SWITCH TO SUSTAINABLE THIS SUMMER

The new year is a great time to reset and remember why living clean is one of the most important decisions we can all make in life. So why not start 2025 as you mean to go on with these simple switches:

SWITCH: Your car for a bike

Whether you’re in the city or at the beach, the summer holidays are a great time to saddle up and feel the wind in your hair. Not only is biking from A to B more fun than driving, it will burn off all those extra Christmas calories (without burning any fossil fuel).

SWITCH: Meat for veg

It’s a great time of year to up your veggie intake because let’s be honest, everything tastes better barbecued. Aim for at least a couple of meat free nights per week and experiment with rounds of eggplants or broccoli, asparagus, capsicum, onion…whatever takes your fancy.

Brush your veggies with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, grill on the barbecue and throw into a salad with plenty of fresh herbs and a tasty dressing. Your body will feel better for it and this simple switch is super good for the environment too.

SWITCH: To DIY ice blocks

Nothing says summer like a nice refreshing ice block. You’ll find loads of amazing recipes online and unlike the storebought versions, most are low in sugar, use natural ingredients and don’t involve plastic packaging.

SWITCH: To plastic-free

Use your down time to experiment with plastic-free alternatives to your usual household essentials. Head to the ecostore shop at 1 Scotland Street for ideas. You could try a Dish Soap Bar that equates to two of their 500ml plastic bottles. Or Hair Care Bars that are ideal for summer camping trips.

There’s even a tin of Toothpaste Tablets that are perfect for your hiking pack. If you’d like to try everything at once, ecostore’s Happy Camper Gift Set is available now, online and in store.

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

1 Scotland Street, Freemans Bay, Auckland Shop hours: Mon-Fri 10am-6pm Sat-Sun 10am-5pm Public holidays: hours may vary Call & Collect 09 360 8477

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SLEEP, DIET AND HEALTH

Sarah Mitchell Weston (PhD)

As work pressure and social challenges increase, many of us suffer from insufficient and poor quality sleep. This can directly and indirectly impact dietary habits, food preferences and appetite. Chronically poor sleep is also linked to increased risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, mental and emotional disorders.

When sleep is insufficient or of poor quality, it disrupts the balance of hunger-regulating hormones such as ghrelin and leptin. Ghrelin stimulates appetite, while leptin signals to the brain that we're full. When we don't get enough sleep, our levels of leptin decrease and our levels of ghrelin increase, leading to increased hunger and cravings. Poor sleep quality may lead to increased cortisol, which increases cravings for foods high in carbohydrates and fat.

Chronic sleep loss also progressively increases insulin resistance. Insulin regulates blood sugar levels. When the body becomes resistant to insulin, it can’t use glucose effectively, leading to increased blood sugar levels and to increased fat storage and weight gain.

Sleep deprivation can also lower metabolic rate, meaning the body burns fewer calories at rest. This is just the body trying to conserve energy BUT it can lead to weight gain, as the body stores these excess calories as fat. Additionally, lack of sleep may impact physical activity and energy levels. Fatigue from inadequate rest reduces motivation for exercise, resulting in lower energy expenditure.

Prioritising sleep not only enhances dietary habits but also promotes overall health and well-being. Here are some tips to improve sleep quality through diet.

Caffeine awareness: Caffeine is a stimulant that affects our ability to fall asleep and disrupts our sleep cycle. If your daily coffee/tea intake is non-negotiable, limit to two cups per day and enjoy your last one before midday.

Avoid or limit alcohol at night: While alcohol may help you fall asleep faster, it disrupts your sleep cycle, leading to poor quality sleep. Have your last drink at least three hours before bed.

Eat tryptophan-rich foods: Tryptophan promotes sleep by influencing sleep hormones. Foods high in tryptophan include chicken, fish, eggs, oats, nuts, seeds and dairy products.

Limit sugar intake: Sugar causes dehydration and disrupts blood sugar levels, interfering with sleep. Avoid high sugar foods and drinks, especially before bed.

Consume magnesium-rich foods: Magnesium is a mineral that helps calm the nervous system, promoting relaxation. Dark leafy greens, nuts, seeds, whole grains and legumes are high in magnesium.

Avoid spicy foods before bed: Spicy foods can raise your core body temperature and may cause digestive discomfort and/or acid reflux, disrupting sleep.

Avoid heavy meals before bed: Eating late can affect metabolism, digestion, insulin sensitivity and body temperature, causing negative effects on sleep. Avoid eating (particularly heavy meals) two to three hours before bedtime.

Sleep well!

