10 minute read
FUTURE GENERATION
FUTURE GENERATION HONOUR MITCHELL: TEEN PICKS - A WHEEL OF EMOTIONS
The day I have been dreaming of ever since I was little and, coincidently the day my mum has been dreading ever since I was little, was finally here; getting behind the wheel and learning to drive!
A fearful experience for many I imagine - your child in control of an accelerating hunk of metal is a whole new world. Plainly put, it does not induce calm demeanour amongst parents. The white knuckles, lurching for the brakes (despite being in the passenger seat), sharp intakes of breath and clinging onto any available surface were all evidence of the pulsating anxiety I sensed my mother felt!
Many may remember a time when you turned 15, sat your theory and practical driving tests on the same day and off you went; often very fast with a car load of friends. These days there is far more caution and structure.
For those unsure on the current licensing process, I will lay it out for you:
Learner License: You can get this when you turn 16. You need to sit a theory exam of 35 questions. Once you have passed you may drive a car provided you are accompanied by a competent driver that has had their license for two or more years.
Restricted License: You can get this 6 months after you have received your Learner License. You need to sit a practical test. You can drive by yourself between the hours of 5am-10pm. You are not allowed any passengers in the car without a licensed supervisor.
Full License: You can get this when you turn 18, unless you have done an advanced driving course that allows you to get it earlier. You will partake in another practical test which, once passed, you can drive anytime you wish, alone or with passengers.
I started my driving quest in December 2022, after my L plate debut was postponed from September (when I turned 16) by 'lockdown'. And let me tell you, it has been quite a journey off and on the road since.
Though it is tough learning how to drive, I have to admit I am very thankful that I am not doing it in the ‘olden days’. The very sight of a manual car freaks me out, let alone driving one! Stories shared from family members about their struggles with the "old stick shifts” left me weak with panic. I was more than happy to start learning without these complications, protected by the safety and simplicity of an automatic.
The first time I got behind the wheel was in a deserted parking lot. Unfortunately I ended up yanking off the rear vision mirror (by accident)! That itself made me want to quit altogether. After a bit of deep breathing and some much needed reassurance I realised I might have been overreacting. So back in the car I got, and once I had sorted out the turning and braking system I felt qualified to start my on-road training. I kicked off my crusade with the obstacle course we call Ponsonby: orange cones, chicanes, one-way streets, speed bumps, the continuous appearance of construction and road works and ANGRY Aucklanders. I definitely had my work cut out for me.
Once I cleared my first few rounds of chicanes I was feeling much more comfortable about the narrow winding streets that lay in my vicinity. After even more practicing my mum soon decided that I was ready; ready for the motorway! Yikes, really? I was hyped and the nerves were tingling. Could I take on this daunting challenge? But once we got past a few minor slip-ups, I became just another speedy Aucklander. It was rather thrilling for me to be driving above 50km. (Perhaps less so for my passengers).
Just when I had finally managed the Southern Motorway, my abilities were tested again after my mum ripped a ligament in her leg and was unable to drive. She needed ME to chauffeur her to urgent care on the North Shore. I had to talk myself up a bit for that one! But even with lane changing drama, a missed exit and multiple scary honks we arrived intact. Still, I think it's safe to say I won't be attempting that route again for a while.
Moving on from the early 'heart-racing' moments, the future is starting to look brighter. Now I am driving my sister and I to school in the morning (with my mum in the car, obviously) and it is going pretty smoothly. Roll on June when I will be able to take my restricted driving test. Here's hoping that all my hard work will pay off, and I won’t be overcome with stage fright. In the meantime, I have much practice to do. So see you out on the roads of Ponsonby.
Remember to be kind-hearted to those of us displaying an 'L'. We’re doing our best, often with sweaty-palmed parents. (HONOUR MITCHELL) PN
NUMBERWORKS’NWORDS GREY LYNN IS OPEN FOR TERM 1
As one of the world’s longest running tuition providers, NumberWorks’nWords was founded in 1984 by passionate educators who wanted to make a positive difference in the lives of children through education.
To achieve this, the founders of NumberWorks’nWords made it their mission to improve school results and build confidence in children, to help them succeed with their schooling and beyond. Since then, NumberWorks’nWords has expanded from one centre in New Zealand, to 69 centres across Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, and have provided maths and English tuition to more than 300,000 students over the past 38 years.
Returning to the classroom after disruption to learning can be challenging for students due to missed learning opportunities. Catching up and closing gaps is more important than ever! NumberWorks’nWords offers free assessments which identify gaps and weaknesses in maths and English. With this information, in conjunction with the parents and child, the team develops a personalised learning programme to meet each child’s learning needs. The in-centre tuition is customised to the child and delivered by trained tutors who are experts in their subjects.
