18 minute read
DAVID HARTNELL: ONE MINUTE INTERVIEW
LOCAL NEWS DAVID HARTNELL: ONE MINUTE INTERVIEW WITH KERI ROPATI
Keri Ropati, who works for Ray White says, when selling, auctions are still the way to go. In my 'One Minute Interview' this month she opens up about her private life.
Tell us about your job. My job is about connecting people and property.
What’s the best thing about where you live? I live in Westmere where I can see the sea all the time when running, driving or walking my hood - the sea is calming to me. I was born in Ponsonby, my Dad played league for the Ponsonby Ponies, my mum and dad both worked locally. The Ponsonby area is my home.
How have you survived the pandemic and has it changed your life? Like everyone I found the pandemic tough. Lockdowns and restrictions sucked and I am very very glad we are back to almost normal.
What was your childhood like? My childhood was fantastic. Although my parents separated when I was young, my mum remarried the most amazing man and we spent time being brought up on an orchard in Oratia. There were lots of adventures and fun.
I will die happy if... my sons are happy.
Which TV series would you never miss? ‘Friends’ is my all time favourite... it always makes me laugh.
What’s on your bucket list? To buy a beach home for all my family to enjoy.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years? Living between my home in Westmere and my family beach home - maybe some grandchildren - with my sons around me - enjoying the simple things.
What job would you do other than your own? I am a real connector. I love matching people to their dreams and goals, be it in property or people... maybe a matchmaker.
If they were to make a movie about your life, who would you like to play you? Sandra Bullock.
If you were reincarnated what would you be? My dogs - they have the best life.
What do you most dislike about your appearance? Hmmmm - I've learnt to love it over the years. There's nothing really. It all serves me really well - I am lucky.
Do you read movie or TV reviews and would they sway your thought? Not really.
How would you like to be remembered by your friends and family? As fun with lots of laughter.
What do you love most about your age? Acceptance of myself.
What’s something that you really disapprove of? Drinking and driving.
Describe one of your biggest disappointments. When Michael Jackson died - I was absolutely gutted.
What do you think happens when we die? We are resting, free from all pain and worry, in a happy place.
What's the best movie you've ever seen? 'Shawshank Redemption' - Love the part of the character Andy Dufresne - he was so chilled and clever.
Give your teenaged self some advice. Trust your gut, and move on if someone or something hurts or lets you down - first time more fool them, second time more fool me. Set boundaries and stick to them.
How do you chill out? Reading, laying in the sun, walking my dogs, the beach.
Which item of clothing can't you live without? My Doc Marten boots.
Your favorite time of the day? The morning. I go to the gym every morning at 6.15am. I love my drive in, with my coffee and listen to Coast.
Tell us about your dream home. I'm building it now - small country style with swimming pool, sunny and warm.
What are you insecure about? Honestly, now nothing. If you had asked me that 10 or 15 years ago I could have filled up an A4 page - ageing has lots of advantages.
Tell us something very few people know about you. I am extremely sensitive. (DAVID HARTNELL, MNZM) PN
CONTINUED FROM P8
VOTING MATTERS Local government matters! It matters more than you can imagine.
Every decision council makes affects our life, our liberty, freedom of movement, the value of homes, the quality of beaches, the preservation of local heritage, the cost of community halls, the protection of significant trees, parks, reserves and native birds.
Which is why it's so important to vote in the local body elections coming up this October. But who to vote for? It's at this time of civic duty that I get lots of queries from neighbours, customers and aquaintances on just that, "Who do I vote for?"
As Bruce Cotterill outlined in his recent opinion piece in the New Zealand Herald, titled, Auckland's council is out of its depth and out of money, the consequences of voting people in based on their visiibility can be disastrous. Business owners in the West Lynn shops know all too well the damage done to their livelihood by bad design and the remediation that creates more problems than it solves.
People ask me who to vote for because they are short of time yet desire to participate in the democractic process.
I have spent a lot of time observing local government and engaging with the diverse characters involved, so I'm happy to share my analysis. Essentially it's what people stand for that is important. There are seven brave councillors who deserve our vote for challenging many budget decisions made by the outgoing mayor Phil Goff. They are John Watson, Chris Fletcher, Sharon Stewart, Wayne Walker, Greg Sayers, Daniel Newman, and Tracy Mulholland.
