PONSONBY NEWS - JULY'15

+ PUBLISHED 7 JULY, 2015

Established: OCTOBER 1989 – CELEBRATING 25 YEARS OF PUBLISHING HISTORY!

ponsonbynews.co.nz

JULY 2015

VIVE LA FRANCE; UN DEUX TROIS - A HAVEN FOR HOMEWARE LOVERS PONSONBY NEWS+ July 2015 1 MEET SONIA WATTS & SANDY WISHART - P33

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WHAT’S INSIDE THIS MONTH

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P32; Vive La France - Bashford’s exclusive release: the Faye Chandler Collection P115; 2015 Auckland Architecture Awards’ Winners - Sod the Villa, Grey Lynn - Malcolm Walker Architects

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR FROM THE EDITOR DAVID HARTNELL: ONE MINUTE INTERVIEW SHALE CHAMBERS: WAITEMATA LOCAL BOARD NIKKI KAYE: AUCKLAND CENTRAL MP JOHN ELLIOTT: LOCAL NEWS U3A PONSONBY MIKE LEE, COUNCILLOR FOR WAITEMATA & GULF LANDMARK BUILDINGS JACINDA ARDERN: LABOUR LIST MP AUCKLAND

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VIVE LA FRANCE JAY PLATT: WE CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT FASHION + STYLE ANGELA LASSIG: LETTERS FROM MAUDIE PONSONBY NEWS READERS ARE EVERYWHERE LAURAINE JACOBS: THE SEASONED PALATE EAT, DRINK AND BE MERRY THE VEG FRIENDLY CHALLENGE LIVING, THINKING + BEING ALI LAWRIE: PERSONALITY TYPES

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HELENE RAVLICH: NATURAL BEAUTY JOHN APPLETON ON HEALTH FUTURE GENERATION SIDELINE WITH GEORGE BERRY LOOK WHO IS IN THE ZOO PONSONBY PEOPLE & THEIR PETS PONSONBY PROFESSIONALS HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS HEIDI PADAIN: ENTERTAINMENT IN YOUR GARDEN ARTS + CULTURE COVER PHOTOGRAPHY: Michael McClintock

PONSONBY NEWS+ is published monthly, excluding January by, ALCHEMYY MEDIA LIMITED, L 11/386 RICHMOND ROAD, GREY LYNN POSTAL: P.O. BOX 47-282 Ponsonby, Auckland 1144. www.ponsonbynews.co.nz T: 09 378 8553 or 09 361 3356 Editor/Publisher Associate Publisher & Ad Manager Distribution Advertising Sales Operations Manager Contributing Fashion Editor Contributing Editor Contributing Editor Proof Readers Layout Designer Designer

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MARTIN LEACH; M: 021 771 147; E: martinleach@xtra.co.nz or martin@ponsonbynews.co.nz JO BARRETT; M: 021 324 510; E: joannebarrett@xtra.co.nz JAY PLATT; M: 021 771 146; E: jayplatt@xtra.co.nz or jay@ponsonbynews.co.nz ANGELA MARTIN; M: 0274 108 320; E: ponsnewsnz@gmail.com GWYNNE DAVENPORT; M: 021 150 4095; E: ponsonbynews@xtra.co.nz JULIE ROULSTON; M: 027 211 7169; E: julie@ponsonbynews.co.nz DEIRDRE TOHILL; M: 021 261 8439; E: deir42@vodafone.co.nz JOHN ELLIOTT; M: 021 879 054; E: johnelliott@ihug.co.nz JESSIE KOLLEN; DEIRDRE THURSTON ARNA MARTIN; E: arna@cocodesign.co.nz MELISSA PAYNTER; E: melissapaynter@me.com

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ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTIONS: WITHIN NEW ZEALAND $49. BY CHEQUE OR POSTAL ORDER IN NZ$. NO CREDIT CARDS. PLEASE NOTE: we do not hold back issues of Ponsonby News. Our archive is all online as a low resolution pdf or from August 2010, as a high resolution E-mag - visit www.ponsonbynews.co.nz The entire content of this publication is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means - electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise - without the prior permission, in writing, of the copyright owner. Colour transparencies and manuscripts submitted are sent at the owner’s risk; neither the publisher nor its agents accept any responsibility for loss or damage. Although every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this publication, the publisher can accept no liability for any inaccuracies that may occur.

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LETTERS + EMAILS

Views in Ponsonby News reflect the authors’, and not those of Alchemy Media. www.twitter.com/Ponsonby_News

Attempting to reinvent The Political Compass In your June issue, John Elliott may not have reinvented the wheel, but he appears to be attempting to reinvent The Political Compass, which he describes in all but name.

RIP Sir Peter Williams Sir Peter was arguably our greatest defense lawyer and undoubtedly a courageous person. He was a most generous man and a good friend to Sally and I.

It’s a well-known internet tool - www.politicalcompass.org - that has acquired many impressive international reviews, including the Guardian, The Times, The New York Times, The Washington Post and the BBC .

We first met him through our dogs playing together at Tole Reserve so Heeni, Peter and we became friends. We were flattered many times by their generosity and their advice.

It acknowledges its debt to several figures from the Frankfurt School including Hans Eysenck, whose work The Political Compass expands on to describe the contemporary phenomenon of global neo-liberalism and much else. It has been astutely plotting the positions of New Zealand’s political parties for the last four elections but, crucially, also those of a number of other countries.

During the recent United Kingdom election campaign, it reportedly received close to 40,000 visits per day.

As a former teacher and lecturer, I have noticed The Political Compass charts and discussion cropping up in a number of school and political science text books. But not, alas, in Mr Elliott’s little piece. RICK ANEX, by email Nikki Kaye’s misleading response re: Western Springs College rebuild Having been a resident of Westmere for 18 years and having voted for Nikki Kaye last time around, I read, with some incredulity, Nikki Kaye’s misleading response to a letter to the Ponsonby News about the Western Springs College Rebuild.

When the Western Bays Community Group had their inaugural AGM, Peter took time from a busy schedule to be our guest speaker. This was a wonderful gesture and one in which he told us of the social history of Ponsonby and his experiences representing people.

He generously recognised others who had made contributions and was scathing about the likes of Bruce Hutton who planted a bullet to wrongfully convict Arthur Alan Thomas.

Heeni and Peter also traveled to Fiji and successfully represented a number of people who were imprisoned or detained by the then dictatorships. They also represented the Tuhoe community immediately and for gratis after the bungled police raid.

We have also learnt much of the colorful history of Ponsonby. When our streets were full of beer halls in the six o’clock closing era, they were the only place where you could go for entertainment. As a law student, Peter was in one, one night, to be entertained

by Ray Charles on piano. Ray was in town and had been taken there after his concert.

We offer Lady Heeni our deepest sympathy and would also like to acknowledge Kevin for looking after Ariki and Kafta, Peter and Heeni’s wonderful hounds.

GERRY HILL AND SALLY JAMES, Ponsonby

She states: “The board has requested a little bit of time to ensure the community has visibility of the options.” This is false. The Ministry of Education has repetitively stalled progress, backtracked and unilaterally changed options for the rebuild that were previously agreed upon by Ministry of Education and the school Board of Trustees.

I attended a public meeting on the rebuild circa four years ago. Little has been progressed since that time and using the geotech issues of the land as an excuse is a lame sidetrack. The geotech issues are not causing delays.

Nikki Kaye says the Government confirms the rebuild as a priority yet no mention was made of this in the budget alongside other school rebuilds.

The local community has lost patience, trust and respect for the disingenuous and somewhat inept way the Ministry of Education has managed this. Nikki Kaye has been ill informed by the Ministry of Education.

Hekia Parata needs to show some leadership and get her ministry to perform on this critical school rebuild for inner Auckland.

PADDY RYAN, Westmere A local publication with global quality yet local focus Ponsonby News has been revived and grown under the stewardship of Martin Leach.

His passion and the loyalty of the locals have grown readership, quality of print stock and digital coverage through clever locally focussed news, advertising of interest and monthly themes built around the community. These are balanced with savy social media posts and the proprietor being seen supporting those who support him.

In a world of globalism, it’s time to bring the world to you rather than go to the world. I’m not saying put your heads in the sand; rather saying be viciously loyal in creating local first that can then support the rest. Tying content to local events, businesses, etc, grows the community both online and actual physical product.

The human element is key. Here Martin and his team lead the bunch - a local publication with global quality and yet local focus.

STEVEN OVEREND, North Canterbury

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July 2015

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FROM THE EDITOR

LIKE US! www.facebook.com/ponsonbynews IN JUST A FEW DAYS (14 JULY) THE FRENCH CELEBRATE Bastille Day with a national holiday. Our July issue has always had a focus on things French, or French inspired and this issue is no exception. We hope to encourage you to try Frenchie, as the name implies it’s a Parisian style French bistro located in Three Lamps and is as traditional as any French restaurant gets.

Peter Klein received a Waitemata Local Board 2015 Good Citizen Award in recognition of his many years of service to Grey Lynn Community Centre as well as his other community activities. “We celebrate the people who become involved with the community centre,” says Grey Lynn Community Centre Manager Cath Bathe-Taylor. “They give selflessly of their time and skills to the committee for long periods of time and are special people who make this such a well-used and loved facility in our community. Once you are a part of the community centre family, you will always be a family member.”

One of Ponsonby’s largest developments is taking shape and locals passing the former DYC Vinegar site will be able to see the beginnings of their new Countdown supermarket.

“These frames form the central structure of the building and it’s an important step in the supermarket taking shape in coming months,” says Progressive Enterprises General Manager for Property Adrian Walker. “The build is on track and over the

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photography: Michael McClintock

The French Art Shop was established by the Castle family in 1978 and has been an icon store in Auckland for over 38 years.

This award-winning business has stood the test of time and has evolved into a destination art supply store for artists of all levels. The business has recently moved out of Ponsonby and has relocated to 16-18 Taylors Road.

Jo Barrett, Angela Martin, Martin Leach, Jay Platt and Gwynne Davenport

next few months there will be a lot more to see as we complete the foundations and move to the next stage.”

Congratulations to the team at Sidart, winners of ‘Best Metropolitan Restaurant’ in last month’s Cuisine Good Food Awards. This is the team’s favourite “posh” restaurant and we will be celebrating Jay’s birthday there next week.

Well done to Dida’s, who this month celebrate 10 years in Ponsonby. They often get asked, so they’ll clear this up “Dida” is Croatian for “Grandfather”.

As our area becomes intensified there are a number of new developments currently under construction.

SOMA apartments in Grey Lynn will throw out the rulebook of Auckland apartment design, combining functional, yet generous living spaces with thoughtful architecture and cutting-edge design. Priced from $570,000.

Five local properties from the Western Bays were winners of the 2015 Auckland Architecture Awards, which were announced last month at MOTAT’s Aviation PN Hall. (MARTIN LEACH) F

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An exceptional blend of city and waterfront living

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Wynyard Central is a series of apartments and townhouses with a bespoke level of quality and design, set in a prime waterfront location. With meticulous attention to detail and specified well beyond industry standards – including a very high level of acoustic attenuation – it offers effortless comfort and style.

The luxury residences will be settled on the edge of one of the world’s most beautiful harbours and at the heart of Auckland’s most vibrant and developing new area, Wynyard Quarter. To the discerning buyer, Wynyard Central delivers the perfect blend of quality, sophistication and lifestyle.

To view the display suite and for further information call 09 377 4065 or visit wynyardcentral.co.nz

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DAVID HARTNELL’S: ONE MINUTE INTERVIEW Andrew Cozens has worked in Ponsonby for four years as the Marketing Co-ordinator for Madman Entertainment.

The most annoying celebrity?

Kanye West! He’s a very talented guy but he needs to learn to keep his mouth shut.

The best thing you have brought back from a trip?

This will sound silly but a little Mt Ventoux road-marker replica. In cycling on all the big climbs in France there are kilometre markers every kilometre going up the climb telling you the gradient for the next kilometre, your current altitude above sea level and how far you have to go till you reach the top. Mt Ventoux is nearly 2000m high so every time I look at that little road marker, I’m reminded of a very painful two hours on the bike.

The view from the top was spectacular though and the descent so much fun - hitting speeds close to 90kph!

Greatest love?

My partner Olivia of course, with my road bike a distant second.

Last time you turned off your mobile phone?

It’s usually a case of my battery dying on me rather than me choosing to switch off.

One of your biggest disappointments?

Missing out on seeing Arsenal play in the Emirates in January. I just couldn’t get a ticket for love nor money. It’s still a bucket list item to see the team I’ve supported since I was in primary school.

Comfort food?

Meatloaf or a hearty beef and ale stew. Guess it’s the English in me.

The last time you cried?

If I’m crying it’s because of a movie. I figure if a movie can get me to cry it’s at least worthy of three stars! So that would have been about a month ago when watching The Finishers - a French film about a father completing the Nice Ironman with his son who has cerebral palsy. Based on a true story - impossible not to get caught up in it.

Give your teenaged self some advice?

Stop looking at so much porn on the internet! It’s bad for your long-term wellbeing.

Who would play you in the movie of your life?

Michael C Hall (Dexter) - I’ve been told by a few people we look alike! Failing that, Chris Pratt.

Favourite book?

I am embarrassing myself with these answers... the Harry Potter series. I must have read them a dozen times each.

What do you love about your life?

I’m at an age where I have enough money to live comfortably and be able to go to gigs, eat out with friends, etc, I don’t miss the student days where I was living from pay day to pay day sometimes on baked beans and mi goreng noodles!

Which talent would you like to have?

A singing voice. On that Singstar game I would always get a ‘tone deaf’ score. Can’t win at everything in life!

Who do you most admire?

My mum for beating breast cancer like a pro last year and not letting it affect her ability to live life to the fullest - she has just jetted off on a three-month tour of Africa at the tender age of 62!

Life moto?

Rule #5. Cyclists will know what I’m talking about.

What cliché do you hate?

“The most important thing isn’t winning, it’s taking part.” I also hate the abbreviations and word abominations that are “totes”, “amazeballs”, or, my most detestable one, “totes-amazeballs”.

What motivates you?

Not wanting to be seen to be doing a bad job. I pride myself on my attention to detail and get frustrated with myself if I drop the ball on something.

Favourite season?

Winter - I really can’t handle the heat in summer and it never gets that cold in Auckland.

I love a crisp winter day when it’s beautifully sunny but nice and cool at the same time.

Winter also means film festival time which is the best two weeks of the year for me!

How do you take your coffee?

Large flat white, one sugar. Being on holiday in Europe over Christmas really brought it home how good we are with coffee in New Zealand. So hard to find a decent one over there!

Best holiday?

July 2013 when I went to Europe - three weeks following the Tour de France. For a cycling nut like me it was amazing, especially as it was the 100th anniversary of the tour.

Greatest fear?

Going to work with no pants on!

Opinion on today’s man?

I’m more the strong and silent, gruff type so I probably need to lift my game when it comes to the modern metrosexual man. I can count on one hand the amount of times I’ve used skin moisturiser. (DAVID HARTNELL, MNZM) F PN

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SHALE CHAMBERS: WAITEMATA LOCAL BOARD REPORT Last month council’s new 10-year plan was signed off by the governing body and the 2013-2016 term of this council and your Waitemata Local Board reached its half way point.

This is a good opportunity to reflect on the Waitemata Local Board, and your elected local representatives’ achievements so far this term of council.

We are privileged to represent one of Auckland’s most engaged and active communities.

This was evident in the commitment and passion shown by those who contributed their time and effort to help shape the plans and concepts for Waitemata over the past 18 months such as the Karangahape Road Plan and the Grey Lynn Park Development Plan.

An example of this commitment was the incredible response to the consultation on the proposed future options for 254 Ponsonby Road. We received just under 700 submissions, which at the time was the best response ever for a local board consultation. We also benefited from receiving over 200 submissions to the Waitemata Local Board Plan.

This past year has been a busy and exciting year for the Waitemata Local Board and with your support we have started to see some of the results of all the hard work. The construction of the Weona-Westmere Coastal Walkway commenced and the Myers Park playground was transformed into an interactive and enjoyable playground, along with improved lighting and CCTV in time for the February 100-year celebration of the park.

This past year has also been a time of reflecting and setting new priorities for the next three years with the completion of the Waitemata Local Board Plan, providing a three -year foundation of planning, action and advocacy aimed at improving our communities.

We have continued to work constructively with the governing body and council-controlled organisations on the development of regional policy, including playing an active role in representing our community views throughout the long-term plan 10-year budget consultation and Auckland Transports’ Regional Land Transport Plan.

We will continuously look at the way we do things, to increase our communities’ engagement with us. We want to give communities more say and involvement in developments in their neighbourhoods through community-led development.

Looking forward we have a very exciting year ahead. We are entering the detailed design stage of the re-development of Pioneer Women’s and Ellen Melville Hall as a city centre community hub and will be commencing the delivery of phase one of the Newmarket Laneways Plan. This will see the laneways become safer, more inviting, more interesting and walkable. We will also be improving the entranceways into Myers Park including the

underpass, which links the park to Aotea Square and installing a splash pad to provide more fun and active spaces for children in the city. With the completion of the Auckland Transport Parking Strategy, we are pleased to see plans being put in place to roll out the resident priority parking scheme in Freemans Bay and Ponsonby.

We are committed to remaining an accessible and motivated board and we will continue to deliver the best local services within the board’s allocated budget. Our new local board agreement sets out the initiatives we plan to deliver and advocate for in the 2015/2016 financial year.

Our priorities continue to focus on preserving our character areas, protecting heritage, advocating for transport improvements and looking after the environment. This year, with your support, we continue with some of the good work we started in the past few years including continuing the development of the Waipapa stream and Western Springs native bush restoration. We have also renewed our commitment to supporting community, arts, sporting groups and local events through grants and partnerships.

In addition, there are some new and exciting initiatives we plan on delivering this year including the re-establishment of the Fukuoka Japanese garden at Western Springs lakeside and delivering recreational programmes to activate our spaces and encourage children and young people to be active. We will also commence the implementation of our Waitemata Low Carbon Plan.

We strive for an outstanding public transport system and a people-focused city centre that is easy, pleasant and safe to move around. We continue to advocate to the governing body and Auckland Transport for the delivery of initiatives that improve walking, cycling and road safety, and seek a regional budget to enable the implementation of local boards’ Greenway Plans across Auckland.

Your local board, comprising Shale Chambers, Pippa Coom, Christopher Dempsey, Greg Moyle, Rob Thomas, Deborah Yates and Vernon Tava, are confident the initiatives that we plan to deliver and advocate for in 2015/2016 will contribute to a better, more people PN friendly and liveable Auckland. (SHALE CHAMBERS) F Contact me: shale.chambers@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

Waitemata Local Board Good Citizen Awards held at the Auckland Town Hall last month

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NIKKI KAYE: AUCKLAND CENTRAL MP

Making progress for Auckland Central Before the election, I committed to 23 initiatives covering all areas of the Auckland Central electorate and focussing on issues such as education, transport and conservation.

Since then, I have been working hard to make them happen. Soon, I will be sending out an update on these initiatives but, in the meantime, here is a snapshot of some of the progress I have made with the community on these issues.

School Developments The $7.5 million redevelopment at Bayfield School is due to be completed in the next few weeks. The substantial project, which addresses weather tightness and structural issues, will provide the school with 12 new teaching spaces - built to innovative learning environment standards, a larger hall, a new library, staff facilities, an administration area and a music suite.

I want to acknowledge the school leadership throughout this period, and I give a special thanks to the school community, board and Principal Sheryl Fletcher for their patience during this process, given the issues that occurred with asbestos. It will be great to see the school operate in these new buildings from the start of term three.

I know that many of you are frustrated with the progress on the various rebuild and redevelopment options for Western Springs College. As I said in the last issue, the process has been delayed largely due to the size of the project - potentially one of the largest and most complex school projects ever undertaken in New Zealand. The board asked for additional time to ensure the options in the business case could be presented to the community prior to cabinet consideration.

an expected 33,000 delegates and $90 million increase in delegate expenditure that it will attract each year, in addition to creating 800 permanent new jobs. The building will enhance the central Auckland urban landscape and help New Zealand to compete effectively with Australia and Asia for business visitors.

In addition, a $350 million, 52-level tower is planned for a site bordered by Elliott, Victoria and Albert Streets. This tower will include a 302-room hotel, apartments, car parking, a cinema and entertainment complex, shopping and restaurants, creating a precinct in the style of Federal Street.

Together, these developments will create hundreds of new jobs, invigorate the city and boost the economy - all good news for Auckland Central residents and businesses.

There are many other projects that I have worked to help complete, or for which there has been significant progress since September last year. I am working hard to ensure that both locally and nationally, Auckland Central is an ever better place to live and work.

(NIKKI KAYE) F PN Hon Nikki Kaye is the MP for Auckland Central. www.nikkikaye.co.nz

The Board of Trustees recently held a public meeting in association with the Ministry of Education to cover the history of the projects, the conditions of the existing buildings and the development options.

I can assure you that Western Springs is a priority and we are committed to creating a superb, modern school for the Western Bays. I am expecting a decision in the next few months.

SuperGold Card use on Waiheke Ferry The outcome of the recent review of the SuperGold Card Scheme is great news for cardholders who use the Waiheke Island ferry services.

The SuperGold card is one of the few additional services older New Zealanders have, but in the past the scheme did not allow for fair competition on the Waiheke Island ferry service. I presented a petition on behalf of the Island community asking the Government to give Explore Group ferry service to Waiheke access to the SuperGold Card subsidy.

The Government has listened; the moratorium on new services entering the scheme will be lifted from 1 September and a tender will be set up for the Waiheke Island service. As a result, Explore Group will operate on a more even playing field by being a part of the tender. I will be working with local ferry operators, Auckland Transport and the public to confirm the tendering process.

Ensuring this entitlement continued was a key election commitment of mine and I am pleased that the recent review has resulted in SuperGold Card holders having continued access to the scheme in a fairer way, now and into the future.

CBD economic development There are some significant developments planned for the CBD that will bring many jobs to Auckland Central.

The new design for the Skycity Convention Centre has been given the green light. The Convention Centre will be a significant asset for the city and the tourism industry with

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JOHN ELLIOTT: LOCAL NEWS

The Western Springs College rebuild “It will happen,” says Associate Minister of Education Nikki Kaye.

Staff, board members, parents and friends of Western Springs College are frustrated at the lack of action on a rebuild of the college. This has been going on now for four years.

The first option is to go off site and rebuild near Pasadena Intermediate. That option is still live, but is an unlikely choice.

Just last year, in April, a gold-plated new plan was produced which received glowing praise from locals. Nikki Kaye gave a high-class rebuild support before the election.

Option number two, and the one preferred by all the stakeholders, is the so-called “streetscape model” which would produce a beautiful new school, fit for a top-class, decile eight, co-ed school, with the best possible ERO report just released (“ Western Springs College provides high-quality education for its community. Students flourish... they are articulate, confident and well equipped to transition into tertiary study and the adult world.”

- June 2015)

Part of the hold up has been because of concerns about the stability of the school site. Western Springs College was built on a rubbish dump. Geotech reports have been conflicting, but the go -ahead has now been given for a new school on the present site. It is now a question of the extent of the rebuild.

There has been rumour and innuendo, much of it political, but each stakeholder has its own role to play and works in collaboration with the other. Nikki Kaye admitted some frustration at conflicting comments and finger pointing which was counter productive, but told Ponsonby News she had a good relationship with Principal Ken Havill, whose experience and wisdom she respects.

By the time this article goes to press there will have been a public meeting at the college to outline the five options. Principal Ken Havill explained the options to Ponsonby News, and told us that the meeting will outline all five options, from which the cabinet will make its choice.

The streetscape model is the version the community hopes Associate Minister Nikki Kaye will be able to persuade her cabinet colleagues to adopt. It would signal to the community: “We are your school. Come and use these excellent facilities.”

The other three options vary between part rebuild and part refurbishment, with version five just refurbishment.

One of Ken Havill’s concerns is that a partial rebuild leaving dozens of old prefabs on site would be a considerable eyesore and would just not be acceptable.

Nikki Kaye spoke to Ponsonby News about the redevelopment and assured us of her intention to fight hard in cabinet for a major rebuild, but with no assurance it would be the gold-plated version. She repeated that Western Springs and Southern Cross were the top Auckland priorities.

Of course, Minister Kaye will be subject to cabinet collective responsibility, and we will never know exactly what she said in cabinet, nor what influence she had over her colleagues.

Nikki Kaye assured us she would use all her persuasive powers in cabinet, but also said it was down to the ‘business case’, and it would be an objective cabinet decision, with regard being had to the other school priorities nationwide.

When questioned about her vulnerability in Auckland Central if the decision goes against what the school community demands, Nikki Kaye told Ponsonby News that she will not let her personal electoral ambitions affect her properly considered judgement. She offered no clue as to how she thought the result would play out, but Ponsonby News got the distinct impression Nikki Kaye will fight very hard for Western Springs College. She told us that Hekia Parata, the Minister of Education, is on top of the issue. Let’s hope the rest of cabinet can be persuaded to produce a model, modern school of which the community can be proud.

Western Springs College has become a poster school for the excellence of the NCEA system. My own son went seamlessly from Western Springs to Auckland University, thoroughly prepared to complete the Honours Degree he has now achieved. There is absolutely no need for parents in the Western Springs zone to send their children off to private schools. Whereas just 10 years ago half the students at the college came from out of zone, now 100% are in zone. But a patched up, rebuild job would not help the case for retention of these students.

143 Williamson Avenue, Grey Lynn www.facebook.com/FLAXEN.CLOTHING.NZ

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It is a mute point who has lower community status, teachers or politicians. Both need more respect than they get. Nikki Kaye is highly regarded as an electorate MP, right across the political spectrum. How she shapes up with her cabinet colleagues remains to be seen. This will be a big test for her. I rate her chances of pulling it off.

PN (JOHN ELLIOTT) F

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PONSONBY U3A: JUNE 2015

LOCAL NEWS Grey Lynn Community Centre governance committee Peter Klein receives a Good Citizen Award

Such is the burgeoning popularity of Ponsonby U3A’s special interest groups that it is planned to widen the range of topics offered to members, says U3A president Annie Webster.

Chairperson of the Grey Lynn Community Centre governance committee Peter Klein has received a Waitemata Local Board 2015 Good Citizen Award.

Under consideration for the new groups are science, architecture, economics and genealogy.

It is in recognition of his many years of service to the community centre as well as his other community activities.

It was commented that he has been chairperson of the community centre for so long that he has become the heart and soul of the centre, never wavering in his dedication and support for the centre, making him a wonderful ambassador of the greater Grey L to R: John Butters, Peter Klein and Lynn community. Before taking Ken Stead at the Grey Lynn Community Centre on the role of chairman he was secretary of the committee. He is also chairperson of the Auckland Tenants Association and is a Citizens Advice Bureau. volunteer. He is long-time Grey Lynn resident.

Ken Stead recently stood down as treasurer of the community centre’s governance committee after 16 years in the role. Prior to that he was on the committee. Ken is a lifelong Westmere resident and lives with his wife Neri in the house his grandparents bought in 1942 and where he grew up. He is enthusiastic about the area and points out the distinct character of Westmere, Grey Lynn Ponsonby and Freemans Bay as a series of villages so different from the big sprawl of many other areas in Auckland. Ken will continue with his part time role of overseeing the centre at nights and weekends - a role he shares with chairperson Peter Klein, who is also to be found at the centre most days as well as evenings and weekends. Ken’s involvement with the Grey Lynn Community Centre started before its present building was opened in 2000. “The committee was heavily involved with input into the design of the building,” he said. The original prefab and concrete building was known as the annexe.

The fourteen special interest groups currently offered are Antiques and Collectibles, Armchair Travellers, Art History, Classical Studies, Current Events, Dining Out, Gallery Visits, Garnet Station Tiny Theatre Supporters, Green Fingers, Music Appreciation, New Zealand History, Petanque, Ramblers and Scrabble. They meet mainly in members’ homes. Some, such as Antiques and Collectables, have grown to such an extent that a second group is needed. “These groups really are the lifeblood of the U3A movement,” says Annie. “They offer the chance to delve into a wide range of subjects along with a number of relaxing and convivial leisure activities. “

Annie Webster, President Ponsonby U3A

Ponsonby U3A meets monthly on the second Friday morning of the month at the Leys Institute in St Marys Road. There are two speaker at each meeting - an invited guest speaker and a 10-minute speaker drawn from the U3A membership. “Most of our members have led fascinating lives and are happy to share a little of that with us,” says Annie.

June’s 10-minute speaker, David Oliver, had a high flying career in business and banking and at international level in the Rotary movement, where he is still involved. His abiding interest is a much loved vintage car collection which includes “Emma”, his wife Beverley’s 1914 Ford Model T Coupe, named for Emily Pankhurst.

Also stepping down from the committee is John Butters, who has provided specialist knowledge to the community centre for the past four years. “He brought excellent skills and facilitated strategic planning for us,” says Cath. “To have someone with his skills over the past years has been wonderful for the centre. As an HR specialist he has been involved with appointments and resignations and was on the employment and finance sub committees.” John is also involved with other community trusts and is currently engaged in setting up a new trust for prevention and research into workplace bullying.

He is a trustee of Spark Centre of Creative Development.

Last month’s guest speaker was Ros Giffney, programme manager of Sistema Aotearoa, an orchestra programme for children aged 6-12 years, that promotes music making to foster confidence, teamwork, pride and aspiration in the children taking part - and through them promote these same values throughout their wider community. It was established in 2011 and is based at the Otara Music Arts Centre drawing children from seven local schools. It provides group tuition in a community setting in school, after school and in holidays. Musicianship and the U3A member Jane Jones with Ros Giffney, skills of playing an orchestral Programme Manager Sistema Aotearoa instrument are taught in a way that is suitable to the age group and community involved. All tuition, access to instruments and participation is provided free of charge and the programme is fully inclusive regardless of physical, intellectual or emotional ability. The basic premise of Sistema Aotearoa - social development, community and a holistic approach - is the foundation of the programme, which currently teaches orchestral instruments to 230 children. The programme is delivered by the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra and supported by Creative New Zealand.

The Grey Lynn Community Centre School Holiday Programme gets underway on Monday, 6 July, for two weeks until 17 July. As always an exciting programme has been organised for primary - and intermediate-aged children. Details are on the website and bookings can be made at the community centre office.

The July guest speaker will be from Speakout VSA. Jane Rutledge spent two years in Vanuatu as a market adviser with farmers on an economic development project. The ten minute speaker will be U3A member Patricia Woodley. Visitors and guests are welcome at PN Ponsonby U3A meetings. (PHILIPPA TAIT) F

Visitors to the centre will note the new self-opening entrance doors making life easier for PN the 10,000 users and visitors to the centre each month. (PHILIPPA TAIT) F

NEXT MEETING:

9.45am, Friday, 10 July, First Floor, Leys Institute, St Marys Road

ENQUIRIES:

Annie Webster, President, Ponsonby U3A, T: 376 2902 www.u3aponsonby.org.nz

In recent years Ken was awarded a Community Service Award for his contribution to the centre. “He is also a keen grower of bromiliads,” says Grey Lynn Community Centre Manager Cath Bathe-Taylor. “And if you want to put a smile on his face just turn up with a bar of chocolate.

“We celebrate the people who become involved with the community centre,” says Cath.

“They give selflessly of their time and skills to the committee for long periods of time and are special people who make this such a well used and loved facility in our community.

Once you are a part of the community centre family, you will always be a family member.”

GREY LYNN COMMUNITY CENTRE, 510 Richmond Road, T: 09 378 4908 www.greylynn.org.nz

20 PONSONBY NEWS+ July 2015

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LOCAL NEWS GOVERNMENT MFE ACCREDITATION FIRST FOR FUJI XEROX FUJI XEROX HAS BECOME THE FIRST IN THE NEW ZEALAND PRINT INDUSTRY TO HAVE its Product Stewardship Scheme accredited by the Ministry for the Environment for reducing its environmental footprint with its ambitious Zero Landfill Scheme.

Last month Minister for the Environment, Hon Dr Nick Smith, presented the accreditation at Fuji Xerox’s College Hill offices making the company one of only 13 in New Zealand to receive it since the Waste Minimisation Act was passed in 2008.

The Fuji Xerox’s Zero Landfill Scheme aims to divert 99.5% of all returned Fuji Xerox branded equipment, consumables and associated packaging through either re-use or recycling.

Over 80% of the collected equipment comes from customers and is returned to the company through product trade-ins before being sent to Fuji Xerox warehouses in the main centres for assessment and then is either reused or recycled. Fuji Xerox packaging is recycled in New Zealand and any material that is unable to be recycled locally is exported for recycling.

“We calculate that over 1200 tonnes of our equipment and consumables are diverted from landfill annually, including 99.5% of all returned printers, copiers, toner bottles, print cartridges, drums, rollers and fuser oil, and associated packaging,” explains Fuji Xerox Managing Director Gavin Pollard.

Smith says Fuji Xerox’s Zero Landfill scheme results in robust benefits for the environment, while also stacking up commercially. “To reduce the need to source new raw materials and save money, Fuji Xerox designs and manufactures their equipment with extended life use in mind, and also incorporates internal modules that can be reused multiple times across several successive generations of products.

PONSONBY’S NEW LOCAL SHAPING UP

“The Fuji Xerox’s Zero Landfill scheme demonstrates that it is achievable for global electronic corporates to voluntarily take responsibility for the environmental impacts of their products,” Smith says.

One of Ponsonby’s largest developments is taking shape and locals passing the former DYC Vinegar site will be able to see the beginnings of their new Countdown supermarket.

With a solid commitment over the last decade to become the New Zealand market leader in sustainable business practices in its sector, Fuji Xerox has been out in front with addressing sustainability at every level of the value chain, from product procurement through to the end of life products. “We maintain an unwavering commitment to the environment and will continue to do so by recycling our products, manufacturing environmentally friendly equipment and supporting environmental programmes,” says Pollard.

Large steel frames have gone up on the Pollen Street side of the development, signalling the start of one of the first, major above-ground stages of the build.

“Having our Product Stewardship Scheme formally recognised by the Government means a great deal to the company, acknowledging our ongoing commitment to sustainability and providing the impetus to continue to lead the way in this important area for our PN sector,” he says. F

“The build is on track and over the next few months there will be a lot more to see as we complete the foundations and move to the next stage.”

For more information on product stewardship, go to: www.mfe.govt.nz/waste/product-stewardship

“These frames form the central structure of the building and it’s an important step in the supermarket taking shape in coming months,” says Progressive Enterprises General Manager for Property Adrian Walker.

After months of drawing up plans and working to create the best fit for the site, the development team has also ticked off another important milestone with the completion of the exterior design.

“We’re really pleased with the design for the Cider Building, which will house the new Countdown. The exterior design is always important because it creates the first impression,” says Walker. “We’ve worked hard to ensure it works for the site and for the area.”

The Cider Building will also include specialty retail and office space along the Williamson Avenue frontage. The Vinegar Lane residential development (on the Crummer Road side) is also progressing well with the last sections due for handover to their private owners shortly.

With the estimated completion date set for the second quarter of 2016, this time next winter you might not have to venture so far in the elements for your last-minute dinner essentials!

General Manager Customer Service & Quality at Fuji Xerox, Dave Paviour; the Minister; Nicola Sole & Zac Jordan - both from The Ministry For The Environment; Fuji Xerox Sustainability Manager, Sian Flynn-Coleman

22 PONSONBY NEWS+ July 2015

The development team is working to keep disruptions to a minimum while they get the project finished. If you have any queries you can contact the Project Director David Lippard on M: 021 727 254 or david@integratedpm.co.nz, talk to Ebert’s Project Manager Ross Duxfield on M: 021 421 045 or visit the site office at 54 Ponsonby Road.

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MIKE LEE: COUNCILLOR FOR WAITEMATA & GULF

Historic judgement a huge victory for harbour campaigners And a well-deserved kick in the pants for the Auckland Council.

Justice. What a sweet word that is and how heartening it is to witness such a resounding example of it. Justice Geoffrey Venning’s decision to throw out the resource consents granted to Ports of Auckland by the Auckland Council to extend the Bledisloe container terminal with wharf extensions nearly 100m, is more than justice - it is a liberating breath of fresh air for Aucklanders fed up with the high-handed behaviour of the Auckland Council. The resource consents, presaging a major harbour reclamation, were not only not publicly notified, they were kept secret by council management from the public, the councillors - even from the mayor.

Justice Venning ruled the consents should have been publicly notified on two counts.

1. The technical applications should have been ‘bundled’, meaning they therefore would have been considered under the more restrictive ‘discretionary activity’ which requires notification.

2. Under the ‘controlled activity’ rule of the Regional Plan Coastal used to authorise the wharf extension, the ‘special circumstances’ (s.95 (4) RMA) provisions of that rule were simply ignored. The judge found there were ample grounds to treat this application as a special circumstance, given amongst other things the very high public interest.

