AUCKLAND GIRLS’ GRAMMAR –PONSONBY’S HIDDEN GEM

Auckland Girls’ Grammar School’s 2023 Head Girls are urging local parents to take a look at what they call Ponsonby’s hidden gem.

AGGS is the second oldest school in New Zealand and the oldest all-girls school in the City of Sails yet many of the students aren’t local – they travel in from all around greater Auckland. The school’s 2023 Head Girls Te Kahurangi Whata and Safa Nazari are out to change that and are challenging parents and girls from Ponsonby and its surrounding suburbs to come and take a look at the school which both Te Kahurangi and Safa love.

Says Te Kahurangi: “The connections you make and the bonds that you build with your peers and with your teachers, I think that’s one of the best things you can get as part of your education.”

Safa agrees, saying the second she started as a new student at AGGS she felt as though she was accepted. “Your culture, your identity, it’s all celebrated,” she explains.

Both girls also praise the close-knit AGGS’ staff, who they say care not only about academic achievement, but also about pastoral care and student wellbeing. There’s a complete wraparound Health Centre at the school plus a doctor and a psychologist who come in regularly and two full time counsellors and a social worker.

Ngaire Ashmore, Principal, who’s been at the helm for seven years, is super proud of what’s on offer at her school. We have a real focus on achieving outcomes for students academically and the belief that all students have the potential to be high achievers. We also have wonderful sporting prowess, we have a very strong arts programme and many opportunities for cultural development.

Another feather in the AGGS' cap is that it’s home to one of the country’s most celebrated Māori Units, Ngā Tūmanako o Kahurangi, led with mana by Joey Rogers. “Our girls in Kahurangi strive for excellence,” Rogers says, “in every form, not just academically, but as young Māori wahine. That is the essence of our kaupapa.”

Head Girl Te Kahurangi says one of the first decisions she made – even before coming to AGGS – was to be a part of the Kahurangi unit. “I think it’s a space that really nurtures and grows me in Te Reo Maori – which I hadn’t had as much access to prior to coming to AGGS,” explains Te Kahurangi. “I think knowing who I am and knowing where I’m from and knowing the values of Te Reo Maori will be able to help shape me for who I am going to become.” www.aggs.school.nz

Both Head Girls can’t stress enough that Auckland Girls’ Grammar School is all about setting students up for a 'real world', not only in Aotearoa but also globally.

With the 2023 Open Day at Auckland Girls’ looming, both of the school’s 2023 Head Girls have their own message for Ponsonby parents and girls looking for the perfect High School for them. Our message is: Definitely, definitely consider AGGS! Come and meet us at our Open Day on Tuesday 13 June.

WAITEMATĀ LOCAL BOARD MEETING, TUESDAY 16 MAY

The Waitematā Local Board meeting on Tuesday 16 May was yet another fiasco from my vantage point in the public gallery.

The Chair has a big problem keeping the meeting in order! She has lost credibility and people from the community submitting deputations are becoming more and more angry about the way that their submissions are being ignored by the board. Common sense/receptive board members are unfortunately in the minority and have been so for several terms. Auckland Transport and the Ministry of Culture and Heritage have been allowed to steam on through with their hugely expensive plans and agendas. Goverment over-reach has brainwashed that board.

The Erebus protest group spent their time saying, "We told you it wouldn't work… and how dare you waste so much rate payer money on a project that was doomed from the start."

There was the issue of $1.5m about to be spent on raising five Ponsonby Road pedestrian crossings (narrowing the road in the process). There was the issue about a plan to spend $970k on an unsuitable Baasque Park upgrade. A presenter who had obviously done his research very well, pointed out some blaring deficiencies in the expected costs of the proposed Auckland Light Rail project. There were questions about why community submissions about tree protection have been ignored time and time again.

If anyone wants an entertaining afternoon in the Waitematā Local Board meeting gallery, roll on up. We all need to witness the shambles going on in that room, under the guise of 'governing'.

K. Avenell, Rock The Vote NZ

Our Polluted Coxs Creek

Last month, I wrote a letter to Ponsonby News about my concerns with Coxs Creek. Following my visit to Coxs Bay with Local Board Member Greg Moyle, we were contacted by the Head of Planning from Healthy Waters who advised us that remedial work on the creek was due to commence within a short period.

I am pleased to report that the first stage of the work has been completed, as Auckland Council classified the work as an emergency following the storm events.

I spoke to the contractor’s project manager who told me that the contractor has a special machine that can be amphibious and can suck as well as do everything a normal digger can do. At this point council are calling on a consultant to advise on what should be done with the creek between the footbridge and Richmond Road.

The removal of fallen trees and debris will allow the creek to properly flush out with the tide coming in and out of Coxs Bay.