MITCHELL WESTON NUTRITION, L1, 36 Pollen Street, M: 021 451 771, www.mwnutrition.co.nz

1. Crossover Jacket and Serpentine Dress by OBI

2. Hakusan Dress by Moyuru

3. Mino Top by Moyuru

4. Stellar Mesh Tee, Queenie Shirt & Jimmy Harem Pant by OBI

@ THE STATION BOUTIQUE

The Station Boutique offers a wide range of beautiful gifts that are ideal for Valentines Day as well as other occasions.

Beautiful jewellery, true vintage fashion, cushions, glassware and amazing pots and plants are just some of the treasures you will find at The Station Boutique.

The skin/body care products by Nude Kiwi in Nelson and Nudi Point in Kaitaia, are all natural, and a couple are organic. These skin/body care products make wonderful Valentine Gifts.

The all-natural clothing ranges, Marykate Vintage Silk Wear, Vera May Linen & Silk Wear from Italy, and Namaskar Wearable Arts from Australia, are designed for comfort, style, and elegance.

When in Rawene call into see Tina at THE STATION BOUTIQUE 17 Parnell Street, or shop online www.inatthestation.co.nz

Valentine's Day Gifts | In at the Station

AUCKLAND GIRLS’ GRAMMAR SCHOOL

FAST FACTS: Auckland Girls’ Grammar School’s NCEA and UE results for 2024 are out – and they’re outstanding.

Success rates are:

NCEA Level 1 - 90.1%

NCEA Level 2 – 94.7%

NCEA Level 3 – 94.4%

(*This when 2024 saw a national drop of 12% at level 1 NCEA)

AGGS’ UE success – 87.6%

(*UE national average 48.2%)

Auckland Girls’ Grammar School has delivered near-perfect academic results for 2024.

Following excellent 2023 results, AGGS has notched it up even more, with all its NCEA numbers in the 90 percentiles and its UE success rates pushing 90.

For perspective, The national average for NCEA Level 1 for 2024 is 44.9%. AGGS’ 90.1% success rate is more than double that.

And for UE, 48.2% is the national average so AGGS, again, at 87.7% is almost double.

“Our numbers just keep growing year-on-year,” says Deputy Principal Gavin Morgan. 64% back in 2019, up to 80% in 2023. And now into the nineties. It is extraordinary.”

The constant improvement has come under the reign of Principal Ngaire Ashmore.

“Every year in my years at Auckland Girls’ we’ve increased and we’ve been really proud,” says Ashmore. “We feel so good – incredible – about where we have landed this year.”

AGGS is also shouting loud and proud about the stats for its Māori and Pacific students.

80% of Māori students and 85.5% of Pacific students achieved UE at AGGS – soaring above the national averages of 29.9 and 30.1% respectively.

“Everyone’s in this realm of it’s so doom and gloom and bad for Māori and Pacific students,” Ashmore reflects. “And here is a story that bucks that trend. In fact it reverses the rhetoric completely.”

So how has a school previously challenged turned around so dramatically? Let’s not forget when Ashmore took over the school was under Limited Statutory Management. Things were grim.

Now, under Ashmore and her Senior Leadership Team, AGGS experiments with bespoke programmes for each and every student. You won’t find ‘rinse/repeat’ in the vocab of any staff member.

Deputy Principal Maree Flannery, who’s starting her 15th year at AGGS in 2025, explains:

“There’s a belief that everyone can achieve – and we’ll do anything for our students. For that, you need staff who are willing. And they are,” she grins, “they are amazing.”

In 2024 the staff focus was on early identification of students who needed a different approach and continual tracking of how every pupil was progressing – the aim to leave no one lagging and having to play catch-up at year’s end.

“We knew the students who needed different opportunities,” details Flannery. “We took them off timetable and created bespoke programmes for them. And from term three we introduced mentors (who worked one on one) for students who we felt needed additional support.”

Ashmore reiterates: “I think considering all the changes to the NCEA level 1 last year, we were determined that our cohort of Year 11 NCEA Level 1 students would not be left not achieving and we did everything we could to ensure they had the best chance of success.”

2024 Head Girl Samarah Basir, who’s entering Law School this year, is testament to the success of this evolving AGGS ethos.

“The staff are incredibly prepared and they’re incredibly kind and they’re always willing to help us,” Basir says. “They’re not only there as a staff member, but as your friend and guide too – and I think the connections they make with every student definitely helps us succeed and not only get excellence in our education but know that we are looked after as well.”

Co-Head Girl in 2024, Delilah Vale – who hopes to be a surgeon – agrees: “From year nine teachers are very vocal about all the opportunities and possible career pathways so when we enter senior school we’re not overwhelmed. And during senior school our teachers are there to steer us to the right subjects to get into the right uni courses for our careers.”