All Aucklanders owe a debt of gratitude to Urban Auckland and its generous backers that successfully took the council and port company to court on behalf of the public, and also to the ‘Stop Stealing Our Harbour’ group that organised the mass public opposition in the streets and with full-page newspaper ads. We should also acknowledge the role of the New Zealand Herald. The monolithic power of the super city means that the free press has become an even more important safeguard for the people of Auckland.

As a politician I feel personally vindicated because the judge’s finding in regard to ‘special circumstances’ is exactly what I argued from the beginning. It would be fair to say that since the story leaked out on 12 February it has not been one of the most pleasant periods that I have experienced in my time in local government.

The morning the story broke (I hadn’t at that stage read it), I was bemused to hear a senior planner justifying secret consents by referring to the “ARC coastal plan” (meaning the Auckland Regional Plan Coastal). The “ARC plan” refrain was soon taken up as a thinly disguised taunt by certain other councillors. As the councillor for Waitemata & Gulf, a long-time environmentalist and the former chairman of the ARC, coming on top of my dismay at the secret consents and the council’s back down on harbour reclamation, the ARC taunting certainly added insult to injury - as it was meant to. When Mayor Len Brown, in desperation also resorted to it, it was the final straw and I gave him a well-deserved public bollocking.

Interestingly, when I made enquiries of officers for the legal grounds for the consents, I was given photocopies of relevant pages of the Regional Plan Coastal - with the sentences the officers thought relevant, helpfully highlighted. But I was intrigued to see that while the ‘special circumstances’ condition was a part of the ‘controlled activity’ rule (25.5.28) the officers used - it was not highlighted. Was this deliberate I wondered?

Or did the officers just not ‘see’ it because of a mindset springing from the council’s own institutional bias against notification. Of course the council planners were working with the port company lawyers not only to get the consents through on a non-notified

basis, but to keep those consents secret. Council officers in these situations nowadays work through contracted commissioners - so-called ‘independent commissioners’ - who almost always act on the officers’ recommendations.

As Justice Venning pointed out: On the face of the decision of both commissioners, it appears that the principal reason they decided special circumstances did not exist is that the extension was a controlled activity, and an expected form of development. In coming to that view I consider the commissioners have misdirected themselves. The relevant rule in the coastal plan itself contemplates that even though the activity might be controlled there may still be special circumstances justifying public notification in accordance with s 95A(4) of the RMA. Justice Venning also thought it appropriate to comment on the interaction between council planners and one of the two ‘independent commissioners’, Ms Macky, referring to an email from a council consultant planner, one Ms Halpin, to the council lead planner Ms Valentine. Judge Venning wrote: “I also note that the evidence before the court suggests Commissioner Macky had some issues with the notification decision recommended to her. Ms Valentine asked Ms Halpin to speak to Ms Macky. There is a record of Ms Halpin reporting to Ms Valentine after speaking with Commissioner Macky that: “‘I have spoken with [Commissioner Macky] and she is all good. She really appreciated being able to talk through the application with me as she was having a wee bit of concern around notification! She is feeling much more comfortable now - phew! Give me a call and I can enlighten you further.’”

‘Phew!’? Like Justice Venning, I will leave readers to draw their own conclusions. There is a lot more to come out about this affair. The council has allegedly spent an incredible $500,000 of public money in legal fees defending itself - which itself raises a number of questions. Will officers argue to spend yet more money to appeal or will they accept the judgement that they were plain wrong? In regard to the related issue of the council’s Unitary Plan backdown on harbour reclamation, the public needs to know why a senior council planning manager advised the council members (on 12 February the same day as the secret consent story broke) that no legal advice could be found that would support the council’s 2013 decision to make harbour reclamation ‘non-complying’ and for that reason no council planner could or would support it, when in fact council officers were in possession of legal advice which not only supported the non-complying policy but advocated extending it?

While the directors of the Port company will have to pay the consequences for their foolishness and arrogance that has badly damaged the credibility and long-term interests of the Port company, they no doubt imagined in their narrow, blinkered way, they were being ‘commercial’; however, the prime culpability for this fiasco lies within the Auckland Council. I believe there will be consequences and these may go on for some time - up until and beyond the next election. Justice Venning’s historic judgement, PN I believe, will cast a very long shadow. (MIKE LEE) F Declaration: Mike Lee is a director of Auckland Transport and a qualified (heritage) tram driver. Councillor for Waitemata and Gulf www.mikelee.co.nz

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24 PONSONBY NEWS+ July 2015

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RACHAEL TE AOTONGA: LEYS INSTITUTE LIBRARY NEWS With the shortest day been and gone, we are well into winter.

Don’t let the cold weather put you off visiting us at Leys this month; we have some exciting events happening in July as well as lots of goodies to take home to keep you entertained while indoors.

Tales by Starlight with Tasty Matariki Treats Come along to our after-hours storytime and enjoy some tasty Matariki treats after the stories. Suitable for the whole family. Friday 17 July, 6pm-7.30pm

Author Talk: An Hour with Ann Glamuzina, Author of ‘The Rich Man Road’ We are delighted to invite you to meet Ann Glamuzina, whose recently published novel ‘The Rich Man Road’ has met with great acclaim. Based on a true story, Rich Man Road is a lyrical and unforgettable story of two women immigrants in New Zealand.

LIANZA 2015 Children and Young Adult Book Awards Pizza Wheel Reading Challenge Calling all school students and families with school students! Come on in to Leys Institute Library to take part in the LIANZA pizza wheel reading challenge sponsored by Hell Pizza. To do the challenge at our library, students must read six books and do one library challenge to fill up the pizza wheel and receive a free 333 Hellthy Pizza from the local Hell Pizza store. Next time you’re in, ask our friendly staff at the library for more information.

The Rich Man Road is a story about lost love, guilt and the sometimes difficult relationship between mothers and daughters. Olga and Pualele come from different worlds but when their lives intersect they discover more about themselves than either could ever have imagined. Ann will discuss how mining one’s past can provide rich stories that can become scaffolding for a fiction writer.

With something for everyone during July, we look forward to seeing you at Leys Institute Library soon! (RACHAEL TE AOTONGA) F PN

The inspiration for the story came from the author’s discovery that her family had been refugees during WWII. Even as a child, she knew one day that she would write their tale. A strong interest in immigrant experience as well as the differences and similarities across cultures makes a fascinating story. The Rich Man Road gives the reader an insight into the lives of these immigrants without whom our city would be a vastly different place today. Dalmatian and Samoan people emigrated here to start new lives and had an indelible impact on how Ponsonby and Grey Lynn developed, as well as our wider society.

Ann Glamuzina is of Dalmatian/Croatian descent and grew up in Auckland. Ann’s paternal grandmother, uncle and aunts were evacuated from Dalmatia to El Shatt refugee camp in Egypt during the later stages of WWII. Her father, Stipe, was working in New Zealand.

He arrived from Dalmatia in 1940, working initially as a gum digger with his father before settling finally in Auckland.

Ann’s mother, Sylvia, was born in Auckland to Croatian immigrants and, together, Stipe and Sylvia owned and operated Pt Chevalier Fisheries for 34 years.

A former lawyer, and holding a Master of Creative Writing from AUT University, Ann Glamuzina also co-authored the quirky book The Bitter Sweet Philosophies that was published in 2014. The Rich Man Road is her first novel. A second novel is due to be published in 2016.

Where: Leys Institute Library; Event date: 6pm, Wednesday 29 July; A free event, RSVP essential: T: 09 890 8755 or visit us at the library; light refreshments provided.

Matariki Themed School Holidays Entertain the kid’s at the library during the July holidays at any of our fun events.

Matariki Stars and Korowai Craft Celebrate Matariki by making beautiful stars and helping us make our own library korowai. Wednesday 8 July, 10am-12 noon.

Matariki Fun Activity Afternoon Have a go at trying some fun activities such as kite making, playing traditional Maori whai (string games), poi making and more. Friday 10 July, 1pm-4pm.

Maori Myths and Legends with a Twist Join us at our scavenger hunt around the library to create your own myths and legends.

Tuesday 14 July, 2pm-4pm.

Planting activity, Rock Art and Herbal Soap Making Celebrate the importance of the environment by coming along to our planting and rock art activity, and having a go at making some herbal soaps. Wednesday 15 July, 10am -12.30pm.

26 PONSONBY NEWS+ July 2015

LEYS INSTITUTE, 20 St Marys Road, T: 09 374 1315 www.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz

MODERN AND DISTINCTLY NZ What Aucklanders want for new landmark cycleway.

Aucklanders have called for the surface design of the old Nelson Street off-ramp to be modern and distinctly New Zealand when it is turned into a new cycleway and walkway later this year.

862 people had their say on a short online survey, where they were able to choose from a range of options for the surface. After modern (43%) and distinctly NZ (42%), came subtle (29%), bright/bold (24%) and exciting/fun (23%).

People were also asked what would encourage them to cycle to the city centre more often. Cycleway improvements within the centre (57%) and safety (56%) were the most popular, followed by neighbourhood cycleway improvements (41%).

The old off-ramp will form part of the Nelson Street Cycle Route - a joint project of the NZ Transport Agency and Auckland Transport.

Councillor Chris Darby, the political urban design champion, says: “There’s been a phenomenal response from Aucklanders, with plenty of social media chatter too.

A breadth of views has been conveyed and the design team has now got a good steer to get on and deliver something that allows Auckland to shine. This project will get way more Aucklanders in the saddle, cycling their way out of congestion.”

The off-ramp was closed a decade ago and transforming it - as highlighted in the council’s City Centre Masterplan - has received strong support. It aligns with the shared long-term vision of the NZ Transport Agency, Auckland Transport and Auckland Council to build world-class cycling infrastructure that promotes cycling as a safe and convenient mode of transport.

Brett Gliddon, the Transport Agency’s Auckland and Northland Highway Manager, says: “This project is part of a wider programme to create a well-connected network of cycle routes in Auckland over the next 10 years. It will link to the Grafton Gully cycleway to provide a continuous cycling route around the city centre and an alternative route to the city centre and the waterfront - giving cyclists more choice and better connections.”

Barbara Cuthbert, Cycle Action Auckland chair, says: “We’re delighted with the response to the council’s survey, the strong public support for improved cycling connections and the prospect of a modern, distinctively New Zealand design and colouring on the off-ramp pavement. It’s such a smart, exciting, affordable way to enhance this landmark project.”

The new cycleway will connect to the Northwestern and Grafton Gully cycleways, providing easier and safer access to, from and within the city centre.

It will link Upper Queen Street to Nelson Street by a bridge to the old Nelson Street off -ramp. The route will continue as a cycle path along the western side of Nelson Street to Victoria Street and this part will open later this year. Phase two will continue from Victoria Street to Quay Street and will also provide a link along Pitt Street to join Karangahape Road and Union Street. Final completion is expected midway through next year. F PN PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

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27

DEIRDRE THURSTON

On My Mind... monikers We tend to bestow monikers on those we notice day-to-day in our ‘hoods’.

The woman who never has a hair out of place, even in a wind so gusty the rest of us are barely able to keep upright on our pins.

I believe, if you’re really tuned in to dogs (or simply that nutty woman who talks to them).

This gorgeous girl pressed her drenched body into my legs nearly knocking me over and slobbered all over my t-shirt.

The man who flicks his ciggie butts out his car window.

The couple who must definitely own shares in a botox company.

Dogs smile and there was no doubt she smiled at me as I whispered sweet nothings into an enormous silky ear. Her owner reached us and began babbling an apology.

The young man with the cloud of curly red hair and a lope so laidback he looks as if he’s moving in slow motion.

I’m betting I’ve been labelled: “There’s that woman who talks to dogs.”

I’m fairly certain I heard it whispered outside the local pharmacy as I cooed to a schnauzer or two.

It’s true. I do talk to dogs. Sadly I lost my own two precious Jack Russells (I realise some of you are shaking your heads over anyone thinking springy, crazy JRs could be precious) about 16 months ago. Now, I live in a Herne Bay “no dogs allowed - no, not even a teensy dog. No - not even yours” apartment complex.

As all dog lovers know - once bitten by the canine love bug (or an overly manic JR) there is no happy return to a hairless sofa’d, unmuddy paw-marked life. I’ve even saved little white hairs found lodged in an armchair throw that I unpacked recently.

And so I talk to dogs. Dogs with their wet noses poking out of car windows, dogs tied up outside the supermarket, dogs on solo adventures, dogs on beaches. Beaches are fantastic venues for dog nattering. I’ve enjoyed many a conversation - albeit often onesided - with a perky-eared, sand-dotted nosed pup while its owner whistles pointlessly and waves a stick from the far end of the beach.

I melt at the way dogs lean into you as they are patted. How they raise their furry faces to yours in pure adoration and trust. I even miss the whole body shake/sand-sea drenching the darlings anoint us with.

A couple of weeks ago I stood watching a magnificent Rottweiler swimming in and out of the sea fetching a ball. She was a stunner. The Liz Taylor of Rottweilers. At one point she raced out of the water, dropped the salt and saliva-coated ball on the sand and galloped towards me (something I’m positive Liz never did). Her owner turned pale thinking I would completely freak out at the sight of such a massive black and tan creature heading my way. I wasn’t worried in the slightest. I knew the dog’s intentions were friendly. You can tell,

“I’m so sorry, she’s still a puppy really and has no manners.”

Her breathing returned to normal and her eyes popped back into her head as I explained I’d once owned a Rottie girl who had been poisoned prior to my home being burgled.

I knew what great dogs they were. Greta, nudging my hand for continued ear tickling, ignored her mother’s entreaties to leave me alone.

The woman looked at me: “Oh, yes, that’s right. I think we met on the beach a while ago.

I remember you telling me about your Rottie girl.”

One last goodbye cuddle for Greta, and I scuttled along the beach, like a crab at low tide, back to my car thinking: “Oh, hell, I’ve become ‘that woman who talks to dogs. AND bores their owners to death with my dog tales’.”

As I hadn’t remembered Greta, it appears I must talk to dozens of fur babies. Perhaps I need to review my doggie dalliances and rein myself in. Replace a quick chat up at the shops with whatever four-legged poppet is around with a passing pat and a wink as I walk by. If not, what’s next? Loitering outside doggy-daycare sites with packets of liver treats stuffed into my pockets?

There are worse monikers to have but am I quite ready to be thought of as an eccentric dog whisperer? If people are going to point and pass quiet comment, there are other titles I aspire to: “There’s that woman who funded an orangutan sanctuary.”

“There’s that woman who stole Robert Downey Junior’s heart.”

“There’s that woman who lives happily ever after.”

Orangutan sanctuary aside, I think I’m actually okay with “there’s that woman who talks to dogs” after all. There are worse monikers. (DEIRDRE THURSTON) F PN

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L to R: Julie Ferguson - Ponsy Kids Head Teacher, Fleur Rehm - Assistant Supervisor Ponsy Kids, Rachael Brodie - Financial Administrator and Robert Matamu - Centre Manager

28 PONSONBY NEWS+ July 2015

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JOHN ELLIOTT: LOCAL NEWS

Ponsonby Community Centre Update HOW TIME FLIES. I’M NOT QUITE OLD ENOUGH TO REMEMBER WHEN THE PONSONBY Community Centre was the Ponsonby School, after all it was last century, but it just seems like yesterday that Cathy Hall was Centre Manager.

And yet, the warm and friendly chuckles of Rob Matamu have been reverberating around the complex since 2008. Ponsonby News had a catch up with Rob. Last time we spoke the Community Centre was just bedding in the Leys Institute Gym as part of the centre’s activities. That has been a very successful operation.

When the Ponsonby Community Centre took over the Leys space in 2012 there were two classes - a zumba class and a kids’ gym class. Use of this grand old space has exploded since then. At peak times it is nearly fullmornings, after school and early evenings. There are now 25-30 gym classes alone, plus aerial fitness, tai chi, crossfit, hula dance classes and Equippers youth group - all in the Leys Institute Gymnasium Hall.

Recently, a documentary film crew shooting a film about the life of Sir Edmund Hillary, used the Leys Gym Hall for a segment because it was so similar to the one used by Ed Hillary when he was a boy at Auckland Grammar School.

In the main complex on Ponsonby Terrace, the Ponsy Kids preschool caters for up to 40 children. It too, is at full capacity. Rob and Rachael Brodie, Financial Administrator, have their hands full hiring out space to a multitude of local organisations including yoga, meditation, speech and drama, jazz/hip hop dance classes for children, feldenkrais, pattern making, preschool ballerina, life drawing, aikido, toastmasters and much, much more.

The Ponsonby Community Centre is a very busy place morning, noon, and night. They take bookings for casual events like birthday parties or wakes.

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

Rob Matamu is full of praise for his board members. He has some very able and experienced people including chairperson John Hill who, as a longtime St Mary’s Bay resident, has had a number of significant local community roles over the years, including chair of the old Western Bays Community Board.

John Hill is ably assisted by veteran local Gwen Shaw as secretary, and a who’s who of local dignitaries as board members - Kerry Marshall, Chris Small, Patricia Reade, Kate Stanton, Russell Hoban, Keith Hargis, and Tracey Magan.

Pippa Coom completes this impressive line up as the Waitemata Local Board representative. The Ponsy Kids Preschool is led by Julie Ferguson, head teacher, and Fleur Rehm, assistant supervisor. The preschool is open from 8.30am to 4pm and has been in operation for 16 years. It still has strong support from Ponsonby families.

The preschool works alongside Ponsonby Kindergarten next door. Late last year the preschool completed an upgrade including an enlarged sandpit and a new vegetable garden. Further work is planned. Ponsy Kids now offers four scholarships a year to needy families.

Ponsonby Community Centre is lucky to have the experienced and very personable Rob Matamu as Centre Manager. He has 14 years behind him as a Centre Manager and came to Ponsonby from Waitakere City Council. He absolutely oozes enthusiasm for his job and for the Ponsonby Community which the centre serves.

Rob also has a keen interest in history, including the history of the Ponsonby area. He has a bunch of old black and white photographs on his office wall which he proudly shows off to visitors. There is now a ‘gluepot room’ at the centre, and Rob laughed out loud when I asked him: “Where is the bar?” He also told me that his office was once the TAB. That must have been a long time ago, because I’m partial to a punt and have been around Ponsonby since I was Deputy Principal at Bayfield School in 1974, and I don’t remember a TAB being there.

The Ponsonby Community Centre is a bustling busy place, where Rob Matamu and his team work with joy and enthusiasm in the interests of young and old alike, in the Ponsonby community that we love. (JOHN ELLIOTT) F PN DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

PONSONBY NEWS+ July 2015

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DEIRDRE ROELANTS: LANDMARK BUILDINGS

ASB Bank The Auckland Savings Bank building on Jervois Road near the Three Lamps corner has an 11 Heritage listing with the Historic Places Trust.

Opened March 2, 1928 and costing £8500 this was New Zealand’s first savings bank. It is significant in that it was the first city branch building constructed during a period of expansion during the 1920s and 1930s. The building was designed by English-trained architect Daniel Boys Patterson who emigrated to New Zealand in 1910 when he was 30 years old. He joined the list of English architects that had already influenced early 20th Century urban design in Auckland. This small neo -classical building is one of the many the Auckland Savings Bank commissioned Patterson to design. Similar landmark buildings he is responsible for are still standing in Auckland’s other centres and in provincial towns throughout the Auckland province. He was still designing banks for the ASB right up until his death in the 1960s.

Thanks to the Jervois Road bank’s long occupation of the premises little has been altered over the years and remains a good example of a typical suburban bank of those early times. Access to the ground floor was, and still is, through solid double doors to the ground floor with its high 4.5 metre stud. The dignified, classical style was seen as suitable in order to inspire confidence in the bank’s soundness and security. The interior with solid oak panelling and fixtures, and the manager’s residential accommodation on the upper level emphasised that clients’ confidentiality would be sacrosanct. The impressive facade has been well maintained to this present day. The building’s classical style was the preferred option for bank design from Victorian times until the Second World War. photography: Martin Leach

Today it comprises two levels of character offices with many of them with the original 1920 features intact. These include the high-stud space on the ground floor, kauri wooden flooring, oak panelling and large leadlight windows. The bank manager’s residential accommodation on the first floor has been converted into character offices incorporating a kitchen with the usual amenities and a rear deck that has sweeping views of Auckland Harbour and the Westhaven Marina. A dignified outcome for a lovely little PN building. (DEIRDRE ROELANTS) F

PERFORMER PERFORMS HOME AT HOME Award-winning Auckland comedian Freya Desmarais is inviting people into her Ponsonby home for two nights for an exclusive fundraising season of her critically acclaimed show Home / The Hilarious Comedy About How I Nearly Killed Myself / A Play About How I Nearly Died But Didn’t Then Learned A Lot About Life Afterward.

The show is set to tour to BATS Theatre in Wellington and The Dark Room in Palmerston North in August this year.

With the cost of touring reaching in the thousands, Desmarais and producer Donna Brookbanks (of Best Bits) came up with the original idea of performing the show in Freya’s home in Ponsonby to raise money.

“I’ve always wanted to perform Home in an actual house. It’s such an intimate show that I find it works best in small spaces with small audiences.

It makes for a particularly special show.”

Desmarais said.

“It’s a story set at home that’s about love and family, so I’m really excited to be presenting a show about life in a living room,” she added.

Home was written by Desmarais in 2012 after a brush with suicidal depression, but approaches the usually dark topic with humour and hope.

“A lot of people say ‘gosh, that sounds dark!’ when I say it’s a comedy about depression, but really

30 PONSONBY NEWS+ July 2015

that is just the jumping-off point. While I talk frankly about what it can be like to experience mental illness, at its heart is a message of embracing life and happiness,” Desmarais said.

Since debuting in Wellington in 2013, the autobiographical one-woman comedy has also performed in Auckland, Hamilton and Dunedin, as well as a syndicated season in Heidelberg, Germany.

Critics have universally lauded the show, calling it “profound - and profoundly funny”, “absolute comedy gold”, and “extraordinarily insightful”.

Earlier this year Desmarais won the Social Impact Special Award at Auckland Fringe for her bombastic rumination on positive sex education, Live Orgy.

HOME plays 2 - 3 July, 6:30pm - 7:30pm, 14 Pompallier Terrace, Ponsonby, Koha ($10 donation recommended), Door sales only, first in first served.

Facebook.com/freyadesmarais

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

JACINDA ARDERN: LABOUR LIST MP AUCKLAND

Housing... there is a way through I am about to point out something obvious and something I am pretty sure I have said many, many times before.

After all, Auckland’s inner city dwellers live with it. Home owners everywhere are paying for it, and it’s in our newspapers almost every day. New Zealand, without doubt, has a housing crisis. You already know that here in Auckland prices are shooting through the apartment, villa and terrace roofs, rising by around $115,000 in the past year alone.

But this isn’t just an Auckland problem. Because of the housing crisis, the Reserve Bank has had to keep interest rates higher, which means everyone who owns a home or hopes to one day is facing higher mortgage bills than necessary.

The Reserve Bank also imposed extra nationwide restrictions on mortgage lending, making it even harder for first home buyers across New Zealand to put together a deposit. That was meant to cool the Auckland market. Instead it left first home buyers everywhere out in the cold.

You might be sick of hearing about it. You might worry that you, or your children, will be affected by it. Either way, there is no getting around the fact that the Government’s response to this crisis has been pretty woeful.

First, it denied we even had a crisis, when everyone from the Reserve Bank to leading economists to international property firms said there was one.

Then this year said it would make 500 hectares of public land in Auckland available for new homes. As an idea, it wasn’t a bad start. But Minister Nick Smith has done the policy no favours in the way he has put it together.

First, the policy was leaked early. Second, some of the supposed housing land was occupied by power substations and cemeteries. Third, it turned out the Government

couldn’t actually find the 500 hectares it promised. Fourth, the Government didn’t even own some land it was trying to sell. Fifth, the Government failed to recognise that it couldn’t sell the land without giving iwi first right of refusal. And sixth, now it turns out that the Government has already given iwi first rights on some of the land, and the whole thing is going to wind up in court.

I genuinely wish this hadn’t turned into a train wreck - every day wasted is another day the housing crisis gets worse, both in Auckland and around New Zealand.

We need to fix this. We need to give Auckland families a chance at the great Kiwi dream, and we need to give families everywhere a break on their mortgage.

So here’s what we would do. First, we’ll boost the supply of houses with KiwiBuild, our plan to build 100,000 quality, affordable homes over 10 years. More homes means slower price rises, especially in Auckland.

Second, we’ll stop the foreign speculators from driving up house prices. We don’t think that foreigners who don’t live here should buy existing New Zealand homes for renting out. Lower demand means lower price rises, especially in areas with lots of rentals.

We think a crucial part of the Kiwi dream is for everyone to aspire to own their own home.

It won’t always be a quarter acre paradise - in our city it’s just as likely to be an apartment - but a place to call your own is still a big part of who we are as New Zealanders.

Ending the crisis will help every community in the country. And we might even find something else to talk about. (JACINDA ARDERN) F PN JACINDA ARDERN, Labour List MP based in Auckland Central. www.jacinda.co.nz

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

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VIVE LA FRANCE BASHFORD’S EXCLUSIVE RELEASE: THE FAYE CHANDLER COLLECTION A new shipment of French and Spanish antiques recently acquired from renowned antique dealer Faye Chandler is in-store now at Bashford Antiques and Interiors in Ponsonby.

Faye Chandler returned to live in France 20 years ago. During this time she has also faithfully restored three houses in the South of France. Her final masterpiece is a magnificent Palladian-style farm house in south-west France near the historic town of Revel - the home of fine Marquetry furniture.

It was originally built in the 16th Century and subsequently has been added to over the last 300 years. Faye’s epic restoration journey has truly transformed this historic site into a sophisticated, rustic and formal estate in the undulating French countryside.

Not only has she sourced antiques for Bashford Antiques, international clients and for her own collection, but she also started an international language school ‘Foreign Office’, which she has subsequently sold.

Jillian Bashford with Beaumont and Monty

The latest shipment features several magnificent commodes made in the historic town of Revel, a pair of stainless steel sculptural lamps made by the French designer Max Sauze, Napoleon 111 overmantle mirrors, antique foldup metal daybeds, 18th Century painted buffet, pair of painted French console tables, a magnificent Kofod Larsen mid-century rosewood credenza to name a few.

Over the years, Jillian Bashford has travelled annually to visit Faye and source antiques in France and Spain and after many years of admiring these rare and wonderful antiques in her three houses was finally able to purchase selected pieces.

Items include 18th Century Spanish chestnut serving tables, early 17th Century panelled coffers, primitive early oak grain chests, religious statues, crucifixes, French walnut sideboards, Marquetry commodes from the ancient town of Revel, French console tables and more. Jillian says, "Strategically placed these items breathe life and soul into a stark contemporary or traditional setting and sit well with contemporary art which Bashford Antiques has always sold and promoted, providing clients with an incredible wealth of inspiration and knowledge to create an international classic look exhibited in high-end magazines in New Zealand and internationally." F PN BASHFORD ANTIQUES, 24 Williamson Avenue, T: 09 361 5142, www.bashford.co.nz

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PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

VIVE LA FRANCE PONSONBY STORE - A HAVEN FOR HOMEWARE LOVERS A combination of enduring classics and on-trend seasonal collections are proving to be a winning formula for homewares store un deux trois on Jervois Road.

photography: Michael McClintock

The beautiful space is the flagship retail store of popular New Zealand homewares brand, French Country Collections and home to an extensive range of furniture, lighting, textiles, table top and living décor pieces.

Un deux trois’s team of buyers, led by founder Sonia Watts and her daughter, French Country’s general manager Vanessa Bramley, are relentless in their global search for beautiful and unique homewares.

“Our collections in store remain true to the timeless style people have come to expect of French Country Sandy Wishart and Sonia Watts Collections, but at the same time we want to bring a more urban expression of contemporary European living to the Ponsonby precinct,” says Sonia.

This season metallic options are still big news and un deux trois delivers on this trend with pieces in heavy metals, brass and copper through to smooth champagne and dusky rose tones. A new range of copper and rippled rose gold vases, urns and trays will make a statement in any home while a stunning range of serveware in copper or onyx and brass is an inexpensive way to introduce a touch of the metallic trend to the home.

Sonia says her pick for the season is the Stoneworks bedding range. Inspired by the architectural idea of mismatched tiles, it features a luxurious black velvet patchwork quilt as its hero.

“People shouldn’t be afraid to mix textiles,” she says. “I love to layer soft delicate prints on luxurious velvet for a romantic look and even add some of our popular goat fur scatter cushions in beautiful taupes and charcoals for a bit of fun.”

Geometric patterns remain popular with classic pieces of furniture, such as the Diamond oak armchair, getting a new lease of life in a striking black and white pattern. Bold black and white geometrical prints also feature in a range of statement cushions. However, geometry is not just restricted to textiles. At un deux trois there are a number of occasional tables with geometric lines - such as the marble top criss cross side table and the timber and steel Bolton hexagonal coffee table - that are both modern and timeless.

A moody colour palette of smokey teals and dusky blues match the soft grey skies outside and at un deux trois this colour story is expressed through a stunning new range of teal blue bottles.

For the tabletop, the centuries-old La Chamba earthen cookware, a favourite of both home cooks and celebrity chefs such as Peter Gordon, is a top seller and for good reason. Ever since Sonia travelled to Bogata, South America 18 years ago the La Chamba range has been a firm staple in the brand’s core collection. From oven to table, this unique and versatile range includes everything from casseroles and tagines, to salad and soup bowls, to platters and pinch pots - all in-store now.

For customers wanting styling tips, plans are in place to offer more in-store events, such as the recent ‘throw a throw’ styling morning tea hosted by Sonia Watts. And for those who prefer to do their shopping from a keyboard, an online offering is now also PN in place. F UN DEUX TROIS by French Country Collections, 6 Jervois Road, T: 09 376 7588 www.undeuxtrois.co.nz The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

PONSONBY NEWS+ July 2015

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VIVE LA FRANCE FRENCHIE - AS FRENCH AS FRENCH CAN GET! As the name implies, Frenchie, a Parisian-style French bistro located in Three Lamps on Ponsonby Road, is as traditional as any French restaurant gets.

It is run by experienced restaurateurs, Alex Roux (ex Bouchon and Pastis) and Philippe Vachias, the convivial Auvergnat, and together they have created ‘un petit coin de France’.

Frenchie offers traditional French comfort food with French onion soup, boeuf bourguignon or Philippe cassoulet and French tapas from the blackboard menu. They have a lunch menu on Fridays from 12 noon to 2.30pm and a dinner menu from Tuesday to Saturday.

A selection from the Lunch Menu: Boeuf bourguignon - Beef casserole with red wine sauce, lardons, carrots, onions, mushrooms and dauphinoises potatoes. $ 29.50 Dinner Menu: Pan-fried snapper au beurre blanc - pan-fried snapper served with saffron rice and tomato and capers beurre blanc sauce. $31.50 Dessert Menu: Fondant au chocolat maison - chocolate fondant served with berry coulis and strawberry sorbet. $12.50

photography: Gwynne Davenport

Frenchie is also a bar with Kronenbourg on tap, an extensive wine list and a list of French tapas and cocktails. Live music plays on Friday evenings. If you are planning a corporate function or wanting to throw a special birthday party, try their upstairs function rooms. With the superb views of the Sky Tower and city these rooms are perfect for all private functions and special events. The large room can take up to 25 people and the smaller room 10 people.

If you are looking for a true French restaurant experience right here in Auckland, then Frenchie is the place to go. Bon appetit! Opening hours: Sunday and Monday, closed, Tuesday and Wednesday 5pm until late, Thursday and Friday 12pm until late and open Saturday 5pm until late. F PN FRENCHIE, 265 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 376 2516 info@frenchie.co.nz www.frenchie.co.nz

34 PONSONBY NEWS+ July 2015

The Frenchie team - Philippe Vachias and Alex Roux

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

FRENCH ART SHOP CUTS ITS OWN PATH Established by the Castle family in 1978 (on Durham Lane in Auckland city) The French Art Shop has been an icon store in Auckland for over 38 years. This award-winning business has stood the test of time and evolved into a destination art supply store for artists of all levels.

So why are they leaving? “We’re on a mission,” says Mark Castle who is still actively involved in the business as a director. “Our mission is to encourage the artist in everyone. To support creative talent by providing the world’s best quality materials at a great price. To achieve this we need more room!”

The French Art Shop carries the largest range of art materials in New Zealand. Its market is broad and includes Walters and Wallace prize winners, students, conservators, restorers, artists, architects, craftspeople, and film industry people.

“A big coup for us is to have Kalvin Collins, back from the United Kingdom, as our shop manager and the head of our development team for the new store. He was a key member of the French Art Shop team who won Top Shop awards in 2003 and 2005,” says Mark.

Kalvin is an accomplished artist in his own right. He has exhibited widely and is included in many public collections throughout New Zealand.

During his time away, he was shop manager at one of London’s leading artist material shops in the vibrant

and pulsating Shoreditch area of London. His regular customers included many of the most respected visual artists in the world. Everyone from Dinos and Jake Chapman, Fiona Rae, Julian Opie, Gary Hume, Rachel Whiteread and Allen Jones through to famous street /graffiti artists such as Banksy and Eine. He would often advise and offer technical information to conservation specialists for Tate Modern and the White Cube galleries.

Just prior to his return to New Zealand, Kalvin was appointed as an academic lecturer at the University of the Arts, London. It is the largest university in Europe to specialise in art, design, fashion and the performing arts. It has six constituent colleges including Central Saint Martins, Chelsea College of Art and Design, the London College of Communication, the London College of Fashion, Camberwell College of Arts, and Wimbledon College of Art. He also acted as a purchaser for these institutions. A set of skills that will play a large part in the development of the new French Art Shop.

Kalvin has a very clear vision for the new store: “I want to share my knowledge and experience with creative Kiwis.

The new French Art Shop will be the biggest fine art

Kalvin Collins and Mark Castle supply store in New Zealand. With modern, comfortable and spacious areas packed full of new and traditional materials that captivate the imagination.

“Our staff are excited and we promise a friendly atmosphere where artists can buy the materials they need at the best possible prices.”

Amidst the hustle and bustle of international brands now dominating the retail landscape of Auckland, The French Art Shop continues to cut its own path and create its own destiny.

Pay them a visit!

From 7 July 2015 - new address: 16-18 Taylors Road, Morningside.

Next to Briscoes. www.thefrenchartshop.co.nz

RAPHAEL WATERCOLOUR BRUSHES

DERWENT ARTISTS PENCILS Derwent Artists pencils are a traditional large diameter colour drawing pencil, available in a full range of 120 fabulous colours. The pencils are easy to mix and blend, producing an infinite spectrum of hues and tints. A superb choice for all drawing styles.

SENNELIER OIL PASTEL

MONTANA GOLD ACRYLIC SPRAY

The Sennelier oil pastel is a world - renowned artists’ product that uses top quality pigments, an extremely pure synthetic binding medium and mineral wax. They have a luscious quality and a creamy texture that allows for a great deal of pictorial expression as used by Pablo Picasso. The Sennelier oil pastels possess an extraordinarily high pigment content and excellent brightness.

Montana Gold acrylic spray is the perfect tool for artists and creative workers. The specially developed low-pressure spray system guarantees maximum accuracy giving the highest professional results!

Montana Gold offers a huge colour range and can be applied on canvas, wood, concrete, metal, glass and even flexible surfaces.

Raphael watercolour brushes are known worldwide as being of the finest quality.

They have fantastic spring, snap, and colour holding ability. Raphael has recently developed the new Soft-aqua wash range with an exceptional synthetic fibre that offers a retention capacity that is superior to all other brushes. Their soft hairs are excellent for watercolours, inks, gouache, tempera, acrylic and silk painting.

PONSONBY NEWS+ July 2015

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VIVE LA FRANCE WINTER WARMTH AND LUXURIOUS COMFORT WITH WINTER UPON US, PONSONBY’S NEW KID ON THE BLOCK, INSPIRED HOMEWARE store Le Monde, is warming up Pollen Street with its latest collections. Featuring gorgeous throws, luxuriously comfortable cushions and furniture, warm lighting, accessories and giftware, Le Monde is the perfect place to shop this season - and there’s even free covered parking downstairs.

“We have plenty of ideas to keep you warm on these winter nights from throws and reindeer skins to aspirational homeware books, perfect to curl up infront of the fire with,” says co-owner Jess Graham.

Le Monde is also a proud stockist of the now global phenomenon, Annie Sloan Chalk Paint™ - a versatile ultra-matte finish product that doesn’t require priming or sanding and can be painted on almost any surface, including fabric.

The beautiful space has been open since April this year, following in the footsteps of its flagship store Le Monde Home in Parnell, which first opened its doors 12 years ago.

“We wanted to make the experience as easy and enjoyable as possible, so we divided the showroom into different display areas so people can really get a sense of how something will look in their home,” Jess says.