Tutoring with NumberWorks’nWords can help students take on Term 1 with confidence and achieve better school results throughout the year. Enrol now for Term 1 or get in touch with Michelle or Olivia at NumberWorks’nWords Grey Lynn to book a free assessment today.
NUMBERWORKS’NWORDS, 316 Richmond Road, T: 09 360 0816, www.NumberWorksnWords.com/nz
FUTURE GENERATION THEO JESSUP, TEEN “GENE”IUS
A local resident has just produced a new novel - and it’s only 32,000 words.
Newly sixteen, Theo Jessup's unusual abilities make him a sought-after asset at Prymus Genetics, an award-winning medical clinic at the forefront of genetic research. And no one is keener to harvest Theo's advanced DNA under the pretext of a cancer cure, than Dr. Bradley Hunter, the clinic's master of gene therapy.
Hunter's colleague, Dr. Brian Andrews, runs into Theo, having taken a wrong turn at a lakeside town. A picture of the paleskinned, amethyst eyes and downy blond-haired teen sent to Hunter alerts him of his whereabouts, so the doctor sends his wingman, ex-combat vet Russell (Rusty) Sharp – himself, a guinea pig of Hunter's illegal opioids – to kidnap the boy.
Theo escapes moments before Rusty's goons arrive at the log cabin, but his parents, Rose and Neal, die in an explosion that wipes out Rusty's henchman, leaving the obese man scrambling to explain the mess to his boss.
Furious, Hunter fires him and takes over the mission, declaring that he’ll stop at nothing until Theo is caught – either dead or alive. Game on.
Available on Amazon in English, French, German and Spanish. www.amazon.com/-/e/B09382871T
Isaac is an actor, director and scriptwriter. Country-born, now city-living in Auckland, Aotearoa New Zealand, he’s had short stories published in anthologies, written newspaper articles, and has been hired to rewrite several feature screenplays in the genres of romcom, thriller, drama, period drama, buddy comedy, sci-fi, as well as writing for reality TV, plus commissioned shorts and treatments. He shares his name with a lyricist on IMDb.com
Zac is a people person. His greatest joy is being a companion for Camp Quality New Zealand. His hobbies include cycling on a bike called Herbert (aka Herbie Rides Again), movies, reading, spicy food, and herding cats. Maybe. He’s also a coffee snob, as well as one of millions of people worldwide who practice the Wim Hof Method.
I Love Lucy Book Review: High Fidelity - Nick Hornby - 14+
Rob’s life is a bit sad. He runs a failing record store, his girlfriend has left him for the guy living in the flat upstairs and he is stuck searching the past for reasons to blame his melancholy life on. He’s also not doing anything to improve his quality of life, though - mainly just walking around his flat, calling up his ex-girlfriends, trying to get his most recent ex-girlfriend to take him back and judging other people on their music taste.
The main message this novel is trying to convey is that fear of commitment can affect your life and the life of those around you. This sentiment is especially true for Rob, who not only torments his ex-partners in the process of trying figure out exactly what went wrong, but ultimately puts the blame on them.
Even though I’m not a fan of Rob, I loved the book. It made me feel young and grown-up all at once, introduced me to new music, and was hard to put down. I read it fast, simply because it was so good. Normally when I read a book, I like the main character, maybe even relate to them a bit, but with Rob this was not the case. It was refreshing, and almost like seeing into someone else's mind. I could see how his lousy thought process led to his awful decisions, and this let me see things from a different point of view. (LUCY KENNEDY) PN
BABY ON BOARD
Preparing your car for first time parenthood.
Baby on the way? Then you’re probably in the midst of trying to sort through the abundance of information you’ve found on topics like baby capsules, toddler car seats, the best convertible car seat, the best booster seats, and so on and so forth.
For most modern families, the family car will play a large part in your baby’s life and create a safe, comfortable environment that can give you peace of mind and assist in making the transportation of your young family easier.
Our car seat collection has every stage covered, from birth to 12 years, with soft natural anti-bacterial bamboo fabrics and a unique installation app. All of our infant capsules click into your Silver Cross pram frame, making your journey out and about that much easier. Our latest offering of our Travel Bundles allows you to get all the essentials in one click.
Since its humble beginnings in a workshop in Silver Cross Street, Leeds, in 1877, Silver Cross has established itself as a brand that guarantees uncompromising quality, painstaking craftsmanship and practical design. And it’s these values that have helped establish it as one of the leading international manufacturers in baby travel systems, strollers and other essential travel products.
From the Silver Cross travel system to car seats, and not to mention the classic Silver Cross Heritage line, each and every piece has been designed with you and your baby in mind. Enjoy peace of mind that your newborn baby is safe and well supported on your first trip home and beyond. Visit us in store and talk to one of our experts to assist.
Visit the team at Silver Cross Ponsonby to see the range or visit them online.