Principal Ashmore elaborates: “We’re all in this together. Everyone involved continues to work with the student at every level. There’s follow up and follow through. Mentors, Deans and the student herself all doing their job and their best. This is the success of everyone in the organisation working collectively.”

Achieving such high numbers for the second consecutive year puts AGGS on a consistently even playing field with its innercity rivals heading into the 2025 school year.

“We compete against schools like Epsom Girls, private schools like Dio and St Cuths, St Mary’s, Marist… and I think we’ve always felt a little bit that we are the poor cousins,” says Ashmore. “Now our results indicate we are now right on par for academic achievement.

“We’re really, really proud to be able to say if you choose Auckland Girls’ you will get an absolutely amazing education and the possibility of achieving at the highest level.”

Oh, and don’t think such remarkable success means Ashmore and her team will rest on their laurels. They’re already thinking where to from here.

Ashmore nods: “What we know is that we can do this. And that we have a proven track record now. We want to continue to grow. Student achievement is an area that doesn’t stop, so we are continually developing, refining and understanding what works best.”

Deputy Principal Flannery agrees: “It puts a spring in your step, for sure. And at the start of a school year there couldn’t be better motivation to keep on the up-and-up.”

www.aggs.school.nz

PONSONBY NEWS

AUTHENTIC GERMAN KITCHENS

PONSONBY NEWS ONLINE...

In case you missed the news you will be aware that we are now going fully online. I love print and have been in the magazine business since 1990, I will miss those days. Thank you to all the locals who supported our Give a Little campaign. Sadly, we didn’t quite reach our target. It’s been a tough old year and going fully online will bring us more readers, which in turn gives our loyal advertisers more bang for their buck. You can also comment on the newsfeed stories. And remember we love letters to the editor. (MARTIN LEACH)

HOROSCOPES: MISS PEARL NECLIS – what your stars hold for February

Aquarius (the Water Carrier)

21 January - 19 February

You would like to be in a position where you could save some money for something that you really want to do. You might get some friends trying to persuade you to spend but you are your own person and will spend when you’re able to. Don’t bend to pressure.

Pisces (the Fishes) 20 February - 20 March

Something you’ve been doing for a while may have some side affects that you’re not used too. Apart from being more stressed than usual, listening to group gossip shouldn’t be your thing right now.

Aries (the Ram) 21 March - 20 April

There is always time to make changes in your life. Even if it’s a path you're on, you can deviate every now and again, finding your way back won’t be difficult. Indulge yourself if you want to as the ramifications will be minimal.

Taurus (the Bull)

21 April - 21 May

You feel so blessed to have longtime friends in your life, it gives you a connection to the past. There’s no need to make any sort of impression as they know you so well. Whatever you believe in should be respected.

Leo (the Lion)

23 July - 21 August

Committing to anything is a bit of a no go area at the moment. You need to decide where the boundary line is and work from that. You don’t want to tip the apple cart but you may need to speak up.

Gemini (the Twins)

22 May - 21 June

If there’s an opportunity to make a bit of extra cash then you should take it. You’re not in competition with anyone so don’t go rushing in without thinking of the outcome. You see yourself as a hero saving the day.

Virgo (the Virgin)

22 August - 23 September

You want to be able to live the life that you want but unfortunately there is a situation from preventing this to happen. You have this ability to sense when things aren’t right. Trust yourself and life will work out.

Cancer (the Crab)

22 June - 22 July

Reconnecting with the past is something that brings you joy but also sadness. You have a great ability to connect and empathise with just about anything or anyone that comes into your life. The past is the past and you sometimes have to deal with the future now.

Libra (the Scales)

24 September - 23 October

Working hard has always been a virtue of yours for a very long time. Other people seem to have something to say about your work effort. Pleasing others is not what you’re here for. Keep doing what you’ve been doing. The rewards will be generous.

Scorpio (the Scorpion) 24 October - 22 November

Taking centre stage is something that you’ll never get used too. Sometimes decisions have to be made and it's usually you who has to decide on what’s going on around you. Being liked by everyone is not a concern to you.

Sagittarius (the Archer)

23 November - 22 December

You do feel a bit more adventurous this month. You’re getting great feedback from work and your friends are very supportive. There just seems to be you in the way. Maybe you’re self-sabotaging without realising it.

Capricorn (the Goat)

23 December - 20 January

There's something in your DNA that stops you from being completely open with those close to you. Try and get people to understand that it’s just the way you are and not what you’ve become. You're vulnerable right now so take it easy with everyone.