PONSONBY NEWS - JUNE'18

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PUBLISHED FRIDAY, 1 JUNE 2018

Established: OCTOBER 1989 – CELEBRATING 28 YEARS OF PUBLISHING HISTORY!

JUNE 2018 ponsonbynews.co.nz

SUSTAINABLE LIVING - ECOWARE MOVES TO PONSONBY Meet co-founders Alex Magaraggia & James Calver - P29

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SPRING IS COMING The Springs is a boutique development of 10 luxury townhouses on a prominent corner site in Grey Lynn. Located across the road from the beautiful Western Springs Park, your new home will be at the epicentre of everything you enjoy.

Featuring large modern interiors, quality materials and fittings, and unobstructed park views, this development is your opportunity to purchase a stunning home in the highly sought-after Grey Lynn area.

Spacious interiors with views out to Western Springs Park

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These homes are expected to sell quickly - get in touch today to secure your place.

Richard White 021 051 8404

Julie Davies 0275 299 109

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julie.davies@harcourts.co.nz

Generous kitchens with premium European appliances

ON-SITE SHOW SUITE: 1 BULLOCK TRACK, GREY LYNN open daily 12pm - 1pm

WHAT’S INSIDE THIS MONTH

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P35: Sustainable Living: Bread & Butter Bakery owner, Isabel Pasch seen here with her team of bakers, has been baking organic bread since 2010. P62: At the heart of the journey was a well-recognised disastrous consultation over providing a wider selection of transport options through the major thoroughfares of Richmond Road, Surrey Crescent, Old Mill and Garnet Roads.

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR FROM THE EDITOR DAVID HARTNELL: ONE MINUTE INTERVIEW PIPPA COOM: WAITEMATA LOCAL BOARD MIKE LEE, COUNCILLOR FOR WAITEMATA & GULF JOHN ELLIOTT: LOCAL NEWS U3A PONSONBY HELEN WHITE: LABOUR AUCKLAND

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NIKKI KAYE: AUCKLAND CENTRAL MP SUSTAINABLE LIVING HEIDI PADAIN: ENTERTAINMENT IN YOUR GARDEN EAT DRINK & BE MERRY VEG FRIENDLY: GARY STEEL PONSONBY NEWS READERS ARE EVERYWHERE FASHION + STYLE ANGELA LASSIG: LETTERS FROM MAUDI

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PONSONBY NEWS+ is published monthly, excluding January by ALCHEMY MEDIA LIMITED LIM 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 Manager Advertising Sales Operations Manager Contributing Music Editor Contributing Editor Proof Readers Layout Designer Designer

LIVING, THINKING & BEING HELENE RAVLICH: LOCAL BEAUTY JOHN APPLETON ON HEALTH FUTURE GENERATION PONSONBY PETS HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS ARTS + CULTURE PONSONBY PINK PAGES

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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 MELISSA PAYNTER; M: 027 938 4111; E: melissa@ponsonbynews.co.nz GWYNNE DAVENPORT; M: 021 150 4095; E: gwynne@ponsonbynews.co.nz FINN MCLENNAN-ELLIOTT; M: 021 134 4101; E: finn.huia@gmail.com JOHN ELLIOTT; M: 021 879 054; E: johnelliott@ihug.co.nz JESSIE KOLLEN and DEIRDRE THURSTON ARNA MARTIN; E: arna@cocodesign.co.nz MELISSA PAYNTER; E: melissa@ponsonbynews.co.nz

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The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

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LETTERS + EMAILS DECEASED CAT FOUND - RICHMOND ROAD AREA There must be a cat owner out there somewhere in Grey Lynn wondering what has happened to their pet.

Does Ms Grace look forward to her inevitable rates increases (well over the CPI) and new taxes, that will be required to support the 4500 cyclists who will ride into central Auckland to and from work by the end of the decade?

Sadly, a large grey and white cat was run over on Richmond Road near the intersection with Warnock Street on Saturday, weekend 5 May. It was left on the grass verge. As the cat wasn’t collected, we buried it in our garden. We wanted to try and reach the owners and are very relieved Ponsonby News has helped spread this sad news. Hopefully we restored some dignity to the cat, whosever it was.

As Ms Grace will have noted in the council’s so-called business case requesting $635 million for cycling lanes, the council has targeted 4500 cyclists, cycling to and from the CBD each day, as their 'measure of success' - which means that, assuming they succeed in getting to the target (which I very much doubt) then, the $635 million they are proposing to spend will have cost $141,111.10 per cyclist.

If the owner wants to get in touch, please text Nick on 0274 490 041.

Amokura & Nick, Grey Lynn

I strongly believe the $635 million (if it must be spent), would be much better spent on speeding up Auckland’s public and private traffic capability rather than slow it down through inserting cycle lanes that will remain unused by the vast majority of Aucklanders, on already clogged and almost stationary arterial roads. (Check out Lake Road in Belmont if you really need an example of how a totally useless cycle lane has ruined the lives of all who try to get to and from Devonport).

EAT, DRINK AND BE MERRY Wow... your last issue’s cover was certainly striking! My husband and I enjoyed reading about some of the local restaurants. We have a date night every month and we always like to try different places. Thanks for the heads up.

Sue Cheshire, Grey Lynn MORE ON CYCLING AND CYCLEWAYS I enjoyed reading Barbara Grace’s response to my recent letters to Ponsonby News, despite the obvious issues with tautology and her misunderstanding of the importance of data and supporting evidence, rather than just ideology, in making business decisions.

I do think it is important that we all share and understand others’ views. However, in Ms Grace’s case, she seems to think that just because she has been riding a bike in Auckland unscathed for 36 years that this ensures she is an expert in how to best dispose of $635 million ratepayers', hard-earned money.

In 1982 when Ms Grace started cycling, the Auckland Central population was somewhere between 285,000 and 290,000. http://www.greaterauckland.org.nz/ wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Central-Aucklands-Population-v2.png Now the Auckland population is close to 527,500.

(Ref: http://population.city/new-zealand/central-auckland/).

I am assuming that Ms Grace rides to and from central Auckland and the CBD each day, as she notes that she is having “no problems” with cycling.

That is fantastic. It is interesting that the years of cycling experience have ensured she learned how to ride safely without the benefit of expensive cycle lanes all over Auckland.

That being the case, why are the other 527,499 residents having to pay for all the new cycling lanes that she clearly hasn’t needed over the last 36 years? And which will not be used in the next 36 years.

If it is purely because of the explosion in Auckland population, then perhaps that is where we should start trying the address the issues of congestion.

The redirection of those monies into public transport options that will allow Ms Grace and the other 527,499 residents to get to work, school, community activities, etc, faster and safer is the obvious solution - not more unused cycle lanes.

When Ms Grace finally gets to retirement, in approximately 20 years, (given the rates and tax increases she will have to pay from her 'disposable income'), I do hope she continues to enjoy her cycling - even if it is not to and from her current work place in central Auckland.

Ms Grace, perhaps you could pass on my kindest regards to your friend Ms Coom. It would be interesting to hear her views directly, rather than from your pen.

Roger Hawkins, Herne Bay THE PASSING OF COLIN MEO It was with sadness we read your obituary of Colin Meo. He was far more than a real estate agent and mentor. He was a friend to many and was generous with his time. In our experience, he honoured every deal and you could enjoy a really good argument and nothing personal was ever taken from it. He was one of Ponsonby’s real characters and will be sorely missed.

Sally and I had the last few weeks of April and first couple of May in Ponsonby. It was great to be back catching up with old friends, reading the Ponsonby News in local cafes and enjoying Ponsonby for what it has to offer.

The benefits of the America's Cup will start to have a positive impact on Auckland and Ponsonby from this coming summer onwards. We wonder if Ponsonby or even Auckland is ready for this event. In Ponsonby we noted the reduction of tellers in the local bank branches. This is a mistake. We know from our experience that travellers require more services from tellers than locals. The Ponsonby pavements seemed to have more holes and were more uneven. A great look for the world stage.

By severely limiting immigration, at least for a while, we will allow tax payers and ratepayers to 'catch up' with the infrastructure needs that successive governments have studiously ignored, while they allowed immigration into Auckland to continue unabated - all in the name of being able to tell the voters that the economy was growing, when in fact the earnings per head of population were static.

Before we left Ponsonby Terrace, Sally rang the council to get them to clean out the street drains which were full of leaf mould and silt. Eventually they came, dug it out and left it on the footpath. Last time we were there, the silt was still on the footpath with weeds growing in it and the drains had filled up again.

Taxpayers and ratepayers simply cannot keep being stung for rates and taxes that exceed the rate of inflation year on year - as they have been for the last 20 years.

The failure to extend the rail link to the airport before the America’s Cup is a black mark against the world’s most liveable city. After the inevitable shambles and negative reviews following the cup, the politicians may realise that Mike Lee was right.

Gerry Hill, Ponsonby

The approximate cost of roads in central Auckland runs at close to $1 million per kilometre.

Views in Ponsonby News reflect the authors’ and not those of Alchemy Media.

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FROM THE EDITOR Photography: Deirdre Thurston aka Annie Leibovitz

Criticisms of city intensification are not always well justified.

New local apartment complexes and commercial buildings are winning Auckland Architectural Awards for their designs.

We feature some of these in this issue.

About 500 Monterey pines were planted in Western Springs in 1923. These pines have about a 100-year lifespan, so it is not surprising that many have died and we now have around 180 remaining. Thirty of which have been declared dead or dying by council -hired experts.

We know that there is some opposition to the removal of the remaining trees but the council is reluctant to close all walking tracks in the park until the last tree has fallen. As Wendy Gray says in her letter to the editor, several may emulate the example in the South Island where one Monterey pine is 159 years old. We think it would be irresponsible to keep our park closed for up to 50 years.

This month’s special feature is about sustainable living. We are delighted to report that two large and local businesses, Countdown Grey Lynn and Mitre10, are going plastic bag free. Ponsonby News strongly supports this move but understands that there are some questions about the compostability of the reusable bags being offered.

Grey Lynn 2030 produced its first ‘Trade to Trash’ competition showcase in collaboration with the Waitemata Local Board and the Grey Lynn and Kingsland Business Association.

It was a fabulous experience for all.

L to R: Gwynne Davenport, Joanne Barrett, Melissa Paynter, Martin Leach and Jay Platt We are pleased that John Elliott and I have heard from local veggie growers who agree that so much herbicide and pesticide is used on commercially grown vegetables that they are growing more and more in their own backyards. The next stage is for those home gardeners to swap excess veggies with their neighbours and friends.

Our front cover stars this month are the co-owners of Ecoware, producers of compostable packaging. They supply many local cafes including The Butcher’s Son, Five Loaves, FishSmith, Boy & Bird and Ripe Deli.

My colleague, John Elliott, attended a meeting sponsored by 350.org recently to hear an address by a co-founder of this organisation, American Bill McKibben. John subsequently met the New Zealand CEO, Niamh O’Flynn, who told him about the work done by mainly young volunteers in New Zealand. 350.org was excited when the Government announced the cessation of oil and gas drilling in New Zealand waters.

We are very proud of the success of vegan cheese producer Angel Food. Alice Shopland has come a long way since she launched her business in 2006. She now produces a dairy-free mozzarella and cheddar, which are her top sellers. She is about to launch a new feta and smoked cheese product.

If you are unhappy with Auckland Council contractors spraying weed killers like RoundUp (gylphosate) outside your property or around our parks and reserves, simply call 09 301 0101 for a spray free zone outside your house. Or get all the residents in your PN street to work together to make our community spray free. (MARTIN LEACH) F

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DAVID HARTNELL’S ONE MINUTE INTERVIEW Linda Stopforth and her husband Peter drove taxis for many years in the Grey Lynn Ponsonby area.

What are your memories of your mother living in Garnet Road?

I have many fond memories, but some stand out. They had a double section. The ‘orange grove’ was adjoining where we spent time picnicking and watching the children play. Across the road there was a dairy where, on a Saturday evening, my stepfather would purchase his 8 O'clock, and chocolate for the children. The wood factory was nearby and we spent many hours collecting pieces to make various items. They were handy to the zoo - a special treat - and buses into the city.

Tell us about your taxi driving days?

We were with Alert Taxis for 12 years, headquarters in College Hill, Ponsonby. I guess we were following in my dad's footsteps. He drove into his 80s. Our children were still at school, so we passed like ‘ships’ in the night. Me doing the day shift, and Peter nights. The weekends we both worked the night and made a killing. We had a lot of fun and driving in the city was so much easier during that time; congestion minimal. We loved it when people from the South Island or country towns would get into the car and we would weave in and out of the traffic. Not being used to traffic, which was nothing like today but different than their usual, they would be holding on for grim death. It was rather tame really and harmless fun Where is the road to nowhere in Grey Lynn?

Hadlow Terrace still exists. It is opposite Northland Street, off the Great North Road. Few people know of it, even people who have lived in the area since birth. It’s a dead-end road and a lot of people still live there, a trap for new players back in the day and very hard to find. The operators enjoyed testing new drivers giving them a job to pick up in this terrace. You went in and had to come out the same way taking care not to have a head-on collision in the process.

Who would play you in a movie?

Now that I’ve accepted my age, Helen Mirren. She’s gone grey and has the tattooed eyebrows like me.

Biggest disappointment?

That my mother died before she met her great-grandchildren. She would have been so proud of them.

Dream home?

With my husband of course, overlooking the sea or in the countryside but close enough to attend events like movies and theatre. It would have a toilet with a view.

What was the Bullock Track originally called?

Zena Road was the original name for the Bullock Track. We used to enjoy talking about Zena Road with new drivers confusing them. It’s been the Bullock Track for as long as I can remember.

Something people don’t know about you?

I have travelled across the world with my husband in our beloved Ski247 for 10 months crossing through 78 borders and visiting 48 countries. Drove from Jordan to Cape Town. Spent six months driving around and through Australia. I have four unpublished books written.

Die happy if?

Your children and grandchildren realise their dreams and live happily ever after. I just love ‘fairytale endings’.

A superpower you’d like?

I would love to fly, and not on a broomstick.

Favorite TV series?

Master Chef Australia. Watching the stress and competition and admiring the contestants how do they do that.

Bucket list?

Unfortunately, or fortunately depends how you look at it, ‘there is a hole in my bucket’ and when I ‘kick the bucket’, I will have fulfilled the list. In fact I have already; there is nothing on the bucket list. All ticked off.

See yourself in 10 years?

Sitting on the couch with a cuddly rug over my knees, with my darling at my side. Surrounded by our adult grandchildren and maybe some great-grandchildren. Wouldn’t that be nice? Or six feet under.

HELP MAKE AUCKLAND SPRAY FREE

10 PONSONBY NEWS+ June 2018

What cliché do you most hate?

Time heals all wounds (what rot). Time helps you deal with them better.

What gizmo can you not live without?

My hair thingy that straightens out the kinks.

Dream guests for a dinner party?

Michael Jackson, Freddie Mercury and Ed Sheeran. The music would be phenomenal, and a few special friends and family.

Change one law in New Zealand, what would it be?

Abolish the Maori roll. We are all equal, we have equal opportunity.

I don’t consider myself racist, so why have separate rolls?

PN (DAVID HARTNELL, MNZM) F

If you are unhappy with Auckland Council contractors spraying weeds on or near your property, simply ask the council to make your address spray free.

Please call

09 301 0101 and ask Auckland Council to add your property to the NO SPRAY list PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

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PIPPA COOM: WAITEMATA LOCAL BOARD REPORT You could be forgiven for having 'consultation fatigue' after the recent Have Your Say events, but it was hugely beneficial for the Waitemata Local Board, with almost 1500 submissions on the 10-year budget and local priorities.

I found reading the feedback really worthwhile because it provides an insight into what is top of mind in the community and where you agree with us - or not. There is a high level of awareness of the issues facing Auckland and a desire to see some real progress. It was encouraging to receive overall positive feedback, generally confirming we are headed in the right direction. Almost threequarters of submissions supported the regional fuel tax, with a call for the additional funding to be directed towards public transport and active travel.

There was 81% support for the targeted rate to stop sewage going into the Waitemata Harbour to reverse years of under investment.

Your environmental concern was also seen in 69% support for the natural environment targeted rate.

The Mayor’s proposal to keep average rates increases at a 2.5% received 63% support. You also gave your Local Board’s priorities for the next year a combined 83% support or partial support, which was hugely gratifying. We will know by the end of May whether the development of 254 Ponsonby Road ('Ponsonby Park'), the Local Board’s priority capital project, will receive funding in council’s budget.

the Waste Management and Minimisation Plan hearing early in May. There was strong community support for ramping up approaches to reducing waste and looking at waste as a resource such as working with Central Government to introduce product stewardship and container deposit schemes.

The monkey bars are back!

When the bars went as part of a Grey Lynn Park playground upgrade, then eight-year-olds Ila and Jaya Patel were not impressed. Organising a petition, they presented it to Mt Albert MP, and now Prime Minster, Jacinda Ardern at a Grey Lynn Primary School assembly I was at with my colleague, Adriana Avendano Christie.

The ‘bring back monkey bars’ petition attracted 210 signatures and the girls, who are now nine, also spoke at a board meeting. We were delighted to fund monkey bars that still fit the overall playground design for smaller children, but which the girls have found a good height for the tricks they enjoy. Democracy in action. Congratulations to Ila and Jaya, and to all of you who shared your passions for PN Waitemata. (PIPPA COOM) F

What was also helpful was the trouble so many of you took to point out other areas where you think we can do more. There was support for additional Auckland Art Gallery and arts funding, for Victoria Quarter city centre improvements, for the Vision Zero approach to road safety to be included in the Auckland Plan 2050, and requests to better prioritise pedestrians.

Another strong theme was around homelessness, with calls for more support. We are looking at improving city centre public facilities such as toilets, showers and lockers, and would like the governing body to include in the 10-year budget financial support for Auckland City Mission’s HomeGround project on Hobson Street.

The waste plan was also consulted on, and received 130 submissions, with your views presented as part of the Local Board’s feedback at

Jaya and Ila Patel on the new monkey bars in Grey Lynn Park

Contact Pippa Coom, Chair of Waitamata Local Board, pippa.coom@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz, www.facebook.com/waitemata

Monkey bars petition presented at Grey Lynn school March 2017

12 PONSONBY NEWS+ June 2018

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

LOCAL NEWS A new dining experience.

Now open evenings.

551 Richmond Road, Grey Lynn Monday: Closed Tues-Friday: 10-late Saturday: 8-late Sunday: 8-2

OUT AND ABOUT

Last month's re-opening of Richmond Road Medical Centre attended by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern who planted a native tree in the front garden.

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

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13

MIKE LEE: COUNCILLOR FOR WAITEMATA & GULF

Trams to Auckland Airport - is this really a super idea?

I was as intrigued, as most, when Transport Minister Phil Twyford announced the NZ Superannuation Fund’s interest in building, owning and operating the minister’s favoured light rail project - costed provisionally at $6 billion for two lines.

As we know, one of these will link Auckland International Airport with the central city via Dominion Road and the other will service the Minister’s Te Atatu electorate, eventually extending to Kumeu.

One can only conclude that the Super Fund’s reported eagerness to invest in a public-private partnership (PPP) for this project means PPPs are as lucrative as their critics have long been saying - that is from the ‘private’ partner’s perspective. And it’s that role, ironically, that the Crown-owned Super Fund is evidently planning for itself.

‘Privatise the profits - socialise the losses’ is the name of the game.

But any profit must come at the expense of the ‘public’ partner.

That’s us - the ratepayers, taxpayers, fuel tax-paying motorists and fare-paying passengers, in other words the people of Auckland - and New Zealand. But I thought the public were meant to be the beneficiaries of the NZ Superannuation Fund - not its fall guys. I trust the Government is getting good advice on this proposal because the worry is that when it comes to choice of rail mode to the airport, it clearly doesn’t have good advice at all.

Opting for widely criticised light rail (trams) instead of heavy rail (trains) to the airport is a very high-risk call; one taken on dubious technical advice and without a business case. It is also out of line with international best practice. Getting the NZ Super Fund to build it would mean the Government doubling down on a deeply flawed strategy.

Leaving to one side the tramline to Te Atatu, let’s look once again at the pros and cons of light rail to the airport. To be fair, light rail has the benefit of being a versatile and efficient form of public transport. Modern trams can service busy inner city streets like buses, (‘street car’ mode), but can carry many more people (11,000 per hour) and in greater comfort than diesel buses (2500 per hour).

Trams are great people movers, based on frequent stops, usually conveniently spaced at 350m to 800m apart. (Ideal for the inner city and waterfront).

On the other hand electric trains (EMUs) can carry even more people (48,000 per hour) and go much faster than street-running trams.

This is not just due to the superior power of EMUs, train stations tend to be spaced more widely apart, between one to three kilometres.

The latest plan I have seen for a heavy rail connection from the airport via Puhinui to Britomart (journey time 30 minutes and costed

at $750m) has it stopping at only two stations but providing cross -platform connections to the rest of the suburban network - from Henderson to Pukekohe.

In contrast the 22.8km airport-Dominion Road-Britomart tramline will have 18 stops. It will be at very best 15-minutes slower than the train but, due to traffic conditions, much less predictable. From the user’s point of view (overlooked as always), weary international travellers, with their baggage, probably strap-hanging, through multiple tram stops to reach their central city hotels on a crowded tram would not be an ideal prospect. Even less so in the case of travellers, going the other way, anxious to get to the airport on time to make their flights.

When I visited Queensland’s Gold Coast a couple of years ago to inspect its brand new tramline, the managers emphasised to me one of their key ‘learnings’: light rail means ‘mass transit’ - not ‘rapid transit’. This is a fundamental point for ‘horses for courses’ mode decisions; one that both Minister Phil Twyford and Mayor Phil Goff worryingly still don’t understand.

So the key question, one that the cocksure politicians have overlooked in pushing their trophy project, is, will a slow tram journey between the central city and airport provide genuine competition to the private car and therefore combat growing traffic congestion?

Because it is for this key reason, based on speed, capacity and predictability of journey time, that Melbourne which has the biggest and most sophisticated light rail system in the world, will not be using trams for its airport connection, but trains.

Phil Twyford proudly boasts his light rail scheme is "the biggest transport project in New Zealand’s history", yet it will only service a comparative handful of Auckland suburbs. Is that really the smartest use of $6 billion of public money?

One of the most worrying aspects of this decision, besides the lack of rigour and contestable advice backing it, is the remarkable unwillingness by both minister and mayor to even acknowledge, let alone learn, from overseas experience. This will be a hugely expensive, technically challenging project. The stakes are high. If things go wrong, the fallout will not only do lasting damage to the Government, but could also financially cripple the ‘Super City’.

PN (MIKE LEE) F Mike Lee is the Auckland Councillor for Waitemata & Gulf Ward, www.mikelee.co.nz

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JOHN ELLIOTT: LOCAL NEWS

10-Year Budget and Auckland Plan 2050 Auckland Council received over 26,000 submissions on its 10-year plan, more than 1500 of them from the Waitemata Local Board area.

The council sought specific answers to questions on a regional fuel tax, a targeted rate to clean up our polluted beaches, a two option targeted protection of the environment, general rates' increases of 2.5% for two years and 3.5% for the following eight years, and a tax on Airbnb properties. Council also asked everyone to say whether Auckland was ‘on the right track with our priorities’.

I would have thought that the council will be relatively pleased with the responses it received. They were generally supportive of council proposals.

The main divide was between urban and rural Auckland. There is work to do to persuade those on the outer fringes of Auckland, like Franklin, Rodney and Upper Harbour that they should contribute to the planned rate and tax increases. The results of the major questions was as follows: A Regional Fuel Tax - the council explained that this tax was to improve our transport system, speed up traffic, move freight more easily and cut pollution.

Result: Support 46%; Oppose 48%.

Support was highest in our ward, Waitemata - Support 72%; Oppose 21%. Support was lowest in Rodney 35%; Oppose 56%.

Franklin - Support 40%; Oppose 52% and Papakura Support 37%, Oppose 56%.

Targeted Rate to Protect the Environment - Support at $21 per year 21% - at $47 per year; 30%; Oppose 36%.

All wards gave overall support for environmental protection, with once again Waitemata giving the highest approval rating of 49% for the $47 per year rate. Perhaps affluence in our ward affected that result to some extent.

General rate increase 2.5% for two years and 3.5% for the next eight years.

Support 44%; Oppose 46%. Once again support was highest in Waitemata 63% and lowest in Rodney 37% with 52% opposed.

Franklin, too, had more opposed than for - 42% to 44%.

Finally, a proposal to tax Airbnb properties under certain conditions resulted in strong support for the council’s plans - all board areas supported such a tax. On the overall question ‘are we on the right track?’ only Rodney said no, while there was far from strong support in Franklin and Devonport/Takapuna.

Many respondents sat on the fence and gave ‘partial support’ to some plans. One question to ponder on, is to ask what sort of people respond to a ‘Have a Say’ like this. Do the responses reflect a general feeling of overall Auckland attitudes, are responses more likely to come from aggrieved citizens, or are they more likely to come from satisfied punters?

One could conclude from those results that the rural parts of the city don’t want to know about congestion and pollution in the central city.

Colmar Brunton may have part of that answer. It conducted a poll of the above questions for Auckland Council, and the results are broadly in line with the written responses analysed above.

Targeted Rate to Clean Up Harbours, Beaches and Streams - Support 61%; Oppose 33%. Nearly two thirds support that gives council a strong mandate for a clean up.

Regional Fuel Tax - Support 52%; Oppose 43%.

Water Quality Improvement tax - Support 60%; Oppose 35%.

Environment Targeted Rate - $21 33% $47 33% Oppose 32%.

While Waitemata Local Board respondents were most in favour - Support 81%; Oppose 14%, even Rodney was in favour Support 54%; Oppose 37%.

Whatever the council makes of all of this, one thing is certain - we will all have to dig a little deeper in the next few years, and some will PN find this tough. Money does not grow on trees. (JOHN ELLIOTT) F

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16 PONSONBY NEWS+ June 2018

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

LOCAL NEWS CHANGING OF THE GUARD: SID AND CHAND SAHRAWAT ACQUIRE THE FRENCH CAFÉ Big changes also on the cards for Sidart in Ponsonby!

Leading New Zealand restaurateurs Sid and Chand Sahrawat are about to add another iconic restaurant to their stable, with their acquisition of famed Auckland establishment, The French Café.

The Sahrawats will take over The French Café from current owners Simon Wright and Creghan Molloy-Wright in September, when it will be renamed Sid at The French Café.

Their procurement of this Auckland dining institution comes hot on the heels of the couple sweeping the board at the 2018 Metro Restaurant of the Year Awards, where their restaurants Sidart and Cassia won the Supreme Award and runner-up for Restaurant of the Year, respectively.

Sid and Chand say they’re thrilled to be taking over The French Café legacy, adding that the restaurant holds a particularly special place in their hearts. photography: Aaron McLean

“Chand and I had our very first formal dining date at The French Café more than 15 years ago,” Sid says.

“The meal we had on that occasion was spectacular - so much so, it inspired me to create the style of food I produce today.

“We’ve long had a deep love of The French Café, so to now be taking over its reins is a really exciting step for our business.”

Chand & Sid Sahrawat, Simon Wright & Creghan Molloy-Wright

Chand says she and her husband are aware they’re about to become the caretakers of a legacy that Simon and Creghan have created through their passion, attention to detail and hard work.

From September, Sid will be at the helm of all three of his restaurants - Sidart, Cassia and Sid at The French Café - with support from Chand and their award-winning team of chefs, kitchen and front of house staff.

“With our previous restaurants, Sidart and Cassia, we’ve always started from scratch,” Chand says.

Sid will initially focus on the transition of Sid at The French Café, before eventually splitting his time between the trio of restaurants.

Lesley Chandra, currently research and development chef for Sidart, will assume the role of head chef at Sid at The French Café.

“In taking over The French Café, we have inherited a beautiful restaurant with a rich history and we’re going to work really hard to continue the amazing legacy.”

Meanwhile, Simon and Creghan say they have been considering a lifestyle change to focus on their family and start planning their next exciting venture.

But first the couple wanted to ensure they found the right people to take over their labour of love at The French Café. And they believe they’ve found those people.

“When Sid and Chand expressed their interest to take over The French Café, it made us wonder if in fact it was time to try something new.

It’s been the biggest decision of our lives - there are very few people that would put in as much love as we have, but we feel confident that they will,” says Creghan “Most of all,” adds Simon, “Sid and Chand share so many of the same philosophies as us, with regards to the care and respect for customers, staff and suppliers. They are brilliant restaurant professionals who have done the hard yards.

“I know the transition will be seamless, and we look forward to coming to dinner in years to come.”

But the acquisition of The French Café isn’t the only big change the Sahrawats are undertaking this year - they’re also reinventing their fine dining establishment, Sidart, with a new direction for its menu.

With Sidart’s current style of cooking similar to that already found at The French Café, Sidart will soon transition its existing discovery degustation menu into a formal Indian cuisine offering.

The menu will still showcase the best of New Zealand’s produce, but in a contemporary Indian format that will be a more elevated and precise execution of the cuisine offered at popular sister restaurant, Cassia.

“Chand and I are constantly developing our restaurants and this latest evolution of Sidart is in response to feedback from customers who love what we do over at Cassia, but want to experience modern Indian cuisine in a more refined and elegant setting,” Sid says.

“We’re very excited about the opportunities ahead and are confident that this new menu offering will continue to deliver the innovative fine PN dining our customers have come to expect at Sidart.” F Sidart’s new menu will be available from 31 July. www.sidart.co.nz

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17

JOHN ELLIOTT: LOCAL NEWS

Probus of Ponsonby Service Club There used to be a saying about service clubs Rotarians own the town, Lions run it and Kiwanis enjoy it.

Presumably this was a Kiwanis' dictum.