It will be glaringly obvious that our own Waitematā local councillor Pippa Coom is not on the ‘Who to vote for’ list. This is because she has failed to represent the community, choosing instead to push her own agenda and that of numerous lobby groups.
Here in the Western Bays, Coom and the local community board paid lip service to climate change when they signed the warrant to clear fell the Western Springs native forest in order to build a bike loop track. To this I say give 'em all the sack!
This year you must make time to vote, vote to change the status quo, vote for better governance. Vote for people who will truly represent your wishes.
Lisa Prager, Community Advocate
MY DESIGN FOR 50 CAR PARKS FOR MEOLA REEF DOG WALKERS Auckland Transport had their usual vague, ‘Have You Say’, on Meola Road cycleway that didn’t reach all the users of this arterial road connecting the city to the Western Motorway, or the dog walkers. The new pay car park across the road next to MOTAT’s Aviation Hall has been designed for the ‘Precinct’ - TAPAC, Western Springs College and MOTAT, with the tram connection to their main facility and drop off to the Zoo and Western Springs Lakeside Park. It is also likely to be full of sports field users who come from all over Auckland to play soccer.
Most importantly is the Health and Safety issue in crossing the busy road with excited dogs wanting to go ‘walkies’...it is just too far away.
The new MOTAT car park is only going to be accessible from Motions Road, and not Meola Road according to MOTAT’s website.
The sensible solution is to create more car parks at the dog walking park.
By extending the existing asphalt area to the large tree and another metre at the right hand side, the area would be big enough to double the number of car parks. Approximately, 30 car parks could be developed in the grass area to the right of the current entry. The cycleway could pass on the northern side in front and a backing behind would ensure safe merging into the road traffic.
I’ve come up with a design that could cost somewhere around $180,000. This is a guesstimate based on $180/sq m of asphalt at the ‘going rate’. The 30 off-street car parks could be gravel for more permeability and lower cost, even if that is temporary.
After all the ratepayer funds Auckland Transport have spent on trials and badly designed cycleways that have required remedy and cutting down of 20 large mature trees on Meola Road, to move the road over to southern side, the least they could do is cater for dog walkers who come from miles away to use this off-leash park!
Waitematā Local Board has ‘egg on its face’ regarding destroying 15,000 natives at Western Springs at a cost of nearly $2 million and now throwing another $121,000 for a track to be used by far fewer than the number of dog walkers using this park.
And if the rumours are true that the Tūpuna Maunga Authority are planning to ban dog walking from all 14 maunga, then this park will be even more popular and this car park critical.
If only they would adopt my idea and build this car park for dog walkers.
Gael Baldock, Community Advocate
GARDEN TOOLS - REPAIR CAFE FIX IT OR DONATE IT
Matariki is a time for remembering those who have passed on, resetting our calendar, celebrating the year gone by, and spending time with whānau, friends, and strangers alike.
In celebration of the first national recognition of Matariki, Uru Whakaaro, in conjunction with Para Kore Ki Tāmaki and Repair Café Aotearoa, hosted their first community repair café on 25 June at 143 Williamson Ave, Grey Lynn.
From 9.30am - 2pm we welcomed the local community to bring along their old garden tools that were in need of repair or sharpening or that could be donated. We offered space to learn how to maintain gardening tools for future use and our skilled kai mahi happily sharpened shovels, spades, pitchforks and secateurs, so the Grey Lynn community could bring in the New Year with fresh crops and the agency that maintenance knowledge brings while exercising our right to repair.
All donated tools will be gifted to both Kura and Marae alike, giving those who need the tools the most, the opportunity to learn hands on how to grow their own seasonal kai. All tool donations received a free coffee voucher from Josy Café next door.
We asked locals not to bring any mechanical tools such as lawn mowers or chainsaws, as we do not have the capacity to fix these items adequately, however, tools such as shovels with missing handles or secateurs with a missing hinge joint were welcomed and appreciated greatly. We enjoyed meeting people again, kanohi ki te kanohi, and rescuing tools that would have otherwise been inactive, collecting dust, in the back of the garage or ending up in landfill. PN
www.facebook.com/RepairCafeNZ
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OUR CONTRIBUTORS IT’S A TEAM EFFORT... WE COULDN’T DO IT WITHOUT OUR CONTRIBUTORS
CONNOR CRAWFORD
I am a working artist and photographer with a colourful and rhythmic perspective. I enjoy shooting the front covers of Ponsonby News.
