PONSONBY NEWS - MARCH '20

Established: OCTOBER 1989

CELEBRATING 30 YEARS OF PUBLISHING HISTORY!

MARCH 2020

NEW ZEALANDER OF THE YEAR Jennifer Ward-Lealand Te Atamira, actor, advocate and long-time local with Ruby her cat burglar - p12

ponsonbynews.co.nz

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A LT O G E T H E R B E T T E R

ÄŒĹ? Ĺ?Ä’Ĺ?

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BLAIR HADDOW

( %.Ĺ? +3 021 544 555 blair.haddow@bayleys.co.nz ys.co.nz haddow bayleys.co.nz/blair-haddow BAYLEYS REAL ESTATE LIMITED, PONSONBY, LICENSED ICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

Residen t ial / Co mmerci al / Rural / P ro pert y Ser v ices

FROM THE EDITOR NEW ZEALANDER OF THE YEAR DAVID HARTNELL: ONE MINUTE INTERVIEW RICHARD NORTHEY, WAITEMATA LOCAL BOARD PIPPA COOM: COUNCILLOR FOR WAITEMATA & GULF JOHN ELLIOTT: LOCAL NEWS PREDICT WEATHER.COM U3A PONSONBY NIKKI KAYE: AUCKLAND CENTRAL MP

Ready to go electric?

WESTMORELAND STREET WEST

What do the big-name car brands think the future holds for electric cars in New Zealand?

EAT DRINK & BE MERRY VEG FRIENDLY: GARY STEEL TRAVEL BREAKS HELENE RAVLICH: LOCAL AUTUMN FASHION LIVING, THINKING + BEING

Karol Abrasowicz-Madej, Managing Director BMW New Zealand

INSIDE THIS MONTH

009 012 014 020 022 026 036 038 043 044 052 054 064 068 082 084 089 094 096 100 110 124 136 137 138 139

Find out in our electric transport feature in April. We spoke to the general managers and managing directors of the biggest car brands in New Zealand for some insight. We learnt about the commitment and passion their brands have to EV and what they feel are the biggest barriers to electrifying New Zealand’s national car fleet. They shared with us what people should be cautious of when going electric and so much more. If you have ever wondered if EV is for you – this will be a must read story.

TADHG STOPFORD FUTURE GENERATION PONSONBY PROFESSIONALS

EDITOR/PUBLISHER: MARTIN LEACH martinleach@xtra.co.nz or martin@ponsonbynews.co.nz DISTRIBUTION MANAGER: JAY PLATT jayplatt@xtra.co.nz or jay@ponsonbynews.co.nz

PONSONBY PETS HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS HEIDI PADAIN: ENTERTAINMENT IN YOUR GARDEN FOCUS ON LOCAL ART & DESIGN SUMMER STREAMING GUIDE WHAT’S ON IN MARCH PEARL NECLIS: HOROSCOPES PONSONBY PINK PAGES

COVER PHOTOGRAPHY: Connor Crawford

AD SALES & CONTRIBUTING EDITOR: ANDREA KAHUKIWA andrea@ponsonbynews.co.nz ADVERTISING SALES/AD DESIGNER: MELISSA PAYNTER melissapaynter@me.com OPERATIONS MANAGER: GWYNNE DAVENPORT gwynne@ponsonbynews.co.nz CONTRIBUTING MUSIC EDITOR: FINN MCLENNAN-ELLIOTT finn.huia@gmail.com CONTRIBUTING EDITOR: JOHN ELLIOTT johnelliott38@outlook.com PROOF READER: DEIRDRE THURSTON

PONSONBY NEWS is published monthly, excluding January by: ALCHEMY MEDIA LIMITED, P.O. BOX 47-282 Ponsonby, Auckland 1144, T: 09 378 8553 or 09 361 3356, www.ponsonbynews.co.nz PONSONBY NEWS is printed on paper sourced from sustainable, well managed forests and manufactured under the environmental management system ISO 14001. Our hand-delivered copies are flow wrapped in eco-friendly, degradable plastic.

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@ponsonbynews @Ponsonby_News @ponsonbynews

GRAPHIC DESIGNER: ARNA MARTIN arna@cocodesign.co.nz ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTIONS: Within New Zealand $49. By cheque or postal order in NZ$. Please note: we do not hold back issues of Ponsonby News.

Our archive is all online as pdfs. Please visit www.ponsonbynews.co.nz The entire content of this publication is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means - electronic, mechaal, photocopying, recording or otherwise - without the prior permission, in writing, of the copyright owner. Colour transparencies and manuscripts submitted are sent at the owner’s risk; neither the publisher nor its agents accept any responsibility for loss or damage. Although every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this publication, the publisher can accept no liability for any inaccuracies that may occur.

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

Dons't Mi Th s!

LETTERS & EMAILS

MEDICAL CANNABIS COVERAGE I have been inspired to congratulate you for the latest edition of Ponsonby News which I read yesterday.

In particular, I’d like to reference the articles on medical cannabis and applaud you for the sensibly courageous stand in printing this information to what currently appears to be a largely ignorant audience.

The matter was adjourned for seven days because the papers had not been made available within the required two days. Member Trotman asked that the matter be adjourned until the March meeting so that members could have more time to consider matters. This request seems quite reasonable considering five of the members are new and, in the time since they have taken office, have been inundated with material covering a wide range of subjects.

Personally, in my family and friend circle, we have long understood and experienced the benefits of cannabis, both medicinally and, dare I say it, recreationally. However, removing the social stigma of the ‘harmful effects’ this plant supposedly has, is obviously challenging.

Using the Standing Orders as his reason, the Chairperson denied Trotman’s request and said the matter would proceed in seven days.

In the circumstances, what is the urgency to force a decision on using a vague reference the Standing Orders?

Thanks to dedicated humans like Tadhg Stopford for their passionate advocacy and education around the topic as well as others with enough gumption to speak out, and publications like this recent PN edition, misconceptions can now stand the chance of being reviewed around a new conversation.

Keith McConnell, Campaigner for good governance, www.keithforwaitemata.com

As a natural perfumer interested to experiment with formulations containing CBD within organic perfumes and body products, I can vouch that there is a slow, yet important awakening internationally around the healing properties of this plant. We need more information brought to the table to heighten the consciousness around this subject. So, for your part I thank you.

Keep up the good work.

Virginia Di Somma, Grey Lynn LEY’S INSTITUTE LIBRARY CLOSURE As a regular user of the library and appreciative member of the monthly book club, I want to add my voice to those who support urgent restoration of the historic Ley’s Institute building.

Not only are we missing the complete provision of the many services the library provides, but delays allow for further deterioration of this significant building.

Apart from the distribution of books and encouragement of reading for all members of the community from toddlers to the elderly, the library in this building provided, with the help of its friendly and knowledgeable staff, a safe and welcoming space for all. Where, for example, have the people who use the computers been able to go?

Whatever time you went in, there were always people at those desks.

We are pleased to hear that there will be a pop-up library for basic services, but the loss of the use of the building has left all the many different groups initiated and managed by the library that operated in those spaces, without a home.

Helen Benton, Ponsonby

SOCIETIES MUST RESIST CHANGE SO THAT ONLY GOOD CHANGE PASSES MUSTER Looking around this city of orange cones that are signalling narrowing of roads, removal of parking for business, character and historic buildings being destroyed and the wholesale removal of mature trees, I have to ask ‘doth we protest too little?’

The National Government removed Tree Protection to allow more building. While Phil Goff and David Parker have only sent each other a letter, which shared that most trees hadn’t been removed for buildings, this so called ‘green Government’ hasn’t progressed it.

The Labour Government is engaging into biggest annihilation of communities by the demolition of the best-built houses in the country, our State House homes. Accompanied by a huge ‘land grab’ by stealth as taxpayer-owned State land is being sold off through KiwiBuild and general sale of two thirds of the land and the developers laugh all the way to the bank.

The Unitary Plan hasn’t done anything to protect either as HNZ managed to block pre-1944 protection and follow their application for compliance for removal or demolition of every State House in Auckland as per Resource Consent R/CER/2013/3676, proving that a change of government does little to change dastardly plans.

Recent tragedies include: 48 Garnet Road where a cute deco bungalow and a massive oak tree are both for the bulldozer, to be replaced by a mundane design more suited to Botany; the complete character destroying of Karangahape Road and its magnificent magnolia trees; the mothballing of the Leys Institute Library and wholesale chainsawing of trees in Significant Ecological Areas.

Come on people, resistance isn’t futile!

Gael Baldock, habitat protector

LEYS INSTITUTE REPARATION I have been a local resident of Ponsonby for 41 years and I am saddened by the closure of our local library, the Leys Institute. The Leys isn’t just another historic or beautiful building, but a very muchloved community hub. What are the council’s plans for its future? Has anything been put in place for its reparation?

Helen Hanlen, Ponsonby RECENT MEETING OF THE WAITEMATA LOCAL BOARD I attended the recent meeting of the Waitemata Local Board which is the second for the new board.

A key decision to be made was whether to remove the pine trees at the Western Springs Forest. This removal has been subject to much debate over several years. There has been a mountain of material produced both in support and in opposition to the removal. The board, five of whom have only been in their roles since late October, are being asked to approve the removal.

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PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

FROM THE EDITOR

photography: Connor Crawford

Jay Platt, Andrea Kahukiwa, Martin Leach, Melissa Paynter & Gwynne Davenport

We offer our congratulations to our cover star, local icon Jennifer Ward-Lealand Te Atamira. She is the 2020 New Zealander of the year – P12.

We hope you enjoy our spread on Woof – the Auckland Rainbow Dog Show, which was held in Western Park – P16.

A special meeting of the Waitemata Local Board (WLB) was held to make a final decision on the fate of the Western Springs pine forest. A surprising event occurred. Ngati Whatua submitted to the board that they had not been consulted on the resource consent application. After some spirited debate Sarah Trotman moved that the decision on the fate of the pines be deferred until further consultation had been undertaken. The motion passed four votes to three – P26.

have been carefully monitored by council engineering staff for a number of years, but the closure came because the Leys does not in any way, shape or form conform with earthquakes, in the unlikely event of one hitting Auckland. However, we must now ensure that the library is repaired as soon as possible. Locals will just not tolerate talk of demolition or sale, nor leaving it empty to deteriorate – P29.

Western Springs College held its official opening of the new campus. The PM was present and thanked Nikki Kaye for acquiring the funds for the rebuild when she was Minister of Education – P30.

Most people know that Anne Malcolm retired last year, after 22 years of service to Ponsonby Primary. She’ll be sadly missed throughout our community – P28.

There is still no decision about the route of the proposed cycleway from Pt Chevalier to the city which will passes through Herne Bay. The final decision will be made on the route after a workshop between AT and the WLB – P34.

Last month a crowd of 60 locals turned up to show their support for the renovation of the Leys Institute and Gymnasium which was peremptorily closed with one day’s notice to staff and library visitors. The buildings

Over the past few years Westmoreland Street West has been transformed into a new shopping precinct. We have just heard that Bauhaus Design will be opening next month – P44. (MARTIN LEACH & JOHN ELLIOTT) F PN

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NEW ZEALANDER OF THE YEAR Jennifer Ward-Lealand Te Atamira, actor, advocate and long-time local.

The stage is her place to stand and from there she has wowed audiences for decades with her acting talent and performance presence. It has been the platform from which she tirelessly guides and mentors young and emerging actors as they make their way in a creative landscape devoid of theatre companies who carry a permanent acting company. Her passion for her craft and her dedication for giving back to her industry is what drives her and what has ultimately led a panel of illustrious judges to select her as New Zealander of the Year.

This combined with the nature of the work, which requires actors to give so much of themselves to a performance, is one of the reasons actors’ mental wellbeing can suffer more than most.

“It’s a huge honour to be chosen,” says Jennifer. “When I got the call, my jaw dropped to the ground and basically it’s still there. But you know, I will just keep doing what I do, which is advocating for the arts and te reo Maori.”

Beyond the arts, many have seen Jennifer Ward-Lealand Te Atamira - me ona - tikanga. She explains her as a champion for te reo Maori journey to become a fluent speaker has been a long one. However, she recognises it as one that has been travelled without the mamae (hurt) of generations of language trauma. “Recently, I was dismayed to hear - had been overstated into a role that I would my love for te reo Maori never claim for myself. I consider myself a soldier for te reo, that’s it.

The list of organisations and causes supported by Jennifer WardLealand Te Atamira is long. She is a patron of Theatre New Zealand, has been the President of Equity New Zealand since 2007, is cofounder and artistic board member of The Actors’ Program, and a patron of Q Theatre to name just a few. Her awards are also numerous. In 2019 alone she received the Women of Influence Award, Arts & Culture, Best Actress Award for Vermillion at the Los Angeles Film awards and was appointed as Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit.

photography: Connor Crawford

“I have about seven different kaupapa supporting the arts this week and they were all arranged before this [New Zealander of the Year] award so I will just keep focused on the work.” Jennifer believes it’s vitally important to give back when you’re in a position to make a difference. “I think teaching and directing and supporting actors in my capacity as president is even more important than ever. Since Jennifer has been president, Equity New Zealand’s membership has grown to number over 1000 – an impressive feat for a union in a predominantly freelance labour force.

Jennifer explains that actors are among the most vulnerable workforce with only about 10 to 15% able to sustain a living from their craft.

12 PONSONBY NEWS+ March 2020

As President of Equity New Zealand, Jennifer notes the industry has some very real issues. “We, as a union, are very conscious of the fact that our statistics are not good when it comes to the mental health of our members and we’re about to hold our first Ways to Wellness forum, which will be open to all performers.”

“I was given the name Te Atamira which means ‘the stage’, so I say: Ko Te Atamira te ingoa – Te Atamira is my name. Ko Te Atamira te - mahi – the stage is the place I work. Ko Te Atamira te wahi - e wahi - – the stage is the place where whakatairanga ana ahau i te reo Maori I champion te reo Maori.

That’s the responsibility I have by being given this name.” Jennifer believes if just one person is inspired to learn te reo or keep learning because of her profile, she is in some way meeting that challenge.

As New Zealander of the Year, Jennifer will continue as before. She will continue to work on behalf of New Zealand actors, supporting them and improving industry standards as well as doing what she can to support the flourishing of te reo Maori.

Jennifer’s cat Ruby (pictured on the cover) has stolen over 200 items in her lifetime - toys, bras, caps, togs, swimsuits, tea towels and socks. “But now that she is nearly 12, Ruby has got a bit lazy and just drags a teddy around the house delivering it under my office desk. What a gal.” www.jenniferwardlealand.com

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

PONSONBY NEWS+ March 2020

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LOCAL NEWS

David Hartnell: One Minute interview with Reuben Rutherford Reuben Rutherford can often be seen in and around the Ponsonby/ Grey Lynn area walking a number of dogs. He is a professional dog walk and canine behaviour training expert. From what I hear, one of the best in the business.

Tell us about your business?

We provide daily pack walks starting from 7am bright and early to make the most of the day. We travel to some truly lovely locations for our pack walks, allowing the dogs that attend to explore and discover in a natural environment while also being a part of a social pack environment. We are certified in behaviour training to help owners who are dealing with any problem behaviours coming from their dogs. We believe that all dogs can be trained and deserve a chance to learn regardless of breed, age or previous history, and be given the opportunity to be able to socialise with other dogs in a safe environment.

Why did you start your company?

I always wanted to be a dog handler from a young age. After working with several dog handler companies, I knew I could do better with my own business and help educate people on the proper do’s and don’ts when it comes to dogs.

When did your love of dogs start?

Around my childhood we always had neighbours with all kinds of dogs. I was always over there after school paying with the kids and the dogs, I wished the dogs were mine.

Did you have a dog as a child?

No! Sadly we couldn’t afford one when I was a child, but now I own three huskies to make up for it.

What is the best tip to start training a puppy?

Start as soon as you get them. Always make it a positive experience for them; train in short sessions and keep it simple; use multiple types of rewards like treats, toys, play and affection.

How do you chill out?

I kick back with my friends and dogs as well as draw a fair bit nowadays.

If your life was an ice cream, what would it be called?

Rocky Road!

Which item of clothing can’t you live without?

Shoes. I walk a heck of a lot so my feet would never survive without some shoes.

Tell us something very few people know about you?

My whole left rib cage is covered in tattoos.

What are you insecure about?

That people will judge me before they know me.

Most Kiwi thing about you?

I can make anything out of anything – Kiwi ingenuity.

Which talent would you most like to have?

To be able to look at anything and freely draw it with no mistakes.

What job would you do other than your own?

Artist or animator.

Your greatest weakness/indulgence?

I take very long showers.

If you were reincarnated, what would you be?

Orca whale. Most people think I would choose wolf, but I find orcas to be rather amazing.

Your comfort food?

Sushi, and I eat it far more then I should.

Your dream guest list for a dinner party?

Billy Connolly, Steve Hughes and George Carlin. These are my three favourite comedians.

Something that you really disapprove of?

Animal abuse. I hate it with a passion.

Your biggest disappointment?

The ending of Game of Thrones – we all know what I’m talking about.

What motivates you?

Money, of course. But really, just the thought of achieving a goal motivates me.

Best movie?

Sword of the Stranger. Without much dialogue it showcases the world the characters live in and how they get by. Truly an artful movie.

If you could change one law in New Zealand, what would it be?

I would have it so that those that harm or mistreat animals can’t ever own a pet again unless showing a proper change in the way they treat animals in general. Too often I see posts of people re-homing dogs, then weeks later the same people posting asking if anyone knows where to buy another dog. It’s sad and unfortunately something that is happening too often, especially with husky breeds. People re-home them so often and I have no idea why. I mean, I have three huskies myself and they are such easy to handle dogs.

PN (DAVID HARTNELL MNZM) F

Feel free to contact Reuben on Facebook facebook.com/dogsunleashedauckland or follow him on @dogsunleashedauckland on Facebook and Instagram.

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PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

CONNECTING PEOPLE WITH PROPERTY IN GREY LYNN AND WESTMERE

For marketing strategies that work in all markets.

Call me for a conямБdential conversation.

Luke Crockford

021 277 8565 luke.crockford@bayleys.co.nz

BAYLEYS REAL ESTATE LTD, PONSONBY, LICENSED UNDER THE REAA 2008

photography: Connor Crawford

LOCAL NEWS

WOOF: THE AUCKLAND RAINBOW DOG SHOW, Western Park, Ponsonby Sunday 23 February. Thanks to Steven Oates and all the sponsors 16 PONSONBY NEWS+ March 2020

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LOCAL NEWS PONSONBY NEWS+ March 2020

17

OUR CONTRIBUTORS

It’s a team effort... we couldn’t do it without our contributors CLARE CALDWELL

JOHN APPLETON

Clare (Claudie) Caldwell is a creative arts therapist and freelance artist. She also runs a voluntary art and art therapy programme at Auckland City Mission.

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

CONNOR CRAWFORD

JOHN ELLIOTT

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

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.

DAVID HARTNELL - MNZM

KEN RING

DEIRDRE THURSTON

KERRY LEE

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.

Writer/researcher/coach. Writing and the sea are my happy places. I bow down to natural medicine and animals. My philosophy: love and kindness.

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.

GARY STEEL

I am a veteran writer and editor and run two websites – Witchdoctor and Doctor Feelgood – focusing on my interests in music, technology, and the wellbeing of the planet and its denizens.

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

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.

NIKKI KAYE

I’m the local Member of Parliament for Auckland Central including Waiheke and Great Barrier Island. National Party spokesperson for Education and Sport and Recreation.

PHIL PARKER

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

HEIDI PADAIN

PIPPA COOM

More than a nature photographer, I am a storyteller, a visual narrator and environmentalist who seeks out bird stories begging to be told.

I am Councillor for Waitemata- and Gulf ward on Auckland Council. Formerly, Chair WaitemataLocal Board.

HELENE RAVLICH

ROSS THORBY

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.

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.

Join us on Sundays at 2pm... for our weekly service including demonstrations of clairvoyance and afternoon tea.

/FX X /PSUI I 3PBE &EFO O 5FSSBDF F XXX HPMEFOMJHIU PSH O[

18 PONSONBY NEWS+ March 2020

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Shop for something special. From fashion to jewellery to exquisite homewares and gifts, you will find just the right thing from the range of high street stores, designer boutiques and Shore City Shopping Centre.

4

Discover an ancient fossil forest on the ‘lava trail’ between Takapuna and Milford which forms part of the Te Araroa walkway. This is a stunning seaside walk along the coast.

5

Bring the family to one of Auckland’s best playgrounds – The allabilities Takapuna Beach Playground, then recharge with an icecream or something to eat

6

Get out on the water and try your hand at stand-up paddle boarding, wind surfing, sailing, kayaking, or even snorkelling!

7

Stroll through Takapuna’s famous Sunday Market to find anything from fresh fruit and vegetables, to crafts, furniture and antiques

8

Immerse your cultural self in live theatre, music, arts, culture and heritage at the Bruce Mason Centre, PumpHouse Theatre, Lake House Arts Centre or Berkley Cinemas.

9

Find inner peace with a restorative yoga, massage or reflexology session or pump up the pulse with an exercise class or Pilates session.

10

Pack a picnic and head to the beach reserve on Takapuna Beach or the shores of Lake Pupuke.

LOCAL NEWS

Richard Northey: Waitemata Local Board Chair Our first Waitemata Local Board meeting of 2020 on 18 February, progressed the Ponsonby Park project.

Last year, 171 members of the Ponsonby community discussed and selected their preferred design for the site. Option 5 was chosen; a less cluttered option and one with a new lighthouse structure positioned towards Ponsonby Road.

In the meantime, Council’s Finance and Performance Committee approved, at the Waitemata Local Board’s request, $5.5 million of proceeds from the sale of a commercial building in Victoria Street to make up the total cost of the project, adding to the $5.5 million they had already approved. On member Graeme Gunthorp’s motion, the board unanimously approved design Option 5, use of the extra $5.5 million dollars to enable the project to be done in one stage, and further detailed design to enable construction to commence later this year. This will be a great amenity for community group activities and a public gathering and play space for the people of Ponsonby, The board meeting also received several presentations from people concerned about the sudden closure of the Leys Institute Library and Gymnasium. The meeting was a good opportunity to hear concerns and for information about the need for the closure and next steps to be shared. Engineering assessments by expert council staff showed that the building did not meet tougher requirements required by Government after the Christchurch and Kaikoura quakes.

The board has sought reports to be researched by staff on how best the buildings can be restored, which will take some months to prepare.

We are not considering demolishing or selling the buildings. In the meantime, the mobile library has been on site and the board made an urgent decision before Christmas to lease premises for the library at 14 Jervois Road for three years, which should open on 16 March.

With staff help, all gymnasium users have found alternative premises at Freemans Bay and Ponsonby Community Centres and other nearby sites. Although not able to be used by the general public, council will ensure the buildings are cleaned, maintained and that clear information signage and stronger public protection is in place.

We are currently developing our Local Board Plan, which will guide our work over the next three years. We have been engaging with the community seeking feedback to help shape our plan.

We talked to lots of people on 15 February at Uptown Sounds and on 16 February at our successful Myers Park Medley event. We will also get feedback at the Central City Network, the youth hui Seeding Our Future, Beating the Bounds and a climate change workshop. In addition, we have got a new interactive online space where you can submit your ideas: www.akhaveyoursay.co.nz/lovelocal The Annual Budget 2020/2021 and Council Controlled Organisation Review is open for public feedback until 22 March. Visit aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/haveyoursay for more. We are holding an Annual Budget Hearing-style event on 3 March, 4pm at our office, 52 Swanson Street. Please RSVP to attend: waitematalocalboard@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz As well as advancing Ponsonby Park, we are keen to support community action on climate change, homelessness, parks development, agrichemical-free parks, stream restoration and environmental enhancement. We are keen to hear your ideas.

(RICHARD NORTHEY) F PN

Contact Richard Northey, Chair of the Waitemata Local Board, northeyr@xtra.co.nz, facebook.com/waitemata

Ponsonby Park option 5

20 PONSONBY NEWS+ March 2020

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

Sometimes there are strong and robust options for selling your home quietly.

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LOCAL NEWS

New Ferry Basin public space due for completion in December 2020

Pippa Coom: Councillor for Waitemata & Gulf It would not have gone unnoticed that there are a huge number of projects underway, not just Downtown but also locally.

The cycling improvements in Herne Bay are part of a wider cycling network that will connect to Westmere and Pt Chevalier and eventually over the Auckland Harbour Bridge. In early February, the New Zealand Transport Agency announced that what has been known as ‘Skypath’ is now one section in the newly named ‘Northern Pathway’, all the way to Albany. The Government is investing $360 million in the first section as part of the $6.8 billion NZ Upgrade Programme, and construction is expected to start next year.

Auckland is playing catchup after decades of under-investment, poor planning and short-sighted decision making. Auckland Council is making progress on essential work like improving the ferry infrastructure, putting an end to poo going into the harbour and ensuring the Quay Street seawall doesn’t collapse. We are going to see a lot more people friendly, safe and vibrant environments as the city changes and grows.

The Quay Street enhancement is now halfway to completion and will be fully opened in time for Americas Cup. It is going to be a stunning street with wide footpaths, rain gardens, heaps more trees and connected to two new public spaces. The new Ferry Basin open space

Newly opened Daldy Street

The $37.8m St Marys Bay area water quality improvement separation project championed by the Herne Bay Residents and St Marys Bay Associations kicked off before Christmas. Storm water improvements are popping up thanks in part to the additional targeted rate funding.

And the Herne Bay traffic calming project is about to start.

due for completion in December 2020 once the seawall is rebuilt, was named Te Wananga by the Waitemata Local Board last term. An example of the new approach to designing places to linger in rather than car-dominated thoroughfares, is the Daldy Street enhancement that has recently fully re-opened.

All this construction work is being undertaken in partnership with Council’s CCOs including Auckland Transport, Panuku and Watercare. CCOs are independent council-owned organisations that are overseen by their own board of directors, chief executive and staff. A review is currently underway of the CCOs a decade since they were first established. An independent panel led by Miriam Deans is investigating how well the CCOs are working. You can give your feedback about the CCOs until 22 March. This consultation is underway at the same time as the Annual Budget and Local Board priorities 2020/21 Have You Say process. Details on the council’s website. (PIPPA COOM) F PN Contact Pippa Coom via pippa.coom@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

Whakawatea dawn blessing for Luna Rossa Prada bases, America’s Cup

22 PONSONBY NEWS+ March 2020

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

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LOCAL NEWS

St Mary’s College Jazzmyne Kailahi-Fulu, past pupil of St Mary’s College Ponsonby and a 17-year-old North Harbour Basketball representative, joined 60 other teens from around the world for the NBA, invite-only Basketball Without Borders (BWB) Global Camp in Chicago, during the NBA All Star Weekend from 14-16 February.

Jazzmyne was coached by former and current NBA players and coaches as she faced global opposition before sitting courtside at the glitzy NBA All Star game, all this while being observed by college scouts.

St Mary’s College is extremely proud of Jazzmyne and her amazing achievements. F PN ST MARY’S COLLEGE, 11 New Street, Ponsonby, T: 09 376 6568, Facebook: stmaryak, www.stmaryak.school.nz

News from Ponsonby Community Centre The Ponsonby Community Centre was the custodian of the gorgeous Leys Gymnasium for many years and we are very sad it is not able to be used until it has been strengthened.

However, we do have an equally historic building available for venue hire at 20 Ponsonby Terrace. There are four spaces available for hire – the Gluepot room is set up boardroom style with whiteboard, screen, smart tv and a kitchenette. The two halls are part of the original building which housed Ponsonby Primary before it moved to Curran Street in the 1930s.

Our outdoor area, accessed by French doors from one of the halls is currently undergoing a remodel to make it more user friendly for our hirers and also enable us to support outdoor concerts and events. Watch the progress of the remodel via our Instagram account ponsycommunity or Facebook page @ponsycommunity. F PN For more information on our venue hire spaces and booking, please visit our website www.ponsonbycommunity.org.nz or email info@ponsonbycommunity.org.nz

Ponsonby Community Centre

20 Ponsonby Terrace

www.ponsonbycommunity.org.nz We're in your neighbourhood and we've got a lot to offer ....Venue hire, Events, Classes and more!

24 PONSONBY NEWS+ March 2020

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

YOUR HOME OUR DEDICATION In a difficult market Tony and Jen achieved a new sales record for St Marys Bay, including a recent sale for over $7 million.