There are now a plethora of service clubs in New Zealand - Rotary, Lions, U3A, Zonta, Toastmasters, probably Kiwanis and Probus.

I recently met and chatted to the President of the Combined Probus Club of Ponsonby. Barry Clapham is a charming, retired engineer, who is in his second or third stint as president.

Barry explained that the aims of Probus are fun, friendship and fellowship. Its motto is ‘Tomorrow's Vision for Active Retirees’. It was originally set up by Rotary for retired or semi-retired men. It still caters for mainly retired people, men or women. There are about 130,000 members in New Zealand and Australia. Ponsonby has 89 members at present and welcomes new people. Just come along to a meeting as a visitor and, if you like what you see, join up and have fun.

The Probus handbook says it aims to progress healthy minds and active bodies, through social interaction and activities.

Members look froward to new experiences and friendships, and excellent guest speakers each month.

Current Ponsonby Probus committee members include, apart from Vice President, Past President, Secretary, and Treasurer, Welfare & Friendship - Shirley Grenfell, Archivist -Trish Clapham, Membership Secretary - Pat Milliner and a great name for the Probus newsletter - Probings Newsletter - Alison Ruddell.

Meetings are held monthly from 10am till 12 noon.

These meetings are pretty informal with notices, correspondence, birthday greetings, tea and coffee, and a guest speaker. They are held at the Herne Bay Petanque Club rooms in Salisbury Reserve, Herne Bay. Recent research has shown an increasing number of lonely elderly people. Probus is a place where people can join with others for a couple of hours and make friendships. Various outings, bus trips, or just meeting for a coffee, are extensions of Probus activities. I have agreed to meet Barry soon for lunch.

A while ago I read an American book called 'Bowling Alone'. This book explained the breakdown of community in the US. People used to belong to bowling leagues, and many other organisations, but now many belong to nothing at all. Selfish individualism and rampant consumerism have become the norm in most Western societies, including New Zealand.

Probus clubs are just one simple way people can join up again and help to rebuild a sense of community. (JOHN ELLIOTT) F PN Enquiries to Barry on T: 09 378 7922; E: barryfox@xtra.co.nz.

LETTERS CONTINUED PONSONBY ROAD - A USER'S PERSPECTIVE Having lived off Ponsonby Road for the past 22 years, I have watched the slow decline of the road's user friendliness continue to this day. Ponsonby Road is an arterial route for many road users - car, bike, bus and leg inclusive. Making a road inherently unfriendly to vehicles doesn't translate to pedestrian friendliness. Likewise, making a road pedestrian friendly does not have to translate to vehicle unfriendliness. They can co-exist!

A pedestrian friendly road is a good thing, but poor implementation of quick fixes is more dangerous than no implementation at all.

At the northern end, vehicles often struggle to even enter Ponsonby Road due to the steady flow of pedestrians within Three Lamps. This leads to Jervois Road and College Hill frequently seeing congestion spikes in the middle of the day thanks to a heavy pedestrian bias within such a short area. This has been an ongoing problem for over a decade with no attempted rectification. Removing the free left turn from College Hill and replacing the pedestrian crossings with - dare I say it - traffic lights would be a good start.

At night time, Ponsonby Road is nearly unusable to vehicles. The left-hand lanes are predominantly stationary due to a plague of Ubers, while the right-hand lanes have to play dodgems with those same Ubers - who suddenly feel compelled to perform unannounced

18 PONSONBY NEWS+ June 2018

u-turns. Having five-minute parks immediately within side streets to allow pickup points, as well as banning u-turns, will greatly increase the traffic flow and, importantly, the safety of all road users.

Raised tables are the latest poorly implemented safety 'solution' which do more harm than good. They create pedestrian entitlement by pretending to be footpath extensions when really they are roads. Many cars and cyclists are brought to a complete stop when pedestrians stride triumphantly across with no attempt to yield. The knock-on effect is that, because there is not even a vehicle-sized space between the mouth of the road and the table, all following vehicles are brought to a halt too. I have seen countless car, bike and bus near misses involving this sudden concertina - and all caused not by vehicles speeding, but by pedestrians impeding roads.

If the tables were made to look less like extensions of footpaths, and if the raised tables were moved even two metres further into the side streets - creating a space for vehicles to stop safely these incidents would disappear. The excessive height doesn't help, either, with regular family sedans struggling to clear many of the Ponsonby Road raised tables (Brown Street is the worst I've observed). It is little wonder German SUVs are the Ponsonby vehicle of choice - they provide the ground clearance necessary to traverse the rough urban terrain!

Blake Roberts, Ponsonby PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

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WESTERN SPRINGS PINE FOREST Last month, John Elliot said that the Western Springs Forest should proceed like the highly successful volunteer project on Tiritiri Matangi. Although he quotes me, John never actually spoke to me about his views. I wish to clarify some inaccuracies in his article.

Not all the pines are dead and diseased. Many are fine, healthy trees that may live a full span of years. One in South Island is 159 years old and still healthy. Many of ours may have another 50-60 years.

Monterey pines usually fail by loosing branches that get too heavy. It is unusual for them to fall over. During the recent storm, one tree fell because its roots had been undermined by flooding of the streams. This relates to lack of maintenance of the forest. Far from producing 'a number of expert reports', the Waitemata Local Board decision to clear -fell the forest, was made in 2015 based on one report, followed by two reports. The assumption throughout is that clear-felling the forest is the best solution.

A meeting in 2015 of four ‘key stakeholders’ noted concerns. These remain valid today but have never been addressed. Consultation was also envisaged and a geotechnical report was called for. To date there has been no consultation with key stakeholder residents and residents have been denied sight of the geotechnical report despite repeated requests.

A geotechnical report is vital given the scale of works envisaged. A 8m-wide road cut from the old Parks Depot into the forest, levelling a knoll on the way. Three skid tracks up to 40m wide are envisaged. And some 70% of the existing bush could be destroyed.

Then 15,000 plantings are planned. All in a three-four month time frame.

In April, the Local Board informed residents of the plan to clear-fell the forest.

A Frequently Asked Questions sheet informed residents that "approximately 70%" of the understorey may be damaged by the clear-felling. A replanting scheme would follow to “turn the site into a healthy... forest dominated by kauri, puriri, taraire and tanekaha.”

This is wildly ambitious, failing to mention that a ‘forest’ needs at least 50 years to establish. And that’s only subject to council properly maintaining the new plantings for many years. Maintenance represents a massive flaw in this plan.

Replicating the Tiritiri Matangi success is an aspiration but there are crucial differences. It is impossible to eradicate the pests before replanting. Plants were properly ecosourced for Tiritiri. And planting was spread over many years with expert long-term management working with volunteers. None of these vital factors apply in Western Springs.

A project of this magnitude would, normally, take a number of years to prepare for after a clear plan is made with all parties. Local residents were informed of the plan in April 2018. Since then WLB appear to be changing their minds.

Our super city lacks the safe, expert council we used to have. Local residents are not confident that council and WLB have the necessary expertise to ensure that this project does not end up as an environmental disaster, especially for them.

Importantly, John and I are on the same page when it comes to how to make a success of this project. Locals want the forest properly managed and because they are realistic about relying on council, they are proposing to work in partnership with council.

We have set up a petition to prevent the disaster of a massive clear-felling: www.toko.org.nz/petitions/save-western-springs-native-forest

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LOCAL NEWS @MOTAT Matariki - Night Lights, 15 - 17 June Lighting up the night sky and exploring vehicle technology this winter. There’s no need to hibernate at home this winter when MOTAT has these engaging activities planned.

Kick off the Matariki festivities in radiant style with the museum’s annual illumination event, Night Lights at MOTAT, running for three nights only. Visitors will be awed by the array of displays and artworks inspired by objects in the museum’s collection.

The engaging interpretations, created by local artists, see transport and technology artefacts represented in a completely new light. These are complemented by activations such as projection mapping, light-themed activities, illuminated heritage buildings and vintage trams festooned with fairy lights. The event will feature exciting new installations from husband and wife duo Warren and Virginia Warbrick of Toi Warbrick as well as contemporary New Zealand artist, Larisse Hall, amongst others.

Apart from trying their hand at illuminated poi and hula hooping, guests will get to enjoy UV body painting displays and a glowing shadow capture wall. There’ll also be a hands -on craft activity introducing youngsters to the Pleiades constellation and encouraging

Matariki festivities at MOTAT’s annual illumination event, Night Lights them to create their own paper lantern constellation to take home. Live performances by the SaintzUp Performing Arts Trust and delicious Maori-inspired dishes from the Bite Me food truck add to the family fun.

Accelerate: Driving New Zealand. Opening: 23 June The museum goes full throttle with the launch of its new vehicle technology exhibition, Accelerate: Driving New Zealand. This interactive exhibition explores technology that’s revved up, fully charged and challenging the status quo.

Whether they are navigating the glacial landscape of Antarctica, competing on Formula One race tracks around the globe or cruising the suburban streets of Auckland, Kiwis have come a long way with their vehicles and have enjoyed many adventures along the way. From building powerful fibreglass race cars in a small factory in Rotorua; thwarting government tariffs by manufacturing ‘homegrown’ cars in Otahuhu; to modifying soupedup performance cars, creating a solar-powered vehicle or even 3D printing an electric car kit, Kiwis are vehicle technology visionaries.

Accelerate delves into the stories and technology behind vehicles, and how they have impacted on our lives and society. It examines advances in technology from the petrol engine through to electric vehicles and looks at ways that car technology is becoming more sustainable. These machines have given our isolated nation the freedom to dream, to conquer new frontiers and to push the boundaries of convention. Where will they take us next? Discover the stories, explore the possibilities and join the conversation.

Jaguar Mark V showcasing in MOTAT’s new ‘Accelerate: Driving New Zealand’ vehicle technology exhibition

Entry to Accelerate is included in the MOTAT general admission fees. Night Lights tickets, priced between $5 and $10, are available through Eventbrite and on the night. Find out more at www.motat.org.nz/ or www.facebook.com/MOTATNZ/

MITRE 10 TO SAY BYE-BYE TO THE PLASTIC BAG FROM 1 JULY Home improvement shoppers across the country are being encouraged to get ready to bring their own bags in anticipation of the removal of single-use plastic bags from the checkouts of Mitre 10, Mitre 10 MEGA and Hammer Hardware stores on 1 July 2018.

The 128 stores across the country made the decision to move away from single-use plastic bags as well as boot liners earlier this year and by 1 July will no longer have these options available in store.

From this date, customers can either bring in their own bags, or other means, to transport their shopping home, or can choose to purchase a reusable bag in store for $1. Recycled paper sheets will be available in Mitre 10 and Mitre 10 MEGA stores for customers requiring something to keep their vehicles free from dirt and debris when transporting garden goods.

Jules acknowledges shopping without plastic bags is going to take time for customers to get used to.

“Plastic bags have become so ingrained into our way of shopping that it’s quite a significant mind-shift to get into the routine of bringing your own bag.

“While there are many shoppers who have already established the routine, and we’ve noticed that number increasing, we want to make the change as smooth as possible for those not there yet.

Mitre 10 General Manager Marketing, Jules Lloyd-Jones, says the decision to remove bags and boot liners was an easy one to make and had unanimous support from the co-operative’s owner-operators.

“Providing customers with a positive experience is right at the top of our agenda and so we’ll be talking a lot about the move ahead over the next few weeks, both in store and publicly, so that come 1 July there are no surprises for our customers,” Jules says.

“As the country’s biggest home improvement retailer, we take our duty to be socially responsible seriously and always strive to do the right thing by our customers, communities and the environment.

The removal of single-use plastic bags and boot liners at checkouts is just one part of the Mitre 10 Group’s commitment to the environment and also has a review of plastic packaging and overall waste reduction underway. Mitre 10 is a member of the Soft Plastics Recycling programme and is working with the operators to expand the number of Mitre 10 stores currently participating in the initiative. F PN

“It’s hard to beat the passion of our local owner-operators when it comes to their communities and they were right behind making this move and doing it as soon as we could.”

20 PONSONBY NEWS+ June 2018

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LOCAL NEWS

Ponsonby Park update As this issue of the Ponsonby News goes to press, council will be making their decisions based on the submissions received from the 10-Year Budget 2018-2028 and Auckland Plan 2050 consultation.

Council has already processed the feedback provided by the 10-Year Budget consultation and an overview report made available in May 2018 states that: “60% of submissions that identified the Waitemata as their home local board support a full site civic space at 254 Ponsonby Road.”

Once again the local community has endorsed the whole-of-site option - as it has consistently done so for the past four years - with ongoing engagement, participation and an unwaivering desire for this outcome.

This is unsurprising given the development of 254 Ponsonby Road was empowered by a community-led design process. (Thank you Waitemata Local Board). The community in all its diversity, has come together during these four years to create a solution for the development of the site that focused on the needs and desires of everyone. The chosen LandLAB design has maximised the potential of the site and has wide community support.

Elected council members will now finalise the budget in June 2018.

We are confident that council will support the community’s desire for the whole-of-site civic space at 254 Ponsonby Road and that soon,

we can look forward to the beginning of stage 1 of the development of Ponsonby Park - hooray!

The site was purchased in 2006 by the then Auckland City Council, after a report by Boffa-Miskell in 2000 that identified a lack of open greenspace in the area. And now, 18 years later, with the intensification that has occurred in Ponsonby and Freemans Bay, coupled with the exponential growth of the inner city population, this need has only increased. Ponsonby always has been, and will continue to be, a destination for people to recreate, shop, socialise and simply enjoy the heritage homes and architecture and diversity of our neighbourhood. The new civic greenspace at 254 Ponsonby Road will provide a space for everyone to meet, relax, engage and delight in all that Ponsonby has to offer. It will also provide the opportunity for more and new attractions such as a local Farmers Market (under the redesigned greenroof and living walled canopy) whilst being a showcase for sustainable design and stormwater mitigation.

Thank you to everyone who made a submission and we now look forward to council formally approving the budget for stage 1 of the development of Ponsonby Park at 254 Ponsonby Road. Bring it on! www.254ponsonbyrd.org.nz (JENNIFER WARD) F PN

For more information or to contact us, please see our webpage www.254ponsonbyrd.org.nz or our Facebook page ‘Ponsonby Park'.

TREES AND STORM DAMAGE Local resident Jane Vile sent in some images of the large flame tree that fell on to the wellbuilt old villa at 3 Ponsonby Road, during the last big storm.

It’s a council-owned building, occupied

by City Workshops West Art Studios.

22 PONSONBY NEWS+ June 2018

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

LOCAL NEWS PONSONBY COMMUNITY CENTRE NEWS We have a few different yoga groups at the Ponsonby Community Centre that will keep you warm and active during the winter months!

Four Winds Yoga Suzi Carson provides a vast variety of yoga classes available at different times throughout the week all the way from beginners to advanced! She has a huge amount of knowledge and experience. If you would like more details on the timetable and prices, feel free to contact Suzi on 027 4822 901 or check out her website at www.yoga.net.nz Matakana Moves (NIA Dance) Feel free to come and try a Nia Dance and yoga class with the lovely Mariska! Nia Dance is inspired by the martial arts, dance arts and healing arts and accompanies all three to make a unique healing movement class. Nia Dance has absolutely taken off in Matakana and is now being introduced into Ponsonby! Please see below for further details -

Sunday community yoga class There is a group that meets at 10am every Sunday morning for a relaxing community yoga class at a community rate. Feel free to contact Sundeep on 021 0865 0613 for more details.

We also have rooms that are available to be hired throughout the week and weekends.

If you have any events, birthday parties, group gatherings, meetings, sales or shows, feel free to contact us at Ponsonby Community Centre on 09 378 1752 and we will be PN more than happy to help! F www.ponsonbycommunity.org.nz

WE W E NEED YOUR EXPERTISE! We are still looking for a The T Th he Ponsonby Po Po Community Centre, including Ponsy Kids Co omm Community Preschool, looking for community super staris teacher for minded m mi inddeedd people with professional skills to join our Board.

Ponsy Kids Fo or more m mo o information For pleaseCommunity email the Manager on lilisa@ponsonbycommunity.org.nz isa sa@p @p Preschool! @ @t heeP @thePonsonbyCommunityCentre | 20 Ponsonby Tce w ww w..p w www.ponsonbycommunity.org.nz | 378 1752

Please contact at julie@ponsykids.org.nz or on 376 0896 for more information

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Luke Crockford | Ā21 2778 565 | luke.crockford@bayleys.co.nz The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

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PONSONBY U3A: MAY 2018 Dr Paul Moon’s recent talk to Ponsonby U3A lived up to everything that this acclaimed professor of history at Auckland University of Technology is known for.

He has authored 25 books, mostly about New Zealand history, appeared on numerous documentaries, current affairs and news programmes in New Zealand and internationally and is much in demand as a speaker. His talk to U3A was entitled 'Nostalgia and Utopianism'.

His presentation, laced with warmth and humour, explained that nostalgia and utopianism are “ways of looking” at the past and the future. They can alter our perceptions and play a hidden role in many aspects of politics and society. He outlined ways we see and interpret history and how utopian ideas are inevitably doomed to failure, using several examples from New Zealand’s past. Both are about how we see the past and how we see the future. We like to think of ourselves as rational people, yet history lacks precision being a different form of historical method to scientific method - there is no experiment, only surviving fragments. How the past is popularly seen is a crucial part of history, including our own. Utopianism, the other side of the coin, at first glance appears to focus in the opposite direction, dispensing with a flawed past in favour of an idealised future.

He pointed out that both concepts are in many ways linked.

U3A member Sandra Bassett has recently retired from the Department of Physiotherapy at Auckland University of Technology where she taught and undertook research and supervision of post graduate students.

Her career has taken her from clinical physiotherapy to a BA in psychology and educational psychology, an MSc in health psychology and a PhD in rehabilitation psychology. Her talk to U3A was entitled 'Changing the Philosophical Perspective of Physiotherapy'.

She said that at the time she was acquiring and enlarging her body of knowledge, internationally there were few physiotherapists undertaking research in her areas of interest.

A direct relationship between pathology and symptoms - the biomedical model - was the dominant philosophy of physiotherapy when she trained. This, she said, failed to explain individual differences and experiences of illnesses and injuries. There was a gradual transition to viewing illness and injury from the perspective of biological/pathological, psychological, social and cultural bases - known as the biopsychosocial model. By

following her own research interests she played “an unwitting role” in this major transition.

Her extensive published research has changed physiotherapy clinical practice and research, but she says that she “met a lot of resistance along the way. It is well known that there is a delay between research being undertaken and published and it being integrated into bodies of knowledge.”

Ponsonby U3A is part of a world-wide movement bringing third-agers together. Its purpose is to encourage further learning by listening, understanding, researching and participating in discussion and relevant excursions. It taps into the great reservoir of knowledge, skills and experience of its members, who are retired men and women and provides a venue for the meeting together of like-minded people and to make new friends in their local community.

Ponsonby U3A meets monthly, with a guest speaker and a ten-minute speaker from within the membership. There are over 20 special interest groups covering a wide range of interests and activities. Visitors are welcome to attend a meeting, but are asked to telephone first to Jane Jones, T: 09 378 7628.

The guest speaker for the June meeting will be Dr Gavin Ellis, former editor-in-chief of the New Zealand Herald, lecturer, media consultant and researcher. (PHILIPPA TAIT) F PN NEXT MEETING:

10am, Friday 8 June at the Herne Bay Petanque Club, Salisbury Street Reserve, Herne Bay.

ENQUIRIES:

Collene Roche, President Ponsonby U3A, T: 09 373 3277, www.u3aponsonby.org.nz

PONSONBY JOINS WORLD CELEBRATION THIS JUNE All around the world, thousands will be celebrating the 50th anniversary of the first ‘Dances of Universal Peace’, all united in intention and circles which were first presented to the world on 24 June, 1968.

Samuel Lewis, a Zen master and Sufi teacher (murshid) created the Dances of Universal Peace in his 70s as a dynamic method to promote 'Peace through the Arts'. The dances are simple movements and mantras/songs from the world’s wisdom traditions welcoming people of all ages and religious or non-religious orientations.

Since those early days with the original 50 or so dances created by Lewis, the collection has grown after his passing to more than 500 dances. Each dance celebrates the heart of one or more of the world’s wisdom traditions... Hinduism, Buddhism, Zoroastrianism, Sikhism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, as well as the Aramaic, Maori, Native American, Native Middle Eastern, Celtic, Native African, and Goddess traditions. New Unitarian and Humanist dances have also been created.

Mabelle, Sallymabelle@gmail.com, 021 0222 8782. (Dances on this morning are part of a church service.)

Thursday, 28 June - Auckland Unitarian Church, 1A Ponsonby Road (between Hopetoun Street and Karangahape Road) 7.30am - 9.15pm, contact Sally Mabelle sallymabelle@gmail.com, 021 0222 8782.

For more information: www.dupanz.org.nz

Since their beginning, the dances have spread throughout the world, touching more than a half million people in North and South America, Europe, the former Soviet Union, Japan, India, Pakistan, Israel, Australia, Africa and New Zealand. New grass-roots dance circles are continually springing up around the globe, with about 200 circles meeting weekly or monthly in North America alone and four dance circles here in Auckland. Other circles meet in Taupo, the Coromandel, New Plymouth, Kapiti Coast, Christchurch and the far north.

June dances and contacts around Ponsonby: Sunday, 10 June - Auckland Unitarian church, 10.30am-11.30am, contact Sally

24 PONSONBY NEWS+ June 2018

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

HELEN WHITE: REPRESENTING LABOUR FOR AUCKLAND CENTRAL Recently, Dr Coleman, the former Minister of Health, said categorically that he did not know that Middlemore was seriously impacted by mould and leaks.

Dr Coleman, rather famously now, hung up on a Radio NZ journalist who asked him about this matter.

When I was the Labour candidate in Auckland Central, I was told by people working in the health sector about the serious concerns they had. There were an alarming number, all of which I could see would be hard to fix because they had gotten worse over time: amongst them the shortage of midwives, nurses and doctors, their low pay and the workloads. I was also aware that funding allocated to DHBs is not identical, so some get more funding per person than others, with Middlemore, which has one of the poorest populations and highest demands, having suffered as a result.

More than one professional employed in the medical field raised the state of the hospitals they worked in with me. I was alarmed when I was told that the most run-down hospitals were in rural areas and that in one hospital there were operating theatres where the ceilings had leaks so the staff used buckets.

I don’t know if what I was told was true. I really wasn’t in a position to find out given I am a lawyer not a professional politician. I appreciate people may have misled me, although I’m not sure why they would.

They seemed to be genuinely pouring out their frustration and alarm.

What I am certain of, is that if I was the minister in charge of health and people had told me this kind of thing, I would want to know more.

I would need to know to do my job. I would have made sure there were pathways for me to find out.

Even if no one in the National Government knew, the minister needed to do due diligence and find out. Setting aside the government’s role in looking after people’s health, how could the government competently predict the health expenditure in 2018 onwards if it didn’t know about this kind of significant future cost? Logically, National are saying it made the decision there was money for tax cuts last year without ascertaining what big costs were coming up in the health sector.

If no one told the Minister of Health that Middlemore was in such a bad state, that is actually more alarming. I am concerned why a DHB facing such an unavoidable cost would not raise this issue.

As an employment lawyer, I have experience with dealing with people who are fearful that if they disclose information or wrongdoing in their workplace they will displease the boss and will lose their job.

The reality is, they have reason to worry. Our whistle-blower laws are

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very ineffective. If you see serious wrongdoing in your workplace you are supposed to tell your boss and wait for them to fix it. Imagine what happens next in many cases. The evidence of wrongdoing gets destroyed and ways are often found to remove the person, despite the purported protection.

The information we all needed to know in this case is not of the nature of serious wrongdoing, so the current law would not have helped anyway. Nothing currently protects people who raise the alarm about such matters if a recipient takes a dim view of them for doing so. For example, if they are a member of a board, subject to appointment by grace and favour, they may well have very little protection from removal. I am pleased to say the Protected Disclosures Act 2000 is being revisited now.

The issues that stand out here for me in this particular debacle are: Due diligence As the minster of a government responsible for Health, it was Dr Coleman’s job to know about this. It was important that the government knew and the public was told about this problem, including the significant expenditure. When the books were opened to the Opposition, this expenditure should have been known to them too.

Encouraging disclosure This episode demonstrates the need to make sure we have systems in place that encourage disclosure of information, particularly that concerning the health of people. That means proactively seeking such information, creating multiple pathways for disclosure and protecting those who raise issues.

Accountability Finally, as stated at the beginning of this article, Dr Coleman hung up on the Radio NZ journalist when he was asked a perfectly legitimate question. In recent years, many of the National Party ministers refused to answer any questions from John Campbell, first on television and then on radio. It is vital ministers are expected to answer legitimate questions. I can understand any person declining to answer a question they consider unfair or improper but that is entirely different from refusing to answer legitimate questions from a journalist holding them to account. When the ministers veto a significant news source they punish those who ask them the hard questions and reward those who PN don’t. That is not good for democracy. (HELEN WHITE) F Helen White representing Labour for Auckland Central. www.labour.org.nz/helenwhite

If you are unhappy with Auckland Council contractors spraying weeds on or near your property, simply ask the council to make your address spray free.

Please call 09 301 0101 and ask Auckland Council to add your property to the NO SPRAY list Also ask your councillor, Mike Lee or a local board member to ban the use of glyphosate in the Waitemata Local Board area.

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LUCIA MATAIA: LEYS INSTITUTE LIBRARY NEWS Matariki is the Maori name for a group of stars known as the Pleiades or The Seven Sisters. This cluster of seven stars can be seen clearly with the naked eye at this time of the year.

For many Maori, the stars signal the start of the Maori New Year. Traditionally, it was a time for remembering ancestors and celebrating new life, harvesting and preparing for the cold weather ahead. Did you know that in Samoa, Matariki is called Matali’I and it is seen in the evening sky during October? In Japan, only six stars can be seen and the Japanese name for these stars is Subaru.

Matariki - twilight tales for tamariki Tales by Twilight series starts with a Matariki story time, Friday 29 June, at 6.30pm.

Tamariki can wear their PJs, bring a torch if they have one and snuggle up in the library for stories and music. The evening will be rounded off with milk and cookies. Free event.

Tales by twilight series continues with two more evenings planned for tamariki in July and August. More details next month and also on our Facebook page.

We also have a Matariki storytime Friday 6 July at 10.30am for the pre-schoolers.

Robogals We are excited to have Robogals Auckland run a workshop for children ages 8-13 years on Tuesday 10 July 1pm. This free workshop aims to encourage young girls (and eager boys) to pursue a career in engineering by setting up fun workshops using EV3 LEGO Robots.

To register (Phone: 09 377 0209 or email leysinstitutelibraryponsonby@aklc.govt.nz or message us on our Facebook page). Places are limited so get in quick.

Robogals is part of a global organisation that has chapters around the world. The Auckland chapter is a student-run club at The University of Auckland. The group aims to increase female participation in engineering in New Zealand.

Book Chat First up, for this month’s Book Chat recommendations, we have Dunbar by Edward St. Aubyn. This book, a reimagining of King Lear in a modern context, is part of the Hogarth Shakespeare Anniversary Series. What is the Hogarth series? It is a project involving top authors retelling Shakespearian authors. If this sounds interesting, you may like to check Gillian Flynn’s (Gone Girl) Hamlet or Anne Tyler on The Taming of the Shrew. And if you enjoyed reading Gone Girl you may be interested in Lullaby by Franco-Moroccan author Leila Slimani. This thriller has been an incredible success in France and was described in The Guardian as ‘tense’ with ‘sublime prose’.

Staying with the crime genre, our Book Chats group also recommend authors Donna Leon, Jane Harper and Elizabeth George. Our last book is Jefferson’s Daughter by Catherine Kerrison, as you guessed, this is about the lives of Thomas Jefferson’s three PN daughters, two by his wife and one daughter by his slave. (LUCIA MATAIA) F Open hours: Monday - Friday 9am - 6pm and Saturday 9am - 4pm.

Closed Monday 4 June for Queen’s Birthday.

LEYS INSTITUTE LIBRARY, 20 St Marys Road, T: 09 377 0209, www.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz

DEIRDRE THURSTON: ON MY MIND

Renovations The word strikes excitement in the heart for some, terror for others. I sashayed into my renovations thinking I was a seasoned pro having done up a few houses with my ex in our time. I’m not.

There are a few reasons: One, I’m older. Two, I’m making decisions alone. Three, things have changed dramatically. Council building regulations, for one, verge on insanity in some cases. Although, I do see the need for strict codes of compliance. I guess council is trying to protect innocent homeowners from squandering tens of thousands of dollars on shoddy jobs that they would not recognise if they were pointed out to them. New products, new tools, new attitudes to gumboot tea and a plain old cup of Java have shocked me. Weighing the second reason up, I’ve decided that it’s a positive thing. No squabbles or compromises with anyone but myself. And I always win. Being older - meh.

If there is something positive about that, it is that I’m wiser about paint colours at least.

Having one’s nest ripped apart is scary. Some people told me (who tend to look on the negative side of life) that I would unearth problems ranging from rotten floors and walls, to needing new wiring, plumbing, and a pest exterminator for the probable rat/ant/wasp infestation lurking in my ceilings. Mould would spring out at every opportunity and the builders would rip me off. As would every other tradesperson who carelessly stomped dirt and debris through my home as they yelled into their mobiles. Also, I had better hide my valuables because they would steal them while I popped up the road to buy scones.

I had every intention of baking for my builders every day: cheesy scones dripping in butter or a hearty quiche. I even got in a decent instant coffee and gumboot tea (talk about typecasting!) - neither of which I drink. And, it seems, nor do they.

Other people said: “Good luck with that” with a barely concealed smirk and green-tinged eye roll.

to raise those dead rats/wasps/ants from their mouldy, damp graves. A thick blanket of wood dust, then plaster dust, then paint dust. Now polyurethane dust.