When Jess approached the Le Monde Home owners Noelle, Craig and Jo about opening a second store, everything fell seamlessly into place. “It’s been amazing so far. We absolutely love being in Ponsonby and really feel like part of the community now,” Jess says.

“The best part is how often customers tell us how much they love coming in - because they PN always walk away with some new inspiration.” Open seven days from 10am. F

Above: Tartine dish; Below: French toast available at Tartine Cafe

LE MONDE PONSONBY, 36 Pollen Street, T: 09 376 2993, www.le-monde.co.nz

The Le Monde team

36 PONSONBY NEWS+ July 2015

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

VIVE LA FRANCE FRENCH-UP YOUR LIFE AT TARTINE CAFE! What some call a ‘toast’, the French call a ‘tartine’ which literally means ‘a slice of bread’.

French sandwiches are often served open-face, using fresh and seasonal ingredients, which allows the contents of the sandwich to stand centre stage. Tartines can start the day with little more than butter and honey or jam. They can be a light lunch alongside a simple green salad; in the evening they can be dinner or they can start the meal as a simple appetiser.

Tartine Cafe is the new face of Cafe People. More inviting with its visible and trendy look, warmer inside with a different colour scheme and a new outdoor seating arrangement, you will enjoy the Tartine atmosphere. Their new food menu offers exciting options and contents of a brand new food cabinet will excite your appetite! You can customise your own salads and invent your own tartines! Free parking and wi-fi are available. They are also open from 4pm until late for after work drinks every Thursday and Friday,

and this is a great opportunity to taste their wines of the month with a cheese and charcuterie platter. They can also organise private functions and catering - and you might be interested to hire their exceptional boardroom for your business seminars.

For Bastille week, from Monday 13 July, they will aim at ‘Frenching-up’ your life with tasty French specials together with their matching wines selection. Vive la France at Tartine Cafe! F PN For more information contact Alexandra Bernizet, Cafe Manager, alex@tartine.co.nz TARTINE CAFE, 38 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 360 6876 www.tartine.co.nz Facebook TartineCafeNZ

UNLEASHING FRANCOPHILE TENDENCIES The best thing about winter at Milly’s is the wonderful aroma of slow-cooking, of tasty roasts and stocks and soups constantly bubbling away on the stovetop.

July is French month with Bastille Day and an excuse to unleash Francophile tendencies for a whole month. They do this well at Milly’s. They stock a terrific range of French-made products from Mauviel copper, the epitome of cookware beauty, through to fabulously utilitarian beechwood spoons and spatulas in a range of shapes and uses, ideal for stirring everything from the Sunday boeuf bourguignon through to jams and custards.

One of the French products that Milly’s is probably best known for is Le Creuset. They estimate that around 90% of the wedding registries Milly’s has overseen in the past 30 years have featured at least one piece of Le Creuset. They know for a fact that most of these are still going strong, cooking up fabulous family meals.

You may not know that a number of products made in France didn’t begin their lives in the way their brands are currently recognised. Peugeot, for example, started its life and, indeed, still is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of top-quality salt and pepper mills. Before it moved into automobiles, Renault was producing a range of beautiful earthenware dishes and bowls found in most French country kitchens.

Come in to Milly’s this month, enjoy a treat from their kitchen, start on your christmas /birthday gift list and ask about the Milly’s cooking classes. Nici Wickes cooks up a French storm and favourite local chef Geoff Scott of Vinnies, teaches specialities from PN his training days in France. F MILLY’S PONSONBY, 273 Ponsonby Road, MILLY’S PARNELL - Level 1/165 The Strand. www.millyskitchen.co.nz The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

PONSONBY NEWS+ July 2015

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HELENE RAVLICH: NATURAL BEAUTY

A famously French beauty secret - Micellar waters Models swear by them, every make-up artist I know has one in his or her kit and with their no-rinse, 3-in-1 formulas they’re perfect for travelling and late nights. What are they? Micellar waters, and I for one have been a long-time fan.

Micellar waters first gained momentum in Paris, whose skin -conscious inhabitants welcomed the opportunity to swerve the bad effects that the city’s famously hard water had on their skin. I have always picked a couple of bottles up when I visit family in France, and love the way they work.

Designed to be swept delicately away with a cotton pad rather than rinsed off, micellar waters use tiny micelle particles to draw make-up (including waterproof mascara), sebum and impurities from the skin.

Depending upon how much make -up you wear you may prefer to remove eye make-up separately, but since micellar waters are free of soap and alcohol they are a way more gentle alternative to harsh face wipes, making them perfect for when you’re in a rush or on the go. They are also ‘multi-zone’ products as most formulas on the market remove make-up from the face, eyes and lips and don’t require water, making them great for travel and at the gym.

The calming solution makes it a skin-nurturing alternative to the harsh traditional face wipe, and it is suitable for use on all skin types, including sensitive skin, and gentle enough to use on the eyes and lips. This makes it stand out from many of those that I’ve tried in the past, and will definitely make me use it again (and again).

Its key ingredients are witch hazel (a natural astringent that reduces inflammation and sanitises the skin), sodium PCA (a deep hydrator acting like a water magnet), Canadian willowherb (an amazing anti -irritant and anti-redness ingredient for all skin types) and good old aloe vera. New to the market last month, Synergie Micellution has an RRP of $75.

So what are you waiting for? Get on the micellar train now - it comes fully equipped for PN all your needs and is highly recommended! (HELENE RAVLICH) F

Early in the year Simple Skincare launched into the New Zealand market what I believe was the very first micellar water to hit locally. Featuring Simple’s signature triple purified water, the no-rinse cleanser gently removes make up and impurities for beautifully clean and hydrated skin, and it really is a joy to use. Thank goodness this is available in New Zealand now is all I can stay, not that it will stop me visiting Paris, obviously!

Simple’s Senior Brand Manager, Jana Karatasas, said of the release at the time, “This is the go-to product for those wanting to thoroughly cleanse and hydrate. Simple Micellar Cleansing Water leaves no residue, so skin is left feeling fresh, revitalised and able to breathe - helping skin to look its natural, healthy best!” It was also developed for sensitive skin, and can be used as a daily cleanser by simply applying it to a cottonwool pad and gently sweeping over the face, eyes and lips. Last up, Simple Micellar Cleansing Water is available from supermarkets nationwide and has an RRP of $11.99. Now that is a beauty steal if ever I saw one.

Several months later skincare giant Garnier launched their own version of the new generation 3-in-1 cleanser onto the local market and by all accounts it’s going great guns. I am definitely not the only one Down Under who loves how Micellar Cleansing Water works either, as the Garnier version has sold out several times over. For just $12.99 you can pick up the incredibly generous 400ml size Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water for your bathroom cabinet, which is the equivalent to 200 applications! Garnier is a mass brand that never disappoints, and this little beauty is a big seller for a reason.

Lastly, I’ve recently had the chance to try a more luxe version of micellar water technology in the form of Synergie Micellution, the latest product from the highly respected Synergie Minerals brand.

Micellution is a gentle 4-in-1 micellar cleansing water that will effectively remove traces of makeup, oil build-up and impurities from the skin. In a few sweeps, impurities are dissolved without stripping the skin, leaving the skin purified, balanced, soothed and hydrated.

Micellution follows the Synergie ‘Clean Science’ philosophy, which means it is formulated without PEG, parabens, irritating surfactants such as SLS, artificial fragrance or colours.

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JAY PLATT: WE CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT...

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1. ‘Paris Sketchbook’ by Jason Brooks $46 @ Askew www.askew.co.nz; 2. Brass Flamingo trinket box $219 @ Republic www.republichome.com; 3. Fleur-de-lis doorstop $29 @ un deux trois www.frenchcountry.co.nz; 4. Pre de Provence lavender water $37 @ Father Rabbit www.fatherrabbit.com; 5. Tinture de Linden candle $79 and Viridis Camelia ‘Sinensis’ candle $69.90 @ Republic www.republichome.com; 6. Les Igloo de Nuit Raye (night igloo tea light holder) $98 @ Tessuti www.tessuti.co.nz; 7. ‘Let Me See’ Readers reading glasses $69.90 Tortoiseshell and $75 tinted @ Askew www.askew.co.nz

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1. Mateus ‘Butterfly’ cake stand $269 @ Republic www.republichome.com; 2. Laguiole handcrafted steel letter opener $170 @ Askew www.askew.co.nz; 3. Faux Fur bag $295 and Faux fur scarf $195 ‘Luxe a la Francais’ for the Home Couture Collection @ un deux trios www.frenchcountry.co.nz; 4. White enamel butter melter/pourer $13 @ www.fatherrabbit.com; 5. Boule de Amber by L’artisan $659 @ Tessuti www.tessuti.co.nz; 6. Laguiole 2 piece salad servers $69 @ Askew www.askew.co.nz; 7. White porcelain and pewter butter dish $125 @ un deux trios www.frenchcountry.co.nz; 8. Parisian Chic ‘A style guide’ $54.50 @ Tessuti www.tessuti.co.nz F PN STYLING: Jay Platt; PHOTOGRAPHY: Danilo Santana David, Fisher Santana.

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FASHION + STYLE: JULIE ROULSTON

Classic Ponsonby menswear with a twist It’s only fitting that in the same month that sees the first dedicated New York Menswear Fashion Week, Ponsonby News highlights great menswear available locally. Go for classics with a twist in the best fabrication you can justify and you can’t miss.

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Adidas Originals polo $90 Blunt + TileTM umbrella $145 Adidas Originals crew $90 Common Projects high top $698 I Love Ugly hoodie $129 Commoners shirt $169 Le Specs sunnies $79.95

8. Kowtow shirt $185 and pant $195 9. I Love Ugly pant $135 10. Ilabb tee $64.90 11. Stolen Girlfriends Club coat $549 12. Deadly Ponies rucksack $1100 13. Stolen Girlfriends Club shirt $229 14. Workshop Denim made to measure suit POA

WHERE TO BUY IN GREATER PONSONBY Adidas Originals @ Needles and Threads www.needlesandthreads.co.nz Blunt @ Askew www.askew.co.nz Commoners www.commoners.co.nz Common Projects @ Workshop www.workshop.co.nz Deadly Ponies www.deadlyponies.com Ilabb @ Boardertown www.boardertown.co.nz I Love Ugly @ Superette www.superette.co.nz Kowtow @Good as Gold www.goodasgold.co.nz Le Specs @ Grace Lang Optometry Eyewear www.gracelang.co.nz Stolen Girlfriends Club www.stolengirlfriendsclub.com Workshop Denim www.workshop.co.nz

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ANGELA LASSIG: LETTERS FROM MAUDIE The monthly jottings of a free-spirited Ponsonby dressmaker of the 1920s, as imagined by Angela Lassig.

VERMONT STREET, PONSONBY 15 JULY 1925

Dear Alma,

No doubt they’ll all be flocking to me once the spring fashion journals come out and their thoughts turn to new clothes. To ensure that they do come flocking to me, and to give their bank balances a few weeks to recover, I am, starting tomorrow, launching a collection drive.

To sweeten things up, today I am baking a small mountain of chocolate fudge and Russian caramels.

My plan is to walk around the neighbourhood delivering invoices and bags of sweets to my naughtiest clients who should, if the plan works, feel so guilty that they’ll be queuing outside my workroom first thing the next day.

Except Esme Court... If she can stand beside me calmly ordering her sausages without batting an eyelid, perhaps it might require something more than fudge to sweeten her up! If you have any strategies that might work on her please do let me know.

My first stop will be ‘Miss Surly’ (as I will have her known) who lives at the end of my street. While she owes me less than a pound, she was such an unpleasant person to deal with that I shall not let her debt be wiped. In fact I don’t think that she will be receiving any fudge either. Just an invoice with a big fat red ‘overdue’ stamp on it. After that, I can guarantee that she’ll be taking the long way to Ponsonby Road next time she needs to buy lemons!

Next stop on my walk is Mrs ‘Oh darling I must pop over soon and fix you up for that gorgeous little frock you made me... was it really three months ago!’ You know the type - very pleasant every time you run into them and always with a promise to pay. I know she’ll pay on the hand-delivered invoice as she delights in my fudge and is really a very good customer. Always buys at least five good pieces from me each season. I’m not sure if she is really that absentminded or whether she wants to string out the purchases so her husband doesn’t get overly upset. In any case, I’m not too worried about this one as she’ll ‘pop over’ this week I’m sure of it.

I think the problem with Mrs ‘Paget Street’ is that she’s always away!

I suspect that my little bill has simply been overlooked. I noticed her in Gee’s laundry[i] only yesterday so I know she’s around. Hopefully she’s not off to see another relative somewhere away from her letterbox when I pass by tomorrow afternoon! Even though she isn’t a regular customer, when she does come in for a consultation she usually orders quite a few items. She’s tall and naturally slim - a delight to design for - except for her awfully long thin arms! It does allow me the opportunity to try out some lovely sleeve ideas though. The blouse she owes me for has delightful full bishop sleeves[ii] in a gorgeous deep sienna coloured georgette to which I appliquéd a smart geometric design using a narrow matching velvet ribbon. Divine! I am so pleased with the appliqué

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idea (inspired by a sketch in one of my old Vogue magazines) that I think I shall use it as a theme in my spring collection. I might try it out on a long line, pale grey, linen jacket I have already designed. If I can match the colour, I’m thinking of using a very narrow silk grosgrain ribbon to create a border of large curling chrysanthemum heads in two different sizes, with a single large flower appliquéd on each of the front pockets and on the turned-back gauntlet sleeve cuffs. A lot of work but I know at least one customer who will covet it.

(And she doesn’t owe me any money!)

I have three debtors in Franklin Road! Well, three sisters who live together.

I wonder if they have conspired to annoy me. Again it’s worth treading lightly and dropping them each a box of fudge - mind you, I’ll have to put exactly the same amount in each box as they are bound to compare. I have never seen such competition between sisters before! When they come to see me again I shall insist that they make separate appointments. At their last visit they almost tore one of my silk sample dresses apart, so eager were they to examine it. They drive me mad! While they don’t dress identically, their taste is so similar that it is really difficult to make them appear as individuals... but perhaps they don’t want to. They must be my most vexing customers. Their bills are all for the same alteration. After going to a movie in February they each decided that they must have a heartshaped pocket applied to their favourite afternoon dress, each pocket embroidered with their initials - as inspired by some Hollywood starlet whose name I can’t remember. After spending hours rummaging through my remnants to find enough of the fabric to use for each dress, and then on the embroidery, I insist on being paid for the work.

I suspect they thought the pockets were so minor that they should be included in the original price of the dresses. They’ll probably get a shock when I drop the invoices in. If they don’t pay, I shall simply include it in the cost of their next ensembles! In spite of my groaning, the girls are generally good customers and I suspect will pay me in full.

The other five locals represent quite recent sales and I don’t anticipate any problems with payment. Even so, I loathe having to do this. The walk will do me good though and it will give me a chance to peek at gardens along the way. My beds are all reinstated, thanks to George, and I am trying to get some ideas for plantings before the spring. I do fancy the idea of having some lilac bushes amidst the flowerbeds. Which reminds me... would you like some bluebell bulbs? I have at least 20 spare. Do send me a postcard and let me know, or even better, a letter with your news.

Until then, do wish me luck with my money gathering!

With much love,

Maudie xx [i]

W M Gee, laundryman, 105 Ponsonby Road (1925) Long, full sleeves usually gathered to a narrow wristband

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illustration: Michael McClintock

Bills, bills, bills! I’m in the midst of paying my own bills and chasing up at least a dozen outstanding invoices, with one dating back to this time last year.

I suppose it is my fault as I absolutely abhor asking for money. George has been at me to get around to this for ages but you know what it’s like. In fact you’re the one who inspired me to get my accounts into order. What a bother you had! Hopefully it will be all very straightforward for me. Ten of the accounts are for locals who really should know better. Especially Esme Court, who I manage to run into every other day at the butcher shop. Full of pleasantries she is and not a word about the seven pounds she owes me!

FASHION + STYLE COLOUR YOUR WINTER AT DIAMONDS ON RICHMOND WE ALL KNOW HOW GOOD IT FEELS TO PUT ON A SPLASH OF COLOUR TO BRIGHTEN these cold, winter days and what better way to ‘Add Colour To Your Winter’ than with a gorgeous piece of jewellery! Coloured stones are a great way of expressing your individuality and they are becoming increasingly popular - so affordable for both bespoke jewellery and wedding jewellery and of course just add diamonds for that extra sparkle!

The more traditional gemstones are ruby, emerald and blue sapphire. Because of their lasting appeal and distinguished history, they are more valuable than other coloured gemstones. Generally, due to rarity, ruby and emerald are also priced higher than a comparable quality sapphire.

Rising stars of gemstone jewellery, among many others, are tanzanite, tourmaline, aquamarine, imperial topaz and garnet. Plus there are many more like citrine, fluorite and smokey quartz, to name just a few, which combine great colour with a surprisingly reasonable price and good availability.

In your quest to find the perfect gemstone, you may fall in love with an existing piece of jewellery or have your jeweller source a beautiful loose coloured stone and design. The options are endless and either way the piece will become a treasured possession that you will pass on through generations to come.

Diamonds On Richmond have a great selection of coloured gem jewellery and loose stones. They are open Monday - Saturday 10am - 5pm and welcomes you to pop in to try on or discuss creating your perfect piece. View the current coloured stone collection at www.dor.co.nz (MICHELLE WOBCKE) F PN Michelle and Michael of Diamonds on Richmond

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DIAMONDS ON RICHMOND, 98 Richmond Road, Grey Lynn, T: 09 376 9045 www.dor.co.nz

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FASHION + STYLE RETAIL SUPERSTAR Grace Sibun, Covet Consignment

How did you come to be a retail salesperson?

I studied sports science at university, and I wanted to do something else before settling into teaching. I remember walking into Covet three years ago to offer my services to the original owner and I fell in love with the store! When I was given the opportunity to take ownership, I jumped at the chance and the rest is history.

What brought you to Covet?

I have always followed secondhand boutiques. When I first went into Covet I was blown away with the variety of stock. Not only were there amazing designer labels at a great price, there was also a stunning collection of vintage pieces. With the stock changing constantly, every experience in the store was new and exciting and I never left!

What do you love about your store?

I love Covet because it is a high-end veritable treasure trove of finds from across the eras! We are a consignment store, so there is new stock arriving daily - you never know what you’re going to find. Every item of clothing comes with a story and I enjoy being able to share the happy tales with new customers.

What makes a standout retail salesperson?

I believe a great salesperson must first and foremost be friendly and approachable.

I want everyone to feel comfortable in my store. You need to know your stock inside out and have a passion for what you do, but it is equally imperative to truly listen to your customers and genuinely invest in them.

Tell us about a memorable sale you’ve made this year...

Earlier this year I sold to three generations of wonderful women: a grandmother, mother and daughter. It was so great to see each woman find something special for themselves. They were so happy they even brought me a coffee the next day which was a great bonus!

If you could wave your wand and have anyone in the world walk into your store right now, who would it be?

Iris Apfel. Not only is she a fashion icon, she is an inspiration. The way she accessorises is divine. I would love to take in her wisdom and hopefully convince her to consign with Covet.

If you could wave your wand and have anyone in greater Ponsonby walk into your store right now, who would it be?

I would love Guy Williams to come in so we could become best friends.

Where do you enjoy shopping?

I enjoy shopping at Skinperfector (in Ponsonby) for all my beauty needs. I also love to shop at Animates for my two gorgeous guinea pigs. When it comes to clothes and accessories I don’t have to look far, my store has everything my heart desires.

Grace Sibun, Covet Consignment

CHOOSE WOOL 2015 Greater Ponsonby fashion and interior designers mounted CHOOSE WOOL windows in celebration of the second annual ‘wool week’.

CHOOSE WOOL 2015 is a New Zealand-based initiative, with stylist and author Anna Caselberg and the New Zealand fashion community continuing to encourage consumers to “make an educated decision and choose wool over synthetics”. F PN www.choosewool.co.nz

Name someone you think is a great greater Ponsonby store...

The Team at Epolitos - they’re new to Ponsonby, but their pizza is amazing! And their staff are fabulous! F PN COVET CONSIGNMENT, 168 Richmond Road, Grey Lynn, T: 09 378 8688

Caroline Sills

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FASHION + STYLE STATE OF GRACE IS BACK IN PONSONBY Who would have ever imagined that the iconic writer, Ernest Hemingway, or more so, his four wives, would have an impact on the way fashionable Auckland women choose to dress close to a century later?

Such is the case on the Ponsonby strip, however. State of Grace, in its newly opened Ponsonby location, having recently moved from Kingsland, has been exhibiting romantic and nostalgic practicality in its new winter range.

“We are very excited to be back in the heart of Ponsonby,” says owner and designer, Sherilyn Catchpole. “And we have created a very feminine look this winter, mixing together merino, lace and textured fabrics to create classic pieces that you can dress up or dress down. Either way, they are structured garments that make you feel special - and they can travel with you, whether you are heading off to work, to the theatre or just visiting friends.

“I love this area and we are still committed to being 100% designed and made in New Zealand.

“Our garments reflect a diverse colour palette which has been influenced by the individual nuances and styles of Hemingway’s four wives who lived through the periods of the 1920s to the early 1960s. They were all so individual but so are modern women.

It is a diversification that we celebrate.”

“Complementing our range, are jewellery and leather bags by local artisans and designers. Our traditional winter sale is on at the moment so if you would like to PN experience the warm glamour of our winter range, you will need to be quick.” F STATE OF GRACE, ‘Lot 3’, Cnr 130 Ponsonby Road and Mackelvie Street, T: 09 360 1100 www.stateofgrace.co.nz

Above: State of Grace; Below Workshop

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FASHION + STYLE THE GEMSTONE FOR JULY Donna Mills, owner of Jewels and Gems, introduces us to the qualities of Quartz crystal.

Most of the information comes from the scientifically conducted trials of German stone specialist Michael Gienger, interpreted by Donna.

Quartz is one of about 30 gemstones with an affinity for the sun sign Leo. Ignore the one-stone-per-zodiac-sign dished up by magazines. In reality, there are a variety of choices for each birth period.

Believed to be a healing, magical crystal in all cultures, quartz is the king of stones, perfectly suited to the lions among us. Its energetic and healing qualities are vast. My first experience with the power of crystals was about 30 years ago at a public event. An elderly man swinging a pendulum approached me and said “What’s that in your pocket?”

I pulled out a quartz crystal which was my “pet rock”. It would have been a great pick -up line, except for the 50-year age gap and the fact that he was more interested in my quartz than me. He told me it had an energetic radiance of about 200m and he’d been seeking the source of this powerful vibration with his pendulum. While not a pick-up line, this meeting did start an unlikely friendship and a fascination with the science of stones.

KAREN WALKER EYEWEAR SUPERSTARS 2015 Karen Walker Eyewear’s Superstars capsule collection is comprised of six classic styles, reimagined in solid black acetate highlighted with gold or silver mirror lenses and matching hardware.

This year the collection includes two of the newest styles - Creeper (pictured, $349) and Maze - alongside the classic Super Duper Strength, Harvest, One Worship, and Helter Skelter. F PN www.karenwalkereyewear.com

Quartz crystal can help with pain in general, lowering fever, headaches, fractures, joint problems, thyroid gland issues, swelling, numbness, stuttering, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. It enhances regeneration, self-healing, the nerves and immune system. It also boosts the effectiveness of other crystals.

On a mental level, quartz encourages clarity and neutrality, improving perception and understanding, thus strengthening our own point of view. It helps us overcome what we believe are mental limits, helping with memory recall and solving problems in simple ways.

PN So even if you’re not a lion, get yourself a ‘crystal ball’ and see into your own mind! F

JEWELS AND GEMS, 54 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 378 4389 www.jewelsandgems.co.nz

DEADLY PONIES MEN’S LAUNCHED IN JUNE, THE DEADLY PONIES MEN’S COLLECTION IS CREATIVE DIRECTOR Liam Bowden’s rendition of ‘Parisian elegance meets New York cool’. The men’s line has launched with four designs, each named after a beloved comic hero. F PN www.deadlyponies.com

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PONSONBY NEWS READERS ARE EVERYWHERE

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1. Bayley’s Mt Eden agent Charlotte Kofoed emailed this shot telling us, “Just flew home from SINGAPORE. Here’s a photo my husband took of me reading Ponsonby News in Singapore’s best coffee shop - Chye Seng Huat Hardware.”

2. Sally James, co owner of the Great Ponsonby Art Hotel sent us this shot of herself in Le Baron Rouge bar in PARIS. “Great reading while waiting for friends,” she tells us.

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Dear readers please keep sending us your holiday snaps reading your favourite magazine, we love getting them! Photos need to be in high resolution (300dpi), so please email them to info@ponsonbynews.co.nz without reducing the size.

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3. Local residents Simon and Sarah Kember emailed telling us, “We are presently in Burgos, one of the beautiful cathedral towns one encounters when walking the Camino in northern SPAIN. Sarah broke her arm at the beginning of day three after about 50km of walking. We have now completed nearly 300km. Only another 540km to go. The Ponsonby News is widely read in these quarters, no one really cares about Barca and Lionel Messi! All the best and Buen Camino.”

4. World Journeys’ Travel Designer, Tony O’Callaghan, catching up on his Ponsonby News in SOUTH AFRICA while waiting for the luxury Blue Train to depart Pretoria, bound for Cape Town.

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

TRAVEL BREAKS: THE NEW THERAPY!

THE WATERWAYS OF FRANCE

by Kate Gohar, Director, World Journeys

WHAT BETTER WAY TO REACH THE CULTURAL HEART OF FRANCE THAN through wine and cuisine? Taking a luxury barge cruise along the picturesque waterways of France offers access to ancient villages and centuries old vineyards, allowing a unique perspective on life.

Transformed from working vessels into intimate floating hotels, these barges offer private cabins, a sun deck, often a spa pool, and a full crew including tour guide and master chef! Sit back, relax, and enjoy gourmet cuisine, fine wines, and the company of fellow passengers. Tour historic castles, chateaux, vineyards and markets and spend time in local villages.

One of the best regions for barging is Burgundy, home to some of the world’s finest wines and arguably the prettiest canal in France. Sitting on the deck of a luxury barge, sipping a glass of Cote de Nuits whilst cruising through vineyards of pinot noir grapes is the perfect holiday for a wine lover. Your captain is a wine expert and will take you to Clos de Vougeot, headquarters of the esteemed Chevaliers du Tastevin, and to Beaune’s oldest winery. Wines aside, the fascinating history and architecture of the region can also be explored, from the 13th Century Chateau de Commarin, home of 26 generations of French aristocracy, to the fortified outpost of Chateauneuf en Auxois.

The upper Burgundy canal offers pleasant cruising between the classic towns of Tonnerre and Venarey. Accompany the master chef to the market and meet the locals who are so proud of their produce, or visit L’Abbaye de Fontenay for a taste of history. Then taste the wine at Saint Bris le Vineaux after touring the chablis vineyards where it was grown.

Also perfect for barging is the 300 year old Canal du Midi which skirts the sun-drenched shores of the Mediterranean before meandering inland through small villages, Roman fortifications and famed vineyards. The canal is lined with plane trees and crossed by pretty arched bridges. The Mediterranean weather and pace of life is relaxed and lulls you into unwinding as you cruise sedately along. Perfect for cycling or walking along scenic canals, or simply watching the scenery pass by and in the distance you can see the Pyrenees, whereas closer to hand are vineyards and chateaux offering private wine tastings. A visit to the walled city of Carcassonne, the most complete medieval fortified city in existence, adds historical flavour to the journey.

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Cuisine en route is obviously a highlight and can be a delicious combination of both Provencal and traditional flavours. Fresh seafood and regional specialities with the excellent local Corbieres and Minervois wines produce an unforgettable repertoire of meals.

Barging is also a great way to explore the Loire Valley, Gascony, Bordeaux and beyond, with week-long cruises departing from May to October. As barges accommodate from 6 to 12 passengers, you can simply book a cabin or charter the whole barge for family or a small group of friends. So go barging, and see a side of France the PN coach tours never will! F

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ROSS THORBY: SEA FEVER

Getting there WAS half the fun!

After booking a trans-Atlantic crossing from New York to Southampton on the QM2 the other day, a friend asked me what to expect. Quite a lot really...

Today every aspect of life on board a ship revolves around the passengers’ comfort.

A far cry from the early days when ships plied the migrant route from Europe to the ‘New World’. From 1819 until the end of the 1920s, 30 million European immigrants had crossed over to make the ‘good ole US of A’ home. That was in the days when America welcomed migrants.

My, how things have changed. Then, the shipping lines made their money from migrants and jammed as many as they could into the bowels of their ships in somewhat less than salubrious surroundings. The bigger the ship - the more migrants, who were treated as little more than cargo and given very little in the way of amenities or services. In those days the only thing to relieve the monotony of the journey was the conviviality of one’s fellow passengers.

This began to change when White Star and Cunard started building their ’Four Stackers‘, the Mauretania, Lusitania, Olympic and Titanic, to compete with the European lines for the lucrative migrant business and, more importantly, for the first-class passenger trade that could bring good publicity to the shipping lines, add profitability and additional icing to the cake.

The story of the transatlantic liner is an epic saga of one of the great icons of the industrial age. The competition for the trade pushed human ingenuity and technology to its limits in a race to gain dominance of the seas and ships began to offer more and more facilities to attract passengers. Amenities and accommodations were improved over all three classes. Swimming pools, gymnasiums, smoking rooms and theatres, specialty restaurants and outdoor areas for sports and leisure were added.

As the century progressed, the trade continued beyond its heyday, (thanks to America closing her Open Door Policy) the migrants were replaced by the new affluent middle classes as it was still ’the only way to cross’. However, without the profits of the migrants, the competing lines slowly sank into an abyss. Some governments subsidised their ‘Ships of State’ to keep them sailing - the French Liner, Normandie, never made a profit but sailed on regardless, buoyed by French pride and her taxpayers.

a style harking back to the great liners of the 1930s, now though, without the traditional three class partitions and with all facilities being available to all passengers. The QM2 continues to offer the ‘crossing’ experience along with all the modern conveniences, although no rock climbing walls or waterslides.

Your seven days across the Atlantic can be filled with as much as you like. Organised sports events, lectures, movies, card games, shuffleboard, tennis, golf, the spa, the gym, the casino, shopping, the planetarium, painting classes or scarf tying (you’d be surprised how many men turn up to this) and, of course, the traditional afternoon tea served by liveried and white-gloved waiters in the ballroom. Or as little as you like. Halcyon days with a glass of Champagne in one hand and a tome from the 9000 - book library in the other, and often, my favourite, just sitting in a steamer chair staring blankly out to sea.

What can you expect from a ‘crossing’? The connection with the past 200 years of historical crossings of the Atlantic and one of the last great adventures you can have PN from the comfort of a deck chair. (ROSS THORBY) F

By the 1950s, passengers were entertained by official cruise directors who were employed to help keep the minds of the passengers occupied and maybe distract them from the one aspect of transatlantic travel that is very rarely advertised, the often rough Atlantic swell and the subsequent malady for some. This was the period when Cunard coined the phrase ‘When getting there is half the fun’.

With the advent of the jet liner in the 1960s, the great ocean liners were facing possible extinction and eventually the only surviving line plying the regular trans-Atlantic route was Cunard with her two ships the Queen Elizabeth and the Queen Mary that continued to cross each other mid Atlantic, and often carrying more crew than passengers, right up until the late 1960s when they were replaced by the smaller and more economic Queen Elizabeth 2.

Today there is only one true trans-Atlantic liner. The 2004 - built Queen Mary 2 that continues the tradition of providing the only true ‘crossing’ experience. Decorated in

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LAURAINE JACOBS: THE SEASONED PALATE

Lauraine Jacobs finds fine fare in Kingsland at Phil’s Kitchen Is a chef an artist or an artiste? And does he work with his palate or use a palette? Interesting questions, as it is imperative that any chef’s food not only tastes terrific but it must be appealing when sitting on the plate.

In one of the newer and more exciting openings around town, here’s a chef whose work is reminiscent of the art world, boldly plating his tasty food in the style of a contemporary artist garnished with streaks, smears and even dots of bright colour. Phil Clark’s bistro, aptly named Phil’s Kitchen, is pulling in a parade of sophisticated appreciative eaters to Kingsland, where he is bringing those two important components of dining together.

He has revamped and smartened premises right in the middle of Kingsland’s eat-strip and his long, narrow glass-fronted store with a comfy banquette lining one wall, is destined to become a new destination bistro. Clark brings great culinary pedigree to the scene, having previously cooked alongside two of the current masters of Auckland dining, Sid Sahrawat and Michael Meredith, and this is his first self-conducted gig since returning from a six year stint in London where he was lucky and smart enough to work in cutting-edge kitchens alongside Tom Aitkens and others.

He also met his partner, Marine Peyregne, who has a background in hospitality in France and England, and capably organises front of house, wine list and every other detail of the restaurant, leaving the chef to get on with the business of cooking. It is a tight little ship, and with only 30 diners maximum and a very small kitchen, the pair manage professionally and with assurance.

Clark’s enthusiasm for locally-sourced seasonal specialties knows no bounds. Get him talking and he will wax on about the carrots, the beetroot, the mushrooms, truffles and the parsnips and more that are currently inspiring him as winter takes hold. He has true passion - a great necessity for any chef who wants to make his mark. He offers a short succinct menu that effectively is planned daily according to the ingredients he can source; four entrees, four main course choices and three desserts. He is planning to reduce that to just three, three, and three, as the work involved in each dish is extensive.

Some of his concentrated sauces that are almost painted onto the plates can take up to three days to prepare.

At a recent dinner a starter of potato velouté, soft poached egg and toasted buckwheat was utterly comforting; the silky, almost velvety, potato puree was poured at the table, over the egg in the bowl and the dish was enhanced with the crunchy texture of the toasted buckwheat and a tiny dollop of sweet onion puree. A slightly chewy duck breast had been smoked and was perfectly accompanied by beetroot with doris plum sauce.

Just the stuff for a wintry night. Scallops, sitting on caramelised cauliflower puree had pork crackling, but not as I knew, it scattered around - it may just as well be named ‘duck snow’. This is food where textural and taste elements all star in harmony.

As for the main courses, they were ever so slightly larger and bolder in both taste and delivery. Corn fed chicken, field mushrooms and truffle sounded good, but it was even

better than it sounded as the roast chicken meat from the breast was juicy with crisp buttery skin, offset by a marvellous wipe of truffle sauce and some perfect quartered field mushrooms. And who thinks to pair fish with beetroot? Fresh line-caught sweet gurnard from Leigh looked a picture on the plate with yet more swipes - colourful pink beetroot and an aromatic scent of rosemary. Smoked loin of beef, highly recommended by our host was moist and rare, and served with sweet onion puree and braised celery.

And everyone’s favourite, pork belly was served as a long slice with meltingly tender meat and delicious fat and, of course, superb crisp crackling, partnered by roasted pumpkin, garden peas and some superb sauce splattered on the plate.

And then time and space for dessert. I hope Clark keeps the cinnamon doughnuts - hey, are doughuts not the latest trend? - they’re filled with a wicked caramel and accompanied by a soft caramel cream. Poached pear was another choice - a pot of rich white chocolate accompanied by beautifully poached pears. All great seasonal choices fashioned from the finest ingredients this kitchen can find. It is all pretty good value for dishes that require so much work; entrees range from $14 to $21, mains are mostly in the high $30s and the desserts are $14.

But there’s more. Phil’s Kitchen is doing lunches Thursday to Saturday with a concise $35 menu for three courses. What a wonderful way to experience this lovely food without breaking the bank. It seems the kitchen takes elements of the dishes and puts them together with thought for a simple menu that offers just two choices for each course.

There’s no pressure as Clark and his sous chefs have to be in the kitchen anyway, prepping for dinner service. So it makes sense to offer a simplified menu that echoes the dinner menu, while they work away at the more complex tasks that demands.

The wine list here is tiny. It’s not hard to make a decision as there is only one example of each varietal. That is a bold move and I know they must be sure of everything on the list, as the wines I tried were, even if not carrying big names, great examples of their type and most enjoyable. What seemed to be missing to me was a vegetarian choice in the food. However, Clark assured me that with so many delicious vegetables in his kitchen it is easy to put together a meal if diners are so inclined. As it was, I noticed at lunch that two vegetarians at the adjoining table were devouring just that - and with gusto.

Don’t miss this little gem. It is a tad different from other places and certainly about as far away as a diner could get from the rowdy Canton Cafe, which is right next door! Dinner Tuesday to Saturday from 5.30pm, Lunch Thursday - Saturday.

Reservations recommended. F PN PHIL’S KITCHEN, 479 New North Road, Kingsland,T: 09 849 7741 www.laurainejacobs.co.nz

Phil Clark and Marine Peyregne

54 PONSONBY NEWS+ July 2015

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

NEWS FROM GREY LYNN FARMERS’ MARKET

Sarah Bultema from The Independent Grocer Sarah Bultema from The Independent Grocer is at the Grey Lynn Farmers’ Market on the second and last Sunday of the month.