They are solely focussed on achieving the maximum price your property deserves, above volume of sales. This ďŹ ts the New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty philosophy of achieving the 2019 top two highest sales in New Zealand and Auckland.

Talk to Tony and Jen about how they can maximise the sale of your property in St Marys Bay, Herne Bay, neighbouring suburbs or any coastal gem you may have tucked away.

We have a range of homes and apartments for sale off market, we also have buyers for homes from $1 million - $6 million.

Call Tony or Jen if you are thinking of selling.

TONY VERCAUTEREN BA Dip Bus M +64 21 595 595 tony.vercauteren@nzsir.com

JEN KENDRICK M +64 21 022 02167 jen.kendrick@nzsir.com

nzsothebysrealty.com Each Office Is Independently Owned and Operated. Browns Real Estate Limited (licensed under the REAA 2008) MREINZ.

LOCAL NEWS

John Elliott: Trees are trees are trees whether exotic or native Just when Auckland has declared a climate crisis and we, at 40 days and at the time of writing this, are in the midst of the biggest drought in our history, the chainsaws are active felling trees all over Auckland. Our trees, the lungs of the city, are disappearing at an alarming rate.

This massacre is occurring at least partly because the National Government weakened the Resource Management Act, disallowing protection for groups of trees.

It is also happening by stealth – a few here, a few there. A few trees on Meola Road obstructing the proposed AT cycleway ‘don’t matter’, felling a thousand trees in Chamberlain Park for sports fields ‘is justified’, replacing all exotics on Auckland’s maunga with natives ‘is restoring them to former glory and is okay’.

And then we have the downright deceit – people who don’t want their view or their sun spoilt, just cut down offending trees willy nilly, resource consent or not.

According to a Ponsonby news article by local activist Gael Baldock, Auckland loses three mature trees every day.

the consent, but subject to a number of caveats, including protecting the under-storey of regenerating natives, and ensuring the quick planting of natives for the future development of the replacement native forest. I envisioned a return of the dawn chorus to Western Springs.

I am now far from sure that the proposed replacement regime will be anything like what it needs to be. $80,000 has been allocated for 15,000 replacement natives. Using tiny PB5 natives at five dollars each adds up to $75,000, and takes no account of future weeding, dying seedlings and other maintenance.

Also, the method council will use to extract the pines is totally destructive of the present thriving under-storey of natives growing under the pines. I recommended costing some helicopter lifting out.

That has been ignored.

One of the biggest controversies of all regarding trees in Auckland right now, is the resource consent gained by Auckland Council to fell all 200-plus old pine trees in Western Springs Forest, replacing them with natives. By the time this Ponsonby News article has gone to press, the Waitemata Local Board will have made its final decision on wholesale felling. That decision was scheduled to take place at a Waitemata Local Board meeting on Tuesday 25 February.

The proposed destruction entails leaving huge logs clogging the forest floor, preventing the planting of a suitable number of replacement natives.

I have a great love of many of our native plants – karaka, kowhai, puriri, taraire, titoki among my favourites – and, of course, the mighty kauri. Kereru love puriri and karaka berries, tui and bellbird love kowhai nectar.

The Auckland Council looks incapable of ensuring a balanced approach. Just take the word of bureaucrats in council without question! We elect councillors and board members to be more proactive and enquiring than that. It’s their job to politely but firmly question their advisors. They are not doing that.

But my reason for the heading ‘trees are trees are trees’, is because as Gael Baldock said in her Ponsonby News article, most birds ‘don’t give a flying fig whether trees are exotic or native’. Birds nest in them, roost in them, burrow into trunks, catch insects in them and show us the great side of a functioning ecosystem.

Chainsaw eco-terrorists are in the ascendency here and around Auckland. We desperately need a balanced look at reasons for saving and replacing trees – exotic or native.

Trees in a city are a valuable amenity, especially in a city which aspires to be the world’s most liveable city.

Tree advocate Wendy Grey presented to the Waitemata Board a beautiful story/poem by noted author Rob McGowan (Pa Ropata) called ‘Tiwaiwaka’. It emphasised kotahitanga (unity), and said New Zealand’s greatest priority is not economic development but caring for the earth. Caring for the whenua. Rangatiratanga is not about power and authority, it’s about humility and courage. Thank you Pa for your inspiration. It is true and it is timely.

In my submission to the council seeking the resource consent to demolish the Western Springs Forest, I supported the granting of

Let’s get our priorities on the right side of history, or we’ll become a barren tarsealed jungle. (JOHN ELLIOTT) F PN

STOP PRESS: A special meeting of the Waitemata Local Board (WLB) was held to make a final decision on the fate of the Western Springs Pine Forest. A surprising event occurred. Ngati Whatua submitted to the board that they had not been consulted on the resource consent application. After some spirited debate Sarah Trotman moved that the decision on the fate of the pines be deferred until further consultation had been undertaken. The motion passed with four votes to three.

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LOCAL NEWS

Sir Bob implores Ponsonby to rise up Many people around the community have lamented the closure of the Leys Institute Library and Gymnasium.

Sir Bob Harvey grew up in the area and encourages the people of Ponsonby to do more to actively protect one of the community’s oldest treasures.

Sir Bob visited the library as a young child with his grandparents and, until recently, like many local parents and grandparents, took his grandchildren to the library’s weekly story-time sessions. He fears the beautiful historic building is now in great jeopardy.

“I have known the Leys Institute and Gymnasium for over 60 years.

I have loved this building for its elegance, its warmth and its sense of place and history and I am absolutely gutted at the decision to close the building in December,” says Sir Bob. Sir Bob explains that the fate of any historic building that falls into council limbo is a death sentence. “Take the glorious St James Theatre which sits empty and on the precipice of demolition. I feel greatly for the future of the beloved Leys Institute. I am greatly disappointed at the attitude of the Chair of the Local Board, Richard Northey, and his lack of leadership and a sense of responsibility in showing a determination to resolve and to work towards a long-term, strategic outcome. Northey is a council insider who knows exactly how these things work and his behaviour is not only alarming but should be scrutinised carefully within the community as to what is afoot,” says Sir Bob.

Like many working-class men of the area, Sir Bob’s grandfather trained at the Leys Institute Gymnasium for fitness and wellbeing, a practice that pre-dates memberships at state-of-the-art gyms like Les Mills. “I remember the huge ropes hanging from the ceiling and the exercises men did with large, wooden, Indian exercise clubs. Until recently, the Leys Institute Gymnasium was the venue for a range of children’s gymnastics and fitness classes.

“The Ponsonby Community is one of the most vocal and forthright in the Auckland Supercity. It should have no secrets or hidden agendas and this magnificent building should have a strategic future. Our descendants will not forgive us for losing this precious gem,” says Sir Bob. F PN

PONSONBY NEWS+ March 2020

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LOCAL NEWS photography: Connor Crawford

John Elliott: Top local school principal stepping down After more than 20 years of sterling service to Ponsonby Primary School as Principal, and to Ponsonby as a popular and engaged citizen, Anne Malcolm has taken a well-deserved retirement from her beloved Ponsonby Primary.

Few teachers who enter primary teaching as Anne did through training at North Shore Teachers’ College in the 1970s reach such giddy heights as Anne has.

The education heirachy recognised Anne with a Woolf Fisher Fellowship, and an APPA Distinguished Service to Education Award.

She has also received a local Good Citizen’s Award.

She was allowed to bypass a BA at the University of Auckland because of her Teacher’s Diploma and go straight for an MA majoring in women’s leadership.

Ponsonby Primary under Anne Malcolm always had a lovely tone when outsiders visited. The pupils were warm and welcoming. An Education Review Office report on Ponsonby Primary in 2015 said this: “The school’s active promotion and support for the wellbeing of all students impacts positively on their engagement and learning.”

She loves her kids, and introduced me to a couple of them when I visited recently.

Anne Malcolm has always had a yearning to learn.

Not satisfied with an MA, she undertook a doctorate which she completed in 2012. It featured research in the learning pathways of primary principals.

As a young family man, I did a masters degree part time while teaching and sharing the responsibilities for two young sons. It’s a hard ask, so I salute Anne’s ability and tenacity.

Anne Malcolm is a woman with a huge personality and a keen sense of humour. When she was first appointed Principal of Ponsonby Primary, a young student asked her name. “Mrs Cox,” she replied. “Cock-adoodle-do,” a student crowed. Anne was indeed married to Brian Cox. “No,” she said, “it’s Mrs Malcolm.” She never used Cox again and laughs when she says Brian declined to be called Mr Malcolm.

Sadly, Anne lost Brian to medical issues some years ago. That loss and Anne’s pursuit of a doctorate curtailed her sailing interests and she sold their prized yacht.

Over 20-plus years, Anne Malcolm’s focus has been to grow positive, capable leaders and principals. She is pleased and proud to have her deputy principal, Sanjay Rama, internally appointed to succeed her as Principal of Ponsonby Primary. She introduced me to one of her deputy principals, Francis Naera, and said he’ll be a principal in four years or so. He grinned appreciatively.

I would sum up Anne Malcolm as a strong advocate for inclusive education and anything that supports excellent leadership development. She values ‘family’ and ‘belonging’, things rampant individualism has undermined in recent years.

She is critical of the way much bureaucracy works so slowly and in such an uncoordinated way.” It’s so ad hoc,” she claims, “the way they do things.”

She feels that the recent major education review, chaired by Bali Haque, has not been well implemented. Some form of the proposed ‘Hubs’ may well have been useful.

The shortage of teachers in New Zealand is a travesty, Anne told me.

“We have four brilliant UK teachers, but we can’t train enough of our own. We need to look to countries like Norway and Finland, where teachers are among the highest-valued professionals.”

I sincerely hope Anne Malcolm will continue in a number of mentoring and leadership roles in education in the next few years.

Her experience, wonderful personality, ability to relate and good fun approach to serious issues is very refreshing in a world so often coloured by cautious, politically correct behaviour.

PN Go well, Anne – you will be missed. (JOHN ELLIOTT) F

28 PONSONBY NEWS+ March 2020

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LOCAL NEWS photography: Connor Crawford

Leys Institute closure — no way, say locals Last month a crowd of 60 locals turned up to show their support for the renovation of the Leys Institute and Gymnasium which was peremptorily closed with one day’s notice to staff and library visitors.

The buildings have been carefully monitored by council engineering staff for a number of years, but the closure came because the Leys does not in any way, shape or form conform with earthquakes, in the

unlikely event of one hitting Auckland. However, we must now ensure that the library is repaired as soon as possible. Locals will just not tolerate talk of demolition or sale, nor leaving it empty to deteriorate.

PONSONBY NEWS+ March 2020

29

photography: Connor Crawford

LOCAL NEWS

WESTERN SPRINGS COLLEGE OFFICIAL OPENING — Friday 21 February A great summer day for the reopening of Western Springs College.

The event was well attended with our PM present to officially open the school. It was nice to see 98-year-old and former principal Cyril Hicks at the event. Well done to Ivan Davis and his team for a job well done.

30 PONSONBY NEWS+ March 2020

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LOCAL NEWS PONSONBY NEWS+ March 2020

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LOCAL NEWS

The wonderful world of Bear Park Childhood should be a magical time of wonderment and learning. No one knows this more than Sue Stevely Cole, founder and director of Bear Park.

Sue designed Bear Park to be a place of wonder for children, a place where they can explore with curiosity, excitement and amazement. “All Bear Parks are nurturing places, places of laughter and of joy and places of friends and memories,” she says.

Entering the doors of a Bear Park, it’s surprisingly quiet, belying the fact that within the centres of each one are rooms where children aged from three months to five years are playing, sleeping, learning, laughing and creating.

The family owned establishment has spread its wings across 11 locations – 10 in Auckland and one in Dunedin – with more in the pipeline. “It’s very exciting,” says Sue, who started Bear Park in St Heliers in 1986. “Our latest centre opened in Hobsonville last year and we are extremely excited about the innovative educational designs for children.”

The educational programme at Bear Park is inspired by the New Zealand early childhood curriculum Te Whaariki and the Reggio Emilia Approach from northern Italy, which focuses on the educational method of using 100 languages, or – in layman’s terms – the recognition of the endless ways of self-expression outside of writing and speaking. They recognise that children are capable of learning in many different ways and encourage them to become lifelong learners, curious about the world around them, creating good self-esteem, self value and a thirst for knowledge.

“Children need the freedom to appreciate the infinite resources of their hands, their eyes and their ears, the resources of forms, materials, sounds and colours,” believes Loris Malaguzzi founder of Reggio Emilia.

“We have a strong team of professional and talented teachers who are very committed to the profession of early childhood,” says Sue. “They believe in the importance of the role they play within young children’s lives so are genuine and authentic in their teaching practice.

“Every day there’s something to reflect upon and see the beauty within,” she concludes. “Children have no inhibitions and we want them to have the time and space to be just that – a child.” F PN www.bearpark.co.nz

32 PONSONBY NEWS+ March 2020

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ENCOURAGING CREATIVITY AND LIMITLESS POSSIBILITIES Creativity and play provide opportunities to bring ideas to life! Children are driven by curiosity; they ask questions at every turn and learn through experimentation and play.

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At Bear Park, it is truly a joy for us to watch children learn. There is no better place to get the right start.

LOCAL NEWS

We hope lessons have been learned from the mess in West Lynn

John Elliott: Herne Bay cycleway plans Residents in Herne Bay and business owners on Jervois Road have been anxious to know what plans Auckland Transport has for cycleways in our suburb.

I have been able to extract some information for readers.

AT will introduce speed tables and reduce the speed limit to 30kph.

It had been mooted that the Pt Chevalier to the city cycleway would reach Jervois Road from Westend Road, and either go down Jervois Road to College Hill and thence to the city, or go down Clifton Road or Wallace Street to Argyle Street, along Sarsfield and either across the bridge or back up Curran Street and thence down College Hill to the city.

The overall aim is laudable and should reduce rat running, be more attractive to bikers, safer for pedestrians and will minimise loss of parking. Construction is due to start shortly.

Neither of those options has been confirmed.

Herne Bay waterside will undergo extensive traffic calming measures designed to encourage slower driving speeds and improve routes for people walking and cycling in the area. The proposal takes into consideration submissions from the Herne Bay Resident’s Association about speeding and ‘rat running’ in their suburbs.

The ‘treatments’, as AT calls them, on several streets will occur rather than cycle lanes on those streets. The aim is to enhance the look and feel of the Herne Bay area, and improve routes for local people walking or cycling to local shops, beaches and cafes.

The future for Jervois Road is less clear. AT told me the cycleway from Pt Chevalier Road, Meola Road and Garnet Road towards the city is not set in stone. How the cycleway to Garnet Road shops travels into the city has not been decided. A workshop between AT and the Waitemata Local Board will decide the final route.

It may go down Jervois Road, very much against the wishes of Herne Bay shop owners, or it may somehow link through Coxs Bay Reserve.

Linking through Coxs Bay, through to Richmond Road to Ponsonby Road and down Franklin Road, which already has a brand new cycle way, makes sense.

If you are concerned, you should lobby Waitemata Local Board members before they make their recommendation to AT. (JOHN ELLIOTT) F PN

John Elliott: Stormwater/wastewater separation in Herne Bay A massive disruptive operation is going on in Jervois Road right now. I was told it was a stormwater/ wastewater separation for a new apartment block at 113 Jervois Road, purported to be costing the developer several hundred thousand dollars.

What, I then thought, is the council doing about separating waste and stormwater throughout Herne Bay and Grey Lynn, and why should one owner be paying for his upgrade? It has long been suspected that council is encouraging separation by stealth, compelling owners who do major renovations to pay for their own separation.

I talked to Watercare about future work. Watercare’s new $1.2 billion Central Intercepter project will include a Grey Lynn tunnel.

Construction will begin in Tawariki Street in 2023 and will take two and a half years to build.

The tunnel will improve the quality of local waterways by reducing overflows during heavy rain. It will start at Western Springs, connect to Orakei Main and local Grey Lynn sewer networks, taking wastewater to Mangere Wastewater Treatment Plant.

34 PONSONBY NEWS+ March 2020

As of 31 January, around 254 Herne Bay properties have been visited and their drainage fixtures and pipes have been located and investigated using CCTV and dye testing to confirm condition and connection to the public drainage networks. A further 791 properties still have to be seen. Separation work is due to begin mid-2021 and is due to finish in April 2025.

Herne Bay wastewater will continue to go into ‘branch 5’ which travels to Mangere. The stormwater will go into the stormwater network and exit via existing stormwater outlets.

This must happen as soon as possible because untreated sewage is still finding its way into our harbour and polluting our beaches.

(JOHN ELLIOTT) F PN

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

LOCAL NEWS

John Elliott: Time running out to be on the right side of history – get your election vote right Not all the Labour-led coalition’s transformational policies are yet in place, and some, like housing availability, have failed.

But we now hear from National Party leader Simon Bridges that National’s policies going into September’s election will be ‘back to basics’.

The climate is in crisis, thousands of species are on the verge of extinction, fossil fuels, for so long responsible for man’s march into the future, are now threatening the very existence of mankind. We hear as I write this article that government’s lack of support for affordable and state housing can be tracked back to Rogernomics in the 1980s. Succeeding National Governments have not reversed the trend.

We need to head into the future on the right side of history.

It is a huge copout by National to call for a ‘ back to the old ways’.

Continuing to drill for oil, digging up coal, ignoring climate change (Bridges did not mention climate change once in his opening election salvo) are a dereliction of duty.

Suggestions of tax cuts is another hint that National is on the wrong side of history. In 2008, shortly after being elected Prime Minister, John Key announced a ‘fiscally neutral’ tax change. It cut taxes for the rich and increased GST for all.

It may have been fiscally neutral for the government books, but it added to our already horrendous inequality. Inequality which has got steadily worse under right-wing governments in the UK, the US, Australia and New Zealand, especially since the mid-1980s.

The last National Government left New Zealand with an incredible mess of deferred maintenance – hospital buildings full of mould, schools forced to teach kids in cupboards, infrastructure totally inadequate, particularly for an export nation like New Zealand.

The current Labour Government has taken up the challenge, but needs more time. Traditionally, New Zealanders give governments a second or even third term before they chuck them out. Much of the preparatory work Labour had to do has taken time. Opposition parties don’t have the access to officials that the government does.

I think the difference between centre left and centre right has been shown to be massive, and that’s why I’m calling this election the New Zealand’s voter’s opportunity to be on the right side of history.

New Zealanders don’t want post-apocalyptic apologies, we need action now, and we don’t need a party which says, “We are the National Party and our values haven’t changed.”

It just reinforces the old anti-National saying, “National has the divine right to govern. Justice and equity are extras and available to those who deserve it.”

Everyone deserves a roof over their head, adequate clothes and food.

We are one of the world’s richest countries, so why can’t we have a bit more humanity for the old, the young and the disadvantaged and spread our wealth more evenly?

Are we going to get to the stage where we just euthanase those who don’t contribute enough? Or give everyone marijuana to keep them happily sedated?

Instead of tax cuts, we need some tax increases at the highest income and wealth levels.

We once led the world as a welfare state, looking out for our old, our young and our underprivileged.

Let’s do that again, and let’s expand the wellbeing budget idea.

When grandchildren ask their grandparents in 50 years time, “why didn’t you take more notice of climate change, why didn’t you get rid of fossil fuels and coal, why did you let kakapo, kokako and kiwi die out, why did so many New Zealanders die of third-world diseases like measles and rheumatic fever, and why didn’t you make all New Zealanders more equal?” what will you say?

Rt Hon Sir Edmund Thomas, former judge of the Appeal Court of New Zealand, has said, “New Zealand will never again be a fair and just society until we rid ourselves of the last vestiges of neo-liberalism.”

First grandparent: “I was on the right side of history, and we did our best, but just when we were poised to make more impact we lost government to a reactionary right-wing outfit only interested in preserving the status quo for the 1% and corporate power.”

I know most New Zealanders do believe in fairness and justice for all, so I’m pretty confident that although the polls say the September race is looking close, New Zealanders will give Ardern, Labour and the Greens another term.

Second grandparent: “Sorry, I realised too late that I was on the wrong side of history, and didn’t realise that our excessive consumerism and rampant greed would land us in so much trouble.”

It’s not only Greta Thunberg who is on the case. Every 16-year-old will hold their parents and grandparents to account and will be very angry if they inherit a trashed planet. So please be on the right side PN of history. (JOHN ELLIOTT) F

That market-free, hands-off government philosophy has been roundly condemned, but is difficult to shake off.

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LOCAL NEWS

Grey Lynn Business Association: Rosé – who would have thought?

The Grey Lynn Business Association’s (GLBA’s) most recent business networking function was held at Glengarry Wines and featured organic wines from Loveblock Wine and was hosted by the wonderful Erica Crawford.

Loveblock wines are seriously good and great value for money. The team at Glengarry, Williamson Avenue are exceptional hosts and really understand what their customers like.

And the people of Grey Lynn seriously like rosé wines. We would not have guessed this, but irrespective of season, Grey Lynners are serious rosé drinkers. The lesson: Remember to shop local, because your retailer down the road knows you better than anyone else.

For this year, GLBA is continuing to promote the businesses and business networks in District 1021 around the theme of ‘destinations of discovery’. Our villages are increasingly places people will come to stop and shop as the quality of retail and hospitality increases. We are working hard with AT to create built environments within our local villages that are ‘people first’.

to grow this by way of working with ATEED’S Elemental Auckland, a major marketing and promotional festival around the food offerings of Auckland. So, you foodie businesses in the GL hood, get in contact with irene@glba.co.nz and get engaged. This is an opportunity to come together and showcase what we have to offer.

The third area is a focus on our creative business community and an extension of Artweek. We are getting ourselves organised early. Artweek is on 10-18 October. We’ve secured a great local GL venue to display works and we’re in the process of making contact with local artists. Our objective is to promote the creatives in the GL community and we’d like to start talking with you now. We have an expression of interest document ready to go. If you are interested, please contact irene@glba.co.nz.

GL has a strong clothing design community and we see clothing as an integral part of the week to promote our local creatives.

The recent AT announcement to reduce speed limits in some of our village areas improves safety for all and opens up opportunities for a safe shared space and village atmosphere.

Finally, does your business have a great opportunity it can’t quite grasp or need some extra oomph to get to that next step?

We want to promote how our ‘people first village’ ideas can be better reflected by council and its agents, rather than us always responding to their plans and ideas. We will be out sharing ideas and talking to businesses in the Grey Lynn, West Lynn, Surrey Crescent/Richmond Road and Richmond Road precincts in March.

At our next sustainable business networking function, we will have a guest speaker from ATEED who will discuss how you can access resources – usually business expertise – via a system of grants for SMEs that ATEED administers. This is very effective way for you to access the high-level expertise to grow your business you may not otherwise be able to afford.

The next exciting development is the opportunity to work with ATEED on their ‘Auckland Culinary Strategy’. Grey Lynn is recognised already as the inner-city hub for natural health foods and products. We want

The function is on 8 April at 300 Richmond Road. It is an invitation only function but all businesses in District 1021 are welcome. Contact irene@glba.co.nz if you would like to attend. F PN

Ken Ring: Auckland weather diary, March 2020 – weather by the moon March is expected to be wetter, sunnier and warmer than average.

The month starts off mainly fine in the first week, followed by light showers. This pattern repeats in the second week, with the lowest overnight minimum around 8th, and rain around 12th. Despite at least one cool night, the second week may be the warmest, with afternoon temperatures perhaps reaching 26° on 10th-12th.

The third week may be the driest and sunniest, but the fourth week sees the least sun, with possibly the heaviest rain around 25th. The barometric average reaches 1015mbs, and wind direction overall may be from the southeast.

For fishermen, the highest (king) tides are on the 11th, also the second highest for the year, with a lesser king tide on the 26th. The best fishing bitetimes (in the east) are at dusk on the 9th-11th and 23rd-26th, and in the west around noon on those days. Chances are also good in the east for noon of the 1st-4th and 15th-18th, and in the west around dusk of those days.

For gardeners, the 6th-8th are the best sowing days, with the waxing moon ascending. The best pruning days are the 18th-22nd (waning moon descending). If harvesting to preserve, choose lower watertable neap days of the 4th and 18th for longer shelf-life.

36 PONSONBY NEWS+ March 2020

Allow 24-hour error for all forecasting. (KEN RING) F PN For future weather for any date, see www.predictweather.com

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

LOCAL NEWS

The Cup Project – a community-led initiative for climate change Grey Lynn cafes, schools and community groups are joining in creating a sustainable future.

The Cup Project is bringing together Grey Lynn locals, who share concerns about the environment and their future in a unique community venture which aims to reduce waste going to landfill. To make this a true village experience, Grey Lynn 2030 Waste Away is collaborating with participating cafes and local schools, sustainable businesses and several Auckland-wide organisations.

Initially, this project will be an eight-week pilot. After the results have been considered, we hope that improvements will be identified and the Cup Project will become a permanent part of our community. In fact, we hope that other communities will be able to follow our lead and learn from our experiences.

Engagement with the community embraces the philosophy of the gift economy, where people who are concerned about waste and the climate emergency offer their skills and resources to create a desirable object. This offers cafe customers the option to refuse a single-use cup, and instead choose an attractive environmentally friendly Koha Cup for free.

It can be as easy as having a conversation over a cup of coffee about how to creatively eliminate single-use items from our lives, live more sustainably and take action in the face of the climate emergency.

Come to the launch on Sunday, 22 March at 10am at the Grey Lynn Farmers Market. There will be fun activities and you can make your own Koha Cup; an attractive, personalised cup you can use time and time again.

During March and April, look out for FREE upskilling workshops where you can learn how to sew or crochet and make a Koha Cup heatband/cup holder.

The Cup Project presents the opportunity to demonstrate how partnerships between businesses and community organisations can result in the development of healthy, resilient communities.

The underlying principles of the Cup Project are about building neighbourhood and generating environmental and social awareness.

We hope to set a trend in our neighbourhood where everyone opts for a Koha Cup over a disposable cup. What will your heat-band look like? www.facebook.com/GreyLynn2030

A MEETING PLACE - For conferences, seminars, meetings, workshops or launches - Situated in a central location with ďŹ ve versatile meeting rooms - AV equipment and Internet access available - Extensive parking available - Since 2001 the St Columba Centre has gained a reputation as a centre of excellence and as such has become a location of choice for many organisations FOR ENQUIRIES AND RESERVATIONS P: 09 376 1195 E: COLUMBA@CDA.ORG.NZ 40 VERMONT STREET PONSONBY, AUCKLAND SAINTCOLUMBA.ORG.NZ

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LOCAL NEWS

Ponsonby U3A: February 2020 Joining U3A is on the ‘to do’ list of many new retirees.

Four new members were welcomed along with six prospective members who attended U3A’s February meeting to see U3A in action.

The attractions of Ponsonby U3A are many. It prides itself on being a friendly group, not too large and not too small, offering informal learning, interesting speakers, its well-known special interest groups and the opportunity to meet like-minded people at the same stage of life.

The special interest groups are said to be the lifeblood of the U3A movement and Ponsonby U3A’s 25 groups offer a wide range of topics and leisure activities. A new group starting next month is ukulele and singing, taking over from the original ukulele group.

The groups are member-led and provide opportunities to learn for people who have been unable to follow their interests during their working lives. Some groups, such as Dining Out, celebrate good food and companionship. There are group bookings for music and theatre, the Ramblers group visits interesting places – and there’s even petanque at the Herne Bay Petanque Club for those looking for some gentle competitiveness with friendly people. A wide range of topics are covered by the other groups.

Ponsonby U3A meets monthly on the second Friday of the month at the St Columba Centre in Vermont Street. There is an invited guest speaker as well as a 10-minute speaker from the membership. The special interest groups meet mainly in members’ homes during the month.

Visitors are welcome to attend a U3A meeting, but are first asked to telephone Christine Hart, M: 027 289 5514.

‘Personalised Healthcare, Computer Modelling and the Heart’ was the fascinating topic introduced by Professor Nic Smith, Dean of Engineering, University of Auckland at the February meeting.

Heart disease continues to result in significant loss of life in both New Zealand and western society where, with aging populations and increasing obesity, it is rapidly becoming an epidemic. Professor Smith explained that the significance of the disease has motivated the development and application of state-of-the-art techniques to provide unique information on individual patients. He outlined how this is done with a series of illustrations showing the individual structure and action of the heart. However, he said, the clinical practice of using population-based metrics fails to account for much of the personalised data. Thus, despite diagnostic advances, determining optimal treatment strategies for cardiac patients remains problematic. The professor discussed how mathematical modelling can help improve treatment plans.