Having builders in your home every day, all day is like being in a relationship without the romance. Though, the sight of a hefty tool belt can make my heart flutter. In the first week or two, I made sure I was up and dressed reasonably well, clean teeth and a dab of lippy.

Greet them with a smile and a good morning. As our relationship developed and it became clear the carpet of dust on the floor would only allow me to push it around with a floor mop in order to leave great brown, wet streaks that dried into rivulets of gunk, the lipstick dropped off, the clothes became dustier and unvaried. Mainly because I can’t find anything under the blimmin dust, and plastic cover sheets that are completely useless. The only thing I can find is my extendable, rainbow-coloured duster. Which is ironic, it being completely useless in the situation. I couldn’t care less when they see me with bed hair and in my pink slippers or yawning and braless in a tatty t-shirt and pj bottoms with flamingos on them.

We know stuff about each other. You can’t hide in a renovation unless you move out. I’m glad I didn’t because there are a hundred and one decisions to be made on the fly. I think my builders are happy I don’t dither around these decisions. I can imagine they would want to hit my thumb hard with a carefully chosen hammer from the tool belt if I did.

My guys have been none of what the negative group phrophesised. They are polite, respectful, clean, funny, calm, sweet beyond belief, and do not play loud, ghastly, whiney music on a tinny radio or basey boom box. Instead, I softly hear the music station I listen to most often - bFM.

A few took my tack and were excited and encouraging.

That was eight weeks ago. A great deal can happen in eight weeks.

My bank balance - or, more precisely, the bank’s bank balance - has decreased into the South Pole of negatives. My nest is no longer my castle. More like the out house. I had no wall by the toilet for days and tradesmen filing by it all day, every day. Enough noise

26 PONSONBY NEWS+ June 2018

My nest is beginning to look delightful. I’m not sure what I will do once the builders are gone. It will be a bit like a breakup (dramatic, I know). I’m thinking I need one of them to visit weekly for the rest of my life for all those irritating little things that pop up which I can’t do or reach.

I would even get around to making those scones and buying a coffee plunger.

(DEIRDRE THURSTON) F PN PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

NIKKI KAYE: AUCKLAND CENTRAL MP

Making greater progress for Auckland central Delivering greater marine protection As many of you know I am passionate about the environment and have long been a bluegreen. Some of the projects that I have championed and delivered include progressing a conservation park for Great Barrier Island, helping with the clean up of Meola Creek, progressing pest eradication in the Hauraki Gulf and supporting the purchase of Glenfern Sanctuary. I have also committed to progressing Greater marine protection locally. There has been a huge amount of work done by a range of groups to try and improve the situation in the Hauraki Gulf both environmentally but also for people who enjoy recreational fishing. I am currently working on proposals to enhance protection. In the coming months I will meet with members of parliament right across the house to try and progress these proposals to ensure we continue to improve the marine environment for generations to come.

Progressing education reforms to reduce youth offending Recently I released a new private Member’s Bill, Oranga Tamariki (Youth Justice Education Officers) Amendment Bill, to ensure that the Youth Court has greater access to education officers to help reduce the risk of reoffending. I developed this legislation because I know the importance of young offenders becoming engaged in education and gaining qualifications. This legislation is designed to help reduce reoffending through education officers better supporting the court to help young people. While there are education officers at some of the Youth Court locations, they are not universally available.

The Bill will strengthen the role of education officers and provide access to these officers in all Youth Court locations. This is about giving the Youth Court access to a young person’s educational status, addressing the young person’s educational needs, better supporting the young person’s family where needed and assisting the young person to re-engage in education or training. It was nice to be able to work with local Auckland lawyers who are at the coal face and to

Hon Nikki Kaye MP for Auckland Central I regularly work on local issues and meet with constituents.

Please contact my office if you would like to meet with me.

Drop In Constituency Clinic: 48C College Hill, Freemans Bay June 22nd 3:00pm

have their input into my legislation. I have also met with the Minister of Justice to see whether Government could adopt my proposal.

I have always had a view that while I am in opposition I want to be progressing good ideas not only through my party but also with the government where possible.

Auckland Council's proposal for a Waterfront Stadium The Auckland Council has confirmed that it is in discussions with the Government to consider building a new national stadium in downtown Auckland. I am open-minded about the potential for a stadium in central Auckland. However, any stadium would need to be part of an Auckland-wide stadium strategy and have the buy in of the sporting codes. With a potential more than $1 billion price tag we also need to ensure there is transparency about the potential economic and social benefits behind any stadium decisions. I am really concerned at the shortage of community and youth sport facilities across Auckland so it is important to ensure we get our priorities right across government. I'll be asking how can we work together to make sure we get a long-term Auckland wide stadium strategy that is enduring for decades to come.

Many of you would have received my mail out to constituents. Thank you for your great feedback and suggestions. The letter contained an update on my local projects, parliamentary projects and a survey. It is a privilege to continue to serve you as the MP for Auckland central.

(NIKKI KAYE) F PN If you have any local or national issues or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact me or my office on 09 378 2088 or send me an email on mp.aucklandcentral@parliament.govt.nz.

Authorised by Hon Nikki Kaye, MP for Auckland Central, 48c College Hill, Freemans Bay.

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JOHN ELLIOTT: SUSTAINABLE LOCAL NEWS LIVING

350.org fossil-free acceleration I recently attended a meeting conducted by 350.org and heard a wonderful address by one of the founders of 350.org, American Bill McKibben.

What is 350.org all about, you may well ask. 350.org is a global, grassroots climate movement holding our leaders accountable to science and justice.

It uses online campaigns, grassroots organising, and mass public actions to oppose new coal, oil and gas projects. It works to take money out of the companies that are heating up the planet, and build 100% clean energy solutions that work for all. 350's network now extends to 188 countries.

“We believe in a safe climate and a better future − a just, prosperous, and equitable world built with the power of ordinary people.”

I met with the Executive Director of 350.org New Zealand, the charming and eloquent Niamh O’Flynn about the organisation’s work in New Zealand.

Niamh has been a climate activist for 10 years, and has headed 350. org in New Zealand for three and a half years.

“We are heavily dependent on volunteers,” she told me. “I love supporting young activists who often become lifelong campaigners.

We’re not into big-at-sea activities. We don’t sit and write endless submissions to government. We look at where we hold some power and where we can change the narrative.”

Divestment has been a big 350.org activity. It has helped to push companies and universities to take their investments out of oil and gas companies.

Niamh is proud to have been involved in pushing Otago University, Palmerston North Council, Auckland Council and others to divest their investment in fossil fuel companies. Of course the biggest thrill for 350 volunteers was the Government’s decision to stop further oil and gas exploration off New Zealand’s coast.

“Climate change work can feel thankless," admits Niamh, “but the recent Government announcement was very emotional for me. For much of my 10 years of activism, we couldn’t talk about climate change. It was still too controversial. We talked about oil on beaches, and loss of penguins. Now the Prime Minister is calling climate change the defining issue of our time.”

Niamh worries about being too blamey. By that she means criticising people for not being ‘pure enough’ environmentalists. You still drive your car, you don’t compost, in fact you don’t grow a single vegetable,

so don’t tell me about zero carbon. Apparently, Bill McKibben was taken to task for using a plastic bag. Those opposing slavery were chided for wearing cotton shirts.

Niamh O’Flynn has no time for that kind of pressure. “Sure, we need a holistic societal change,” she says, “but its ridiculous to say you can’t act until you are completely ‘pure’.”

350’s three main plugs are: keep carbon in the ground, help build a more equitable zero-carbon economy, and pressure governments into limiting emissions.

350 goes on to say - it’s warming, it’s us, We’re sure, It’s bad, We can fix it.

Climate change isn’t a distant, abstract problem - it’s here now.

People all over the world are feeling the impacts, from island nations that are going underwater, to indigenous land being exploited for fossil fuel extraction.

The fight against climate change is a fight for justice. That means listening to the communities who are getting hit the hardest, and following the leadership of those who are on the frontlines of the crisis.

People are stronger when they collaborate, bringing together not just environmentalists, but students, business owners, labour unions, universities and building diverse coalitions that are strong enough to put pressure on governments and stand up to the fossil fuel industry.

(JOHN ELLIOTT) F PN

If you’d like to help, E: niamh@350.org.nz or check the website www.350.org.nz

28 PONSONBY NEWS+ June 2018

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

SUSTAINABLE LIVING ECOWARE MOVES TO PONSONBY Fast-growing company Ecoware supplies cafes, food trucks, supermarkets and corporate customers in New Zealand, Australia, Hong Kong, the Pacific Islands and the UK with their market-leading range of compostable packaging - and they're doing it from their new headquarters in Ponsonby.

Previously based in Takapuna, founders James Calver and Alex Magaraggia were looking for a bigger space in central Auckland and liked the vibe of Ponsonby.

"Right from early on we've been supported by many of the Ponsonby eateries. We love that so many central Aucklanders are conscious of their waste and seeking out more sustainable ways of doing things.

It's definitely an inspiring area to work in," says Calver.

Ecoware is a pioneer in the sustainable packaging industry, supplying over 2500 customers with compostable bowls, containers, coffee cups, pizza boxes, cutlery and napkins made out of renewable materials like cornstarch and bamboo fibre. They're just about to launch their range of paper straws and compostable grocery bags.

Their tagline is "Packaging made from plants, not oil" and local customers include The Butcher's Son, Five Loaves, FishSmith, Boy & Bird, Fresh Market and Ripe Deli.

Ecoware's new head office in Ireland Street and dynamic team of 12 is a long way from where they started, when the founders spent their days educating businesses on what compostable packaging is and why it was a better option.

“We've seen a real shift - now customers are doing that education for us. They tell their local cafe or takeaway joint, ‘This isn’t good enough, you need to offer better options'. Now, businesses know they have to consider the triple bottom line: environmental, social and commercial,” Calver says.

In the past year Ecoware has replaced over 500,000kg of oil-based packaging with plant-based packaging and their growth has seen a positive impact on the entire composting collection industry.

"There's still heaps of progress to be had but we're excited about where we are headed. And to be taking on the world from our new offices in Ponsonby is the icing on the cake," says Calver. F PN ECOWARE, T: 0800 464 326, www.ecoware.co.nz

Ecoware founders Alex Magaraggia & James Calver The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

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29

SUSTAINABLE LIVING UNILEVER CONVENES FIRST NZ DISCUSSION ON THE ROLE OF BUSINESS IN DELIVERING THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS ‘Sustainable living’ brands are growing 46% faster than the rest of Unilever’s business - delivering 70% of its turnover growth.

Unilever NZ has provided a New Zealand update on its global and local progress on the Unilever Sustainable Living Plan (USLP), hosting more than 90 leaders across business, NGO, academic and government organisations to discuss the importance of businesses leading for trust in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs).

Unilever provided an update on the progress and challenges of its seventh year of delivering the USLP, including hosting its first New Zealand panel event with sustainable business leaders to discuss sustainability, trust and transparency within business.

Unilever New Zealand Managing Director Nick Bangs says, “We are delighted to host this important discussion in New Zealand with such depth in the panel and audience, who can help drive the ongoing conversation around sustainable business.”

The panel for the New Zealand event included Nick Bangs; Abbie Reynolds Executive Director, Sustainable Business Council; Peter Hardstaff, Environmental Campaigns Manager, World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and Adriana Christie, Waitemata Local Board and Social Enterprise Auckland.

“Improved cross-sector collaboration is a key element for all industries to increase transparency and ultimately trust. With this in mind, we are proud to share how we are progressing with our Sustainable Living Plan - the foundations from which we aim to create trust across every aspect of our value chain,” says Bangs.

Unilever lead for Trust Panel, Nick Bangs, Abbie Reynolds, Peter Hardstaff and Adriana Christie which responds to the challenges and opportunities of an increasingly resource-constrained and unequal world.

Unilever is already looking beyond its current USLP targets by carrying out its largest ever listening exercise on the future of sustainable business.

Over 40,000 employees and 250 stakeholders responded to the ‘Have Your Say’ project, setting out their views on the priorities they would like Unilever to focus on and what future success would look like.

Globally the top three themes were: access to water, clean air, and health, hygiene and nutrition. The New Zealand market has slightly different priorities - led by zero food and packaging waste, access to water and climate change, which were above protecting the natural world and mental health and wellbeing.

The panel discussed the role businesses can play to drive better collaboration and more progress on the UN Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) here in New Zealand, and the ways to help encourage individual behavioural change within the sustainability space.

The USLP covers over 50 targets grouped under three pillars of improving health and well-being for more than 1 billion, halving environmental impact and enhancing livelihoods for millions.

“We have seen four years of consecutive growth for our ‘sustainable living’ brands, which last year grew 46% faster than the rest of our business and delivered 70% of is turnover growth. This tells us the USLP is making a difference, and that consumers are increasingly aware of the impact the products they are purchasing have,” says Bangs.

As well as providing a progress update on the USLP, Unilever also launched the Young Entrepreneur Awards today. The awards recognise and support brilliant young innovators tackling the planet’s biggest environmental and social challenges, and to help them achieve scale for impact.

Unilever has long recognised that the only acceptable business model is one in which the planet and society thrive. In 2010 Unilever launched the USLP - the company’s blueprint for sustainable growth

Since the launch of the Awards in 2013, it has reached over 3500 inspiring young sustainability entrepreneurs and their organisations and provided tailored support and funding to 29 winners. F PN

HELP MAKE AUCKLAND SPRAY FREE 30 PONSONBY NEWS+ June 2018

If you are unhappy with Auckland Council contractors spraying weeds on or near your property, simply ask the council to make your address spray free.

Please call 09 301 0101 and ask Auckland Council to add your property to the NO SPRAY list Also ask your councillor, Mike Lee or a local board member to ban the use of glyphosate in the Waitemata Local Board area.

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

SUSTAINABLE LIVING

STEPHEN CASHMORE DESIGN STUDIO Husband and wife team, Stephen and Theresa Cashmore have been involved in their respective creative fields for over 30 years.

Stephen in Architectural and Interior design, and Theresa in Graphic Design and Art. Together they have opened ‘Stephen Cashmore Design Studio’ in Jervois Road.

Stephen is particularly well known for his interior conservation work on historic houses New Zealand wide. This time-honoured foundation brings his contemporary interiors a fresh twist. Stephen borrows and adapts from the past to combine the contemporary with provenance.

Theresa’s graphic design and typography is evident in her art.

She typically uses antique wallpaper and salvaged linos out of old houses as a ground for painted or gilded words. Her recent large works feature scrim recovered from a derelict 1860s house in Lawrence, Otago.

Stephen Cashmore Design Studio offers an eclectic combination of made to order bespoke furniture, soft furnishings and art.

Many architectural and decorative pieces have been repurposed into ‘one of a kind’ table and floor lamps. A mid June exhibition of landscape paintings, including recent works by Canterbury artist Debbie Lambert will be followed in July by a new collection of original architectural fragments, pendant and wall lighting.

Stephen Cashmore Design Studio is open Monday - Friday from PN 10am - 6pm and Saturday from 10am - 4pm. F

STEPHEN CASHMORE DESIGN STUDIO, 30 Jervois Road, Ponsonby, T: 09 524 8553, www.stephencashmore.co.nz, www.stephencashmoredesignstudio.nz

Furniture ૛ Interiors ૛ Objects ૛ Art ૛ Consultancy 30 Jervois Rd, Herne Bay, Auckland ૛ 021 265 8113 Mon-Fri 10-6 ૛ Sat 10-4

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

PONSONBY NEWS+ JUNE 2018

31

SUSTAINABLE LIVING AUCKLAND’S ONLY LUXURY HOME FURNISHING CONSIGNMENT GALLERY...

Consignment addresses a gap in the contemporary furniture market that presents opportunities for people to upscale, on-sell, purchase and develop their own eclectic style. Consigning benefits both the consignor and the buyer.

It has created an exciting, original space to showcase quality interiors and iconic European brands at moderate prices... B&B Italia, Le Corbusier, Moroso, Minotti, Philippe Starck and more!

interior designers, people with a keen eye for style and those looking to downsize, upscale, or simply wanting that special piece to add the finishing touch.

Sustainable living was the focus at Milan Design Week this year and, interestingly, this was the primary focus for the Consignment furniture model in the first place. As the pace of life changes, we are constantly redesigning the way we live and our living environment.

Consignment now has Insta Shop to make it even easier to buy these quality pieces.

Consignment’s over-arching principle has always been about contributing to sustainability by recycling and relocating once loved furniture that is as good as new.

Consignment therefore, provides an opportunity to on-sell investment pieces at competitive prices - the first port of call for

They are currently sourcing key pieces: both new and pre-owned furnishings, lighting and accessories to sell on your behalf, with an emphasis on contemporary European designs.

Visit the website to purchase online and for details on currently sought-after stock (upload your images to consign items) or see Wendy or Chris in their Newmarket showroom to experience the Consignment vibe! F PN

@ CONSIGNMENT FURNITURE

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1. Apartmento Salon chair 2. Promemoria Manfred Mascassar and steel console 3. J. Robert Scott Capri leather dining chair

CONSIGNMENT FURNITURE, 2A Railway Street, Newmarket, T: 09 524 0084, www.consignmentfurniture.co.nz

CLOSER TO A HOME THAN A SHOWROOM Welcome to Consignment . . . where we present opportunities for you to on-sell or purchase quality furnishings at reasonable prices. We’ve created an exciting, original space to showcase and sell contemporary designer pieces and iconic European brands on your behalf: Philippe Starck, Poltrona Frau, Cassina, B&B Italia and more! Our focus is on moving beautiful designs from one home to another and our model benefits both the buyer and the seller.

We offer a great return for vendors and affordable designer furniture for those wishing to buy.

Sustainable living was the focus at Milan Design Week 2018 and Consignment’s over-arching principle has always been about contributing to sustainability by recycling and relocating once loved furniture that is as good as new. We now have Insta Shop to make it even easier to buy these quality pieces. View our website or visit us in the showroom to see what’s on offer . . .

CONSIGNMENT furnishing. décor. lifestyle.

09 524 0084 consignmentfurniture.co.nz 2a Railway St, Newmarket, Auckland

32 PONSONBY NEWS+ June 2018

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

SUSTAINABLE LIVING AUCKLAND MAYOR WANTS MANDATORY PRODUCT STEWARDSHIP SCHEME TO STOP TYRE WASTE Auckland Mayor Phil Goff wants a new system that would stop the illegal dumping of tyres and tyres ending up in landfill.

Speaking at the opening of Waste Management NZ’s new tyre recycling facility plant in Wiri, Phil Goff said, “I welcome Waste Management NZ’s new tyre recycling facility in Auckland. At full capacity it will process 30,000 tonnes or three million tyres that would otherwise have ended up in landfill, stockpiled or dumped illegally.

Phil Goff also welcomed Government signals that it is actively looking at a mandatory product stewardship scheme and urged it to implement this as soon as possible.

A product stewardship scheme would build in the disposal cost of tyres into their purchase price and ensure all tyres are disposed of through accredited recyclers and disposal sites.

Mayor Goff said, “Instead of paying to dispose of tyres at the end of their life, the cost of proper disposal should be built into the purchase price and no charge placed on used tyres which are disposed of sustainably.

“Over five million used tyres enter our waste stream every year. They are not accepted in inorganic collections and because it costs money to dispose of them, many are dumped illegally and around 70% end up in landfill, which is wasteful and bad for the environment.

“Right across the Auckland region I see used tyres dumped in our waterways and bush and on country roads and reserve areas by irresponsible commercial operators and individuals. This has got to stop.

“Just recently, in my own area at Twilight Road, council had to close the road and send abseilers down a steep gully at a cost of $21,000 of ratepayer money to clean up 1250 tyres dumped in the bush. Other tyres are stockpiled in rural areas and dumped in landfill constituting a fire and environmental risk.

“A mandatory product stewardship system would stop that. The cost of disposal would be built into the purchase price and tyres could be dropped off at recycling centres for free.

“Other countries such as Australia and Canada have adopted this system and it works. In Europe less than 5% of tyres end up in landfill or are unaccounted for.

“Tyres can be repurposed for asphalt, playground matting and other purposes, or incinerated as fuel. I welcome Waste Management NZ’s investment in recycling tyres which makes the introduction of a product stewardship scheme relatively easy.

“Industry has called for a product stewardship system to be mandatory and responsible individuals and companies who pay for proper disposal will applaud the fact that a new stewardship system would strongly discourage lazy and irresponsible PN behaviour,” Phil Goff said. F

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JOHN ELLIOTT: SUSTAINABLE LIVING

Predator-free Western Springs I strongly support the NZ Predator-free 2050 programme.

Groups all over New Zealand are eradicating pests both flora and fauna. Whether predator-free by 2050 is realistic or not may be a moot point, but it is a worthy aim.

I was involved towards the end of the Tiritiri Matangi Island restoration programme. More than 300,000 native trees were planted by volunteers over 20 years. During that time rats were eradicated and endangered New Zealand birds thrived.

A number of endangered species were translocated back to Tiri, and all of those translocations have been a raging success. Those species include saddleback (extinct on the mainland), North Island brown kiwi, kakariki parakeets, North Island robins, brown teal, and my absolute favourite, the kokako. To stay overnight on Tiri and hear the dawn chorus is a real privilege.

Of course, Tiri is an island sanctuary, and developing mainland sanctuaries by eliminating rats, stoats, possums, etc, is a much bigger ask. Cats and dogs present another challenge. Still, it can, and is, being done. Predator fences are often a big help in urban environments, but are not always necessary.

I am impressed with Predator-free 2050 projects in Wellington. Some 5000 Wellingtonians set traps in their backyards, and local parks and reserves, and there are reports of the return of native birds including kaka and bellbird. These traps are providing birds with safe havens and safe corridors through which they can fly, sometimes all the way to Kapiti Island.

There are a number of 2050 projects underway in Auckland.

Predator-free Ponsonby works out of Kelmarna Gardens and has traps around its perimeter and in local homes. Predator-free Morningside and Western Springs traps predators and weeds out pest plants around Fowlds Park.

I spoke last month to the Waitemata Local Board about the future of Western Springs Park. There is a way to go yet before the pines

are removed and native planting begins, but I urged the board to incorporate a plan to create an urban sanctuary at Western Springs.

The board was very receptive to that suggestion, and board member, Denise Roche offered to work with me establishing a team and preparing a programme of action.

There has been some concern expressed about rats at the zoo, but a team of Ark in the Park enthusiasts are working to eliminate the rats. If necessary a predator-free fence could be erected on the boundary between the park and the zoo. Just imagine the dawn chorus ringing out over a large park in central Auckland.

Backyard trapping will be a huge feature of 2050 success. Jesse Mulligan’s initiative is making an impact.

Anyone wanting to investigate getting a trap for their backyard should go on line to 2050 Predator-free NZ, and find a local contact. DOC has some money to assist programmes. Kiwibank can also help.

A number of local Western Springs people will be sad to see the Monterey pines go. Those left, about 180, of the original 500 planted in 1923, still provide a lovely profile when the sun shines through them. But about 30 of those left are dead, and there is risk to the public if any fall.

When, and if, the Waitemata Local Board gets its resource consent there will be plenty of time for people to argue about the removal, and pose questions about erosion when the pines are gone.

I can imagine my grandchildren and their children wandering through an inner city paradise listening to tui, bellbird and, of course, kokako, under a canopy of maturing native trees.

It’s exciting to see so many people joining restoration programmes.

New Zealand will benefit hugely from their community action.

(JOHN ELLIOTT) F PN

TRASH TO TRADE COMPETITION SHOW CASE - 29 APRIL Grey Lynn 2030 presented its first Trash to Trade Competition Show Case in collaboration with Waitemata Local Board, the Grey Lynn and Kingsland Business Associations. A big thank to everyone who contributed making this show case a fantastic experience for all.

The event was a great success, attracting fantastic entries, stimulating conversation between artistic makers and experienced business managers.

Listening to the stories of the makers was a highlight of the event.

First Prize winner for the Established Artisans category was Jared Diprose from Gooseboard www.gooseboards.com; First Prize winner for the New Designer category was Fiona Bonner from Floroganza www.facebook.com/pg/floroganza.nz, and First Prize winner for the Young Makers category was Briar Shaw-Smith with Vintage Curiosity. The winners received each $500 towards further development of their business, as well mentoring sessions by selected business experts.

Our Trash to Trade Business Partners have been extraordinary with their support by identifying business waste, in keeping with sustainable business commitment and supporting emerging up-cycling artisans in developing Trash to Trade designs. Ongoing support options are currently being explored. (BRIGITTE SISTIG) F PN www.greylynn2030.co.nz/trash-to-trade-competition

34 PONSONBY NEWS+ June 2018

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

ORGANIC

BREADS NATURAL

LEAVEN

NOADDITIVES

SUSTAINABLE LIVING BREAD & BUTTER BAKERY:

Handcrafted

SOURDOUGHS TRADITIONAL

Cakes

PASTRIES Biscuits baking now!

Combine the art and science of bread baking

When owner of Bread & Butter Bakery, Isabel Pasch, first started baking organic bread in 2010, the little bakery in the backstreets of Ellerslie called Paris Berlin was the first in Auckland to do so.

“Since opening Bread & Butter Bakery the business has grown, but the philosophy of baking organic bread without the use of artificial ingredients and instead using traditional sourdough fermentation has stayed the same,” says Isabel.

More often, people are seeking out organic products and are aware of the risks of chemicals in food, although sourdough baking remains a mysterious process to many.

There is a certain magic in seeing flour and water mixed together come alive and grow.

The long and slow fermentation of traditional sourdough baking means that the bread is more nutritious, more flavoursome, and easier to digest. Like many of the now rediscovered fermented foods, sourdough bread promotes the growth of healthy gut microbiota - the community of bacteria that live in our guts.

It is the area of nutrition, gut health and environmental science, that Isabel’s former life as a microbiologist and science communicator in Berlin and her New Zealand life as a baker come together.

Not only being able to explain to people in theory why traditional fermented foods are so good for you, but making a beautiful bread loaf that people can then touch, smell and eat, is what keeps her getting up at 4am.

“There is nothing better than a customer saying they thought they’d never be able to eat bread again, because it made them feel so bad. Until they discovered how different our organic wheat-free sourdoughs are, she says. “Bread is a wonderful food that in it’s true form does not deserve the bad name that the industrial fare has given it.”

For those, who want to learn more about sourdough baking and the nutritional and environmental issues around bread and other foods, Bread & Butter Bakery runs sourdough bread baking classes on a semi regular basis. Check out its Facebook or website for more information.

For those who just want to buy a good loaf and eat it straight away, the Little Bread & Butter store in Ponsonby Central and the main cafe and bakery at 34 Westmoreland Street in Grey Lynn has a daily selection of good sourdough loaves and bread rolls.

They have a wide range of handmade pastries, cakes, pies and other savouries plus a brunch menu. F PN www.breadandbutter.nz www.facebook.com/BreadandButterBakeryandCafe www.instagram.com/breadandbutterbakeryandcafe

Bread & Butter Bakery & cafe The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

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PONSONBY NEWS+ JUNE 2018

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SUSTAINABLE LIVING IT’S ALL GOOD... COUNTDOWN ANNOUNCES IT WILL REPLACE BLACK REUSABLE BAG FOR FREE WHEN IT WEARS OUT To celebrate its first 10 stores phasing out single-use plastic carrier bags at checkouts last month, Countdown has launched its Bag for Good programme, where for $1 customers may never need to buy another reusable bag.

From today, any Countdown-branded. black reusable bag that has seen the end of its playing days can simply be exchanged for a new one at Countdown supermarkets nationwide. Kiri Hannifin, Countdown’s General Manager Corporate Affairs, says the business wants to make it as easy and affordable as possible for customers to become single-use, plastic bag free.

“Our first preference is that customers bring their own bag, box, bucket, wheelbarrow - we don’t mind. If you get caught out, then know that for $1 you’re buying a reusable bag that you’ll never have to pay a cent for again,” says Kiri Hannifin.

“The New Zealand environment is precious and we’re keen to support our customers to make change in an easy and affordable way. Our focus is firmly set on encouraging customers away from single-use plastic where something is used once and then discarded. The much better outcome is to use something over and over again, then recycle it to be used again,” she says.

Kiri Hannifin

The first 10 stores are leading the charge for the nationwide rollout that will see single-use plastic bags removed from all 182 Countdown stores by the end of 2018. Once complete, 350 million plastic bags will be removed from circulation and the waste stream.

Reusable chiller bag: $4

The 10 stores have a range of reusable bags for customers to choose from if they forget their own bags:

Kiri Hannifin says the company expects that bag options will change and evolve over time as customers adapt to the new way of shopping.

Bag for Good: $1 • Countdown-branded, black reusable bag • Once it wears out, bring it back and Countdown will replace it for free • Tested up to 150 uses

“We know from our research that more than 80% of New Zealanders think it’s time to make the move away from plastic bags. As habits change, and as more and more retailers also make the change, we’d hope there’d be less need for emergency back-ups like the 15c bag,” she says.

Emergency reusable bag: 15c • Plastic, 55 micron • Any profit will be donated to charity • Tested up to 20 uses • Will be reviewed by mid 2019 to see whether it’s still needed once customers have had time to adapt to the change

Both Countdown’s Bag for Good and emergency bag can be recycled in the designated soft plastics recycling bins in Countdown supermarkets. F PN

36 PONSONBY NEWS+ June 2018

A range of reusable jute bags: Prices vary

www.countdown.co.nz/stores/auckland/grey-lynn-cd

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

Our future’s in the bag.

Your local Countdown Grey Lynn on Richmond Road has led the nation in phasing out single-use plastic carrier bags. Soon they’ll be gone from all Countdown stores across the country, but you can make the change to reusable bags whenever you like! Bring a bag, box, basket, or bucket from home, or if you forget, pick up our $1 Bag for Good - wear it out, bring it back and we’ll replace it for free.