What products do you make and which are your favourites?

Seasonal pickles, chutney, preserves, relish, pesto, jams, jellies and fruit pastes. I love a good relish and also pickled onions.

How long have you been making preserves?

On and off for five years - steadily for the past two.

Where did you grow up?

I was born in the Netherlands and immigrated in 1991. I grew up in north-west Auckland, in Waimauku.

What’s the biggest business decision you have had to make?

Committing myself; cutting back on regular paid work to make room for doing what I love to do.

What’s your favourite way to relax after work?

Depends how tired I am! Usually a nice hot pool or bath.

Where is your favourite New Zealand holiday spot?

I love the South Island and am still exploring the North Island. Otago, and the west coast of South Island are favourites. Taranaki and Opunake are also stunning. I’m road tripping to Waitomo soon which I’m very excited about!

What’s your favourite thing about coming to the Grey Lynn Farmers Market?

The people. Stall holders and customers alike - it’s a beautiful interaction when people come together for food. F PN

photography: Martin Leach

www.glfm.co.nz Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/GLFM Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/GreyLynnFarmersMarket

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EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY WINTER ENTERTAINING IS EASY AT SABATO Cheeseboards are perfect for fireside nibbles, try a creamy Camembert Bocage and a slice of Mahoe Very Old Edam accompanied by a glass of red wine or you could pick up one of our Sabato Selection Cheeseboards.

Our cheesemonger personally selects three beautifully ripe, top quality cheeses to go alongside crackers, chutney and dried fruit.

Risotto and pasta are wonderful winter warmers and ideal for a dinner party. Stir porcini and parmigiano reggiano through risotto or stuff orecchiotte with pumpkin and pancetta.

For a hearty feast, drizzle cooked duck legs with verjuice riesling and serve with a salad of roast potatoes, artichokes and toasted pinenuts.

After dinner treat your guests to a decadent Valhrona chocolate cake, delicious served with freshly whipped cream and poached pears. For a healthier dessert, try oven baked El Nararrico whole peaches sprinkled with Valhrona cocoa.

For more winter entertaining ideas and recipes visit our retail store or the Sabato website www.sabato.co.nz F PN SABATO Limited, 57 Normanby Road, Mt Eden, T: 09 630 8751, www.sabato.co.nz

KUMARA WITH BLACK BEANS, JALAPENO AND AVOCADO Bake this humble root vegetable, stuff it with healthy goodies and dinner is served!

Hands-on time 10 minutes, cooking time 55 minutes gluten free, vegetarian 4 large kumara (200g each) 1 x 400g can black beans, rinsed, drained 2 large tomatoes, diced 2 spring onions, thinly sliced 1 long jalapeno or green chilli, seeded, finely chopped 2 tablespoons chopped coriander leaves, plus extra to garnish ½ cup grated reduced-fat cheddar cracked black pepper ½ firm ripe avocado, diced 4 cups mixed salad leaves, to serve 4 tablespoons balsamic vinaigrette (made with 2 parts balsamic vinegar to 1 part olive oil) 1. Preheat oven to 180°C. Line a large baking tray with baking paper. Scrub kumara and pat dry with paper towel. Prick all over with a fork. Place on prepared tray and bake, turning after 20 minutes, for 40-45 minutes, or until soft when pierced with a skewer. Leave cooked kumara to cool for 10 minutes.

2. Meanwhile, make filling. Mix beans, tomatoes, spring onions, jalapeno (or chilli), coriander and half the cheese in a large bowl. Season with cracked black pepper.

3. Make a long cut, lengthways, along the top of the kumara. Open gently and mash flesh lightly with a fork. Spoon a quarter of the filling into each kumara then scatter with remaining cheese. Return kumara to oven and bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until filling is hot and cheese has melted.

4. Top with avocado, garnish with extra coriander and serve with salad leaves and vinaigrette.

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Recipe: Chrissy Freer; Photography: Mark O’Meara; Styling: Julz Beresford; Food prep: Kerrie Ray. Recipe reprinted from Healthy Food Guide magazine with permission from Healthy Life Media Ltd. Find more delicious stuffed kumara and spud recipes in the July 2015 issue of Healthy Food Guide ($6.30), on sale now in supermarkets and bookstores or subscribe at www.healthyfood.co.nz.

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY SIDART, WINNER OF ‘BEST METROPOLITAN RESTAURANT’ Congratulations to the team at Sidart, winners of ‘Best Metropolitan Restaurant’ in last month’s Cuisine Good Food Awards.

Sid Sahrawat is one of New Zealand’s most exciting chefs, revered within the industry for his innovative and inspirational cooking.

In 2009 he opened Sidart, his dream restaurant in Three Lamps, Ponsonby.

Passionate in his kitchen to the point of obsession, Sid has worked hard to make the Sidart experience accessible and personal for diners: “We aim to combine the precise technique and product knowledge of formal dining with a personal touch I’d like to think is uniquely Sidart.”

Sid has won numerous accolades, he has been awarded Lewisham awards for innovative chef and outstanding chef. He was runner up ‘progressive restaurateur’ for Metro magazine in 2012 and he was awarded ‘Best Chef’ PN

by Metro magazine in 2014. F L to R: Manuela Capponi, Sid Sahrawat, Chand Sahrawat, Nishant Arora and Amanda Rogers

SIDART, Level 1, 283 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 360 2122, www.sidart.co.nz

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GARY STEEL: VEG FRIENDLY

Famous vegetarians Beyoncé and Miley Cyrus go vegan Veganism is so on-trend at the moment that I worry for the movement. After all, anything that’s trendy has some soul-searching to do down the line. Whatever’s hot right now - just like MC Hammer’s balloon pants were in the early 1990s - risks scorn, derision and being the butt of mean-spirited jokes down the line.

But really, there’s no reason those of a plant-eating bent shouldn’t bask in the glory of celebrity endorsement that the recent ‘coming out’ of mega-divas Beyoncé and Miley Cyrus has bestowed on the life choice.

There’s the rub, though: is it a life choice, or a passing fad for these celebrated billionaires, and are they doing it for the right reasons? I’m suspicious, because in the early 1990s, the ultimate material girl Madonna espoused the benefits of her vegetarian lifestyle, and I see now that her flirtation with an animal-free diet was rather brief.

My suspicion is that those two superstars are doing it mainly for the documented health benefits of veganism, rather than having any real concern for animal welfare. Of course, both are genuine reasons for eschewing meat from the diet, as are environmental concerns, but at the heart of a decision to stop eating animals there really needs to be some compassion for the lives of those animals, not just a self-centered dietary decision.

Above: Beyoncé; Middle: Miley Cyrus; Below: Paul and Linda McCartney and family

It turns out that Beyoncé’s veganism is all around a diet plan that she’s promoting, and she even wears fur, while in interviews, Miley Cyrus does express compassion for animals. But ultimately, normalising vegetarianism and veganism has to be a good thing, and it probably makes the transition to a plant-based diet just that much easier if your idol subscribes to the same regime as you do.

While the list of vegetarians through the ages is impressive, when I was first turning my nose up at meat in the 1970s, contemporary celebrity role models were few and far between. I was friendly with a Seventh Day Adventist boy at school, but he was pale and sickly and his religion forbade him having any contact with me outside school hours.

The (un)popular view of vegetarianism back then was that of the Sanitarium health food shops, with its shelves groaning under the weight of cans of nutmeat. Sanitarium was, of course, a business venture of the Seventh Day Adventist church.

The only celebrity vegetarians I can picture from that era were Paul and Linda McCartney, but when I was transitioning to vegetarianism, the music scene was all about punk rock, and Paul McCartney was releasing records like ‘Mull Of Kintyre’. And as we know, both sugar and aspartame kill. Later, Linda started her own range of frozen vegetarian food, but proved a poor advertisement for vegetarianism by dying of cancer.

Luckily, I had great characters from history to help me defend my life choice. This spectacular role call includes Gandhi (and, of course, half of India), Buddha (possibly apocryphal), Pythagoras, Plato, Leonardo Da Vinci, Mary Shelley, Leo Tolstoy, Franz Kafka, Albert Einstein and George Bernard Shaw.

And no, the list doesn’t include Hitler, whose occasional dalliance with vegetarianism was on his doctor’s advice to counter “the runs”.

The contemporary vegan/vegetarian roll call, on the other hand, includes popular culture icons like Ariana Grande, Ashley Judd, Bryan Adams, Chrissie Hynde, Christie Brinkley, Ellen DeGeneres, Forest Whitaker, Michelle Pfeiffer, Mos Def, Pamela Anderson, Samuel L. Jackson, RZA, Shania Twain, Sia, Prince and um... Ricky Martin. It just goes on and on.

Then of course there’s director James Cameron (Aliens, Titanic, Avatar) whose whole family are vegan. In some ways, it’s Cameron I respect the most, for putting his money where his mouth is: purchasing a dairy farm in the Wairarapa, and turning it into a horticultural enterprise, complete with vegan cafe. (GARY STEEL) F PN Do you run a cafe or restaurant in the Ponsonby/Grey Lynn area that does vegetarian really well? If so, let me know on the email below. We’ll be sure to check out your eatery.

And don’t be shy, okay?

Gary Steel is an Auckland-based journalist who runs online vegetarian resource www.doctorfeelgood.co.nz He can be contacted via beautmusic@gmail.com

58 PONSONBY NEWS+ July 2015

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

JULIE BONNER: NEWS FROM FROG POND FARM It’s that time of year when growth in the garden has slowed down, slugs’ appetites have sped up, bananas aren’t ripening (outdoors) and flowers are bursting from trunks and branches of the kohekohe tree - which is just stunning.

We have had some beautiful weather lately. Blue skies devoid of clouds, not a puff of wind and there is the winter chill in the air that calls for a pair of woollen gloves and a scarf. Perfect! I enjoy winter, I think it is because I love wearing layers and donning jackets and boots, even if it is just to go gardening.

And mentioning the garden, ours is looking rather good. Broad beans have shoved aside the dirt and are flashing their fine greenery, the garlic which was only planted a few weeks back, has sprouted and those leeks are standing tall which is surprising given they are sharing their space with some bossy, self-seeded cosmos. I opted not to plant red or Egyptian Walking onions this year - I have always been a creature of habit, so it’s good to break the rules.

Well, in saying that I learnt a nasty lesson with my brassicas. They are usually planted in April and this year they went into the dirt much later. Why? I have no idea. As they were late the pesky white butterflies had flitted off for winter so there was no need to erect the cloche to protect them. The truth is, the cloche actually keeps the confines warmer encouraging seedling growth and also offers some protection against slugs and snails.

Mentioning the bane of my life - the slimeys have decided that they are having an alcohol free year, so they are avoiding my beer traps. I would never use any form of bought snail bait as we are organic and the majority of these are toxic, so I resort to the hand removing method. Out at night with the torch grabbing the suckers while they are busy dining, and then dropping them into the beer whether they like it or not. Or course I have tried an array of other things - coffee grounds, seaweed, diatomaceous earth, wood ash and wool stuffed around the edge of the raised bed and not to keep the soil warm either.

Apparently they have an aversion to climbing over the wool.

Are you scared of the dark? Just a little bit? I have to fess up. If I have been watching a thriller or, heaven forbid, a horror on the box, then rest assured the slugs have got the night off. There is absolutely no way that I will be found anywhere near the dark garden.

I can also add for the record, that bumping into the odd possum at night is a particularly good way of testing the vocal chords.

Have you ever tried Jerusalem artichokes? They are in the asteraceae family and are also known as sunchokes. Tasty tubers which are divine roasted, but be warned they are notorious for creating gas. Do you grow rhubarb? It is something that I have never grown before. I have no idea why, but I thought it was time for something new. So into a nice space in a garden in our backyard, I stuffed ‘Winter Wonder’ into a hole loaded with lots of homemade compost and crawling with worms.

Those five Orpington hens who are now about seven months old have finally started laying. Winter isn’t the optimum time of year for loads of eggs - something to do with the reduction in daylight hours and fair enough too. Trust me - there isn’t much that beats eggs from your own chooks.

As it happens, I’ve decided it’s time to get another rooster... my girls seem to be suffering from rooster blues. They appear to be missing male companionship and are in need of a lad to curtail their hen pecking ways. And me, well I miss my 5.30am alarm crow and PN the strut of the lad as he watches over his girls. Happy gardening! (JULIE BONNER) F If you are interested in more news from our place, or perhaps some gardening tips, then make sure you visit my blog www.frogpondfarm.co.nz

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EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY THE FOOD SHOW IS PACKED WITH GOODNESS The Food Show packs maximum deliciousness into four days from Thursday 30 July to Sunday 2 August 2015 at the ASB Showgrounds.

It’s time to treat yourself to The Food Show, your best chance to discover the most fabulous foods, delicious drinks and cool kitchen appliances, all in one place. And while you’re there, be sure to enjoy the incredible range of special features on offer.

Whirlpool Cooking Theatre Some of the best things about The Food Show are the cooking demonstrations from celebrity chefs in the Whirlpool Cooking Theatre - and they’re all included in your entry ticket. Get top tips from the masters and see culinary stars cooking live, including Ray McVinnie, Chelsea Winter and the latest sensation from Australia: Bondi Harvest.

Kenwood Kitchen Free live demos from expert chefs, including Annabelle White, Natalie Oldfield, Sonia Haumonte of Vaniye Patisserie and Vanessa Baxter of Kitchens without Boundaries, and more.

Jacob’s Creek Pop-up Eatery Fancy some lunch? Visit the Jacob’s Creek Pop-up Eatery to buy plated dishes from our selection of Auckland’s favourite eateries. Sit down, relax and enjoy delicious food and perhaps a glass of wine.

Nespresso Discovery Sessions Demonstrating the pairing of coffee with bespoke menu creations, the Nespresso Discovery Sessions will be a chance for coffee lovers to take part in an interactive session, with a series of sweet and savory coffee creations suited to different moments of your day.

Auckland on the Menu A ‘market-style’ stand filled with artisan and boutique food producers across the region, including Waiuku Cheese Company, Poppy and Olive nut butters, Bonnie Goods, Naaz Curry pastes, and more.

Buy your tickets online at www.foodshow.co.nz to avoid queues on the day and go in the draw to win a foodie six-night escape in Nelson - valued at $5000. F PN

THE BIRDCAGE - THE PERFECT VENUE An iconic historical building with an interesting past, the Birdcage, once known as the Rob Roy Hotel, is now a bustling modern pub and eatery and is the perfect venue to enjoy relaxed dining or a drink.

The Birdcage offers a delicious menu and impressive drinks selection. With good honest food using great ingredients, this warming fare and the two roaring fires will sort those winter blues!

Whether it’s a quick working lunch, a family get together or catch-up with friends, the Birdcage menu caters for all dietary requirements offering vegetarian, vegan, dairy and gluten-free options. Even the little ones have their own special kids’ menu.

A selection from the menu...

Starter: Pork shoulder, white bean and sage cassoulet with crusty bread - $12 Pizza: Chicken, braised leeks and bacon - $20 Mains: 250g Angus scotch fillet, chargrilled with crisp rosemary potatoes, 18-hour jus - $22 Burgers: Rosemary fried chicken, lettuce, tomato, herb mayo and cranberry salsa - $18.50 Desserts: Churros with dolce de leche - $12 The Birdcage is a great venue for corporate and social events. They specialise in cocktail parties from 20 to 300 people and provide set menu dinners for up to 80 people. You can leave the hassle to them, they will organize the planning, menus, drinks and the even the clean up! For an affordable function with no hidden costs, the Birdcage will exceed your expectations with their function execution and exceptional service.

The Birdcage overlooks Victoria Park from Franklin Road. Customer car parking is off Union Street, located directly behind their building. Winter trading hours: Closed Monday, Tuesday - Saturday, midday till late, Sunday, 11am - 5pm.

THE BIRDCAGE, 133 Franklin Road, T: 09 280 1690, e: phil@birdcage.co.nz www.birdcage.co.nz F PN

60 PONSONBY NEWS+ July 2015

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

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GARY STEEL: VEG FRIENDLY

The veg friendly challenge Finalist: Mary’s It’s the great Ponsonby News Veg Friendly Challenge, in which Ponsonby-area cafes and restaurants line up to be judged on their vegetarian friendliness.

We’re going to name the cafes and restaurants that cater well to vegetarians and vegans, whether or not they’ve also got meat on their menus. Each month, we’ll review one of our favourite ‘veg friendly’ eateries and, at the end of it all, we’ll name an overall winner, in our coveted Veg Friendly Challenge Top 10.

The name is just too good. I don’t know what possessed Tim Tohill to name his new cafe Mary’s, but there’s no denying either the gorgeous simplicity or its innate appropriateness. I mean, it’s just down the road from Three Lamps. Saint Mary’s Bay Road, that is. So, Mary’s it is then!

Mary’s has come alive in the distinctive heritage Ponsonby Fire Station building, which has hosted a long line of fancy restaurants over the years, the last being the celebrated - but seemingly under-patronised - fusion Japanese eating house, Soto.

I thought it might feel a bit odd as a daytime-only cafe, but has been adapted well to suit Mary’s needs, and those of her customers, and its large interior splitting into several zones makes it more interesting than the classic square or rectangular seating arrangement. The only downside is the typical one: the acoustics can clash horribly if the cafe is full of babbling customers.

So really, this is Tim doing what Tim does so well: choosing a site that has a point of difference that makes customers want to spend time in the space, and implementing his as always impeccable standards of service and food. Anyone familiar with Jafa in Richmond Road - another of his creations - will get it straight away. There’s the friendly and informed table service, and a menu that has an absolutely scrumptious array of all-day breakfast and lunch choices. But Mary’s goes considerably further than Jafa in the extent of vegetarian choices on its menu. There is a preponderance of eggs on those vegetarian choices, but we were able to find a couple of non-egg choices that both wowed our taste buds and satiated our hunger.

Martin chose a kind of burger or bap which contained both exquisitely tasty haloumi cheese and tofu, as well as a beautifully designed array of avocado ($17). This high protein dish kept a happy smile on the editor’s face while he was regaling me with stories.

Our waitress announced herself as vegan (very handy!) and was able to direct me to the closest thing to a plant-based dish on the menu - one of the daily specials, Indian pumpkin soup ($13). Coming with sourdough bread and a dish of yoghurt, it was a spicy delight that perfectly fitted my mood, although it was perhaps too hot for the average Kiwi - closer to the legendary ‘Indian hot’ that will have you reaching for that cooling-down agent, the yoghurt.

We also both tried smoothies. Martin loved his peanut butter smoothie ($8), and my berry smoothie ($8) also failed to put a step wrong.

I loved this place and will definitely be back for more. Cafes that just get it all right first time are still few and far between in Ponsonby, and I can’t imagine coming away from Tim Tohill’s new venture with anything less than the sense of contentment that comes when everything is right with the world. Or in this case, a cafe. (GARY STEEL) F PN Hail Mary’s! Open Mon-Fri 7am-4pm, Sat-Sun 8am-4pm.

MARY’S, 13 Saint Mary’s Road, T: 09-360-7260.

Do you run a cafe or restaurant in the Ponsonby/Grey Lynn area that does vegetarian really well? If so, let me know on the email below. We’ll be sure to check out your eatery.

And don’t be shy, okay?

Gary Steel is an Auckland-based journalist who runs online vegetarian resource www.doctorfeelgood.co.nz He can be contacted via beautmusic@gmail.com

62 PONSONBY NEWS+ July 2015

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

MR. W & ME I am outside what I can only call a petite boutique, a small but perfectly formed new shoe store in the heart of Ponsonby Central’s retail zone.

There is something distinctly familiar about that walk. Togs... togs... undies... OMG it’s the guy from the Trumpet commercial that went viral (circa 2006). A shaven head replaces the long locks and obviously there’s not a budgie smuggler in sight, but that walk is unmistakable!

Laughing, he introduces himself (he knows I’m on to him) as Tom Walsh, the Mr. W in Mr. W & Me. We are soon joined by his wife Jane who, effortlessly chic in a denim jumpsuit, is the & Me in the title. Questionable swimwear aside, this couple is the epitome of style.

It’s obvious Jane is passionate about fashion but she also brings to the team a decade of experience as a buyer for a large shoe chain. Tom is a freelance television cameraman.

“He’s got the eye for detail,” Jane says. “Actually, it’s Tom who has the shoe fetish, really.

He’s got way more shoes than me!”

Mr. W & Me came out of a desire to start a business of their own, one that would allow the couple to travel together. “We both travelled a lot with our jobs but we were like ships

photography: Stacey Simpkin

The interior is stark white, the back wall composed entirely of shoeboxes, also white; the better to set off the rows of sleek black ankle boots and shiny patent shoes in shades like coral, nude and pale blue. I am wondering if I have time to try on a pair of gorgeous silver loafers, when a tall guy gets up from his coffee at Toru Café opposite and strides towards me.

Tom and Jane of Mr. W & Me passing in the night,” explains Tom. So now it is regular trips to Italy to source product lines, and to China to build their relationship with a small boutique factory out of which will soon come their very own shoe designs.

Mr. W & Me turns two this month and its objective, to sell unique and contemporary women’s shoes at an accessible price point, is obviously a winner. Initially conceived as an online store, they got a taste for face to face interaction with their customers during a successful run of pop-ups in Ponsonby Central. As timing would have it, Jane quit her full-time job just as this spot came up. I can’t help thinking it’s the perfect space for this quirky yet elegant range of shoes. Now I must try on those loafers! (FIONA GARLICK) www.mrwandme.com T: 021 655 896

MUNKY’S CORNER

THE DAIRY MELT BAR

20% off selected beds - Shop for HOT accessories, the BEST raw and grain -free foods and chemical-free flea and tick repellent. Order ONLINE or bring your pet!

The humble cheese toastie is taken seriously at The Dairy Melt Bar. Shake off the winter blues with one of our bad boy Cheese Melts. Cut the back of it with a hoppy IPA and you’re in Melt Bar heaven.

T: 09 360 3192 www.munkyscorner.co.nz

T: 09 972 2642 www.the-dairy.co.nz

WALLACE COTTON Our huge winter sale starts Wednesday 1 July. Pop in for 10-50% off everything in store! Soft cotton quilts, duvet sets, sheets and lots more. Beautiful designs, exceptional quality.

T: 09 360 6133 www.wallacecotton.com

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EL SIZZLING CHORIZO Juicy meat grilled patiently over slowburning coals is what this place is all about. What better way to warm your belly on a cold wintery day?

www.elsizzlingchorizo.co.nz

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EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY A WIN FOR NEW ZEALAND WINE GUIDE Inbound international tourism is on the rise and the recent international award for the ‘New Zealand Wine Guide’ reflects this trend.

“It’s a special thrill to win Gourmand World Book Award’s Best in the World title for Wine and Tourism and to enjoy the industry recognition that goes along with such a prestigious title,” says Celia Hay, Director of New Zealand School of Food and Wine.

“But of more importance is that the award helps shine the light on New Zealand as a key wine tourism destination.”

There have been many initiatives over the years to draw attention to New Zealand as a culinary and wine destination. Suddenly there seems to be an upsurge in growing with this concept within New Zealand tourism.

Each year, at the New Zealand School of Food and Wine, they attract more and more international visitors who want to explore the New Zealand wine culture and in turn become captivated by the bright fruit aromas of the wines.

The New Zealand Wine Guide offers a comprehensive review of the spectacular growth of New Zealand’s wine industry. It focusses on wine regions, using a selection of local maps, explanation of grape varieties and winemaking processes with useful diagrams and breath -taking photographs from well-respected winemaker and photographer, Kevin Judd.

“You can drink wine but there often comes a point where you want to know more. What attracts you to a particular wine? And there is a story behind every label because wine can offer a unique sense of place, of provenance. The challenge is to sip and discover.” www.nzwinebook.com

FORVM VINEGAR GRANITA WITH BLUFF OYSTERS Forvm Vinegar Granita Mix together equal amounts of Forvm chardonnay vinegar and water. Freeze - when fully frozen scrape with a fork to create a snow-like texture.

Serve in a chilled side dish to accompany raw Bluff oysters.

Alternatively you can serve the oysters in the half shell or on a Chinese soup spoon topped with a small spoonful of the granita.

Recipe by Des Harris, Clooney Executive Chef.

Check out www.sabato.co.nz for more information on Cooking Class with Des and www.gaggenau.co.nz for Gaggenau. F PN

64 PONSONBY NEWS+ July 2015

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

PHIL PARKER: WHOSE WINE IS IT ANYWAY?

Wines for cool weather - a roundup of wonderful winter wines Okay. It’s winter already. That means that we pathetic, wimpy Aucklanders can pretend it’s freezing and break out the puffer jackets and Merino or possum-blend cool weather apparel.

June and July generally conspire as an alliterative cold weather coalition to offer us lower temperatures and a bit of a brisk and cool sou’westerly air flow to enable us to delve into the wardrobes and dressers for our warmer clothing. And what better excuse to open some great wines as we retreat from our previously welcoming north-facing decks and patios into our heat-pumped open plan living areas to enjoy some hearty food with our besties. Works for me, anyway. By the way, from now on, I’ll be giving each wine a subjective score out of a potential 20 points.

Villa Maria Marlborough Dry Riesling 2014, $16 - 18 points On the nose, lemon squash and mineral. On the palate, a very delicate and elegant wine at the lower end of the alcohol scale at 12%. A lovely balance of mouth-watering medium acidity beautifully balanced with a hint of sweetness. Just off-dry, with flavours of lemon squash, mineral water and lime juice. Great with panko fried oysters.

Hidden Treasure Marlborough Pink Sauvignon, $17 - 17 points A nice blend of sauvignon blanc with an unnamed red, this one is a softer rosé-style with some red berry fruit flavours complementing the classic gooseberry and passion fruit flavours of our traditional ‘sav’. Good with a tomato-based white fish dish.

Columbia Crest (Washington State USA) H3 Chardonnay 2013, $30 - 19 points Smells like oak and lime citrus. In the mouth, it’s young and lively with flavours of crisp, nashi pear, lime and nectarine with a hint of toast. Similar style to Kumeu River. Match with Bluff oysters.

Ngatarawa Hawkes Bay Proprietor’s Reserve Syrah 2013, $39 - 19 points This is a dark, brooding Mister Darcy with black pepper, cherry brandy, Black Forest cake. Full and rich palate of spice and dark stone fruits, with soft to medium tannins. Nice with a rich marinated pepper steak and creamy mushroom sauce.

Columbia Crest H3 (Washington State USA) Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, $30 - 19 points Crimson red colour. Smells like cigar box, spice rack and cellar dust. Tastes of ripe Black Doris plums, spice, mocha, black berry fruit, with medium-firm tannins. Match with spicy lamb shank.

Craggy Range Sophia Hawkes Bay 2013, $75 - 20 points Stunning wine that reflects a hot, dry vintage. This is a merlot dominant Bordeaux -style blend, with aromas of ripe black summer berry fruits and spice. In the mouth it opens up with lovely ripe and luscious blackcurrant, cherry and spice flavours. Medium -soft tannins and a lingering finish. Great with a venison slow-cooked casserole.

(PHIL PARKER) F PN Phil Parker is a wine writer and operates Fine Wine Tours in Auckland. www.insidertouring.co.nz Read Phil’s Blog at nzwineblogger.blogspot.co.nz

Pegasus Bay Waipara Aria Late Pick Riesling 2013, $38 - 20 points Yum yum: smells like honey, beeswax and overripe nectarine. The palate is all about marmalade, honey, nectarine and ripe peach. Sweet but not syrupy, medium acid, clean finish and lengthy palate. Nice with tangy cheddar

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PONCENTRIC: LIVING THE GOOD LIFE IN PONSONBY

Grandfathers hanging out with grandchildren The recent birth of my beautiful granddaughter Milly was a joyous family occasion. I have experienced many magical moments in my life but the birth of a grandchild has to rank as the most magical of them all. Okay, perhaps up there with my wedding day and the birth of my own children!

It got me thinking about the role of grandparents, particularly grandfathers, in helping to raise grandchildren. I finished a three year stint as CEO of Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Trust (GRG) last December. GRG is a charitable trust providing a range of support services to grandparents who find themselves having to raise their grandchildren on a full-time basis because the parents are unable to. It was a very fulfilling role and it gave me helpful insight into the huge challenges faced by these grandparents.

But there is a larger group of grandparents who, while not raising their grandchildren on a full-time basis, are spending a fair chunk of their time looking after grandchildren and this trend will only continue. We are the ‘baby-boomer’ generation and for those who can’t quite remember the definition, baby-boomers are defined as having been born between 1946 and 1964. So if you were born in 1964 you are now 51! And yes, you’re a baby-boomer!

Of course grandparents have always played a part in looking after their grandchildren. My parents were wonderfully helpful when it came to grandchild care.

Our children are mostly Generation Y and for many families both parents are in fulltime paid work. That’s the big difference between the generations. For us baby -boomers it was more likely that the mother was in unpaid employment at home. You’ll note that I’ve been careful to not say that mothers didn’t work!

So what’s my point? Well, while acknowledging the awesome job done by grandmothers in caring for grandchildren, I want to address the role of grandfathers spending time with their grandchildren.

I had the good fortune to be able to look after my grandson on a part-time basis from when he was two

and a half until he went to school. I can tell you that it was one of the most fulfilling and enjoyable periods of my life.

I would pick him up from daycare on Tuesday afternoon and then we would have all day Wednesday hanging out together. We settled into a Wednesday routine. We hit Gymkids at Ponsonby’s Leys Institute mid-morning for a 45-minute workout! It was a fabulous experience for us both. He loved playing with the other kids and learning a range of gymnastic skills. It was a joy to watch him conquer the various balance, climbing and tumbling challenges. I was the only grandfather there, well, actually the only male there!

grandchild. I had been fortunate in that I saw Oli two to three days every week so it had become an easy relationship. So, back to Gymkids where I was the only male let alone grandfather in a group of 12 or so caregivers. The mothers were friendly but I didn’t push things - just acted naturally. It never occurred to me that I might be excluded from Gymkids.

During that time, a research study undertaken by University of Adelaide researchers who interviewed over 100 baby-boomers about being a grandparent was published. One key message was how grandfathers often felt uneasy with their grandchildren in public. They reported that perceptions of grandfathers needed to change, as more men in their 50s and 60s retire and spend more time with their grandchildren.

Actually the hardest part about all this activity was having to get him in and out of the car six times an outing! So I urge all grandfathers to try and spend (more) time with their grandchildren on a one-on-one basis. It is a very rewarding experience and benefits both parties.

Grandfathers can impart a very unique set of life skills to their grandchildren.

Further, the report suggested that grandfathers were quite sensitive with the child protection issue, that they felt like they couldn’t hang around the playground on outings and that they felt excluded from things like playgroups.

TV One Breakfast got onto this story and I was invited to appear on the show in my capacity as both CEO of GRG and a grandfather involved in the care of my grandson to discuss the issues raised. I certainly understood how some grandfathers might feel this way.

It was interesting because I hadn’t really experienced those sort of issues. But there’s no doubt that it could be an issue. I think it does depend a little bit on how comfortable you are in your relationship with your

After Gymkids we would go to the library next door to do puzzles and get the next set of library books out, then to a local cafe for morning tea, various food markets and then the playground.

And here’s a few suggestions about how to form and develop that special relationship with your grandchildren - one they will never forget.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

Have regular outings where it’s just the two of you.

Develop a routine.

Participate - don’t stand back.

Look natural.

Smile and be non-threatening.

Engage but don’t push it.

I promise you it will be one of the most rewarding things PN you ever do. (GEOFF LAWSON) F And by the way, you can check out what Poncentric is up to at www.poncentric.com and www.facebook.com/poncentric

DIDA’S - 10 YEARS OF BUSINESS IN THE PONSONBY COMMUNITY We often get asked, so we’ll clear this one up first: ‘Dida’ is Croatian for ‘Grandfather’. Dida’s then are a tribute to the vision of Dida Joe who started Glengarry Wines in 1945. But that brief historical fact doesn’t really explain the whole story.

Dida, having arrived aged 20 in New Zealand from Croatia and working as a stonemason, managed to save enough money to buy 10 acres in Glengarry Road, Oratia, West Auckland, (there’s the other name explained, in case you didn’t know!) and there he planted a vineyard, setting the foundation for a thriving and enduring family business.

In 1948 the government created wine-resellers’ licenses in an effort to assist local winemakers.

Josef was quick to see the potential and seized the opportunity, applying for and being granted one of the first two licenses issued in Auckland for the greengrocery that he had opened the previous year at the corner of Jervois Road and Blake Street.

That address might ring a bell: it’s where our flagship Glengarry wine store resides, and where the Dida’s Wine Lounge and our first Dida’s Food Store were opened.

From the opening of the greengrocery doors to the establishment of the first Dida’s in June 2005 is a long

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65 years, much of that devoted to the establishment and progression of the Glengarry wine business.

Glengarry became heavily and quickly involved in the 1980s when government regulations allowed wine retailers to sell imported wine; the changes we’ve seen in the way New Zealanders view, buy and consume wine has changed dramatically in that time, and we’ve adhered to Dida’s principles and pioneering spirit, anticipating change where we can to make sure we can bring the latest in worldwide wine developments and the best of the traditional wines directly to our ever-growing band of loyal enthusiasts.

The idea to open Dida’s 10 years ago grew out of that.

Seeing how the demand for exciting global culinary products has grown on the back of more and more Kiwis experiencing international cuisine, we saw an opportunity where we could use the skills we learned in wine retail combined with the relationships we’ve established in the best food and wine regions in the world, to deliver a Euro

-style deli with Kiwi hospitality and smarts and, of course, lots of homegrown artisan products to complement the fantastic imported ones.

We use the fantastic ingredients we are able to source and turn them into tempting tapa style dishes, which we conjure up to complement our broad and far-reaching winelists. And it is in Dida’s Wine Lounge that you can see the family photos; the most important of all, of course, being the ones of a hard-working, quiet, industrious trailblazer called Josef, Dida, without whom not a brick would have been laid, and not a glass of wine or a wedge of Grana Padano would have ever been sold.

Now 10 years on, Dida Joe would be proud to see what stands at 54 Jervois Road today. We certainly are and are celebrating this during July. Special offers, tastings, exclusive wines and food, you’ll find all that at Dida’s - check out the details online www.didas.co.nz F PN PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

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LIZ WHEADON: WINE, GLORIOUS WINE

The great red wines of Bordeaux In 1855 the great red wines of Bordeaux were classified from first to fifth growth.

This classification was ordered by Napoleon in preparation for the Grand Expo in Paris where he wanted a classification of the great wines his country produced to present to international dignitaries. He charged his nephew with this challenge. The process involved looking at the red wines from the iconic region of Bordeaux, establishing the profile of each property and what they were sold for at that stage. So it was, the Châteaux were classified. In the original classification, there were four first growths: Haut Brion, Lafite Rothschild, Margaux and Latour. Then a host of second, third, fourth and fifth growths established. Haut Brion was significantly the only wine outside the Medoc to be included in the classification. Haut Brion had made quite a name for itself, referred to as Ho Bryan - Haut Brion was the only wine sold at The Sign of Pontac’s Head eating house in London in the 17th Century. So popular, patrons would ask to secure allocations in advance.

At that time Mouton Rothschild was classified a second growth, a classification that did not please the Rothschild family at Mouton Rothschild one bit. Over his lifetime Philippe de Rothschild set out to change many things in Bordeaux, most significantly Mouton’s classification. The classification and the law around it were not all that easy to change and took persistence and determination from a charismatic individual. Finally in 1973 Mouton was elevated from second growth to first, Philippe de Rothschild famously saying - “Second I was, first I am, Mouton does not change”.

Philippe de Rothschild was also responsible for the shift to estate bottling by the Châteaux in the 1920s. Prior to that, the wines were sold in barrel and bottled by the various negociants. This process made it possible to have many different batches of bottling or varying quality of the great wines. Mouton are also famous for the artwork on their labels. Every year a different artist is invited to prepare the Mouton label; the 1945, a V for Victory, a highly sought-after year and label. In 1973, the year that Mouton moved from second to first, the label was painted by Picasso. All of the original artworks prepared for the bottles have been gathered together and are housed in the new museum at Mouton Rothschild. Including the years where two pieces were used, the nude woman art work was one of the years where two labels were produced. The nude woman was not allowed for sale in the United States in that year Mouton prepared two labels, a strategy that worked exceedingly well with collectors in the United States sourcing ‘illegally’ both labels - double the sales - perfect.

The five first growths remain today at the pinnacle of the wine world - the greatest expressions of Bordeaux. In 1855 the classification did not include the right bank, the areas of Pauillac and St Émilion around the town of Libourne. Not reaching the recognition there due to location, it failed to grab Napoleon’s nephew’s attention. The great wines from the right, Château Petrus, Château La Fleur and Le Pin do sit up with the five first growths.