DAVID HARTNELL - MNZM
For the last 53 years I’ve been a freelance entertainment journalist and author. I’ve lived in the Grey Lynn area for nearly three decades; I have met and interviewed some amazing people.
FINN MCLENNAN-ELLIOTT
I work as a booker, promoter and festival programmer. Active in all areas of the music community; folk music is my specialty. KEN RING
My yearly NZ Weather Almanacs began in 1999. During the tragic 2011 Christchurch earthquakes, my work created international interest. I currently live in Ponsonby.
KERRY LEE
I’ve been a freelance writer for a year now, and what I love most are the wonderful people I’ve meet along the way. #best job.
LUCY KENNEDY
I am a young local writer who loves to read! Each month you will find my reviews of new books for people who love to read as much as I do.
HONOUR MITCHELL
I have lived in the Ponsonby area all of my life. I write the column ‘Teen Picks’ which explores everything on offer in the greater Ponsonby area. PHIL PARKER
Journalist and published author, I have had a career involving both wine writing and hosting boutique wine tours in the Auckland region.
HELENE RAVLICH
A freelance writer and copywriter for almost 20 years, I have written for publications all over the world and couldn’t imagine myself in any other job. PIPPA COOM
I am Councillor for Waitemata and Gulf Ward on Auckland Council. Formerly, Chair Waitemata Local Board.
JOHN APPLETON
I have a keen interest in nutritional medicine and how it may be used to support people with chronic illnesses. ROSS THORBY
I have had a wanderlust for travel ever since I was old enough to own a passport. Since I discovered cruising, I have become unstoppable.
JOHN ELLIOTT
I am the founder of Ponsonby News and write for the magazine. My career has included politics, education and publishing. My interests include the environment, the economy and social justice. SOFIA ROGER WILLIAMS
A vegan for over a year and vegetarian for over seven years with a passion for writing. I am a local student reviewing some of Ponsonby’s best vegan eats.
skin by chelsea
Chelsea has spent over a decade working in the biggest cosmetic companies in the country. Solving her own hormonally imbalanced skin inspired her to explore a more ethical holistic alternative to skincare and guided her intuition to help others suffering with inflammatory skin disorders. Getting a monthly facial is a healthy way to maintain skin health, address any rising concerns and check in with your selfcare. Her TOUCH & TECH signature facials are individually designed with botanical skincare using modern technology and ancient massage techniques to enhance a balance to your skin. She is now offering her skin therapy expertise and education by appointment only to her clients in the Villa at 37 Jervois Road, Ponsonby. $20 off your treatment when booking online Use the discount code: ponsonbynews
NEWS FROM PONSONBY COMMUNITY CENTRE
Ponsy Kids Community Preschool is a not-for-profit preschool and is part of the Ponsonby Community Centre in Ponsonby Terrace, Three Lamps.
We have session times available now for tamariki aged two years to five years. Ponsy Kids has high teacher/child ratios, with four qualified teachers and a teacher aide providing a nurturing and educational learning environment for our children.
We are proud to have long term and dedicated teachers, some have been with us for more than a decade! Building strong relationships with our families and the community is very important to us. Being community based and non-profit means the aspirations and needs of the families in our community come first. Our teaching philosophy is based on extending children’s learning through their individual and group interests. Ponsy Kids also offers 20 Hours ECE for three to five year old children.
Please contact our admin Josie Craib-Scott on T: 09 376 0896 or email admin@ponsykids.org.nz so we can send you more information and arrange a visit. PN
Check our facebook page for events - @ponsycommunity www.ponsonbycommunity.org.nz T: 09 378 1752, E: info@ponsonbycommunity.org.nz
Sessions available for tamariki aged 2-5yrs!
email admin@ponsykids.org.nz or phone us on 376 0896
A t P o n s y K i d s C o m m n i t y P r e s c h o o l , c h i l d r e n a n d t h e i r f a m i l i e s a r e a t t h e h e a r t o f e v e r y t h i n g w e d o . . .
AN OPINION I have noted a disturbing trend in our local politicians, exemplified by our councillor Pippa Coom and MP for Auckland Chlöe Swarbrick's latest writings in Ponsonby News.