Let’s do some good together.

SUSTAINABLE LIVING

59 FRANCE, BY URBAN COLLECTIVE Urban Collective is a team of experienced, multi award-winning developers who have made a philosophical decision to focus on building freehold, high-end and boutique residential developments.

They are renowned for bringing individual style, design and personality to the residential market.

59 France represents a culmination of Urban Collective’s expertise in crafting exceptional living spaces and city communities, delivering a unique habitat for creativity, thinking, dreaming, and enjoyment. 59 France will feature a massive north-facing wonder garden for the exclusive use of the building, designed by the award-winning team at LandLab. The contrasting modern elements of the building meet the city skyline eye to eye, with cascading views of the inner west and Waitakere Ranges. F PN www.urbancollective.co.nz

38 PONSONBY NEWS+ June 2018

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

CREATIVE LIVING Premium apartments from the multi, award-winning combination of local developer, Urban Collective and Paul Brown Architects.

Located in the heart of Eden Terrace for chic city

ENQUIRE NOW

fringe convenience.

Unique edgy designs, featuring the finest fixtures, fittings and finishes.

1, 2 & 3 bedroom apartments. Prices from $565k to $2.6m Selling now, off the plans Call 0800 217 838 Email steve@urbancollective.co.nz Showroom at 28 Norwich Street Check website for times urbancollective.co.nz

FOR MORE INFO VISIT

59FRANCE.CO.NZ

SUSTAINABLE LIVING THE NATURAL FUNERAL COMPANY HAS RELOCATED We note you’ve moved out of Ponsonby, where are you now?

We haven’t moved far from Ponsonby, in fact just around the corner to Eden Terrace to a bigger premises at 120 New North Road.

Tell us about your new building?

We found a beautiful, old brick church that gives us more space and in turn allows us to do more. It’s modern, light and lovely with high ceilings and big windows. We’ve used Karen Walker colours with lots of flowers and candelabras. Mostly it has given us the ability to provide ‘host your own farewells’ in our Arohanui room with open mic, and options for wine and cheese, high tea, a luncheon, cocktail party or a traditional club sandwich and sausage roll. Everyone who comes here loves it.

What makes Natural Funerals stand out from other funeral directors?

I think it’s our intent to be very personal with our families. They can feel at home in our space and we are a group of women, which is a more gentle approach. We specialise in no embalming and our body care is like the nurturing you would receive at a day spa. We use big, fluffy white towels, essential oils and candles for ambience. We have

a good range of eco caskets from cardboards to solid timbers, even felted wool.

What types of caskets are most popular?

Our woven wicker basket is probably the one people love most. Then our ply and cardboard caskets that people like to draw on or paint.

Shrouding is becoming more popular using cottons and silk. But most people don’t want to spend a fortune on a coffin, they’d rather spend their money on a wake.

What is a normal budget and what costs should be allowed for?

The biggest question of all, what does it cost! Costs are variable depending on what you have and how many people you are providing for. The essential and necessary costs are, taking care of a person’s body, cremation/burial, casket and medical certificates. Then there is the ceremony expenses of venue, catering, cards, flowers and MC. Costs range depending on choices from $3500 to $10,000 or more.

Is there anything else you’d like to tell our readers?

Our new website will be up and running very soon where you’ll be able to see our new services or come for coffee and have a look around.

THE NATURAL FUNERAL COMPANY, 120 New North Road, T: 09 361 6080, www.thenaturalfuneralcompany.co.nz

the natural funeral company For Extraordinary Farewells 120 New North Road, Eden Terrace, Auckland, e. chris@naturalfuneral.nz 09 361 6080 | 021 234 5650

www.thenaturalfuneralcompany.co.nz

40 PONSONBY NEWS+ June 2018

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

SUSTAINABLE LIVING ANGEL FOOD’S PLANT-BASED CHEESE Alice Shopland established Angel Food in 2006, with the aim of making it easier for people to eat plants rather than animals.

“I became vegan in 2004 at the age of 39,” she says, “and my only regret was not doing it sooner! I was amazed how easy it was and how good it felt - physically and psychologically - to not be consuming animal products.”

The first few years of the business were very hard going - but four years ago things started to change quickly.

“Hell Pizza started offering our dairy-free cheese as an option in all their stores, and New World stores started carrying our products - and basically it’s been all go since then. We’re now in 96% of Countdown stores.”

The company focuses on cheese alternatives, because most people love cheese and find it hard to imagine living without it!

“It wasn’t easy, but we’ve developed recipes which emulate the taste and texture and look of dairy cheeses. Our mozzarella and cheddar alternatives are our top sellers at present, but we’re excited about our upcoming launches of feta and smoked cheddar alternatives.”

With plant-based eating being one of the top food trends internationally for the past few years, it’s no surprise that the industry is evolving rapidly.

“It’s pretty mainstream now!” says Shopland. “We were in the UK recently, and there were vegan pubs and vegan ‘fried chicken’ shops and a huge range of vegan ready meals in supermarkets. It’s a great time to be showing the world that Aotearoa can be as innovative with plantbased foods as it has been with animal agriculture in the past.” F PN www.angelfood.co.nz

Available at most Countdowns and many other stores: stockist list at

www.angelfood.co.nz

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

PONSONBY NEWS+ JUNE 2018

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JOHN ELLIOTT: SUSTAINABLE LIVING

Composting for your vegetable garden A friend asked me yesterday, “how are your veggies coming along?”

I was able to reply, “not too bad.”

At this time of year with winter on our doorsteps, backyard veggie patches can be a mess. Mine often is.

I only have a small garden, but it’s going well. My cauliflowers are just beginning to heart up. Mine are herbicide and pesticide free, and will taste better than bought ones.

My potatoes are up and running - five plants six weeks from planting, eight more just up, and 15 just planted. That will be all the potatoes until August when I will plant agria - so good for making gnocchi.

The early varieties I’ve planted are rocket and the old standby Cliff's kidney. Kings Plant Barn still has some Cliff’s kidney, but be quick because its not recommended you plant potatoes in Auckland after May and then before August.

I talked to Judy of the compost collective and asked her for some do’s and don’ts.

Judy said people have plenty of choices about composting. It depends whether you grow vegetables, how much green waste and food waste you have, and what space you have in your backyard.

She explained that, “Cold composting is a simple method of compiling materials, a balance of green and brown to achieve nutrient - rich humus.”

Green food waste (but not cooked) and some freshly cut green grass mixed with brown material - dry leaves, vacuum dust, cardboard and shredded paper.

I’ve just planted some carrot seeds. They may be too late, especially if it gets cold quickly.

Overtime the layers build up and turn to compost. Keep them damp, and give them plenty of air. It will take four to six months. Even then just take the bottom third and leave the top two thirds for another couple of months.

Rocket, coriander and spinach are all good this time of year, and don’t bolt to seed like they are prone to do in summer.

It’s a bit like Rachel Hunter’s hair potions, it doesn’t happen overnight but it does happen.

My favourite lettuces are thriving - drunken woman - true!

Don’t add noxious weeds, nor dog or cat poo. Don’t put oil in, nor cooked, processed foods.

Now, what about compost?

If rats are around, start trapping. Check out Predator-free NZ 2050.

I have slipped up badly in recent times, and failed to make my own compost. That is about to end. I have a bin, and I know the basics.

Time to get going.

Compost is a dark, nutrient - rich material that boosts soil productivity.

It helps create healthy and abundant gardens.

Compost is made by mixing ordinary food and garden waste with a little water and plenty of sunlight and air. When it’s working well it is full of soil life - worms, fungus, larvae. The compost collective website will tell you, “Good compost smells earthy but not stinky. It can feel warm, damp and crumbly but not slimy.”

42 PONSONBY NEWS+ June 2018

Later in the year I suggest we start some swapping of surplus vegetables. I’ve got six cabbages in, and it takes us a long time to eat one let alone six, so that might be a start. We can never eat all our lettuces either.

If you are having problems check out the compost collective’s website, or email hello@compostcollective.org.nz There are regular, free seminars too. Happy wintering.

PN (JOHN ELLIOTT) F

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

SUSTAINABLE LIVING @ BOLT OF CLOTH

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1. LOQI Foldable Shopping Bag - various designs, in-store only - $17.95 2. Llama Planter - $59 3. Tail Wagger Tan Frenchie Mug - $44.99 4. 12oz JOCO Takeaway Cup in Ruby Wine - $30 5. Olivia Cotton Tassle Throw in petrol 130x170cm - $145 6. Flowerbomb Frost Velvet Cushion Cover 43cm - $65 7. Munch Food Wrap Set of 2 - various designs, small - $14.99, Large - $25.99, in-store only

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BOLT OF CLOTH, 2 Osborne Street, Newmarket, T: 09 520 5660, www.boltofcloth.com

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The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

PONSONBY NEWS+ JUNE 2018

43

SUSTAINABLE LIVING

CONFLICT-FREE DIAMONDS AT DOR Purchasing diamond jewellery can be an overwhelming process for some... the significant amount, the technical terms and grades of diamonds... and not to mention the the ethical practices behind sourcing the diamonds.

Until the diamond retail industry can implement a clear certification process where no morals are questioned, some research is required by the customer when choosing a jeweller to ensure they only ever supply conflict-free diamonds.

Local boutique jeweller, Diamonds on Richmond, is passionate about maintaining a sustainable and ethical business. By ensuring all of its diamonds are purchased through the Kimberly Process and are conflict-free, it hopes to put people at ease when making these important decisions.

The Kimberly Process originated in May 2000 and has become an international organisation that sources all their diamonds

through conflict-free mines and guarantees these diamonds are ethically sourced.

The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) imposes extensive requirements on its members to enable them to certify shipments of rough diamonds as ‘conflict-free’ and prevent conflict diamonds from entering the legitimate trade.

Diamonds on Richmond have noticed that its clients tend to be very ethically conscious in their decisions. According to the boutique jeweller, Kiwis generally prefer something as special as an engagement ring to be conflict-free and custom made, rather than something cheap and mass produced. F PN

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

@ DIAMONDS ON RICHMOND 3

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Diamond Square Cluster Ring (9ct white gold, 0.50ct TDW) - $2500 Morganite & Diamond Ring (14ct rose gold, 0.20ct TDW) - $2900 Pavé Set Diamond Bangle (18ct white gold, 1.50ct TDW) - $9900 Diamond Earrings (available in all diamond sizes, white / yellow gold) starting from $345

5. Diamond Cluster Earrings (9ct white gold, 0.50ct TDW) - $2620 6. Diamond Tennis Bracelet (available in all diamond sizes, white / yellow gold) starting from $1950 7. Diamond Pendant & Chain (available in all diamond sizes, white / yellow gold) starting from $890

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

44 PONSONBY NEWS+ June 2018

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

SUSTAINABLE LIVING @ ROSE & HEATHER

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1. Bespoke Trenail hall table made to size and colour

3. Marble-top bedsides available in all ranges

2. At 1.7 metres tall welcome back the VVTB (Very Very Tallboy) in our new ‘Hickory’ finish

4. Newport bed in all sizes from $4180

ROSE AND HEATHER, 406 Great North Road, T: 09 376 2895, www.roseandheather.com

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At Rose and Heather we make the pieces you want to come home to..

THE NEWPORT BED

406 Great North Rd | Grey Lynn | t: 09 3762895 www.roseandheather.co.nz The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

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SUSTAINABLE LIVING

RARE WHITE KIWI CAN'T ATTEND HER OWN BIRTHDAY PARTY White kiwi Manukura, who made headlines around the world when she hatched at Pukaha Mount Bruce National Wildlife Centre in 2011, turned seven years old on Tuesday, 1 May. Unfortunately, she missed her birthday celebrations as she was unwell and being treated at Massey University's Wildbase Hospital.

Manukura was the first of three rare white kiwi to hatch at Pukaha Mount Bruce and, since 2012, she has lived in the nocturnal kiwi house aviary with her white feathers giving visitors a unique experience. Visitors have been known to come from all over the globe to see her while world-renowned and award-winning writer Joy Cowley made Manukura's story into picture book for young children.

Manukura was first diagnosed by Pukaha rangers with a small beak infection in early February. She was taken to Wildbase Hospital at Massey, where the infection was confirmed. The infection was immediately treated and Manukura returned to Pukaha Mount Bruce.

However, after a few days, her earlier signs of illness that included not eating and losing weight, returned. It was then discovered the infection had advanced and a decision was made to keep her at Wildbase Hospital for an extended period of time.

Wildbase Professor Brett Gartrell says Manukura's infection has been difficult to treat, as they have not been able to pin point the exact location of the infection.

"We suspect the initial beak infection to be the entry point for bacteria into her blood stream and that she has had widespread infection in multiple locations since. We've carried out a range of diagnostic tests including radiographs (x-rays), computed tomography, ultrasound and gastroscopy in addition to the routine clinical pathology and microbial cultures," he said.

"Manukura has responded well to intravenous antibiotics and supportive care and we are hopeful she will soon recover sufficiently so she can return home to Pukaha Mount Bruce National Wildlife Centre. No matter how hard we try to care for her in hospital, there's really no place like home. We enjoy our partnership with Pukaha Mount Bruce and this care is one we are really pleased to help with."

The rangers at Pukaha are keeping their fingers and toes crossed that Manukura will recover quickly so she can meet her potential new mate, Frickleton, in the nocturnal kiwi house aviary. "Manukura is in excellent care at Wildbase," says Jess. "I know Manukura is in great hands and I am confident in the team and her recovery."

Frickleton, a North Island brown kiwi, arrived at Pukaha in early February from Willowbank Wildlife Reserve in Christchurch and can

46 PONSONBY NEWS+ June 2018

be seen in the nocturnal kiwi house aviary daily. It was intended that after a brief settling in stage, the two would be introduced and live as a pair. But due to Manukura's illness this has been put on hold.

While Frickleton is patiently awaiting Manukura's return in the nocturnal aviary, Todd Jenkinson, Pukaha's conservation manager says there is an upside to the situation.

"In a way, this could work out better for their introduction," explains Todd. "In the wild, a male kiwi will call a female into his territory. With Manukura being away, Frickleton may well decide the nocturnal aviary is his turf meaning that when Manukura returns, it will be much more like how it is in the wild."

At this stage Wildbase Hospital cannot confirm when Manukura will be well enough to return to Pukaha Mount Bruce. Manukura has this week shown some signs of improvement but is still a long way from full recovery.

Jess and the Pukaha team encourage people to visit Pukaha Mount Bruce, which is located on SH2 -15 minutes' drive north of Masterton and leave Manukura a birthday message in the kiwi house.

"Manukura is a special taonga, national treasure, and our locals especially, have a real sense of pride and ownership of her," she says. "I would like everyone to get behind Manukura and send her their best wishes for her speedy recovery." F PN www.Pukaha.org.nz PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

SUSTAINABLE LIVING TREE GIFTS NZ - GIFTS THAT GROW! Members of the Sustainable Business Network and the Buy NZ Made campaign, Tree Gifts NZ has been delivering living plant and tree gifts across New Zealand for 15 years.

KEEP IN THE HEAT Much is written about insulating walls, ceiling and floors to ensure that your winter heating is more effective.

However, studies show that glazing is often the weakest link when it comes to winter heat loss accounting for between 21-30% of all heat lost.

Heat moves towards cold, so in winter the heat inside your home will try to go through a window to the colder outside. As the heat reaches the window it cools, falls to the floor and then creates a cold draught as this air circulates back into the room. However, by trapping a layer of insulating still air between the window and the room with a tight-fitting window covering, the draft cycle is dramatically reduced. Two products that have been shown to greatly increase the thermal efficiency of windows are shutters and blinds.

The good news is that throughout June, Artisan is offering 20% off selected blinds and shutters from its premium ranges along with a free measure and quote within the greater Auckland area.

In addition, Artisan blinds can be fitted with the latest cutting-edge motorisation technology from Somfy. Visit the Auckland showrooms to talk to the blinds and shades experts. All showroom locations can be found on the Artisan Collective website. F PN ARTISAN, 31a Normanby Road, Mt Eden, T: 09 302 2499, www.artisancollective.co.nz

Born out of a desire to bring eco-friendly gifts with longevity to the market, Tree Gifts range includes everything from kitset terrariums (great for birthdays for those hard to buy for people!) through to New Zealand natives, fruit and flowering trees, and even designer crafted bonsai.

Sending a living plant or tree gift is such a lovely alternative to cut flowers, instead of lasting for days, gifts can be enjoyed through the years as a reminder of the occasion gifted.

Whether as a thank you or anniversary gift, or as a living memorial to honour the life of a loved one, living gifts bring comfort to family and friends.

Along with tree and plant gifts, the team at Tree Gifts also offers a range of sustainable business gifts including branded Seed Cards and Growing Kits to highlight growth and the environmental policies of New Zealand businesses along with Seed Bombs to help New Zealand’s struggling bee population.

To find out more about Tree Gifts visit the online store at www.treegifts.co.nz or call the team on T: 0800 87 33 44. F PN

Tree Gifts NZ Gifts that grow !

20% off selected premium range blinds and shutters + free measure and quote.

31a Normanby Rd, Mount Eden artisancollective.co.nz

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

PONSONBY NEWS+ JUNE 2018

47

HEIDI PADAIN: ENTERTAINMENT IN YOUR GARDEN I’m fascinated with avian politics. Not just how same species of birds interact, but how different bird species communicate with one another.

I’ve seen some unusual sights over the years; a dove and a sparrow that followed one another everywhere. A starling that was beaten up by its own flock, and then taken in by waxeyes. Also, there's how birds interact with us. I am entirely convinced that each respective bird has a unique personality.

Birds are like us really. They will compromise on some things and not others. When I put fruit out for the birds, I notice that posturing may occur between species and, occasionally, I am surprised to see these birds happily sharing. It is the same with nesting. Territory battles are common.

There is something that I learned recently that I want to share with you...

I've always been aware that when the blackbird makes a "chit chit" alarm sound, there's something outside that I should take a look at.

Recently, I heard several blackbirds making the alarm call, but I also heard waxeyes, warblers and fantails all within close proximity.

I entered the bush on my property, but because of the recent storm, there was so much debris, fallen tree branches were everywhere!

I couldn't get through. I decided to enter from my neighbour's side. It is quite steep. I made a rather undignified entrance into the bush and lost my footing in all the mess and slid down ungracefully on my rear end and then looked up.

Above me was a sleepy-eyed morepork. This bird was surrounded by three blackbirds, a large number of waxeyes and grey warblers. Of note were the fantails that swooped precariously around its head, as if daring it to move. Perhaps that was the intent. Stir this bird up and chase it away. I felt like Alice in Wonderland. I had never seen anything like it. I was wide-eyed with it all. The sound was deafening. What I found amusing was how unperturbed this morepork was. It would occasionally open one eye as it felt the brush of fantail wings, but really, it seemed oblivious to all the commotion.

Birds of different species will collaborate when there is a need to do PN so. Isn't it a beautiful world? (HEIDI PADAIN) F

Just like Alice in Wonderland, I am somewhat clumsy. The only thing that managed to upset this morepork was the sight of me tumbling down the bank in an avalanche of dried leaves and branches. I looked up in time to see the morepork glide off on widespread wings.

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, or look her up on Facebook... Heidi Padain Photography.

48 PONSONBY NEWS+ June 2018

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

LOCAL NEWS NEW APARTMENTS AND CITY INTENSIFICATION PROJECTS WINNERS IN 2018 AUCKLAND ARCHITECTURE AWARDS A number of local buildings have received Auckland Architecture Awards at an event held at MOTAT Aviation Hall recently.

The 2018 Auckland Architecture Awards are part of the peerreviewed New Zealand Architecture Awards programme run by the New Zealand Institute of Architects (NZIA) and sponsored by Resene. The programme sets the benchmark for the country’s buildings and recognises the contribution of architects to their towns and communities.

Rick Pearson, this year’s awards jury convenor, said the number of entries and high quality of shortlisted works made the judging process challenging.

Over the course of a busy week, Pearson and his fellow jurors architects Jeff Wells, Julian Mitchell and Katherine Dean, as well as lay juror Fleur Palmer - visited 54 shortlisted projects. 107 projects were entered this year.

options. They jury said that 'the two street frontages create dynamically different conditions while maintaining the texture and grit of the neighbourhood'."

In nearby Ponsonby, at the Vinegar Lane precinct, the Aria Apartments by TOA Architects “raise the design bar high by meeting the challenge for entry-level housing within a highdensity urban development,” the jury said.

Vinegar Lane also received an award for Planning and Urban Design. The project, master-planned by Isthmus for Progressive Enterprises, impressed the jury with its “back to the future concept of small, defined development lots, with a focus on architectural quality throughout.”

The jury conferred six awards in the multi-unit housing category, to Housing New Zealand homes in Mt Albert, multi-level townhouses in Hobsonville Point and apartments in Grey Lynn and Ponsonby.

A building that is “all about cars” at 119 Great North Road won both a Commercial Architecture Award and an Interior Architecture Award. The luxury car showroom and office building, designed by Warren and Mahoney, has a “flawlessly organised integration of activities and services”, the jury said.

“We were also impressed with the planning of Vinegar Lane in Ponsonby,” Pearson said. “It sets a good precedent for other areas looking to achieve urban density and diversity without forgoing building quality.

The Stables in Ponsonby, a small brick building that was originally a horse stable from the early days of the suburb, has received a conversion by McKinney + Windeatt Architects that is “elegant, restrained and modest in scale.” F PN

“In Grey Lynn, The Barrington, designed by Paul Brown Architects, incorporates small tenancies as well as live-work

CONTINUED P50 www.nzia.co.nz

Planning and urban design - Vinegar Lane The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

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LOCAL NEWS CONTINUED FROM P49

Housing - Rawene House - Stevens Lawson Architects (Westmere)

Shipshape - Robin O'Donnell Architects (St Marys Bay)

Space Invader - PAC - Paterson Architecture Collective and Glamuzina Architects in association (Grey Lynn)

50 PONSONBY NEWS+ June 2018

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

LOCAL NEWS

Housing multi-unit - Aria Apartments - TOA Architects (Ponsonby)

The Foundries - Jasmax and Hunter Hindmarsh in association (Freemans Bay)

Small Project Architecture - Objectspace Gallery - RTA Studio The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

The Barrington - Paul Brown Architects (Grey Lynn) DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

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EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY DISCOVER THE MAGIC OF MATAKANA Visitors to beautiful Matakana, barely an hour north of Auckland, now have an even wider range of accommodation options from which to choose with the release of Plume Villas, 12 brand new luxury retreats ranging from one-three bedrooms.

These are set within landscaped grounds a short stroll from the delights of Plume Restaurant on Sharp Road.

Plume Restaurant is already well known and respected for its superb cuisine and wine lovers appreciate the fact that the restaurant is the cellar door for Runner Duck Estate Vineyard’s fine wines. Guests can enjoy a tasting session before their meal, continue with their favourite discovery when they move through to the restaurant and take a bottle or two (or a case) home to enjoy later.

The restaurant has a large separate conference room, Rengarenga, which overlooks the surrounding countryside, and this has proven to be an ideal location for weddings, conferences and business events. Along with the restaurant, this room opens to a paved area and a lovely flat lawn ideal for alfresco dining or a wedding ceremony.

Plume Villas complement these facilities and make longer stay events possible. Each new villa has been carefully placed on a gently sloping site with views of the surrounding countryside. Every bedroom has a king size bed, its own delightful ensuite bathroom and tasteful décor, appointments and furnishings. Heat pumps ensure that the villas are cosy and warm in winter and easily cooled in summer. Outdoor living has been a prime consideration with living and bedroom spaces leading to decked areas and the villas share a swimming pool.

This is the perfect location for a weekend getaway for two, a family gathering or an escape with good friends. Discover the magic of Matakana, plan your getaway now and be sure to include a delightful meal at Plume Restaurant and a relaxed stay at Plume Villas.

The delights of Matakana township including art galleries and recreational shopping options are only a five-minute drive away and Plume Cafe on the central roundabout is the perfect place for refreshments when you’re in need of a snack, a coffee or a rest!

PLUME VILLAS, 37 Sharp Road, Matakana, PLUME RESTAURANT, 49A Sharp Road, Matakana, T: 09 422 7915, PLUME CAFE, Matakana Wharf Road, T: 09 423 0390, www.plumevillas.co.nz www.plumerestaurant.co.nz

JOHN ELLIOTT: LOCAL NEWS

Good news on the ban glyphosate front One of my great concerns over glyphosate use in Auckland has been the part played

by Auckland Transport, that unaccountable secret society, known falsely as a Council Controlled Organisation.

They have been responsible for spraying the berms and roadsides of greater Auckland, and have been known to use the carcinogenic glyphosate while pleading ignorance.

Now the responsibility is to be handed back completely to Auckland Council’s community facilities. After eight long years all weed and vegetation control will revert to one contract under council management.

It will be a relief not to have to deal with Auckland Transport any longer.

The extra services allocated to the full facilities contracts will mean all berm mowing and weed management across the full road corridor (including the kerb and channel) will return to council and will now include rural as well as urban roads.

Cutting out the AT middleman and the savings that will result will give the council the opportunity to finally reduce and then eliminate poisonous chemicals in our public spaces.

52 PONSONBY NEWS+ June 2018

The new weed management team at Auckland Council seems to be listening to community concerns, and I’m confident reductions in the use of Roundup with glyphosate will result.

The complete change wont occur until early next year, but it will happen.

I’m assured our local board, Waitemata, will lead the way forward, and accelerate elimination.

Ponsonby News has been highly critical of Auckland Transport on this issue for some time. We are pleased with this outcome. Now we will keep the pressure on our local board to have a poison-free environment in the Waitemata Ward. (JOHN ELLIOTT) F PN

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

Experience the magic of Matakana, stay at one of our luxurious new Plume Villas and enjoy the superb food and À QH ZLQH DW 3OXPH 5HVWDXUDQW &RXQWU\ OLIH VWDUWV KHUH A one-hour scenic drive north of Auckland and 5 minutes from 0DWDNDQD WRZQVKLS \RX ZLOO À QG Plume Restaurant, an oasis for gourmet travellers in a coastal country setting. Recognised for its superb cuisine, and as the cellar door for Runner Duck Estate 9LQH\DUG¡V À QH ZLQHV 3OXPH Restaurant has gained quite a reputation.

Now, 12 new luxury Plume Villas, ranging from 1-3 bedrooms, have been added within the grounds.

These all share a swimming pool and are within a relaxed stroll of the restaurant. No matter the season or the length of your stay, you will À QG 3OXPH 9LOODV D FRPIRUWDEOH place to base yourself while enjoying the many delights nearby, including the fabulous food and wine at Plume Restaurant. $OUHDG\ ERDVWLQJ D SULYDWH OLJKW À OOHG function room, Plume Restaurant has just become the perfect venue for weddings, conferences, meetings and private events set within a peaceful country location.

www.theplumecollection.co.nz

37 Sharp Road, Matakana 09 422 7915 / 09 283 3630 SCL/PLU2018/15

49A Sharp Road Matakana 09 422 7915

1335 Leigh Road, Matakana 09 423 0390

Cellar door Plume Restaurant 09 422 7915

EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY @ SABATO The Giusti family has been making its superb balsamic using authentic and traditional methods for over 400 years in Modena, Italy - also home to Ferrari, Maserati and other elite car brands.

Established in 1598, they still stand today at the top of the balsamic world. Its continued use of wooden barrels, in preference to the more industrial approach of stainless steel, has been an absolute winner for Giusti, with many prestigious awards bearing testament to this.

As part of Sabato’s 25-year anniversary celebrations, Giusti has offered to produce a special, limited edition Sabato 25-year balsamic vinegar in recognition of their long and close relationship. This is available now for a limited time only! Sabato will also celebrate with 25% off their entire Giusti range, both in-store and online, from 1-14 June 2018. This offer will not include the 25-year anniversary balsamic bottle.

Try this warming crispy-skin duck recipe this autumn-winter, featuring Sabato’s Giusti balsamic glaze; it’s unique flavour is a favourite for top chefs the world over.

Crispy-skin duck with farro, charred broccoli and balsamic glaze Serves 2 (recipe can easily be doubled, if required) ¾ cup Girolomoni organic farro perlato 3 Tbsp Sabato pesto Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper 1 small head broccoli sliced into florets 1-2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil (EVO) ¼ cup Kernelz walnut pieces, toasted 2 Gameford Lodge duck breasts, at room temperature Giusti balsamic glaze Cook the farro in plenty of boiling water for 20 minutes. Drain well. Add pesto and season with salt and pepper. At the same time, blanch broccoli in boiling, salted water for one minute, then drain well. Toss broccoli with a little EVO and char grill or stir fry in a pan over high heat until charred. Add to farro mixture. To cook the duck, pat the duck breasts dry with paper towels. Score the skin using the tip of a sharp knife to make a lattice pattern. Season duck on both sides with salt and pepper. Lay the duck breasts, skin side down, in a cold frying pan and set the pan over medium heat. Cook for 10 -12 minutes until the skin in crisp and much of the fat rendered - tip out the rendered fat from time to time during this process. Turn the duck over and increase the heat to medium-high; cook for three minutes on the other side. This will give you medium-rare meat and crispy skin. Rest under a tent of foil for 10 minutes before slicing. Use a sharp knife to slice the duck breasts on the diagonal. Arrange farro and broccoli on serving plates and scatter with walnuts. Lay duck slices over the top and drizzle generously with Giusti balsamic glaze. ©Recipe courtesy of Julie Le Clerc. F PN

REAL FOOD HOKIANGA 2018 Hokianga Environmental Protection Group held its third Real Food Hokianga event in Rawene last month and, despite the bad weather, there was a large turnout.

The idea for this event followed campaigns against deep sea oil exploration and on climate change. When the group considered what it can do as a community to reduce its contribution to climate change and to make the community more resilient while facing an uncertain future, the topic of food came up time and again.