Lydia Smith, Professor Nic Smith and Ian Smith

Professor Smith is the son of Ponsonby U3A members Lydia and Ian Smith. Prior to joining the Engineering Faculty at Auckland University, he was Head of Biomedical Engineering at King’s College, London and before that Professor of Computational Physiology at the Computing Laboratory, University of Oxford. He is an Honorary Consultant at Guys and St Thomas’ Hospital, London and a Fellow of the Newton Institute University of Cambridge.

The 10-minute speaker, Julia Moran, read an account of her husband’s early life and his father’s life in the Indian Army, written by her late husband.

It started: “As one might expect of a man who was an officer in a Gurkha battalion, it was my father’s fondest ambition that I would follow him into the army. The Indian Army (preferably in one of the Gurkha regiments) would have been perfect. But when that became impossible with India’s independence, he was prepared to settle for the New Zealand Army, for when all was said and done, the Kiwis had run up an excellent record as fighting men during two world wars.

I made no bones of my attitude to the idea – I shied sideways from it like a skittish colt…I am afraid that my father expressed himself to be bitterly disappointed in me when I finally opted for the stodgy, but hopefully non-violent profession of accountancy.” His father had sustained a number of injuries while on active service and was finally retired and put in command of a prison of war camp accommodating 120,000 prisoners of war in South India. It is about this time in his and his father’s life that the story covers.

Guest speaker for the March meeting will be Professor Alison Jones, School of Maori and Indigenous Education, University of Auckland – ‘Tuai: A traveller in two worlds’. (PHILIPPA TAIT) F PN NEXT MEETING: 10am Friday 13 March at St Columba Centre, 40 Vermont Street, Ponsonby.

ENQUIRIES:

Christine Hart, President Ponsonby U3A. M: 027 289 5514, www.u3a.nz

Volunteering for Mercy Hospice Have you ever wanted to volunteer for a fabulous charity, but don’t know where to start?

Mercy Hospice is a charity that provides free palliative care to patients with life-limiting illness. We support hundreds of families in the community and through our in-patient unit at College Hill. We have nine retail shops throughout the Auckland central area where we need many great volunteers. It’s simple – email us (see address below) and we will be in touch. We will send you the appropriate application forms, explain what we have on offer with volunteering and walk you through the process. There are many forms of volunteering within Mercy and we encourage our volunteers to try multiple roles.

We are actively looking for reliable volunteers who can commit to a minimum of 12-months’ service to Mercy Hospice. We are passionate about what we do here at Mercy and invite you to join our magnificent team of volunteers.

E: volunteer@mh.org.nz; E: scampin@mh.org.nz or ring T: 09 376 7574

38 PONSONBY NEWS+ March 2020

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

LOCAL NEWS

Lucia Mataia: Leys Institute Library Talofa and warm Pacific greetings for Pasifika month. On behalf of the team, many thanks to the community for your support since our library closed last December.

Since the closure, we have been busy supporting libraries in our Waitemata Local Board. It has been great seeing many of you at other locations. Leys staff have also been presenting Wriggle and Rhyme at the Auckland Zoo and at local parks. And we would like to thank Mary’s Cafe which has welcomed us to hold our book club there.

Leys annual open mic poetry night, Same Same but Different, was moved to Grey Lynn Library last month and was well received with poets reading their works – including Essa May Ranapiri whose book ‘Ransack’ has been longlisted for 2020 Ockham Book Awards.

We have missed you so much, we have been hosting Wriggle and Rhyme at Tole Reserve. We are going to be there on the following days: 4, 11, 18 March 10.30am – 11am.

Great news! We are looking forward to opening the Leys Institute Little Library soon at 14 Jervois Road, Herne Bay. Over the last month we

have been busy selecting the best collections and we are looking forward to seeing you all there. Keep an eye on the Leys Institute Library Facebook page or Auckland Libraries blog for updates.

Book Chats Recommendation ‘The Dutch House’, by American literary heavyweight Ann Patchett, has been a hit. Those who have read this book have enthusiastically passed it on to others in our group. This is a family story centered around two siblings and their connection to the Dutch House, their family estate on the outskirts of Philadelphia. Our other recommendation is a nonfiction book, ‘The Five’ by Hallie Rubenhold.

So much has been written about Jack the Ripper, and nothing about his victims. That is until now, with this meticulously researched book. Going against popular assumptions, this book shows not all the victims were prostitutes; they were women whose lives followed a similar pattern of poverty and homelessness.

PN (LUCIA MATAIA) F www.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz

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This gorgeously presented villa has so much to offer from the moment you step inside you’ll be instantly taken with the 3 large double bedrooms, study or 4th b/r, cosy and intimate formal living space, and modern open plan kitchen and dining. Large bi-fold doors open to the beautifully presented landscaped garden and generous pool with cabana. Located within a minute of the shops & cafes & positioned on a full level site of 556 m², there’s plenty of room for the kids and pets to run around, and for entertaining on the sundrenched back deck. After years of dinner parties, fun and laughter, our highly motivated & realistic vendors have resolved to sell! This is certainly going to be a move you'll never regret!

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027 502 1468 j.pickering@barfoot.co.nz Grey Lynn 09 360 2323

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barfoot.co.nz

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LOCAL NEWS

Deirdre Thurston: On My Mind... Life Very recently, a friend of mine passed away. I’m stumbling around, peering into the big empty hole he has left in my life.

I thought I would not be as affected as I am because I knew he didn’t have long to live. A couple of months, maybe. I also knew he strongly advocated for the End of Life Bill being hopefully adopted by Parliament in November this year. He believed individuals should have the choice to end their days with dignity, decision-making capabilities in tact. The thought of dying in a care home, heavily medicated, unable to make his own decisions, was horrific to him.

I agree, but it is individual choice. This Bill is divisive — as subjects such as religion and politics are.

I’ve only known Bernard for four or so months. I was introduced to him by a friend of a friend. One of those random things that drop out of the sky when you least expect it. One day, you’re eating an ice cream and next minute, your going for an interview with a stranger to see if he thinks you’re a ‘fit’ for him and his story. He was looking for someone to write his biography, urged on by friends, and not found anyone suitable.

Bernard and I clicked the moment we met. And from that afternoon, we were in each others lives intensively. I walked in to his apartment to find a tall, lean man seated at a table with an oxygen machine beside him and plastic cords attached into his nostrils. He had idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and was in the palliative stage. His eyes were large, dull, sad.

We began work in earnest because, in his words: “I don’t have much time, I can feel myself getting worse.”

I threw myself into the book. Living and breathing it. Most everything else in my life went by the wayside. We two strangers quickly became friends. We cried and laughed together most days. He shared his secrets with me and he got to hear a couple of mine.

I watched Bernard’s eyes turn from dull to bright blue as the weeks scurried by. One of his close friends told me they had never seen him so happy and that was my doing. Thank you, Bernard’s friend, but it was a two-way street. Not only did Bernard, a man who lived for purpose, have purpose again – to tell his story – I had the great privilege of telling that story.

Along the way, Bernard had some revelations about himself. Good and not so good. He saw himself through new eyes. Many unanswered questions, and held beliefs were answered and fell by the wayside to be replaced by new beliefs which made him think that perhaps he

40 PONSONBY NEWS+ March 2020

wasn’t such a scoundrel, or lacking as a husband and father as he had once thought.

In the writing of a biography, there is zero room for inauthenticity.

Truth and vulnerability are everything. Bernard held nothing back and showed vulnerability every moment. The beautiful thing for me, was that he trusted me with his heart and soul. Not easy for a man who had seen a lifetime of loss; a man that had been used and stolen from because of his naïve and soft heart. Don’t get me wrong, he was no saint. Living with him would have been tough at times. His standards and expectations of himself, and therefore others, were some of the highest I have ever encountered.

He asked me: “How come you know how I work? You seem to understand me so well.”

“Easy, Bernard. Your personality is the same as one I lived with for 26 years.” I think Bernard and I were meant to meet because I did ‘get’ him. Many others would not have coped with his ‘my way or the highway’ stance. They would never have been able to navigate through his ‘rightness’. I had become a pro at it long before we met.

We had a great mutual respect for one another and as much as I, and the book process, brought to him in the form of purpose, laughs and happy times, he brought to me.

I’m just finalising the cover design then the book goes to print. On telling my son that Bernard had passed suddenly, quickly (thank the universe, chance, ‘God’, or whatever), he commiserated with me then quietly in his wry way said: “I guess you go with the headstone cover then, Mum.” I wish I could tell Bernard this, he would have laughed his socks off.

Bernard’s greatest wish was to see the book in print. He said to me two days before he passed: “I cannot wait for you to walk up my stairs, sit with me and show me our book. Then we’ll have big grins on our faces and pat each other on the shoulder. Then I can go peacefully.”

Unfortunately, ‘life’s what happens while you’re making other plans’.

Bernard will not get to hold his life in his hands in the way he wanted, but he did get to hold it in its telling.

RIP my stubborn brilliant, creative friend. You are missed.

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

LOCAL NEWS

We come from all over...

The Ponsonby Combined Probus Club is a mixing ground for retirees from different backgrounds and professions.

Our regular get togethers and outings are all the more interesting when we discover differences of background and opinion amongst ourselves. Many members have come originally from other parts of the world and some still have strong accents. It’s okay to be an outlander, an émigré, a pakeha, a migrant, an incomer, a non-native, because this is New Zealand and we love world cuisine.

At the February meeting of Ponsonby Probus, we had a wonderful session on the history of food in New Zealand given by the award-winning author, archaeologist and historian David Veart. David is the author of ‘First Catch Your Weka: A Story of New Zealand Cooking’ (Auckland University Press 2008). His fascinating talk prompted a few members to meet for lunch to exchange food memories and anecdotes from very different cultural backgrounds.

Naturally, festive meals were fondly remembered. Originally from Montenegro, Dragica recalled the celebratory meal held every year on 9 October, when her whole family would gather for a traditional Srbijan Ortodox church feast devoted to their patron saint, St Jovan.

The table would be spread like a banquet with a large roast lamb and vegetable platter along with a whole carp (head and tail removed) served on a scrumptious bed of caramelised onions, tomatoes, tomato paste and prunes.

Maryvonne recalled the long lunch celebrations of her childhood, when special events were commemorated with family gatherings.

She described multi-course lunches to mark a christening or a first communion, at Easter and at Christmas, in the elegantly appointed dining room of her family home in Brittany. Dishes and sauces were all typically cooked with Breton butter, still a speciality of the region. The final treat was always the appearance of the far Breton, the unique regional dessert served at family meals and religious celebrations.

Peter’s food recollection was of a more regular occurrence; a typical Sunday roast dinner with Yorkshire pudding accompaniment. Peter’s home was in the historic market town of Penistone and in this area, the baked pudding came in a plate-sized version – one large pudding per person, served with lashings of gravy, meat and vegetables separate.

After they had been fed, the children would all be dispatched to the parlour to amuse themselves while the adults ate in peace. Then, afterwards, the children would be expected to entertain the family with readings, skits, tricks or musical performances.

All these anecdotes remind me of the lovely term ‘come from away’ that people living in Canada’s Atlantic provinces use to describe anyone who hails from somewhere else. So many of us have ‘come from away’ and it makes for interesting conversational perspectives as we pick up on the cultural and philosophical tonalities that we inevitably bring from ‘away’. Let’s all continue to enjoy our differences.

We’d love to introduce you to the club if you think you might enjoy the opportunity to get together with other like-minded retirees. If you would like more information about joining, please contact Alison Ruddell on M: 027 261 6344 or email her at johnali2@xtra.co.nz

Ponsonby Park March Update Ponsonby Park, the new civic space at 254 Ponsonby Road, is progressing smoothly through the ‘One Local Initiative’ council process.

On 18 February, the Waitemata Local Board formally received (Agenda item 13) the Ponsonby Park Detailed Business Case and Concept Design.

We are delighted the Waitemata Local Board voted unanimously to approve and endorse the business case for Ponsonby Park.

The next key dates on the indicative Ponsonby Park timeline are:

This was presented to seek endorsement and approval from the Waitemata Local Board to progress a funding request to the Finance and Performance Committee for $5.5 million to enable development of the full site at 254 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby.

• April/May 2020, the ‘formal report’ will be taken to the Finance and Performance Committee to seek approval for funding from the One Local Initiative, 10 Year Programme fund.

The preferred development includes:

• June 2020, subject to funding approval, preliminary design and consent processes will commence.

• The Park (a grassed lawn and gardens, 1410m2).

• The Pavilion (outdoor sheltered area, 222m2).

• Late 2020, procurement and possible start of site works.

• The Plaza and lane (outdoor paved area, 807m2).

We now look forward to attending the Finance and Performance Committee meeting soon.

• O’Neill Street upgrade (734m2).

• Refurbished building (190m2 including a 130m2 retail / commercial space).

• Public toilet block (60m2).

Ponsonby Park – bringing it home for everyone! (JENNIFER WARD) For more information, follow or contact us on Facebook: ‘Ponsonby Park’ or on our website: www.254ponsonbyrd.org.nz

• Refurbished lighthouse (1st storey structure, 120m2).

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LOCAL NEWS

Matt Short & Murray Grindlay

Kerry Lee: Murray Grindlay’s History Since the age of seven, Murray Grindlay’s dream was to become a musician. At 14, he soon discovered the blues and, after leaving high school, started his career with a group known as the Soul Agents.

Later, in 1966, he joined the rhythm and blues band The Underdogs (or as they were sometimes known, the Underdogs Blues Band). With Murray on the vocals, they soon released songs like 1967s’ See Saw’ and one of their biggest smash hits ‘Sitting In The Rain’.

After leaving the group, Murray headed for Australia, where he sang at the ‘Whisky a Go-Go’, a legendary nightclub in Sydney’s notorious King’s Cross. Two years later, he returned to New Zealand where he and his partner married and were soon expecting their first child.

Tired of living between gigs and hoping to find a better way to support himself and his burgeoning family, he eventually came up with the idea of writing advertising jingles for television. So, in the early 1970s, he gathered up all of his song demos and went around to different advertising agencies to see if they’d be interested in hiring him.

And the rest, as they say, is history, with Murray going on to write the jingles to several iconic ads including the excellent crunchie train robbery in 1975 which he also sang; and the musical arrangement for the Dear John ads in 1981, which he adapted from the 1953 Jean Shepard/Ferlin Husky hit ‘A Dear John Letter’.

Among his favourites were the two ‘travelling on’ adverts for the Europa oil company that he starred and sang in alongside legendary musician Midge Marsden and the late Stevie Ray Vaughan in 1988.

Eventually, he was able to segway his experience into New Zealand cinema. Starting in 1977 with Rodger Donaldson’s ‘Sleeping Dogs’, and then in 1994 with Lee Tamahori’s ‘Once Were Warriors’, and Gregor Nicholas’s ‘Broken English’ in 1996.

But besides all of the movies and the adverts that he’s done, some of the best moments in his career came from the people he’s rubbed shoulders with. When I spoke to him, he remembered the great times he had such as when he wrote songs for the late Benny Hill and country singer Charlie Pride.

“I’ve been so fortunate. I mean, I’ve done multiple ads with Taj Mahal the American blues singer, and he was fantastic. I’ve recorded songs with the Bonnie Raitt and Jimmy Buffet bands.

They’d just be on tour and I’d call them up and say ‘hey do you want to come in and earn some extra cash?’ and they’d usually say ‘Yes’. I was just in the right place at the right time; it was one of those fortuitous things. It just took off and here I am at 70, and I’m still doing it.” (KERRY LEE) F PN

For more information about Murray and the Underdogs, please visit the following links below. www.nzonscreen.com/profile/murray-grindlay/biography www.audioculture.co.nz/people/the-underdogs

42 PONSONBY NEWS+ March 2020

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

Reducing congestion in Auckland I feel very strongly that there needs to be greater coordination and better consent management across roadworks occurring in Auckland.

It’s hard to believe that the current disruption to commuters is necessary.

I have received a number of complaints from people across Auckland regarding the scale of works in central Auckland and the impact on congestion. It is very positive that we are progressing a number of public works but the scale of projects often brings central Auckland to gridlock. We need to continue to invest in fast, reliable and frequent public transport to give people more transport choices and ensure we have less congested roads.

Better coordination and sequencing of Auckland Transport, CRL and private development works are needed to deliver a more efficient way of dealing with congestion and the impacts of roadworks. I have written to the Mayor and the Chief Executive of Auckland Transport to seek further work between agencies and the private sector in the following areas:

LOCAL NEWS

Nikki Kaye: Progressing Auckland Central issues Launch of Uber e-bikes Recently I launched the UBER e-bike share scheme with Mayor Goff.

The advantage of a scheme like this is that the bikes enable a clean and fast way to get around the city. I think some people will find them safer than scooters. I was proud to launch the first batch in central Auckland which will expand to other parts of Auckland. We are the first destination in the Asia Pacific to get this scheme, which is great.

National invested tens of millions in the urban cycle way partnerships with the Auckland council. E-bikes’ share schemes are a great addition to supporting people to get around in a clean and fast way.

Thank you for the privilege of continuing to serve 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 T: 09 378 2088 or email mp.aucklandcentral@parliament.govt.nz Authorised by Hon Nikki Kaye, MP for Auckland Central, 48C College Hill, Freemans Bay. www.nikkikaye.co.nz

• Better management of timing between private development consents and Auckland transport or utility works.

• Ensuring better enforcement mechanisms where there are private development delays.

• Consideration of some additional night works that have minimal or low impact such as roadmarking, moving trees and small pavement improvements.

• Future investment in coordination systems across central, local and private utilities.

Auckland is a growing city and we need to improve our delivery of core infrastructure while ensuring the city keeps moving.

Ferry service improvements I have been hugely disappointed that residents from Waiheke and Devonport have been disrupted as a result of Fullers ferry cancellations. There have been issues raised about cruise ships causing some of the disruption. It is my view that public transport must take priority over cruise ships.

I met with the Mayor, Councillor Coom, Fullers, Auckland Transport and other agencies to discuss a number of issues. A group has been formed to progress changes. There have been changes to the scheduling of cruise ships to try to reduce congestion in the ferry basin. There is further work underway in a range of areas to try and come up with a better long term solution.

I have also called for the exemption to be lifted so that there can be greater service guarantees over Fullers. I am concerned that the Minister of Transport is not moving on this issue. He has said it is being considered as part of the public transport operating model review. The Government needs to move now in my view to ensure better ferry services.

Extra funding to NZ Aids Foundation (NZAF) I have attended Big Gay Out nearly every year I have been an MP. This year I attended with the Hon Simon Bridges and several other National MPs where we committed to the goal of ending HIV new transmissions by 2025. We committed to an additional million dollars of operational funding to the NZAF to help achieve this. I want to acknowledge Jason and the team at NZAF and the wider 2600 volunteers for all the work that they do.

Nicola Willis MP, Natalie Bridges, Hon Simon Bridges, Hon Nikki Kaye & Hon Maggie Barry at Big Gay Out.

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 discuss anything with me Drop In Constituency Clinic: 48C College Hill, Freemans Bay Friday 21st February 8am—9am

Funded by the Parliamentary Service.

Authorised by Nikki Kaye MP, 48C College Hill, Freemans Bay, Auckland.

Pania Papa, Trustee Kotahi Rau Pukapuka Trust PONSONBY NEWS+ March 2020

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WESTMORELAND STREET WEST PRECINCT

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PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

WESTMORELAND ST WEST

Over the past few years the Westmoreland Street West precinct has developed and is now a well-established retail area and is popular with the locals.

There are a number of cafes, a supermarket and quirky interesting shops to browse - everything from fashion and homewares to food and wine, from hardware to hospitality, design to decorating, everything for the discerning local and with an easy walk and with effortless parking. STOP PRESS: Bauhaus Design are coming to Westmoreland Street West.

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1. Corcovado Furniture

13. Tonic Tiles

2. Commune

14. Mitre 10

3. Pennant & Triumph

15. Thread Design

4. Base Camp Power Yoga

16. Peak Pilates

5. Tim Webber Design

17. Fruit world

6. Ozone Coffee

18. Golden Kit

7. Farro Fresh

19. Thai Thai

8 Citta Design

20. Home Pharmacy

9. Bread & Butter Bakery

21. Sushi Edge

10. Adorno Outlet

22. Thirsty Liquor

11. Bauhaus Design

23. Hell Pizza

12. Homage

PONSONBY NEWS+ March 2020

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@ TONIC TILE LOUNGE

1. LOMBARDA expands the potential of contemporary architecture with a collection inspired by Ceppo di Gré, the stone used for Milan’s most iconic 20C buildings.

The ceramic covering harmonises architectural forms to realise exclusive design projects. LOMBARDA is available in two colours, in natural finish, and inspires new architectural approaches where elegance and practicality meet.

Country of origrin - Italy.

2. THE ROOM is inspired by the wealth of fine marble. It is grafted onto a current and contemporary language, and tainted with other textural flavours. It is a perfect mix of Italy and the rest of the world, of warm and cold colours, and of a well-known and an extremely rare product. Perfect for commercial and residential projects.

Made of full-body porcelain stoneware, available in two colours and formats of 120 x 260cm, 60 x 120cm both only 6.5mm thick, THE ROOM is suitable for both flooring and wall cladding. There are two surface finishes: a full gloss finish, and the other is a natural matt finish whose originality stems from the various light refractions in its surface.

3. WATERFRONT marries the essence of fired tiles and cement.

The two styles have been brought together in a single project: the tradition and warmth of fired tiles share their uniqueness with the minimal and modern look of cement.

A captivating dichotomy that lends spaces a classic and essential style with a modern twist. In lighter colours, the essence of fired tiles dominates the essence of the cement, whilst in darker colours, the opposite occurs.

10am – 4:30pm Monday – Friday, by appointment any other time.

254 Richmond Road Grey Lynn, Auckland (next to Homage) M: 021 644 728 / www.tonictiles.co.nz

46 PONSONBY NEWS+ March 2020

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

WESTMORELAND ST WEST

@ CORCOVADO Corcovado, recently opened in The Scrap Yard, Grey Lynn’s newest destination for designer furniture, wellness and coffee, takes its name from the hill in Rio De Janeiro, where the Christ the Redeemer statue can be seen towering over the sprawling city.

It is this juxtaposition of urban grittiness alongside the natural beauty of this part of the world that inspired the name of the New Zealand furniture design brand, Corcovado. The idea of ‘globally inspired living’ forms the backbone to Corcovado, where products, designed here in New Zealand, are crafted by hand and created using natural, sustainable materials. F PN

The new range is currently in store. Open seven days.

E: hello@corcovado.co.nz CORCOVADO, 5/18 Westmoreland Street West, T: 0800 212 252, www.corcovado.co.nz

OPEN 7 DAYS 5/18 Westmoreland St W, Grey Lynn

www.corcovado.co.nz PONSONBY NEWS+ March 2020

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Organic and ‘certified sustainable’ — a flour story If you’ve been following the Bread Politics blog, you’ll know I wholeheartedly support organics – the principles, the products and the practice.

But I can also see that despite organics having been around for decades, the uptake in the wider farming community is negligible. Only 2% of land farmed in New Zealand is under organic management. The reasons for the minimal uptake of organic farming practices are manifold, but my feeling is that a lot of it has to do with an ideological divide that people on the conventional side of the argument have trouble getting across. Organic farming has long been seen as ‘hippie’, ‘elitist’ and ‘marginal’ and ‘unable to deliver enough food for the ever-growing human population’.

The agrichemical industry certainly making sure that this narrative prevails and gets air time. Longitudinal studies comparing organic farming to conventional farming over decades have, however, proven that this is not true. But with the climate crisis looming ever more ominously, is it time to look for a middle ground that still benefits the planet and the consumer but is more achievable for farmers?

A recent crisis in Australian wheat flour production – where more than 90% of the flour, including organic flour, consumed in New Zealand comes from – has forced us to consider our position on organic flour. The ravages of drought and fires, along with a warming climate, have made it difficult to impossible for the few organic wheat farmers to grow a crop this year. In Australia wheat is a winter crop and organic farmers, who are often also cattle ranchers, can only plant and grow if there has been enough rain throughout the summer and autumn. In 2019 this was not the case for many of the New South Wales farmers that grow the wheat we use. You can read more about the details in my last post. But, in a nutshell, the climate problems in Australia are forcing us to change the white wheat flour we use in Bread & Butter Bakery. We hope this is only a temporary measure that may not be necessary for future seasons when the conditions might be right for growing wheat. Note: we are not changing any of our other certified organic flours, seeds, nuts or dried fruit! These ingredients will continue to come from certified organic farms.

Our new flour isn’t organic but it is Australian Sustainable Products (ASP) Certified Sustainable. This means it’s been grown using a comprehensive regenerative farming system that improves both soil health and the quality of food. It also reduces and repairs the damage to the environment that industrial farming has caused,

improving water retention and sequestering carbon to help reduce global warming. Not organic, but definitely good for the environment and consumers too. Making the decision wasn’t easy but a change was required, and I think this new certification has great potential both in Australia and on this side of the Tasman.

To read up on the full story and all our thinking around this change of flour, please visit my blog Bread Politics and read the last two posts on this topic. F PN

Real Sourdough Raises the Bar...

Made with organic ingredients bread is truly the staff of life.

A valuable addition for every meal, breakfast, school lunches and dinner.

Bread and Butter Cafe – 34 Westmoreland Street, West Grey Lynn / Little Bread & Butter – Ponsonby Central / www.breadandbutter.nz

48 PONSONBY NEWS+ March 2020

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

FALK is the first chair to be made from post-consumer plastic - plastic recycle directly from Danish household waste.

FALK by HOUE is the realised vision of creating a functional chair of great beauty that expresses the Nordic design tradition through its modern and simple language.

THE DANISH MODERN DESIGN TRADITION TRANSLATED INTO A CHAIR OF OUR TIME.

254 Richmond Road, Grey Lynn T: 09 360 0616 30 Broadway, Newmarket T: 09 520 5711

Weekdays 10am-5pm Saturday 10am-4pm Sunday 10am-4pm (Grey Lynn only) www.homage.co.nz

What does your future retirement look like?

It’s an all too common trend in our business to meet people who fail to plan ahead.

We all like to blissfully dream of our future golden years, but few of us have any idea where the money to protect our preferred lifestyle in retirement might come from when income dries up.

Jack and Jill, aside from enjoying sailing in their spare time, have a business which funds their lifestyle but is not necessarily readily saleable when they cease working. They have a mortgagefree home, no dependents and just a few more years before they are entitled to NZ Super. They appear to be in a great position but, like many New Zealanders, they are asset rich and cash poor.

A review of their financial situation would separate their assets into two categories: lifestyle assets and investment assets. Lifestyle assets are the things that cost you money: your car, your home and chattels. Investment assets are those that make you money such as bank deposits, bonds, shares or managed funds, including KiwiSaver.

Where this becomes important is that although Jack and Jill own their home, they will no longer have the means to fund their current lifestyle once they stop operating their business.

0800 1PLAN4U or 09 309 3680 50 PONSONBY NEWS+ March 2020

Jack and Jill have become accustomed to a lifestyle costing $90,000 per annum.

When they sell their business and have to live off NZ Super they will face the prospect of living off just $30,000 a year, leaving them with a shortfall of $60,000.

So, the question is: where will that money come from? How do Jack and Jill move from working for money to a position where their money is working for them? Hopefully, they will be able to sell their business, but it may not realise enough to make them financially independent.

We, at OnePlan for Retirement, would recommend, upon retirement or preferably before, Jack and Jill setting up a diversified investment portfolio that’s flexible enough to deal with a change in life circumstances and robust enough to support them for the next 2530 years. To achieve this, they will need in the vicinity of $1 million sensibly invested. Although this may seem high, it is actually attainable, provided they set their goals early and capitalise on the power of compounding returns.

The reason most people do not act on their goals in life, is because they do not set them in the first instance; so start small and start now, so you don’t end up like Jack and Jill, not quite up the hill and still struggling to get pails of water. F PN

198 FEDERAL STREET, AUCKLAND CBD, AUCKLAND 1010 WWW.ONEPLAN.CO.NZ

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

Aotearoa’s goddess of gin.

Taste the divine.

Pure New Zealand mountain water.

Botanicals—fresh, local, hand-selected.

Freeing mother nature to become spirit through artistry in the copper still.

