FROM THE EDITOR

Last month Ponsonby News was proud to receive the Penny Bright memorial trophy presented by board member Sarah Trotman at the monthly Waitematā Local Board meeting.

The award was for our consistent news coverage of important local issues like the demolition of the Western Springs pine forest. We remain concerned about the state of the native forest now the pines have been felled.

The forest is not in a suitable condition to accept 8,000 tiny native seedlings – it will be 30 to 40 years before the forest is regrown. Most of the pines were far from dead and didn’t need to be urgently cut down. When the council is almost broke and rates are set to rise by at least 5%, how profligate was it to spend several million dollars destroying an existing forest including $50,000 a week for security to keep all citizens out. When will prohibition on entry be withdrawn?

It’s been 50 years since the Polynesian Panthers were formed in Ponsonby. There is a podcast ‘Once a Panther’ where the Panthers share their story in their own words. As they told us, “long before risking our freedom as Polynesian Panthers, we were simply Polynesian. It was time to be heard. It was time to mobilise. It was time to fight back.”

Rezoning Ponsonby? Last month the Urban Development Institute of New Zealand (UDINZ) held a panel discussion at Ponsonby Central to take a closer look at the government’s new national policy statement on urban development (NPS UP) and how it could impact central suburbs like Ponsonby. The event was provocatively headlined ‘Flexible zoning in Ponsonby?’ Unsurprisingly this resulted in a number of concerned and curious residents attending the event.

Enhance mind, body and soul and escape to the haven that is The Life Centre, a new multidimensional wellbeing centre offering a range of

Martin Leach and John Elliott

treatments for clients in beautiful surroundings and a calm, peaceful environment. They have just opened at 88 Jervois Road. Refurbished with love, the tranquil sanctuary will provide a drop-in haven for clients seeking respite from everyday stressors.

Street signs. Several friends tell us that many of our local streets are not named at both ends. At intersections signs are sometimes on the opposite side of the road or behind trees. Driving is hazardous without having to look right as well as left before you turn into a street you are travelling to.

After 45 years carving out a stellar career behind the scenes of New Zealand fashion, it is most definitely local designer Paul Chaplin’s time to shine. Preferring to allow his work to speak for itself, the self-effacing creative talent launched his eponymous label last September.

Many locals love Bob & Friends, the store on Ponsonby Road which sells an eclectic range of homewares. They are now located near the Three Lamps end of the strip. Ron, the owner, would love to show you his new store. (MARTIN LEACH)  PN

Seriously committed to your best possible outcome

MATT & RYAN

N 1 IN GREY LYNN *

“The house went to market on a Thursday and by Sunday Matt & Ryan had three offers for us, the best of which was above asking and we accepted it. We would unreservedly recommend Team Matt & Ryan to any sellers”

William & Meg - Westmere

Matt O’Rourke 021 375 909

m.orourke@barfoot.co.nz Ryan Harding 021 621 580

r.harding@barfoot.co.nz

OUR CONTRIBUTORS IT’S A TEAM EFFORT... WE COULDN’T DO IT WITHOUT OUR CONTRIBUTORS

CONNOR CRAWFORD

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

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

DAVID HARTNELL - MNZM

For the last 53 years I’ve been a freelance entertainment journalist and author. I’ve lived in the Grey Lynn area for nearly three decades; I have met and interviewed some amazing people. KERRY LEE

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

FINN MCLENNAN-ELLIOTT

I work as a booker, promoter and festival programmer. Active in all areas of the music community; folk music is my specialty. LUCY KENNEDY

I am a young local writer who loves to read! Each month you will find my reviews of new books for people who love to read as much as I do.

HONOUR MITCHELL

I have lived in the Ponsonby area all of my life. I write the column ‘Teen Picks’ which explores everything on offer in the greater Ponsonby area. PHIL PARKER

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

HELENE RAVLICH

A freelance writer and copywriter for almost 20 years, I have written for publications all over the world and couldn’t imagine myself in any other job. PIPPA COOM

I am Councillor for Waitemata and Gulf Ward on Auckland Council. Formerly, Chair Waitemata Local Board.

JOHN APPLETON

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

I have had a wanderlust for travel ever since I was old enough to own a passport. Since I discovered cruising, I have become unstoppable.

JOHN ELLIOTT

I am the founder of Ponsonby News and write for the magazine. My career has included politics, education and publishing. My interests include the environment, the economy and social justice. SOFIA ROGER WILLIAMS

A vegan for over a year and vegetarian for over seven years with a passion for writing. I am a local student reviewing some of Ponsonby’s best vegan eats.