HEPG wanted to organise an event based around food to celebrate what can be produced locally, build community and share skills. Also, to increase awareness of how damaging the industrial food system is, it’s huge contribution to climate change, ill health and social injustice, and how we can all step away from it.

“Part of the focus this year was on ‘Fast Slow Food’, how to incorporate slow food into busy lives in a way that is affordable to all and to share skills and knowledge widely across the community. “ Along with the regular stalls, and demonstrations on a wide range of subjects including food growing, slow cooking with a hot box, lactic pickling, making simple cheeses, sourdough bread, kombucha, and kefir soda, there were some new stalls including foraged greens, herb teas, healthy sweet treats and kaanga pirau (fermented corn).

For all items that need a starter culture (yoghurt, kombucha, sourdough) starters were supplied so people to make their own. Plants were given away including herbs and bananas. A free booklet was produced and given out which included most of the instructions and recipes.

This year it also celebrated the success of the campaign against deep sea oil now that the Government will no longer be issuing new permits for deep sea oil exploration.

A small but significant step in the right direction towards tackling climate change! F PN www.facebook.com/groups/615079778557408/

For more recipe ideas and ingredients visit us in-store or on our website www.sabato.co.nz SABATO, 57 Normanby Road, Mt Eden, T: 09 630 8751.

54 PONSONBY NEWS+ June 2018

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY

FOR THE LOVE OF WINE Journey deeper into the uncorked world of New Zealand wine, tasting delicious drops from 60 stunning wineries from all our main wine regions.

Unearth your favourites from the likes of Craggy Range, Mt Difficulty, Vavasour, Greywacke, and Man O’ War, taking home your favourite selections to swirl, sip and savour.

Winetopia presented by Singapore Airlines is your opportunity to get under the skin of the New Zealand grape scene and discover the colourful personalities that have made this country’s wine their life’s work.

In this paradise for wine obsessives, there are ideal opportunities to explore numerous regions and styles, try hundreds of lovingly crafted wines, and meet the makers across all regions of New Zealand. ‘Share a glass’ with famous faces and learn from industry gurus including Master of Wine Bob Campbell and renowned Australian wine expert Mike Bennie, with tasting seminars to enlighten, entertain and enhance your love of great wine. Plus, pair your sumptuous wines with delicious food offerings from a selection of award-winning artisans, all washed down with sultry live entertainment.

Winetopia is the biggest public wine tasting event in New Zealand and PN a great wine day out. F Buy tickets now at www.winetopia.nz

) ƨ ĹƒÇ“ÇŤ Ĺƒ Ĺ? Ćş ĆĄ ƝǍ ʼn Ĺł

$hĹŚ* #winetopiaNZ R18

22-23 JUNE I SHED 10 I AUCKLAND

( Ĺ Ĺ— Ĺł ^ entry to 1 of 3 sessions, 5 tasting

tokens, Spiegelau wine glass, free talks + live music

60 WINERIES + FOOD & WINE MASTERCLASSES 3 SESSIONS: FRI 5-8.30PM | SAT 12-3.30PM & 4.30-8PM

BUY TICKETS NOW AT WINETOPIA.NZ

SEE WEBSITE FOR DETAILS ON AUCKLAND EVENT *tickets purchased online + booking fee.

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EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY

FACES AT THE MARKET - WHITNEY AND WHITNEY Tucked away in the corner of the Grey Lynn Farmers Market you will find Whitney Wainui and Whitney Nicholls-Potts selling their specialty brews and offering tastes in small pottery cups.

How did you meet?

What are the chances of two young women, both expecting their first child, both with careers in communications, both with a passion for - and both named Whitney? That’s what a mutual friend Te Reo M aori, thought when she introduced us. Now our babies have turned one, we are close friends and we are partners in our tea business.

What is your most popular tea?

Definitely our chai. There was a stallholder from India who told us that our chai is just like she makes it at home - that was such a compliment to be told our chai is authentic. We are also delighted that some people think they don’t like chai but love ours.

Our special GLFM Breakfast blend is very popular too.

How did you come up with the idea of selling tea?

Whitney [N-P] had a job in a tea shop when she was a student and she used to sell tea at the Whanganui market. We were always drinking tea together so the idea was brewing too.

It started as an opportunity to bring in a bit of extra cash but has morphed into a bigger business idea. We want to grow our brand and have just got a website so that we can sell packs of tea online.

What is the idea behind your tea?

Our idea is to help people enjoy the process and ceremony of making tea. To give people a moment of slow living and a chance for some reflection time in their day.

Where does the name Kapu T i come from?

- Kapu Ti is M aori for 'cup of tea'. We are both trying to improve our te reo so we thought we would build this into our brand. It’s interesting that when we put our Kapu Ti sign outside the market, people are curious and they come to find out what we are about.

How does GLFM work for you?

It’s a great incubator. Everyone who’s there inspires and supports each other. They encourage us and have suggested other opportunities outside the market. The other stallholders are wonderful and make us feel like we belong.

What has been the biggest challenge?

The baby juggle of course. We are learning to adjust our expectations of how much we can get done. But people also like meeting our babies and it’s a great way to meet people.

What has been the biggest joy?

Our loyal regulars. One of our regulars always gets two cups of tea - he’s a writer - we love finding out about our customers. They miss us if we can’t be there. That’s why we are training up Whitney [N-P]’s brother Jack to be our back-up. F PN www.whitneyandwhitneys.co.nz; www.glfm.co.nz

Is it just a name or does it mean more?

We always start our conversations with “kia ora” or “morena” [morning], then take a lead from our customer from there. And we slip a short whakatauki [proverb] into every packet of tea.

Some people love our kaupapa and seek us out every week to - with us. Of course, there are also some who practise their M aori find it a bit awkward and that’s fine too. We want to be a safe place where people can try as much or as little as they are ready for.

56 PONSONBY NEWS+ June 2018

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

GUSTO AT THE GRAND PRESENT A NIGHT WITH ICEBERGS DINING ROOM AND BAR

THURSDAY 28TH JUNE | 6.30PM FOUR COURSE DINNER $260 PER PERSON BOOKINGS – 09 363 7030 RESERVATIONS@GUSTOATTHEGRAND.CO.NZ

R18 for the service of alcohol. Host Responsibility limits apply

INSPIRED

BY A SENSE OF PLACE Join Chef Nic Watt and Master of Wine Sam Harrop IRU DQ H[TXLVLWHO\ FUDIWHG ¼YH FRXUVH GLQQHU with a specially curated wine match selection from the 2018 Fine Wines of New Zealand list.

Thursday 5 July, 6.30pm–10pm $170 per person MASU by Nic Watt 90 Federal Street, Auckland To book, phone 09 363 6278, or email info@masu.co.nz

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SKYA10901

R18 for the service of alcohol. Host Responsibility limits apply.

LIZ WHEADON: WINE, GLORIOUS WINE

Australian pinot noir The premium Australian wine market has never been so exciting.

Australian wine has had a rather rough time. From being the darling of the international red wine market, its fortune changed because of droughts, fires and changing consumer preferences, which led to Australian wine struggling. Now, at this stage, if you are sitting thinking Australian wine is all too big, too broad, with high alcohol, and not for you, please do read on. This was, for many Australian wines, the style of the past and, sure, these still exist. The modern face of Australian wine could not be further from these styles, however.

It was with this in mind that we set about to explore, expand and change our Australian range. What you’ll find in store this month is a super-exciting range of Australian wine. Included in this new-look range is a set of Australian pinot noir that demands attention.

De Bortoli Wines is a third-generation family wine company established by Vittorio and Giuseppina De Bortoli in 1928. The couple emigrated to Australia from Northern Italy, from mountain villages at the foothills of the Italian Alps, near the historic town of Asolo.

Their son, Deen De Bortoli (1936 - 2003), whose name is on their Deen range, expanded and consolidated the business created by his parents. Deen's children established De Bortoli's reputation for premium wine, including iconic dessert wine Noble One and the Yarra Valley wines.

De Bortoli’s focus has always been on careful site selection, vine maturity and high input viticulture with a move towards biological farming principles. It’s on this basis that their most-awarded range of pinot noir sits. Riorret is terroir spelt backwards, and is the name of a collection of single vineyard pinot noir, made only in the best vintages and only when the vintage lets the place they are grown shine through in the wine.

Lusatia Park is off a vineyard located at Woori Yallock in the upper Yarra Valley. This north-facing vineyard was planted in 1985, with

very close vine spacing. Lots of manual work is done in the vines that sit on deep red basalt soils. Lusatia Park’s style is a fine, aromatic and charming pinot noir.

The Abbey Pinot Noir comes from the Abbey Vineyard at Tarrawarra and is considered one of the Yarra Valley's premium vineyard sites.

The Abbey Pinot Noir is typically dark-fruited with power and charm.

Balnarring is the only wine in the range that takes the name of a village, being named after the Balnarring Village on Warrawee Road where the vineyard is situated. This vineyard is an east-facing slope, that produces very low yields. The resulting wine has very PN concentrated fruit; this is a terrific pinot noir. (LIZ WHEADON) F Throughout June, there are instore tastings every Thursday and Friday at all Glengarry stores. The following tastings around the Ponsonby area focus on Australia: 13 June - Australian Pinot Noir - Victoria Park 16 June - A walk-around tasting, from 1pm at Victoria Park, exploring many of the new wines 28 June - Premium Australian Pinot Noir - the iconic wines lined up - Victoria Park 2 August - St Hallett with Barossa legend Stuart Blackwell To book for these and view all the details, visit www.glengarry.co.nz/tastings.

WIN

A FUN-FILLED TRIP TO THE ADELAIDE FRINGE FESTIVAL WITH A GUIDED TOUR THROUGH THE BAROS SA VALLEY F I N D O U T M O R E I N S T O R E O R O N L I N E A T G L E N G A R R Y. C O . N Z

58 PONSONBY NEWS+ June 2018

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EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY CRUEL CONFINEMENT OF PIGS PROMPTS SUPERMARKET SHOPPERS TO RETHINK BUYING PORK Pigs are amongst the most intensively farmed animals on the planet, suffering at every stage of their lives, and a new study for World Animal Protection has found that: 92% of people in New Zealand believe it is important that pigs are reared in conditions with high welfare standards. With only 3% of New Zealanders saying they would definitely still buy pork knowing that mother pigs are confined in cages, unable to move around, when giving birth and rearing their young.

As the demand for cheap pork continues to grow here and around the world, factory farming is working animals harder than ever: 79% of people in New Zealand found the harsh reality of industrial pig farming in New Zealand (with farrowing crates) and around the world (with varying sow stalls and farrowing crates) "upsetting", "wrong" or "shocking".

That ‘harsh reality’ involves cruel factory farm practices, such as: • Three out of four of the world’s mother pigs remain in cages. Used as breeding machines, their young taken from them, these pigs spend their lives in steel cages no bigger than a fridge.

• Piglets are being cruelly mutilated often with no pain relief: their tails are cut, their teeth are ground or clipped, their ears notched, and most male piglets are castrated.

Squashed together in dark, squalid warehouses forced to lie in their own waste. These cramped, stressful conditions provide the perfect breeding ground for the spread of infection, leading to routine, indiscriminate use of antibiotics. With around 60% of pork consumed in New Zealand being imported (some from countries using pigfarming practices that New Zealand has banned) and around 70% of pig farms using farrowing crates in New Zealand, this ‘upsetting’ consumer feedback is not good news for supermarkets in New Zealand.

Factory farming methods are about increased animal productivity; fuelling an increased consumption of cheap meat with little regard for animal welfare, explains Ben Pearson, Head of Campaigns New Zealand at World Animal Protection.

“Low-welfare industrial farming conditions for pigs can lead to severe physical pain and psychological distress as they are unable to express natural foraging and nesting behaviour. It doesn’t have to be this way here or around the world. We need to see an end to close confinement and barren environments, so pigs can live in social groups in comfortable environments with opportunities to express natural behaviour.

“Supermarkets hold the power to create better lives for pigs. We are encouraging customers of leading supermarkets around the world to let them know they expect higher welfare standards for pork products, with the guarantee that pigs are raised right.”

World Animal Protection is working with global producers to develop higher welfare systems, enabling pigs to be kept out of cages and in social groups. We are appealing to the public to help drive change by telling the supermarkets they shop in, to shift to higher welfare standards when sourcing pork.

Ben Pearson concludes: “Higher welfare is good for animals, good for business and good for people. Good animal welfare reduces stress, injury and disease, decreasing the use of antibiotics, and providing high-quality and safe pork for you and your family.”

World Animal Protection is asking the public to sign their petition and demand PN supermarkets make a promise to sell pork from pigs that have been raised right. F www.worldanimalprotection.org.nz/raise-pigs-right-sentience

ANTIPODES SPARKLING, WORLD FIRSTS COMMEMORATIVE LABEL In its 15th year the Antipodes Water Company, is set to release its first commemorative bottle to celebrate its array of world firsts.

A limited-release sparkling water in both 500ml and 1L sizes, will be released in New Zealand and Australia soon.

The team at Antipodes are extremely proud of their accomplishments so far in 2018. In February, Antipodes was crowned the champion sparkling water at the 28th Berkeley Springs International Water Tasting in West Virginia, US. The longest-running and world’s most respected water awards.

Antipodes was also awarded in the best packaging category.

In March, Antipodes was acknowledged as the champion light sparkling water at the prestigious Gourmet Waters International Contest AVPA (Agency for the Valorisation of Agricultural Products) in Paris, France.

“The team at Antipodes are absolutely delighted with world firsts!” said Deborah McLaughlin, General Manager at the Antipodes Water Company. “We can’t wait to see our commemorative labels being served in the many great establishments that sell Antipodes in New Zealand and Australia in 2018.”

Antipodes world firsts go back over a decade, including the first and only mineral water to have achieved carboNZeroCertTM certification, and the first bottled water to be recognised by the United Nations for environmental practices and responsibility. F PN www.antipodes.co.nz

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GARY STEEL: VEG FRIENDLY

History lesson - world events could kill off veganism in New Zealand As I’ve noted before in this column, it’s astonishing just how quickly vegan cuisine is evolving now that technology is on its side.

Prior to the advent of the internet, being meat free was a constant challenge - both socially and culinarily. Vegan cookbooks were rare indeed and the majority of vegetarian recipes in books that were typically imported from England were bland indeed.

The internet, social media and helpful apps have propelled what was considered a cult-like activity into the mainstream, with a huge uptake in knowledge and information-swapping and of course, everevolving recipes that acknowledge the needs and desires of the whole vegan community.

Most of the impetus for this food revolution is coming from teenagers and young adults, and that’s probably the way it should be. But as is typical of any schoolyard or university environment, the emphasis on the ‘now’ can neglect an informative perspective on the past, and how we got here.

It’s rare to find a young vegan with much knowledge or interest in the history of food, or any real idea of where the majority of the food they eat comes from, and that’s a crying shame.

If there were a major economic meltdown tomorrow, or a major war that involved the dominant countries, where would New Zealand vegans and vegetarians get their essential nutrients if imports were jeopardised?

We grow many of the vegetables we eat here, but our soils are low in several important minerals including selenium and iodine, which we need to get either from imported produce or supplements.

We get the majority of our protein from pulses and their derivatives (tofu, for instance) but almost all of these are imported, as are nuts and rice. When you get right down to it, vegans are a very long way from the idea of living a sustainable lifestyle, because they’re so very reliant on products imported from around the globe.

And if you’ve any doubts about how vulnerable we are to world markets, just look at how the price of cashew nuts has more than doubled in just one year. And don’t even get me started about food miles.

Vegans, however, seem to be happily oblivious to these rather important concerns. Shouldn’t we be stealthily developing a completely sustainable, New Zealand-grown philosophy to go with our food ethics?

Not only does this make sense on an ethical level, but if we figured out how to grow all those ingredients locally, then we’d be protected in the case of international travesty.

It’s all too easy to forget that our colonial ancestors came here dirt -poor from an England that could barely feed them. Their food was largely vegetarian because they just couldn’t afford the meat that the aristocracy chowed down on. In the Aotearoa of the 1800s there were few real sources of protein, and that’s why having land for the first time was so important to these peasants, as it meant that they could own sheep and cattle and eat them as their main food source.

I’m in awe of young vegans who are revolutionising the way the world thinks about meat-free food, but many of them would benefit from a crash course in how their ancestors lived and ate and why they ate what they did. Tofu didn’t grow on kauri trees, Linda McCartney hadn’t invented her frozen meals, and raw food cuisine had yet to be invented, so meat was literally a necessity for survival.

Perhaps it’s time to think about the possibility of a future international catastrophe, and to figure out how to make the availability of local plant-based food sources guaranteed for all time. Who’s up for the challenge? (GARY STEEL) F PN

Gary Steel is an Auckland-based journalist who runs online vegetarian resource www.doctorfeelgood.co.nz.

He can be contacted via beautmusic@gmail.com

PONSONBY NEWS+ JULY FEATURES Good Living WINTER: FITNESS / HEALTH / BEAUTY

Good Eating-Drinking PLANT BASED / VEGETARIAN / ORGANIC Copy deadline: Wednesday 20 June Published: Friday 6 July

60 PONSONBY NEWS+ June 2018

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Modern Japanese Main Beach Takapuna Beach Bookings essential Ph 09 390 7188 www.tokyobay.co.nz

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

Japanese Izakaya Dining Bar Ponsonby Central No bookings required Ph 09 376 8016 www.tokyoclub.co.nz

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EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY WHAT A DIFFERENCE A YEAR MAKES The Grey Lynn Business Association began a journey of understanding the particular crossover between community and business.

At the heart of that journey was a well-recognised disastrous consultation over providing a wider selection of transport options through the major thoroughfares of Richmond Road, Surrey Crescent, Old Mill and Garnet Roads. It brought the community and businesses together to focus on developing solutions which really reflect the values seen in our local neighbourhood and the associated business villages. Albeit, the path at times has taken some fairly unusual twists, turns, zebra crossings and roundabouts, there is a quiet confidence that the process we have been involved in in the past three to four months is the best way of getting a solution that fits all our needs.

What it has taught us is that no one person has all the knowledge and all the solutions, but working collectively and collaboratively together we can reach what we believe will be a vastly superior result for us all. It is refreshing to be associated with urban landscape designers who take real care and look for good solutions for everyone involved.

There’s been a lot of listening going on and a real willingness to look for solutions which we can all say, yes this is better than what we’ve got at the present time, and for the future will deliver a pleasant environment for us all to live and work in. Now, we accept that not all are comfortable with cycleways and for business it means accepting further disruption, but what we do know is that the solutions evolving accommodate a lot more of our needs than the previous process delivered.

For GLBA it has presented the most significant opportunity probably in the history of the organisation, and that is to work with some of the world’s best urban centre design strategists to get business bustling.

These strategists from First Retail New Zealand work globally but think locally. At the present time they are out there soaking up the history, the data, the information that exists and engaging with the grass roots of what makes Grey Lynn what it is today. If you don’t know where you’ve come from and you don’t know where you are today, you can hardly come up with a sensible design for the Grey Lynn Urban Business Community strategy.

The next phase is much wider engagement with all the businesses in the Grey Lynn/West Lynn precincts to discuss their needs, aspirations and expectations for the area. The information garnered to that point

will be shared at our next networking function on 14 June at that very quintessential establishment the RSC in the heart of West Lynn village. We’re hoping at this point that some of the major themes will be emerging can be shared and developed further in a business summit to be scheduled in late June.

What is really critical is we get businesses and leading community advocates really engaging and participating in this process because our future is the sum product of getting the best people, with the best ideas collaborating together. GLBA will act as the facilitator and ultimate guardian of the strategy but presently we don’t pretend to 'own' the best ideas. However, at the end of this three-month period our clear objective is to be able to drive and run a vision which makes business and the community share mutually sustaining goals and objectives. We want the vision and our values to be so inextricably intertwined that we, as always, are distinctly and uniquely Grey Lynn. To put this in some context, for example an idea could be to become a plastic-free suburb as opposed to a few businesses within the district.

In this process of change it’s important to not forget present challenges. These were discussed at last month’s networking drinks at Surrey Hotel. It’s vitally important to ensure these everyday issues are not overlooked. One of the great opportunities we have as a business association is to revitalise the Grey Lynn village. This is occurring but perhaps could be accelerated. We would be really interested from hearing from people with great ideas as to what they would like to see. We know this requires engagement with the building owners, the community and other interested stakeholders.

But it’s no good sitting back and saying this is the way it’s always been. It is the time for us all to step up and take ownership.

We have many of the challenges of the inner city but we’re not inner city. We don’t aspire to be something we are not, but we do want to make our community and our businesses reflect the values and vision we all hold. So come on board and join the association at info@glba.co.nz acting collaboratively and together we do have an exciting future ahead of us. With the expertise of First Retail PN New Zealand on board for the next three months we can do this. F (JACOB FAULL AND IRENE KING, JOINT CO CHAIRS GLBA) www.glba.co.nz

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PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

PHIL PARKER: WHOSE WINE IS IT ANYWAY?

Family business - Wines from Pegasus Bay and Allan Scott In an age where many New Zealand family wineries are being bought out by large corporates, or even closing down completely, it is very heartening to see some who are still going strong.

Pegasus Bay is entirely family owned and operated. The Donaldson family were pioneers of grape growing and wine making in north Canterbury in the early 1970s. Ivan Donaldson oversees viticulture and wine styles. His wife Christine established the gardens at Pegasus Bay. Eldest son, Matthew is winemaker and Matthew’s wife Di helps with winery logistics. Another son, Edward, is Marketing Manager; his wife Belinda directs the winery’s multi-award winning restaurant. The youngest son, Paul, is the winery’s General Manager, while another son, Michael, is the local sales manager.

The Alan Scott winery is owned by founder Allan Scott and his family. Allan was another pioneering wine grower, planting the first vines in the Marlborough region back in 1973 when he worked as viticulturist for Montana. He subsequently worked for Corbans before starting his own label. Wife, Catherine runs the cellar door and also oversees their Twelve Trees Restaurant at the winery. Son Josh (who founded Moa beer) is winemaker. Daughters Sara and Victoria are involved in viticulture and marketing, respectively.

Main Divide North Canterbury Sauvignon Blanc 2017 - $21 Lime citrus and green capsicum flavours without the OTT acid of many Marlborough savs. Herbal and complex (Main Divide is Pegasus Bay’s second label).

Pegasus Bay North Canterbury Pinot Noir 2014 - $50 Aromas of baking spices, black cherry and ripe plum. Flavours of

cherry, spice, black pepper, savoury truffle and silky, lengthy tannins.

A classic pinot noir.

Pegasus Bay North Canterbury Bel Canto Dry Riesling 2015 - $37 Technically dry, but lush and full on the palate. Flavours of grapefruit, honeysuckle and mango. Gloriously intense and will get even better with time.

Allan Scott Generations Marlborough Gewürztraminer 2016 - $26 Aromas of lychee fruit and Turkish delight, it opens up with a just off-dry palate of tinned lychee, perfumey Turkish delight, with added tangy yeast and hint of green herbs. Time in oak has added extra complexity.

Allan Scott Generations Marlborough Pinot Noir 2016 - $36 Just shows how far Marlborough pinots have progressed. Spicy and fruity, with soft, silky tannins, Black Doris plum and a lengthy, smoky finish.

Allan Scott Cecilia Vintage Methode Traditionelle 2013 - $28 Very much in the classic Champagne blanc de blancs style, with 100% chardonnay. Yeasty brioche aromas and pale gold in the glass.

A frothy mousse in the mouth with lush flavours of apple, nougat and toasted almond and a nudge of clover honey. (PHIL PARKER) F PN

Phil Parker is a wine writer and operates Fine Wine & Food Tours in Auckland.

See: www.finewinetours.co.nz. Phil’s new cellar door book ‘NZ Wine Regions - A Visitor’s Guide’ is now available on Amazon Kindle.

HELP MAKE AUCKLAND SPRAY FREE 64 PONSONBY NEWS+ June 2018

If you are unhappy with Auckland Council contractors spraying weeds on or near your property, simply ask the council to make your address spray free.

Please call 09 301 0101 and ask Auckland Council to add your property to the NO SPRAY list Also ask your councillor, Mike Lee or a local board member to ban the use of glyphosate in the Waitemata Local Board area.

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TRAVEL BREAKS: THE NEW THERAPY!

WAKE UP TO AFRICA Get ready for the crack of dawn, because early-morning Africa is not to be missed! While a 5am wake-up call on holiday might not sound all that appealing, when it’s done ‘safari style’ the blow is somewhat softened.

A gentle knock on the door and a cheery “Good morning!” accompanied by a piping hot coffee and a beaming smile is actually a great way to rise and shine! The glowing landscapes, sweet smell of nature and active wildlife are also great motivation to get up and go.

On my latest trip to Tanzania, I stepped out of my luxury 'tent' and in the distance a hot air balloon was taking off over the endless Serengeti plains - absolutely magical. Coffee devoured, you head out into a spectacular sunrise and find you’re not the only one up and about - wildlife is still active in these cool morning hours. Capturing both the sunrise and lion cubs following their mother or an elephant crossing your path is worth more than words can say!

Go on a safari early and you’ll feel like you have Africa to yourself. After a night at Lemala Ngorongoro Crater Camp tucked away in a forest grove in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, we rose early and got a head start on everyone else. As the camps’ location was on the crater rim, we got to the crater floor at 6.30am and did not see another vehicle for at least an hour. There is a plethora of wildlife down in the 600m-deep crater floor of this World Heritage Site, home to over 25,000 mammals. One of my favourite sightings of the day was a lioness after her recent buffalo kill enjoying her morning feast, and the hordes of wildlife in the background. Having such a remarkable place almost to ourselves was a true highlight.

As the morning goes on, the African sun heats up and the wildlife seek refuge in shady spots under trees or in the tall grass. This signals its time to return to camp for your own delicious feast and a relaxing siesta to compensate for that early morning wake up. In the full heat of the day relaxing with a cool drink in the shady area of the camp, or perhaps by the pool, armed with a tall Long Island iced tea or your favourite drink, can be pure bliss. As you’re often overlooking a waterhole, you might enjoy an ‘armchair safari’, watching as the animals come to quench their thirst, oblivious to your presence - now, who even thought this was possible?

Once I was in the swing of things with rising early and heading out as the birds were waking up, I actually felt so blessed to be witness to the creation of each new day. After that, I was not about to miss out on any part of it!

To know how it feels, you really do have to experience it for yourself.

(ANGE PIRIE, WORLD JOURNEYS AFRICA SPECIALIST) F PN

TAILOR-MADE TRAVEL Experience one of nature’s greatest spectacles, the Great Migration, where over 1.5 million animals move through the western corridor to the fresh grazing of the Masai Mara. Highlights include Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti National Park.

TANZANIA MIGRATION The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

9 DAY TOUR from $6,991pp (share twin)

T 09 360 7311 www.worldjourneys.co.nz /worldjourneys

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ROSS THORBY: SEA FEVER It is the only State Royal Residence, albeit 'ex Royal Residence' on American soil.

The Island of Oahu has changed dramatically from when I first came here in the early 80s - way back in the first flushes of my now abandoned youth. Now it’s transmogrified into a monster-sized tourist mecca on steroids. Huge shopping malls and towering hotel buildings are now built along what was once a smart and pristine beach - Waikiki. Once the hangout of surfers and maidens aiming to catch surfers. The beach is still there, it's just hidden behind concrete and glass and most of the good bits of sand are now roped off for the many hotels dotted all along the waterfront.

But if buying $5 Mai Tai’s and watching fat tourists clutching disposable cups full of pop in 'I love Las Vegas' t-shirts aren't your thing, there are still a few small pockets of old Hawaii remaining.

One is Doris Duke’s amazing mansion - now an Islamic Art Museum - and another is a piece of royal history harking back to the Gilded Age of America.

Sitting in an oasis of calm and tranquility, just a few blocks back from the port of Oahu in amongst old government buildings, is the Iolani Palace. Once the gracious and elegant home of the Hawaiian Monarchy before they were overthrown and the islands annexed by the American Government in 1893.

The first monarch to fully circle the world by ship, King Kalakaua built the palace in a style coined as 'American Florentine' after he was inspired by the grand palaces of the royal households that he had visited on that trip. In his vision of a modern Hawaii, he wanted a building that befitted his sovereignty. A vision modelled ostensibly on the tastes of his new friend, Queen Victoria. This is particularly evident in the decorations and furnishings of the residence, even his personal jewellery, displayed in the basement of the palace, has a remarkable resemblance to that worn by Queen Victoria.

Unfortunately for the king, his extravagant tour around the world and the expensive building programmes that he was undertaking to modernise Hawaii played right into the hands of America who, with their eyes on the strategic advantages of the Islands in the Pacific, particularly Pearl Harbour, were able to manipulate him through a number of “friendly pacts”, into ceding ruling power to them and the death knell of the monarchy was set in motion.

After his death, his sister became Queen Liliuokalani and was to become the last Hawaiian Monarch. She was imprisoned in the palace by the American Authorities during a military coup and later forced to abdicate after being accused of plotting to usurp America and grab back the monarchy’s power.

Iolani Palace Hawaii The islands became and remain the 51st state of the United States of good ol' America and have been their playground ever since.

The Royal Palace, after years of neglect, has been returned to its former glory and its once dispersed treasures are slowly being restored to its interiors as they are identified by keen archivists who are retrieving them from the four corners of the earth. Every detail of the palace screams luxury right down to the sterling silver door hinges and handles that are etched in beautiful designs. It is the only State Royal Residence, albeit 'ex Royal Residence' on American soil.

There is one set of original chandeliers in the residence, situated in the elegant red throne room. The king had the original gas fittings converted to electricity after meeting Thomas Edison in the United States on one of his many visits there and declared electricity to be the way of the future. He further declared that he wanted the whole house to be powered by electricity making it the first building in Hawaii to do so and even beating the White House in the US. It’s curious however, that there are no light switches in the palace.