So what do these great wines taste like? At thousands of dollars a bottle, they are certainly not every-day drinking wines; they are of course incredible, once in a lifetime expressions in a bottle.

Without spending $1000, there is an opportunity coming up to try these great wines.

Together with Regan McCaffery, I’ll be hosting a tasting of the top wines from Bordeaux in Auckland, all from the 2012 vintage. I’ll then be heading to Wellington to host the same tasting down there. (LIZ WHEADON) F PN For full details and to secure your spot - check out the details here: www.glengarry.co.nz/firstgrowth

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LIVING, THINKING + BEING

BOWEL CANCER NEW ZEALAND - THE FACTS Nearly as many New Zealanders die each year of bowel cancer as breast and prostate cancer combined.

• New Zealand has one of the highest bowel cancer rates in the world.

• In New Zealand, more than 3000 people are diagnosed with bowel cancer every year and more than 1200 die each year as a result, that’s the equivalent of more than 100 New Zealanders every month.

• By 2016 the number of new cases of bowel cancer diagnosed each year is projected to increase by 15% for men and 19% for women to 3302 (for all ages).

UNITARIANS FOCUSSING ON THE MOST MISUNDERSTOOD RELIGION IN NEW ZEALAND Auckland’s Unitarian Church is spending six months honing up on Islam in a series of midweek lectures on everything from jihad to the role of women.

It’s a passion of new minister Clay Nelson, who says Islam is the fastest-growing religion in the country and also the most misunderstood, and New Zealanders need to understand where it’s coming from.

In last month’s session, members discussed their own views on politics and religion before watching a video lecture on how similar differences played out in the origin of the Sunni and Shia branches of Islam after the death of Mohammed in 632 CE. The Sunnis believed the legitimate leadership of Islam passed to elected politicians but the Shias believed authority passed to divinely inspired imams from Mohammed’s own bloodline.

• Bowel cancer is the most commonly regsitered cancer in New Zealand.

• New Zealand has one of the highest rates of bowel cancer and bowel cancer death in the developed world.

• New Zealand women have the highest rate of bowel cancer in the world, while Kiwi men have the third highest.

• New Zealand is behind many other OECD countries in introducing a national bowel screening programme that could significantly reduce the number of Kiwis lost to this preventable disease every year.

• The lifetime risk of developing bowel cancer is one in 18 for men and one in 23 for women.

• While the risk of bowel cancer is greater for people over 50 years of age, it affects people of all ages.

• A family history of bowel cancer can greatly increase the risk of diagnosis.

The Unitarians accept members with all different religions and non-religious people as well. They regularly include teachings from different religions in their worship. Their covenant statement includes the promotion of:

• Half of all New Zealanders are not aware of the symptoms of bowel cancer.

Bowel cancer - the good news

• Justice, equity and compassion in human relations.

• Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations and a free and responsible search for truth and meaning.

Nelson is an Anglican priest and was previously based at St Matthew in The City in central Auckland.

• The earlier bowel cancer is caught, the easier it is to treat. 75% of bowel cancer is curable if caught early.

• The Waitemata District Health Board pilot screening programme started in November 2011 and 249 people have been diagnosed with bowel cancer, with many more with pre -cancerous polyps - most of these people had no symptoms.

His liberal views have taken him to several other hotspots in the last three years: He was involved in a legal challenge to the decision of the Bishop of Auckland not to accept gay people for training for the priesthood and is now part of a campaign by the Secular Education Network to end Bible in Schools programmes.

• Currently, the Government has no formal plans to screen nationwide, however a national screening programme would have the potential to save 1 in 3 people with bowel cancer from dying of the disease.

Symptoms of bowel cancer

The studies about Islam are open to the public, 7.30pm - 9pm on the first and third Wednesdays of each month, Auckland Unitarian Church, 1A Ponsonby Road (near the PN corner of Hopetoun Street). F

• Bleeding from the bottom or seeing blood in the toilet after a bowel motion.

They began in April and the remaining lectures are:

• Change of bowel motions over a period of six weeks or more without returning to normal.

15 July

The Contemporary Resurgence of Islam

• Persistent or periodic severe pain the abdomen.

5 August

Islam at the Crossroads

• A lump or mass in the abdomen.

19 August

Women and Change in Islam

• Tiredness and loss of weight for no particular reason.

2 September

Islam in the West

• Anaemia.

16 September

The Future of Islam

www.beatbowelcancer.org.nz F PN

www.aucklandunitarian.org.nz

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ALI LAWRIE: PERSONALITY TYPES

Portrait of an artist - Caro Williams INFP What does it mean to be an INFP? With a preference for Introversion, this personality type is one of the more sensitive and creative of the 16 Myers-Briggs personality types, making up just 2% of the general population.

Part of the magic of having a preference for Introversion is that the personality is revealed slowly and only to those who know them. By contrast an Extravert will tend to be much easier to read, frequently wearing their heart on their sleeve. There is often a veil of mystery surrounding Introverts, especially so for INFPs with their affiliation to the dream world, myths and storytelling. What is generally seen on the outside is a creative and idealistic individual, sensitive to others and always willing to see the best in people.

INFPs can appear to be extraverted when engaged in activity that excites them, usually pursuing a new idea, but essentially they maintain the qualities of the more cautious and reflective Introvert. Joan of Arc is often cited as a characterisation of an INFP, a humble and unassuming individual who can rise up and rally whole armies together, fighting till the end for a cause that she believes in. Living a meaningful life in accordance with personal values is imperative to an INFP, for this reason they will often be found in mediation roles or working as advocates for people in need, animals and often protecting the environment.

Many of the INFP clients I have worked with have been working or studying in the creative fields. They typically have an excellent ear for listening and the ability to read between the lines. These abilities can translate to a range of occupations including journalism, songwriting, art, music, psychology, teaching and counselling to name a few. When found in more corporate roles, INFPs are often in HR, change management or industrial relations.

The corporate world is often stressful for INFPs, who can be challenged by organisational structure. They tend to walk to the beat of their own drum rather than fit the ‘traditional’ mould and hierarchal systems do not generally impress them.

INFPs typically relate through stories and metaphor, often keen wordsmiths who enjoy the subtle nuances of language. In our community one such INFP exemplifies these qualities with a unique approach to her art. Award-winning artist Caro Williams, who studied at Camberwell College of Art in London before gaining an MA with first class honours at AUT in Auckland, has been a Ponsonby resident for the last 12 years. She has exhibited at many galleries including the Black Asterisk in Ponsonby as well as outdoor venues such as Headland Sculpture on the Gulf, Waiheke, Brick Bay Sculpture Park and NZ Sculpture on Shore. Her work is held in the James Wallace Arts Trust and private collections both here and in the United Kingdom. Caro’s work includes a range of materials and processes to create sculptures, installations, text and sound-based pieces.

72 PONSONBY NEWS+ July 2015

Much of Caro’s current work contextualises the spoken word in the form of a sound bite. Originally from Hong Kong she was raised speaking French, English and Chinese; this multilingual background has played a part in her fascination with language. As an artist, she has developed a unique style that manifests the relationship between the spoken word and its sound. One of her pieces, Spinning Poem, illustrates this brilliantly. Caro has taken the recorded words from the Emily Dickinson poem 747 and reassembled them as coloured sound bites that morph the language into a tangible entity. What a metaphor! It is this creativity and ability to literally read between the lines that INFPs do so well. Caro, within her art, has managed to bring this ability to life in a perfect tangible expression. The latest addition to her portfolio is an exquisite piece of jewellery, an 18 carat gold ‘Love Bite’ pendant encapsulating all the personality makeup of the INFP: Deep Feeling with the spoken word, Love, Intuition in creating the concept, Sensing in turning it into a tangible piece of functional art and finally utilising the Thinking process by pulling it all together as a marketable object.

Caro often works on several projects at once, drawing inspiration from one to another.

The ability to connect patterns and multitask is typical of an INFP type who will also be energised by a deadline while seeming to ponder the process for sometime before taking action. The challenge for INFPs is in organisation. It is important to find a grounding activity to balance the creative energy as well as adding structure and deadlines for motivation.

The portrait of Caro as an INFP is an example of how this ‘grounding’ can be done using her deep personal values and creativity in a way that brings joy to others through visual PN art. (ALI LAWRIE) F For career advice and personality type identification contact Ali ali@personalitytype.co.nz or www.personalitytype.co.nz

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

LIVING, THINKING + BEING IPL: THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE FABULOUS The good: IPL, Intense Pulsed Light, has become very popular in recent years and justifiably so: it’s the most successful way of reducing body hair.

L to R: Before and After

Plus it’s an efficient and non-invasive method of treating signs of ageing, such as fine lines, skin texture, enlarged pores, age spots, pigmentation, facial veins and redness.

The bad: However, IPL has received some bad press in recent times because untrained and inexperienced people are offering IPL treatments.

There have been stories galore of people getting burned when having bargain-basement IPL sessions or treatments at their local pharmacy. It isn’t the technology at fault; rather it’s down to unscrupulous companies putting profits before people.

The fabulous: If you’re looking for a reputable place for IPL treatments where staff is skilled and experienced - and also realistic about the results you can expect - Rubywaxx Grey Lynn is your go-to salon.

Only trained staff members use the IPL machine; you have a consultation prior to your first appointment; and all treatments have a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

Best of all, winter is the ideal time for IPL treatments as the light-based treatment works best when your skin is pale. Plus Rubywaxx Grey Lynn is offering a 50% discount for a limited time. So come and experience IPL at its very best!

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN PUTTING UP WITH A NIGGLING INJURY?

RUBYWAXX GREY LYNN, inside re:ab, 2 Selbourne Street, T: 09 302 1294 greylynn@rubywaxx.co.nz www.rubywaxx.co.nz

If you’ve been putting off treatment for an injury, hoping it will get better on its own, there’s good news.

Return to Form, a holistic physio clinic based at Three Lamps, Ponsonby is now offering an initial FREE session with ACC cover - so it’s the perfect time to sort out that annoying injury. Even if you don’t qualify for ACC, your first private session will be half price. For follow up appointments reduced rate sessions are available for a limited time.

Zee Sharif, head therapist, says, “We know it’s important to fix problems early, which is why we are reducing the cost. You’ll receive a quality session with thorough assessment, treatment, home programme and a road map to return you to form.”

You don’t have to be injured to visit. As Zee says, “If you concerned about your posture, or are training for an event, need rehabilitation after cancer, then why not come in and let us discuss your goals with you, to make sure you are performing at your optimum.”

Return to Form also has specialists in women’s/men’s health and treats conditions such as incontinence, pelvic pain, issues during pregnancy, pre/post prostate surgery.

If you have health insurance you can claim all, or most of, your payments back.

To claim your first ACC session free or private session at half price, contact Return to Form on 09 551 4460 or email info@returntoform.com F PN RETURN TO FORM, 334 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 551 4460 www.returntoform.com

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LIVING, THINKING + BEING YOGA INSTRUCTOR OVERCOMES A LIFETIME OF HAY FEVER SUSAN ALLEN OF YOGA GROUND AUCKLAND AND Wanaka had been a long-time sufferer of hay fever and nasal congestion.

“I had tissues in every pocket and bag, epic sneezing fits, itchy nose and always congested trying to breathe,” says Susan. A friend suggested I see Glenn at the Buteyko Clinic although I was doubtful that any relief could be found. I believed my hay fever was simply from allergies, end of story; but as I found out, this was far from the full story.

After a few weeks into the course, 40 years of hay fever and blocked nose reduced by 90%. Many years on from the course, my nose is still clear, something that still brings tears of gratitude to my eyes when I think about it.”

After the course Susan decided to train as a Buteyko practitioner. For 12 years she had been working as a yoga instructor and found that the knowledge learned from the course was a great adjunct to her yoga practice. Despite having done yoga teacher training with some of the world’s leading yoga teachers, none of them had clearly explained the mechanics and physiology of day-to-day breathing. Yoga is full of breathing exercises called pranayama but nowhere was the information presented on how to breathe when not doing yoga. Buteyko filled in the missing gaps.

“I now incorporate the breathing knowledge learned in the Buteyko programme into my classes. This is highly appreciated by my clients as many people have confusion around how to breathe well. It goes without saying that I would highly recommend the course to anyone who has symptoms of poor breathing. It is also invaluable knowledge for yoga instructors as many people will be attending your classes with breathing issues. Thanks PN Glenn, shine on!” F www.yogaground.co.nz www.buteykobreathing.co.nz

CLARE CALDWELL: THE ART OF LIVING Recently I read an article about a man who’s on a mission - some would say the most moral and ethical mission of this century, and perhaps of all time. This man’s name is Pope Francis.

He wants to stop “a fossil-fuelled capitalist monstrosity from destroying much of the world’s life-sustaining resources for the temporary gain of a handful of billionaires; to stop this unjust system from victimising the poor, and increasing numbers of sacrifice zone refugees; to stop this unbridled, amoral, money-worshipping construct from killing our peoples, our civilisations, our planet.” (Robert Scribbler.Wordpress.com).

Pope Francis has issued a Papal Encyclical (one of the highest forms of communication by a Pope) on climate change and the environment that was presented at the 2015 Climate Summit in Paris. This encyclical focussed on the moral and spiritual obligations to preserve and nurture Earth’s life-support systems and to help the poor. Pope Francis sees this not just as a social injustice issue but also a divine imperative. He sees the role of fossil fuel-based political, market and resource domination as deeply unjust - “a tyrannical treatment of nature and the exploited poor that puts humankind under existential threat”.

He is taking on the world’s most powerful and wealthy - the 169 billionaires who now hold more than half the world’s wealth - an unjust base of unbelievable economic might enforced by the conservative (neo-liberal) policies that delay and deny any renewable, sustainable energy adoption and focus solely on fossil fuel extraction.

“A threat to world peace arises from the greedy exploitation of environmental resources.

Monopolising of lands, the appropriation of water, agro-toxins are some of the evils that tear man from the land of his birth. Climate change, the loss of biodiversity, and deforestation are already showing their devastating effects.”

He notes that caring for creation and caring for the poor are linked. “As long as the problems of the poor are not radically resolved by rejecting the absolute autonomy of market and financial speculation and by attacking the structural causes of inequality, no solution can be found for the world’s problems, or for any problems, as environmental damage trickles down most on the poor.”

Pope Francis sees that the essential imperative is for us to nurture and protect this beautiful garden planet, not exploit, abuse and destroy it; that we humans are the appointed guardians. He believes that unless we change the paradigms of unbridled greed and exploitation, the actual survival of the human race is at stake.

Seemingly creating a rift with the privilege, corruption and opulence of the Vatican, Pope Francis has followed a more humble path. He is, I believe, a profoundly courageous, compassionate and divinely inspired humanitarian in the truest sense, who transcends religious dogma and affiliations and who honours his strategic placement in the world at this point in history by trying to utilise his powerful position for the good of all mankind.

PN (CLARE CALDWELL) F Clare (Claudie) Caldwell is a creative arts therapist who runs a small private practice from home. She is voluntary team leader of creative arts as therapy at Mercy Hospice Auckland, College Hill, where she has worked for the last 10 years. She is also a freelance artist.

Enquiries: T: 09 836 3618; M: 021 293 3171; E: clare.e.caldwell@gmail.com

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LIVING, THINKING + BEING HEARING LOSS AND DEMENTIA Frank R Lin, MD, PhD conducted a study on the topic of hearing loss and cognitive decline.

The study observed 1984 adults over six years, tracking the progression of their hearing loss in relation to their cognitive function. He concluded there is little doubt that hearing loss is a factor in loss of mental acuity in older adults.

The study indicated that the more severe the hearing loss, the greater the likelihood of developing a cognitive disorder, and the steeper the decline in mental function. However, even subjects with mild hearing loss were found more likely to experience cognitive failures.

“Declines in hearing abilities may accelerate grey matter atrophy and increase the listening effort necessary to comprehend speech. Hearing aids may not only improve hearing but preserve the brain,” Dr Lin says.

“Considering early diagnosis and medical intervention also slows the progression of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, it is more important than ever for patients to get their hearing loss treated sooner rather than later,” says audiologist Maree O’Sullivan of Auckland Hearing.

Maree is excited to offer clients the chance to trial a world first - an almost invisible hearing aid that outperforms normal hearing in certain environments. We now have an opportunity for 12 people to try out this technology. Contact Maree to find out more.

Please hurry - only 12 appointments available!

Auckland Hearing is located at 66 Michaels Avenue in Ellerslie. For further information T: 09 525 0522 or visit www.aucklandhearing.co.nz. F PN AUCKLAND HEARING, 66 Michaels Avenue, Ellerslie, T: 09 525 0522 www.aucklandhearing.co.nz

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LIVING, THINKING + BEING AROHA HEALING CANDLES Aroha Healing candles are so special, there is nothing quite like them anywhere.

Aroha Healing Candles® are chemistry, art, imagination and magic rolled into one, and each candle has its own unique story.

Rosanna Marks is the director of Aroha Healing and her love of fragrance began as a child who was always curious about lovely smells and creating potions in her grandmother’s basement. Whilst studying for two international beauty therapy and cosmetology diplomas in the early 1990s, Rosanna wrote a thesis on the ‘Power of Aromatherapy’ that ultimately, alongside her many skills, talents and experience, landed her in the position of training and promotions executive for Chanel New Zealand. Working for such a prestigious fragrance house was living her dream and Rosanna learnt all she could, including completing an international fine fragrance diploma while still with the decadent French fragrance, beauty and fashion house. Subsequently taking a position as New Zealand Education Manager for Estee Lauder and Aramis designer fragrances brands in the late 2000s.

This role took Rosanna around the globe and although American attitudes to fragrance and beauty definitely came from a different angle to the French, both Mademoiselle Chanel and Estee Lauder created highly successful empires that came from the same place a place of passion, self-trust, a ‘nose’ for fragrance, incredible insight, fearlessness, feminine determination to fly against mainstream views, and a strong belief in what they were creating. These attributes resonated strongly with Rosanna, attributes that would inspire and drive her to create her Aroha Healing brand.

Today, Rosanna and her partner Benton have a passion for handcrafting beautifully decadent, natural, energetically healing candles. It is from these principles that Rosanna and Benton have created intimate and exotic scents for their range of luxury, natural Maori -inspired candles. Rosanna and Benton celebrate their Aroha Healing candles brand with a collection that has been described as “a reflection of their unique personalities” and achieves a perfect alliance between elegance and absolute, natural luxury.

Aroha Healing’s logo was created to inspire aroha in all people and to reflect Rosanna’s diverse heritage. Each Aroha Healing candle is blessed with karakia, reiki energy healing and much aroha.

Pop into Aroha Healing’s store or to one of their stockists to view the collection, or order directly from the Aroha healing candles online store. (ROSANNA MARKS) F PN AROHA HEALING, 3 Maidstone Street, T: 0800 646 326 www.arohahealing.co.nz www.arohahealingcandles.co.nz info@arohahealing.co.nz

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HELENE RAVLICH: NATURAL BEAUTY

Beauty at the barre: Teuila Blakely I have to admit one of my current guilty pleasures is tuning in for snippets of Dancing With the Stars every Sunday and Monday night, mainly to check in on the progress of the standout star of the show: Teuila Blakely.

Teuila has been called one of New Zealand’s premiere acting talents and is best known for her roles in the Shortland Street soap and legendary local film, Sione’s Wedding.

She was an absolute hit in both and has also recently turned her hand to writing; penning the script for her first feature film, Island Girls. She is also absolutely gorgeous and a whizz on the dance floor, making the lady an absolute triple - nay, multiple - threat. Add to that the fact that she’s singlehandedly raised her son since a young age and you have one hell of a role model for young Kiwi women.

Teuila’s dance partner on Dancing With the Stars is international dancer Scott Cole, brother of dance star and Strictly Come Dancing judge Brendon Cole. Scott has recently returned to New Zealand to partner Teuila after a stint performing in the United Kingdom smash-hit stage show ‘Licence to Thrill’, and Teuila believes that they are the “perfect match”!

When we spoke before a midweek rehearsal session for the show, the contestants were still recovering from throwing themselves into the challenge of Latin night. This meant rumbas, sambas and cha-chas all over the dance floor as the celebrities battled to keep themselves safe for another round.

It was also the week when there was a new leader on the scoreboard as Teuila breezed past Simon Barnett and Siobhan Marshall to take the top spot. She and partner Scott impressed with their slow, sexy rumba to Ed Sheeran’s hit ‘Thinking Out Loud’ that was so steamy it almost fogged up the cameras!

It was clear from the get-go that she had a talent for movement, but she admits she had no professional training as such and the whole ballroom aspect was a whole new scene for her. Fortuitously though, she had been a diehard regular at Xtend Barre classes for over 18 months, starting with their Newmarket classes at Studio 3 and then moving on to the Surrey Crescent destination.

She says that she first started adding dance to her health and wellbeing mix after a friend told her about her mum’s Callanetics videos from the early 1980s that she swore by for shaping up and generally feeling stronger. The Callanetics exercise programme was created by Callan Pinckney in the early 1980s and is a system of exercise involving frequent repetition of small muscular movements and squeezes, designed to improve muscle tone. The programme was developed by Pinckney from classical ballet exercises,

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to help ease a back problem that she was born with. The theory of Callanetics is that the surface muscles of the body are supported by deeper muscles, but popular exercise programmes often exercise only the surface muscles.

According to Callanetics, deeper muscles are best exercised using small but precise movements. “I ordered the DVD of the original videos - and they were videos - from the 1980s,” explains Blakely, “and started doing them at home. I thought at the time that I wished classes for that kind of exercise were happening in New Zealand, then about 18 months ago I thought I’d Google barre-style classes locally and Studio 3 had literally just started offering them.”

From the first class she was hooked and has been a devotee ever since. “I am always recommending it to people as I love the chiselling effect it has on women’s bodies,” she says. “I’m no stranger to exercise and have done a lot of boot camp -style exercise, personal training sessions and stuff at Ludus Magnus, but I find that kind of exercise really masculine and jarring to my body whereas Xtend Barre is so feminine but still challenging.”

She says that while crossfit and the like may work for some women, “It’s not my choice of exercise. I find barre is feminine but strengthening, and still as challenging as any other workout that I’ve ever done. I like the challenge that barre gives me, and I much prefer it to 100 burpees!” She adds that she loves “the look of dancers’ bodies and that barre can give you that same kind of sculpted shape.”

Her own sculpted look has most definitely been evident when she has been sashaying across the dance floor in the flimsiest of costumes, and she and partner Scott have been consistently great since day one. Does that constant improvement and praise mean even more pressure week after week? “It is a high pressure show either way,” she says, “and I am determined to work as hard as a I can and as hard as I possibly need to. If the bar keeps getting set higher and higher then I am just going to have to increase my work rate so I hit that every week.”

Last up, we talk about Teuila’s chosen charity to support on DWTS, Women’s Refuge.

“I chose them for personal reasons and because they are charity that needs a lot of support. I am passionate about the empowerment of women, so it was a no brainer for me to get behind them in any way I can.” (HELENE RAVLICH) F PN

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JOHN APPLETON: ON HEALTH

Children’s Health - A to Z for New Zealand parents A must-have book for every mum, dad or caregiver.

When a child is unwell it can it can be a very worrying time for any parent or caregiver.

Many questions arise; what is the problem, could it get worse, should I see a doctor, is there anything I can do now that may help?

Whether it’s a cough or a cold, a tummy upset, an earache, a foreign body in the airways, a high temperature or an asthma attack, to name a few, parents and caregivers often find themselves on the frontline. Having been in this situation many times as a parent and grandparent, I know how difficult it can be to decide on a course of action that one has confidence in.

Dr Leila Masson MD, MPH, FRACP a paediatrician who has raised two children in Auckland has come to our aid. Dr Masson, who has a Masters of Public Health from Harvard and has extensive training in nutrition and environmental health, has written a superb book especially for New Zealand parents. The title Children’s Health A to Z is just that - it’s a treasure trove of essential advice, part old-fashioned common sense and part cutting-edge research on nutrition, supplements and health.

Dr Masson’s aim is to share her knowledge and decades of experience and provide us with the tools to confidently support a child or children through many illnesses at home.

There is comprehensive information on how to treat the problem in the most natural, quick and effective way possible and to know when it is necessary to take your child to a doctor.

In the first part of the book Dr Masson discusses the basis of children’s health and how we can support them by providing optimum nutrition, enough sleep, plenty of outdoor play and a healthy non-toxic home environment. Each chapter contains easy to follow practical advice. The main section of the book is an A to Z of symptoms

which covers many health problems in an easy to follow format with information on how to assess the cause and severity of your child’s symptoms.

The third part of the book provides lots of useful and practical information on which foods to eat to obtain important vitamins and minerals, how to help children take medicines, prepare for blood tests and allergy testing, what you should have in your first aid kit and there are even some helpful tips about positive parenting.

With the Children’s Health A to Z we have access to the wide knowledge and experience of a highly qualified physician who has a Doctorate of Medicine from the University of Berlin, a Masters Degree in Public Health from Harvard and a diploma in Tropical Medicine from the London School of Tropical Medicine.

Dr Masson is a Board certified Paediatrician, a Board certified lactation consultant and a fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians.

Dr Masson’s book will be released for sale in August and will be available at all leading book stores and from my website. There is a likely to be a book signing and launch at ‘Little Bird’ in Ponsonby. Please email me if you are interested in coming along.

PN (JOHN APPLETON) F APPLETON ASSOCIATES, T: 09 489 9362 john@johnappleton.co.nz www.johnappleton.co.nz

BUY ONE, GIVE ONE “We want to give Kiwis a chance to give back with something as simple as eating lunch.”

Eat My Lunch is a new start-up company set to address the issues of child poverty and food insecurity in New Zealand and make a change for the better.

Built around the mantra, “Buy one, Give one,” for every lunch bought, Eat My Lunch gives a lunch to a Kiwi kid in need. The online service was founded

by Lisa King, with the help of award-winning chef Michael Meredith, to make it easy for Kiwis to help other Kiwis; with the aim to alleviate a nationwide issue by creating social change through something as routine as eating lunch.

“The more we hear about children in other countries who go hungry, the easier it is to forget about children right here in New Zealand who live in poverty and go without lunch every day. We all know that kids struggle to concentrate and learn on an empty stomach,” says Michael.

Just $10 pays for two lunches; one for you and one for a Kiwi kid who would usually not receive lunch. Eat My Lunch is working with KidsCan to provide lunch to children from low decile schools who experience food insecurity.

Eat My Lunch provides affordable, wholesome lunches, made fresh daily and delivered directly to workplaces and schools. There are five items in every lunch which changes every PN day and is focussed around real food, less sugar, more veggies and nothing in a packet. F www.eatmylunch.co.nz

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CARING PROFESSIONAL Fiona Johnston, Ponsonby Podiatry Fiona Johnston is an Aucklander born and raised who has worked in Ponsonby on and off since 1990.

When Fiona left school she trained as a beauty therapist (“which I considered to be the quickest way to achieve my ultimate goal of international travel”). After periods of living in Scotland, Papua New Guinea and Ponsonby, Fiona finds herself back her old stomping ground (Hillsborough) with her miniature schnauzer, Maggie May. Fiona tells Ponsonby News, “In my mid 30s I decided it was time for a new challenge.

I knew from the outset that I wanted to continue working with people, but in a healthcare role. I was put in touch with Greg Coyle, the head of podiatry at AUT, whose enthusiasm for podiatry and how it helps both young and old inspired me to sign up for the three year Bachelor of Health Science programme.

SAY GOODBYE TO SUPERMARKET TANTRUMS...

“I love the variety - my day can include treating basic problems like corns and callus to assessing biomechanical issues which may be causing foot, ankle or knee pain or performing minor surgery to remove ingrown nails or verruca. My day is perfect if I can solve a problem or relieve someone’s pain.”

Founded by young parents Paul and Jessie Jarvie, The Baby Bag is a weekly baby supplies delivery company servicing busy little families Auckland-wide. The Baby Bag is designed to enable parents to order all their necessary weekly baby supplies in one easy to use, online location and receive them direct to home or office.

Fiona says it’s always a challenge convincing people that their favourite ‘comfortable’ shoes are very likely the cause of their foot problem.

The Baby Bag delivers baby food, formula, nappies and baby care products to families each week on a ‘fast as possible’ basis, committing to same-day delivery for orders made through its website before midday.

Podiatry differs from other healthcare professions in that it focusses on the foot and ankle and can identify quickly how poor biomechanics may be impacting on other parts of the body.

As far as caring for her own health, Fiona says, “I’m lucky to work with very talented health professionals at Seven Senses on Richmond Road, so I have access to regular maintenance whether it be massage, acupuncture, chiropractic treatment or a relaxing facial.”

Her advice to Ponsonby News readers looking for a podiatrist? “As with all healthcare professionals, it’s important to find a podiatrist who is a good fit with you for a start, and remember we’ve seen it all, so there is no need to be embarrassed by your feet.” F PN PONSONBY PODIATRY, 142 Richmond Road, T: 09 360 6193 www.ponsonbypodiatry.co.nz

Say hello to your weekly baby supplies delivery company.

Mum to two busy boys, Jessie explains, “As parents we understand that even the smallest of tasks become difficult with little ones racing around so we wanted to enable families to spend more time doing the important things.”

The Baby Bag enables parents to choose a shopping experience that suits them. Users can either customise their own weekly Baby Bag, or select from a range of carefully curated Essentials Bags. The Baby Bag offers users the ability to place a one-time order to try out the service, or a subscription order to ensure the user’s little ones are covered week-to-week. There is no delivery fee on orders over $100 and a small fee of $6.95 to deliver orders under $100.

Catering to little people of all shapes and sizes, The Baby Bag stocks a broad range of brands including Ecostore, Little Genie, Treasures, Huggies, Little Angels Pure Baby Food and Water Wipes.

Looking to the future Jessie says, “At The Baby Bag we want to keep our finger on the pulse, we want to always bring in new and exciting products and once we have them in stock, we PN want to keep them in stock so parents know where to go to get the stuff they need.” F Find out more about The Baby Bag and see how it all works at www.thebabybag.co.nz

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THE PONSONBY PHILOSOPHER How should an old man live?

One of my favourite writers is American psychotherapist Dr Irvin Yalom. Yalom lives in San Fransisco and although he turned 84 recently, he is still writing and still working with clients.

His age, and of course wisdom, has made him very popular with old men worrying about their mortality, and fearing death. Several years ago he wrote a little book called ‘Staring at the Sun’. It is about facing the inevitability of death.

have rejoined the work force because they lost their life savings in the GFC. Klein decided to go back to Greece for the first time in 50 years, in search of the answer to the question, “How should an old man live?”

As an existentialist of the Jean Paul Sartre mould, Yalom does not believe in an afterlife.

That might make his work sound pretty morbid, but it is not. He urges us to accept that everyone will die and to live life well in the meantime. Preoccupation with, or fear of, death is literally a killer.

Klein observed a group of old Greek men who lived on the Agean Island of Hydra. One of them is Tasso, a handsome 73-year-old who Klein has known for many years. Tasso is said to wear his age on his face - a compliment. This group while away the days in innocent banter, remembering old times, gently chiding each other.

Most of us just don’t want to think about it and even avowed atheists sometimes try to enlist God when they know their life is close to an end.

Daniel Klein explores the philosophy of the Greek Epicurus circa 360 BCE, just 80 years after Plato’s death.

Yalom argues that babies come from darkness into life and old people depart into darkness too. There is nothing to fear.

Epicurus decided that the best possible life one could live is a happy one, a life filled with pleasure. But that was only the starting point for Epicurus. The more troublesome question was what constitutes a happy life, which pleasures are truly gratifying, and which are fleeting and lead to pain.

The question is how to age gracefully and make the most of a phase of your life when you have time to indulge yourself or others.

We live in a world where age and experience is often undervalued. The old become redundant too early in life and are then shuffled off to rest homes. While their children are flat out earning a living, saving for a new car or a trip to the Gold Coast, putting in a new en suite, the old can sit awhile and contemplate their life, and indulge in hobbies and pastimes to their heart’s content. They have the time to pass on important wisdom to grandchildren and friends, especially if they continue to live in a community of all ages.

But another American writer, Daniel Klein, a Greek-American, in his recent book, Travels with Epicurus, is worried about the growing ‘forever young’ movement in the United States. Klein, a retired philosopher, knows a 73-year-old, the same age as himself who has just had a testosterone implant, and relies on 72 hour cialis. Another friend, a 68-year-old woman, has recently had a breast implant. Several other acquaintances

Epicurus believed that old age was the pinnacle of life, the best it gets. He wrote, “It is not the young man who should be considered fortunate but the old man who has lived well, because the young man in his prime wanders much by chance, vacillating in his beliefs, while the old man has docked in the harbour, having safeguarded his true happiness.”

According to Klein, Epicurus is pointing to what the Zen Buddists call the emptiness of striving, what I call the constant “should I, shouldn’t I, will I, won’t I, can I, can’t I,” of a madly spinning world. An increasing number of people are saying just stop this crazy world for a minute, I want to get off”. Not permanently, just to smell the roses, and spend my old years doing a few things I really enjoy.

After a month in Greece, Klein returned to the United States and asked his wife for PN permission to be an old man. Permission granted! (JOHN ELLIOTT) F

THE GOOD WORK OF LITTLE SPROUTS Little Sprouts is a registered charitable trust run entirely by volunteers with another Plunket volunteer, Ruth Nelson.

They receive donations of ‘new’ used clothing and baby items in excellent condition, mainly from local families. But they do need to buy some additional brand new items for each pack. They have some wonderful local sponsors - Merino Kids, Bear Park Herne Bay, Kennard's Eden Terrace, Baby Online, Pumpkin Patch Ponsonby and Ponsonby /Herne Bay and Pt Chevalier Plunket groups.

bags which they will deliver to Women's Refuge. These will be stored at their safe-houses across Auckland for mums, children and babies who arrive with nothing. And last month they were also very pleased to be able to support a local baby, identified by Ponsonby/Herne Bay Plunket nurse Chelsea Davis as being in desperate need of warm clothing, bedding and bottles. They are still on the look out for a cot for this wee boy.

Their packs are given to all kinds of vulnerable families by their Auckland charity partners - like Women’s Refuge, the Neonatal Trust, Plunket and Family Start Programmes run by The FONO and the Anglican Trust for Women and Children. And they hope to add more charity partners over time. So, by helping Little Sprouts, families and sponsors are also helping these amazing organisations as well.

The Auckland branch began in September 2014 and they gave away their first packs in December. They have since given away 46 newborn baby packs and many more special requests. In the next year they will give away 120 newborn packs, and just as many additional items such as custom packs and winter clothing for older children, emergency wardrobes for Women's Refuge and many cots, bassinets, buggies and other accessories.

Ponsonby/Herne Bay and Pt Chevalier Plunket groups recently held their annual winter clothing drive, 18 - 30 May - it was a huge success and with the dozens and dozens of bags of donations received they will be able to make up many Little Sprouts baby packs and loads more ‘winter warmer’ bags for Plunket nurses to distribute to under fives across Auckland. From the donations, they have already put together five newborn baby packs for the Anglican Trust for Women and Children and 20 emergency winter warmer

Little Sprouts was founded in Wellington two years ago by Joanna Alderdice (who won the ASB Good as Gold Award recently). The Wellington branch will give away 300 newborn packs in the next year. The Christchurch branch has just been established last month and aim to give away 50 or more newborn packs in their first year. F PN

Little Sprouts gives away free life-changing packs full of everything a baby needs at birth, plus additional health and safety items like smoke alarms and digital thermometers. They also provide safe sleeping spaces (like bassinets, cots and Moses baskets), plus strollers, highchairs, baby baths and more. Much like the Finnish baby boxes but more comprehensive.

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FUTURE GENERATION

SCIENCE ROADSHOW AT MOTAT THIS JULY It’s electrifying fun at MOTAT these school holidays.

The popular Science Roadshow returns to MOTAT from 4 - 19 July with its two live shows and interactive exhibits. This exciting hands-on learning experience broadens children’s knowledge of science, technology, engineering and mathematics while having great fun.

The new live science shows, Wonderful Water and Sparks, Arcs and Gherkins, will be presented every hour throughout the holidays.

own circuit from simple materials to try out on a ‘Makey-Makey’ control board and take home afterwards. Visitors get the chance to play with ‘Ozobots’, the brand new hi-tech robotic toy which they can programme to perform a range of functions using simple coloured markers and white paper. Called the “game piece with a brain” this activity highlights how electricity has influenced every aspect of our daily lives, from work to play.

Wonderful Water explains the amazing properties of water and how it cycles through our world. Simple experiments demonstrate why we need to look after earth’s fresh water supply, whether ice is heavier than water and what surface tension means along with many other interesting facts about water.

In the Activity Centre, youngsters will enjoy taking part in a variety of simple electricity experiments. Here they can learn how friction generates static electricity and then use that energy to stick a balloon to a wall, move a tin can without touching it and make polystyrene ‘fleas’ dance!