Jack Nazer, Herne Bay

LETTERS CONTINUED ON P58

WLB MEETINGS – BUDGET AND SERIOUS MATTERS

The Budget decision process, after the public consultation, requires the board to add their views, before it goes to the Mayor and council. This happened in the middle of yet another storm on Tuesday 9 May, with most Watematā Local Board members online. The Chair, deputy and one member in their offices, with one member of the public.

The Chair fought against presenting a cohesive opinion, clinging tightly to the 'standing orders' (the meeting rules), like a teacher controlling wayward students rather than working with her peers. This split the votes in many parts of this one big motion. The merit in first identifying what parts were controversial and being open to friendly amendments, was lost on her.

One item was voted on without indicating (as others had) ‘support' or 'not support'. Another contained unrelated comments – Tūpuna Maunga Authority Operational Plan and the Centre City Residents Group targeted rate increase, yet the Chair wouldn’t allow clarification or discussion. Unfortunately, even basic meeting chairing was absent – motions were ‘carried' without asking 'those against’.

The regular public meeting on Tuesday 16 May, with the Chair and several members of the public shouting at each other, resembled a playground. The Chair also adjourned the meeting leaving members of the public to continue their presentations.

These serious matters can be seen on https://youtu.be/ q4dl2Ab0Gd4: the memorial to a tragedy that could have ended in another tragedy, if the cliffs had slipped after it had been built with people on it, as the geotechnical report had warned, costing protectors over $1m to defend; Auckland Transport citing safety as the reason for breaking a perfectly working, safe intersection in Three Lamps, wasting $1.5m; engagement failures over many issues; and future transport plans on whether Light Rail is the best solution for Auckland or not.

James Bryenton

HONOUR MITCHELL: TEEN PICKS

Three years ago, Ponsonby News gave me a chance to create a column discussing the opinions and experiences of teenagers – offering a youthful voice to an already excellent publication.

After writing one trial article, I got the thumbs up and Teen Picks was born. This has been a truely spectacular adventure… 33 columns later I have learnt much about the inside workings of a real magazine. Though I have thoroughly enjoyed preparing my monthly contribution, sadly this will be my last as I transition to the next phase of my life.

What is remarkable to me is how much I have changed as a person since I first started writing. I’ve grown from barely a teenager (14) to almost an adult (18). Teen Picks has helped me explore the challenges and milestones of 'growing up' as I ponder who I might want to be in the future.

Now I’m starting to apply for university, it’s probably no surprise that I have an interest in writing, and I hope to be accepted into the University of Canterbury's Journalism Programme. My job at Ponsonby News has certainly given me a great start in this field. I only hope that I can make my 14-year-old self proud!

But before I leave… let’s take a trip down memory lane, shall we?

The reason I first started working for this magazine was to fulfil a requirement of my Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award – completing 13 hours working in a field that interested me. Crazy how time flies. Now I have completed the Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards! This has been a huge accomplishment for me.

What’s more, I have managed to share many of the highlights with you, like: volunteering at Trade Aid (which helped me branch out and learn so much about the excellent Ponsonby community); my intrepid excursions into the outdoors (including conquering the Waikaremoana Great Walk); and my five day, live-in residential project in a dementia facility (an eye opening, sad but unforgettable experience).

When I initially started as a reporter, it was all about the three Fs – Food, Fashion and Family – before I began covering seriously iconic events in a teenager's life, including:

Learning to drive – I conquered the various steps of my driver's licence, graduating from the bright yellow L plates to a Restricted licence. Now I am able to drive to school and all over Auckland for my job and I’m just about to sit my full licence after completing a Defensive Driving course. Phew, what seemed improbable two years ago is now a reality.

Diving into the mosh pit – I went from a timid, rookie concertgoer to a true professional. I’ve experienced so many great gigs: Sound Splash in Raglan, Eden Park’s first ever concert performed by Six60, Ed Sheeran’s magical show and then my absolute favourite, Mr Harry Styles, at Mt Smart.

Getting glammed up for my first ball – who would have thought getting dressed up and finding a date could be so stressful? But at least I got to feel like a red-carpet celebrity for one night. Now I’m actually on the school ball committee and much calmer about the preparations as I help plan this year's festivities and slip into a beautiful gown again.

My first pay cheque – finally I have a real job, working as a party princess, no less. My fairytastic occupation is a childhood dream come true and certainly a unique way to earn money.

To those who have supported me in my endeavour as a scribe, thank you. And to those who have read my articles, I appreciate your support. I am grateful for all the amazing feedback, it has kept me motivated. I have enjoyed the ride and I will miss sharing my life with you all. See you Ponsonby News. Your's in joyful journalism. (HONOUR MITCHELL)