The king would ring his engineer in the morning and tell him what time he wanted which lights turned on and what time he wanted them turned off. Not for him the mundane task of flicking a light switch. He had minions for that.

As we left the house, we learnt from our guide that in 1993, on the 100th anniversary of the overthrow of their rightful monarch, President Clinton officially apologised to the Hawaiian People for deposing their monarchy. It is an unforgettable wound still felt deeply by many older, native Hawaiians.

It’s an interesting scenario to consider what the future of Hawaii would have been, should they have been left to govern themselves.

(ROSS THORBY) F PN

Iolani Palace welcome guide

66 PONSONBY NEWS+ June 2018

Hawaii Throne Room PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

PONSONBY NEWS READERS ARE EVERYWHERE

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1. Our cruise correspondent Ross Thorby received his Queens Service Medal (QSM) last month and a few neighbours dropped in after and we had a quick read of the Ponsonby News in between drinks...

2. Clive Bennett tells us, "Just back from the USA and catching up on local news. Enjoying a good read...�

3. Wellness coach Anita Hollerer-Squire was featured in the May issue of Ponsonby News. She sent a copy home to her Mum in AUSTRIA, who is pictured reading the issue.

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4. Our One Minute Interview columnist David Hartnell MNZM and his partner Somboon Khansuk, celebrated their 25th anniversary by cruising on Cunard's Queen Elizabeth. They packed the Ponsonby News for some light reading on the trip.

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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FASHION + STYLE @ MAGAZINE DESIGNER CLOTHING

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68 PONSONBY NEWS+ June 2018

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FASHION + STYLE @ CARATS

A selection of Carats beautiful creations from past and present.

CARATS, 25 Vulcan Lane, Auckland CBD, T: 09 309 5145, www.caratsjewellery.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 JUNE 1925

Dear Phoebe, How are you my dear? Back from Sydney no doubt and with a suitcase full of new frocks and other treasures! You must write and tell me all about your adventures and all your purchases - in as much detail as possible.

I have some news - some astonishing news actually. Two weeks ago, and most unexpectedly, I received the most delightful surprise. My dear Aunt Agatha in Bath, the one who was a Society dressmaker in her time, and who really encouraged me in my early years, recently passed away, leaving me a very generous inheritance. Not only did she leave me an astonishing amount of money, but also her wardrobe and some of the special fabrics and laces she had stashed away. These have now been boxed up and are somewhere on the high seas being shipped to me as I write.

I’m going to miss my aunt dearly. Before arthritis stopped her from writing, she would pen the most wonderful letters, full of gossipy details about her former customers. Honestly some of them were so fussy. I recall one of her stories about a very absent-minded customer who would order something in gold cloth and then swear that she ordered in silver. Aunt had to resort to accompanying the order with a sketch and swatch of the fabric agreed upon. She decided to keep up the practice as she found it quite useful in preventing later disagreements.

I also do this as a matter of course as it’s a lovely way to record everything I make.

Aunty Agatha taught me how to roll fine edges on silk hankies that we made together from some lovely remnants she brought especially with her on a visit to see Mother many years ago.

I had the nicest handkerchiefs of all the girls at school and was even the envy of my sewing teacher! I must try and find them.

I’m sure I have kept one or two. It would be interesting to see just how good my stitching really was then. Aunt was a strict teacher and would make me unpick any poor work so I’m sure it was perfect!

I’ve been thinking about what to do with my inheritance and talking it over with Mother who has also received a windfall.

We both agree that it might be timely for me to open a little shop in Ponsonby. I just love the idea and find myself thinking (far too much) about how I will set up and decorate my little emporium. I want the window to be gorgeous and very enticing to the passer by. Wouldn’t it be fun to create little scenes that were changed every month – March could feature a park bench with a seated and standing mannequin and golden autumnal leaves gathered from Western Park strewn all over the floor of the case. October’s window could showcase tennis frocks and November, afternoon gowns perfect for early summer garden soirees. Now that I have the money, I think that I shall buy two Pierre Imans wax figures. I have admired them for so long - they often feature in the Paris fashion journals - and am so excited to think that I now have the means to acquire not just one, but two. They are so beautifully detailed, with human hair, glass eyes and porcelain teeth. They look so uncannily real. With my new mannequins and some imagination, I shall have the finest little clothing salon in Ponsonby and perhaps one of the best in all of Auckland!

When I’m not thinking about my shop, I’m musing on the type of house that I’d love to have. To this end I am quite obsessed with perusing the real estate columns in the newspapers. As yet I haven’t started looking at houses. Mother and George both advise that I should first make a list of all the things that are

important for my new house to have. So I’m doing that, but in the meantime I’m also having such fun imagining myself in some of the houses I’m reading about. This one sounds wonderful! “Absolutely the last word in design and finishˮ - a most magnificent up-to-date latest chalet Swiss model 2 - chimney bungalow. The papers are glorious, and they send a tickling sensation down your back. Gorgeous ceilings. Five lovely rooms go with the house, including one of the best porcelain baths we have ever seen. Only £50 deposit[1] The advertisement didn’t say where in Ponsonby this lovely is situated and I don’t recall having seen it. I am intrigued by it though.

These are a few of ‘must haves’ that are currently on my ‘ideal house’ list. It has to be in Ponsonby as I love it here and know so many people. It is also more affordable than Remuera or Epsom.

I would love to have a view of the sea and Rangitoto - I’m not sure why, but the sea has such a calming effect on me, especially at night when all one can see are the moving lights of the ferries and other boats plying the harbour. And there’s nothing like seeing the moonlit sea on a clear night. I would love a deep verandah that wraps around at least half of the house, and rooms with doors opening out onto it.

Something that I’ve always wanted, and which I will have added if it doesn’t come with my ideal house, is a conservatory. Mine will have lots of leaded glass windows and be filled with ferns of all varieties, hanging and placed on porcelain stands amidst my rattan furniture. I will have a decoratively tiled floor and lots of rugs to make it cosy. Ideally it will open off the library or drawing room. And fireplaces - I must have at least three - one in the dining room, the drawing room and the library. I can just picture George and I sitting side by side in our big leather chairs by the fire, with Tiger at our feet and Pusskins on my lap.

I think it might be timely to ‘pop the question’ to George - perhaps next February! I think 1926 is a leap year so it will be perfectly acceptable to do so. How long does a girl have to wait?

He really is a catch. I really should land him before some hussy decides she wants him for herself !

Speaking of hussys, have you seen Mae Murry in that new film ‘Mademoiselle Midnight? If you haven’t, you must. The gowns are absolutely gorgeous, her exotic dancing a little risqué and her behaviour wonderfully outrageous!

Well, my dear, enough of this musing. I must really get back to work. I’ve a tweed coat to finish in two days and its intended owner will be very grumpy if it’s not finished on time.

Please do write soon with all your news and remember to tell me all about your Sydney treasures.

With love and kisses, [1]

+ June 2018 70 NEWSPARISH 70PONSONBY PONSONBY NEWS+

Maudie xxx

Auckland Star, 24th May 1924 p.3 (George Walker Real Estate)

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

LIVING, THINKING + BEING TAKE CONTROL OVER YOUR CANCER DIAGNOSIS WITH EXERCISE Eleanor Nattrass at The ExerScience Clinic explains how the guidelines for exercising after a cancer diagnosis are being turned on their head.

It can be difficult to accept a diagnosis of a chronic illness or injury. It can be even more difficult to make decisions about treatment when faced with a sea of options. “What we know now, more so than ever before, is that exercising and being physically fit has potentially large health benefits for a wide range of chronic illnesses and injuries,” says Eleanor.

“In fact, if the health benefits of exercise could be harnessed in a pill, it would be the most widely prescribed medicine for everyone, everywhere. It would be hailed as a major breakthrough in medical treatment. Even for cancer.

“Historically, a cancer diagnosis was accompanied with recommendations to rest − but in fact this can be counterintuitive as being inactive while undergoing treatments for cancer can mean rapid physical deconditioning.”

Eleanor and her team are Clinical Exercise Physiologists - a new breed of exercise specialists who are tertiary qualified and clinically trained to work specifically with chronic health conditions. The aim? “To help people move from a state of chronic illness toward better health and greater independence through appropriately prescribed and monitored exercise.”

Australian research on post-diagnosis exercise has been so compelling that the Clinical Oncology Society

of Australia (COSA) now acknowledges that exercise is a safe and effective adjunct intervention to counteract many of the negative physical and psychological effects of cancer and its associated treatments (surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and hormonal therapies).

COSA is calling for exercise to be embedded as part of standard practice in cancer care, encouraging all health professionals to promote physical activity and to refer through to a clinical exercise specialist.

“In addition to standard medical treatments, higher levels of exercise in the most commonly studied cancers (breast, colorectal and prostate) have been shown to reduce risk of death by 28-44% as well as reduce their risk of cancer recurring by 21-35%.”

And the health benefits go further than improved survival. “Even cancer-related fatigue is less severe in those who exercise during and post-treatment. Exercise is now being advocated even for those with advanced cancer to improve their quality of life and retain their physical independence as long as possible.”

Meet Britt Chambers. Late last year after six years of misdiagnosis, Britt was diagnosed with stage-four bowel cancer. As an international triathlete, Britt has always been fit and active. Having been told there is no cure for her cancer, Britt turned to exercise to regain control over

her body and to help with her chemotherapy. “The fitter and healthier you can be the better you can handle the diagnosis and treatment of chemotherapy. I’m so lucky to have had ExerScience's knowledge, experience and help to guide me through this experience thus far,” says Britt.

Britt is taking on the Coast to Coast in 2019 to raise awareness for bowel cancer. If you would like to donate to Britt's campaign, please visit her Give a Little page. If there is someone you know living with a chronic health condition, get in touch with The ExerScience Clinic to see how they are able to help out.

“It’s about living better - and taking control of the hand you’ve been dealt,” says Eleanor. F PN

EXERSCIENCE CLINIC, Building A, 8 Nugent Street, T: 09 393 8500, www.exerscience.co.nz

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

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LIVING, THINKING + BEING PAY YOUR DENTIST LESS, LOOK AFTER YOUR TEETH Let’s face it, dental care is expensive, but the really expensive procedures tend to happen when you’ve neglected your teeth.

So, to cut down on those dentist’s bills, it’s a good idea to start looking after your teeth every day. Here are a few tips.

Brush your teeth at least twice a day For two minutes morning and night, brush your teeth. That way you’ll manage to thoroughly clean all the surfaces, inner, outer and across the tops. You’ll have fresh breath in the morning and clean teeth for going to sleep at night.

Use a soft-bristled brush or electric toothbrush, so you can also be massaging your gums without scraping them. Whatever kind of brush you use, be sure to replace it about every three months. Bent and broken bristles don’t clean properly and can also damage your gums.

Don’t brush too soon after eating, food makes your mouth more acidic and your enamel softer. Wait about half an hour and then brush.

Brush your tongue gently Because your tongue has an uneven surface and a whole lot of taste buds, food and bacteria can get trapped there. If you use a soft toothbrush you can gently brush your tongue with it. Some brushes come with a special rubbery back just for this. Rinse your mouth afterwards to get rid of the stuff you brush off. or even bleed a little, but keep going. Your gums will get tougher and healthier very soon.

Floss your teeth every day With about 30cm of dental floss or a floss-pick, clean the surfaces between your teeth.

Scrape up and down each side, that way you get the trapped food and plaque your brush misses. If flossing doesn’t work for you there are other solutions that work and are similar, like interdental brushes or water flossers. It’s best to get advice from your dentist on how to use these. You might have sore gums after flossing for the first time,

We hope this helps. If it has raised any questions for you, don’t hesitate to contact us.

Book your appointment online now at bit.ly/bookapptonline F PN ACCENT DENTAL, 332 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 376 4374, www.accentdentists.co.nz

The Accent Is On YOU! Cosmetic Dentistry, Hygienist, Family Dentistry, 1- Hour Crowns.

“So glad I found this dental practice.

Dr Matt and his team were great!

Very professional and friendly.

Thank you guys!” – Thomas C Dr. Matt Sumner

BOOK ONLINE

Visit: bit.ly/bookapptonline

72 PONSONBY NEWS+ June 2018

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

LIVING, THINKING + BEING

BEYOND THE FROWN Ponsonby News asked Plastic Surgeon Stephen Gilbert about the use of Botox over time.

Stephen, you have been using Botox since 1998 yet it was only approved for use cosmetically in 2002.

Yes, my clinical co-ordinator Angela Frazer and I were asked by the American manufacturer, Allergan, to start using Botox in 1998 so they could develop its use in cosmetic, non-surgical practices.

Some people have come to love Botox for it’s rejuvenating qualities to the face. Why is it so popular?

It’s an almost instant fix to ageing and can be customised to give the appropriate look for either men or women. With a few light pricks of a needle the muscles in our frown or around the eyes can be relaxed. In a matter of days we are far less wrinkled looking. Our frown appears rested and our children and colleagues no longer think we are constantly angry with them. Brows can be subtly realigned to gain symmetry. The corners of the mouth can be lifted to correct downward turned edges.

It can also be life changing. Some people rely on Botox to keep underarm sweat controlled. Men and women in stressful jobs, those undergoing medical treatments like chemotherapy, and those playing a lot of sport come to mind. All see the benefit of reducing the look and smell of sweat on their clothes.

Yet how many of us knew that Botox is being used to do a range of other treatments?

Yes, these are called off-label treatments and should only be performed when necessary and by an experienced injector who has an aesthetic eye and a deep and exact knowledge of anatomy.

The muscles in the jaw (masseters) can be reduced in size to slim the face from a square to more of an oval and can be quite beautiful. People who grind their teeth at night

benefit from the treatment as the muscles are weakened, making grinding less easy to do. Turkey necks where the muscle bands that run vertically down start to stand out and look aged can be made less prominent. Severe migranes can be relieved in some cases by administering Botox every 12 weeks into areas in the forehead, temples and back of neck. Very sweaty palms and feet can be reduced to a normal level but I recommend that people only see a doctor experienced in successfully treating these areas as the anatomy is so complex in hands and feet.

Any trends in the use of Botox?

There is a trend towards soft touch Botox for 20 to 30-year-olds who are not yet showing defined lines and want to keep it that way. Common concerns are (1) inheriting their parent’s permanently etched scowl and (2) creating deep wrinkles at an early age due to the way they laugh, smile, frown, talk. In both cases the amount of Botox used is very small and allows the muscles to move without creating permanent lines.

How would I look with Botox?

Great. Men needn’t be concerned about being feminised by Botox, unless they wish to be. Skilled injectors are used to sculpting male faces into a stronger, more youthful version of yourself. Jaws can be made tighter and chins can be squared. Brows are made straight and strong. Frowns are lessened and for some not totally removed - the thought being that a few lines show wisdom, too many lines show worry.

Stephen Gilbert (Plastic Surgeon) and Angela Frazer (RN) have been using Botox cosmetically since 1998 with the approval of Allergan. Allergan is the manufacturer of Botox. (GEORGINA ROBERTSON) F PN Botox disclaimer - This article is for general information purposes only. If you have a specific health problem you should seek advise from an appropriate registered health care provider.

PRESCRIPTION SKINCARE, 197 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 360 0400, www.prescriptionskincare.co.nz

Prevent wrinkles yet remain looking like you If you want to prevent wrinkles from occurring.

If you want any current wrinkles softened or vanished.

If you want to be able to show expression and look naturally fresh after treatment, then visit Prescription Skin Care on Ponsonby Road.

The team of registered nurses and doctors have a number of treatments available to soften or greatly reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles. Established in 1994 in Remuera, the same team also sees men and women at our new Ponsonby clinic.

Their experience and care is exceptional and the results outstanding.

Having trained under Plastic Surgeon Stephen Gilbert the team are highly skilled and will have you looking naturally refreshed.

Please quote Ponsonby News and phone us in confidence for a free consultation on 09 360 0400 Free car parking is down the drive. Prescription Skin Care parks are labelled in green.

Led by Plastic Surgeon Stephen Gilbert (FRCS, FRACS) T: 09 360 0400 E: ponsonby@prescriptionskincare.co.nz www.prescriptionskincare.co.nz 197 Ponsonby Road

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

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HELENE RAVLICH: LOCAL BEAUTY

Celine Wallace In Ayurveda and spiritual yoga practice, individuals seek to invite and maintain balance of the self, mind and body through the three gunas.

One of these is sattva, which is an emotional or mental state wherein the mind is harmonious, balanced and at peace. Practising yoga and leading a yogic lifestyle strongly cultivates sattva, and sattvic individuals often strive to deepen, strengthen and mature the soul.

This makes Sattva Soul the perfect name for a new style of wellness retreats being crafted by local woman Celine Wallace, which aim to pamper, nurture and relax, as well as so much more.

Celine has recently moved home to New Zealand after many years travelling backwards and forwards to the US, first arriving in New York at the tender age of 19 on a scholarship to study acting. “After I left New York I came back through Los Angeles and met with some agents there,” she explains, “before arriving home in New Zealand and working on Shortland Street for three months. I was doing okay but I knew I had to get back to the States, so I jumped on a plane and based myself there for the next 10 years.”

She worked on a lot of commercials and indie films, but after a few years she realised that “acting was no longer fulfilling my soul.” She had long been a student of yoga and Pilates, but knew that she wanted to take that further and began training. “Knowing I wanted to help others find the inner peace I have found, I became certified in the practices I found most valuable to my own personal restoration,” she says in a statement on the Sattva Soul website. These include qualifications as a reiki energy healer, yoga teacher, LaGree Fitness Master trainer and Stott Pilates instructor, and she soon found herself working with famous names like Alessandra Ambrosio, Kate Hudson, Calvin Harris, Eva Longoria and more.

After teaching big-name clients for a few years and spending time on private jets as they flew her around the country to help them stretch, breathe and move, she realised that she was fitting in with her clients’ lives rather than ultimately fulfilling her own, so returned to Los Angeles. “I started acting again and landed a couple of good gigs,” she says, “but I soon realised that the fire had died. I still saw private pilates and yoga clients and realised their lives were really lacking balance, so I started researching even more different tools like acupuncture that I could use to help people in my work.”

When we speak she is about to present a one-day wellness ‘taster’ at Ponsonby Central’s Sapphire Room for those keen to know more, with other short events in the planning. It’s a chance for her to describe the Sattva Soul modus operandi, and hopefully demystify things like sound bowl healing and mindfulness for those that may have never experienced them before. “I want to help spread the word that it’s okay to wear brand new Lululemon but still sage yourself,” she says with a laugh, emphasising that luxury and self care can sit alongside more spiritual practices.

While completing her yoga teacher training in Bali, the vision for Sattva Soul was born. This November will see her host her very first, full-length retreat in the island nation, which will take place at an incredible location on Echo Beach. “When I was in Bali I saw retreats that offered yoga every day, meditation, surfing... and we will offer all that plus a lot of internal work,” says Celine. “With Sattva Soul Retreats I want women to leave with an overall sense of wellbeing, equipped with the resources to use day to day for long-lasting happiness.”

As well as still working as the wellness columnist for LA Yoga Magazine and Santa Barbara Life and Style Magazine, she is teaching privately in Auckland and at select locations like Rise Hot Yoga & Pilates in Parnell. Full of energy and clearly in love with what she is creating, Celine wants to see as many people as possible jumping on the wellness train, and even offers a payment plan for those who want to join her on retreat to help lighten the load. She is also offering an early bird discount for Ponsonby News readers who may want to travel to Bali with her, who will receive a 10% discount if they book before 30 June.

She laments the amount of money many women spend going to a destination location and doing yoga every day, only to come home and return to ground zero within a week. “We will do intention setting, sound bowl healing, chakra meditation. We want to give people the tools to maintain their spiritual wellness once they are back in the so-called ‘real world’.”

74 PONSONBY NEWS+ June 2018

“I want people to come and heal themselves, to transform and relax,” says the passionate brunette with a smile, “it’s about time we started celebrating each other. Let’s get a dialogue going.”

(HELENE RAVLICH) F PN www.sattvasoulretreats.com

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

LIVING, THINKING + BEING MIRI, MORE THAN JUST SKINCARE Miri is a locally owned family business born out of the desire to create natural petrochemical-free skincare products.

The name of the company means ‘soothe’ and ‘wellbeing’, hence our mission was also simple: to create soothing natural skincare products that nourish and calm everyday skin.

Director and co-owner, Rachel MorrissJarvis says, “What we put on our skin is as important as what we eat on a daily basis. New Zealand has some of the most incredible natural ingredients, so why not put them to good use in helping people manage their skin ailments.”

Miri all-purpose balm is the first in the range with the healing properties of manuka honey and kiwifruit seed oil. The balm is great for moisturising lips on those cold days, treating dry or cracked skin and is soothing for burns, scrapes, rashes, nourishing cuticles and those pesky insect bites.

The balm is especially good for the prevention of nappy rash and can also be used for general massage. “It’s such a great all-purpose balm for the whole family,” says Rachel “plus it contains none of those nasty chemicals.”

Since the launch last year, Miri has received positive feedback from customers who have also found the balm beneficial for managing their eczema and dermatitis ailments. Miri is available nationwide in over 400 pharmacies and their little green tube is finding its way into South East Asia and China. Simple, natural New Zealand skincare is proving incredibly popular. F PN www.miriskincare.com

ONLINE S G N I K O O B 24/7 VISIT OUR WEBSITE

KEITHNELSON.CO.NZ THE DENTAL FAMILY FOR YOUR FAMILY The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

CONTACT US 09 378 0877 103 FRANKLIN ROAD FREEMANS BAY DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

PONSONBY NEWS+ JUNE 2018

75

JOHN APPLETON: ON HEALTH

Is your immune system out of balance?

Understanding our own immune system is as important as understanding the foods we eat.

When we are talking about our immune system, we need to think about an immune response. There are two types of immune response, innate immunity is responsible for a rapid and non-specific response to a virus, bacteria or a tumour cell. Innate immunity is a bit like a knee-jerk reaction. The second type of immune response is the adaptive response, which is more specific to whatever pathogen (disease-causing organism) has entered the body.

Our immune system needs careful direction so that it knows how to react and two types of cells known as T-helper cells (Th) are key players. They are lymphocytes (types of white blood cells) that recognise foreign pathogens or, in the case of autoimmune disease, normal tissue. In response to this recognition, they produce cytokines, which are hormonal messenger proteins that are responsible for the biological effects of the immune system.

They are divided into subgroups Th1 and Th2. Th1 cells are involved in what is called 'cell-mediated' immunity, which usually deals with infections by viruses and certain bacteria. They are the body’s first line of defense against pathogens that get inside our cells. They tend to be pro-inflammatory and are involved in the development of organspecific autoimmune disease.

before settling back to a balanced level. However, in the case of an autoimmune disease this balance is lost and a situation involving dominance of Th1 or Th2 may develop.

When this happens we have the body attacking itself. Autoimmune diseases are on an ever upwards incline and no one seems to be asking why. When we have Th1 dominance we may see Alzheimer’s, celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, MS Hashimoto’s thyroid disease, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis and type 1 diabetes. With Th2 dominance we may see asthma, eczema, cancer, lupus and ulcerative colitis, allergies, scleroderma and chemical sensitivities.

It’s vital to have immune system balance if there is to be any control of these conditions.

How do we know if we are Th1 or Th2 dominant? A doctor can arrange for a cytokine blood panel test via Nutrisearch in New Zealand. This is not a cheap test but it could be well worth it to know what one is dealing with and to know whether one’s efforts should be going into stimulating either the Th1 side or the Th2 side.

Th2 cells are involved in what is called 'humoral-mediated' immunity, which deals with bacteria, toxins and allergens. They are responsible for stimulating the production of antibodies in response to extracellular pathogens (those found in blood or other body fluids). They tend not to be inflammatory and are involved in systemic autoimmune disease and other chronic conditions.

There are various herbs such as echinacea, astragalus, licorice root, ashwagandha, ginseng, grape seed extract and medicinal mushrooms that are capable of stimulating Th1. Antioxidants such as resveratrol, curcumin from turmeric, quercetin and green tea can stimulate Th2. I have written in the past about a very interesting drug known as Naltrexone which can be taken in very low doses (low-dose Naltrexone LDN) that seems to be very effective in achieving balance with autoimmune conditions. I have personally seen life-changing outcomes. There is a very interesting website, www.ldnscience.org, that has a wealth of information about LDN which is available in New Zealand on prescription from a GP. The dose starts out at 0.5mg and over a period of time one builds up to 4.5mg.

In a well-functioning immune system, both groups of these T helper cells work together to keep the system balanced. One side might become more active to eradicate a threat,

As we are so often told (whether it’s what we eat or drink) it’s all about balance, and so it is with our immune system. (JOHN APPLETON) F PN

APPLETON ASSOCIATES, T: 09 489 9362, appletonassoc@xtra.co.nz, www.johnappleton.co.nz

Clothing Alterations

Alter Ego Roong T: 09 376 8689

M: 021 032 9128

182-4a Jervois Road, Herne Bay E: ra_cha29@yahoo.com “I get all my bits & pieces done by the smiling helpful Roong... and she’s got Eftpos = sorted...” MARTIN LEACH

76 PONSONBY NEWS+ June 2018

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

FUTURE GENERATION ANIMATED TELEVISION SERIES TAKARO - TRIBE TEACHES PRESCHOOLERS TE REO MAORI A cast of animated woodland sprites who speak Te Reo Maori are educating young New Zealanders about Te Reo. Season two of Takaro Tribe, created by Cinco Cine Film Productions, will screen on TV2 weekdays at 6.40am from Monday 28 May. Each 12.5-minute episode covers the adventures of five woodland - vowel, who live in sprites, each named after a Maori the enchanted Wao Arapu- (Alphabet Forest), along - a- Rakau - (Tree Father), and Kok - a- (Pond with Pap Mother). They are voiced by well-known Maori actors and performers including Rawiri Paratene - a- Rakau - in the bilingual version, as the voice of Pap and in the te reo Maori version by Piripi Taylor.

A Maori-language only version of the show is - Television in June. scheduled to screen on Maori The show was developed by Cinco Cine’s founder Nicole Hoey and was 10 years in the making.

“For a long time I’ve been playing around with creating a children’s show based in nature,” says Hoey. “I was initially inspired by patupaiarehe, the - mythology, and from there naughty fairies of Maori the characters just evolved over time. A lot of my friends have trouble with sounding out the Maori vowels, so I thought I’d turn them into characters.”

Takaro Tribe

The five characters’ adventures over the 20-episode series centre around discovering everyday objects from the human world. They then use repetition, comedy and music to work out what the objects are used for, and how the objects’ names are spelled in both English - (for the bilingual version). The animations are all based and Maori on original drawings, and Cinco Cine’s head of post-production, Campbell Farquhar, worked together with Hoey to write the show.

“Little kids love the dancing and singing, while slightly older kids enjoy trying to trace the letters along with the characters,” says Hoey. “The show is primarily aimed at children aged two to five, but we wanted to try and hit a range of ages.”

Amie Mills, Children’s and Digital Commissioner at TVNZ says, “When Cinco Cine Productions came to us with Takaro Tribe, we were thrilled to find a home for this fantastic children’s series. The Maori population is young, and growing in Aotearoa and we believe in the importance of fostering biculturalism and bilingualism in the content we make available to our tamariki.”

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

- Kahu, has worked in television production for Hoey, who is Ngati more than 30 years. Her credits include the award-winning children’s show Pukana (now in its 18th year), more than 700 episodes of the educational drama series Korero Mai, and the highly acclaimed dramatisation of Witi Ihimaera’s Nights In the Garden of Spain.

Hoey is passionate about ensuring all children are exposed to Te Reo - and is committed to playing a part in establishing this as part Maori of all tamariki identifying te reo as part of their unique New Zealand cultural identity.

“The beauty of our language is that it’s unique to New Zealand. When my son was at school there weren’t really any cartoons that related to Aotearoa. I wanted to create characters that would become part of the identity of children growing up in New Zealand,” says Hoey.

“My dream is that every Kiwi kid 20 years from now - whether their background is Chinese, Muslim or Samoan - has the Takaro Tribe as part of their New Zealand identity kit.” F PN

DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

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MEET THE TEACHER Tupe Tai A day in the life of a teacher...

I recently caught up with a Pacific Island English teacher who speaks fluent Samoan and loves Shakespeare. Tupe Tai is one of three local teachers who have just been appointed as Across School Teachers in - Ako o Waitemata. our local community of learning, Te Kahui Tell me Tupe, what do you like about your new role?

It is an opportunity to share educational experiences and expertise to inform our collective teaching and learning. The exciting part is, we get to explore what this might look like in our local area from Primary through to Secondary - and that’s never happened before.

You live and work locally?

We moved out west 15 years ago (yep, officially a Westie and loving it!) but still call this place home. My family migrated from Samoa in the late 60s and we lived in Ponsonby then Westmere for the first 40 years. It’s where I grew up. I attended the local schools and so did my older children. I have taught at the local colleges, Auckland Girls Grammar and now Springs. In fact, my youngest, Siolo, attends Nga- / Western Springs College where I teach.

Puna o Waiorea Are you worried that your new role might take you away from the classroom?

No, that’s the wonderful thing about this. The three of us - Peter, Nerida and myself - get to have the best of both worlds. We are still classroom teachers but with the added opportunity of meeting together to reflect, refine and explore innovative ways to challenge our practice! And the ultimate goal is to share this with our colleagues.

So you do have another life?

Oh yes! I am a mother of three, two girls in their 20s and one teenage boy, all at home. Then there is my long-suffering husband, Motu, who puts up with all my rushing around and trying to make

sense of my comings and goings.

I launch from school to looking after my 86-year-old father, my church commitments, doing my taxi runs, painting my house. My family tells me I do too much!

And do you?

