FROM THE EDITOR

Our cover this month is a controversial one. There was no need for this extreme devastation of the Western Springs native forest in order to keep walkers and hikers safe.

Health and safety is of course critically important but with regard to the forest it has become an issue which has overtaken common sense. We accept that people are entitled to their opinions, but preferably educated ones.

Rev Grant Ridout, Minister at Ponsonby’s historic St Stephens Presbyterian Church is confident the church building will be saved after it was devastated by a horrible fire. He and his congregation have massive local public support and the Church is holding a mid-winter Christmas concert on Saturday 29 June at 7pm. Tickets are $30 or $15 for concessions. For more information please contact the Church on 09 360 1728.

RSAs around New Zealand are struggling to survive. Our old veterans are dying, and some clubs have failed to adapt. Not Grey Lynn RSC. Manager, Kris Hall, has ensured they move ahead with the times, and will not be caught out like other clubs.

The team at Ponsonby News have been fighting for a while to get what is now regarded as a ‘human carcinogen’- glyphosate banned from New Zealand. Many others have been fighting the battle for much longer. If, like us, you’ve had enough, please tell the head of hazardous substances at our EPA Dr Chris Hill. Here is the EPA’s email: glyphosate@epa.govt.nz

We hope our feature this month, ‘Winter Wanderlust’, will inspire you to getaway for a short break. Cooler temperatures and longer nights often lend themselves to a little wanderlust, with both ski holidays and fun in the sun now very exciting options thanks to our country’s expert handling of the pandemic and a gradually widening international travel bubble.

According to local folklore, the Ponsonby Pool Hall has been operating since the early 1900s. The owner Elias Hanlon’s recollections go back to the early days of the 50s and 60s. Situated originally at the top of College Hill, and known as the College Hill Billiard Hall, it has reflected the changing times of the neighbourhood.

Beer lover? Brewport Ponsonby is a new microbrewery and beer garden in the heart of Lot3. We spoke to the owners, Greg and Kim, about how Brewport came about.

A changing of the guard is about to take place at one of New Zealand’s most celebrated restaurants with Sid and Chand Sahrawat selling their fine dining establishment, Sidart. The new owner is Chef Lesley Chandra, a long-time friend and trusted colleague of the Sahrawat’s.

This year, Matariki will set on 2 June to rise again from 2 to 10 July. The star cluster, known in Western science as Pleiades, signals the Maori New Year. (MARTIN LEACH)  PN

Jay Platt & Martin Leach

Seriously committed to your best possible outcome

MATT & RYAN

N 1 IN GREY LYNN *

“To put it quite simply, a great team to work with. Not only did Matt & Ryan help me get the price I wanted for my apartment, they also found me a new home exactly to the spec I was after”

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Matt O’Rourke 021 375 909

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

r.harding@barfoot.co.nz

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

CONNOR CRAWFORD

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

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

DAVID HARTNELL - MNZM

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

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

FINN MCLENNAN-ELLIOTT

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

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

HONOUR MITCHELL

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

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

HELENE RAVLICH

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

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

JOHN APPLETON

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

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

JOHN ELLIOTT

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

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

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