Order online junogin.co.nz Available at: Liquorland Newmarket, Caro’s Wines, Liquorland Boutique Remuera, Cahn and Finlay Wines and Spirits, Kiwi Liquor Ponsonby

EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY

Liz Wheadon: Appellation Marlborough New Zealand is a relatively young winemaking country, one that has rapidly grown to garner international fame, particularly for our Marlborough sauvignon blanc.

As we are still in our infant years in relation to the world of wine, we don’t have the years of history and with that regulation that’s been established in some of the regions. This in itself is a good thing in my books, as it means we are free to experiment, to do what we want, where we want and in doing so work out the best way to produce quality wine in New Zealand.

I’ve always felt that putting too much regulation in place too quickly would stifle our good old Kiwi spirit. Though I do acknowledge that, as we mature, protecting what we do and ensuring authenticity is going to be vital. I’m just all for us walking before we take on the marathon. We do though now have a number of new regulations, the latest being Appellation Marlborough.

Something I’ve been watching with great interest. It does on one hand make a lot of sense. We’ve become known around the world for our sauvignon blanc, specifically for Marlborough sauvignon blanc – it’s worth protecting.

So, what then does one have to do to bear the Appellation Marlborough badge on the label? Here’s the official info: Origin – Wines are made from grapes that are 100% sourced from Marlborough vineyards.

Integrity – Wines are made from grapes cropped at or below set parameters, established according to seasonal and soil variability.

Where cropping levels exceed that level, wines must be approved by an independent panel of experienced local producers.

Authenticity – Wines must be bottled in New Zealand.

Sustainability – Associated vineyards are certified by a recognised sustainable viticulture scheme.

Sadly, they are not and with many a large producer finding it cheaper to bottle overseas closer to the end market, more and more will fall out of these criteria.

So, Appellation Marlborough is a good thing then? From the point of educating those buying Marlborough sauvignon blanc and putting a quality stake in the ground, yes, it is. What worries me a little in researching this piece and putting together this selection of wines, is wines that clearly can be in the list that are not, opting to go there when they are ready?

And wines that have part of their production labelled as Appellation Marlborough and part not. I’m all for clarity and ensuring we know what we are drinking and what’s in the bottle, but wonder if there’s more work to be done here yet. (LIZ WHEADON) F PN

Reading that, I can hear you say, ‘but aren’t all Marlborough sauvignon blancs from Marlborough, quality made, bottled here and sustainable?’

www.glengarry.co.nz

KIWI GIN BOOK YOUR TICKETS NO W! ONLINE: www.glengarry wines.co.nz/ev ents P: 0800 733 50 5 E: jervois@gle ngarry.co.nz

&

TONIC

EVENING

WHERE: 54 Jervois Rd Ponsonby WHEN: Wednesday 25th March 7:00pm TICKET PRICE: $55.00

You’re in for a real treat with this tasting! On Wednesday 25th March we will be hosting several Kiwi Gin makers who have each chosen an East Imperial tonic or soda that they think best suits their gin. Including Scapegrace, Cardrona Distillery, Blush, 1919, Reid and Reid, Riot and Rose and Victor Gin (produced by Thomson Whisky). This is the perfect opportunity to try some locally produced gins and to learn the stories behind them.

ESTABLISHED SINCE 1945 | WWW.GLENGARRY.CO.NZ | P: 0800 733 505 | E: SALES@GLENGARRY.CO.NZ

52 PONSONBY NEWS+ March 2020

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

EAT, DRINK +LOCAL BE MERRY NEWS

NEW CHICK ON THE BLOCK. My Fried Chicken has already made it as one of the top 10 fried chicken restaurants in Auckland and this is truly a Korean fried chicken experience you won’t want to miss.

Spike your tastebuds with four flavour blends offering up exactly what you expect from their titles, the OG, Cluck Cluck Soy, Hot & Sweet As and the Thunderbird. The variety will take you on a journey from that perfectly crispy coating of the OG to the ‘blow your face off heat’ the Thunderbird brings to the table. Whatever your preference, if you don’t pair it up with at least one of their unique sides or indulge in the extensive range of New Zealand craft beers, it would be a clucking shame.

You might have already seen Lalele's organic gelato around Ponsonby Central, we have certainly worked our way through most of their flavours by now. They are scooping 7 flavours of gelato, cocolato and sorbet and also have an enticing range of Popolato (gourmet vegan popsicles). If you haven't tried them already, today could be the day! Open 7 days 11am - 9pm.

We are your neighbourhood meeting spot that’s alive with unique eateries, bars & shops. The place to meet, eat, drink, shop and just be social for the sake of it.

Come over and experience the sights, sounds, smells and flavours of the world here, all under one roof. It usually starts with that spontaneous cocktail or a casual catch up with friends but always leads to something memorable.

PONSONBY NEWS+ March 2020

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Gary Steel: Vegan hero banned by SkyCity I was excited to learn last month of a planned speaking engagement in Auckland this June by one of my few living heroes.

Then, yesterday, that excitement turned to exasperation and sadness when the venue hosting the talk cancelled the booking because it was fearful of ‘reputational damage’.

Peter Singer is a mild-mannered, Australian philosopher whose terrific 1975 book ‘Animal Liberation’ practically created a whole movement towards a cruelty-free world and ultimately led to the incredible plantbased revolution that’s going on right now.

While John Robbins’ Diet For A New America (1987) came to many of the same conclusions, its vegetarian message was based around the consequences of meat consumption for human and environmental health. Singer is a philosopher, ethicist and logician with a utilitarian perspective that those who don’t understand the discipline might think cold and dispassionate, but the genius of Animal Liberation was his ability to analyse modern industrial food methods with logic and science.

That book, and all that followed, are consistent in that they stand back from wallowing in sentiment. Instead, they look somewhat hypothetically at ethical issues. Looks at hypotheticals through deductive reasoning based on hard facts and logic – we need more of that, not less.

Singer – who is 73 and is currently Professor of Bioethics at Princeton University and a Laureate Professor at the Centre for Applied Philosophy and Public Ethics at the University of Melbourne – ran into controversy in the late 1980s for publishing material which discussed the ethics of terminating an infant’s life when it’s so disabled that any quality of life would be minimal. What started out as a complex and interesting discussion, quickly saw Singer demonised as ‘evil’, with comparisons to Hitler’s Eugenics experiments quickly being made.

Despite numerous accolades and a lifetime full of doing good, it seems that SkyCity has decided in its infinite wisdom that Peter Singer is a dangerous man. More galling, however, than the termination of a contract by one venue affiliated with that wonderfully ethical modern entertainment – gambling.

Instead of outrage at this miscarriage of justice, New Zealand media weighed in with further condemnation of Singer. Newshub’s story was a typically weak, simple-minded attempt to appeal to its core audience of radio talkshow addicts by adding to the outrage over something Singer wrote more than 30 years ago. The Spinoff’s story played its usual trump card by making fun of old guys, and writing Singer off as an aged irrelevance.

As Peter Singer himself says in a statement: “I have been welcomed as a speaker in New Zealand on many occasions and spent an enjoyable month as an Erskine Fellow at the University of Canterbury more than 20 years ago. If New Zealand has become less tolerant of controversial views since then, that’s a matter for deep regret.”

What’s most disturbing about this attempt to shut Singer down, is what appears to be a fundamental lack of knowledge about philosophy, which is defined as “the study of the fundamental nature of knowledge, reality, and existence, especially when considered as an academic discipline.”

Anyone who has come into contact with philosophers knows that there’s a methodology to it that eschews the usual emotive and highly charged considerations. I bet that not only don’t the ‘let’s shut Singer down’ brigade know anything about modern philosophy, but that none of them have even bothered to read Singer’s books to see whether they’re as offensive as the ‘sound-bites’ might suggest.

Meanwhile, I’m optimistic that Mr Singer’s engagement will be rescheduled at a more tolerant venue. I’ll certainly be in the audience.

(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

54 PONSONBY NEWS+ March 2020

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

EAT, DRINK +LOCAL BE MERRY NEWS

Popular pasta, pizza and award-winning gelato In just three months, Ciao Belli has become one of the most popular new eateries along the Kingsland strip.

Now, with award-winning Charlie’s Gelato on the menu, Tito and the team offer the perfect finish to dining alfresco on authentic, homemade, Italian pasta and pizzas. For those who just want ice cream, the award-winning gelatos are available in waffle cones or takeaway cups.

“These are the best ice cream makers in the country,” says Tito, owner and chef at Ciao Belli in Kingsland and Pane e Vino in Ponsonby. “They won a gold medal at the NZ Food Producers’ awards for their strawberry gelato and at the New Zealand ice cream awards they won gold and silver awards for various ice cream flavours.”

Charlie’s Gelato is famous over the summer months for long queues of people waiting in line outside their Matakana shop for award-winning ice creams.

Flavours on the Ciao Belli menu include the award-winning strawberry, as well as a delicious salty caramel and a decadent dark chocolate gelato.

Andrew and Tania, owners of Charlie’s Gelato, share Tito’s passion for homemade goodness and quality ingredients. Ciao Belli’s already popular spaghetti bolognese is a labour of love with beef and pork slow cooked for six hours in a traditional, rich tomato sauce. It’s an example of the time and care that goes into Ciao Belli dishes.

Another favourite with a prosecco on a balmy late summer evening is the bruschetta con peperoni: A homemade roasted bread topped with fresh mozzarella and capsicum. F PN Ciao Belli is open for lunch 12 noon - 2.30pm Thursday and Friday and for dinner 5pm - 11pm Tuesday to Sunday.

CIAO BELLI, 503 New North Road, Kingsland. T: 09-815 3834 or visit Facebook @ciaobelli

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@ HARU NO YUME Haru No Yume is operated by head chef Rex Chang who prides himself on his ability to source the freshest local ingredients and then transform them into mouth-watering Japanese cuisine that’ll tickle your taste buds.

Their new IZAKAYA menu is available every Monday - Thursday evening with more seafood than ever before. Featuring fresh oysters, bluefin fatty tuna, and ora king salmon, it’s a seafood lover’s paradise full of dishes perfectly suited to sharing!

You’ll also find new signature dishes such as Tokyo chicken wings (must have for fried chicken fans) and for the more adventurous amongst you, Beef Yukke tartare. Wafu steak, Super ramen and Rainbow poke are just a few more of their latest obsessions.

And as if that wasn’t enough, they’ve expanded their dessert menu to include soy pudding with yuzu sorbet, black sesame ice cream, and more.

Their all-you-can-eat Japanese buffet is available exclusively on Friday and Saturday evenings, where you’ll begin with a large sashimi platter to share accompanied by edamame bean appetisers and followed by the traditional shabu-shabu (hot pot). They also have a wide range of sushi, sashimi, tempura prawns, chicken karaage and fresh vegetables available from the buffet, to name but a few.

Our tip? Finish off with dessert and wash it down with a sake from their extensive drinks menu! F PN HARU NO YUME, 3 Vernon Street, Freemans Bay, T: 09 309 5446, www.harunoyume.co.nz

56 PONSONBY NEWS+ March 2020

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

Haru No Yume Auckland’s Favourite Japanese Eatery

LET YOUR DREAM OF SPRING COME TO LIFE.

Monday - Thursday Night IZAKAYA / A La Carte Menu Friday - Saturday Night All-you-can-eat Japanese Buffet 3 Vernon St, Freemans Bay, Auckland 09 309 5446 harunoyume.co.nz @harunoyume_victoriapark

EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY

Phil Parker: Back to work wines – recent samples I guess most of us are back at the coalface after a summer break that featured some peerless, hot, sunny Auckland days.

As I write, some Auckland wineries have already picked their first grapes after a perfect ripening season that promises both quality and quantity for another epic vintage to rival last year’s. No real theme this month, folks. Just a selection of some very fine wines that I have sampled over the summer. Three white wines and three reds.

Church Road Hawke’s Bay Pinot Gris 2019 - $20 Very dry style that clocks in at 14.5% alcohol. Quite complex and elegant compared to your usual New Zealand, poached pear, fruit bomb, sweeter style. Smells like anise and stone fruit. Full and rich palate of apricot and mandarin with hints of star anise and an earthy, lengthy dry finish. Available – widely.

Loveblock Marlborough Gewürztraminer 2018 - $22 Wow. A wine with huge personality. Smells like marmalade, clover honey and Turkish Delight. Opens up on the palate rich, complex and medium sweet, with all of those flavours plus preserved ginger and a lengthy aftertaste. Available – Glengarry.

Millton Te Arai Vineyard Gisborne Chenin Blanc 2017 - $31 Crisp, fresh and fruity with a dry finish. From the biodynamic organic Millton label. Fermented in large oak barrels, this is a classic chenin blanc with aromas of toffee apple and flavours of fresh cut pineapple, guava and lime citrus. Available – Glengarry, Fine Wine Delivery Company.

Muddy Water ‘Deliverance’ North Canterbury Pinot Noir 2017 - $23 From the Muddy Water label, this is a funky little number with an amazing barnyardy aroma profile. Not sure if the label refers to duelling banjos and unwashed hillbillies but this pinot exemplifies the classic pinot pong (which I love). It opens up satisfyingly into a savoury salad of blackberry, truffle, mushroom and spice with a long finish. Available – vinfino.co.nz Dry River Martinborough Pinot Noir 2016 - $98 Renowned pinot producer Dry River has a consistent record of truly fine wines and this is another example. Aromas of spice, black cherry and savoury mushroom. Opens up in the mouth with a glorious and lengthy palate of silky, spiced dark fruits, ripe black cherry and cassis. Full, ripe, dense dark and fruity, with a hint of savoury umami.

Wow. Available – Wine Lab NZ. Pirathon Blue Barossa Shiraz 2017 - $25 My gateway wine in the late 70s was Aussie Shiraz. Back in the day, they were huge wines at about 17% alcohol and full of jammy flavours and monster tannins. But this one is a subtle and fabulous example of how good an Aussie Shiraz can be. Aromas of Christmas fruitcake and spice. A seamless, seductive and silky ripe palate of blueberry, dark plum, Ghana chocolate and cassis. Available – New World. (PHIL PARKER) F PN

FINE WINE & FOOD TOURS “No. 4 Auckland Food & Drink” – TripAdvisor Your host, Phil Parker wine writer.

Boutique tours for small and large groups.

E: phil.parker@xtra.co.nz

58 PONSONBY NEWS+ March 2020

www.insidertouring.co.nz

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY

Herne Bay Thai Cuisine opens on Jervois Road The latest Thai eatery opened last month in Ponsonby… a buddhist monk was present at the opening to offer his blessings.

We always love to see our local businesses doing everything needed to be successful with their food, beverages and service.

“I love cooking – we cook with love and from the heart. We buy fresh from the market every day. I use many of the dishes my mum taught me. I know all her tricks and I’m very excited to have my first restaurant here in Ponsonby. Herne Bay Thai is a team effort – my mum works as a chef, my aunty and uncle help out and my husband Gavin has been a motivational force for me”, says owner Nae. “Come in and try some dishes and meet Jan, our front of house manager.

“We have an extensive menu and just let us know the level of spicyness you prefer. We offer a good selection of beers and wine to suite all tastes. We are planning to create a separate menu for our vegan and vegetarian customers. My mum is mainly veggie and we are able to cater to everyone, especially those who require glutenfree dishes. We are family friendly and welcome everyone.

“We are working on our website and further details about us are on our Facebook and Instagram pages.”

The restaurant is dog friendly and has a bowl outside with fresh water to keep your pets hydrated especially during the warm summer days and nights.

NAE’S TOP FIVE PICKS… 1. Prawn cakes (Tod Mun Goong) with plum sauce.

2. Flounder served deep fried with pieces stir-fried with pepper corns, shredded rhizome, garlic, fresh chilli and veggies.

3. Crispy BBQ pork served with spicy carrots, tomatoes and beans and tamarind sauce.

4. Vegetable larb served with14 different veggies, herbs and jasmine rice.

5. Spring rolls with veggies and vermicelli served with plum sauce.

Herne Bay Thai Cuisine has a takeaway menu which offers many of the dishes available on the main menu. Opening hours are lunch from 11am to 3pm and dinner 5pm to 10pm. Seven days a week. F PN HERNE BAY THAI CUISINE, 38 Jervois Road, T: 09 213 0776

Come and see us for ...

LUNCH, DINNER or TAKEAWAYS 38 Jervois Road / 09 213 0776

f Herne Bay Thai Cuisine

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@ SABATO Since 1993, Sabato has been sourcing superb ingredients from Italy, Spain, France and within New Zealand to provide you with a curated selection for your pantry and fridge.

We are passionate about conscious eating – knowing where our ingredients are from, who is making them and how they taste. Here are some of our staple ingredients that are a must in your kitchen so you can make everyday meals extraordinary!

Sabato pesto and bruschetta are an absolute time saver for creating flavourful weeknight meals. Stir our classic Sabato sweet pepper pesto into cooked Girolomoni organic spinach fusilli and top with freshly grated Parmigiano; or top lightly toasted baguette slices with Alejandro sliced chorizo troncal, Sabato caper bruschetta and freshly grated Parmigiano for a simple and delicious dinner or lunch.

Our range of quality oils and vinegars are great to have on hand for flavouring your dishes. Combine equal parts Forvm chardonnay vinegar with Colonna lemon oil for a refreshing salad dressing.

Giusti balsamic vinegars from Modena deserve an honourable space in your pantry.

Giusti has been a part of the Sabato family for over 25 years, and their balsamic vinegar has been the oldest and most awarded for generations. Drizzle Giusti Riccardo over your next Caprese salad or try their balsamic glaze with some fresh strawberries as a dessert.

Giusti’s red label is great in your salad dressings or use a generous splash in sauces and braises.

Visit our retail store on Saturday, 21 March from 10am to 2pm for our ‘Meet the Maker’ event to meet our local suppliers and taste our products. F PN Shop online via our website, or visit us instore.

SABATO, 57 Normanby Road, Mt Eden, T: 09 630 8751, www.sabato.co.nz

photography: Martin Leach

Little Bird’s Shojin Japanese cooking class with Mari Fujii

60 PONSONBY NEWS+ March 2020

Last month the team from Little Bird in Ponsonby held a Shojin Japanese cooking class with Mari Fujii.

There was a good turn out and there were approx 10 dishes. We learned a lot about this style of temple cooking. Mari has published a number of books but only one is in English ‘The Enlightened Kitchen’.

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY

Faces at Grey Lynn Farmers Market Virginia Di Somma is one of the foundation stallholders in the Oval room at the southern end of the market, where a wellness hub is starting to be established – check out this new area.

What is it that you are offering at the market?

The Olfactory has a small collection of organic parfums and recently introduced face and body products. Everything is made in small batches by hand, from 100% natural ingredients.

What makes your perfumes different?

Perfumes are absorbed into skin, so it is vital to source ingredients that heal and support the body as you wear them.

Natural ingredients are far more complex and interesting than synthetics that are typically used in mass-produced fragrances. We don’t use any synthetics whatsoever because we understand how toxic they can be to both the body and our environment.

I hear that you trained in Italy with a master perfumer?

Yes – I was privileged to learn basic blending techniques as well as how to make a tincture. We use an ambergris tincture in all perfumes.

I learned under the tutelage of esteemed natural perfumer Dominique Dubrana. He hadn’t taught for six years and only agreed to create a course after I told him my story. He told me that he would advertise a course and, if others enrolled, he would run it. Three days later he emailed to tell me the course was booked out and I was on my way.

What was it about your story that tugged his heartstrings?

I grew up in Christchurch and, apart from travelling, I’d spent a good part of my life there. I had a thriving fashion business, a home, family and life-long friendships. Life was good... until the earthquake struck in February 2011. My life was literally turned upside down. My sister and I took our then 92-year-old mother to Auckland where my brother opened his home for us to live in for a year, so we could sort out insurance and EQC claims and work out what to do with our lives.

How did you decide to become a natural perfumer?

My son made a casual comment one day, “I wonder if there is a demand for bespoke perfumes?” It really struck a chord because the focus of my fashion business had been personal styling and I really enjoy the one on one engagement with clients. My personal drive to use natural products set me off on a quest that lead me to Italy.

Your mother was Italian?

Yes, her parents came to New Zealand in 1916. My grandmother was only 17-years-old and had a scholarship to attend the Milano Operatic School, but my then 35-year-old grandfather had already decided

they were moving to New Zealand to create new opportunities and make a better life for their family.

Is that who your signature parfum is named after?

No – unfortunately, my grandmother returned to Italy before I was born. I composed Nonni to celebrate my own mother’s 100th birthday, which we celebrated last June. It’s a classically feminine, timeless and romantic parfum, made from pure, natural ingredients, but designed and inspired by two perfumes she wore while I was growing up – Nina Ricci’s L’air du Temps and Madame Rochas, Femme.

What about the bespoke idea that your son suggested?

A bespoke composition is a deeply engaging, pampering experience for the client and something I feel privileged to facilitate. Clients come into the studio and answer 10 insightful questions. From their answers, I draw oils from more than 250 ingredients in the perfumer’s organ.

The notes they choose, are then blended into a unique formula that then becomes their own specifically tailored scent. Customers seem to love the sensual experience almost as much as I do!

And not just for individuals, I hear?

Indeed. Some corporates understand that their brand can be expressed in multi-sensory ways, so I also design specialist brand scents known as olfactory logos. Scent is a powerful tool in telling a story, particularly when organic ingredients are used. The wellbeing value adds to the experience which is something synthetic ingredients can never compete with. F PN www.theolfactorynz.com www.glfm.co.nz

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EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY

Pizzeria Rosso Pomodoro opens second pizza restaurant One of Grey Lynn’s favourite Italian, wood fire pizza restaurant establishment for years now has a sister branch at 357 Dominion Road, Mount Eden.

Pizzeria Rosso Pomodoro serves a multitude of authentic pizza creations that are sure to captivate your tastebuds. The culinary team – Ankur Chugh (owner) and Giorgio Sala have created an absolute mouth watering and authentic combo of wood fire pizzas for their menu. The ‘must try’ are Delizia, Crudaiola, Primavera.

Mount Eden site has a Marana Forni wood fire pizza oven imported all the way from Italy which delivers authentic Italian pizza within minutes.

PIZZERIA ROSSO POMODORO, 357 Dominion Road, Mt Eden, T: 09 623 6653 & 356 Great North Road, Grey Lynn, T: 09 360 6257, www.rossopomodoro.nz

CONTEMPORARY INDIAN DINING

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

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5 Fort Lane, CBD T: 09 379 9702 cassiarestaurant.co.nz PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY www.thesurreyhotel.co.nz

Retail, restaurants and recreation all on your doorstep ™ ™ ™ ™ ™

-BSHF TFMG DPOUBJOFE SPPNT BOE BQBSUNFOUT 4FMFDUJPO PG NFFUJOH SPPNT )PNF PG UIF 4VSSFZ 1VC 'SFF DPBDI BOE DBS QBSLJOH )BQQZ )PVS QN QN The Surrey Hotel 465 Great North Road, Grey Lynn, Auckland, New Zealand Phone + 64 9 378 9059 Fax + 64 9 378 1464 Email reservations@thesurreyhotel.co.nz www.thesurreyhotel.co.nz

- Gusto Italiano GUSTO MEANING ‘TASTE AND ENJOYMENT’

When you dine with us, the focus is on freshly prepared classic dishes, featuring an excellent range of pasta, seafood, meats and our pizza classics.

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

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

We also offer our pasta dishes to takeaway, phone for details or check our website for the menu.

263 PONSONBY RD, THREE LAMPS, 09 361 1556 www.gustoitaliano.co.nz

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TRAVEL BREAKS

Ross Thorby: Lesson one – don’t swim with sharks Our bow slices through the black and foreboding waters, accompanied by a gentle rolling wave undulating along our hull before breaking over the sticky dark surface of the Atlantic.

The ship’s depth sounder reads 3500m and the ocean floor that we are crossing is an alien landscape inhabited by prehistoric marine life.

While an abundance of tiger sharks, white tips and great white sharks inhabit the upper reaches of these waters, the ferocious sixgill shark lives on the bottom, surfacing at night on funnel-like water columns to feed before retreating at the sun’s first rays.

Gazing out from my balcony, I shiver at the thought of those monsters while we approach the island’s sharp volcanic peak silhouetted against the carpet of stars and a thin orange ribbon of daylight.

We are traversing the world’s newest and largest marine reserve – Ascension Island – 440,000 square kilometres that, until recently, was a haven for big game fishing.

Or to be accurate – ‘HMS Ascension’. It was designated as a ‘Stone Frigate’ by the British Navy and is now designated ‘RAF Ascension’ for its Royal Air Force Station, a rocket tracking station, a spy headquarters and the base for the BBC World Atlantic Service. It also has an emergency landing strip – built by NASA for the space shuttle Atlantis.

Today, our internet has gone out, our mobile phones are blocked and the culprits might be the huge satellites and mysterious concrete bunkers dotted along the island’s barren coast.

You can’t get onto the island unless you are sponsored by a resident, and you can’t become a resident unless you are working in one of the island’s agencies. You need a permit to sneeze here and the 1000 residents offer little in the way of tourism. One thing they do deliver is the expert talents of various marine and historical experts who are willing to take the day off the rock and accompany the odd passing ship to expound their knowledge of this fascinating little-visited island and its surrounds.

Here in these waters, another Cunarder once sailed. The SS Laconia.

She was torpedoed during WW2 by the infamous U-boat ‘U156’ in a tragedy which would become known as the ‘Laconia Incident’. The ship sank stern first in a shuddering convulsion, its bow standing vertically before slipping beneath the surface taking most of the Italian POW’s who were imprisoned in its bowels. Those that managed to escape were bayoneted by guards.

The U-boat hung around long enough to pick up some of the survivors, but was too late for the majority who were massacred by a feeding frenzy of sharks, the sinking unfortunately occurred in the early evening s just in time for the sixgill shark to be on its nightly migration to the surface. Joined in a feeding massacre with tiger and great white sharks, the results were unimaginable.

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The survivors of the shark attack and sinking were rescued and accommodated on the outside deck of the submarine, but were later abandoned when she had to make an emergency dive after an air attack by the US – even though she was displaying a Red Cross flag and was in the act of saving a sunken ship. Dozens of survivors died by the strafing and bombing B24 aircraft, despite the civilians and crew signalling the plane of their plight.

This war crime was recounted at the Nuremberg War Trials some years later to the shame and embarrassment of the Americans.

The island also once held a garrison of soldiers who were ready to muster should the French mount a rescue mission for Napoleon who was being held on nearby St Helena.

We continued learning the intriguing history of the island over the ship’s tannoys whilst we proceeded around its perimeter and were regaled with the story of Leendert Hasenbosch who, in 1724 with a bible, some seeds and a diary, was marooned here for being a little too friendly with the cabin boy.

In what is thought to be the inspiration for Robinson Crusoe (and Desert Island Discs) his body was never found, but his diary was later taken back to Britain and published in 1726 recounting his futile search for water and the hallucinations of devils and ghouls that tormented him. His only companions were the huge land crabs – the only other inhabitants of this forsaken isle.

So, I’ve learnt three lessons this trip: don’t swim with sharks; Big Brother is always watching and don’t get too friendly with the cabin boy. (ROSS THORBY) F PN PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

TRAVEL BREAKS

Chasing Aurora Knowing how unpredictable Mother Nature can be, I tried hard not to get too excited about the possibility of seeing the Aurora Borealis in Finnish Lapland.

‘Focus on the destination’ I kept telling myself, but my inner nerd kept screaming ‘but how cool would it be to see charged particles from the sun knocking into the earth’s atmosphere?’

I had chosen Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort at the edge of the wilderness near the Urho Kekkonen National Park. The indigenous Sami people, known for connection to the land, have lived here for over a century, but this majestic expanse of unspoilt wilderness is also home to some wildlife I hoped to spot – bears, wolverines, golden eagles and reindeer. With the added attraction of snowmobiling, reindeer safaris, huskies, ice-fishing and a multitude of other activities, the chances of a brilliant time regardless of Northern Light spotting was pretty much guaranteed.

Of course, I was secretly hopeful the long winter season, virtually no light pollution and the Aurora app on my phone would also come to the party and make my visit complete. The Arctic resort itself is a delight, with a range of accommodation choices including some rather incredible glass igloos. I figured the glass ceiling would maximise my chances of spotting the result of a solar wind whooshing charged electrons and protons from the sun straight towards earth.

Chatting with reindeer herders, horse trekking through the snow, sledding with huskies and snowmobile adventures along with the enigmatic blue light of the winter twilight, delightful locals, good food and cosy atmosphere made for an unforgettable stay. Was the inner nerd silenced? Of course she was, and it was utter magic!