I suppose I do, but I won’t have it any other way. I’m wired to move... all the time!

Talking of which, I have just taken up Zumba again and hula classes. My children think it’s hilarious, a 56-year-old moving to Latin American beats and drum dances... and they can’t resist taking the odd picture of their mum grooving!

Is that how you relax?

Yes, and listening to Gospel music. It keeps me centered and calm.

That, and spending time outdoors. We usually spend part of our summer tramping in the Waitakere Ranges - stunning tracks and breathtaking views - and of course catching the sunsets at practically every beach out West. Awe inspiring! Keeps me close to God. And that’s important?

Absolutely. It’s part of who I am. It keeps me active, alive and rejuvenated. It’s what gives me the energy to do all the things I do.

That sounds a bit daunting.

Yes, but at the same time it’s exciting. Think about it: we still have the time to do the things we love and move into new ventures. There is still so much more to learn in education about ways to engage and enthuse our students as well as developing self-managing, confident young people, ready to move beyond school... and I still have 30 years up my sleeve to find the answers! F PN

ST MARY’S COLLEGE, PONSONBY STUDENT SARAH POULTER SHOOTING FOR THE MOON St Mary’s College student, Sarah Poulter, has been selected by the Royal Society Te Aparangi to attend the United States Space Camp in Huntsville, Alabama this July.

Sarah underwent a rigorous application process, and St Mary’s College, Ponsonby is extremely proud of her for achieving an opportunity as rare as this.

The week-long Advanced Space Academy Programme is an immersive experience in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Trainees undergo a range of authentic astronaut training exercises through a hands-on programme designed to promote space science and exploration. They will also learn about the mental, emotional and physical demands astronauts experience through specific exercises and engineering challenges, all culminating in a simulated space mission.

Sarah’s physics teacher, Sheherazad Bhote, supported Sarah during the application process and encouraged her to apply, “Sarah is an intuitive physicist with a natural ability in mathematics, she worked very hard on her application and was one of only four students selected to receive funding for this opportunity,” says Bhote. “This trip will expose Sarah to new and challenging experiences, as well as like-minded individuals to broaden her horizons. Well done, Sarah.”

With outstanding results in both mathematics and physics, Sarah’s application was always going to be well received by the Royal Society. The St Mary’s College staff, students and wider community would like to acknowledge and congratulate Sarah for her wonderful achievement; we wish her all the very best. F PN ST MARY’S COLLEGE, 11 New Street, Ponsonby, T: 09 376 6568, www.stmaryak.school.nz

78 PONSONBY NEWS+ June 2018

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

CLARE CALDWELL: THE ART OF LIVING Many humans, with their spiritual alienation in this secular age of decadence, greed and self-gratification, need to seek out a new compass to navigate their way through the increasing confusion of their lives.

In his book 'The Love Ethic', R. K. St Cartmail postulates that “It is to love as the ultimate ethic, the ultimate unifying principle of society that man must turn if he wishes to regain his moral vision, resolve his confused values and escape the divisions of self-love.”

Love in all its complexity doesn’t always fit neatly into the definitions of eros and agape, of course. There’s love of God, love of death, idolatrous love, narcissistic love, love of money, love of the natural world... the list goes on

Love has a mysterious and ubiquitous alchemy, that has the ability to transform all those that are touched by it. My work at Auckland City Mission is testimony to this. Many of the people there who’ve known only violence, rejection and judgement in their lives respond quite differently when they encounter a loving energy.

In a précied letter some attribute to Albert Einstein, written before he died, he gives his definition of love.

Love has taken many forms and definitions over the centuries.

Plato, the ancient Greek philosopher, termed the words ‘eros’ and ‘agape’ to describe some of the different types of love. Eros can be described as unbridled sexual passion that’s both irresponsible and anarchic. Agape is the more self-sacrificing unconditional love like that of a parent for a child.

“I ask you to guard this letter until society is advanced enough to accept what I will explain. There is an extremely powerful force that governs and includes all others ... and is behind any phenomenon operating in the universe, and has not yet been identified by us. This universal force is LOVE. When scientists look for a unified theory they forget the most powerful unseen force... that heals... that has no limits.

“Love is light, that enlightens those who give and receive it.

“Love is gravity, because it makes some people attracted to others.

In true Russian style, for famous 19th Century novelist Dostoyevsky, love was volcanic, insatiably passionate and ultimately tragic. But out of this spirit of suffering and self-division he saw emerge a sort of love that was unified; both compassionate and sensual, it became both self-sacrificing and self-transcending, leading towards a higher cosmic unity and reality.

In his controversial novel 'Lady Chatterley’s Lover,' D.H. Lawrence explored the instinctive and primitive life urges of erotic (from the word eros) love through his main characters. He renounced the conventional morality of early 20th Century England, especially in the validation of female sexual desire, her right to sexual satisfaction and thus of true love-making. Lawrence defined love as a travelling, a coming together, a duality merging into oneness. That love between a man and a woman is dual, "the perfect heart-beat of life, systole, diastole."

In the service of Christianity came a surfeit of agape love, eg, the tireless self-sacrifice of Mother Theresa and the Little Sisters of the Poor as they gave unconditional love to the discarded and dying in the streets of Calcutta.

Countless acts of altruism and giving unconditionally surface every day from the selfless act of a parent, to the formation of an orphanage in a war zone for abandoned children.

“Love is power, because it multiplies the best we have and allows humanity not to be extinguished in their blind selfishness. Love unfolds and reveals.

“For love we live and die.

“Love is God and God is love.

“If we want our species to survive, if we are to find meaning in life, if we want to save the world and every sentient being that inhabits it, love is the only answer.

“When we have learned to give and receive this universal energy, we will have affirmed that love conquers all, is able to transcend everything, because love is the quintessence of life.”

PN (CLARE CALDWELL) F Clare (Claudie) Caldwell is a creative arts therapist who runs a small private practice from home. She is currently running a voluntary art and art as therapy programme at Auckland City Mission. She is also a freelance artist.

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

Because we all deserve freedom SAFE helping animals out Help us fight cages The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

safe.org.nz PONSONBY NEWS+ JUNE 2018

79

PONSONBY PEOPLE + THEIR PETS O T T E R HO US E

O T T E R HO US E

report card 2 0 1 7

report card 2 0 1 7

name: B r o w n C a r p i n t e r

name: P o p p y O ’ H a g a n

breed: L a b r a d o r x R i d g e b a c k age:

4 years

breed: G e r m a n S h o r t h a i r e d P o i n t e r

SOCI A L

age:

PL AY F U L

class: W o o d b u r y P a r k

3 years

class: W o o d b u r y P a r k

C A R EFR EE

Overall Behaviour

SOCI A L

PL AY F U L C A R EFR EE

Overall Behaviour

best achievement

Taking daycare in their stride and having a fantastic year.

best achievement

Joining the Tuesday Forest Monkey Crew

needs some work

Would benefit from practising some speed control.

needs some work

Shouting into the boys eyes doesn’t make them love you

core subjects

physical education

social studies

core subjects

physical education

social studies

manners

B

ball & tug

B+

gregarious / outgoing

A

manners

B+

ball & tug

B+

gregarious / outgoing

A

attentiveness

B

chase & wrestle

A-

amiable / charming

B+

attentiveness

A-

chase & wrestle

A-

amiable / charming

B+

attitude

A-

interactive games

A-

reliable / thoughtful

B+

attitude

A

interactive games

B+

reliable / thoughtful

B

best friends

best known f for or

best friends

best known f for or

Boy Fitzpatrick,Kane

Being the class clown!

Caesar Neave,Dudley

The Poppy O holla” - shouted

Lucas,Jimmy Blaikie,Cawdor

Strong,Minty Crawford,Eddie

into her boyfriend of the days

Lawton,Millie Delacey,Basil

Granger,Bonny Moskowitz,Rory

ear.”

O’Loan

Strong,Bane Gurney

overall comments

overall comments

Brown is taking to daycare life like an old pro, forming lots of

It is a joy to have Poppy as part of the Forest monkey family,

new friendships and making the most of every day. He is the

she not only loves her weekly adventures but has a new gaggle of

ultimate whirlpooler but sometimes forgets to listen to his

friends that she can truly be herself with. Whilst some of them

teachers when asked to slow down! He is so popular with his

would prefer she didn’t shout so loud, she soon wins them over

classmates - the perfect new member for Otter house.

with her huge smile and infectious excitement. So proud of you Poppy Popstar!

BARKLE Y MANOR 2 0 1 7 - 1 0 T H Y E A R A N N I V E RS A RY

80 PONSONBY NEWS+ June 2018

BARKLE Y MANOR 2 0 1 7 - 1 0 T H Y E A R A N N I V E RS A RY

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

PONSONBY PEOPLE + THEIR PETS

report card 2 0 1 7

report card 2 0 1 7

name: E n z o D a l t o n

name: C a d b u r y L a w s o n

breed: B o x e r

breed: C h o c o l a t e L a b r a d o r

age:

9 years

age:

class: W o o d b u r y P a r k

Overall Behaviour

Overall Behaviour Recognising the importance of not shouting at their classmates

best achievement

Understanding that listening to their Aunties and Uncles often

best achievement

and teachers.

results in a tasty reward.

On teaching some of the other less patient kids on how to sit and wait

needs some work

Just giving himself a breather when he’s had a round of chase with the

needs some work

balls.

like a boss.

core subjects

11 years

class: W o o d b u r y P a r k

physical education

social studies

core subjects

physical education

social studies

manners

A-

ball & tug

A+

gregarious / outgoing

A+

manners

A+

ball & tug

A

gregarious / outgoing

A+

attentiveness

A

chase & wrestle

B+

amiable / charming

A+

attentiveness

A+

chase & wrestle

B-

amiable / charming

A+

attitude

A+

interactive games

B+

reliable / thoughtful

A

attitude

A+

interactive games

B-

reliable / thoughtful

A+

best friends

best known f for or

best friends

best known f for or

Floyd Yates,George Maitland

Always being first in line for a

Baci Klein,Bentley Evans,Chewie

His never ending zest for life

,Boxa Manukonda,Charlie

treat.

Buchly,Ruby Weaver,Cargo Petrie,Jenna Hudson,Jack Elfick

Francis,Louie Ward ,Ruby Brown,Aunty Manal ,Oliver Ward,Charlie Ward,Jack

and great attitude!

Duff Dobson,Jenna Hudson,Maddy Duff Dobson,Steve Smyth

overall comments

overall comments

A real staff favourite, Enzo knows how to charm us all with his

Cadbury you handsome stud! We love seeing you walk through

infectious personality and cheeky grin. Whilst he loves chatting

the doors as you bring so much happiness and joy to the day.

with classmates and teachers, he is encouraged to keep up

Nothing slows you down and you are always up for fun! Can’t

the good work he has accomplished this year regarding volume

wait to have you back next year!

control. A real cheeky monkey, his antics sure do keep us on our toes!

BARKLE Y MANOR 2 0 1 7 - 1 0 T H Y E A R A N N I V E RS A RY

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PONSONBY PEOPLE + THEIR PETS

CALLING ALL HOME BAKERS AND CUPCAKE CONNOISSEURS!

@ SPCA – PLEASE CAN I COME HOME WITH YOU?

Do you want an opportunity to show off your skills and creativity?

On Monday 6 August you’re invited to join the SPCA for the sweetest event of the year.

Many beautiful animals are looking for a loving and forever home.

Adopt an SPCA animal and in return you will be rewarded with a lifetime of unconditional love. www.spcaauckland.org.nz/adopt

Join us and make a huge difference to the lives of thousands of animals in need by signing up here: www.spcacupcakeday.co.nz If you are looking for some inspiration for the day, check out this delicious recipe to make Honey Bunny Cupcakes which are sure to go down a treat: Mallow Kitty Cupcakes - makes 1 dozen cupcakes ½ cup unsalted butter ¾ cup of sugar 2 SPCA Blue Tick eggs 1½ cups all-purpose flour 1 tsp baking powder ½ tsp salt ½ cup buttermilk ¼ cup honey 1 tsp vanilla

Iris, Poppy & Rumble

Socks & Skip

Method: 1. Preheat oven to 180°C and line 12-cup muffin pan, with cupcake liners.

2. In medium bowl mix together, dry ingredients and set aside.

3. In small bowl mix together wet ingredients: buttermilk, honey and vanilla, set aside.

4. Cream butter and sugar in a separate large mixing bowl.

5. Add SPCA Blue Tick eggs, one at a time beating well after each addition and scraping down sides of bowl as needed.

6. Gradually add the dry and wet ingredients and mix until combined.

7. Spoon mixture into cupcake liners until about two thirds full.

8. Bake for 18-20 minutes.

9. Let cupcakes cool in pans for five minutes, then place on wire rack to finish cooling.

10. Once cupcakes are completely cool, add your choice of icing and a drizzle of honey on each. www.facebook.com/pg/SPCACupcakeDayNZ/

Stormy & Cloud

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Bake a difference for animals!

Change lives on 6 August. Register at spcacupcakeday.co.nz

Proudly supported by

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Unitec

82 PONSONBY NEWS+ June 2018

9mad\af_ <fljYf[] £ ~ ~¤~ :Yjjaf_lgf I\ Dl 8dZ]jl 8m[cdYf\ ~

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PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

PONSONBY PROFESSIONALS ADVICE FROM CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU Is your neighbour’s behaviour driving you crazy? Before you start a neighbourhood war, put your diplomat’s hat on and have a nice talk with them.

“When it comes to problems with neighbours, a touch of diplomacy can go a long way.”

Says Margaret Antunovich of Citizens Advice Bureau Grey Lynn/Ponsonby branch.

“Whether you’re being kept awake every night by noisy neighbourhood parties, their tree is blocking your sun, or the dog from nextdoor uses your lawn as a toilet - it’s always best to discuss the problem with your neighbour first and try to come to a compromise. They may not even know there’s a problem, and be quite willing to sort it out. When we see people with 'problem neighbours', we usually ask whether they’ve tried talking to them. If they have and it hasn’t been successful, we can help them work out where they stand with their particular situation and what their options are.”

If you’ve tried negotiating with your neighbour and they won’t budge, you may have to consider taking further action - and you’ll need to know what your rights are if you do.

For example, when it comes to neighbourhood noise, you can contact your local council to find out what (if any) noise restrictions apply in your area. If you complain to your local council they can send a noise control officer to assess the situation. They can issue a notice asking the neighbour to reduce the noise if it’s deemed excessive or unreasonable, and non-compliance could result in confiscation of the noise-making equipment (such as a stereo or jackhammer).

Similarly, if you are bothered by constant barking from a neighbour’s dog, you can complain to your council and they can send a dog control officer to investigate. But try to work it out with the dog owner first, because drastic action (such as having the dog removed by a dog control officer) is sure to ruin any goodwill that you might have with your neighbours.

“If you have a problem with something that your neighbour is doing, and you haven’t been able to sort it out by talking, come and see us, Monday to Friday 9am-4pm and Saturdays 10.30am-12.30pm. You could also phone us on 09 376 0392 or toll free on 0800 367 222, or send us an email manager.ponsonby@cab.org.nz.

We also have information about neighbourhood problems on our website www.cab.org.nz.” F PN

Your FIRST

CALL for a wide range of free,

up to date and confidential information about: • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Consumer rights Budgeting Legal clinics Employment rights Justice of the Peace Health & welfare issues House & tenancy issues Unemployment problems Education & training Personal & family issues Immigration needs Local & general information Photocopying & faxing

Citizens Advice Bureau

0800 FOR CAB or 09 376 0392 510 Richmond Road, Grey Lynn www.cab.org.nz

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PONSONBY PROFESSIONALS: METROLAW Got a legal question? Ask michael@metrolaw.co.nz

Q:

I want to help my daughter and her partner into purchasing their first home. I plan on giving them $100,000 towards the deposit of the property. What should I consider before doing this? Samantha, Grey Lynn

• Your daughter passes away before you do.

• Either your daughter or her partner face bankruptcy.

A:

Depending on your intentions you may need to consider a provision in the deed of acknowledgment of debt dealing with interest and other costs associated with lending the money. It is likely you will need to bear the legal cost of having the deed of acknowledgment of debt drafted it is money well spent in the long run.

In saying that it is also important to make sure you have considered what will happen to your money if the couple were to separate. If the money is given to them jointly as gift, then upon separation the Property (Relationships) Act 1976 applies. This would mean your daughter’s partner may walk away with $50,000 of your money, which I am guessing would not be your intention.

You should also consider updating your will at the same time. Think about what is to happen to the $100,000 if you pass away. While the acknowledgement of debt is still in place and has not been forgiven.

The last thing you would want is your daughter having to sell of her house only to have to pay the $100,000 back to your estate because you had failed to update your will. While the money is a debt owed to your estate your other family members may also have a claim over this money.

Thanks for your question. It is wonderful that you wish to help your daughter and her partner into their first home.

In the current Auckland housing market, it has become increasingly difficult for young couples to purchase their first homes without the assistance of their parents.

It would be better to have your lawyer draft a deed of acknowledgement of debt recording the amount of money you have given to the couple.

You could at a later stage forgive the debt or you could claim the money back depending on your personal circumstances.

You should consider what your expectations in relation to the money would be in the following situations: • They separated.

• They sold the house for a large profit.

• You pass away.

84 PONSONBY NEWS+ June 2018

As you can see there is a lot to consider and the best way forward is to make an appointment to discuss this with your lawyer before transferring the funds. It’s always sensible to explore all your options first as I often see that these arrangements between family members are done in haste. As they say, act in haste and repent at leisure. Let me know how you get along and if you need any help.

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.

METRO LAW, Level 1, 169A Ponsonby Road, T: 09 929 0800, www.metrolaw.co.nz

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

PONSONBY PONSONBYPROFESSIONALS: PROFESSIONALS: LOGAN LOGANGRANGER GRANGER

Ring-fencing rental losses On 29 March 2018, Inland Revenue released the officials’ issues paper, ‘Ring-fencing rental losses’.

Aim of the proposed changes To level the playing field between property speculators/investors and home buyers by introducing rules that ring-fence residential property losses so they cannot be used to reduce tax on other income.

• Residential rental income from future years (from any property) and; • Taxable income on the sale of any residential land.

Property the rules would apply to It is proposed that the loss ring-fencing rules will apply to 'residential land'. It is suggested that the rules use the definition of residential land that already exists for the Bright-line test which taxes sales of residential land bought and sold within either two or five years. This definition excludes farm land and business premises.

Interest deductibility The issues paper does not at this stage propose any specific interest allocation rules due to the complexity and associated compliance costs. This means for some taxpayers with other business interests there could be an advantage in reviewing where their debt is held and looking to shift debt into other businesses where appropriate to reduce or eliminate the ring-fencing.

The rules would not apply to: • a person’s main home • a property that is subject to the mixed-use assets rules (for example, a bach that is sometimes used privately and sometimes rented out), or • land that is on revenue account because it is held in a land-related business (that is, a business of land dealing, development of land, division of land, or building).

Interposed entities Under the suggested changes, there would be special rules to ensure that a trust, company, partnership or look-through company cannot be used to get around the ring-fencing rules. For example this rule is intended to ensure interest deductions on the cost to purchase shares in a company that has more than 50% of its assets as residential property would also be ring-fenced.

Portfolio basis It is suggested that the loss ring-fencing rules should apply on a portfolio basis. That would mean that investors would be able to offset losses from one rental property against rental income from other properties - calculating their overall profit or loss across their portfolio of rental properties.

Timing of introduction of the rules It is proposed that the loss ring-fencing rules will apply from the start of the 2019-20 income year. The rules could either apply in full from the outset, or they could be phased in over two or three years depending on the feedback the IRD receive on the issues paper. (LOGAN GRANGER) F PN

Using ring-fenced losses Under the suggested changes, a person’s ring-fenced residential rental or other losses from one year could be offset against their:

Disclaimer - While all care has been take, 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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PONSONBY PROFESSIONALS: HANNAH McQUEEN

What money might you need for retirement?

The refrain ‘save more for your retirement’ is a drum that gets banged often these days, and in the ears of younger and younger people as our life expectancy gets longer and longer.

It’s usually relegated to the ‘deal with later’ basket, as the more pressing financial demands take precedence.

But a survey by the Financial Services Council makes it clear how urgent addressing this problem is.

In short, most retirees’ savings are exhausted within 10 years, and most have saved considerably less than they estimate they’ll need.

Both facts are unsurprising based on my experience of preparing thousands of clients for retirement. We seem to apply the Kiwi ‘she’ll be right’ attitude to retirement - but it won’t be if we don’t make it right!

The trouble is, few know what it is they’re likely to need because they don’t even know what their life costs now. In many cases, we’re spending more than we earn while we are earning, so have little hope of making ends meet when we’re not. For some, the likelihood that they’ll find out something they don’t want to know stops them from embarking on the process at all. But knowing what you’re likely to need is the key ingredient to ensuring your savings will last. If you go in blind, you’ll be among those whose resources are depleted within a decade.

Estimates vary widely as to what you might need. The Retirement Commission has previously suggested about $205,000 per person, based on a 25-year retirement and being mortgage free, while the

86 PONSONBY NEWS+ June 2018

Financial Services Council has put it at closer to $300-450,000 per person. When I do my own sums, my number comes in (petrifyingly) higher. The point is, it’s subjective. You need to work out the annual cost of your life, hopefully a life that makes you fulfilled.

Once you know that figure, subtract the level of NZ Super, (currently $616.72/week for a couple or $400.87/week for a single person - let’s assume it will still be available to everyone) and this is your deficit. Multiply your deficit by the number of years you expect to be retired, add in one-off costs like cars or holidays, subtract any one-off cash injections you expect to get, like an inheritance or your Kiwisaver, and you have your goal. Beware - it could be a daunting figure.

Then, you need to work out how far short of that number you’re likely to be at 65. How many years will it take to pay off your mortgage, how many working years will you have once it’s gone and how much can you save in that time? Then, working out how to bridge that gap is the next crucial step.

If you can’t save more, or create more wealth for your retirement, then you’ll need to spend less in your retirement, a prospect that’s banishes all notions of spending your golden years spoiling your grandkids and replaces it with a life of beans and rice. That should be motivation enough to start doing your sums. (HANNAH McQUEEN) F PN www.enableme.co.nz

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HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS

@ DESIGN WAREHOUSE 1. Washington & Teak Bar Set Serve your favorite appetizers and drinks on this relaxed, stylish, yet sophisticated bar set. It combines our favorite materials, A-grade teak, aluminum, rope, and Sunbrella® cushions.

2. Kobii Sun Lounger Sleek, modern, refined, and elegant make this a stunning choice for your luxury poolside lounge area! It pairs beautifully with the Holly Concrete Side Table. Design Warehouse has over 30 styles of sun loungers to choose from.

3. Mayo Relaxing Chair The Mayo Relaxing Chair has a fabulous design that makes it versatile for many styles of settings, especially modern. At Design Warehouse has over 70 styles of relaxing chairs to choose from.

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3

DESIGN WAREHOUSE, 137/147 The Strand, Parnell, T: 09 377 7710, www.designwarehouse.co.nz

A SIMPLE AND STRESS-FREE PROCESS Luke has lived in Ponsonby for 25 years and now lives in his family home with his partner Rebecca and their two lovely children.

Elsa has just turned five and will be starting Westmere Primary as you read this, and Leo has a little while to go yet.

What was your favourite TV show growing up?

Magnum PI.

Before starting in real estate, Luke worked at Coca Cola, Rip Curl and most recently at local independent radio station George FM, where he worked alongside Thane Kurby, Peter Urlich and Jef Kay - this was an amazing time to be in the media industry!

What’s the name of your favourite restaurant?

I couldn’t choose one... Marvel Grill, Baduzzi, Prego, SPQR, Tokyo Club, Blue Breeze Inn, Longroom, Farina... the list goes on - Amisfield, Queenstown!

“One of the key reasons for getting involved in real estate,” says Luke, “was to take the opportunity to change people’s lives in what would seem to be one of the biggest, most stressful decision processes we go through. I have been able to use my years of experience in dealing with people on a day to day basis from all walks of life to make this process as simple and stress free as possible.”

It is Luke’s approachable, friendly and open attitude which allows him to communicate with buyers and vendors to discover their specific needs. He understands it is just as intimidating for a buyer as it is for a vendor, so he has discovered a process that allows him to work closely with buyers to ascertain what it is they are looking for in their next purchase and deliver fantastic results for his vendors.

Coffee or tea?

Coffee 100%.

Favourite shoe shop?

Pat Menzies.

What is your average days on the market?

23 days.

What’s the scariest thing you’ve ever done?

Surfed Teahupo’o in Tahiti and ran with bulls in Pamplona, Spain.

What is your auction success rate?

95%.

What is one thing you’re proud of achieving?

Lasting in this industry and achieving some extraordinary results.

What else floats your boat when you’re not working?

Still enjoy surfing and fishing, and a round of golf at my home course, Muriwai.

How should someone thinking of selling their home choose an agent?

That’s easy - just call me in. F PN LUKE CROCKFORD, M: 021 277 8565, E: luke.crockford@bayleys.co.nz

88 PONSONBY NEWS+ June 2018

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS

APT 1001 SKHY APARTMENTS

5 HOHIPERE STREET | EDEN TERRACE | AUCKLAND Asking Price: $2,295,000

3

2

OVER $75m OF SALES IN THE LAST 3 YEARS

2

‘SKHY AT NIGHT’ SUNSET SPECIAL: Wednesday 6 June 5pm and Wednesday 13 June 5pm. Come check out the stunning views and watch the city come to life as night closes in. We’ll provide the drinks and refreshments.

WEEKEND OPEN HOMES: Sat/Sun 12.00 to 12.30pm.

SKHY apartment 1001 is 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 131m2 with an oversized NW facing 21m2 balcony and comes with 2 secure car parks and storage locker. SKHY apartments sit at the highest point in Auckland and apartment 1001 offers world class views that can never be built out.

Contact me now for more information.

NIGEL KING Licensed (REAA 2008)

Ponsonby’s Apartment Specialist

M: 021 055 2355 E: nigel@mintre.co.nz

LOOKING TO BUY OR SELL AN APARTMENT? CONTACT THE SPECIALIST

“Nigel King was a pleasure to deal with, laid back and observant in his selling approach but prompt and precise when the negotiations took place.

It was reassuring to work with an Apartment Specialist.

”

- Josh ‘Salesperson Of The Year - 2017/18’ ‘Salesperson Of The Year - 2016/17’ ‘Top Luxury Apartment Sales - 2015/16’

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

NIGEL KING Licensed (REAA 2008)

Ponsonby’s Apartment Specialist

M: 021 055 2355 E: nigel@mintre.co.nz

DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

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HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS

@ BOB AND FRIENDS A small selection from BOBâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s growing collection.

1. Tala Lighting Originating from the African concept of conservation through beauty, Tala LED designs combine classic decorative qualities, industrial influences and pioneering LED technology. Tala is a young British brand on a mission to create exquisite products with a positive impact. When you purchase a Tala product youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re investing in the ethos with 10 trees planted for every 200 units sold.

2. Vintage Rug These elegant, quality Vintage Rugs are sourced from Morocco, Pakistan, Turkey and Iran. The longevity and character of the Middle Eastern rugs are due to techniques that have been passed down for thousands of years and the use of natural materials and dyes from the landscape.

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3. Elsa Sofa by Luca Scacchetti Designed by Italian architect and designer Luca Scacchetti, it has a contemporary appearance, but its refined style will give the design an enduring, timeless appeal.

Shop in store or online at www.bobandfriends.co.nz BOB and FRIENDS, 231 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 378 7350

HELP MAKE AUCKLAND SPRAY FREE

If you are unhappy with Auckland Council contractors spraying weeds on or near your property, simply ask the council to make your address spray free.

Please call 09 301 0101 and ask Auckland Council to add your property to the NO SPRAY list Also ask your councillor, Mike Lee or a local board member to ban the use of glyphosate in the Waitemata Local Board area.

AUCKLAND PETANQUE ASSOCIATION The annual schools' petanque tournament took place at Herne Bay Petanque Club Salisbury Reserve on Friday 5 May. 23 schools took part and the eventual medalists were: Rangitoto(1) first, Rangitoto(4) second, Rangitoto(3) third with Rutherford(2) fourth and Mission Heights(1) fifth.

The schools tournament has been held at Herne Bay Petanque Club for 17 years.

Previously the event has been supported by the Alliance Francaise.

It was a lovely day, the kids brought their own lunches and struck up great rapport with their opponents from other schools. Herne Bay Petanque Club members looked after the tournament games, scoring and arbitring. Best wishes to the winners and to those also taking part, more practice for next year. (ANN SHIELDS) F PN

90 PONSONBY NEWS+ June 2018

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

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A very approachable property expert with over 26 years in Auckland Real Estate

2017 TOP Salesperson Barfoot & Thompson, Grey Lynn branch Year ending 31 March 2017

Over 26 years selling Auckland real estate has awarded Repeka a substantial knowledge base and 26 years of shining testimony

027 499 0855 I r.lelaulu@barfoot.co.nz The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

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HUNGRY & FEELING THIRSTY? We are spoilt for choice!

THERE ARE NOW 254 PLACES IN THE WESTERN BAYS, WHERE YOU CAN EAT, DRINK AND BE MERRY. They are all listed in the Ponsonby Little Black Book... ponsonbynews.co.nz/ponsonby-little-black-book The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

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SIGNS AUCKLAND’S HOUSING HIBERNATION IS COMING TO AN END In April, the Auckland residential property market signalled that sales activity may have bottomed and is ready to emerge from its 12-month price and sales hibernation.

“The sales figures contain a number of modest indications that confidence has returned,” said Peter Thompson, Managing Director of Barfoot & Thompson.

“At $930,223, the average sales price was 1.4% higher than it was at the same time last year, with the average selling price having shown little movement over the past 12 months.