Sparks, Arcs and Gherkins explores the dynamics of electricity and its many uses.

It illustrates how a circuit works, teaches children all about electromagnets and the difference between conductors and insulators. They can even see first-hand whether a gherkin is a good conductor or not! Exciting apparatus, including a Tesla coil generating thousands of volts of electricity and the Electric Chair of Doom, are bound to keep the kids engaged.

Dates: Saturday 4 - Sunday 19 July Times: 10am to 5pm Normal MOTAT admission fees apply

Have a spin on the rotating chair, get comfortable on the bed of nails, witness a 3D printer in action, experiment with a beach ball and a Bernoulli Blower or build an arch bridge. These are just a few of the 60 plus interactive activities visitors can experience in this mobile science discovery centre.

MOTAT is also teaming up with Bubble Dome to offer students amazing Minecraft Holiday Workshops ($55 per child plus fees, bookings essential) from 10am to 2pm on 13, 14, 15 and 16 July. Here they will learn all about MOTAT’s Pumphouse, explore the endless possibilities of Minecraft and build their very own super hero lair. Spaces are limited so make sure you don’t miss these exciting holiday workshops, there are two to choose from!

Plus get hands-on in MOTAT’s Discovery Dome, where visitors can learn even more about electricity. Children 8+ will investigate conductivity and resistance by building their

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With these electrifying activities, over 60 Science Roadshow exhibits and a live demonstration every hour, MOTAT is packed full of educational fun for kids these school holidays.

PN For more information about MOTAT and other activities, visit www.motat.org.nz. F

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MEET THE TEACHER Keren Rego

Point Chevalier School Currently teaching: Years 1 and 3, Education for Sustainability

NEW HOPE FOR DYSLEXIC LEARNERS The Summit Academy is the brainchild of founder Rebecca Elias.

How did you come to be a primary school teacher?

I come from a family of teachers and have always loved working with children. I have been teaching for 19 years.

Rebecca is a New Zealand registered teacher, holds a Master’s Degree (Hons) in Education, post graduate studies in linguistics, and has trained extensively in methods specific to teaching students with dyslexia.

Where did you train?

Wellington Teachers College.

Rebecca has undertaken extensive international travel, visiting specialised schools for students with dyslexia. She witnessed children thriving in environments designed to suit their learning style, surrounded by accepting, like-minded peers. Rebecca’s research also demonstrated how desperate teachers across New Zealand felt when confronted with dyslexia in the classroom. The many learning profiles of dyslexia can make teaching complex and specialised, and our tertiary courses do not currently offer sufficient preparation for new teachers.

What brought you to your current school?

I love being able to cycle between school and home every day. It’s wonderful to walk the talk and be a role model for the kids by coming to school sustainably.

What are your favourite things about being a teacher?

The kids. I love working with children who really want to learn. They are like sponges!

They are creative, fun and interested in the world. And I really believe I can make a difference with them and focus a lot of my teaching and classroom environment around having good ethics and values and taking care of others.

Please share a highlight of your teaching career.

A one-off highlight was being named New Zealand Fairtrade Supporter of the Year for 2014 and going to visit Fairtrade farming communities in Costa Rica and Ecuador - an incredible acknowledgement for what I do in teaching Fairtrade to our school and community. It was an extraordinary experience to see the grass roots of fairtrade cooperatives in action, and totally confirms for me that teaching children about Fairtrade is essential in our community.

Diagnosing dyslexia can offer relief for families, helping make sense of why a child’s performance isn’t meeting its potential. Students with dyslexia can be disadvantaged in mainstream classrooms because they require specialist attention at all times.

Consequentially, dyslexic students rarely have the opportunity to access their higher order thinking abilities and are therefore unable to access the high-quality teaching their non-dyslexic peers tap into everyday.

The Summit Point School project is underway; a new generation, full-time school, designed to suit dyslexic learners, focused on accelerating literacy and numeracy deficits. Also offered, is teacher training in our multi-sensory approach to teaching and learning, supported by a century of research. Provisions for a range of scholarships will be available.

On a daily basis the highlight is teaching Education for Sustainability. This is a passion of mine and it is amazing that I am given the opportunity to do this in my classrooms and make a real difference to the future of New Zealand.

We know dyslexia can take many forms, but certain characteristics are common: students are working hard, can learn and will find their way with confidence in the wider world given adequate support. F PN

What has been a low point of your teaching career?

Teaching kids who have a terribly hard home life. Having to see children suffer on a daily basis because of poor parenting and neglect makes me so sad. But I try to always turn a negative into a positive and offer lots of support and practical help to these children and their families. I bring in food for the kids, make sure their families have adequate bedding, warm clothes and pyjamas in the winter.

THE SUMMIT ACADEMY, 80 Franklin Road, T: 09 555 1406 www.thesummitacademy.co.nz

How would your principal describe you?

“Keren is a passionate environmentalist and teacher who cares deeply about educating us all on how to look after our planet and its precious resources. She inspires everyone to do their bit and is such a strong advocate for living sustainably. Keren has been instrumental in introducing so many initiatives into our school and wider community, from waste free lunches through to using our feet to come to school every day. Keren lives and breathes these values. She empowers her students to spread the environmental message and take action to make a sustainable difference in our day to day lives. She is our Fairtrade superhero and we are extremely proud of her hard work and commitment.

Her energy and enthusiasm for making positive change, no matter how small, is so motivating for our school community and we are very lucky to have her on our staff.”

How would other teachers describe you?

Energetic, hardworking, always smiling, caring, thoughtful, great legs, awesome cook, passionate, inspiring, generous.

How would your students describe you?

Funny, loving, kind, fair, inspiring, passionate, Fairtrade Warrior... full of love.

Five tips for mums and dads of primary school kids.

1. Put them to bed early and feed them good, healthy food.

2. Parents make the decisions, not kids, be strong but fair and loving.

3. Spend time with your kids, outside in the real world!

4. Teach them good, honest ethics and values.

5. Be realistic with your kids. Don’t expect them all to be the best at everything.

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photography: Nicole Beaver

If you could wave a magic wand in your classroom...

I would make sure that all my students had an equal opportunity to learn and had parents who love them and look after them, talk to them, listen to them and spend quality time with them.

Keren Rego, Point Chevalier School PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

FUTURE GENERATION CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW First Hippo on the Moon by David Walliams, illustrated by Tony Ross, HarperCollins, HB $29.99 Introducing a wonderfully charming and funny new picture book from two superstars - David Walliams and Tony Ross. Two big hippos. One enormous dream. Who can make it to the moon first? Three... two... one... blast off! Sheila the hippo has a dream to be the first hippo on the moon, so too does Hercules Waldorf-Franklin III. He has money but PN Sheila has friends. Who will be the winner on the day? F DOROTHY BUTLER CHILDREN'S BOOKSHOP, 1 Jervois Road, T: 09 376 7283 www.childrensbookshop.co.nz

HOW SAFE IS YOUR CHILD’S CAR SEAT? “WE UNDERSTAND CAR SEATS FOR CHILDREN AND BABIES,” SAYS DANNY BEH OF BABY on the Move in Grey Lynn. “It is what we do all day, every day.

“Many people think that once a car seat is placed into a car, it’s fine. It’s not. Nine out of ten children’s car seats in New Zealand are installed incorrectly. If you can move the seat an inch after installation, it is not correctly installed. It will move a great deal more in the event of an accident.

“It’s our mission to let people know that children’s car seats need to be installed correctly, in line with the model of the car that they are fitting it into.

“Choosing an appropriate car seat is not simply a case of wandering into a retail shop and choosing something you like. Each brand and design has its own specifications and will not fit every car, or every family’s needs. For example, all rear car seats have a slope on them and not all child restraints will fit on that seat and be able to be securely installed. The two have to be compatible.

“Alongside these considerations, other details have to be considered, such as the height and weight of your child (regardless of age) and how the other members of your family will fit in and around the car seat. Our concern is for the safety of your entire family as it grows.

“All of our staff are NZQA qualified Child Restraint Technicians so we can, and do, install all seats purchased from us for free and will re-install your car seat for life. We also install car seats from other retailers for a cost of $25. Whether you want to hire or buy, we have both options available.

“To put things in perspective, some people spend an age researching buggies. These will travel at ‘running speed at most’ but car seats need to be secure when travelling up PN to 100km per hour. They need to be rock solid.” F BABY ON THE MOVE, 449 Richmond Road, T: 09 361 5050 www.babyonthemove.co.nz

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

PONSONBY NEWS+ July 2015

85

SIDELINE WITH GEORGE BERRY

The demise of Sir John Kirwan as head coach at the Blues The demise of Sir John Kirwan as head coach at the Blues can only be described as sad.

JK has taken an absolute pounding over the side’s poor performance under his tenure and as a legend of both the game and the Auckland region, he deserved better.

By sitting on their hands, the board has done a disservice to the franchise, it’s players, coaches and fans and, quite frankly, all of the above deserve better.

Maybe his coaching abilities aren’t anywhere near what they were as a player, maybe he, as we say in the media, lost the dressing room. Perhaps he struggled to relate to the large portion of Polynesian players, and from the outside it’s pretty easy to assume his recruitment and retention of players sucked, but the way in which he’s been treated of late sucks even more.

The new coach will now have to establish a team around him in haste, which only allows for mistakes to be made.

Yes the buck stops with him, but allowing the circus to continue around him means others have been ducking their responsibilities too.

The Blues is the biggest franchise in New Zealand and there’s absolutely no reason it should be coming last. It’s all well and good to say good quality players have been let go from the Blues under JK’s reign, but sometimes that’s just the spark and motivation they needed to become better players, after all Kevin Mealamu wasn’t an All Black until he too was let go by the Blues, before returning home.

The board needs to take a long, hard look at their handling of his reign as coach. The vacuum they created towards the end by not making it clear whether they supported him or not was completely unfair. It’s fine if they didn’t, but be man enough to say they didn’t, and that the franchise needed to move in a different direction so that everyone could get on with the job.

There were signs long before the end of season review that he was floundering as the man at the top, so why oh why did the board sit there and not come to a decision? Why did it actually take JK to say: I’m sorry I tried but after three years in the job I just can’t make it work.

And let’s face it, he had some pretty high-powered help; in the shape of Sir Graeme Henry (and others) during his first year in charge and their combined efforts didn’t result in much better. That should have been enough for the board to realise right there that the issues the franchise faces runs a heck of a lot deeper than just with their coach.

Player retention will have to be worked upon in haste also might I add, and so too will any sort of recruitment.

There are hundreds of players coming through the Auckland system and sometimes those calls will be wrong, but that just shows that the support mechanisms around the head coach at the Blues are as much a part of the problem as the actual head coach.

Perhaps getting the provinces within the Blues franchise, who are producing the talent in the first place, to try and work towards a common goal might be the first step towards making it a job people might actually want.

At this stage, I can totally understand why coaches (especially young ones) would be a bit sheepish in getting involved with the franchise, at any level, until a few of the wider issues are first addressed. As they say, to be successful on the field, you have to have PN a successful front office. (GEORGE BERRY) F

OUR LOCAL HERNE BAY HUSTLERS A warm welcome to our fellow Ponsonby inhabitants. We are pleased to give another brief update from the finest fellows under 85kg.

After going through top of the table in our grading pool, we have had a successful start to the Championship round. Wins against Marist, Eden and Papatoetoe put us in a good position to secure a semi-final place. Up the Hustlers!

with Dan Versteeg spending most of the night on the Bus and Andrew Boivin proving he has no future as a rodeo cowboy. But the biggest excitement of the night was when Hustlers founder George Young filled his work shoes with beer and finished them.

The preliminary All Black squad of 41 recently announced by Steve Hansen had some notable omissions. He had obviously turned a blind eye to the recent form of Luke Wynne and Simon ‘Benji’ Hamilton. Luke had an outstanding game from fullback against Papatoetoe and Benji has always been considered a bit of a “playa”.

Jason ‘Wingspan’ Ghinis was somehow released on bail after the court session, and then had a rather successful night at Ponsonby’s Bar 151. Punching above his weight is an understatement here and after losing this young filly’s number, he is extremely keen to contact her. Can you help Jason out here? If yes, please text him on 027 557 4543.

Hustler management are saddened to give the most recent injury update. Chris ‘Bubs’ Baldwin with a broken Fibula. Rest up buddy. Bub’s big brother (in size and in years) Anthony ‘Baldy’ Baldwin has promised to lose the required 30kg to take his place in the front row. This writer thinks amputation of his head would be required to make the weight rather than any dietary tweaks.

Head coach Andy Bowman goes on leave from the start of July for a European break.

Following closely on the heels of other Hustlers who have travelled with their partners.

Expect this old dog to take Beyoncé’s advice that if he likes it, he should put a ring on it.

We wish him well on his quest to secure a bride!

Hustlers injury list: • • • • •

Remember to follow the Hustlers on twitter @HBhustlers www.ponsonbyrugby.co.nz/herne-bay-hustlers

Simon ‘Benji’ Hamilton - asthma - indefinitely James Oliver - love sick - Since last year Callum Ross - blue balls - three weeks (though his game is so poor it could be longer) Schalk van der Merwe - brain cells lost (concussion) - three weeks Andrew Boivin - paternity leave - can still play rugby but can’t attend any more court sessions.

The first court session went according to plan in mid June. Former Commonwealth Games gymnast Reid McGowan took the most punishment in his checkered dress worn for being a newby. He did, however, impress certain team mates with his fruit bowl, resembling two large oranges and a small feijoa. Let’s just say that with a short dress and an Olympian’s hand stand, fruit salad was flying everywhere! There were some other casualties too,

86 PONSONBY NEWS+ July 2015

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

‘DEXTER’S DEEP SEA RECOVERY’ Dexter’s Deep Sea Discovery is an interactive, immersive and explorative pantomime that reaches out to all ages.

It’s a co-production between Auckland Council’s TAPAC theatre group and Junket Theatre, written by new playwright Jess Sayer and coming to the TAPAC Theatre 3 - 11 July.

“It’s all about when bath time becomes an adventure,” says Jess, 24, a three-time winner of the New Zealand Playmarket B425 award and whose play Elevator has been performed in the United States, while currently her play Wings, at BATS theatre in Wellington, is gaining rave reviews - “rich in character and contemporary dialogue” said one reviewer - and she’s written for South Pacific Pictures.

Reviews for Dexter have also been very positive: “The children got involved from the opening song and stayed engaged the whole show - a real compliment to the cast as there were all ages in the audience” they said in Rotorua.

The creators are Jess Sayer and Darlene Mohekey, who say: “We are very aware that we live in a time where the ‘Black Dog’ of depression bothers a lot of people, and children are brought up to fear it. With this work, we explore the concept of bullying, the feelings of not being good enough and the tall poppy syndrome.”

The play will inspire through entertaining storytelling, they say, and is performed by outstanding professionals, helping children to be more accepting of themselves and others.

Dexter, played by Amanda Tito, is currently diversifying roles on-screen with character Georgia in TV 2’s Step Dave. Jason “Crabulous” Chasland has returned from Los Angeles to join the cast as Crabulous the Sea Witch.

“This co-production will launch an on-going collaborative relationship aiming to build TAPAC’s family audiences and to ensure that great new, New Zealand works and artists have a life beyond one season,” says Darlene.

For tickets: www.tapac.org.nz

Jess Sayer

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DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

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87

SIDELINE WITH GEORGE BERRY

All Blacks squad naming The All Blacks squad naming always dominates the water cooler chat, especially in a Rugby World Cup year, but given 31 doesn't go into 41, just who makes the final cut at the end of August is where things start to really become intriguing for me.

While 25 of the 31 players probably pick themselves, there will definitely be a few talking points.

A guy like Israel Dagg, who has hardly played a game of Super Rugby all year due to a nagging calf strain, will he actually make the final selection? Yeah, he’s been a loyal servant to the black jersey, but so would four million other Kiwis given the same opportunity. Ben Smith is also now the incumbent and you’d have to say Colin Slade and Beauden Barrett are worthy enough cover at full back. So does Dagg actually make the final cut? Corey Jane falls into this same category.

play for Samoa, where I’m sure he could make a significant contribution to international rugby on a lot longer basis. This one to me is a bit of a weird decision on both his and the selectors’ part.

I know Steve Hansen has said they’re thinking ahead to next year when Beauden Barrett is likely to be out of the picture due to Sevens commitments and the Rio Olympics, but there’s a large handful of others coming through, like Damian McKenzie who on current form could easily supersede Sopoaga.

As the fourth lock it probably comes down to Jeremy Thrush or James Broadhurst and on form, you’d say Broadhurst, but Thrush has been part of the mix for a year or two now so that’ll probably sort that decision.

Is Kevin Mealamu no longer up to international rugby? After all, for much of 2015 he couldn't even get a start for the Blues, so does he become the one to miss out on the final hookers spot? Or is the door just opened enough to show Cody Taylor what the future looks like rather than what the actual here and now looks like.

But one of the biggest things for me is the selection of the Highlanders' Lima Sopoaga.

First off there are three others that would be selected ahead of him by the name of Carter, Barrett and Slade at first five eighth, so a fourth choice specialist seems crazy.

The other crazy thing is if he plays for the All Blacks at any stage, he cuts off his ability to

And for me, not choosing either Ardie Savea or Blade Thomson as loose forward cover perhaps means loyalty has won the argument over form during Super Rugby. Both have been super physical this year and Thomson’s added line out abilities certainly should have helped his cause. (GEORGE BERRY) F PN

James Shaw, pro wrestler If you’re sitting in one of Ponsonby’s great cafes or bars, perhaps even waiting at the hairdresser or dentist, it’s quite possible you could be sitting next to a top sportsperson, actor or artist. But have you ever considered that the normal-looking guy sitting next to you might actually be the country’s heavyweight champion wrestler?

Yes, James Shaw is an Arch Hill local, and just like the Bushwackers, Andre the Giant or Hulk Hogan, James Shaw is the best in the business.

After “years and years” of watching wrestling on TV and thinking it was a bit of a laugh, Shaw then became obsessed with the sport, and from sitting watching it Friday, Saturday and Sunday he now trains three to four times per week as well as around four gym sessions.

Wrestling, or at least this form of it, is not the biggest sport in New Zealand, and is not the same type of wrestling you see at the Commonwealth Games, but is the kind with all the theatre and drama, face paint, masks and fireworks. It’s also the sport James Shaw loves and one he’s hoping to make his fulltime career.

The 25-year-old wrestles all around the country most weekends and has wrestled in Australia as well. He’s currently in talks about a trip to Japan and perhaps even a full time spot on the Japanese circuit. An opportunity like that would be a step up for Shaw, he even admits his diet would take a bit of “overhauling” but given he continued wrestling even when he’d torn the PCL in his knee, then there’s certainly enough to suggest that he has the toughness, both mental and physical, to make a good go of it.

It was soon after that point, sitting on the couch at home, that Shaw decided to commit even more of his time and energy to the sport, rehabilitating his injury properly so he could get back to his full potential. “Oh man it would just be such a great opportunity; I’d jump at it with both hands and really give it my best.

“I’ve been wrestling for around eight years now and I worked so hard to get my national title, in fact it was pretty emotional, I had a tear in my eye. So yeah, being able to wrestle in Japan and for me to be able to give up my night job would be just so amazing. It’s so much fun and I just love it.”

Wrestling, dancing around the ring, inflicting awkward body positions on his opposition seems like a life away from his day, well night, job as the drawbridge operator at the Viaduct Harbour, but it’s also helping him to achieve his goal. “It’s not too taxing on the body and while I currently make a little bit of money from wrestling, it’s not enough yet to do it full time.” (GEORGE BERRY) F PN

88 PONSONBY NEWS+ July 2015

If you too are interested in wrestling or would like to watch wrestling live, check out James’ facebook page www.facebook.com/jamesshawipw PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

FUTURE GENERATION CHILD-LABOR-FREE LAUNCHES WITH NZFW Social entrepreneurs with a lifetime of experience in early childhood education, Michelle Pratt and Nikki Prendergast have launched new global accreditation system, Child-Labor-Free.

Child-Labor-Free (CLF) came to life when the pair were made aware of something that hit at the heart of their commercial operation: “The toys we sourced for our early childhood centres could in fact have been made by children. This conflicted with our vision of a world for children to be free to be children. Out of the commercial need to stand behind our products... we set about creating a global accreditation and marketing system that could guarantee our products are child labour free.”

CLF’s initial focus is fashion but the organisation aims to work with a range of industries.

Qualifying businesses will be able to display a mark of certification, communicating where their brand is on the journey to becoming child labour free. F PN CHILD-LABOR-FREE, www.childlaborfree.com

CLF will give companies and consumers around the world the opportunity to positively impact the issue of child labour, through simply choosing the global symbol of ChildLabor-Free.

Using proprietary software, Child-Labor-Free has developed the world’s first global accreditation system to independently inspect and analyse companies and their supply chains for the use of child labour across all product categories.

Child-Labor-Free has also been working in association with New Zealand Fashion Week: Kate Sylvester, NOM*D, Stolen Girlfriends Club, Hailwood, Ruby and more recently Zambesi have all been working in partnership with both organisations toward a consumer launch at this year’s event in late August.

New Zealand Fashion Week’s Dame Pieter Stewart says, “We are entering the era of the globally aware consumer, this is the future.

“It’s fantastic that Child-Labor-Free is a New Zealand story, and it’s also brave of the designers to take this step as pilot projects on Child-Labor-Free.”

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

L to R: Michelle Pratt, Dame Pieter Stewart and Nikki Prendergast

DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

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LOOK... WHO IS IN THE ZOO!

Ma Shwe, the nine-year-old elephant, peering over the wall of her enclosure to watch the activity on Old Mill Road. New Zealand Herald Historic Archive.

Elephant memories

July holidays celebrate elephants

In celebration of elephant Anjalee’s arrival, Auckland Zoo is bringing Aucklanders ‘Elephant Memories’ - a special photographic exhibition being held at the Zoo’s Old Elephant House from Saturday 27 June until Sunday 19 July (9.30am - 5pm).

Be sure to bring your herd in to take part in our ‘It’s all about elephants’ programme, on every day from Saturday 27 June to Sunday 19 July.

The exhibition venue, the first home for elephants at Auckland Zoo, is especially appropriate, having been built in 1923 for its first resident elephant, Jamuna - often referred to as the Zoo’s ‘first star’. The Old Elephant House remained her home until she died in her sleep in 1965.

The area outside the Old Elephant House is named Jamuna Plaza in her honour.

For more than nine decades, visitors to Auckland Zoo have made unforgettable memories with elephants - from Jamuna to Kashin, from rides to walks, entertainment to education - celebrating their triumphs and mourning their loss.

In more recent times, Kashin in particular touched the lives of so many, and along with Burma, was an extraordinarily powerful conservation ambassador for her species.

Together they helped the zoo raise critical funds to support conservation projects for animals in the wild.

Fun interactive activities throughout the zoo mean kids will learn all sorts of amazing facts about elephants, and complete an activity sheet to earn their own elephant stamp.

Over the weekends of 27-28 June and 4-5 July, our friends from ASB will also be onsite so kids can enjoy everything from bouncy castles and colouring-in activities to Kashin money box stacking.

Throughout our ‘It’s all about elephants’ programme period, everyone who visits Auckland Zoo can enter the competition to win a trip for four people to the beautiful Island of Niue (Anjalee’s home for three months!), thanks to Niue Island. Full details at www.aucklandzoo.co.nz

Did you know?

The zoo’s new female Asian elephant, eight-year-old Anjalee, weighs 1700kg, while 32-year-old Burma weighs 3300kg. Both eat around 150kg of food a day! Want to find out what they eat, how much poo they produce and how their poo gets converted to an awesome fertiliser? Come and participate in our ‘It’s all about elephants’ programme!

Elephant Memories spans nine decades and shows how the relationship between people and elephants at the zoo has changed over this time, with the focus now on trunks not tricks. It also shows that building awareness for these precious pachyderms, now endangered, is more important than ever before.

The biggest evolution from the zoo’s early decades has been a shift from a place solely of recreation and entertainment to come and view animals, to that of an active conservation organisation focussed strongly on conserving wildlife.

“While how we operate today is worlds away from that of the early Auckland Zoo, we have a lot to thank our predecessors for, many of whom had great vision,” says Auckland Zoo director, Jonathan Wilcken.

“We really hope that Aucklanders will take the opportunity to experience this timely exhibition, share their own memories about the zoo’s elephants and discover more about what our elephant programme is all about in 2015.”

‘Elephant Memories’ is supported by the New Zealand Herald and Canon.

90 PONSONBY NEWS+ July 2015

Both Anjalee (left) and Burma (right) love to dust bathe.

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

photography: Chris McLennan

Today, the zoo’s free-contact elephant programme is recognised as world-class, and the Zoo’s conservation efforts include contributing over $1 million annually to directly conserving wildlife in the wild - including supporting elephant conservation projects in Sri Lanka, Nepal and Sumatra.

FURRY AND FABULOUS - $500 PRIZE ANGELA BEER: ANIMAL LOVER

PARTIES, POOCHES AND CELEBRITIES Meet Ponsonbyites Terese and Chewie Tomlins, the epitome of furry and fabulous.

Terese is the director of Standing By, a team of make-up artists and stylists that looks after local and overseas celebrities. They are contracted to TV channels and film companies. Chewie, Terese’s Cairn terrier, named after Chewbacca from Starwars because she looks like a wookie, is their mascot.

Terese has lived in Ponsonby for most of her life and has always loved animals. She once had a fully house -trained rabbit called Ziggy. She says he was one of the smartest little creatures she’d ever met.

The best thing about having a dog companion is how Chewie helps her start and end her day, says Terese.

The morning puppy snuggles are amazing and she loves coming home to the welcoming reception Chewie gives her. High fives for treats brighten her day too.

Terese describes Chewie as super-friendly, curious, loving, snuggly and fun. Her theme song is a toss between Pharrell’s Happy or Girls Just Wanna Have Fun. So I have to ask, why a Cairn terrier? Terese says she fell in love when she was a little girl with the most famous Cairn terrier of them all, Toto from The Wizard Of Oz - looks like she has always had a passion for movies and pooches.

Standing By has recently launched hair and make-up parties, where you can learn all the insider and star secrets. Parties are held at either a centrally located studio or a venue of your choice. A great excuse to get a bunch of friends together. To find out more you can email standingbyorders@gmail.com

If you know a local animal lover, email us at angela@petsandpats.com, the person featured in this column will receive a fabulous photoshoot and petservices worth $500. Furry and fabulous, brought to you by Angela Beer, owner of petsandpats.com and Fiona Tomlinson photographer www.fionatomlinson.co.nz

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

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PONSONBY PEOPLE + THEIR PETS

Kathryn Wills and Rocco Kathryn Wills recently moved to Paget Street in Freemans Bay, and is loving it.

She works for UNICEF New Zealand in Philanthropy, “an incredibly rewarding job involving creative fundraising concepts for countries in crisis. Our next project is Lebanon, and our drive is to ensure the children in refugee camps can receive some form of normalcy through the right to an education and child-safe playing areas.” In Kathryn’s own time she loves getting out and walking “everywhere - great cafes, shopping and fabulous parks - I’m happy to say my car is becoming redundant!” she says.

Kathryn’s Lhasa apso (Tibetan monk dog) is two and a half years old. She acquired him about five months ago. “I decided to contact Lhasa apso breeders to enquire whether they had a mature dog that needed a home; it was a long shot as there are only three breeders in the country. However, I struck gold and a breeder had recently acquired a two-year-old from a family who sadly, for family reasons, couldn’t keep him. It was a bit of a risk as you don’t know their past, so we had a three-month trial period. Needless to say, he is happily re-homed.”

When I got the dog his name was Rocky. My children and I decided Rocket was better.

However, he didn’t perform like a rocket, so we settled on Rocco. In reflection, he should be called Ted, as he looks just like a teddy bear. He is incredibly loving and fun, especially when my children Charlotte and Oliver visit.

What is your favourite thing to do together?

Basically everything. The keys rattle and he is at the front door, the lead comes out and he is at the front door. He loves Waiheke where I have a house in Oneroa; he loves the beach.

Does Rocco have any friends?

Yes, Frankie, a 15-week-old Lab who is rapidly growing bigger by the day. At this stage Rocco is still the boss...

What does Rocco like to eat?

I’m trying him on various types of pet food, mainly buying product that is as close to the wild as possible. We have a new pet food supplier in Ponsonby Central: next stop is there to try their selection. F PN

92 PONSONBY NEWS+ July 2015

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

PONSONBY PEOPLE + THEIR PETS ASK ALEX

ARE YOU THINKING ABOUT ADOPTING A DOG THIS WINTER? Despite their fur coat, animals are not immune to the winter cold.

Many dogs feel the cold as much as their owners do and need to be shielded from the rough weather conditions outside. Every winter, SPCA Auckland receives many dogs and puppies, desperately looking for loving homes to take them in.

In fact, winter is a high season for dogs coming into the shelter with owners giving them up, to avoid muddy paws in the house or walks in the rain. However, there are enormous benefits to having dogs all year round and winter is no exception. Dogs can boost a person’s immune system, help reduce stress levels and release endorphins, as well as provide loyal companionship.

Cuddling a dog can have a soothing effect and help a person remain calm particularly during times of stress. Their companionship can alleviate feelings of loneliness while also providing an incentive to exercise and become fitter.

Anyone who has ever owned a dog will know that they brighten your mood, motivate you to exercise even on the darkest, coldest days and become part of your family.

Dogs are also very good protectors, naturally acting as guardians of your home when you’re in or out.

Adopting a dog can provide many benefits, but owners must also be mindful of the responsibilities that come with caring for a dog for the rest of the animal’s life. SPCA Auckland encourages people who are considering adopting a dog to talk to SPCA staff about the realities of ownership including cost and times commitments. Call SPCA on T: 09 256 7300 or visit www.spcaauckland.org.nz F PN

Each month Dr Alex Melrose answers readers’ pet -related issues. Email yours to: alex@vetcare.net.nz

Q:

I hope you can help me with my stressed out dog. I feel like I was a bit late getting onto things with Buddha, my border collie, who has become very nervous when left at home by himself, and now I’m worried it’s going to be too big a mountain to climb to reshape his behaviour as an adult.

It has been a bit up and down. The medicine you guys have started him on is helping, to a point. When we upped the dose to the half a pill twice a day he was very chilled out for a couple of days and then became accustomed to it again. But I do think it has chilled him a little, as when I forgot a pill on the weekend he did spend a lot more time running up and down outside barking at birds and sounds which is what he used to do.

Saying that, it has not solved the issue and he has done further damage to the outside of the house we are staying in. At this point I am going to continue with him staying outside as I really want to try to get him past this paranoia of staying outside. I will just cover the area that he thinks he can get through by scratching. Only other option is to put him into a kennel and run but I think he will do his mouth damage by trying to eat through the wire, so that is not an option. Alison, by email.

I believe Buddha’s behaviour is something we can mitigate even as an adult. It is going to take time, effort and the help of a good dog trainer to get a result.

There are a few things we need to add into the mix to bring everyone’s stress levels down. Firstly, because he is pretty comfortable being alone inside vs. outside, I would try to set the house up so he can stay inside most days and use a dog door for access to the garden. This will be very cost effective compared to the damage he is doing to the doors and windows trying to break in.

A:

Getting a trainer out to the home will assist with this environmental modification and show you some retraining homework you can give Buddha to assist with his boundaries and security. We will keep him on the very safe Clomicalm for a while to assist with the retraining by dropping his underlying anxiety levels down. A multimodal approach to his behavioural issues is likely to make a massive difference to both of your lives.

PN (DR ALEX MELROSE BVSC, MRCVS) F VETCARE GREY LYNN & UNITEC, 408 Great North Road & Gate 3, 101 Carrington Road, T: 09 361 3500, www.vetcare.net.nz

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PONSONBY PROFESSIONALS: METROLAW GOT A LEGAL QUESTION? ASK MICHAEL@METROLAW.CO.NZ

Email Michael with your question and include PONSONBY NEWS in the subject line. Michael Hemphill, a partner of the firm, will answer one topical question each month.

I have incorporated a company with myself as the sole director. However, I am not currently a resident of New Zealand as I live in Los Angeles at the moment. I am planning on moving to Auckland in the foreseeable future.

I understand that new laws have come into place making it a requirement that all New Zealand companies have a director who is a resident of New Zealand. How will this affect me and what must I do to rectify the situation?

Kurt, by email.

Q: A:

As part of the Companies Amendment Act 2014, there have been important changes to the ways companies may now operate within New Zealand. One of the most significant amendments is the new requirement for all companies incorporated in New Zealand to have a director who is a resident of New Zealand.

The main reason for the new amendments is to prevent the misuse of our company registers. This is in line with a focus on anti-money laundering over the past few years.

New Zealand has been one of the easiest countries in which to incorporate a company.

While this is good for business it also opens New Zealand up to several types of fraud and illegal activity. The new legislative focus is to ensure that all New Zealand companies will have at least one New Zealand citizen who is easily contactable and able to answer for the company.

The new legislation also requires further information to be given about the directors.

The dates and places of birth of all directors must be given upon incorporation.

As the act has come into force and the practicalities of the requirements have been tested, it has now come out that Australia is considered an “enforcement country” in regards to the resident director requirement. This means that it is acceptable for a director to be a resident of Australia but only if he is a director of an Australian company also.

From the enforcement date of the Act, all New Zealand companies will require a director to be a resident of either New Zealand or Australia. A company may have multiple directors and the new requirements may mean that companies with a sole direct who is not a resident of New Zealand may have to make changes to the company’s board structure to allow for these new requirements.

All companies newly incorporated in New Zealand from 1 May 2015 must comply with the new resident director requirement. There is a 180 day transition period from 1 May 2015 for companies that were incorporated before the enforcement date. Non-compliance will be grounds for removal from the Companies Office register as the company will no longer meet the essential requirements of a company.

PN (MICHAEL HEMPHILL) F Disclaimer - This article is for general information purposes only. If you have a legal problem you should seek advice from a lawyer. Metro Law does not accept any liability other than to its clients and then only when advice is sought on specific matters.

METROLAW, Level 2, 36 Williamson Avenue, T: 09 929 0800, www.metrolaw.co.nz

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PONSONBY PROFESSIONALS HOW MUCH IS ENOUGH? THINKING ABOUT RETIREMENT When thinking about retirement we need to focus on the decades in our lives and what ideally we ought to be doing through those 10-year periods.

Whilst we all don’t fit one mould, there are some generalisations that crop up time and again when we face the prospect of planning for a client.

In our 20s we tend to be establishing ourselves in our careers, getting used to earning an increasing income and going through the struggle to get into one’s first home while paying back a student loan. In Auckland especially this is a huge challenge!

Our 30s tend to be our expensive family years, trying to get on top of mortgage debt, often only on 1 or 1.5 of an income as one partner manages the youngsters. Little savings often take place as it is a case of accumulating lifestyle assets around the home.

Into our 40s and we are entering the two decades where we are hitting our optimum earning years. At this age we need to be increasingly hammering our mortgage debt while making inroads into accumulation leading into your 50s. Do not go overboard on the family home but look to build investment assets outside of it - considering a diversified portfolio of assets, maybe a rental property.

Your 50s are a continuation of accumulation with retirement looming and wondering whether you have done enough. You will be striving for that sometimes obscure ‘balance’ in life where your discretionary income is spent enjoying today whilst also squirrelling away for tomorrow. But how much is enough?

The phrase “How long is a piece of string?” comes to mind. You must take in to consideration of a number of factors including, but not limited to, ‘When you are to

Jocelyn Weatherall

Phil Ashton

Richard Knight

retire?’, ‘What sort of lifestyle you want in retirement and how much that will cost you?’, ‘Are you likely to receive New Zealand Superannuation?’, ‘Will my costs go up or down at any stage?’, ‘Am I covered against various risks?’, ‘Do I want to leave a legacy to future generations’ and the unforeseeable ‘How long will I be retired?’

We are increasingly seeing upwards of $1 million in today’s dollars (i.e. inflation adjusted) needed to provide some certainty of lifestyle throughout retirement.

Personalising this figure and planning towards your own goals and objectives is what having a detailed personal financial plan created for you will achieve. Having a plan from early on gives you a much better chance of achieving your goals.

For a free no-obligation chat and a coffee please get in contact with one of our financial advisers.

Rutherford Rede Limited, www.rutherfordrede.co.nz T: 09 361 3670 Jocelyn jweatherall@rutherfordrede.co.nz Phil pashton@rutherfordrede.co.nz or Richard rknight@rutherfordrede.co.nz Opinions are of a general nature and are not to be considered financial advice, specific advice is recommended to be sought before action is taken. Disclosure Statement(s) relating to our advisers are available on request & free of charge.

REPUTATION MATTERS So you’ve found a new role, congratulations! Now the hard part, how do you tell your current boss gracefully and without any future complications?