Finland isn’t the only place to see the world’s greatest light show. A visit to Sweden, Norway, Iceland, Greenland, Canada or Alaska will delight.

Choose from traditional chalets, igloos and of course the famous ice hotels which are carefully reconstructed every year. We always

suggest you spend two or three nights at your chosen destination to increase your chances of experiencing this phenomenon first hand.

• Sweden offers visitors an incredible Aurora experience, especially in Abisko National Park which is located 195km inside the Arctic Circle.

• For an overnight stay in one of the world’s northern most ice hotels, head to Alta in Norway, also known as ‘The City of the Northern Lights’.

• Take a cruise with Quark Expeditions, first flying into Greenland from Reykjavik then cruising around the world’s largest fjord system with the possibility of viewing some of the world’s most vivid displays of the Northern Lights.

• Canada’s Northwest Territories is known as the Aurora Capital of the World, and Yellowknife is directly beneath the Aurora oval.

Take a snowmobile out into the wilderness for the best views.

• Alaska offers some fantastic lodges which specialise in Aurora viewing – try Chena Hot Springs Resort and visit the local Aurora Ice Museum, actually built from over 41,000 tons of ice!

(KATE COULING) F PN www.worldjourneys.co.nz

A NORTHERN LIGHTS EXPERIENCE Starry skies and northern lights await in the pristine Lapland wilderness. Take a husky-drawn sled ride through snowy forests, encounter reindeer and be mesmerised by the stunning aurora borealis.

6 day tailor-made tour

UNIQUE LAPLAND

from $5,980 pp (share twin)

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

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TRAVEL BREAKS

Ponsonby News Readers are everywhere...

Kate Kaegler is an old friend of our editor and had been visiting New Zealand. She and her partner Kelvin flew back to London recently stopping the night at Raffles in SINGAPORE.

Wayne & Karen Foster of Freemans Bay enjoying catching up with the latest Ponsonby News at the Devils Throat waterfall at IguazĂş Falls ARGENTINA.

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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PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

TRAVEL BREAKS

Join the Europe river cruise revolution!

With latest figures showing New Zealand river-cruise passengers numbers are up 30% and thousands of Kiwis are taking a river cruise each year, it’s one of the fastest-growing cruise sectors in New Zealand.

To cater to the demand, river cruise operators are constantly building new ships, each more spectacular and luxurious than the last. Each year, more New Zealanders are discovering the simple joys of river cruising.

There is something so blissfully relaxing about exploring Europe via its medieval waterways. Each day disembarking in another picturesque riverside town to explore its cobblestoned streets or hilltop castles. From the Danube to the Seine, Europe is home to a vast network of waterways that are best discovered from the comfort and style of a river cruise vessel to take in a panoramic view of thousands of years of European history.

Due to their smaller size, river cruise vessels offer a boutique and intimate travel experience with little more than a hundred fellow guests joining you on your voyage. With so much included in the fare, from fine dining, wine, excursions and transport, a river cruise is a great value way to see Europe.

Magnificent Europe river cruise A luxury river cruise with APT from Amsterdam to Budapest offers experiences in 14 destinations, luxury dining (a total of 41 meals included), a wide variety of onboard beverages, an expert cruise director, transfers, port charges and gratuities. Trip highlights include a visit to Nemedy Castle and attending a private classical concert at the City Palace in Vienna.

From the moment you depart, to the moment you return, everything you need is included in the trip price you pay. So, you’re free to make the most of every moment, without the hassle of wondering what it’s all going to cost. More than just ships, APT invites you aboard its floating boutique hotels, offering consistently exceptional standards.

Magnificent Europe is APT’s most popular river cruise. Start in Amsterdam before heading along the Rhine, stopping at quaint German towns along the way. Enter Austria, where you’ll delve into the classical music capital of Vienna, then culminate in Budapest, where the monuments dotting the Danube sparkle around you.

Contact the team of travel and cruise professionals at helloworld Travel Ponsonby to enquire about your next dream holiday.

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FASHION 30 REASONS + STYLE

Liam First Day Dress

LOCAL FASHION IN AN AUTUMN MOOD I’m all about a long hot summer, but after the sticky, sweaty days of late, I’m truly ready to embrace a chill in the air. A change of season needn’t require a complete wardrobe overhaul either – shop smart and shop sustainably, and start by making the most out of timeless favourites that you already have before springing for a few added extras.

Autumn is a great time to get extra mileage out of your summer favourites by carefully layering with an added warmer outer layer, and swapping out sandals and slides for a fresh new pair of boots.

Textures can be mixed and matched as much as you like, fresh floral prints paired with slouchy sweaters and so much more.

At Witchery, they ask you to take a style note from the great outdoors, with many of the timeless, beautiful pieces that make up their AW20 edit sharing tones with the natural world. Leaves are falling and the associated hues are about as nature loving and flattering as it gets, with warm gold, dark green and rich red featuring heavily. A timeless wardrobe staple always comes back for more and Witchery’s Morgan Leather Boot is a must-have; throw on a pair with a summer floral and classic Aviators for an instant style update.

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At local label Liam, designer Emily Miller-Sharma has created a collection inspired by her long-time friend Laura Taylor, a model, creative director and stylist in Brazil. Called ‘Laura & Me’, it looks back at the time when the two met in high school. After quickly realising their common penchant for art and design, they began creating work together and a lifelong friendship established. Soon after, Laura moved back to Brazil, but they never lost touch.

For this collection, Miller-Sharma was after a sense of what she calls ‘harmony through discord’ – unlikely yet delightful pairings in colour, texture and silhouette. Between the simple cuts and easy-towear fabrications, ‘Laura & Me’, brings a myriad of possibilities, and

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

I love the rich greens and rust tones running through the collection in particular. Colour is saturated and cuts are extremely wearable – grab a 30s-style, bias-cut dress and when the days get colder, the Maas Coat in brilliant green is a stand-out option for tonal ensembles.

Just add Mi Piaci’s suede tan Amigo boot for a more dressed-down vibe by day, or throw on a heel for night.

Liam the Maas Coat, Thankyou Tank & Thankyou Skirt

Ingrid Starnes AW20 Florence Organza Shirt Found Flowers & Cellini Skirt Mint

Hallelujah to that! The AW20 collection has been dubbed ‘Dream of Venus’, which was the name of Salvador Dali’s exhibit at the 1939 World Fair. The collection features a palette of delicate lavenders, foiled gold, burnt amber, iris blues, spring greens, rose reds and sprawling floral prints. Sculptural, voluminous silhouettes sit alongside softly structured tailoring, whilst the season’s hero print also makes a conscious nod to the arts in the form of a collaboration with a favourite New Zealand artist, Kirstin Carlin, from her work ‘Untitled (Found Flowers)’.

Witchery’s Golden Hour collection

Autumn 2020 marks the first season under the much loved local label Ingrid Starnes’ refined new direction. From here on in, all Ingrid Starnes’ garments are made locally either in editions of one, for the bridal and made to measure range, or in editions of no more than 100 for all other seasonal styles. All pieces are numbered, to shine a light on the artist edition values, design decisions and process of meaningful production that goes into everything they create, all of which is immediately covetable. I love that from now on, anyone owning a piece of Ingrid’s beautiful work knows theirs is special, one of a consciously limited run, and a positive alternative to over-production.

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FASHION + STYLE

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Taylor Boutique Attuned Blazer, Attained Pant and Undone Tunic Molecule Mesh

Taylor Boutique Quartered Sweater and Attained Pant

Penny Sage’s Mena Dress

Moochi Swim

Vicky Taylor’s taylor label is always a popular choice for those that love timeless, imminently wearable pieces that will fit right in with existing taylor garments from years past. For AW20, she and her talented design team drew upon inspiration from the set design of the new work ‘As it Stands’

by Ross McCormack, which was commissioned for The Auckland Arts Festival 2019, and American Artist Joel Shapiro’s geometric abstraction of the human form. Called ‘Motion, Space & Form’, the new collection includes exclusive Italian wool and mohair top layers as well as dreamy, supple alpaca blend knits that look just as great over a summer slip dress as they do over a wide-legged, wool winter pant.

Penny Sage’s Charlton Trench and Hat

One of my absolute favourite local designers for wearable, unabashedly feminine pieces with a sprinkle of cool girl edge is Penny Sage, and designer Kate Megaw’s AW20 collection named ‘Ray’ definitely ticks all those boxes. My personal picks (just for starters, mind) are the rich purple Mena dress and Charlton Trench in bronze, both of which I can imagine on high rotate all season long. The trench is always a great option for the often-warmer-than-expected Auckland autumn and winter, just add the matching Charlton Hat and you’re sorted for those drizzly walks to work and back and more.

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

Helen Cherry Gloria dress

Common Proj

Mi Piaci White Patent Boot

ects Sneakers

Lorna Jane

Last but by no means least, I can’t forget the activewear category.

This is mainly due to the fact that fresh gear is the best motivation to keep exercising over the colder, darker days of winter. Locally, Lorna Jane’s March collection is full of bright moments for dull days. Weekly drops will filter into stores and online www.lornajane. co.nz from 1 March, and I can vouch for the fact that there are some great pieces to choose from with bold colours and playful patterns, including the red snakeskin that is the hero of the range.

Lorna Jane is also opening a new store in Commercial Bay at the end of March, which will definitely be one to watch out for.

(HELENE RAVLICH) F PN

Lorna Jane Signature Snake

Helen Cherry is another designer who has created a beautiful trench silhouette this season, which can be worn by day with the popular local name’s iconic Ines cropped trouser, or thrown over the colourfully elegant Gloria dress after hours. Mix things up with a pair of Common Projects sneakers (available locally at Workshop) or the statement white, patent Mi Piaci boot pictured here for a little extra rock n’ roll feel.

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FASHION + STYLE

Tatty’s is the place for designer recycle fashion Ponsonby News asked Aimee, Tatty’s owner, about her business.

How long have you been on Ponsonby Road?

Tatty’s has been in Ponsonby for over 13 years now! We moved to this larger space right next door to our old shop in 2017. The old store was one of the few remaining villa retail spaces left in Ponsonby; my partner, daughter and I used to live above the shop so it wasn’t an easy move to make.

Why do you think recycling clothes is important?

We all have to do our best to consume responsibly in all areas of our lives. Clothing is one of the most wasteful industries, so if we can try to give our items a second life we can help contribute, even in a small way, to making a change. At Tatty’s we want to provide the fun and excitement of a regular retail experience, with the knowledge that you are making a positive choice for the environment.

What’s your favourite item which has come in over the last few months?

It’s currently a tie between a red gingham Ganni dress I recently purchased or the Chloe lace-up boots that have just arrived in store.

Do you have an online store?

Yes, we recently launched our online store which has a curated selection of our stock. It is updated daily and allows customers to get first dibs before the stock hits the shop floor. It is updated daily with new arrivals, and items marked down in price weekly.

Why did you choose to open in Ponsonby?

I spent my formative years living in Freemans Bay and still do live in Grey Lynn. I felt I knew the community well, and was confident that what Tatty’s had to offer would be of value to the Ponsonby neighbourhood. Ponsonby has changed a lot over the years. When we first opened, the area was a lot less ‘strip shopping’ and had more of a village feel. I’m proud to have been part of such a dynamic and close community, and I truly look forward to seeing Ponsonby continue to grow. F PN www.tattys.co.nz

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Nelson-based jewellery brand, Black Matter, has opened its doors on Ponsonby Road (in the old fire station). recycled sterling silver and gold wherever possible, you will fall in love with the exquisite quality and timeless designs on display in their PN flagship store. F

Designs are handmade by owners Benjamin Clark and Amy Cunningham and their team in Nelson. Ethically manufactured using

BLACK MATTER, 182 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 360 0726, www.blackmatter.co.nz

Large Penumbra Pendant

Penumbra Ring

Svelte Earrings in sterling silver

After Midnight Ring

Swing Pearl Studs

Arctic Studs with fresh water pearls - also available in sterling silver

Swing Pearl Pendant

This incredible, fast-growing brand, which is already stocked throughout the country, prides itself on creating beautiful jewellery that is handcrafted entirely in New Zealand.

Mirage Earrings - also available in gold

FASHION + STYLE

Nelson jeweller brings timeless designs to Ponsonby

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PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

OPEN NOW 182 PONSONBY ROAD

BLACKMATTER.CO.NZ

RubyYaya Alpha Skirt and Top

Chalet Luciana Top and Hazel Pant

Berlin Oversize Block Jumper and Pleated Skirt in Gold

Megan Salmon Felt Riding Coat in Teal

Berlin Oversize Jumper Cream

Obi Check Military Jacket, Beau Jours Rebecca Tunic, Berlin Pleated Skirt in Gold

FASHION + STYLE

@ Magazine Designer Clothing

MAGAZINE DESIGNER CLOTHING, 937 Mt Eden Road, T: 09 630 5354, Magazine Milford, 119A Kitchener Road, Milford, T: 09 488 0406, www.magazineclothing.co.nz

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PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

Exclusive jewellery for discerning lovers

25 Vulcan Lane, Auckland, CBD, 09 309 5145

F

CaratsNZ

I

caratsjewellery

www.caratsjewellery.co.nz

FASHION + STYLE

@ Workshop Helen Cherry AW20 has arrived.

Helen Cherry makes her statement through the use of stunning fabrics. Beautiful drape, contrasting textures, layers of fresh colour and print convey the spirit of each new collection.

Helen Cherry is available in all Workshop stores.

Photography Karen Inderbitzen-Waller and Delphine Planqueel

WORKSHOP, 74 Mackelvie Street, Ponsonby, T: 09 361 3727, www.workshop.co.nz

Ph 09 360 5512 MONDAY TO FRIDAY: 9am to 5pm SATURDAY: 9am to 4pm SUNDAY: 11am to 3pm

18ct yellow gold gypsy set diamond Hidden Heart pendant 18ct white gold gypsy set diamond Hidden Heart pendant

Step Inn Shoes Auckland, Three Lamps, 283 Ponsonby Rd, Ponsonby

18ct white gold diamond double Hidden Heart pendant

N E W S T O C K A R R I V I N G D A I LY

18ct white gold grain set Hidden Heart pendant

2020

@ CARATS

18ct yellow gold grain set Hidden Heart pendant

WINTER COLLECTION

Step Inn Shoes www.stepinnshoes.nz

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CARATS, 25 Vulcan Lane, Auckland CBD, T: 09 309 5145, www.caratsjewellery.co.nz PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

@ Zebrano Wear something that makes your heart sing. Zebrano’s range is unbelievable, in all-embracing styles and sizes from 14 to 24.

Siren Mandarin Collar Blouse $169 from Zebrano

Megan Salmon Lamps99 Coat $569; Sculpted Pleat Skirt $403 from Zebrano Nineteen46 Current Cardi $293; Lovechild Sweater $293 from Zebrano

Chocolat Metropolitan Mesh Bubble Dress $347

Obi Reflections Oversized Tee; Famous Leather Leggings from Zebrano Megan Salmon Snakeskin Merchant Coat $419 from Zebrano

Start a new season in exclusive labels such as Euphoria, Chocolat, Megan Salmon, Obi Curate, Moyuru, Rundholz and more.

The spectrum of style is from gorgeously gothic to feminine and flirty in beautiful, touchable fabrics.

ZEBRANO, 10 Kingdon Street, Newmarket, T: 09 523 2500, www.zebrano.co.nz

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FASHION + STYLE

Polished Diamonds – Unique, Exceptional Nick Nielson is both the designer and owner of the new diamond store on Ponsonby Road.

How long has Polished Diamonds been established?

Polished Diamonds has been established since 2003 (17 years) with our flagship Auckland store located at 269 Ponsonby Road since 2017.

What makes Polished Diamonds unique?

We use Computer Aided Design (CAD) to preview jewellery designs in actual proportion to the client’s finger size and gemstone measurements – fully custom made. This allows our clients to make small adjustments to ensure it is perfect. We then use a 3D printer to create a castable prototype ensuring an error free transition from the digital to the physical platinum or gold. New Zealand made and backed with a lifetime guarantee. We also won ‘Best Retail’ at the Business Awards – confirmation that what we do is unique and exceptional.

What’s the average time scale to create a simple ring?

Simple or complex, we can provide a Computer Aided Design (CAD) rendering of your jewellery concept within three days, and have it completed and to you within 10-15 business days. You can view our designs instore or come with Pinterest ideas, photos, etc. We can create anything and show you how it will look before you purchase.

Tell us some of your favourite stories about your customers?

I’ve heard such things as: “I want candy floss pink!” – which turned into

a stunning pink sapphire, diamond-encrusted ring.

And, “Can we do oars...?”

– which became a truly unique engagement ring for two surf lifesavers.

Our customers are what make our business unique. When someone is designing jewellery with us, they truly are a part of the process.

Whether we assist a lot or a little, we are fortunate to help create something that someone will cherish and had a part in creating.

What sort of budget should one set?

We have over 30 different diamond cutters and precious gems dealers from all over the world, therefore no budget is too little or too large. We are here to provide exceptional jewellery with excellent quality and customer service no matter how much you have to spend.

Anything else you’d like to tell us?

Yes, I love meeting people in our neighbourhood, so please come by our store for a free ultrasonic jewellery cleaning and inspection.

Also, we are happy to provide all jewellery services including resizing, insurance valuations, repairs and re-designs. F PN

POLISHED DIAMONDS, 269 Ponsonby Road, T: 0800 233 299, nick@polisheddiamonds.com

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PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

CUSTOM DESIGNED JEWELLERY & ENGAGEMENT RINGS

269 Ponsonby Road 0800 233 299 www.polisheddiamonds.co.nz

LIVING, THIKNING + BEING

Loyalty to creativity, craft and client Talent, creativity and loyalty to the craft are common traits for those who trained at the Servilles Academy.

Visiting a salon should always be an experience that makes you feel wonderful and the relationship you develop with the people that cut your hair is an integral part of that. The team at Servilles Ponsonby are known not only for their award- winning skills but also the lasting relationships they build with clients.

Lance Ainofo Lance is the consummate creative, a talented singer, performer and recent student/graduate of New Zealand’s prestigious Toi Whakaari drama school. Lance has worked with Servilles on and off for over 14 years with a contagious enthusiasm for his craft. “I’ve done fashion week many times with Servilles, I’ve judged Servilles Got Talent at the academy and I have worked with some wonderful clients over the years,” says Lance.

For Lance it is the balance between creativity and the opportunity to have a really positive impact on people’s lives that drives him. “It’s that moment at the end of a service when you hold back the mirror to show the end result. The look on their face says it all. Knowing my work can help set someone up to feel like that for another six to eight weeks is totally rewarding,” says Lance.

“I’ve been away for about three years in Wellington and while I was there I was always bumping into people in the industry who had a connection to Servilles. It makes you realise just how special the Servilles family is and how much clients and staff really feel a connection to the brand,” explains Lance.

Ljupka Petreski Platinum stylist Ljupka Petreski has been with Servilles for 21 years, winning L’Oreal Colour trophies and being part of countless creative shoots. “I have achieved a lot over the years and it’s all driven by my love of art, design and fashion. I’ve always had the sense that hair styling is a natural link to all of these,” says Ljupka.

Ljupka began her career working with Paul Huege de Serville on fashion shows and photo shoots. “I gained so many incredible skills working with Paul and it helped me realise right from the beginning that this was the exact work that I should be doing.”

After 20 years working with Servilles, Ljupka still feels the same. “This is my passion, it’s allowed me to impart my knowledge, help people, help them gain a better picture of themselves and sense of who they are,” says Ljupka. “I’m part of a legacy-building brand and the new Sale Street salon seems like an extension of that legacy. The design has an impressive use of space and sense of scale, yet still retains an intimate feeling – I can’t wait till it opens later this month.

SERVILLES PONSONBY, soon to open at 18 Sale Street, currently at 348 Ponsonby Road. T: 09 378 9799, www.servilles.com

82 PONSONBY NEWS+ March 2020

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

Servilles Ponsonby, 18 Sale Street.

OPENING IN MARCH servilles.com

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Tadhg Stopford: New Zealand first — teaching kids cannabis New Zealand’s first school biology unit on ‘A new physiology: your cannabis system’ launches in March.

This has been a three-year project by the Hemp Foundation.

Schools will finally be equipped to honestly educate children, and youth use of ‘weed’ will drop in response to evidence-based information they can trust.

Teacher interest is ‘high’. Will students respond more maturely than politicians to the evidence? It seems likely. After all, youth use has nearly halved since legalisation according to Statistics Canada from 19 to 10%. Education, and legalisation are the answer to our fears and the harms of prohibition.

Cannabis cures baldness – through your ‘canna system’?

Dr Edward Okai’s mother is a passionate advocate for a plant she once despised. Because now she knows that her body’s own ‘medicine’ is also made by the plant.

After pain drove her to try cannabis oils for relief, Mrs Okai discovered they also made her hair grow back. Alopecia affects a lot of men and women, and male pattern baldness is common. So it would be good if there was a ‘fix’.

While the science is not as glowing as Dr Okai’s mother is, it’s still pretty good. (Google ‘Cannabinoid Signaling in the Skin: Therapeutic Potential of the C(ut)annabinoid System, 2019’, if interested.)

That’s because our body’s ‘cannabis system’ is the guardian of our total health. Your skin (body, brain, etc) is full of canna receptors, and their job is to keep us healthy. But ‘Synnies’ are evil devils, and they mess things up. Like Peter Dunne? (Who’s now on the board of a cannabis company, after single handedly stopping Helen Clark from legalising it.)

Luckily, the cannabinoids in hemp and ‘weed’ can fuel our ‘canna system’. If we know how to use them properly. (Spoiler: it’s not by smoking.) What a shame they are prohibited plants, though! Who decided that?

3,000,000 prescriptions were written the year of hemp’s prohibition, and the American Medical Association fought to keep it legal. It seems odd that cannabis treats more conditions than any pharmaceutical and is neither legal nor a medicine. It’s worse in the US, where it has ‘no medical uses’, which is the opposite of true. But here in New Zealand, no one talks about these things.

Fun fact: 53.2% of ALL medicines target our canna system receptors, and prescription medicines are the third biggest killer after heart disease and cancer. And they are hideously expensive. Could we save billions of dollars and thousands of lives with cannabis? Probably.

(TADHG STOPFORD) F PN

Discover a range of LEGAL CANNABIS SATIVA DERIVED PRODUCTS

GREAT HEMP

Enquire via GreatHempNZ@gmail.com or see us at the Grey Lynn Farmers Market

84 PONSONBY NEWS+ March 2020

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

LIVING, THIKNING + BEING

Back to Balance Feel at home with your hormones from womanhood to motherhood.

Irregular periods?

Planning babies?

Managing new-mum life?

Riding the hormone roller coaster?

Or feeling out of balance?

There’s no doubt about it – the female hormonal system is incredibly complex. However, the good news is, supporting its balance – both for fertility and just wellness in general – can actually be quite simple (simple as opposed to easy... but definitely doable).

Walk away with a deeper understanding of how your cycle and hormones influence whole-body wellness, realistic and easy-toimplement tips for finding hormonal harmony, and confidence in how to work with your body – not against it.

Who is this event for?

This event has been created by Ben and Beatrice for people of all ages experiencing or supporting someone experiencing: • Heavy, irregular or absent periods

Join New Zealand’s leading clinical nutritionist and holistic health expert, Ben Warren, and Eve Health’s General Manager, Beatrice Thorne, for an evening to unlock the secrets of your cycle and rediscover internal balance.

• PMS symptoms including low mood and/or mood swings, bloating, pain, brain fog, fatigue and anxiety

In this special event, Beatrice shares her personal hormone journey through getting her cycle back to now preparing her body for pregnancy, as well as insights from Eve Wellness’s research team.

• Contraception, conception and fertility

Ben shares his passion for supporting women in finding optimal health and wellness, from his years of clinical experience and the latest research and findings on how our modern world and lifestyle are impacting our hormones.

• Those interested in a holistic, natural approach to women’s wellness.

• Diagnosed hormone conditions including PCOS and endometriosis

• Pregnancy and post-natal health

Tickets are available from bepure.co.nz/events

Ben Warren & Beatrice Thorne present

North Shore | march 31 Ellerslie | April 8

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Get the ultimate glow with the Vampire Facial Plus Dr Cat Stone of The Face Place reveals all about this this simple yet innovative treatment for bouncier, more radiant skin.

We all reach a time in our lives where how we look doesn’t always reflect how young and vibrant we feel.

Skin can lose its natural glow and become rougher in texture, uneven and dry. It also can become thin and crepey, with a dull appearance.

For those who want to age gracefully with glowing skin, there’s a lot more on offer than just Botox.

While she’s a renowned expert in cosmetic muscle relaxers and fillers, it’s the less familiar treatment called Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) that Dr Cat Stone is especially excited about right now.

So what exactly is PRP and why is it so effective?

PRP uses the healing properties of your own platelets (taken from a small sample of your own blood) to stimulate the skin’s cellular rejuvenation and boost collagen, fueling the treatment area with stem cells and growth factors. It improves skin tone, texture, density and luminosity.

And because the treatment uses the healing power of your own blood, the safety profile is excellent with no chance of an allergic reaction or serious side effects.

You may have heard of the Vampire Facial, made famous by Kim Kardashian and also featured on Netflix’s The Goop Lab. This treatment uses PRP along with dermal needling to rejuvenate the skin.

Dr Stone has made two innovations to this facial treatment, to take its rejuvenating potency even further. Along with PRP, the Vampire Facial PLUS harnesses the power of hyaluronic acid (HA), a hydrating molecule found naturally in the body. HA helps moisturise your skin from within and gives it a plumper appearance.

Dr Stone has made the treatment even more sophisticated by using the e-Dermastamp (EDS) needling device. HA is a very large molecule and the only way for it to get into the skin is via needling (or injecting).

Using the EDS infuses the power solution of PRP + HA into the skin more effectively (whereas the original Vampire Facial just rubbed PRP onto the skin and used standard needling). The EDS, a form of Collagen Induction Therapy, has been clinically proven to stimulate the growth factor cascade and thus induce skin rejuvenation with collagen repair.

Both of Dr Stone’s unique innovations set off powerful synergies.

On its own, PRP gives a super boost of skin texture, thickness and glow. HA magnifies the benefits of the PRP – the two used together become even more powerful. Using the e-Dermastamp to infuse the cocktail of HA and PRP multiplies these amazing results exponentially – it’s almost a case of 1 + 1 + 1 = 10! Skin becomes clearer, thicker, softer and more luminous.

This Vampire Facial PLUS takes around two hours and you will have redness for 24-48 hours, which can be covered with mineral makeup.

Possible side effects are temporary and minor, and will be explained during the consultation process.

Skin improvements can start becoming visible at three weeks and will increase gradually over following months. Results include reduced pore size, bouncier skin and an improvement of the fine ‘crepey’ skin around the eyes. A course of around three treatments is recommended – the results are cumulative and get better and better!

Why choose a Vampire Facial Plus?

• The treatment is specifically created to improve skin texture & glow • The synergy between PRP, HA and e-Dermastamp means results are maximised • It’s non-invasive and very low risk • Minimal recovery time ( it’s a non-scarring form of healing, unlike ablative lasers or deep chemical peels) • Minimal pain • Treatment is quick and easy • Excellent safety standards • It’s actually good for your skin, and boosts its health Before having a Vampire Facial PLUS, you will need to come and see us for a Cosmetic Injectables Consultation, so we can do an overall assessment of your skin’s unique needs and see whether the treatment is right for you. (This consultation cost is deducted from any future treatment cost).

Book your Cosmetic Injectables Consultation online at thefaceplace.co.nz Call us on 0800 267 633 or book in person at our Britomart or Takapuna clinics Britomart Clinic, 50 Customs Street East or Takapuna Clinic, Level 1, 10 Northcroft Street, Takapuna

86 PONSONBY NEWS+ March 2020

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

LIVING, THIKNING + BEING Mention this article for an exclusive discount of 25% OFF a Hungry Bin Worm Farm at the Ecostore flagship store, 1 Scotland Street, Freemans Bay. RRP $400 NOW $300

Worm farming – composting for small spaces A worm farm is a sustainable, garden-loving way to deal with food and plant waste, even in small spaces.

In a worm farm, tiger worms or red worms produce castings and ‘worm tea’. Both are great for feeding your garden.

• Use a damp, porous layer of bedding – like coconut fibre, shredded paper, hay – to get worms started.