“At the same time, the number of properties sold at 731 was 10.1% higher than in April 2017, and sales numbers in the first four months of the year are 3.2% higher than for the comparative period last year.

“While there is no suggestion that prices are poised to start their upward climb, with prices no longer declining in comparison to 2017, the point has been reached where a further price decline is the least likely future outcome.

“In meeting the market price, buyers can have confidence that the chance of them being disadvantaged by future price volatility is low.

“The median sales price continues to lag behind previous levels and, at $830,000 for April, was down 0.8% on the average for the previous three months and down 2.4% on April 2017’s price.

“In part this can be attributed to sales of property in the $1 million and $2 million price category being down significantly in April compared to those for March (down close to 60%) while sales of homes for under $500,000 represented 9.8% of all sales.

“Most trading activity during the month occurred in the $500,000 to $1 million price category, with sales numbers accounting for 57% of all sales.

“New listings at 1358 for the month were strong, ensuring that buyer choice at month end of 4678 properties was the second highest they have been for six years.

“After an active March, the rural, lifestyle and commercial markets experienced slower activity in April.

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“While buyers continued to show interest, they were selective.

“Demand remained strong for orchards, particularly for kiwifruit, in the north and far PN north.” F

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REAL ESTATE UPDATE: KAREN SPIRES There is a common misconception that the real estate market goes into hibernation mode each winter, only to emerge at the first signs of spring.

This is far from the truth. While there are generally fewer homes for sale during winter, houses continue to be sold, and the major life changes that motivate buyers to look for a new home such as a new job, relocation, first home, divorce, as well as upsizing or downsizing, can happen all year round.

There are numbers of important factors that will continue to underpin the Auckland property market over the next few months. The high rate of population growth, coupled with historically strong migration levels, will continue to support the demand for housing, and ensure that any slowdown in sales transactions are likely to be minor. We have recently seen a higher proportion of first-time buyers enter the market, largely due to the increasing price of renting a house, which has meant that it can often be as affordable to purchase an entry -level home and pay a mortgage as it is to rent a home.

Add to this that property values have largely stabilised in recent months, which means we are unlikely to see any major price hikes or drops over the next few months. The big banks have been busy competitively reducing their mortgage rates to attract new customers, bringing a larger pool of new buyers into the market. Many may be wanting to lock in the low interest rates now and won’t risk waiting until the summer when the Official Cash Rate (OCR) may be increased.

There is little reason why a property listed during the winter months can’t have as successful an outcome as those listed during spring, summer and autumn, with there being a constant buyer demand for good quality housing.

While the thought of cold, dark and damp winter conditions is one reason why winter can be a less popular time to sell, we are fortunate that Auckland’s relatively mild temperatures, even in winter, make the city an appealing place to live in all seasons.

This year is shaping up to be one of the warmest years on record, with Auckland expected to have above average temperatures over the next three months and a warmer than normal winter, according to the latest climate outlook from NIWA.

Many buyers do not choose to start their property search in the winter, unless influenced by one of the previously mentioned life changes. Many have been in the market for weeks or months and may have already missed out on one or more properties, making them more educated and determined buyers. Those who do come to open homes in all weather conditions are more likely to be serious about purchasing and ready to make their move.

Holding an open home in the darkest and coldest months of the year can have its advantages. Showing a home which is well insulated and heated in winter can be a big advantage, particularly as buyers are very wary of any houses which could potentially be damp in winter.

With a little bit of focus on presenting your home in the cooler months, winter can be an effective time to sell your home.

PN Thanks for reading. KAREN SPIRES) F

Karen Spires AREINZ, M 027 273 8220, E karen.spires@bayleys.co.nz, www.karenspires.bayleys.co.nz

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THE BED PEOPLE - MAKING IT EASY TO CHOOSE A BED The Bed People is 100% New Zealand owned and operated by Bob and Brenda Flanagan. They started 10 years ago with one Auckland store and now they have nine stores in New Zealand.

The seven Auckland stores are located at Albany, Botany, Manukau, Newmarket, Mt Wellington, Wairau Park and Westgate. They have a store in Te Rapa, Hamilton and another in Lower Hutt, Wellington.

Choose comfort. Comfort is just as important as support in a mattress.

After all, you can't truly relax and have a peaceful, restful sleep if you aren't completely comfortable.

The Bed People stores provide customers a ‘no stress, no pressure’ buying experience in a relaxed and comfortable environment. As bedding and mattress retail specialists, their highly trained team offers the very best beds and mattresses to enhance a better and healthy sleep.

You can have both. Support comes from the innerspring unit and the comfort level comes from the type of padding. You can choose from softer or firmer comfort layers while being sure you have good support at the same time. It all depends on your personal comfort level preference.

There is no salesperson pressure pushing for higher priced beds, rather they are happy to give you friendly, experienced help and advice to choose the correct bed or mattress that is right for you and your budget. All their New Zealand-made beds offer excellent value.

“The Bed People name was created to better reflect who we are. Our business is about people, both staff and customers being treated to a high standard of service and advice. We address their needs and concerns and find them the right bed, mattress and pillow for a good night’s sleep,” says Bob. “Our beds and mattresses are made in New Zealand factories in Auckland and Christchurch, providing jobs for over 400 Kiwis.”

Be selfish. When you share your bed with a partner, you don't want to be affected by their every turn and shift. Find a bed which allows you both independence of movement so that your side of the bed doesn't bounce and creak every time your sleeping partner moves.

Quality counts. The old rule of ‘you get what you pay for’ applies to beds as in everything else. If you scrimp and buy a poor-quality bed now, you may be paying later in terms of lost sleep. Shop for the best value, not the lowest price. You spend around 26 years of your life in bed so buying the best bed you can afford is a healthy investment for you.

Size does matter. Is the bed big enough for you and your partner? Couples sleep better in bigger beds. Part of being comfortable in bed is making sure you have enough room to spread out.

The Bed People 60 Day Comfort Guarantee for customer peace of mind. F PN

Seek support. Correct support is vital to a healthy sleep. A good mattress and foundation will gently support your body at all points to keep your spine in the same position as a good standing posture - whether you're lying on your back or side.

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@ DAWSON & CO 1. Rex Round Mirror by Timothy Oulton - $5499 Swirl your senses with Timothy Oulton’s Rex collection, a dramatic range of lighting, mirrors and furniture that captures the romance of 1920s Paris.

Each unique piece is handcrafted from prismatic baguettes made from optical glass, refracting the light in a perpetual dance of shimmer and sparkle.

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DAW S O N & C O .

FINN MCLENNAN-ELLIOTT

Where should you go for live music?

For those of you out there who are concerned about the number of live music venues left in Auckland, you’re not the only ones.

With the closure of Golden Dawn and the Kings Arms, there have been a lot of murmurs about where all the music will be in the future.

Ponsonby lost one of its best music venues, and we are yet to see a place pop up to fill the gap.

Karangahape Road, fortunately, is still a thriving centre of music in Auckland with venues up and down the street. Here’s a quick run -down of all the spots within walking distance of Ponsonby Road.

We hope you were at many of these across NZ Music Month in May. Galatos / The Studio: These two venues are the largest in the area, hosting international bands more frequently than local, although they don’t exclusively present music. Alongside Whammy Bar, they’re likely to be the venues that pick up the slack from the closure of the Kings Arms, especially for metal and hard rock.

The Wine Cellar/Whammy Bar: The Wine Cellar is Auckland’s premier small venue, where every band cuts their teeth, and where every music fan finds themselves at some point during the year. The perfect mix of mulled wine, mood lighting and the old couch in the corner. It’s always a surprise when you get there for the first time, but you’ll quickly come to love the grunge and intimacy of the space.

Nestled in the belly of St Kevin’s Arcade on Karangahape Road, The Wine Cellar 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, or Whammy’s Backroom. Going until the early hours, Whammy is the home of hard rock, punk and metal bands.

Whammy bar is picking up a lot of the acts that would otherwise have used the Kings Arms.

Neck of the Woods: This is the home of bass, hip hop, dubstep, and all that is similar. They have local acts, international acts, and almost all of them have one thing in common: they’re there to make you dance.

Down in one of the basements of Karangahape Road, if you’ve never made your way into Neck of the Woods, then remedy that.

Freida Margolis: With the occasional gig, and mostly from touring musicians, it’s worth checking out! They can only fit a small number,

often less than you could fit in your own lounge, but its cozy and it’s the only space like it in Grey Lynn.

Portland Public House: As we get a bit further afield from Ponsonby Road, we come across the Portland Public House. Having had music as a core part of its ethos since day one, this is still the place to go to see party bands, small folk bands or grooving funk and reggae acts.

The Dog’s Bollix: One of the oldest venues in Ponsonby’s vicinity, the Dog’s Bollix is now the home of new bands performing rock, folk and alternative genres.

One2one: Back on the Ponsonby strip, music is still going strong at 121 Ponsonby Road, in the café that must be getting close to celebrating its 25th birthday. Looked after by Chris Priestley and Claire Robertson, music nights are Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, but those are just the regulars. Thursday brings in the folkies and acoustic performers for the jam night and pseudo-curated open mic.

Friday is jazz with Peter Wood and Saturday is a mix of musicians, often put together and run by Mark Laurent.

They’ve begun to have concerts on other nights of the week, especially Sunday afternoons, and in the last year have hosted guests from Ireland, Canada and America, with more to come! The bar is stocked with a great selection of craft beverages and, of course, the coffee is perfection. We wouldn’t expect any less when Chris is involved.

Grand Central: If you’re down for a dance, or just a pub to have a drink and listen to some of the bigger party bands around town then this is the spot for you.

Above and beyond these smaller spaces, are the Powerstation, the Civic and the Town Hall and obviously the giants of Auckland - Spark Arena, Mt Smart Stadium and Western Springs. I’d stress that stopping in at your local venues is the best way to support New Zealand music, and ensure that there is a scene for international PN bands to perform in. (FINN MCLENNAN-ELLIOTT) F

St Kevin's Arcade - home to the Wine Cellar and Whammy Bar

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FINN MCLENNAN-ELLIOTT

Mali Mali releases Azimuth The artist known as Mali Mali makes for inspired, disarming listening. With flowing piano melodies echoing Elliott Smith and delicately constructed layers of texture akin to the post-rock musings of Godspeed You Black Emperor, Mali Mali (real name Ben Tolich) elegantly toes a line between classic pop-songwriting and aural experimentation.

Mali Mali returns with Azimuth, Tolich’s most accomplished and ambitious album yet.

piano ballad, with its multiple tracked vocals, harmonies, especially on this line:

Azimuth is a mouth-watering, alluring wash of sound. Layers of vocals, instruments and the unique voice of Tolich make this a soundscape unlike any other. Curious textures, noises, sounds from the studio and other percussive moments, show us the side of Tolich that is always striving to explore and test his boundaries.

“Mop the floor, push the tears to the door and light a lonesome fire.”

Rightfully, Azimuth is self-recorded and produced at his home studio affectionately dubbed ‘The Coop’, Tolich’s production nous comes to the fore, weaving together a sensitive tapestry of sounds usually relegated to more experimental realms. Album opener ‘Remembrances’ calls to the best of post-rockers Broken Social Scene; ‘Blizzard’ sees a plaintive piano line cascading.

‘Remembrances’ opens up with jangling, odd tempos and movements, and we get our first glimpse of Tolich’s double vocal technique that becomes familiar as the album continues.

Tolich has a dry sense of humour and ultimately the genius of the Mali Mali project is his lyrics. It requires a certain deep listen to take it all in but it’s very rewarding.

Tolich closes out the album with Wavelength, again drawing on his own harmonies and multiple voices to present his lyrics. In a fitting end to record, Wavelength leaves us with lyrics are both dark, melancholy, yet leave unanswered questions.

“Well, well, well, the clown can speak. I beg you never show your face.

I beg you, never show your face.”

Azimuth readily tackles metaphysical abstractions. The album’s title comes from a Middle Eastern word which means 'the direction', now known by astronomers as a specific term to do with mapping a celestial object.

“It’s about spirituality and finding the line between order and chaos, the known and unknown,” says Tolich.

Tolich is joined throughout by his wife Alice on harp, cello and cornet, and Australian experimental singer/songwriter Jordan Ireland plays 12-string guitar on ‘A Tornado in El Reno’.

“Jesus ain’t a horrid word for me now, if I’m honest with myself.”

Uncommonly, however, the album centres on an instrumental track, ‘A Tornado in El Reno’, a sparse, hypnotic piece, driven by synths, horns and 12-string guitars. It grows from a simple synth melody before horns take over the song. The track is slow and the longest on the album, but it fills you with a sense of space and the sound washes around you with ease. The moment after the tornado perhaps?

Tolich can tell his fascinating stories, and suck the listener in, even in less than two minutes. We see this in ‘Hunting You Down’, a short

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

With eight tracks clocking in at just over 25 minutes, Azimuth serves as a musical morsel that is both satisfying but leaves one wanting more. It’s an album that you will not understand with one listen, or possibly even 10. The instrumentation is layered and there is always a new moment to discover or a new lyric to unpack.

This is Mali Mali’s best yet, without a doubt. Azimuth releases on 15 June via Wellington-based label Home Alone Music.

PN (FINN MCLENNAN-ELLIOTT) F

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ARTS + CULTURE @ OREXART

Photo by Meek Zuiderwyk in collaboration with Ioane Ioane

Denise Batchelor - Blue Series 5 - 23 June Opening: Tuesday 5 June, 5.30 - 7.30pm Denise Batchelor is based in New Zealand’s far north where she is often to be found exploring the shallows and shoreline. Working in both still and moving-image media, her practice reflects a deep engagement with the natural world and captures moments that simultaneously explore the familiar yet reflect the overlooked or unnoticed.

Define a Superhero The ‘Blue Series’, a suite of six still photographs, and ‘Symbiosis’, a three-minute video, focus on the delicate but dangerous Physalia utriculus, commonly known in New Zealand as the bluebottle. These works featured in ‘Evolutionary Biology - Appealing to the Populous’, an exhibition presented by Humboldt University in Berlin, 2017.

As part of the Auckland Photography Festival 2018, OREXART features Batchelor’s new works direct from Berlin, as well as new works from Jeremy Blincoe in ‘Wander & Wonder’.

Please contact rex@orexart.co.nz for details. F PN OREXART, 15 Putiki Street, Arch Hill, T: 09 378 0588, www.orexart.co.nz

NEW HOME FOR WHITESPACE The Whitespace relocation to Monmouth Street, Grey Lynn represents a continuation of more than 30 years working in the visual arts.

When Kenneth Johnson and Deborah White established Whitespace in Crummer Road, they were one of the first galleries in the western city fringe. There are now over 20 galleries in the city and Newton area, it has become the largest arts precinct in New Zealand.

The new Monmouth Street gallery is a short walk from Ponsonby and K'Road and Link bus routes, with parking at the door.

The last decade has seen many galleries give up on a physical space and concentrate on online selling or by appointment consulting. Johnson and White choose to work in the primary art market, offering the artists they represent regular exhibitions, support with funding applications, residencies and competitions and are always looking for opportunities to present work to new audiences, both locally and internationally.

In 1998, they introduced the commercial art market to Contemporary Pacific Art at the Melbourne Art Fair, and will present Pacific Notion - 20 years on, as their first show at the new space. Some of the original group are still with the gallery; Lily Laita, Ioane Ioane and Niki Hastings-McFall, and are joined by Kenneth Merrick, Lianne Edwards and Raymond Sagapolutele. Each of the six artists has diverse practices and their work reflects individual ideas as urban Pacific artists in Aotearoa today.

The Monmouth Street gallery will also be the home of Artweek Auckland, now in its ninth year, Marlaina Key and Deborah White will be presenting a diverse and stimulating PN programme for October 2018. F WHITESPACE, 20 Monmouth Street, T: 09 361 6331, www.whitespace.co.nz

Denise Batchelor 5 - 23 June 2018

10 – 29 JUNE, 2018

PACIFIC NOTION 20 YEARS ON

Lianne Edwards Niki Hastings-McFall Ioane Ioane Lily Laita Kenneth Merrick Raymond Sagapolutele

15 putiki street, arch hill open tue-sat, 09 3780588

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whitespace 20 monmouth st grey lynn whitespace.co.nz +64 9 361 6331

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ARTS + CULTURE

UPTOWN ART SCENE It’s not just politics that is looking back to the 1920s and 30s good artists know their art history and mine it to create a renewed relevance to our times.

An artist is free to descend on their favourite period in time and pose the question: if I were painting then, or if I could start where they left off, what would the results look like? There are many painters on both sides of the Tasman who are exploring the first few decades of abstraction from the perspective of the 21st Century, and the exhibition Stolen Leopards in May at Michael Lett paired two of the best.

Imogen Taylor has been growing from strength to strength since her first show at Michael Lett in 2011, with residencies at McCahon House and the Bauhaus. It’s the confluence of these two influences that gives her work in Stolen Leopard so much interest. The coarseproletariat sacking surface for her paint is the same as we see in New Zealand painters like McCahon and Fomison (whom Taylor met as a child), while the geometric colour play in work like Shit Guitarist would make Albers and Klee applaud. Taylor consistently counterpoints her serious art history knowledge with satirical humour, and Shit Guitarist could poke fun at Picasso’s abstraction of the guitar, Taylor’s own referencing of it, or a bad folk music experience out West, all at once.

Imogen Taylor, Thigh Gap

Showing with Taylor, the work of Melbourne artist Diena Georgetti similarly takes big bites from early European abstraction, reassembling references with a collage-like approach. While Taylor revels in the grunge of jute and modulation, Georgetti’s surfaces are mostly flat and graphic, more Krause or Moholy-Nagy than Klee. Her painting, Ponti, is sharp like pincers and stutters eloquently with polygons of black. Her colour selection is narrow and effective, setting up complex relationships between shape and hue.

The innovations of art during the tumult of the 1920s and 30s can be a fitting position for painting to take up again in these times: strong, irreverent and modern.

(WILL PAYNT, STUDIO ART SUPPLIES) F PN

Imogen Taylor, Shit Guitarist The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

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ARTS + CULTURE ‘JUNE JOY’ @ ST MATTHEWS-IN-THE-CITY A concert featuring iconic New Zealand string quartet players Monique Lapins (violin) and Gillian Ansell (viola) and the accomplished St Matthew’s Chamber Orchestra 17 June, 2.30pm Soloist Monique Lapins joined the New Zealand String Quartet in May 2016.

She began her violin studies at the age of six with the Suzuki method and continued at the Australian National Academy of Music and at the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music in Singapore.

Monique was twice a finalist in the Asia Pacific Chamber Music Competition and has participated in numerous overseas chamber music festivals.

@ ST MATTHEW-IN-THE-CITY First Tuesday Concert 3 July - 12.10 to 12.50pm On the first Tuesday in each month, St Matthew-in-the-City hosts a free Lunch Hour Concert from 12.10 to 12.50pm.

These concerts are aimed at city people who will enjoy 40 minutes of classical music in a tranquil environment. The performers are professionals and students who play music by the great classical composers.

St Matthew’s, a beautiful space, also has very rich resources for music making. A superb four manual Willis organ, a new Kawai Shigeru grand piano, a sweet-toned chamber organ and a warm acoustic that favours string players and voices.

The first concert in July features Holy Trinity Cathedral organist Philip Smith who will play a programme that explores all the resources of the Willis organ. Smith is one of the city's most acclaimed performers; he knows the St Matthew’s organ very well and can demonstrate its exciting range of sounds.

Also, as part of the series, on the third Tuesday, 17 July, acclaimed English keyboardist Robert Costin (piano) will play part of Bach’s Art of Fugue.

Further concerts in the series, which run until November, include: in August, The Chapel Choir of Diocesan School; in September, Paul Chan (organ with Brendan Agnew), trumpet, and in October, Ensemble East which will play Beethoven Sonatas for cello, violin and piano. www.stmatthews.nz

As a soloist, Monique has toured with the Australian Chamber Orchestra Collective, the Melbourne Chamber Orchestra and the Singapore Symphony Orchestra. She has also performed in Japan and France.

Monique plays a 1784 Lorenzo Storioni violin, kindly loaned by David Duncan Craig, as trustee of the Lily Duncan Trust.

Monique Lapins Soloist Gillian Ansell - Viola MNZM was born in Auckland, New Zealand. At 16 years she made her concerto debut with the APO. She studied and was a prize winner at the Royal College of Music in London. She also studied in Germany at the Cologne Musikhochschule Cologne with Igor Ozim and the Amadeus Quartet.

Gillian is a founding member of the New Zealand String Quartet. She was second violinist for nearly two years before taking up the position of violist of the group. She is an Associate Professor at Victoria University of Wellington’s, New Zealand School of Music.

St Matthew’s Chamber Orchestra is an accomplished orchestra. Soprano Madeline Pierard says, “It is a joy to perform with this dedicated group of musicians. The enthusiasm and commitment of the orchestra is admirable and shines through in performance.” F PN TICKETS: Eventfinda or Door sales cash only. Adults $25 Concessions $20 children under 12 free. ST MATTHEW-IN-THE-CITY CHURCH corner Wellesley and Hobson Streets. www.smco.org.nz

ST MATTHEW’S

CHAMBER ORCHESTRA CONCERT: SUNDAY 17 JUNE | 2:30pm VENUE: ST MATTHEW-IN-THE-CITY CHURCH CONDUCTOR: Justus Rozemond SOLOIST: Monique Lapins (Violin) Gillian Ansell (Viola)

PROGRAMME:

Stravinsky Mozart Mozart

104 PONSONBY NEWS+ June 2018

Pulcinella Suite Sinfonia Concertante K 364 in E flat major Symphony No 39 K 543 in E flat major

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PLUCKED STRINGS IN PONSONBY New Zealand’s ‘one of a kind’ plectrum orchestra, meets once a week for a fun evening of music right here in Ponsonby.

The orchestra features mandolins, mandolas, mandocello, guitars, bass, accordions and flute. The Auckland Mandolinata Orchestra originated in West Auckland in 1970 and has now been based in Ponsonby for over 20 years. We’re a community group which aims to encourage the experience and enjoyment of the unique mandolin family and related instruments. We delight in entertaining around Auckland at locations as varied as council events, the Italian festival, our winter concert series, retirement villages, private homes and garden parties.

The mandolin is an eight-stringed instrument; its additional strings make it more resonant than the ukulele. It is a great, easy to carry, exquisitely crafted instrument with beautiful timbre and tone. Since the mandolin has roots all over the world with its modern form connected to 19th Century Italy, there is a versatility in being able to pursue a wide variety of musical styles and expression. A mandolin and guitar ensemble fits well with so many genres of music. Our upcoming winter concert series held at Rocky Nook Bowling Club in Fowlds Park, Mt Albert will feature both classical and modern pieces, some that are familiar and other music you will have never heard before (details are below).

According to researchers, most activities only use certain areas of the brain at a time.

Playing a musical instrument, sets off a ‘symphony’ of activity all over one’s brain.

Interested in keeping your mind sharp over the decades ahead? Many of us have learned an instrument in the past and then life has just got too busy. Why not consider ‘plucking’ up the courage to acquire a new skill and have fun along the way! It is not too difficult a transition if you already read music and have played an instrument before, especially the violin. With a few members recently moving overseas and retiring from the orchestra we would like to start up a new training group. Even if you do not yet have an instrument but are keen to join up please let us know by sending an email to auckmandolinata@gmail.com. F PN

ARTS + CULTURE NZIFF ANNOUNCES GUEST SELECTOR FOR SHORT FILM COMPETITION Leon Narbey, a well-known face at the Sunday Grey Lynn Farmers Market will be the guest selector for the New Zealand International Film Festival’s (NZIFF) only competition strand, the New Zealand’s Best short film competition.

Five to six selected New Zealand shorts will premiere in Auckland, Wellington, Dunedin and Christchurch where audiences are encouraged to vote for their favourite short from Narbey’s shortlist. Previous guest selectors have included Gaylene Preston (2017), Lee Tamahori (2016), Christine Jeffs (2015), Andrew Adamson (2014), Alison Maclean (2013) and Roger Donaldson (2012).

Leon Narbey is one of the country's finest cinematographers and has worked closely with many of New Zealand’s greatest filmmakers. After Leon Narbey studying sculpture and lighting at Elam School of Fine Arts his first films Room 2 and A Film of Real Time were completed in 1968 and 1971 respectively. He went on to shoot TV news and then he collaborated on important early documentaries Te Matakite o Aotearoa: The Maori Land March (Geoff Steven) and then Bastion Point: Day 507 (with Merata Mita and Gerd Pohlmann) before making his own Man of the Trees, questioning the destruction of the world’s forests. In 1987 he directed his award-winning feature Illustrious Energy. As cinematographer Narbey has shot many feature films and documentaries including Desperate Remedies, The Price of Milk, Whale Rider, Colin McCahon: I Am, Perfect Creature, Rain of the Children, No. 2, My Talks with Dean Spanley, and The Dead Lands which was his fourth collaboration with Toa Fraser. He has worked extensively with Shirley Horrocks since the early 1990s, and more recently he has worked closely with writer /director Tusi Tamasese on his films Va Tapuia, The Orator / O le Tulafale and One Thousand Ropes.

“We’re delighted to have Leon join as this year’s guest selector for the New Zealand’s Best Short Film competition. Leon has a great eye for film and he has a wealth of expertise across an important cross section of New Zealand cinema. We look forward to receiving his selection of shorts for the competition.

“We received 84 submissions which my programming colleagues Sandra Reid, Michael McDonnell and I have shortlisted to 12 for Leon to consider,” says NZIFF Director Bill Gosden.

This year’s NZ’s best finalists will be eligible for three prizes. Madman Entertainment will again support the title award, the Madman Entertainment Best Short Film Award. The cash prize of $5000 is donated by the Australasian distribution company. The winner will be chosen by a three-person jury appointed by NZIFF and Madman Entertainment.

The participation of Sir James Wallace together with the Wallace Foundation and Wallace Productions Ltd will continue the Friends of the Civic Award. The Wallace Foundation stepped in three years ago to fund the award after the dissolution of the longstanding donors, the Friends of the Civic. The Wallace Friends of the Civic Award will be a cash prize of $4000 and a Golden Elephant Trophy awarded to the film or contributor to a film deemed to merit special recognition.

The Audience Choice Award will be selected by audience members who attend the NZ's Best screenings in Auckland and Wellington. Audience members will be invited to rank the finalists and the film that receives the highest rating will win a 25% share of the box office takings from the New Zealand's Best screenings in the four main centres. In 2017 this prize was $4500.

NZIFF is run by a charitable trust and encourages lively interactions between films, filmmakers and New Zealand audiences in 13 towns and cities around the country. The full NZIFF programme will be available from Tuesday 26 June for Auckland, and Friday 29 June for Wellington. NZIFF starts in Auckland on 19 July and in Wellington from 27 PN July in 2018. F www.nzonscreen.com/person/leon-narbey

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

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HOROSCOPES: MISS PEARL NECLIS

What your stars hold for June ♊

Gemini (the Twins): 22 May - 21 June As always you’re desperate to get started on something. You don’t know when or what it is yet but you’re firing on all cylinders this month.

♋

Cancer (the Crab): 22 June - 22 July The spotlight is almost upon you and you’re wondering what all the fuss is about. You can feel something stirring and you’re not sure if it’s a good feeling or not.

♌ Leo (the Lion): 23 July - 21 August

Listen at what’s going on inside you for a change, otherwise you could find there might be conflict around you. Make sure it's not you who’s creating the drama before you get involved.

♍ Virgo (the Virgin): 22 August - 23 September

Don’t blame someone else for how you’re feeling when it’s quite clear the problems lie with you. Maybe you shouldn’t listen to other people’s problems as you’re beginning to compare them to your own.

♐

Sagittarius (the Archer): 23 November - 22 December There has always been something stopping you from wanting to share certain aspects of your life. You can’t be analytical about these things. You have to be open to be able to receive the feelings you want.

♑ Capricorn (the Goat): 23 December - 20 January

Don’t look for answers when you are unable to be truthful about the way you feel. Your acute sense of awareness may have let you down without you realising it this month and is putting you in a position that you’re not familiar with.

♒ Aquarius (the Water Carrier): 21 January - 19 February

Ever had that feeling of not quite knowing what you should be doing? Well that’s certainly how you’re feeling this month. Don’t do anything rash, just think about what’s changed.

♓ Pisces (the Fish): 20 February - 20 March

You seem to be getting inspiration from everywhere this month and for the first time you’re overflowing with ideas. Unfortunately your interpretations don’t always turn into results.

♎ Libra (the Scales): 24 September - 23 October

♈ Aries (the Ram): 21 March - 20 April

♏ Scorpio (the Scorpion): 24 October - 22 November

♉ Taurus (the Bull): 21 April - 21 May

If you want to find the source of the conflict going on around then you then it's best if you try and untangle the mess that you seem to have got yourself in. At some point you’ll look back and wonder what the point of all the discomfort was.

You’ve always been careful with the way you live but maybe that has always prevented you from achieving some real goals in life. Maybe you should occasionally deviate from the straight and narrow, you never know what you might find.

Good things come to you in waves and the wave that has just hit you will definitely make you smile. Your energy is contagious and your ability to charm everyone you meet will hold you in good stead.

You know that you need to be clear if you want to communicate how you’re feeling, whatever the circumstances. If you’re still adapting to a new situation don’t let anyone make you do something that is unfamiliar to you.

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

Rugs Direct, 108 Carlton Gore Road

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

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.

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PARNELL Jane Daniels, 2 Birdwood Crescent Parnell Community Centre, 545 Parnell Road

PONSONBY Askew, 2b Jervois Road Bayleys, 305 Ponsonby Road Countdown, 7 Williamson Avenue 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

WESTMERE Glengarry, 164 Garnet Road

Citta Outlet Store, Corner Enfield & Normanby Road Sabato, 57 Normanby Road Studio Italia, 25 Nugent Street

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