There is a way to go around this gambit tactfully, here’s how: • This may seem obvious but before you start looking for a new role make sure you have checked your current contract agreement to ensure your notice period is correct. Also check you have no other clauses that may affect you being an effective new member of the team such as contacting current client. It’s always best to be up front throughout the recruitment process so as to set the right expectations with your new employer.

• There is no ‘great time’ to resign but how you approach this conversation can make a huge difference in regards to retaining a future relationship with your current employer and colleagues. The last thing you want to do is burn any bridges, regardless of your reasons for moving on.

• Set aside a day and time that will ensure you can have an one-on-one conversation with your employer, preferably somewhere quiet where you and they will have an opportunity to discuss without interruption.

• Be as honest as you can in a professional manner and remember you may be asked to participate in an exit interview where you will need to offer something more than ‘I just want out’.

• After you’ve had a face to face follow it up with an email thanking them for the investment in your career thus far and that you hope to continue to have a relationship upon leaving.

• Don’t slack off during your notice period even though it can be tempting. Ask if there’s anything extra you could do before leaving. You want to leave knowing that you did all you can rather than be that person everyone is glad to see the back of.

How you leave a role is just as important as how you started and with social media playing a key role in most careers, try and stay away from blasting your ex-employer on your last day. Leave with your digital reputation intact. Good luck!

If you are considering your work options this year or you are looking to grow your team with either contract or permanent resource, give the team a call.

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PONSONBY PROFESSIONALS: LOGAN GRANGER

New Zealand’s ‘Hidden Economy’ How many of us can honestly put our hands up and say they have, or know of someone who has, not declared to the Inland Revenue Department as income the odd cash job in their working career at some point?

We would bet that most of us could. It just doesn’t seem to be hurting anyone right?

“C’mon mate I have to get ahead somehow, the IRD have enough dosh in their pockets!”

When you think of it this way, then multiply that by about 500,000-odd taxpayers in New Zealand who may have the same attitude on a sliding scale from large corporate offshore tax haven schemes down to the smallest tradesperson doing ‘cashies’, and we are looking at what the IRD estimates to be around $7 billion dollars per year in potential lost tax revenue for our Government to spend on much needed health, education and infrastructure. The Government has termed this as New Zealand’s “Hidden economy”.

The Government has been cracking down Since 2010, the Government has pumped hundreds of millions of dollars into giving the Inland Revenue the resources it needs to crack down on the hidden economy. Various campaigns, employing good cop/bad cop methodologies, are still ongoing today - including publishing regular tax evasion prosecutions, collecting tens of millions in additional revenue from hidden initiatives, targeted education campaigns, encouraging voluntary disclosure and even providing amnesty to encourage more taxpayers to come forward.

The latest IRD campaign, while still broad stroke in its scope from small tradies to large corporates, does have a particular focus on the trade sector and hospitality industries, with $25 million extra funding earmarked in the 2015 Budget for taking on the hidden ‘cashie’ economy. This is extra on top of $98 million already earmarked over five years in the 2012 budget for tax compliance initiatives.

It’s not just all hot air - the Government expects a return of $6 for each $1 invested into the tax compliance area. This means an extra $125 million targeted from the ‘hidden economy’ campaign in 2015/2016. With this renewed push from the IRD, now may be the time to start thinking about an adjustment to our attitudes in general to the cash for jobs culture.

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The latest marketing push There is no excuse now to say we haven’t been told about the IRD push in recent years.

Since 2014 the IRD has run a very successful marketing campaign via social media, print and radio to raise awareness around the IRD tackling head on New Zealand’s ‘cashie culture’. Even now we are subjected to a radio campaign specifically targeting tradespeople - “declare it all or risk everything”.

This may sound like hyperbole but it is working, with anecdotal evidence from the tax agent industry that more enquiries from tradespeople are streaming in, wanting to find out if they are doing the right thing and paying the right amount of tax. Looks like we’re not all bad eggs in this great nation of ours.

Stay ahead of the game Be aware that any irregularities in your tax declarations, income, expenses and filing returns late (or not filing altogether) can trigger an audit from the IRD with today’s advanced automated technologies in the tax system. If you have any concerns, think you may be exposed in the event of a possible audit, or just want some general reassuring advice regarding IRD’s ongoing push into tax compliance, please do not hesitate to contact us. We’ll be glad to help - for a box of beers, no worries mate (that’s a joke we issue proper tax invoices for our services). (LOGAN GRANGER) F PN If you have any further questions, would like to discuss any of the above matters further, please do not hesitate to contact Logan Granger.

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.

JOHNSTON ASSOCIATES, 202 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 361 6701 www.jacal.co.nz

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ENJOY THE LUXURY OF LEATHER THIS WINTER

POWERSURGE: COLLABORATING LOCALLY FOR OVER 20 YEARS

Last month the cool southerly plastered the South Island in minus 22 degrees celsius temperatures chilling Auckland down.

If you take a closer look at the interiors of Ponsonby and the inner city, you’ll probably find yourself coming across something made

by Powersurge.

Who wants to go out in cold weather like this? July is the perfect month to stay in and a luxurious leather chair is the perfect companion for a winter dinner party.

Here are three superb new designs from Timothy Oulton.

Whether it’s the outdoor furniture you’re sitting on at Chapel Bar, the surrounding interiors at your local BurgerFuel or the bar leaners you’re sipping your drink on at Tyler St Garage, Powersurge has made it.

1. Charlie: Outfitted head to toe in thick, luxurious Vintage Throne leather, the Charlie is cool, calm and collected. Every detail is carefully crafted, from the hand -finished open seams down to the leather webbing underneath the seat.

Working alongside some of New Zealand’s leading architects and interior designers Powersurge has been designing, creating and producing interiors for over 20 years.

2. Zorba: A standout dining chair, the handsome Zorba is over proportioned for maximum comfort with a high back and softly winged tips adorned with hand applied studs. F PN Available exclusively from DAWSON’S FURNITURE, 1/1 Holder Place, North Shore T: 09 476 1121 www.dawsonsfurniture.co.nz new store opening in Parnell in August!

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They have worked closely with the team at BurgerFuel, designing through the brand’s ever-evolving fit-outs; from its incarnation in 1991 to its current international expansion.

Around Ponsonby, you can spot their work at Little Bread and Butter, Good One Café and Eugenie as well as at many of the city’s favourite bars and restaurants - Depot, Sweat Shop Brew Bar [reinvented Sale St Bar], Snapdragon, Goldfinch and Imperial Lane, to name a few.

“The really interesting thing about working in the industry for so long is watching how these suburbs and spaces develop and evolve over time. Consumers are really informed these days, and this has led us to some really inspiring collaborations with clients,” says Powersurge designer, Todd Stevenson.

Alongside commercial projects, Powersurge also works closely with residential clients to create bespoke pieces for their homes. If you are looking for custom lasercut screens, lighting, shelving or furniture, Powersurge are the people to talk to! F PN POWERSURGE, T: 09 828 44 00 powersurge@xtra.co.nz www.powersurge.co.nz

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AN ALADDIN’S CAVE OF HOME TREASURES If you are looking for something beautiful for your home or the perfect gift at a price that is as appealing as the product itself, then look no further than French Country Collection’s Outlet Store in Grey Lynn.

Located on Pollen Street, the outlet store is bursting at the seams with gorgeous home -ware and interiors to suit every taste and budget. From textiles and kitchenware to décor pieces and one-off collectibles, the range includes pieces from French Country Collection’s recent seasonal collections as well as lots of one-off samples.

Many of the products are inspired by French and European living and will add a touch of timeless class to any home or space. “Our customers tell us they love to shop at the store because it offers such a broad range of homeware products and gives them the opportunity to buy beautiful and quality French Country items at more affordable prices,” says store manager Annabelle Frear.

“Our store really is a one-stop-shop for gifts or for design lovers looking for something for their home that will make a statement without having to spend the earth.”

The range is constantly being updated with surplus product from French Country’s recent seasonal collections, ensuring the range is kept fresh and current. Classic pieces from French Country’s core range are also available. “It really is an Aladdin’s Cave of home treasures.” Open: 9am to 4pm weekdays and 10am to 4pm on Saturdays. F PN FRENCH COUNTRY COLLECTION OUTLET STORE, 8 Pollen Street, T: 09 3767585. Find us on Facebook or www.frenchcountry.co.nz

IN-STORE TODAY AT TRENZSEATER

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1. GORDINI TABLE LAMP is a new table lamp from Eichholtz, available in a nickel and bronze finish, $701 each.

2. KASBAH CHANDELIER is a beautiful new chandelier from Eichholtz, available in different sizes in both antique brass + nickel, $1653 medium size.

3. BEAULIEU SIDE TABLE is a new side table from Eichholtz, finished in high gloss black lacquer with a glass top, perfect as a side table or a bedside, $1218 each.

PN 4. BOYLAN SIDE TABLE is new from Eichholtz, made from petrified wood with a chrome frame. Each piece is unique and different, $2601. F

TRENZSEATER, 80 Parnell Road, T: 09 303 4151, www.trenzseater.com

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A TABLE WITH A DIFFERENCE The stunning new Diamond Cell coffee table, designed and handcrafted in New Zealand featuring a 10mm tempered glass top showcasing the intricate plywood base.

The classic Must Sofa is a design that will never date. A simple, clean and comfortable piece that is available in chair, sofa and corner suite configurations.

FORMA, 51 - 53 The Strand, Parnell, T: 09 368 7694 www.forma.co.nz www.facebook.com/formafurniturenz

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MY FAVOURITE ROOM Kirsten Lloyd Amica Boutique Hair Specialists Kirsten Lloyd is director of Amica Boutique.

She tells Ponsonby News, “I live with my dreams and the love of my life. Well yes, my partner lives here most of the time too, but I mean my beautiful and towering teenage son, Jack, and effusive little angel Anja, here above our boutique in the most rock ‘n’ roll little urban village, West Lynn styles! There’s a community garden out back and we even have gypsies for neighbours. I know they are real gypsies because I take the guitar over some nights and they love a singalong under their outdoor heaters.”

Are you a long-time Greater Ponsonby resident?

Let me be very clear, there is no greater part to Ponsonby than West Lynn. Now my colleague, Jason, he’s a bit partial to St Mary’s Bay which is his ‘hood. But we trained together 20 years ago and I’m not shy of dropping his lineage, which traces right back to my wee dive in Wood Street, back when we were first learning how to cut, colour and style to Prince, Wham and the odd sneaky bit of Anne Murray! So, I am a returned Ponsonby resident, in the greatest part thereof!

What do you call your favourite room?

I’m not sure how to spell it ... is it ‘sigh’ or ‘peace’, or ‘ahhhhhh’? I would call it sanctuary but then I’m either a hunchback or singing the Cult and frankly neither are good at my age, love.

What do you use this room for?

I use it for escape. I love this room because I can close the door. The one drawback of living and working in one place is that it is hard to close the door on work, and one life floods into the other sometimes. But up here, work life stays out on that side. Any parent will understand the joy of when your babies are big enough to no longer trail in here.

Anywhere else they have an urgent question, hunger or lost piece of clothing that Mum can fix right away, but here, the door is my protector. A deep bath... no aches or pain - physical or emotional - can outlast that tub. For fast mornings a monsoon-like double shower head in a big self-draining glass cubicle (easy to clean)! Bolts of natural light hit and bounce about, it’s a green-tiled haven.

What are your favourite things in the room?

A small design detail that, if you are going to design your bathroom, you must include: a small concave ledge, an insert into the wall of the shower just below knee height. Small enough that you can’t see it at first, big enough to rest a foot. Why would you lift your

foot to almost knee height to rest that foot? Makes no sense, until you want to shave your legs. Genius! It is what great design is all about: attentiveness, thinking about the human need and delivering that discreet touch to make somebody happy. All this in a little shower side ledge. I’m a simple girl. F PN AMICA BOUTIQUE, 453 Richmond Road, T: 09 376 826 www.amicaboutique.co.nz

THE SHELTER WINS ARCHITECTURE AWARD Congratulations to The Shelter, named winner of the Retail Category at the Interior Awards 2015 mid last month.

In 2014, the former laundromat was transformed into a contemporary concept and lifestyle store, with a fit-out by Pennant and Triumph true to the vision Vicki Taylor and Mark Thomson had for the space.

In the few seasons it has been open, the store has gained a reputation of curating an offering from leading-edge designers - testament to Vicki and Mark’s ethos of ensuring PN New Zealanders have access to the best of local and international fashion. F THE SHELTER, 78 Mackelvie Street, T: 09 376 6544, www.theshelter.co.nz

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HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS REAL-WORLD LEARNING ON THE DIPLOMA IN APPLIED INTERIOR DESIGN (DAPPID) Have you got untapped design potential? Want to express yourself through interior design?

At Unitec you can train as an interior designer and find out how to design spaces of all shapes and sizes.

The Diploma in Applied Interior Design will open the door to a new world of opportunities by equipping you with the essential technical knowledge you need to make inside spaces sing, and the communication and presentation skills needed to convey your ideas within this exciting industry.

As part of the diploma course students are involved in real-live design projects, ranging from the design of residential interior spaces, to cafes and restaurants, to shops, offices and even hotels.

Often the projects involve collaboration with real world clients and also with colleagues from across the creative disciplines.

Concept design for GRID AKLD co-working space

A recent example saw 10 diploma students working with Bachelor of Design and Visual Arts Interior Design and Product and Furniture Design students on the redesign of a co-working space at GRID AKL in Auckland’s Viaduct.

GRID AKL is an innovation precinct operated by Bizdojo in Halsey Street, and the clients were Bizdojo’s Nick Shewring and Haworth by Europlan.

Born from the synthesis of start-up facilities and open office format, co-working spaces are redefining how organisations locate and resource themselves. Co-working is fast becoming an integral feature of the business development landscape of modern cities.

Proposed concept design for Keramika retail store

This was a speculative project that sought to explore the ways in which co-working spaces could enhance the co-working experience for users.

Associate Head of Department Design and Contemporary Arts, Matthew Cooke, says these kinds of projects give students vital experience for their future careers.

The student work culminated in an exhibition of their ideas which provided the catalyst for the one-day industry symposium ‘Co-working, Role and Form’.

“Making industry contacts, working on real projects and collaborating with a cross section of people is so important,” he says. “Employers want people with more than technical skills, they want people who can really hit the ground running in a work environment and being involved with this sort of work provides that experience.”

The symposium was attended by a broad range of designers, business owners and local government interested in this new business model. The symposium aimed to explore the reality of co-working spaces from a variety of perspectives and provided an opportunity for the sharing of views of how these spaces contribute to a new way of thinking about collaboration between businesses.

The Diploma in Applied Interior Design is delivered at Unitec’s Northern Campus in Albany. Studying full time, the diploma will take two years and part-time study options are also available. It is possible to start studying in February or in the mid-year intake in July.

photography: Emma Chicken

For further information please contact Shelley Cooper, Programme Co-ordinator, Diploma in Applied Interior Design, Unitec Institute of Technology, T: 09 815 4321 ext 5660, www.unitec.ac.nz

Axonometric plan view of co-working space, GRID AKL Halsey Street The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

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HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS

Interior cross section - 1 bedroom SOMA Apartment

REDEFINING APARTMENT LIVING SOMA apartments in Grey Lynn will throw out the rule book of Auckland apartment design, combining functional, yet generous living spaces with thoughtful architecture and cutting-edge design.

In an enviable location for both amenities and aspect, this boutique building of 27 one and two bedroom + study apartments is designed to make apartment living really about living. Unique layout features add flexibility and maximise the space to give you room to move, allowing you to use it how it best works for you so you can switch from cosy nest to party pad on a whim.

Careful and creative design has introduced a high level of functionality to make living uncluttered, showcasing the high end finishes and design details that will delight at every turn. Dual aspect outdoor living delivers magnificent views over Grey Lynn and Waitemata Upper Harbour and floods the apartments with light and warmth.

SOMA will be no shrinking violet. Tasteful and timeless design statements, both inside and out, will make this a landmark building in an area experiencing a rejuvenation and will set the standard for urban development on the Ponsonby fringes.

The southern end of Mackelvie Street (South Mackelvie, hence the handle ‘SOMA’) in Grey Lynn is the setting for your new home. With secure car parking at SOMA, you can safely hibernate your car and break out the two

-legged (or two-wheeled) transportation. A 10-minute stroll will take you to everything you could possibly need to live the ultimate urban lifestyle. And should you ever feel the need to leave the ‘hood, you’re only a five minute drive away from Auckland’s motorways and the new City Rail Link.

On the Ponsonby fringe, SOMA is within easy reach of Auckland’s best cafés, bars, restaurants and stores, and for a night in, Vinegar Lane’s supermarket and Ponsonby Central’s produce market is on hand to cater for your supplies. Living on the city fringe doesn’t mean you have to live in a concrete jungle. Western Park and Grey Lynn Park are within dog-walking distance, and you will be just a short drive to the waterfront SOMA missed the memo that apartments should be a boring white box. Instead, SOMA introduces the concept of a ‘jewellery box,’ a central core of each apartment, subtly lit from within to create a uniqueness and warmth to the interiors, with this light softly permeating into the living space.

Each jewellery box is beautifully wrapped in either timber battens or plywood with delicate cut outs. The interior

space can be personalised by selecting the material you would like your jewellery box to be enveloped in to suit your design style.

A ‘living wall’, which houses the kitchen, laundry and storage, has been carefully designed and crafted, with built-in cabinetry running the full length of the floor plan. This allows apartments to open from front to back provides truly open space not often seen in modern apartments, with open vistas from front to back across the entire living level for views and maximum natural light.

Oak, wide board timber flooring is used throughout the living and breakout study and reading spaces, while timber decking continues onto the outdoor spaces which combined with full width glazed sliders, ensures seamless indoor/outdoor living. Generous decks function as outdoor rooms with dedicated external screened storage lockers that provide safe, secure and screen extra storage; always an essential with apartment living.

For more information or to register your interest contact, Craig Watkins M: 021 308 021 and Brendon Poole.

M: 021 813 255 F PN

SOMA Apartments - Tasteful, timeless design statements will make this a landmark building

Interior cross section - 2 bedroom SOMA Apartment

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THE BOYS’ BOOK CLUB WHAT WE’RE READING Here are some books us blokes on the Ponsonby News team have recently enjoyed. We love reading in the bath or in bed. A real stress buster!

MARTIN LEACH

Life at the Dakota

By Stephen Birmingham (Syracuse University Press) Life at the Dakota is a deliciously entertaining social history that describes the lives of the rich and trendy who lived at the Dakota, a New York apartment house daringly erected in 1884, “too far up” and on the wrong side of town.

This story has the fabulous characters, sharp insights and captivating anecdotes of Stephen Birmingham’s earlier works - the atmosphere of the elegant Dakota is so powerful that the building itself becomes an unforgettable major character. The Gustav Schirmers were among the early tenants. Others, such as Boris Karloff, Judy Holliday, Leonard Bernstein and Lauren Bacall would follow. In this edition the author has included an afterword on John Lennon’s murder at the Dakota.

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JAY PLATT

The Scarlet Gospels

By Clive Barker (Macmillan) Clive Barker is still the master of horror. The Scarlet Gospels, the last chapter of Pinhead the Cenobite’s story from Hellraiser, has him face off against private detective Harry D’Amour. His ambition is to destroy the world and rule over Hell.

The Hell Priest does have his hooks, but uses them in the beginning to desiccate the most powerful magicians and to gather their secrets as they are torn apart.

Once he has accumulated a significant amount of magical might for himself, Pinhead sets his sights on Harry D’Amour. Harry has fought more demons than he cares to think about and has the drinking habit to prove it. Hired to clear out a deceased family man’s secret love nest in New Orleans, he comes across a Lament Configuration, one of the puzzle-box artefacts that can summon Cenobites from Hell. Once opened, Pinhead orders that Harry D’Amour becomes a witness to what will pass.

On his return to New York, D’Amour’s friend is kidnapped and taken back to Hell by the Cenobite Pinhead when Harry declines an offer he shouldn’t have refused, prompting a harrowing rescue mission as he tries to save his blind medium friend, Norma Paine, from Pinhead.

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LOCAL HOSTS SOUGHT FOR HOLIDAY DINNER PROGRAMME Rural Holidays NZ Ltd, a company specialising in mainly ruralbased home stays, has an extended urban component to their main operating activities which runs in the form of city-based homehosted dinner programmes.

Established in 1983, Rural Holidays NZ Ltd is currently seeking further dinner hosts from within the Auckland urban area to meet with increased demand from overseas visitors who wish to meet and dine with local people, if only for a couple of hours.

Hosts need be happy to meet visitors from mostly English-speaking countries who come from a wide variety of backgrounds. They need to have a good knowledge of the New Zealand way of life, be reliable and maintain a consistently high on-going standard of hospitality.

“In line with our excellent reputation as a quality service provider, we seek to exceed the expectations of our clients on a daily basis,” says Operations Manager, Lindsay Pearce.

“Kiwis are generally good at extending hospitality in a way that complements our image as a friendly country. And what better way for local Aucklanders with an overall good knowledge, than to convey that great Kiwi hospitality over a home-cooked meal.”

The Rural Holidays NZ Ltd, home-hosted dinner programme also operates in Rotorua, Christchurch and Queenstown. They work closely with inbound tour companies who wish to add a ‘meet the local’ component to their tour plans. F PN RURAL HOLIDAYS NZ LTD, T: 03 355 6218, www.ruralholidays.co.nz

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ASK AN ARCHITECT: DANIEL MARSHALL Each month architect Daniel Marshall answers readers’ property related questions.

Q:

My husband and I just bought a villa in reasonably ‘original’ condition in Grey Lynn and I am wondering what you think are the best things to do first. We don’t have a lot of money so are hoping you can help us prioritise what to do.

A:

My philosophy, if you intend to live in the house for a while, is to take care of the environmental considerations and key structural issues initially, and look toward more significant change later on.

In saying that, it is always good to establish a ‘master plan’ of what you would ultimately like, even if it is as simple as an initial rough sketch. It pays to get a design professional as they are trained to look beyond the existing condition - looking outside the box, as it were. This master plan is a good idea as it means any smaller renovations you complete are not undone or costly to change when you come to do other work. A good example of this relates to one of the first things that you should do with a villa, which is invest in a decent, ducted heating system.

Anyone that has ever lived in a villa knows they are cold and damp. Some are positively breezy inside. Resist the urge to install a cheap, wall mounted heat pump. They are

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all revolting-looking and usually do not work. Often they are poorly installed; do not allow for the large vertical height of a villa, and since they are mounted at the top of a wall, and heat rises, they heat the ceiling and very little else. On the other hand, a ducted electric heat pump system, which circulates the air, works incredibly well and is extremely cost effective to run. Because a villa usually has a subfloor and a large ceiling space, it is usually easy to duct the air from the air handlers throughout the house. Two other positives from this system are that you can hide the vents if you are cunning and the heat pump can de-humidify the room. Having a master plan of future alterations means you can place the vents so they do not need to be moved later on.

The other critical thing to do with a 100+ year old house is to look at re-piling the house if it isn’t already taken care of. Professional help should be garnered if there looks like any settlement has occurred, as this may indicate larger underlying geotechnical issues. The piles should be brought up to current building code and the house levelled. There is no point doing any other renovation work until this work is done. Although it is a reasonable expense, this is literally a foundation to any future work. If the work is substantial then a building consent may be required.

The third thing to do is well known, but unfortunately people think it is the top priority. This is to insulate the house properly. There is no point putting the insulation in first and then having to remove it for re-piling or for putting in a heating system. Make sure you research this carefully.

Remember the reason a villa has stood for so long is because the design means air moves right through the structure, if you fill the walls with expanding foam, for instance, these walls will no longer breathe and moisture can build up. The best types of insulation to use are fibreglass batts or the polyester equivalents. Polystyrene insulation is extremely flammable, so that aspect should be considered when installing in a 100-year-old timber building. The most effective place for insulation is the ceiling, followed by the floor.

Completing these three things are not as expensive as you would think, and make an extraordinary investment in the future of your house and your life. Good luck and I hope this helps! (DANIEL MARSHALL) F PN DANIEL MARSHALL ARCHITECTS, 472 Karangahape Road, T: 09 354 3587 www.marshall-architect.co.nz

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UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL Mel Lee, Backchat Media Mel Lee has developed social media strategies for some of the world’s biggest brands including Nike, Cadbury, McDonald’s and the Melbourne Cup. She is the founder of Backchat Media, a new Ponsonby based trans-Tasman social media and digital agency working on changing how businesses engage their audiences in New Zealand and Australia.

How did you come to be a social media specialist?

I kind of fell into it. I was very fortunate to start in this industry pretty young and I’ve been involved in some high-profile events and with some amazing clients. Now my goal is to innovate in this area as much as possible.

What were you going to be when you grew up?

I wanted to be a singer like Britney Spears until I was about 14! Now I still want to be a singer like Britney Spears but I’m being slightly more realistic.

What are your virtues?

I like to think they’d be honesty, accountability and integrity.

And your vices?

A bad habit of saying yes too often, chardonnay and potato chips!

Your best friend would say of you...

That I’m crazy.

Your mother would say of you...

That I’m crazy.

Who is your partner?

My partner is a builder and he loves being back in New Zealand after a few years abroad!

What is your secret passion?

I love to travel. I have this obsession with new places - I currently travel three to four weeks of the month and I wouldn’t have it any other way!

What’s your secret talent?

I like to sing!

How do you keep fit?

Spin class and boxing are my favourite - however, lately it’s been a bit touch and go! The goal this month is to get to the gym at least twice a week. Don’t ask me how it’s going...

Where do you spend your holidays?

In Tauranga if possible, catching up with the family, or somewhere slightly more exotic - this year’s holiday will be in Japan! Can’t wait!

And your favourite Ponsonby restaurant?

I love Pane & Vino with my friends on a Friday night and a couple of bottles of wine.

Otherwise Blue Breeze Inn or Bedford Soda & Liquor- too many to choose from!

Which is your favourite Ponsonby store?

Superette. They have a hilarious little snapchat account and I can’t walk out of there without clutching something leather or shiny.

Please share your best kept Ponsonby secret?

I love the little public library box on Brown Street where you can take a book and leave one in return! So cool to see there’s such a sense of community in one of Auckland’s trendiest suburbs.

What’s inspired you recently?

I am consistently inspired by entrepreneurship. I’m developing a real love for innovation and some of my friends are working on awesome projects. One of my mates has completely redesigned the sushi container to be more sustainable and eco-friendly, and prevent half a billion sushi containers going to landfill each year. Check them out on Kickstarter, you’ll find it by searching Susheco.

Your desert island distractions...

Just give me Lightbox and a wi-fi connection and I’m set!

The house is on fire and your family is safe - what do you save?

My passports, a photo of my Nana and my jewellery box.

“I’d be lost without my...”

It sounds a little cheesy but I’d be lost without my partner. He’s the most supportive person in the world - he doesn’t really understand what my company does but he still uses sentences like ‘Do they really understand the implications of this social media strategy’ and he built all our office furniture. What a legend.

One thing you have learned about life is..?

That you have got to have a vision. If you don’t have a vision you can’t expect other people to come along for the ride.

What’s your perfect Sunday?

I love relaxed Sunday mornings wandering the markets and then spending the rest of the day eating everything we’ve bought!

Your advice to Ponsonby businesspeople seeking social media expertise?

Shop around. There are a lot of agencies out there who claim to offer social media services, but I’ve seen some really shoddy work and a lot of money wasted on campaigns that don’t deliver. Don’t settle for something you don’t understand. F PN

Which is your favourite Ponsonby cafe?

Good One - best coffee around.

BACKCHAT MEDIA, 2 Fitzroy Street, T: 021 660 934 www.backchatmedia.com

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HEIDI PADAIN: ENTERTAINMENT IN YOUR GARDEN Rumours spread quickly in most communities and sometimes rumours start out sounding a little trivial. This one, however, had me rather intrigued.

There’s a park at the end of the road where we live and every Sunday morning there is a dog training class. Apparently the most recent addition to the class arrives alone and is a little unusual. As you can imagine, the appearance of a chicken provided much entertainment for both dogs and their owners, but by the third week everyone was becoming a little concerned. How did it get there? Also, with the winter season approaching fast, what were the chances of its survival?

Martin and I had occasionally talked about keeping chickens, not with any serious intent but given the potential demise of this rogue chicken in our neighbourhood, we agreed that maybe now would be an opportune time to start our very own Good Life project.

Erin, who runs the dog training classes, had kept chickens for many years but wasn’t able to take this chicken on, so when I mentioned that we would like to provide it with a home, she agreed to help us. Erin and I went to the park together, and in no time at all the chicken came out of the bush and confidently made her way toward us. To be honest, I was expecting to see a standard little brownish chicken. However, this was no ordinary chicken. This was Uber Chook. Large, very large, black, shiny and strikingly beautiful. The sun shone brightly on this day and what I noticed, was that she had iridescent blue-green running through her black feathers, not unlike a tui bird. She was gorgeous.

Martin was a little taken aback at the size of our new family member. His first words were “She’s bigger than the dog!” She is bigger than our dog. In the days that followed we learned a great deal about chickens, and our chicken, who we named Cilla Black. Cilla is a heritage breed, an Orpington. Cilla has a personality to match her size, she looks you in the eye when you talk to her and will follow you around like a dog. What surprised us most was how determined she was. Once she got an idea in her head, there was no stopping her. We had a fenced off area for Cilla at the back of the property but she had watched us climb the stairs often enough to get the idea that she was coming too, and late one afternoon she made an appearance up on our deck. We were shocked to see her up on the deck rail of our pole house. It’s very high off the ground but Cilla was fearless and very determined to join the tui birds partaking in the fruit banquet. All our frequent bird visitors treated Cilla as though she was just another bird. Cilla had settled right in.

On the third day after Cilla’s arrival, while Martin sat at his computer designing Chateau Coop, I went outside to release Cilla from her temporary night enclosure. She was very pleased to see me. Coffee in hand I spent some time with her. Suddenly, Cilla decided to impress me with what can only be described as a singing, dancing solo cabaret act from hell. Cilla crowed and then she crowed some more. The sound was horrendous, I felt the blood rush to my face as I considered the neighbours listening to this. I was horrified. It was very apparent that Cilla was more of a Cyril. My heart sank.

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Martin and I were both sad about the reality, but living in a valley the equivalent of an amphitheatre meant that attracting the wrath of every local resident was inevitable.

The first thing I did was to call Bird Rescue. Lyn informed that they wouldn’t take a rooster and in fact they receive calls like this quite often because people are in the habit of dumping roosters, and this is becoming quite a problem. Lyn advised that we could take the rooster to the SPCA who will euthanize him for a small fee. Clearly this wasn’t a desirable outcome.

Eventually, the solution came from our good friend Graham who keeps chickens. Graham put us in touch with Heritage Farm breeders Raewyn and Gary Norton. They were more than happy to take our Uber Rooster. Raewyn advised us that there seems to be an increase in people dumping their unwanted roosters. Without appropriate food and warmth they will die. As a breeder, she always informs her buyers that when they purchase chicks at an age when the sex cannot be determined if they later find they have roosters, they can return them to her. Apparently a great many sellers, particularly on TradeMe, are not doing this.

As part of this journey, I learnt an awful lot about chickens and found people who keep chickens to be passionate and humorous. Chicken whisperers’ are everywhere. Kathleen who lives in Glenfield has kept chickens for around four years, and, despite the occasion getaway attempts, neighbours are very supportive and provide food scraps in exchange for eggs.

Hone, who lives in Kingsland, has neighbours who keep chickens and they do have roosters. Hone doesn’t find the noise to be a problem because they live near a motorway.

There is a permanent low frequency rumble in the air here all the time. I guess amongst traffic noise, loud TVs, screaming kids and lawnmowers... when you do notice them crowing in the morning, it sounds insignificant.

So, there you go. Finding the ideal environment for roosters can be tricky, but not impossible. (HEIDI PADAIN) F PN Here’s a couple of helpful links should you ever find yourself with an unwanted Uber Chook...

Heritage Farm - www.heritagefarmnz.com Arborfield Sanctuary - www.arborfieldsanctuary.co.nz To see some of Heidi’s other photographic work go to www.flickr.com and type Heidi Padain into the search box or you can contact Heidi by email hidihi@xtra.co.nz

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THE HISTORICAL BOROUGH OF PONSONBY AND GREY LYNN: STREET NAMES

Jervois Road Named after Sir William Francis Drummond Jervois who from 1875 to 1888 was consecutively Governor of the Straits Settlements, Governor of South Australia and Governor-General of New Zealand.

He was born September 1821 at Cowes, in the Isle of Wight and belonged to a military family of Huguenot descent. No surprise then, that he entered the Royal Military Academy in Woolwich. After graduating he was trained at the School of Military Engineering in Chatham for two years where his work was renowned for its excellence. After being promoted to lieutenant, he was sent to South Africa where he served as a brigade major and was engaged as a second captain in the 7th Xhosa War. On his return to Britain in 1848 he commanded a company of sappers and miners at Woolwich and then on Guernsey, after which he became the commanding royal engineer for the London Military district.

Jervois was particularly interested in the American Civil War and visited the United States twice to examine its defences. He even sketched both Portland’s and Boston’s harbour defences from rowing boats disguised as an artist. When sent to Canada to inspect its fortifications, he submitted a report that stated the Great Lakes and upper Canada were not defensible. This proved to be very politically controversial. He was eventually appointed to the War Office to take responsibility for designing Britain’s Harbour defences.

In 1875, Jervois was appointed Governor of the Straits Settlements, a British dependency which included Penang, Malacca and Singapore. He distrusted the Malays and had little respect for them but he showed sympathy for the Chinese in Singapore and later strongly defended Oriental migration to both Australia and New Zealand. In fact, when he was next appointed Governor of South Australia, he was credited for having ‘done much to modify unreasonable prejudice against Chinese labour’. His term there coincided with good rainfall and unprecedented extension of agricultural land. He turned the sod of the colony’s first tramway, opened new railways and visited the far northern and southern limits of the settlement, even buying land there for himself!

Following the withdrawal of British garrison troops from Australia, Jervois and Lieutenant Colonel Scratchley were commissioned by a group of colonies to advise on defence matters. The two inspected each colony’s defences and their report emphasised the importance of shore-based fortifications to defend against naval attack and also led to the establishment of local infantry and artillery units. Jervois was made KCMG in 1874, raised to the rank of major general in 1877, received a final promotion to lieutenant general in 1882 and was appointed Governor General of New Zealand the same year.

When Jervois took office in New Zealand, the government accepted his advice on harbour defence. He reaffirmed the importance of heavy guns rather than mines and torpedoes.

Sir George Grey originally rejected the earlier Julius Vogel report based on Jervois’ advice but the weapons were ordered during a war scare in 1885.

After the scare subsided he oversaw the main harbours’ permanent fortifications.

Nevertheless, his influence on government met criticism by some who disapproved of the expensive defences at the ports while the colony was dealing with increasing financial problems (not ‘issues’ as they would be termed in today-speak!). Even though his position left him with little opportunity other than to offer recommendations he carried out his duties without fuss, but being a practical man and used to colonial politics he could be firm when necessary.

Jervois enjoyed his tenure in New Zealand, so much so that he gave serious consideration to living here permanently. He became very involved in social life, serving as patron of various sporting and cultural bodies and travelled extensively throughout the country.

After the Tarawera eruption, he established a committee to find ways to provide for the survivors. Such was his popularity that when he left in 1889 he received many ‘sincere and heartfelt expressions of regard and esteem’. He revisited in 1892 to find his advice was still valued.

Richard Seddon used it in favour of the existing harbour defences in an 1894 dispute with the New Zealand forces’ commandant, F. J. Fox. William Jervois 17 August in 1897 after a carriage accident and was buried near Virginia Water, Surrey. His name is remembered in so many places here and in Australia - a bridge in Adelaide, mountains and a mine in Central Australia, Jervois Quay in Wellington, two streets in Singapore, a glacier in Fiordland PN and of course our Jervois Road in Ponsonby. (DEIRDRE ROELANTS) F

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BIRD OF THE MONTH Variable oystercatcher This month we look at one of the more common coastal birds - the variable oystercatcher.

They are found throughout the country on coastlines and often in pairs. They were previously shot for food and reached low numbers in the early 1900s, but post -protection, in 1922, their numbers increased rapidly. They are long-lived, many birds reach 30 years of age.

Variable oystercatchers are large and heavily built for a shorebird. They have a conspicuous long, orange bill, and red and orange eye. The existence of colour morphs, individuals that have different colourings, caused confusion for many years as they were thought to be different species.

Marine Parade alterations and additions - Dorrington Atcheson Architects

It has since been discovered that they all interbreed and are now accepted as a single species. The colour morphs vary between solid black, smudgy and pied (black and white). Just to add further confusion to identifying oystercatchers, the South Island pied oystercatcher can be confused with the pied morph of the variable oystercatcher.