Worm farms fall into two basic categories: ‘stacked’ and ‘continuous flow’. A stacked worm farm has stacked frames that you fill with food, and a sump below with a tap to catch and pour off the liquid.

A continuous flow model (like the New Zealand-made Hungry Bin) uses gravity instead of layers to keep the worms in place, with a tap and a release at the bottom for worm tea and castings.

• Slowly build up food levels: worms can eat their own weight each day and will breed in response to a healthy environment and plentiful food.

Whichever type you’re using, a worm farm will thrive with the right balance of ‘greens’ and ‘browns’. Nitrogen-rich greens are soft and fresh – like salad leaves, for example. They’ll rot, putrefy and become quite smelly if not balanced with carbon-rich ‘browns’ which are dry and brittle, and take longer to break down.

• The best balance of food is 70% greens: fruit and vegetable scraps, eggshells, tea bags, coffee grounds, vacuum cleaner dust (from natural fibre carpets), poop from small herbivores; and 30% brown: torn up, wet paper, cardboard and egg cartons, ‘browned-off’ grass clippings and autumn leaves.

It can be up to a year before your bin is full and you have a nice pile of worm castings to work into the garden or grow seedlings in. In the meantime, you’ll get a plentiful supply of worm tea.

• Don’t add: onions, garlic, chilli, dairy, pasta or bread, cooked food, citrus fruit or peel, oils, dog or cat poo (a very small amount of meat is okay in a large, thriving population.

Winning with worms • The best site is cool, shady and sheltered.

• Dilute worm tea at least 1:10 with water to make a great liquid fertiliser. (ECOSTORE) F PN

• Worms hate light but need air – top with damp wool carpet or blankets, newspaper or cardboard.

ECOSTORE, 1 Scotland Street, T: 09 360 8477, www.ecostore.co.nz

10% off Bulk* Stock up on all your bulk essentials this month at ecostore, with 10% off! All our home, body and cleaning products are available in bulk sizes. We also take back any unwanted empties to recycle at our flagship store. 10% off applies from 16 March to 29 March 2020. *Sale excludes refills.

Shop Hours

Visit us in store

Mon–Fri 10am-6pm Sat–Sun 10am-5pm Public Holidays: hours may vary

1 Scotland Street Freemans Bay Auckland

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LIVING, THIKNING + BEING

John Appleton: Does heart disease run in your family?

I have often heard people comment about how heart disease runs in their family. I wonder how many of them have heard of lipoprotein (a)?

Lipoprotein (a) is a particle in our blood which carries cholesterol, fats and proteins. Compared with LDL and HDL, lipoprotein (a) is a lesser-known lipoprotein which is surprising given its role in cardiovascular health.

Having a high level of lipoprotein (a), is a significant genetic risk factor for heart disease including coronary artery disease, peripheral vascular disease, aortic stenosis, thrombosis and stroke.

Unlike LDL or HDL levels which can be influenced by diet and exercise and even reduced by medications, the amount of lipoprotein (a) that we can make in the body is determined by genes that are passed on from our parents when we are born. It doesn’t change significantly as we age except for women when levels increase as the natural estrogen level declines with menopause. It’s interesting to note that diet and exercise have little impact on lipoprotein (a) levels and currently there are no medications available in New Zealand specifically aimed at reducing lipoprotein (a) levels. This could be why there is very little said about this potentially very harmful molecule.

Given what is known about lipoprotein (a), it’s surprising that the population at large is not offered a simple blood test to determine an individual’s level. The normal level for lipoprotein (a) is less than 300 mg/L, but in New Zealand it’s estimated that 20% of our population will have a level greater than 500 mg/L. If your doctor is unable to offer a blood test for lipoprotein (a), it is possible to pay for this at any Labtest clinic.

I understand that the cost is approximately $44.

It’s really interesting that lipoprotein (a) is found primarily in humans and animals that do not make their own vitamin C. Dr Mathias Rath, a

German doctor and researcher, together with double Nobel Laureate Dr Linus Pauling, developed a hypothesis connecting two evolutionary events. The first was the emergence of the apo (a) gene around 40 million years ago. Drs Rath and Pauling say that this coincided with the ancestor of man losing the ability to make vitamin C due to the mutation of one of four genes responsible for the endogenous (in the body) production of vitamin C. Humans, guinea pigs, fruit bats and primates are not able to make their own vitamin C. Dr Rath and Dr Pauling went on to further hypothesise that lipoprotein (a) functions as a surrogate for vitamin C. They said that lipoprotein (a) levels may be increased in some cases due to a vitamin C deficiency. They also noted that lipoprotein (a) and vitamin C possess some similar properties, such as in the acceleration of wound healing and other cell-repair mechanisms. Based on this, Pauling and Rath suggested that humans intentionally synthesise lipoprotein (a) when they are lacking adequate vitamin C. Dr Rath says that lipoprotein (a) is a very ‘sticky molecule similar to LDL but with an additional adhesive protein (apoprotein (a) surrounding it’. This, he says, makes it one of the stickiest particles in our body. He notes that Hamburg University studies conducted on atherosclerotic lesions in human arteries showed that they are largely composed of lipoprotein (a) rather than LDL molecules.

Is there anything one can do to lessen the potential impact of lipoprotein (a)? According to Drs Rath and Pauling, because lipoprotein (a) is believed to bind to artery walls via lysine binding sites, supplementing with two simple amino acids – L-Lysine and L-Proline – may put what they describe as a ‘teflon’ coating on the lipoprotein (a) molecule thus reducing its stickiness. If New Zealand researchers were able to verify this, it would be great news for all of us. (JOHN APPLETON) F PN

APPLETON ASSOCIATES, T: 09 489 9362, appletonassoc@xtra.co.nz, www.johnappleton.co.nz

88 PONSONBY NEWS+ March 2020

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

FUTURE GENERATION

Early childcare at Ficino Preschool In the competitive world of early childcare, Ficino Preschool in Mt Eden is a breath of fresh air.

Small children are developing a sense of self in these early years that will help them navigate through what is undeniably an uncertain world. That they can be part of an early childhood education providing them with the tools and strategies that they need to think, enquire, problem solve, confidently express themselves and relate positively to others is invaluable.

The education they receive at Ficino Preschool is exciting, focused and industrious – there is much they are learning through their daily routines. They are recognised and celebrated as individuals with their own way of expressing themselves.

Their natural curiosity and interests are encouraged and developed by highly qualified teachers who foster the expression of the children’s learning through imagination and creativity, literacy, mathematical and scientific thinking and the arts.

Amongst their busy days is the opportunity for the children to enjoy pockets of calm, learning the tools to focus their attention and practise mindfulness. No longer a ‘buzz word’, the benefits of mindfulness are well recognised for children to use throughout their lives.

The uniqueness in Ficino Preschool’s curriculum lies in its holistic focus on the child’s mind, body and spirit; our students are given a multitude of lenses to look through. The preschool’s values remain an intrinsic part of all that they learn and do.

A new parent spoke recently of the importance for children to start building their educational foundations early; a welcome change in

thinking is currently underway as to when a private education has the most importance!

Our children invite you to come and see their preschool in action at our Open Morning on Friday 13 March! F PN Register on Facebook – www.facebook.com/ficino.preschool

Enrol Now

Ficino Preschool welcomes children of all cultures, faiths and religions, because treating others with respect and courtesy is part of the gift of everyday life.

Our uniquely holistic curriculum balances the social, intellectual and physical needs of each child and is a haven for your child to grow in self-belief and confidence as they explore and experience new skills.

Enrol now. Don’t leave this untill the last minute.

If you’ve been thinking of giving your child a big leg up, hop online and book a visit today. Discover why Ficino Preschool is the Greatest Gift you can give your child.

BOOK A VISIT TODAY

FICINO.SCHOOL.NZ

PRESCHOOL TO YEAR 8

MOUNT EDEN

PONSONBY NEWS+ March 2020

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FUTURE GENERATION

Meet the teacher This year, Louise Ryan was appointed as a WithinSchool-Teacher for the Kahui Ako o Waitemata.

What will your focus be?

I am really excited to be a part of the Kahui Ako. I’ll be focusing on writing. It means I get to work with amazing teachers not only from Western Springs College – Nga Puna o Waiorea, on literacy across the school, but I also have the opportunity to meet teachers from the primary and intermediate schools that our students have come from.

We can build on the insights we gain from what our akonga (students) bring to secondary school.

What else are you balancing with your new role?

As well as teaching English, I’ve been involved in media education for many years, including my current role as the President of the Media Studies Teachers’ Association. I’m also the PPTA executive member for the Western ward of Tamaki Makaurau. Oh, and I’m studying papers towards a library qualification as well.

That sounds a lot!

Haha – yes, but I see it as fantastic professional development.

Everything I’m doing is feeding into better outcomes for the teachers and students I work with, and it’s work I really enjoy. For example, I’m studying a paper in Reader Development so I’m exploring different ways children and teenagers read and respond to information literacy. Ultimately, it will make me a better teacher.

What is it about teaching that excites you?

I love learning! I have always adored literature and media, so being able to combine these passions into my career is ideal. Teaching allows you to share this passion with students and colleagues. I’m reading new books, rediscovering old ones and have a great excuse to watch lots of television [for teaching research!].

What else do you like doing in your spare time?

So, of course, you would expect an English teacher to spend lots of time reading, but I also love writing. I’m sure I’ve got the great Kiwi novel in there somewhere. And baking. I have way too many cookbooks so I love spending time in the kitchen. And I’m in danger of becoming a cat lady too. F PN

Super Gran

Clothing Alterations

Fit and active Gran is available before and after school or kindy care for your children in your own home

Alter Ego

t Flexible hours to suit your requirements. Available during school holidays or when your child is off sick.

Roong T: 09 376 8689

t Experienced with school beginners and readers.

M: 021 032 9128

182-4a Jervois Road, Herne Bay E: ra_cha29@yahoo.com

t Drop off and pick up from kindy or school. t Take to after school activities. t Clean driver’s licence and police checked. t Parent of St Cuthbert’s College Old Girl.

“I get all my bits & pieces done by the smiling helpful Roong... and she’s got Eftpos = sorted...” MARTIN LEACH

t Providing a caring and stimulating environment.

Please call Raewyn on 021 079 4668, or email raesam@hotmail.co.nz

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90 PONSONBY NEWS+ March 2020

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

An environment to open minds that open doors.

Kristin School in Albany offers a: •

Modern, multicultural, co-educational, non-denominational environment with traditional values

•

Focus on student wellbeing and developing future-ready citizens

•

Team of quality teachers and support staff under the leadership of an inspiring and innovative Executive Principal

•

Choice between national NCEA or International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma curriculum options for senior students

•

Nationally acclaimed performing arts programme and a choice of 29 popular and niche sporting codes

•

Proud record of high academic results and scholarships being awarded locally and internationally

•

Vast range of community service and leadership opportunities, and a wide array of trips and exchanges for experiential learning

•

Park-like campus, state-of-the-art facilities and a dedicated bus service travelling 20 routes across Auckland

For all admission and scholarship enquiries, visit kristin.school.nz or call our Admissions Manager on 09 415 9566 ext 2324.

Scholarships A limited number of scholarships are available to enable new students to join Kristin in Year 9 or above in 2021.

Applications are invited from aspiring individuals who demonstrate excellent character, school involvement, sporting, performing arts and/or academic strengths.

FUTURE GENERATION

What is ‘IB’?

Those people who recognise this shorthand for the International Baccalaureate (IB) are often more familiar with the Diploma Programme (or DP), an alternative pathway for students to follow in their final years of high school, which leads to qualifications that are highly regarded by universities around the world.

However, what is less well known is that the IB also has longestablished programmes specifically targeted at 11-16 year old’s – the Middle Years Programme (MYP), and 3-11 year old’s – the Primary Years Programme (PYP).

Schools that offer the IB programmes are popular with families that are globally mobile, as they offer a consistency of approach regardless of where in the world the children are, and also because of the emphasis on a global perspective and additional language acquisition.

There are over 5000 IB schools worldwide, with over one million students, and the top-tier international schools are almost entirely IB curriculum. Increasingly New Zealand teachers who have ventured overseas for a few years, return with IB experience and are keen to continue to teach in this way.

The IB DP is often a qualification of choice for academically ambitious students who are looking to pursue their studies internationally, and this sometimes leads to the misconception that IB programmes are exclusive – only for the ‘bright’ kids. However, the IB philosophy is fully inclusive and while it does offer plenty of extension, it also promotes an approach that’s tailored to the needs of each individual student.

The IB programmes have a reputation for combining high academic standards with an emphasis on a holistic approach that produces well-rounded students. This reputation is protected by a quality assurance process with standards and practises that all schools must adhere to, alongside regular visits from IB representatives. This ensures that families and teachers who choose a school running an IB programme can feel confident about the educational programme their children/pupils receive.

The IB allows schools to run the PYP and MYP alongside a national curriculum, ensuring young learners are able to fulfil national requirements whilst also obtaining the benefits of the IB programmes.

Jayne de la Haye (Jayne is the Junior School Principal at Kristin and has been involved with the IB for over two decades. She has also worked with the Australian, British, Cambridge, Canadian and US curriculum, and her preference remains the NZ IB experience.)

Teachers of DP appreciate the preparation that students who have been through the MYP bring to their subjects, just as middle school teachers love getting students that have grown up with the PYP. They often comment on the confidence, initiative, ability to work with others and joy for learning they see in these children.

One of the major attractions of the IB is that as a not-for-profit foundation, the curriculum is not influenced by commercial interest or political agendas. This means the programmes have been developed based on research about how children learn best, and what knowledge, skills and attitudes will be important for future success. Crucially, there is a great deal of input from actual teachers, with constant monitoring, reflection and refinement based on what is actually happening in schools.

KRISTIN SCHOOL, 360 Albany Highway, Albany, T: 09 415 9566, Email: kristin@kristin.school.nz, www.kristin.school.nz

92 PONSONBY NEWS+ March 2020

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

FUTURE GENERATION

OPEN DAY

Saturday 14 March 1pm – 3:30pm Tours offered every 30 minutes

Little Engines Montessori Preschool Practical life, sensorial, language, maths, culture and much more.

Situated on Surrey Crescent in Grey Lynn, just next door to Grey Lynn Primary School, Little Engines boasts the full set of Montessori materials and provides an authentic Montessori programme for children aged 2.5 years – 5 years.

Based on the five key principals of the Montessori philosophy, Little Engines prepares children for a life of learning and fulfilment – building their self-esteem, cultivating a belief in themselves, in others and in the endless opportunities life offers.

Visit our website to book a tour www.little-engines.co.nz

Little Engines Montessori Preschool 56 Surrey Crescent, Grey Lynn T: 09 378 9502 Email: manager@little-engines.co.nz

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photography: Connor Crawford

What changes are there going to be?

A: First of all, the Trusts Act 2019 does not come into force until 30 January 2021. There is some time to review your trust but it’s better to make time to do this rather than leaving it to the last minute.

A lot of the act is just restating existing law but hopefully making it a bit clearer and more accessible.

Duties of trustees The act records the duties of trustees. These are divided into mandatory duties, which you can’t alter, and default duties which can be modified or excluded.

Trustees are often also the beneficiaries of the trust so it is worth checking the provisions of the trust around trustees making decisions in their own interests.

Make sure that the provisions in your trust work with the new act.

Retention of information The act requires trustees to keep all the core trust documents.

One trustee can hold most of these documents for the trust but each trustee must hold at least a copy of the terms of the trust and any variation to those terms.

Disclosure of information The Trusts Act creates a presumption that a trustee must make ‘basic trust information’ available to every beneficiary and ‘trust information’ available to beneficiaries who request it.

‘Basic trust information’ includes the fact that a person is a beneficiary, the name and contact details of a trustee, details about any change to the trusteeship, and the fact that a beneficiary may request a copy of the terms of the trust or ‘trust information’.

Trusts are often drafted with a broad base of beneficiaries so the trust does not fail if the primary beneficiaries pass away.

Many of these beneficiaries may never receive any distribution out of the trust. It may be awkward having to tell them that they are a beneficiary, especially if you do not want to provide any further financial information about the trust.

It is a good time to consider who are the beneficiaries of the trust and if it is a good time to make any changes.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR: OUR LIFEBLOOD The Leys Institute is the lifeblood and the spiritual home of St Marys Bay and surrounding local areas. The buildings are visually beautiful and they are enhanced by other proximate heritage properties including the old fire station, the old post office and the old ASB bank on Jervois Road. As such, the buildings cannot be considered in isolation.

The Leys Institute is well located to public transport services and particularly the Link bus. Two mooted future options for the provision of services are proposed to be housed in the existing Grey Lynn library. From St Marys Bay, it’s nearly a 50-minute walk to this library and public transport is estimated to take 30 minutes and would include 1 – 1.6km of walking. Not great if you’re disabled or have small children to contend with. The only realistic option will be to drive, which seems contrary to council objectives.

Council’s stated intent is to protect and conserve Tamaki Makaurau / Auckland’s historic heritage for the benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations. They note that Aucklanders expect that our unique historic heritage will continue to improve our quality of life – by reinforcing our sense of place and identity – and provide a legacy for future generations.

So, come on council, let’s get real and finally provide the funds and support to preserve the Leys Institute and return this gem to the local community for future generations. For too long nothing has been done, so get cracking with working out how this building and facility can be restored and safely reoccupied – and expeditiously.

Alison Hunter, St Marys Bay

Property transactions that come up smelling of roses.

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Q: We have a family trust that owns our home; I am aware that there is a new Trust Act coming in and I’m just wondering if this is something that I need to worry about.

©Copyright Ross Jones 2010- 2016

PONSONBY PROFESSIONALS

Metrolaw: Got a legal question?

Ask michael@metrolaw.co.nz

Talk to us about conveyancing Call us today

There are other changes coming in with this new act. Please give me a call if you would like to review your trust.

(MICHAEL HEMPHILL) F PN METROLAW, 169a Ponsonby Road, T: 09 929 0800, www.metrolaw.co.nz

169a Ponsonby Road Ponsonby, Auckland +64 9 929 0800 www.metrolaw.co.nz Trusts & Wills

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PONSONBY PROFESSIONALS

Logan Granger: IRD crackdown on cash economy IRD is ramping up its investigation activity by targeting businesses under-reporting cash sales or paying staff under the table.

The hidden economy is estimated to be worth close to $1 billion. That’s why IRD is cracking down on cash payments and gearing up for a string of surprise visits to ‘high risk’ businesses such as restaurants, cafes, bakeries, liquor outlets. They are also targeting the tradies in the construction industry.

IRD says hiding cash sales creates an uneven playing field and gives some a leg up at the expense of others. It says investigation work into the hidden economy uncovered $108.8 million worth of unpaid tax in 2018/19.

IRD advises that: “Doing jobs for cash or for your mates is okay – as long as you record them and declare the income when you’re filing your annual tax return. Tradies who do undeclared cash jobs can be hit with tax penalties, or criminal convictions that could lead to prison – costing them their business and their income.”

The hospitality sector has a high risk of businesses not declaring income and/or paying staff under the table because of the high number of cash transactions and the short-term nature of employees.

Many will have read the story about the IRD department’s investigation unit conducting

searches and unannounced visits to cafes, restaurants, bars and takeaway operators in Queenstown and Central Otago. IRD says it seized wage records, computers and other business records using court-issued search warrants.

Staff also seized information on employerprovided accommodation, rental properties, Working for Families tax credits and payroll matter, as well as till records and lists of staff names and work rosters to check against employee details it holds. Similar investigation activity is being done in the trades and construction sector because cashin-hand jobs are more common.

• Keeping good books is good for business.

This ensures an accurate view of your business and ensures your business is valued correctly and helps get greater access to finance to develop your business.

Cash jobs can and will be tracked and investigated by the IRD. They have relationships with banks and other agencies to make sure all income is being declared.

• Record every job, no matter how big or small.

Putting past tax returns right If you feel you’ve left anything off your tax returns, it’s better to make a voluntary disclosure than to wait for IRD to find out some other way. By making a full voluntary disclosure you may avoid being prosecuted in court, or you could have your shortfall penalty reduced by up to 100%.

• If you’re registered for GST, you must charge it. You have to be registered for GST when your annual turnover is more than $60,000.

If you need help putting your tax returns right or would like to discuss a situation particular to your business, please contact us. (LOGAN GRANGER)

• You must register all of your employees, even casual or part-time workers.

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.

While most people in the industry are doing the right thing, it is important to note the following:

• Declare all your income when you file your tax return.

JOHNSTON ASSOCIATES, 202 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 361 6701, www.jacal.co.nz

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Give abused animals a voice for justice SPCA Inspector Anna was just sitting down at her desk when her phone rang. It was a police constable.

“He’d been given some CCTV footage,” said Inspector Anna. “It was quite hard to watch.

The footage showed a man abusing a dog.”

@ SPCA – PLEASE CAN I COME HOME WITH YOU? Adopt an SPCA animal today and in return you will be rewarded with a lifetime of unconditional love. www.spcaauckland.org.nz/adopt

Inspector Anna agreed to help and arranged to get a copy of the CCTV footage.

When it arrived, Anna plugged in the USB stick and clicked ‘play’. What she saw was horrific. The footage showed a man’s prolonged and brutal attack on a little puppy that lasted over nine minutes.

“As an animal lover, it made my head hurt watching it. As an inspector, I knew I had a job to do. It was such a brutal attack and there seemed to be no reason for it.”

Anna immediately set to work getting a search warrant. As soon as it came she went to go rescue Cooper. Still a puppy, he was nervous and scared. His eyes seemed to say, “Will you hurt me too?”

It has taken Cooper a while to learn to trust humans again. But, in a safe and supportive centre, his sweet, goofy nature has blossomed. The fear of what he suffered has mostly gone.

David

Inspector Anna spent months preparing evidence and expert statements. When everything was ready, Cooper’s former owner was formally charged by SPCA. Cooper got a voice in court! And, at the District Court hearing, the man pleaded guilty.

More animals like Cooper need your help. You can help rescue them from terrible situations and give them a voice. F PN Make a donation to SPCA Annual Appeal at www.spca.nz/endsuffering

From a life of cruelty, to a lifetime of love.

Maple

Mitzi

Animals like Cooper need you.

Make a donation to SPCA Annual Appeal at spca.nz Empress

98 PONSONBY NEWS+ March 2020

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PONSONBY PETS Priscilla Taylor is photographed with two-year-old Prince

Bespoke ceremonies created for pet celebrations and memorials Local resident Priscilla Taylor started her pet celebrant business last month.

How did you get an interest in pets?

I have loved pets since I was ‘knee-height to a grasshopper’ – excuse the pun! We had pet sheep, chickens, bantams, guinea pigs and cats as kids and I was their number one feeder and protector. We were brought up on a large property in Hawkes Bay, so had plenty of space for pets. In my adult life I have had two amazing dogs, a German shepherd called Tess and a long-haired daschund named Max. I presently have a ginger and white moggy called Darcy Dancer!

Tell us about your celebrant business As an animal rights advocate and an animal lover, I have always acknowledged animals’ importance to us. From our very loyal guide dogs, companion animals and family pets, animals are a very big part of our lives. It is proven that people with heart conditions or postoperative from heart surgery, heal quicker when they have a pet.

As they live with us, pets are very sensitive to the ‘mood’ or energies in a household, particularly if a person is unwell, lonely or angry.

They absorb so much energy from us, something we forget to acknowledge and accommodate for in their lives (sometimes they need to celebrate, have fun and de-stress too)!

This led me to thinking it was time to celebrate our ‘fur babies’ and acknowledge them while they are still with us, or when they pass away, leaving us for pet heaven.

How do you brief your clients?

When a client contacts me, we set up a meeting to discuss their needs and how they would like to celebrate their pet, also who they want to invite. We set a date, organising for them to invite family and/ or friends, along with refreshments they will provide. We discuss the shape and scope of the ceremony. I can then tailor a bespoke ceremony just for their pet.

How does the ceremony work?

On the day of the ceremony, I arrive early and help my clients set up the space where the ceremony will take place. Then I present the ceremony and invite participants to do readings, eulogies or whatever we have planned. The close of proceedings is usually followed by refreshments.

My wish is for all animals on our precious planet to have peace, safety, fun, love, kindness and acknowledgement from the family/carers with whom they live. F PN PRISCILLA TAYLOR, M: 021 106 7541, E: petcelebrantnz@gmail.com

Local ...

PET CELEBRANT Ceremonies + Celebrations + Memorials Bespoke ceremonies created for your beloved pet Please contact Priscilla on 021 106 7541 E: petcelebrantnz@gmail.com

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HOME WHERE THE HEART IS

@ BOB & FRIENDS

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1. String System Work Space walnut grey 2. String System Hallway blackstained ash bowlfelt 3. String System hallway beige white 4. String System living room ash 5. String System Kitchen white 6. String system works workspace oak 6

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7. String system hallway white closeup

BOB & FRIENDS, 231 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 378 7350, www.bobandfriends.co.nz

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HOME WHERE THE HEART IS

Private universe – 29 Schofield Street, Grey Lynn You will be captivated the moment you enter this fabulous, truly expansive home and are enticed down the wide hallway drawing you to the very heart of it.

It’s hard to believe you are in one of Auckland’s most vibrant neighbourhoods as you are transported to this peaceful, private universe, one seamlessly connected to the lush, tree-laden Grey Lynn Park and bathed in summer sun.

This impressive bungalow effortlessly blends ornate features such as solid kauri floorboards, plaster ceilings and lead light windows with modern simplicity.

Configure this home to suit your changing lifestyle with four/ five bedrooms or an office/study, a multitude of living spaces (both indoor and outdoor), two sleek tiled bathrooms with underfloor heating, master with ensuite and spacious light filled, open plan living.

The entertainer in you will be thoroughly spoilt by the superb gourmet kitchen; open the full height glass doors connecting to the generous elevated deck area – a sunlit tropical gallery, with an outlook to the rich tapestry of lush

flora, pohutukawas and the park grounds. This is the perfect place for friends and family to enjoy al fresco entertaining.

Spread yourself over two levels – downstairs there is a fabulous floor of extra living, perfect to accommodate the growing or extended family with two sumptuous guest rooms with access via French doors to the private courtyard and garden, all fringed by lush, mature plantings. Add to all this a separate lounge, man cave with loads of storage for bikes and all the toys, plus off-street parking.

This is a home you will be very proud to show off. F PN Phone Carl Madsen to view on M: 021 953 152, E: c.madsen@barfoot.co.nz

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Luxury waterside paradise – 216 Garnet Road, Westmere Situated in a coveted, tightly held, seaside cul-de-sac, what started life as a humble 1920s bungalow has been perfectly transformed into a well-proportioned, large, family home with stunning harbour views and the beach on your doorstep.

The lower level is an entertainer’s dream, featuring an open-plan area with living rooms at either end. The luxury kitchen is spectacular. While one living zone opens to the rear, west-facing covered patio, sparkling pool and ample lawn for the children and pets to play on, the other living zone faces northward with a sunny patio and superb harbour views. Two bedrooms and two bathrooms complete this floor.

On the upper level you will find a third living area plus a balcony with a magnificent harbour panorama, master suite with the same breathtaking outlook, a brand new bathroom, generous fourth bedroom and an office.

Wander on the quiet beach in the morning or take the kayak or paddleboard out. Just a stroll from Westmere’s lively local shops and cafes and boasting three-car garaging, utility garage and extra off-street parking, this desirable property offers everything you could possibly need and so much more. F PN For more information call Blair Haddow on M: 021 544 555, E: blair.haddow@bayleys.co.nz

Stocktake Sale 20% OFF EVERYTHING! STUDYboy 2 Crate $677 (you save $170) Or 6 weekly interest-free payments from $112.83

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102 PONSONBY NEWS+ March 2020

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HOME WHERE THE HEART IS

Three tips for managing and balancing expectations When one thinks about property management, regulations and administrative duties, paperwork comes to mind.

Less often, people realise that property managers spend a lot of time everyday dealing with conflict resolution and managing the expectations of both tenants and property owners.

The Residential Tenancy Act sets expectations and responsibilities for landlords and tenants. Yet, let’s have a look at a few wording examples and how different their interpretation and the expected result could be from one person to another.

• What does “keep the property reasonably clean and tidy” mean?

• What does maintain the property in a “reasonable state of repair with regards to the age and condition of the property” mean?

• What is “fair wear and tear”?

• “Tenants can’t unreasonably refuse access to the property for viewings, but they can set reasonable conditions.”