It’s the disease of safe political strategising; sticking to safe topics and avoiding confrontation, opposition, controversy and conflict. Unfortunately, by doing so, they are not part of the solution but the problem. It is an ideology that avoids getting entangled in vote-losing divisive political issues or biting the hand that feeds you. But leadership does require a foray into messy Auckland realities, now more than ever.
It's also a fundamental requirement of the job; to represent us at the highest levels and be our independent voice at the table critiquing, reviewing, commenting and at times criticising power with its deceptions, inefficiencies and failures. It is a massive job requiring the distillation of complex issues into a form that allows citizens to access the issues and feel part of their city's truth and governance. 'Blue-sky' generalisations with a few statistics and references to unreadable plans don't cut it.
Don't get me wrong; I am an avid bike rider and agree wholeheartedly with Pippa Coom's promotion of the cycling and micro mobility network. Likewise: Food as a human right, the national strategy on waste, the emissions reductions plan, and the Hansard records of Parliamentary debates, as Chlöe Swarbrick presents, form critical scaffolding of our nation's governance. But as frameworks passed over, it was reduced to political posturing and became meaningless.
Chlöe, under article 25 of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, of which Aotearoa-New Zealand is a signatory, food is already a human right. Do you really expect readers to look back at December 2021 hansard records of parliamentary debates to update ourselves on supplementary order papers? You appeared AWOL from pandemic Auckland in 2021 and completely ignored how tertiary students and Auckland businesses fell through the pandemic economic support net, and continue to do so. Are those hansard debate records more to prove where you were in 2021?
As representatives of our city, locally and nationally, we expect our local and national political representatives to battle for us on critical issues affecting our city. This is done because you have voted-in authority to ask hard, sometimes uncomfortable questions and represent us in the messy world of effective governance.
I was horrified by Chlöe's naive statement, “planning rules do not force anyone to do anything with their properties”.
What happens when you have someone's kitchen looking into your bedroom, or when you lose the light on your property and look at a concrete wall instead of the vista you had? In Ponsonby everyone has been digging car parking into their properties, because of developments without car parking. Reading both our councillor and MP's comforting missals, you could forget we are in a pandemic, that our inner city streets are deserted unsafe places to walk at night, and that we are experiencing unprecedented gun violence and ram raids in our city. You might forget that half of the central city feels like a builder's site and the other half a threatening empty cavernous wasteland.
While we all wait for another billion dollar bailout for the rail tunnel that never finishes, we have empty shops, a crisis in the cost of living and shameful numbers still living on the streets with addiction, mental health and other issues. Where is their voice on the light rail fiasco, the empty buses, and the amateurish Ports of Auckland's $65 million failed software write-off? Where is the challenge to the council on behalf of us all for the lack of graffiti removal? Is graffiti removal part of cost-cutting for the almost one billion in recent lost council revenue?
Have you tried to get a response out of Auckland Transport lately? Last year Auckland's tree coalition asserted one thousand trees are felled in urban Auckland every week, with only 2000 Auckland trees listed as “notable”. Where is their stand on this? From my readings, sixty per cent of our city's trees currently remain unprotected on private land. Where does the threat of those tree removals sit within the perfect storm of rampant urban development heading our way and our cities climate change targets?
While it feels like our current mayor retired three years ago, Sir Dove-Myer Robinson, as our longest-serving mayor of 18 years, remains one of our most effective and inspiration Auckland politicians.
Sculptor Tobias Twiss depicted him, "with a fist in the air and coat slung casually over left arm. Both hands are clenched… this man means business". He was a politician of the citizens not the system, with Twiss capturing that in the atmosphere of Mayor Robbie holding his fist up to the previous Auckland City Council building.
Russell Hoban, Brown Street, Ponsonby.
PEARL’S HOROSCOPES My co-workers and I were disappointed to discover you had removed horoscopes from your last issue. Our team enjoys reading them out to each other and it’s become a tradition of sorts. Sadly there are no more Barkley Manor report cards either, which gave everyone a good chuckle too. Jasmine Skies, by email.
From the Editor: Many thanks for your email. Our colleague Pearl has been ill and has been unable to do her monthly horoscopes. But I know she will appreciate being missed! We are hoping she will be back as soon as she’s better. Like you we also miss the report cards from Barkley Manor. We are hoping they will also be back soon.
SHOP EAT DRINK
www.ponsonbynews.co.nz