Loud piping sounds and a sharp ‘chip’ or ‘click’ are common on shorelines with oystercatcher families or pairs. They are very vocal, calling when alarmed or over territory disputes. They are very territorial and can be highly aggressive toward people, especially during breeding season; they occasionally dive-bomb, screech and chase people away from nests or chicks. Often they will perform displays that distract from the nest. They are less aggressive to other species, although occasionally dotterel nests have been taken over.

Despite how common variable oystercatchers are, they have quite poor breeding success. This is for numerous reasons, including our recreational use of coasts and the disturbance of nests that this often leads to. Flooding caused by large tides, and a range of mammalian and avian predators often result in a nest failing, with eggs or chicks being predated.

Sod the Villa - Malcolm Walker Architects

Adults have a high annual survival rate and this would appear to allow a stable population as adults have many years to breed. Occasionally adult oystercatchers are killed by cats or mustelids (stoats, weasels and ferrets). There are no current protection or conservation measures in place for the oystercatcher.

Yet oystercatcher often benefit from protection of dotterel, fairy terns and stilts on shorelines around the country.

Look for these birds roaming on beaches or estuaries, probing for shellfish. They aren’t seen far from the coast, although some have been found in paddocks close to the shore.

Most Auckland beaches have the odd oystercatcher wandering around so you won’t have to go far to see one. (FINN MCLENNAN-ELLIOTT) F PN

Westmere Alteration - Crosson Clarke Carnachan Architects

Longroom Canopy - RTA Studio

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2015 AUCKLAND ARCHITECTURE AWARDS WINNERS THE WINNERS AT THE 2015 AUCKLAND ARCHITECTURE AWARDS WERE ANNOUNCED LAST month at MOTAT’s Aviation Hall. There were five local properties from the Western Bays.

Allendale Annexe (Commercial architecture) Ponsonby Salmond Reed Architects The challenges could hardly have been more major: build alongside and link to a Category One historic building and its ancient stables on a narrow site with major traffic issues while also making a statement that the client - the ASB Community Trust - is future-facing and contributing to the Ponsonby Road streetscape. This beautifully built two-storey building rises to the challenge. It displays a modesty and restraint appropriate to its occupant and a great respect for its Victorian neighbour.

ASB Community Trust Allendale Annexe - Salmond Reed Architects

Marine Parade (Housing - alterations and additions) Herne Bay Dorrington Atcheson Architects Intriguing from the street with its spare, brooding style, inside this house reveals a host of pleasures and surprises that take their cue from its original quality build in the 1970s.

A faithful attention to period detail does not overshadow the success of the repurpose of the house for modern living. A reconfiguration of some of the interior programme, two substantial additions, and a bold exterior ‘wrap’ have created a house of distinction, substance and elegance.

Westmere Alteration (Housing - alterations and additions) Crosson Clarke Carnachan Architects The box attached to the bungalow, villa, or, as in this case, well-kept little ‘statie’ has become a slightly worn trope. Here it is approached afresh, and elevated most successfully through the use of quality materials, a great build and a light touch achieved with skill and intelligence. The transition between the two forms is deftly handled and the sense of space and light offered by the full-height sliding doors makes this home a delight to be in.

Sod the Villa (Housing - alterations and additions) Grey Lynn Malcolm Walker Architects Tell the villa to sod off? Malcolm Walker has in fact done no such thing in this inspired and inspiring alteration to a rundown Grey Lynn house. Rather, he has breathed life into the old belle, highlighted her beauties and revved up the programme with whimsy, craftsmanship and the deft manipulation of volumes into a series of small but highly pleasing spaces. An almost fanatical attention to details coheres into a renovation of supreme confidence and capability.

Longroom Canopy (Small Project Architecture) Ponsonby RTA Studio Sometimes it is possible to make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear, in this case an undistinguished commercial building in the heart of Ponsonby Road’s densest restaurant and retail zone. The solution was to fabricate an elegant, lace-like screen that reintegrates the building with the street frontage, creating an almost Medina-like veil. Behind the screen the courtyard space has achieved refinement and enclosure. F PN

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REAL ESTATE UPDATE: KAREN SPIRES

Going global for housing blueprint Auckland has cemented itself as home to some of the most expensive and sought after real estate in the world.

In June it was announced that the average asking price in Herne Bay eclipsed the $2 million mark according to figures released by property analytics provider CoreLogic.

The aspirational suburb has a history of leading the charge when it comes to sale prices and the most recent statistics are a firm indication that Auckland is now reaching into the top echelon of global cities and drawing equal with metropolises like Sydney and London.

For those of us that have grown up here, the soaring house prices may be eye-watering. On a global scale, Auckland is a relatively young city and one that has never seen growth in population like that which we are seeing now. Naturally we are experiencing some growing pains, most noticeably in housing affordability.

There is no denying the fact that Auckland’s infrastructure as it stands is struggling to cope. To keep pace and ensure home ownership remains realistic, our council and government should be looking towards international examples of cities that have absorbed population growth well.

Toronto in Canada was voted the world’s best city to live in this year according to the Economist Intelligence Unit. It scored the highest of all 36 selected major cities across a range of categories including safety, liveability and cost of living. Toronto is the most populous city in Canada with a population of just over six million people, almost half of which were born overseas. Since the early 2000s, Toronto has experienced a rapidly growing population and coincidentally a housing boom.

This has resulted in phased residential development comprising subdivision, mixed-use building construction and the combining of single-detached housing with higher density apartment blocks. Secondary business districts on

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the outskirts of downtown have seen more high rise apartment development, as have former industrial areas with vacant lots. These are connected to existing metropolitan areas by defined transit corridors including motorways, heavy and light rail, and an extensive network of bicycle lanes and multi-use paths. Efficient inter-regional bus and rail systems also allow people to easily commute from further afield.

Residential development in Toronto has occurred systematically, with planners mindful of the importance of retaining lifestyle and recreation areas as high-density living becomes commonplace. This makes for a sustainable city and is a model we could do well to follow. Council and government must be sure not to opt for a series of quick fixes, effectively placing a band-aid over the housing problem and letting it fester under the surface. Auckland’s growth must be carefully planned if we want to live up to Mayor Len Brown’s vision of being the world’s most liveable city.

PN (KAREN SPIRES) F Karen Spires is a Bayleys Real Estate ‘Top Achiever’ - placing her sales data among the top 5% of salespeople within the company.

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HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS

MY HOMIES Kimberly Sumner is an online business money coach.

She lives with her husband Matt and their children Gabby (12) and twins Ben and Josh (11) in Herne Bay. We asked Kimberly to tell us about the home helpers who assist in running her family’s busy household.

House cleaner Where would our family be without our gorgeous cleaner, Selina? She’s been with our family for over eight years and has seen our children grow up. On a Wednesday morning we get the house sorted and then Selina takes over from there - if only my house could look like this all the time! We are fortunate to have such a trustworthy, beautiful and kind person in our lives.

YOYO Innovative and functional Kiwi-designed furniture, home-ware and lighting.

Designs that can be customised to suit your space. Quality that will be enjoyed for generations.

24a Williamson Avenue, opposite Z Ponsonby T: 09 376 4884 auckland@yoyo.co.nz yoyo.co.nz

Laundry folder While Selina does most of our ironing, I’m now delegating the bulk of laundry folding to our 12-year-old daughter, Gabby, in exchange for paying for her phone!

Gardeners Matt, my husband, is a complete green thumb, and gives many of our friends great gardening advice. Our friend and neighbour, Peter, comes once a month to help him with maintenance and keeping everything tidy. We’re also hoping to pass on lawn mowing responsibilities to our twin sons, but currently that’s still Matt’s job.

Property maintenance Dion Pou is the man to have around your home for all those jobs it’s easy to put off. He washes our home twice a year, cleans our decks, re-stains them, helps my neighbour with clearing her roof gutters and keeps our white pavers looking fantastic. He’s also a pool cleaner (unfortunately we have yet to get ourselves a pool, but when we do...)

Maths tutor Beth is an amazing maths tutor who helps our three children get on top of their studies - an engineering student and motorcycle rider. I love that she brings the everyday into maths, and makes it fun (including the maths behind how fast a motorcycle can go around the track). Thanks Beth!

Babysitters I am fortunate to have three awesome babysitters who cover the 3.30pm to 6.30pm shift for me - they’re all Auckland uni students other than a 16-year-old Dio student, Lili, who’s often at ours one night of the week. I’ve always had great faith in students; they’re smart, able and reliable, plus instrumental in getting the homework done (my pet hate).

Car washer One of the reasons my husband Matt bought his car at Giltrap recently is because he can get it washed there weekly for free! But I love Ross from Green Acres, who comes around once a month and helps me manage the mess my three children create in my station wagon. He’s one in a million. F PN KIMBERLY SUMNER, M: 021 369 950 www.happinessblindspot.com

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MOBILE ART GALLERY... HAVE YOU CONSIDERED LEASING ART? Finding the right piece of art that will be a perfect match for your space is not easy, and takes many hours of dedicated searching.

Leasing is a good option if you find something that looks right but you are not yet ready to commit to buying and you want to be comfortable that you have made the right choice before purchasing. Some customers choose leasing as they know that in a year or so they will be redecorating or selling their home. Others like the option of swapping one art piece for another a few months later, thus keeping their decor fresh and new.

Mobile Art Gallery has leased art to corporate and residential clients since 1974 and has built an enviable collection of artwork from leading and emerging New Zealand artists, covering all styles, sizes and colours. The perfect artwork could be waiting for you at their Mt Eden gallery.

Their experienced art consultants will visit a customer’s premises, photograph and measure the space where they would like art to be and then put together a proposal of artwork that suits the space in terms of size, orientation, colour and style. By digitally superimposing images of suggested artworks onto the photos of the projected spaces in a soft copy file, it allows customers to envisage what the artwork would look like in place. Art is then brought to a customer’s home or office to be viewed in place before a final decision is made to lease - or buy. This is a free, no obligation service which clients find invaluable. Text ‘art’ to 215 for our contact information and go to their website to PN join their newsletter for updates. F MOBILE ART GALLERY, 23 Edwin Street, Mt Eden, T: 09 630 6543 www.mobileart.co.nz

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ARTS + CULTURE SHOWING @ TOI ORA GALLERY Trilogy, a lunchtime opening 14 July 12 noon

Showcasing the epic art of three Toi Ora classes: Mosaics, Face and Figure Drawing and Paint the Sky. Opening in the school holidays, join them for lunch and take the opportunity for a free family art-making session in the afternoon at the Toi Ora studio.

Toi Ora - inspiring wellbeing through creativity. F PN TOI ORA GALLERY, 6 Putiki Street, T: 09 360 4171 faye@toiora.org.nz www.toiora.org.nz

Alana Marychurch

Liz Higgins

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JOHN ELLIOTT: LOCAL NEWS

Is our education system broken?

There has been plenty of editorial comment and lots of opinion pieces about education in recent newspapers.

The latest furore has been about New Zealand students falling behind in international maths tables. Everyone has someone or something to blame, including the abandonment of rote learning around 2000.

The problem which needs to be addressed is how to recruitable school-leavers into teaching. This is not a new problem. Teaching has never appealed to able school leavers (able in every sense of the word) or university graduates, because it has little status in the New Zealand community. Many are persuaded by parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles - even their teachers - that there are many professional choices which will give them a more satisfying and lucrative career.

In the mid-1970s I was a young teacher seconded as recruitment officer in Auckland.

I visited secondary schools from Pukekohe to Kaitaia and talked to year 12 and 13 students (6th and 7th form in those days) about university and their future careers.

I told them, as a successful young teacher, about the joys of teaching.

I was never stoned out of any school, but neither did I kid myself that I had persuaded many of the top students to go teaching. At King’s College, the Careers Master told me I was “bloody brave” to be inviting their senior boys to consider teaching.

During that time I was completing my Master’s Degree in Education, with a thesis on “Teacher Selection”. I sat on the selection committee for two years and watched the intake to teaching with great interest. There were a number of outstanding young candidates, some of whom I know went on to distinguished teaching careers. But many of those selected were of mediocre ability. Many did not have the equivalent of NCEA Level 2.

I was absolutely blown away by the result. Teaching not only jumped up the list but it came out as the number one choice.

As I went back into teaching after my stint as a recruitment officer, I was invited to lecture to ‘in service’ teacher courses on the ‘new maths’. It was commonplace for young women teachers to say “I’m hopeless at maths”. Despite my efforts, maths remained the Cinderella subject in many teachers’ box of skills in the 1970s. Maybe not much has changed.

It is worth looking at Finland’s education system, and how and why it has evolved so well in the last 40 years.

In 1963 the Finnish Parliament made the bold decision to choose public education as its best shot at economic recovery, after it had been buffeted by two world wars, and Soviet oppression.

By 2000 Finnish youth were the best young readers in the world. Three years later they led in maths and by 2006 they were first out of 57 countries in science.

In 1979, reformers in Finland required every teacher to earn a five-year master’s degree in theory and practice at one of the eight state universities - at state expense.

From then on teachers were effectively granted equal status with doctors and lawyers.

So, in 2010, some 6600 applicants vied for 660 primary school training slots.

Finnish teachers also spend fewer hours at school than American teachers and spend less time in classes. Homework is minimal and compulsory schooling does not start until aged seven.

As part of my thesis, I conducted a small study outside the Auckland University Library.

I asked a random selection of students which degree course they were doing (none were going teaching), and then I presented them with a sheet listing about a dozen professions in alphabetical order. I asked them to rank those professions in order of their preference as a career - if salary, conditions, and status in the community were all equal.

So, if our best young school students could see that teachers were valued and knew that those earning huge salaries in other professions are not superior citizens, more may choose to go into teaching.

My idea was to see whether if teaching did have a higher rating in terms of status, more young people might choose it. In other words, was the fact that teaching was so poorly regarded in their community stopping them from choosing a teaching career?

Insist teacher trainees are all masters graduates, give them the best possible conditions, fewer contact hours, ongoing professional development, ensure that we value their PN contributions and pay them well - very well. We won’t regret it. (JOHN ELLIOTT) F

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Forget the petty arguments about whose fault it is that we are slipping on the international league tables.

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

SHOWING @ OREXART Lorraine Rastorfer - Wanderlust Until 11 July The movement of fabric in the wind is the most surface of meanings in the work of abstract painter Lorraine Rastorfer. With painstaking exactness Rastorfer has found a way to work paint so that it spreads across a canvas like a draught. The large graphic canvases seem like snapshots of textiles caught in motion.

Rastorfer’s paintings are an exploration of linearity in disarray.

In an intensely physical painterly gesture, each painting is combed into shape, requiring a full bodily sweeping action. Like Jackson Pollock, she works with the performative element and the viscosity of paint.

Each painting is suggestible to ideas of unravelling meters of decaying shawls, or old matting, or ancient wedding trains. They are worn and dissolving, fibres breaking from wear and tear, broken strands... threads within threads giving way.

In Rastorfer’s works the viewer is pulled into the play between the tangible and the intangible. In this painterly territory, the notion of cohesion is building itself up and unravelling itself in an ever-unfolding visual incident.

ARTS + CULTURE JULY PROGRAMME GARNET STATION TINY THEATRE Mid Winter Fireside

Molten Cheese Moments presented by Tanah Dowdle of Gourmet Joy 14 and 28 July, 6.30pm, $25 each, incl. for artisan wines and ales and hand crafted cheeses. Tuesday 14, Bastille Day, French-style wines from Obsidian & Forrest Estate, craft ales by Hop Federation matched to cheeses aged in the Kapiti Store’s cheese cave.

‘Au natural’ first, then melted on our pizzas for you to savour and devour. Tuesday 21 Molten cheese fondue matched with top wines and Hallertau ales. Get stuck into the joy of melted cheese whilst learning a lot about your taste buds! Bookings essential.

16 - 26 July, WHIMSY Retrospective Exhibition by Anne Andrews, 6pm opening night drinks A body of art work from 30 years of drawing and painting, curated by her daughter and artist Lisa Prager. Now 81, Anne has always had a passion for art, she remembers being 12 years old and drawing a plough horse on her bedroom wall in England. She has studied art both in Auckland and Australia and enjoys working in the serenity of her Grey Lynn home studio. Garnet Station is delighted to be hosting Anne’s first solo show, please join her for drinks and nibbles on opening night.

30 and 31 July, 8pm, $15, Bill Perry and Vladimir Shilov Bill Perry hails from London, England and is not to be confused with the American bluesman of the same name. With a long musical career Perry has played, and gigged with many fine and some very famous musicians. He considers himself to be primarily a songwriter but is also an accomplished guitarist and singer. He will be playing with Siberian pianist Vladimir Shilov. Cabaret seating. F PN Bookings essential only 35 seats in the Tiny Theatre!

TINY THEATRE GARNET STATION CAFÉ, 85 Garnet Road, T: 09 360 3397

Please contact rex@orexart.co.nz for details. F PN OREXART, 15 Putiki Street, Arch Hill, T: 09 378 0588 rex@orexart.co.nz www.orexart.co.nz

Anne Andrews

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

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ARTS + CULTURE SHOWING @ WHITESPACE On form with function - until 19 July

When William Morris famously counselled “have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful”, he was seeking a golden rule not for interior decoration, but for life. Who could possibly argue? If you are lucky enough to have a furnished house (to say nothing for having a house to begin with), it’s difficult to name something in it that falls into neither of the two camps (and if it doesn’t, I bet you’ve been meaning to get rid of it for ages). But wouldn’t quotidian life be so much more enriching if we could have both at the same time?

The works in this show are part of an ongoing conversation about value and the definition of art. Art objects of both classes become part of our everyday. A quilt or a cup becomes part of our routine and the closeness we share with it is different to the intellectual and visceral affinity we may share with a painting. Both are valid; both are valuable.

Marcel Duchamp said it best when in 1973 he noted that “art is not about itself but the attention we bring to it”. Why can’t we have our beautiful cake and make use of it by eating it? Essay excerpt Amy Stewart.

Functional invited artists include: Madeleine Child, Mia Hamilton, Niki Hastings-McFall, Penny Howard, Peter Lange, Kerry Ann Lee, John Lyall, Lauren Lysaght, Mary McIntyre, Kenneth Merrick, Julie Ross, David Ryan, Jill Sorensen, Kathryn Stevens and Jeff Thomson

Ross Ritchie “Mixing up the medicine” 21 July - 8 August Ross Ritchie paints in many tongues. Each of his series simultaneously creates and defines its own visual universe, often by first finding his footing in the footsteps of some of his giant predecessors.

With inspiration as diverse as Leger and Bacon, Rauschenberg and Degas, Ritchie knows what he likes when he sees it. Instead of mimicking, though, Ritchie defies the traits of his heroes (of the abstract expressionist movement, for example) and rejects that his visions must be limited to a particularly narrow style.

Though he is quick to acknowledge his influences, it goes without saying that Ritchie never imitates. The wonderfully heartening feeling of seeing something that he believes works ignites him.

He is absolutely and deeply inspired by his heroes, and he internalises the best of all of them - letting their imagery simmer with the lid on for years until it is well and truly melded into his own juices. Despite the constantly changing style, Ritchie is not out to write his own art history. He is simply doing what he is told, by himself, to do. Ross Ritchie has works in many private, corporate, museum and public collections, including Auckland Art Gallery, Dunedin Public Art Gallery and Govett-Brewster Art Gallery. F PN WHITESPACE, 12 Crummer Road, T: 09 361 6331, www.whitespace.co.nz

Julie Ross Hare of the Dog

ART WITH BELINDA WILSON Small classes in a friendly yet serious atmosphere with Belinda Wilson (DFA HONS) practising artist, cover portraiture, still life, landscape, figure work, collage, and the basics of abstraction.

Classes run for eight weeks, four terms a year with a Tuesday or Wednesday option.

Next term starts: 4 August and will be about tone, working from still life and in Grisaille which is a tonal method using only Paynes grey and white.

For more information: www.belindawilson.co.nz and join the student blog for regular updates.

Contact: M: 021 731 007, T: 09 360 7075, e: berwilson@gmail.com

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PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

FINN MCLENNAN-ELLIOTT

Finn’s quick guide to Ponsonby’s music venues For those of you just getting into the music world of Ponsonby or just following my articles every month, here’s a quick guide to the places you should visit, the bars and cafes that the musicians frequent.

One2One Cafe: Once known as Atomic Cafe, One2One is now the home of open mic nights and musical jams and improvisation from some of Auckland’s most talented musicians. Music happens most Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Thursday night’s ‘Jam Night’ is something everyone should attend at least the once. It is the perfect space for smaller folk bands on a Saturday night and is right in the middle of the Ponsonby strip so it’s hard to miss.

Golden Dawn: Ponsonby’s premier bar for music, there is always something on ranging from DJs to live bands and Sunday Jazz. Featuring some of the most interesting indie and alternative bands from Auckland or out of town, there is always something to see, alongside a drink from their mighty selection of alcohol. Golden Dawn is the place to be, hidden away right on the corner of Richmond Road and Ponsonby Road - go and find it.

Grand Central: We’ve featured our share of Grand Central bands in the last few months so you should know by now why it is a place to check out on a Friday or Saturday night.

The Wine Cellar: This is Auckland’s premier small venue, the spot that every band can say they performed one of their first gigs in and that perfect mixture of couches, mulled wine and mood lighting. The Wine Cellar is my favourite place in Auckland mid winter to wander into and cozy up, listening to whatever soloist, band or poet has the stage that night. Nestled in the belly of St Kevin’s Arcade on Karangahape Road, it caters to acoustic and quieter electric acts from early until 11pm and then if you still have a taste for music you can go next door to Whammy Bar. Going until the early hours, Whammy is the home of hard rock, punk and metal bands.

One2One cafe gig full of sea songs. Such a tiny bar means that you have to get in early to secure a spot, but it’s always worth it as the intimacy ensures the concert is one to remember.

It was always going to be hard to replace the West Lynn Organic Meats, but Freida’s is doing a good job so far.

The Dog’s Bollix: One of the iconic venues in Ponsonby’s vicinity, the Dog’s Bollix is now the home of new bands performing the rock, folk and alternative genres. If you play in a band, it’s one of the spots to check out for your early gigs, nicely located on Newton road.

Don’t forget to keep an eye on the Auckland Old Folks Association Hall, as there are often some wonderful gigs there and recently the ‘All Ages’ crowd have started to make the Old Folks Hall home. This is great news for local school bands and young people, of which there are some stunning ones already emerging on the circuit. Of course, on the first Sunday of each month Folk at the Old Folks is your monthly fix of upcoming folk artists.

Freida Margolis: I wrote about Freida’s a few months back and First Sundays are still going strong. On 5 July they are hosting the Wellington Sea Shanty Society for a rowdy

Check out their websites, go out for the night and discover some of our local musicians PN and the world they create. (FINN MCLENNAN-ELLIOTT) F

Finn McLennan-Elliott has a Bachelor of Science Honours degree specialising in human geography at Auckland University. In his spare time, Finn plays clarinet and guitar in an orchestra and a folk music group. He is hosting ‘Folk at the Old Folks’ on the first Sunday of every month at the Auckland Old Folks Association Hall, an intimate afternoon concert of folk music.

A STRANGE DAY’S NIGHT SOME 300 PERFORMERS TOOK TO THE AUCKLAND TOWN HALL STAGE TO PERFORM the Rolling Stones’ repertoire in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Stones’ first New Zealand show - in 1965 - on that very stage. The event was a fundraiser for the Mike Chunn-lead Play It Strange Trust, which shines the spotlight on songs in schools.

photography: Blair Quax

photography: Bruce Jarvis

PLAY IT STRANGE www.playitstrange.org.nz

Barney Chunn and the Jambusters The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

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ARTS + CULTURE QUALITY ART EXHIBITION AT MT ALBERT GRAMMAR SCHOOL Mount Albert Grammar School Fine Art show kicks off with an opening gala evening on Friday 21 August 6.30pm - 10pm.

The show will feature sculpture, painting, prints, photography and objects and will be a beautifully curated collection in the stunning historical setting of Mt Albert Grammar School.

The opening gala evening provides the opportunity to be the first to view and purchase works from the carefully curated show that features established and emerging artists.

Set in the majestic hall building at Mt Albert Grammar, the gala evening is a great night out with beverages, canapés and entertainment supplied in the ticket price of $40pp.

Tickets are limited and the inaugural event sold out last year. Visit iticket.co.nz to ensure you don’t miss out.

Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 August are both free admission. There’s a cafe on site supplying coffee and lunch. The show is on for one weekend only. So see you at Mt Albert Grammar Fine Art Show to enjoy some of New Zealand’s finest artists. The website will be updated regularly with artist talks and special events throughout the weekend.

Mount Albert Grammar Fine Art Show Alberton Avenue Opening Gala Evening 6.30pm - 10pm Friday 21 August Free admission Saturday 22 August 10am - 7pm Sunday 23 August 10am - 3pm For more details visit www.magsartshow.co.nz MT ALBERT GRAMMAR SCHOOL FOUNDATION, Alberton Ave, Mt Albert, T: 09 846 2044 www.magsartshow.co.nz

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PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

FINN MCLENNAN-ELLIOTT

Strangely Arousing Grand Central’s Reggae Party Band.

Every now and again a band pops onto the scene and everyone starts talking about it.

Strangely Arousing is one of those bands. I’d heard from dozens of people about this new reggae/ska band with trumpet and trombone long before I’d seen them play. This five piece, originally from Rotorua, has taken the country by storm, winning numerous competitions and performing on large stages and with tremendous musicians.

They made their home in Auckland last year, some of them studying jazz in Albany, but have since moved to a house in Raglan.

“It’s a nice environment to live and write in. We spend the week writing and practising and weekends playing our new songs live,” says Liam Rolfe, their trombone player. They spend most weekends up in Auckland playing at bars, pubs and other venues. They can be found on Fridays at Grand Central, Ponsonby’s late night party venue. They’ve made a home for themselves at Grand Central playing their own songs, intermingled with some covers. This isn’t quite the normal for house bands, but Strangely Arousing has such a good support base on Friday nights that they bring their own party.

OUT + ABOUT LITTLEMORE’S SECOND BIRTHDAY MORNING TEA Saturday 6 June @ Storage King, Grey Lynn.

Laura Howard established Littlemore in March 2013 after hearing a passing comment from her midwife about how some babies born at Middlemore Hospital in Auckland were sent home in baby-sized hospital gowns as their families had no clothes for them. As the mum of a newborn daughter, her heart was touched and she couldn’t forget that conversation. She started to notice that other parents she knew were wondering what to do with the mountains of baby clothes and other gear their little ones had outgrown, and PN from this the idea of starting a charity to help babies in need. F www.facebook.com/LittlemoreNZ www.littlemore.co.nz

They started out as a school band, banding together for group assignments in year 11.

They went on to win the Smokefree Pasifika Beats in 2013 which came with a prize of performing at Raggamuffin Festival, and recording time for their hit single, Kupenga.

“Winning was sort of the motivation for sticking together. We thought, if we win this, let’s go hard and stay together. We’ll live together next year and play gigs for a living.” This has certainly worked out for them, with all five of the band members committing to full time this year.

As if winning Pasifika Beats wasn’t enough, they followed it with taking out the national Battle of the Bands competition last year. They won themselves two days recording at Roundhead Studios and are working on their debut album. Sounds of brass and anthem like songs came out of the studio as we discussed their year. They have been given the opportunity to play in Dubai in November for a Kiwi ex-pat party, something you don’t hear about being offered to bands too often. Sure to be on the festival circuit this summer, they’re lining up more dates around the country all the time.

Laura Howard, Littlemore founder and Kristy Pilimon, Littlemore volunteer

They recorded a demo of five songs recently in Levin and are working on these now at Roundhead. Living, practising and working together has made songwriting easy for them, with new songs always in the works. They’ve returned recently from an 18-date national tour around the country. “Wherever we didn’t know someone, we now do,” Forrest Thorpe, trumpet player tells me. Local bands opened for them and they had great support from each town they visited.

They’ve currently got an excellent EP out on Bandcamp, called Extended Play, which features their single Kupenga. This is well worth having a listen to, a small taste of what the live show is like. Ponsonby, Grand Central is the place to find them regularly in. Their next big show is going to be one of the best gigs of July. It’s right at the beginning, on Friday 3 July, at the Kings Arms, with our other local favourites Albi and the Wolves and Harvey Knows a Killer. Harvey features members of the Hipstamatics, and all three of PN these bands know how to bring the party. (FINN MCLENNAN-ELLIOTT) F www.strangelyarousing.bandcamp.com www.facebook.com/strangelyarousing

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

Littlemore second birthday morning tea

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ARTS + CULTURE

UPTOWN ART SCENE The Auckland Festival of Photography last month offered nearly 100 exhibitions ranging across the city. From Anne Noble’s dead bee portraits at Two Rooms taken with an electron microscope to reveal them in ghostly brilliance, to Lisa Reihana’s moving tableaux In Pursuit of Venus at Auckland Art Gallery, redirecting our historical gaze from colonial to native, this festival belied the assumption that photography provides a single way of seeing things ‘as they are’. archives “photography is not yet a popular medium. There is still a real need to educate even some of the more responsive galleries in the good and the bad of it”. Surprisingly, two galleries specialising in the medium opened in Auckland in 1975 and 1976.

My first memory of photography as art was at one of them, the Photographers’ Gallery in Durham Lane in 1976: a long row of 8x10 B&W penises by Peter Peryer. Peter was our neighbour, so our family went to support him, and rather than my 10-year-old self being shocked, I was intrigued that his way of looking had made the object quite different to expectation. I wondered that a photograph did not supply a universal depiction of reality, but a highly individual one. I believe this is the attraction of fine photography: it insists on its reality yet it is not our own.

Ellen Smith showing at Whitespace The ease of digital development and printing enables photography to be much more than documentation, freeing its analogue constraints. At Orexart, Ellen Smith shoots places of personal significance, then cuts and collages, rephotographs and re-collages the images into kaleidoscopic mirrors of the past.

How times have changed. In the early 1970s, galleries were beginning to recognise photography as an art form, but according to the Photo-Forum

I was very pleased to see the FhE Galleries’ pop-up art up open on the corner of Ponsonby and Franklin roads. FhE have a strong affinity with photography, showing work by long-established artists like Marti Friedlander and Gordon Brown. We welcome them to the area, knowing they expand the cultural dynamic of our Uptown Art Scene!

I finally made it to the new Tim Melville space in Winchester Street, just off the bottom of Newton Road, for the exhibition of paintings by the Warmun community of Western Australia. Good to have you in walking distance, Tim, and for those of PN you with a car - there’s plenty of parking out front. F (WILL PAYNT, STUDIO ART SUPPLIES)

UPTOWN ART SCENE Bringing creative communities together K’ROAD + NEWTON + ARCH HILL + GREY LYNN + PONSONBY + HERNE BAY To book your ad bite space contact joannebarrett@xtra.co.nz T: 09 361 3356

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SHOWING @ MELANIE ROGER GALLERY Gavin Hurley, Emily Wolfe, Martin Poppelwell and Max Gimblett 1 - 25 July Gavin Hurley exhibits new work from his recent ‘Cook Voyages’ series exhibited earlier in 2015 at the National Portrait Gallery in Wellington as part of “Tranquility Disturb’d” curated by Richard Wolfe.

Emily Wolfe presents new work from her London studio. Alongside these are recent ceramic works by Martin Poppelwell and guest artist Max Gimblett who have collaborated to create a new conversation built on their experience of ceramics and painting.

Wednesday 11 - 4pm, Thursday and Friday 11 - 5pm, Saturday 11 - 3pm

Martin Poppelwell and Max Gimblett

EXPRESS YOURSELF, DE-STRESS YOURSELF A free creative arts and personal development programme for young people aged 17-25, at Circability Central, Campbell Free Kindergarten building, Victoria Park.

Mondays 1-3 pm, Term 3: 20 July - 14 September Drop-ins are welcome, and you can join at any point in the term.

Gavin Hurley

226 Jervois Road, T: 09 360 1151 www.melanierogergallery.com

ART ASSOCIATES With a vast collection of contemporary artworks, we make the process of leasing or purchasing art easy and accessible.

Contact us to find out more.

37 Scanlan Street, Ponsonby T: 09 376 4308 www.artassociates.co.nz

To register or for more information contact monica@toiora.org.nz, M: 022 161 2329

6 Putiki Street, Ponsonby, T: 09 360 4171 www.toiora.org.nz The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

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HOROSCOPES: MISS PEARL NECLIS

♋

What your stars hold for July

Cancer (the Crab): 22 June - 22 July You shouldn’t feel pressured into saying any more than is needed this month for any situation that you find yourself in. Don’t force yourself into doing anything that you’re not happy doing, otherwise it will be one step forward and two steps back.

♑ Capricorn (the Goat): 23 December - 20 January

Don’t anticipate what sort of day you’re going to have before it’s happened; this has a negative impact on everyone around you. You need to learn self-confidence which will put you back on top, where you belong.

♌

♒ Aquarius (the Water Carrier): 21 January - 19 February

♍ Virgo (the Virgin): 22 August - 23 September

♓ Pisces (the Fish): 20 February - 20 March

♎ Libra (the Scales): 24 September - 23 October

♈ Aries (the Ram): 21 March - 20 April

♏

♉ Taurus (the Bull): 21 April - 21 May

♐ Sagittarius (the Archer): 23 November - 22 December

♊

Leo (the Lion): 23 July - 21 August Trying to balance how you feel and what’s on public display is proving tricky to manage.

Keeping your feelings inside only makes them stronger - venting your frustration occasionally is good for you.

Make sure you’re able to take responsibility for your actions if things don’t go according to plan. You have a support network close to you as always but you shouldn’t make any demands.

Keeping your opinions firmly in check has always been the right thing to do as far as you’re concerned. However, occasionally you need to say what’s on your mind to set the record straight.

Scorpio (the Scorpion): 24 October - 22 November If you’re making mistakes at work because of a misunderstanding, you’ll find that this will have a big impact on your future. Make sure you know what you’re doing and with whom before you begin to hate what you do.

You really do see the positive in everyone and everything, even though sometimes you get nothing back. It’s important for you to maintain your sunny disposition as you touch many lives.

You should try and eliminate any outside influences this month, as you will then be able to concentrate on what you want. Don’t waste your time starting any new projects unless you are guaranteed results.

If you had any disagreements with friends or family, you will know how draining physically and emotionally they can be. You have to reach a resolution even if you have to be the one extending the olive branch.

Try not to complain too much as eventually you will not be heard and your ideas probably won’t get the attention they deserve. You can still make an impact as long as you’re willing to listen.

Even though you have been slowing down and reducing your stress load, you’re still busier than ever. Your focus remains clear. However, there are still issues that demand your attention.

Gemini (the Twins): 22 May - 21 June You should listen to advice given to you this month and not brush it under the carpet like you usually do. You might find that a solution will present itself as a way out of your current dilemma.

PONSONBY NEWS OUTLETS FREEMANS BAY

NEWMARKET

Ecostore, 1 Scotland Street Glengarry, Corner Sale and Wellesley Streets Kellands Real Estate, 4 Drake Street New World, Victoria Park

Planet Ayurveda, 41 Gillies Avenue Taylor Boutique, 1 Teed Street

GREY LYNN Barfoot & Thompson, 533 Great North Road Barkley Manor, 400 - 402 Great North Road Grey Lynn Community Centre, 520 Richmond Road Grey Lynn Community Library, 474 Great North Road Raw Essentials, 401B Richmond Road Ripe, 172 Richmond Road Tapac, 100 Motions Road Vetcare, 408 Great North Road

HERNE BAY Herne Bay Post & Stationers, 240 Jervois Road Five Loaves, 206 Jervois Road Icing on the Cake, 188 Jervois Road Momentum, 182 Jervois Road

KINGSLAND Atomic, 420c New North Road

MT EDEN Citta Outlet Store, Corner Enfield & Normanby Road Sabato, 57 Normanby Road Studio Italia, 25 Nugent Street

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NORTH SHORE Rug Direct, Wairau Park Dawson’s Furniture, Mairangi Bay

Ponsonby News is published on the first Friday of each month excluding January.

Copies go quickly so be quick to collect yours from any of the following outlets.

The issue is also published on our website www.ponsonbynews.co.nz

PARNELL Jane Daniels, 2 Birdwood Crescent Parnell Community Centre, 545 Parnell Road

PONSONBY Askew, 2b Jervois Road Bayleys, 305 Ponsonby Road Fitness Trainer, 36 Jervois Road Harcourts, 89 Ponsonby Road Leys Institute, 20 St Mary’s Road The Longroom, 114 Ponsonby Road Mag Nation, 123 Ponsonby Road Paper Plus, 332 Ponsonby Road Ponsonby Community Centre, 20 Ponsonby Terrace Servilles, Corner Jervois & Ponsonby Road Studio One, 1 Ponsonby Road Whitespace, 12 Crummer Road

WESTMERE Glengarry, 164 Garnet Road

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

THE PONSONBY PINK PAGES

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