Property managers who know how to manage expectations are able to more seamlessly navigate the choppy waters between landlords’ and tenants’ expectations.

Here are three practical tips you can follow to improve your own ability to manage expectations.

1. Make no assumptions It is easy to fall into the trap of assuming someone has the same understanding of a situation, project, deadline or task that you do. You can avoid this pitfall by having a conversation in which you discuss what’s expected, how it might be accomplished and how success will be

measured. This is also the time to agree when something is going to be completed as this is one of the most common points of miscommunication.

Which leads to the next tip...

2. Communicate, communicate, communicate Don’t assume everyone knows what is going to happen next. One of the best ways to manage expectations is to make sure you communicate with all parties on a frequent basis. Take time to understand the person’s point of view, define explicitly and give specific examples and feedback. Document clearly in writing whatever has been communicated or agreed orally.

3. Know your stuff and defend it Don’t just agree with everyone. You must be experienced and comfortable that expectations you set are realistic, achievable and meet the requirements of the Residential Tenancy Act. If they’re not, you can, and should, push back and be open about what can be delivered or achieved. A place that is reasonably clean and tidy does not mean it is spotless in every regard. Something that is not new and has signs of cosmetic wear but is not broken or unsafe may not need to be repaired or replaced by the landlord. If you can nail the fine art of push-back, you’ve won half the battle of managing expectations successfully.

Catalise Property Management is experienced in this art and will discuss openly, professionally and honestly any expectations to reach the best outcome for their clients in accordance with the provisions set out in the Residential Tenancy Act.

CATALISE LTD, 203a Symonds Street, Eden Terrace, M: 021 352 670, wwww.catalise.co.nz

unlock your property potential providing a pathway to To look after your biggest asset, you need someone you can trust - contact Sandie:

www.catalise.co.nz 104 PONSONBY NEWS+ March 2020

Residential/ Commercial/ Air BnB

Step by step, we partner with you to bring out the best in your property, attract the right tenants, and succeed with your investment

success 021 352 670 sales@catalise.co.nz 203a Symonds St, Eden Terrace, Auckland 1010 PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

HOME WHERE THE HEART IS

@ ROSE & HEATHER

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1. Newport Credenza 150cm long - a range of finishes in Kauri, Oak or Ash $3840 2. Newport Bed - all sizes - all finishes - Kauri, Oak or Ash 3. Astrid Media Cabinet 200cm - available to size and finish 3

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

timber with a history.. f u r n i t u r e f o r a l i f e t i m e.

w w w. r o s e a n d h e a t h e r. c o. n z 406 Great North Rd | GreyLynn PONSONBY NEWS+ March 2020

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Last section available on Francis Street, West Lynn Don’t miss this last opportunity to build your dream home in the heart of the vibrant West Lynn village pass you by!

Many will have noticed the removal of the old buildings that previously housed the Wellpark College of Natural Therapies just over a year ago between Francis and Wilton Streets in West Lynn. While the college was a much-loved facility in the local community, most of the buildings were no longer fit for use and the property was sold to a local family who lived only a 100m away from the property.

This family loved the West Lynn area and all it has to offer so much but couldn’t find any bare land on which they could create their dream house and so a plan was hatched to undertake a boutique subdivision creating five properties on the former college land. The old villa at the edge of the property has been retained on one section, while the other four properties are vacant sections.

West Lynn is such a great place to live. It is right in the heart of the action but quiet, close to shops, cafes, supermarkets and there has been

a noticeable increase in new local eateries. Of course, there are great schools and parks nearby and you can walk to Ponsonby or take an escooter into the city.

While the family who originally purchased the land have kept one section, three of the other four properties have already been sold leaving only one last section at 4 Francis Street available for a lucky purchaser. Perfectly flat, fully serviced and ready to go, the section is 400m2 in size and with an 11m frontage to Francis Street. It is suitable for a single residence.

Titles have been issued and the section is available now! Don’t miss this last chance to be part of this exciting opportunity in a special community PN surrounded by quality properties. F Please contact the owner Neil direct on either M: 021 780 021 or E: neil@plutus.co.nz or your preferred real estate agent.

One move you will never regret!

8 Francis Street Located just a few short steps from the West Lynn cafes and restaurants and sheltering from the heat under an umbrella of plane trees, is No. 8 Francis Street.

A wonderful, full-fronted, character bungalow of some 140m2 built around 1900 out of our best native timbers.

Now, 120 years on and after the present owners have lived there for around 21 years, the home is ready for a new era of ownership. To accommodate the needs of a 21st Century family, the property has three off-street car parks and is set on a generous 556m2 freehold site within beautifully landscaped gardens and a generous pool and cabana space to relax in.

The rear of the home opens out onto a sundrenched deck overlooking the pool and lawn area. There’s a garden utility/storage space for mulchers and mowers.

The home has gas heating, is fully insulated and comes with a DVS heat-transfer system, so very cosy in winters.

The wide hallway and high ceilings are all hallmark features of an era steeped in a style noted for its generous proportions, solid timber construction and longevity of build.

If you’re in the market to take advantage of the low interest rates, and to step two steps up the property ladder in one go, then this is a property you should be considering. The CV is $1.95m F PN Weekend open home times 1pm - 1.30pm.

JONATHAN WHITE, M: 021 320 850, j.white@barfoot.co.nz

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HOME WHERE THE HEART IS

Rare Opportunity!

Grey Lynn Section For Sale.

400m2 Section Available For Sale. Flat & Fully Serviced Amazing West Lynn Village Location Four Sold. Last Section Remaining Concept plans exist for a 255m2 four-bedroom house Vendor Welcomes Enquiries From $1.5m Call 021 780 021 or visit francisst.com for more information

Successfully Selling Brilliant Homes In Your Neighbourhood FOR SALE The Dylan, Aparment 205/367 Great North Road, Grey Lynn #786458 3

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Corner apartment with north east aspect and oustanding views.

Two side by side carparks in easy access garage.

‘The Dylan’ is a well respected and admired building.

SOLD AT AUCTION 75 Franklin Road, Freemans Bay 3

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One of only six freehold 1970’s designed townhouses.

Concrete block construction with private central courtyard.

Fantastic city fringe location, can walk to everywhere.

AUCTION 17A Newell Street, Pt Chevalier • • •

4 2 1 2 Contemporary home set amongst the trees and bush.

Highly sought after location in Pt Chevalier on quiet no exit street.

Easy level walk to local school, Coyle Park and the beach.

“Thank you Felicity for working so hard to get a great result on the sale of my house. Your advice was spot on every step of the way and I really appreciate how thorough, conscientious and responsive you are throughout the selling - Owner of 17A Newell St, Pt Chevalier process.”

Felicity Scott BBS | Residential Sales M 0274 522 241 B 09 376 3039 E f.scott@barfoot.co.nz | barfoot.co.nz/f.scott PONSONBY NEWS+ March 2020

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That magic ingredient Great kitchens don’t just happen – they’re a combination of many factors, but the one essential ingredient is great design.

Richard Cripps, the owner of award-winning kitchen design studio Kitchens By Design, strongly believes in the need for good design in our lives, particularly in a complex, multifunctional space such as the kitchen, and that the essential component of any successful kitchen is design itself. Design, he says, should be seen as the most important ingredient in any successful kitchen.

“Good design need not be expensive,” says Richard. “Indeed, in the long run it can offer considerable savings,” he adds. “The cost of the basic materials and products – the appliances, cabinetry, plumbing, bench tops, lighting, etc, are exactly the same whether they go into a poorly designed kitchen or a well-designed one, so it makes perfect sense to ensure you engage a good designer from the outset.” And he has testimonials from satisfied customers whose custom-designed kitchens are still serving them well decades later.

Richard strongly believes that good design helps us change the way we think about things. “Great design is not just restricted to what’s on the surface and how it looks. It solves everyday problems,” he says. “At Kitchens By Design, we design drawers to make items easily accessible. We incorporate good lighting design to help you undertake tasks. We use design to shorten the distances to complete tasks. For design to be successful, a designer cannot be just artistic in their approach, they must always have a focus on the customer or user of the product.”

In short, good design is a wonderful mix of imagination and pragmatism, specifically tailored to each situation. “Our designers creatively bring great decorative surfaces, hardware and known planning principles together to create not only beautiful one-off kitchens, but deliver unique spaces that help bring friends and families together, fuel a passion for cooking, or just simply enhance entertaining and socialising.”

Kitchens By Design offers the expertise of six designers, four of whom are acknowledged with awards as among the best in New Zealand and Australia. “All our designers are all professionally qualified and regularly attend industry events to keep up to date with the latest in materials, appliances, style and ideas,” says Richard with some pride.

He is also keen to point out that while you may only deal with one designer as your kitchen design concepts are developed, they are not working in isolation. “We are a team, and there is often cross pollination of ideas around a project as the designer works to meet your brief,” he says. “Design is also about relationships. A good designer works on building a relationship to find out what motivates and excites each client. Are you a baker? Do you buy in bulk or shop every day? Do the kids help prepare the meals?”

KITCHENS BY DESIGN – if you are thinking about putting in a new kitchen, give Richard or one of his team a call, or pop into one of their two Auckland-based showrooms at 3 Byron Avenue, Takapuna T: 09 488 7201 and 7 Melrose Street, Newmarket T: 09 379 3084. And for inspiration, take a look at their website at www.kitchensbydesign.co.nz

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Visit one of our showrooms today.

Newmarket 7 Melrose Street, Newmarket (09) 379 3084 Takapuna 3 Byron Avenue, Takapuna (09) 488 7201

Thoughtful design paired with exquisite materials. kitchensbydesign.co.nz PONSONBY NEWS+ March 2020

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Heidi Padain: Entertainment in your garden Monarch butterflies symbolise rebirth and a new life. They bring change, transformation and new opportunities.

Therefore, a monarch butterfly flying around might be a sign that you need to change. Or, like me, you purchased some swan plants, and you’re soon going to find yourself being completely distracted.

I started with two swan plants. In no time at all, the monarch butterflies came to lay their eggs. The wasps soon followed. This is very annoying because you can’t spray wasps when they’re near the swan plants.

Unfortunately, as time went by, we found ourselves with one solitary monarch caterpillar. We named the caterpillar Chomper. Martin took a short video of Chomper. I couldn’t believe how fast a monarch caterpillar can eat. It was mesmerising to watch.

I had positioned the swan plants next to a large money tree. One morning, I discovered that Chomper had moved into the money tree, and chosen to glue its bum to a leaf facing east. Chomper just hung there, meditating upside-down for around three days.

Presumably, the next stage happened overnight. Chomper seemed to have been replaced by what looked like a lime flavoured jelly bean with gold eyes at the bottom. While this sounds exciting, it isn’t. I missed seeing

Chomper frolicking around in the foliage, and I was annoyed to have missed the latest antic.

Every day for the last 15 days, I have been outside to check on Chomper.

Nothing much happened, until today. Literally, this morning, on the day I’m writing my column, Chomper turned a dark, reddish colour. When I saw this, I dashed inside to do some research and after reading the words ‘don’t take your eyes off it’, ‘things happen very fast’, I dashed back outside and sat there with my camera ready. At one point I was talking to Chomper like a deranged midwife. “Push, push, you can do it.” Well, as you can tell by my photos, Chomper made a brilliant comeback! What a stunning looking monarch butterfly he is. Yes, it’s a boy. You can tell by the back dots on the hind wings.

Two weeks ago, Martin came home with an enormous swan plant. We now have five very large monarch caterpillars that are about to start their very own meditation commune. If I can find strong enough glue, I might just join them. (HEIDI PADAIN) F PN

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.

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This is our house – UnserHaus Inspiration for your place, at ours.

UnserHaus, meaning our house in German, is a stunning showspace based on Parnell Rise, which offers consumers a new way to experience three iconic, luxury German appliance brands – Bosch, NEFF and Gaggenau.

Recently recognised at the prestigious German Design Awards – winning Excellence in Retail Architecture – UnserHaus is a contemporary space divided into three zones, providing each brand its own distinctive space, including three functional demonstration kitchens.

The German Design Award is a highly esteemed honour, awarded to projects that represent excellent pioneering contributions to the international design landscape.

UnserHaus designer Damian Hannah, of German Kitchens Limited, crafted a bespoke home for all three brands to coexist harmoniously. The designer’s clever use of materials and unique, interactive characteristics in each kitchen creates an adaptable space where customers can learn and experience new ideas for their home.

When visiting the beautiful showspace you’ll get to see the outstanding German engineering of their product ranges and the defining features that make each brand exceptional in the home. Regardless of budget and lifestyle needs, the expert team at UnserHaus take the time to listen and build relationships with a focus on longevity, to help exceed your kitchen and home appliance requirements. This ensures that long after your choice has been made, you can maximise the potential of each appliance and explore possible add-ons or upgrades as your life and requirements change.

UnserHaus Sales Manager Sara Isherwood said, “When we set about designing UnserHaus we wanted to create a warm, friendly space that fuses luxury with a welcoming environment. Over one year on from opening we’re extremely excited about what the future holds for us.”

From private events, dining experiences, cooking demonstrations and training courses, UnserHaus offers a multitude of services and

has an open door for people who want to connect over a shared love of design, food, art or culture.

You also have the option to book an individual consultation with one of the UnserHaus team members; Holly, Alex, Brigitte, Stella, Shannon, Annika and Sara. The team are there to start conversations that inform, educate and leave you feeling inspired.

They want you to love your new kitchen and relish the chance to share their knowledge and guide you through the process of choosing your home appliances.

UnserHaus is a place that truly understands kitchens and the changing needs of everyday lives. Open to the public Tuesday – Saturday, 10am – 4pm, with complimentary covered parking for all visitors, be sure to pop in and experience this exceptional space for yourself.

For more information, to view recipes and to book a consultation or cooking demonstration, visit unserhaus.co.nz

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At UnserHaus, we offer personal consultations and pre-purchase cooking demonstrations at our Parnell Showroom. Experience three premium German home appliance brands, Bosch, Gaggenau and NEFF, all under one roof. Pay us a visit when you’re planning your new space – you’ll leave feeling inspired.

Showroom 65 Parnell Rise Auckland 1052 0800 245 708 unserhaus.co.nz

Germany, meet New Zealand

HOME WHERE THE HEART IS

@ METRIX 1. Duravit’s archetypical open oval of the Happy D. design classic runs through all elements of the Happy D.2 Plus range designed by Sieger Design. Form and utility is delivered with toilets and bidets that are available as wall mounted, floor standing and back-to-wall options.

2. When creating a slightly darker, contemporary bathroom design, another key element to consider is the toilet. This concept used to be restricted as many toilets were only available in white. However, this is now a thing of the past as toilets and matching basins in the Happy D.2 Plus collection are available in Anthracite Matt providing an extra layer of individuality and class.

3. SensoWash® Starck is the shower-toilet seat for modern toilet hygiene and greater quality of life: after using the toilet, the showertoilet seat provides gentle cleaning with warm water while being energy efficient and sustainable.

4. DuraStyle Basic toilets feature Rimless flushing technology that enables an innovative and powerful flush. Water flows in the form of a horizontal arc and then vertically, before flushing the entire surface of the bowl without splashing. This ensures perfect hygienic flushing results with a smaller volume of water.

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5. How can you create a modern yet timeless bathroom series that adapts to different styles? By reducing its design entirely and focusing on the user’s personality and individuality. ME by Starck floor standing or wall mounted toilets feature optimal water-saving flush mechanism and toilet seats with soft closure, manufactured with precision and removable with just the push of a button.

Pure elegance. F PN www.metrix.co.nz

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Duravit “A bowl filled with water on a simple table,” Danish designer Cecilie Manz describes her inspiration for Duravit’s Luv series. The result is Nordic purism combined with timeless elegance, created with gentle forms and sharp geometry. Luv is a brand new design that can be interpreted uniquely to suit your individual style.

Toilets. Basins. Baths.

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Saunas. Showers.

155 The Strand, Parnell, Auckland

Elegance, pure and simple.

metrix.co.nz

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HOME WHERE THE HEART IS

Biophilia – botanical looks with Lahood Set to be an enduring design trend, traversing architecture, commercial interiors and soft furnishings – Biophilia is a design approach underpinned by a passion and love of all things living, growing and alive.

For Lahood, this translates into fabrics and textiles that reflect and embrace nature in a range of ways. Bold prints, luxurious textured fabrics and colour palettes both muted and rich that all pay homage to the hues and symbols found outdoors.

indoor spaces that incorporate nature or make authentic connections with the natural world. Improved productivity, lower stress levels, enhanced learning comprehension and increased recovery rates from illness have all been linked to bringing botanical design inside.

“It’s not a style fad,” explains Tricia Dunlop, interior designer for Lahood. “Botanical-styled prints for curtains and soft-furnishing fabrics make an authentic connection between the natural environment and indoor spaces. It’s timeless.”

A leading author on the subject, Stephen Kellert suggests that humans start to experience sensory deprivation if their immediate environment lacks a connection to the natural world.

Biophilia is recognised by both scientific and design communities. It is more than just stylish decoration. Research indicates there are positive benefits to interacting with nature and that this is also true of

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“It’s not just about being outside,” says Tricia. “It’s about finding fresh and practical ways to bring the outside in and create spaces that have that alive and living feeling.” Trish suggests The Glasshouse Collection by Sanderson is a range that has a great base to build an enduring style for a room or home needing a more grounded-innature feel. It’s not necessarily just about neutral tones and natural fabrics (although Lahood offers an extensive range of these), it’s about overall design, colour, texture and layers.

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Sanderson has a pedigree spanning well over 150 years. “They have an extensive archive of hand-drawn and painted works that inspire their current textiles and fabrics,” explains Tricia. “It’s a classic range that’s timeless because there is often a contemporary twist. What I love about their collections is the versatility and incredible quality. Their curtain fabrics always make the most of the latest fabric technologies, meaning we can do so much with them. It’s exquisite form and function.

“The Melsetter range from Morris and Co is also based on designs that are inspired by nature and have endured for well over 150 years,” explains Tricia. The design has birds and flowerheads winding out from a central fruit tree. It’s a new design inspired by bed hangings crafted for Melsetter House in Scotland and it creates a fresco effect that’s linked to those unique Scottish landscapes.”

Lahood brings together not only the best in global textile and fabric brands, but also the leading local designers for interior design and window furnishings. “Warwick really understands the local aesthetic and their collections reflect this. Their latest collections: Tonga, Moorea and Palmyra have a very South Pacific flavour, orientating the Biophilia concept appropriately in New Zealand,” says Tricia.

New curtains and fresh cushions with carefully selected botanical designs could start to bring a sense of nature into your home, where before it was lacking. However, with the help of an interior designer like Tricia Dunlop and Lahood’s extensive range of botanically inspired textiles and fabrics, you can take this even further. You could re-conceptualise the design of your home or office to create an improved sensory experience. “It’s common sense to me, that design is about more than just aesthetically pleasing decoration; good design can really improve you sense of wellbeing. Your immediate environment has a real impact on so many things, your productivity, motivation and, in some cases, your overall health. This is especially true in terms of functions like sleep, so bedroom design is so important,” insists Tricia.

Biophilia is a design philosophy that is both beautiful and practical. It’s able to be achieved using the vast range of brands, designs, fabrics and interior designers available from Lahood.

For more information on Lahood’s range of botanicalinspired fabrics and textiles or interior design service, contact Lahood or visit our showroom, LAHOOD, 104 Mt Eden Road, T: 09 638 8463, www.lahood.co.nz

CURTAINS • BLINDS • INTERIOR DESIGN SHUTTERS • ROLLER SHADES • UPHOLSTERY

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Lakeview Apartments: Luxury retirement living in Central Auckland Summerset at Heritage Park in Ellerslie offers you the unique experience of lakeside living in the heart of Auckland, from just $680,000!* Our brand-new Lakeview Apartments are one of a kind when it comes to retirement living in Auckland. With one, two and three bedroom options available, plus stunning views, amazing indoor and outdoor facilities and a state-of-the-art care centre should you need it, what more could you want? Enjoy a resortlike lifestyle, with the added bonus of being only 10 minutes from the city centre.

Summerset’s brand ambassador, Jude Dobson, was blown away when she visited our Ellerslie village for the first time. Here’s what she had to say:

“Ellerslie is a wee hidden oasis!

You drive down a no exit street and, boom, suddenly a whole new world opens up. The central lake adds a resort-like feel and the penthouses sure have some pretty amazing views. Walking round with the residents I got a good look at all the options be they standalone houses, or apartments. I even bumped into an old school friend’s mum and dad. They said they just loved their new environment as it’s a very social spot!” – Jude Dobson Our Lakeview Apartments have seen many new residents move in over the last couple of weeks, proving to be a popular hit amongst the retirement community. One couple from Howick, Michael and Shirley, had this to say about their recent move:

“Shirley and I have lived in the Howick area for over 50 happy years.

Over the last year, Shirley found it a real challenge with the stairs in our apartment. The time had come to consider a move, either to a new home without stairs or moving into a facility where our needs could be met and still be close to Howick. While driving around looking and considering potential possibilities, we came across ‘Summerset at Heritage Park’. The concept of a lake at the centre surrounded with villas and apartments, plus services and open spaces was incredible. It was more than we expected, a beautiful gem hiding in Ellerslie, that ticked all the boxes. We are now residents enjoying a wonderful independent lifestyle in a happy and friendly environment, thanks to Summerset.” – Michael and Shirley

If you are thinking of making the move, then now may be the perfect time to do so. Starting from just $680,000* you can retire in style at this gorgeous hidden oasis. Plus, for a limited time only, if you secure a Lakeview Apartment we will offer you an incredible $20,000 cash back** to spend how you wish.

We’re open seven days, so visit us anytime or get in touch with our sales team to arrange a personalised tour of the village. You’ll find us at 8 Harrison Road, Ellerslie. You can reach us by calling T: 09 950 7962 or by emailing ellerslie.sales@summerset.co.nz These are selling fast, so don’t miss out! *Licence to occupy **Terms and conditions apply

www.summerset.co.nz/lakeview

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HOME WHERE THE HEART IS

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Got a building question? Ask Brendon on brendon@nextlevelconstruct.co.nz Q: My husband and I have received our building consent for our renovation and extension project in Westmere. We are now at the stage where we need to get quotes from builders to see how much this project is going to cost. We are first-time renovators. How do I compare quotes? Adam, Westmere Like most first-time renovators, your first instinct will be to compare the quotes by total price. However, digging deeper, it can sometimes be hard to understand and compare each quote, even for the most seasoned renovator. Here are a few of my recommendations for what you should look for when comparing quotes and deciding which construction company or builder to build with.

Apples, oranges and pears — Firstly, are you comparing apples with apples, or are some of the quotes you have received pears or oranges?

You may receive a quote which looks considerably cheaper than others.

Look carefully and see if this includes everything you have specified.

If it doesn’t, you cannot compare it to the quotes that are for the full works and are priced exactly to your specifications.

You must make sure that you are comparing apples with apples, and not apples with oranges. Look for a comprehensive quote, which has all the inclusions. Too often, I see people go with the cheaper option and they end up paying far more then the quote which seemed expensive but had all of the inclusions. If it seems like anything is missing from a quote, it probably is and you’ll be charged for it later.

P&G — P&G or ‘Preliminary and General’ costs are the costs of a project not related to any specific trade or scope of work. These costs cover items such as insurance, project management, skip bins, stationary, temporary fencing, temporary toilet facilities and so on. These items are critical to any project in one way or another and are generally allowed for on a per project basis to ensure only the necessary P&G items are included. Some building companies do not allow for P&G, especially those on charge-up. This means all these items will be

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120 PONSONBY NEWS+ March 2020

itemised on your monthly invoice, and may have more builder’s margin on them than those included in P&G. If your quote is not a fixed price quote, then make sure you talk to the builder beforehand about how you will deal with additional costs. You do not want to be left with a hefty unexpected bill at the end.

Fixed price or charge-up? In New Zealand, there are two ways of quoting residential construction work: fixed-price quotes and chargeup (also known as cost-plus-margin). Deciding between the two is difficult, as they both have their advantages and disadvantages. It is vital that you understand the differences between charge-up and fixed price before agreeing to work with a builder.

Fixed-price quotes — You will know upfront exactly what your build is going to cost you, allowing you full control of your budget and timeline and giving you a level of certainty right at the beginning of your build.

The price shown on your contract will be what you end up paying.

Our clients receive a full fixed-price quotation with a breakdown of materials, labour and subcontractors required, along with a detailed scope of the work, so they know exactly what is and isn’t included.

Unfortunately, there are occasionally surprises; especially with renovating an older home. This is because it is hard to gauge the condition of certain parts of the house as we can’t see or test for everything. If something is discovered that needs to be fixed or amended before continuing with the project, this will be highlighted to the client as a variation to the contract. This should never be because the builder ‘forgot’ to quote x item.

Charge-up quotes — Charge-up contracts are basically an educated estimate of the project cost before you start. These are based off square metre rates for the type of project and previous experience.

The figure given is more of an indication of cost than a fixed sum, and it will always seem cheaper than any fixed price quotes you may receive.

The builder does not have the same onus to dig into the details as you pay for anything he misses.

As I mentioned before, comparing a fixed-price quote to a charge-up is like comparing apples with oranges, so keep that in mind when looking at quotes.

Provisional costs — Sometimes builders don’t know the exact price of an element of your build. Provisional costs are listed when the builder doesn’t know the exact price of an aspect of your plans. These items will have an estimated cost based on the information or experience the builder has. Examples of these include: plumbing, fixtures and fittings, flooring and tiles. Some of the one-man builders often use provisional costs for the basis of their quotes, as they often do not send plans for pricing to merchants or sub-contractors. Watch out for these, as they often increase the price significantly.

To ensure you get the very best price you can, include as much detail in your plans as you can. Be direct with your architect, and let them know exactly what you want and then make sure these details are included in your plans. If one quote does seem significantly cheaper, you should look at it carefully to see why. With every quote, we include a quote comparison form to help guide you through the process of comparing quotes. It may seem like a long and boring process, but it is important to take the time to compare quotes. This may be one of the biggest investments you make, so it is important to know what you are getting.

Brendon Sowerby is the Founder of Next Level Construct, an award-winning, end-to-end residential construction company specialising in renovations, extensions and new builds. Brendon has worked in the building trade for over 17 years, meaning he knows the ins and outs of the industry.

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HOME WHERE THE HEART IS

Garden design – the ever-changing canvas Designing gardens is a form of art that requires an enormous amount of foresight and patience.

Unlike other art styles that create a fixed object in time, gardens are a canvas that is constantly changing with the seasons and with the years that follow.

When creating a new piece of garden art, a designer must take into account many different variables that will affect the end result. While a plant’s attributes such as size, shape, colour and texture form a large part of the artistic medium, other factors such as climate, garden aspect, soil and hardscaping all need to be considered during the design process. The fundamental success of a well-designed garden, however, comes down to whether or not it meets a client’s expectations.

“We ultimately create custom gardens for our clients, not our designers. This sometimes means ideas are often restrained in order to be kept in line with the reality of budgets and ongoing upkeep, which is all part of the design process.”

Getting the design right in small gardens can make or break them, says owner Martin from City Botanics.

“Unlike larger gardens, there is nowhere to hide when designing small-space gardens. They are often viewed in a single glance and if you don’t get the elements right, they are far less forgiving!”

And like all well-respected pieces of art, a true masterpiece takes time.

“We start with a client consultation to discuss ideas, determine the

functional elements of the space and agree on an overall style. We then spend up to six weeks working on the draft plan where we develop a series of mood boards to inspire our ideas and direction. Once the draft ideas are presented and agreed on, we then get to work finalising the plans. All this before a single plant touches the soil.”

So forget your living rooms walls! Turn to your balconies, decks and yards for a canvas that you can watch grow into your own unique piece of living art. F PN

For further information, call Martin on M: 027 215 7884, www.citybotanics.co.nz

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Create your masterpiece.

027 215 7884 citybotanics.co.nz @citybotanics

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HOME WHERE THE HEART IS

Exciting new venture for designer Donna Hoyle Donna Hoyle recently relocated her design studio from Parnell to industrial-chic premises in Grey Lynn, in order to create a showroom space for her latest creation – a curated collection of exquisite and luxurious cushions.

Donna’s design career has always had a strong focus on luxury brands and she enjoys relationships of outstanding longevity with some of New Zealand’s most iconic brands. Donna’s work for Huka Lodge as designer, art director and brand manager spans over 30 years, while her role with artisan food importer Sabato, has seen them working together for over 20 years now. Donna is passionate about her work and has found that the calibre of her clients engenders a culture of excellence and provides a style of creative challenge that is very satisfying to meet.

Donna has been travelling widely from a young age and is inspired by the history, art and architecture of her cultural encounters. She loves to be surrounded by beautiful things and textiles have always held a strong attraction to her. Donna’s deep and often knowledgeable appreciation of the craftsmanship and skill required to create handmade objects drew her to a long-standing love of India and its rich, decorative heritage.

This has influenced Donna to extend her creativity into drawing together a range of very beautiful cushions. They showcase generations of artisan skills, with the extraordinary work of master embroiderers, fabric dyers and weavers. Seeking these skills has meant several trips to India over the past three years while this new project was underway, and the collection has taken shape.

Finally, they are all here and Donna welcomes visitors to her showroom where she is happy to assist and have the opportunity to share her love of these stunning textiles with you. These are available

to purchase directly from her by visiting her showroom, her website or from interior designers. F PN Opening hours: Monday – Friday 10am – 4pm. Please call in advance of your visit so a carpark will be available for you.

DONNA HOYLE DESIGN & DECORATION, Suite 2A, Level 3, 58 Surrey Crescent, T: 09 377 9116, www.donnahoyledesign.co.nz

Exquisite hand embroidered, cushions & gifts. www.donnahoyledesign.co.nz

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How has design shaped Ponsonby and the inner city?

From architects and artists to curators of fine things, art and design is a means for communities to express and recognise their collective identity. Our creatives respond to global direction by translating it through a local lens to create something quite unique.

photography: Sait Akkirman, Arts Diary

ARTS + CULTURE

A FOCUS ON LOCAL ART AND DESIGN

Melanie Roger, owner Melanie Roger Gallery

Ponsonby News talked to local artist Gavin Hurley, architect Pip Cheshire and gallery owner Melanie Roger to get their insights.

MELANIE ROGER, owner Melanie Roger Gallery

Art and design is a way for communities to express their collective identity. Would you say this has been put into practice in and around Ponsonby and the inner central suburbs over the last few years?

Much has been said about women artists and women curators like yourself starting to take up more space in the scene. Have you witnessed things changing for the better over the last few years?

Auckland’s concentration of galleries has shifted from the central city and the area surrounding the Auckland Art Gallery to the Karangahape Road and Putiki Street districts – both on Ponsonby’s doorstep.

I think that we have some amazing women curators and gallery directors in New Zealand. We also have many amazing women artists.

Unfortunately, this doesn’t always translate into exhibitions and collecting habits. It’s a work in progress.

It began when Artspace moved to K’Road back in the late 90s and commercial galleries followed. Now there is a real sense of community – not just amongst galleries, but also other creative businesses and organisations.

What are some events or happenings in Auckland that have really stood out for you?

The growth and relaunch of the Auckland Art Fair has been exciting to watch. We are returning after an absence of a few years which we are really excited about. But within the art world, there’s always an opening. Most galleries are free and welcoming so you can visit anytime – you don’t need to wait for Artweek to drop by.

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We are proud to currently represent 14 female artists out of a total of 23 and that is important to us.

What are some of the challenges that come with being an independent gallery in the current landscape?

It’s always a balancing act of being able to show artists that you want to, with being able to sell enough to keep things going. As an independent gallery, we don’t receive any funding so we do rely on works finding homes. That is an enormous responsibility when you work with over 20 artists.

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I would like to see greater support around the marketing and promotion of the arts. I’d like to see our mainstream media bringing back reviews of exhibitions and listings of what is on. We have whole sections of newspapers dedicated to sport and yet barely any coverage of the arts.

ARTS + CULTURE

How do you think indies like yourself could get more support?

What are some of your favourite ways to discover great art and design in our neighbourhood?

I follow accounts on Instagram that I am interested in – art, clothing, food, design. I like the immediacy of it and, depending on what you follow, it can give you access to some fantastic grass roots-type events.

Gavin Hurley, ‘Pointing at Boy’, 2019, oil on linen, 450 x 350 mm, courtesy of Melanie Roger Gallery

GAVIN HURLEY, artist, who will be showing new works at Melanie Roger Gallery until March 21, 2020

Art and design is a way for communities to express and recognise their collective identity. Would you say this has been put into practice over the last few years?

There is usually plenty happening in Ponsonby and the suburbs, people attending and supporting is what makes it work.

My advice is to get to the openings, otherwise a month goes by and you’ve missed it.

What are some events or happenings in Auckland that have really stood out for you? ’Walking In Trees’ in Albert Park springs to mind as a great event. It will be on again later this year, hopefully. I miss ‘Art In The Dark’ in Ponsonby – to see that many people in one place was really something.

It seems that those being able to list their occupation as ‘full time artist’ are a diminishing bunch – would you agree?

I think it must be harder now for younger artists to expect to make

it as a full-time occupation without some other work. The ones I’ve grown up with (now in their 40s) still do the odd side gig to keep financial. I was lucky to finish art school at a time when things were expanding; it’s changed a lot over the last 20 years.

What are some of the challenges that come with being an artist in the current landscape?

Making the work is challenging enough – even though it’s just part of putting a show together. I still pretend to not live in the ‘real world’ – business and accounting were never strengths but are often subjects in my collages and paintings.

What are some of your favourite ways to discover great art and design in our neighbourhood?

We have a lot of creative friends around us in Auckland so information about what’s going on isn’t difficult. It’s still easy to forget about things, so social media is good as a reminder.

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photography: Gord Macdonald

ARTS + CULTURE Pip Cheshire

PIP CHESHIRE, architect and writer

Art and design is a way for communities to express their collective identity. Would you say this has been put into practice in and around Ponsonby and the inner central suburbs over the last few years?

Nooooo — given the staggering number of people making stuff in the country, the urban realm is way undercooked… just some big bangers resulting from a laboured public process and a few very interesting, privately funded projects. It would be interesting to let a number of artists loose on a block of, say, Ponsonby Road with no holds barred and facades, road surface, signage, lighting, all in play.

It would need a pretty robust curator to avoid a shambles but too much is rarely enough.

I am also keen on requiring digital billboards to display commissioned work, film or images, for 30% of the time. Given their intrusiveness, it’s the least we should get in return.

Your team has worked all over the city, what is a project in the neighbourhood that you’re particularly fond of and why?

Ponsonby Central is not one of ours but it is a good piece. Adaptive reuse as it’s called; an industrial building hollowed out and reconfigured; a very simple circulation path that doesn’t set out to trap you like the meandering interior of malls and enlivened by nice additions where you touch the building; a gateway, a handrail or door handle. It’s helped too by the height difference between floor level and pavement that has diners part of the street scene yet above rather than below the eye height of passers by – way more successful than tables on the pavement.

How would you describe your role in the company and, indeed, your occupation?

I am increasingly a critic and provocateur and less of a pencil hand.

What are some events or happenings in Auckland that have really stood out for you?

I think it’s great when we take to the streets. I prefer a demonstration but any event where we gather en masse as a body politic feels pretty good. Promenading at Mission Bay is okay, but joining a surge of school kids on Queen Street protesting climate change gets the blood pumping.

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What are some of your favourite ways to discover great art and design in our neighbourhood such as by keeping an eye on social media for interactive events?

I’m on the mailing lists, am awash in the tsunami of social media and keep an eye out for shows, but I prefer a quieter time with the work PN than the crush of an opening. (HELENE RAVLICH) F

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SUMMER IN PONSONBY PHOTOGRAPH COMPETITION One of our readers has suggested we run a competition to ask you to send us your best shot of summer living in and around Ponsonby and the western bays community. Show us how you’re spent summer so far.

The winner will be chosen by us on Tuesday 31 March and will win a Sidart experience valued at $250 in Ponsonby.

One photograph per person, please. E: info@ponsonbynews.co.nz

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Melancholia (detail) by Joon Hee-Park

Uptown Art Scene The exhibition Heads Up at OREXART in Putiki Street gives notice of what’s up for their year and also what’s happening with portrait painting in 2020.

Director Rex Armstrong sees portraiture in the age of the selfie as providing something more material and grounded in prolonged observation, open for interpretation forever. “The depiction of ourselves has been one of the constant subjects of art since the Stone Age,” says Rex. “These artists are reinterpreting the tradition in various styles.”

The portraits assembled range from the impeccably described, doeeyed waif of Sarah Dolby’s Yellow, to Philippa Blair’s Headways II, a tangled interior of black intersecting lines contained within a field of red and green. While Dolby concentrates skilfully on the exterior surface of what we can see, Blair delves below the visage in an attempt to make visible the emotions within. Peter Wichman teases out plenty of character with a few deft touches of oil paint, and Paul Jackson merges histories directly on the skin of his subjects.

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The self portrait is central to Richard McWhannell’s practice, so it’s entirely fitting that a giant face of his floats on a blue background at the end of the gallery. The pale blues, pinks and greys of flesh tones and the slightly parted mouth provide a contemplative air which is undercut by the very direct stare of the artist gazing at us as we gaze at him. The central face in his more playful painting, A Picture for Oum Kalthoum (Google comes in handy to inform me this refers to an Egyptian singer and actress from the 1920s-70s) is surrounded by mysterious narratives and lovely colour relationships.

Joon Hee-Park also uses the self portrait as a way of mapping her world. Her figure does not fill the canvas, but interacts with a collection of strange spirit animals in light-filled landscapes. While many of these seem surreal or sourced from manga, I think we can all relate to the cat neatly folded atop her head. In the age of the selfie, PN cats rule supreme. (EVAN WOODRUFFE/STUDIO ART SUPPLIES) F

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A Picture for Oum Kalthoum (detail) by Richard McWhannell

Yellow by Sarah Dolby

Majesty and Soldiers (detail) by Peter Wichman

Headways II by Philippa Blair

ARTS + CULTURE

As we have come to expect, an excellent line up of the Bluesfest acts make its way to Auckland for side shows – including four-time Grammy Award winner Brandi Carlile.

Often referred to as the discovery act from Bluesfest 2019, The War and Treaty are returning this year. While they didn’t make it down to New Zealand in 2019, the Tuning Fork has snapped them up for a show on 18 April. The powerhouse duo of Michael and Tanya Trotter bring their full band to share with soul, gospel and Americana fans alike. It is hard to believe that this powerhouse duo has only just come into focus. While their back story is romantic and emotional, they have been paying music dues for a long time.

Brandi Carlile

Michael Trotter’s back story tells of a shy, poverty-stricken childhood, eventual enlistment in the US Army and being shipped off to serve in the Iraq war in 2003. Trotter was not meant for fighting but had a gift for making music, which he nurtured with an abandoned piano while the American soldiers encamped in a Saddam Hussein palace. After the war, Michael pursued a career in music, which led him to meet Tanya at a festival in 2010. They fell in love, made music, had a child and began their passionate journey together as The War and Treaty. The War and Treaty’s new full length ‘Healing Tide’ is joyful, healing and exudes a confidence that is wholly deserved. Michael speaks of the album, “I hope people see our hearts on this record. I want them to experience freedom. To feel again.”

The Trotters share vocal duties, with soaring harmonies, supported by funky bass lines, old school grooves, strings and keys. The War and Treaty will be one of the standout shows of 2020.

The War and Treaty (duo)

ARTS + CULTURE

Finn McLennan-Elliott: The Byron Bay Bluesfest returns at Easter

Taking over Auckland’s Town Hall on Sunday 12 April is Brandi Carlile. If this name is unfamiliar, it’s time to remedy that. Having recently picked up her fourth Grammy Award this year, for best country song for her writing on Tanya Tucker’s song ‘Bring My Flowers Now’, Brandi Carlile is at the top of her game. Supporting Carlile is homegrown Tui award winner Reb Fountain.

2019 saw Brandi Carlile take home three Grammys, sell out New York’s legendary Madison Square Garden, produce and co-write on Tucker’s album, and form supergroup the Highwomen, as well as release their selftitled debut.

Carlile is currently touring in celebration of her award-winning album, By The Way, I Forgive You. Over the course of their acclaimed career, Carlile and her band have released six albums, including 2017’s Cover Stories: Brandi Carlile Celebrates 10 Years of the Story (An Album to Benefit War Child), which features 14 artists covering the songs on their breakthrough album ‘The Story’ with all proceeds benefiting War Child. Artists on the acclaimed project include Dolly Parton, Adele and Pearl Jam as well as a foreword written by President Obama.

Most recently, Carlile debuted the acclaimed collaborative movement The Highwomen with fellow members Maren Morris, Amanda Shires and Natalie Hemby. Their debut released last year was met with overwhelming critical praise. According to Rolling Stone, “a country album for the ages, filled with joy, laughter, tears and pain.”

Reb Fountain won the Tui for Best Country Artist 2018, and the same year was a finalist for the Best Folk Album of 2018. Her new self-titled album is due for release this year and was recorded in Neil Finn’s Roundhead Studio. Reb was invited to perform, record and tour on Finn’s ‘Out of Silence’ album cycle. Simon Gooding, head engineer at Roundhead, and Dave Khan shared producing duties.

Founded in 1998 by best friends Jesse Hughes and Josh Homme, Eagles of Death Metal, are not actually a death metal band. The Palm Desert pair came upon the band’s name in a pondering effort as to what a cross between The Eagles and a death metal band would sound like. With that, the band was born!

With a sound that’s a combination of Bluegrass slide guitar mixed with firing drumbeats and tantalising vocals from a front man known for his over-the-top stage histrionics and interaction with his fans, the survivors of the Bataclan bomb attack in 2015 are best known for classic hits like ‘Miss Alissa’, ‘Wannabe in L.A.’ and ‘Save a Prayer’.

Homme, known primarily as the founder and only continuous member of Queens of the Stone Age, has spent the last two decades bouncing between his various projects. In that time Eagles of Death Metal have released four studio albums, toured relentlessly and always share a full throttle, high-intensity, live show. There’s always a hint of controversy, and it’s always on edge, but the band leaves everything on stage. Eagles of Death Metal will be at the Powerstation on 8 April.

(FINN MCLENNAN-ELLIOTT) F PN Bluesfest side shows include: 8 April: Eagles of Death Metal at the Powerstation, John Mayall at Sky City Theatre 12 April:

Brandi Carlile at the Town Hall

13 April:

Morcheeba at the Powerstation

16 April:

The Marcus King Band at the Powerstation

17 April:

Allen Stone at the Town Hall

18 April:

The War and Treaty at the Tuning Fork, Larkin Poe at the Powerstation

21 April:

Alanis Morissette at Spark Arena

27 and 28 April: Patti Smith and her Band at the Town Hall

You can find more information about this across www.ticketmaster.co.nz and www.bluefesttouring.com.au or at each venue website.

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PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

Kylie Rusk 17 March – 28 March. (Opening Tuesday 17 March 5pm – 7pm) In her upcoming exhibition at Grey, Kylie Rusk continues to delve into her passion for the New Zealand landscape. Using lithographic print and paint, Kylie explores the subtle variation of colour, light and form, resulting in stunningly atmospheric works of art.

Kylie is highly interested in what the landscape holds for the individual in terms of memory, connection and a sense of being. Travelling the coast and countryside, Kylie documents scenes which she then reproduces in the studio.

Kylie graduated with a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Fine Arts from Elam School of Fine Arts in Auckland in 2007. In her final year at Elam, Kylie was awarded the Hahnemuhle printmaking award. Since completing her studies, Kylie has exhibited widely in solo and group exhibitions, primarily working in lithograph prints and acrylic on canvas. Kylie will be holding a lithography demonstration on 21 March from 11am – 12 noon at Grey. F PN Instagram: kylieruskart. Facebook: kylieruskartist GREY, 37 Scanlan Street, Grey Lynn, www.thegreyplace.nz

St Matthew’s Chamber Orchestra

From the Land Sunday 15 March 2.30pm Performing Vaughan Williams’ violin concerto in D minor – Soloist, Tessa Petersen. Conductor, Peter Thomas.

If you have not heard St Matthew’s Chamber Orchestra play, then you are missing one of the finest musical experiences in Auckland.

Vaughan Williams’ violin concerto in D minor is believed to be a homage to Bach’s Concerto for Two Violins in D minor. It is absolutely lovely!

Soloist Tessa Petersen is Concertmaster of the Dunedin Symphony Orchestra and the Senior Lecturer in Violin at the University of Otago. A graduate of Otago University, she received many awards and was leader of the National Youth Orchestra of New Zealand prior to studying at the Royal College of Music, London, under a prestigious British Commonwealth Scholarship.

‘Last Day’ 1100mm x 1100mm, acrylic on board with a UV protectant coat

Tessa has performed and taught in both the UK and the US and performed in festivals and concerts in Europe, Caribbean, Middle East, Asia and the US. Tessa has played on various recordings for the Collins Classics, Koch International, Gasparo and Ode record labels in both the standard classical and contemporary repertoire. Her 2012 Ode CD The Mozart Fellowship features works by New Zealand composers for solo violin and violin/piano with duo partner John Van Buskirk. More recently, she featured in a 2015 release for the Ode label, Father and Son, in works by Anthony Ritchie. Her next project for 2020 will be the première and recording of a substantial work for violin, and soundtrack by Jeremy Mayall in settings of poems by Cilla McQueen. F PN TICKETS Eventfinda or door sales cash only. Adults $30. Concessions $25.

Children under 12 free. Student rush on the day $15.

ST MATTHEW-IN-THE-CITY CHURCH, corner Wellesley and Hobson Streets. www.smco.org.nz

REFLECTIONS Kylie Rusk 17-28 March 2020

Tessa Petersen

opening: 17 Mar 5pm - 7pm

Sun 15 March at 2.30pm

gallery hours: Tues-Sat 10am - 3pm PROGRAMME

Lilburn Aotearoa Overture Vaughan Williams Violin Concerto in D minor Elgar Serenade for Strings Op 20 in E minor Dvořák Symphony No 8 Op 88 G major SOLOIST Tessa Petersen CONDUCTOR Peter Thomas ST MATTHEW-IN-THE-CITY Cnr of Wellesley & Hobson Street, Auckland City

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‘Reflections’ @ Grey

ARTS + CULTURE

Finn McLennan-Elliott: Punk It Up returns to the Bluestone Room in May for two nights They are one of the best collection of new and classic punk acts. This year kicks off New Zealand Music Month with a two-night extravaganza on 1 and 2 May at the birthplace of New Zealand punk, Zwines – or, as it is now known, The Bluestone Room.

Friday night brings you the classic sounds of The Bludgers, The Barbs and perennial crowd favourites Proud Scum, some ‘in your face’ shenanigans from current noise merchants Dick Move, and a band who hasn’t graced a stage for over a few decades, especially reforming for Punk It Up V only, The Instigators.

Saturday night continues the stellar lineups, with performances by The Bombers, one of Hamilton’s current finest bands – Contenders, the well known yee haa, yippee-aye-yay of The Johnnys, and one last final appearance from Auckland’s very own No Tag. Closing out both nights, as every year, will be bankRobbers, the all star covers band, featuring Andrew Boak from No Tag, Jed Town and Chris King from X-Features and Shamus O’Brien from The Bombers.

They will get the crowd ‘bopping’ to well-known covers from home and overseas, and will be joined by any number of special guests from the punk scene, including those performing over the weekend – Sonya Waters and Ed Geddes from The Instigators, Nick Hansen from Spelling Mistakes and Dean Martelli and Chris Orange.

More still to be announced, Punk It Up V is going to sell out before the weekend, as it always does. It’s highly recommended you get a ticket to both nights, because how could you choose which night to attend?

Ponsonby News had a chat with Jed Town, X-Features/Fetus Productions musical guru, and long-time performer and attendee of Punk It Up. “It could be the last one,” he starts by telling us. “He always says it will be.” Town speaks of Andrew Boak, member of No Tag and brains behind the organising of Punk It Up, all the way from his new home in California.

One reason this year’s Punk It Up was sure to happen was due to a remarkable discovery last year. Dean Martelli, of the Terrorways,

132 PONSONBY NEWS+ March 2020

had spent four decades with no knowledge of what happened to his beloved Burns Flyte guitar. The guitar became famous for its appearance on the cover of iconic, award-winning album AK79, an album that Flying Nun have reissued this year. It wasn’t until Punk It Up in May 2019 that he discovered he’d sold the guitar and it was sitting in a cupboard in West Auckland. Martelli will be performing at Punk It Up V with his signature guitar after a four-decade long search.

Punk It Up always strives to pull bands from retirement and bring punk bands back to the stage after many decades of silence.

“Proud Scum came on board a few years ago,” Town tells us. “They very rarely play so they pull in a huge crowd of people.” This year, The Instigators take to the stage for the first time in nearly forty years, since being a regular on the pub and club circuit in 1981 and 1982 and performing at Sweetwaters in 1982. “bankRobbers are the only constant in the lineup. All the rest change each year. Initially, it was a Clash covers band that Andrew Boak liked, and he got the drummer and guitarist out of that band and I joined them. That’s how it became bankRobbers. We do all the popular covers; generally it’s around the hub of punk rock.”

Ensuring the local and current punk scene is represented is important, with Dick Move taking the stage this year. Punk It Up had Cave Men at the first iteration, and the Bombers last year.

“Andrew likes to cover all bases. Generally, the vibe when you get there is,” Town pauses, “how do I put this? It’s a bit like trying to recapture your youth should we say, there’s an excitement about the PN music still there.” (FINN MCLENNAN-ELLIOTT) F Punk It Up takes over the Bluestone Room on Friday 1 and Saturday 2 May. Kicking off New Zealand Music month in style. Tickets can be found on www.undertheradar.co.nz or through their website www.punkitup.rocks

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

Rare and exquisite piano music by Franz Liszt will feature in the Holy Week First Tuesday concert on 7 April at 12.10pm to 12.50pm.

John Wells will play the beautiful ‘Via Crucis’, a masterly musical piece of about 30 minutes duration which focuses on The Way of the Cross. This is a very appropriate, reflective music (with passing references to Bach) for the days prior to Easter.

Music in Holy Week and Easter is, like Christmas music, very special and a marker of the important season in the church year. Holy week music is mostly reflective and Easter joyous and exciting.

John Wells is well known in Auckland as a keyboard performer, composer and educator.

He is the organist of choice of the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra and often is responsible for the thunderous and cataclysmic orchestral elements of great orchestral works which include organ by Elgar, Liszt, Saint Saens, Holst and Puccini.

Wells has held the prestigious positions of Auckland City organist and Auckland University organist. As a pianist, he has been both an ensemble player and soloist and his compositions for piano reflect a unique language and accessibility which engage and charm his listeners.

@ WHITESPACE

ARTS + CULTURE

THE MONTHLY FIRST TUESDAY SERIES AT ST MATTHEW’S

Primal – selected ceramic artists present a celebration of clay, 18 March – 16 April Madeleine Child, Jim Cooper, Lily Laita, Peter Lange, Scott McFarlane, Julie Ross, Susan St Lawrence, Greer Twiss Author Christina Rees writes: “Artists are explorers. They have fun messing with expectation. They subvert it. Ceramic has specific connotations and rules, and artists smash them. Gleefully. It’s what they do and, right now, ceramics are trending in that department.

“Ceramic in particular as art is still on an upswing, as a subcategory of clay as art. But the bottom line is anything can be an art material in the hands of an artist. Mayonnaise.

Paper. Chalk. Ceramic is a clay process. It’s what you do with it that makes it break toward either ‘art’ or ‘craft’.

“Clay is truly elemental and primal, and the functional aspect has been part of human existence and survival for thousands of years. The art part (in the modern Western world) is far newer, but becoming part of our understanding of the scope of the material.” F PN WHITESPACE, 20 Monmouth Street, T: 09 361 6331, www.whitespace.co.nz

In 2019, he performed a group of his preludes and fugues for piano as part of the First Tuesday series at St Matthew’s. The First Tuesday series at St Matthew’s is a once a month Lunch Hour concert which gifts to the workers of the inner city fine classical music of about 40 minutes’ duration. St Matthew’s shares its lovely acoustics, beautiful resources of instruments and organisational abilities to bring together the series.

The 2020 concerts (from March to November) will include choral music, solo piano and organ, string ensemble groups and the Navy Brass Band. Entry by koha. F PN

Susan St Lawrence - The Harpy and the Salamander 2

John Wells - Piano “Via Crucis” Tuesday 7th April, 12.10-12.50pm John Wells plays rare piano music by Franz Liszt Entry by koha.

PRIMAL

18 MARCH – 16 APRIL 2020

CELEBRATING CLAY

MADELEINE CHILD, JIM COOPER, LILY LAITA PETER LANGE, SCOTT McFARLANE, JULIE ROSS SUSAN St LAWRENCE, GREER TWISS whitespace.co.nz 20 monmouth st, grey lynn, auckland open tues–fri 11-5pm, sat 11am-4pm

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Sam Ford and Trudi Green – Sweet Sweet Love

@ OREX

Prakash Patel – Afterlife 4 - 28 March Opening Wednesday 4 March 5.30pm-7.30pm “And then something happens, after a while, where you start to feel like the planets are lining up and everything starts to make sense.”

Prakash Patel is reflecting on his painting process that he describes as an endless journey in which everything is connected and where he is constantly looking for a moment when it all makes sense in a related manner that gives him a holistic feeling.

They reflect his captivation by infinity as he says, “A thing I’m fascinated with is how you can look up in space and it goes on and on. The same thing happens when you look through a microscope and you go into things. There’s actually no point where it ends.

The smallest particle is really mysterious because it’s almost like it’s going back into infinity again. So, it’s like an outwards, and inwards. It’s the same thing.” F PN OREX, 15 Putiki Street, T: 09 378 0588, www.orexart.co.nz

Sam Ford and Trudi Green were fixtures of the Ponsonby scene, back in the day. Regular performers at the iconic venue The Gluepot when they weren’t touring the country.

They had both lived in the area since the early 70s until they left for London in 1999.

Their music wasn’t heard live again in Auckland until 2013, when they returned for one show at The Kings Arms after the release of their album ‘You & Me’, backed by members of their various old bands. The success of that gig, plus the fun they had playing again with old friends, was the inspiration to return to these shores three years ago.

Now they are launching a new album, this time at the Pt Chevalier RSA on Sunday afternoon, the 22 March. Doors open at 3.30pm. ‘Sweet Sweet Love’, co-produced with renowned Auckland multi-instrumentalist Chris Nielson, is almost impossible to categorise. There are country, dixie, funk, Polynesian, pop, soul and a bit of south of the border thrown in for good measure, and yet it retains a cohesive and unified sound throughout – every song is part of the family.

In the words of music writer and journalist Garth Cartwright: “What makes ‘Sweet Sweet Love’ distinctive is just how un-derivative Sam and Trudi’s sound is. Unlike many a contemporary soul outfit who simply mimic what went before, their sound exudes their love of Aotearoa and Polynesia.”

The launch gig will see Sam and Trudi backed by a 10-piece band of top-class Auckland musicians, including a horn section and backing singers – well worth catching. F PN PT CHEVALIER RSA – Sunday, 22 March at 3.30pm.

Afterlife 2019 acrylic on canvas 800x800mm

Sentinel 2019 acrylic on canvas1000x1500

Prakash Patel

Glenys Lindsay Experienced wedding & ceremony celebrant.

4 - 28 March Your ceremony will be special, memorable & exclusively for you.

15 putiki street, arch hill open tue-sat, 09 3780588

134 PONSONBY NEWS+ March 2020

T: 09 256 1081 M: 021 868 610 www.aucklandcelebrant.co.nz

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

ARTS + CULTURE

Favourite Children’s Story ‘Greedy Cat’ by Joy Cowley is live on stage in Auckland for school holidays “Greedy Cat sat by the big fridge door. Meow! Meow! Meow! He wanted more.”

New Zealand’s most famous cat comes to life on stage in Auckland this April and May 2020.

affordable) kids’ alternative to Lloyd-Webber’s global hit, ‘Cats’.”

Theatreview review.

Auckland’s leading children’s theatre company, Tim Bray Theatre Company, celebrates its 100th production since 1991 with ‘Greedy Cat’ by Joy Cowley. To celebrate such a significant occasion the show will play at five venues across Auckland from 4 April – 23 May.

‘Greedy Cat’ is the first show presented as part of Tim Bray Theatre Company’s 2020 Season of Theatre for Children.

In creating the show, Tim Bray has based his script on 10 of the ‘Greedy Cat’ books by well-known New Zealand children’s author Joy Cowley, adding original songs and music for an entertaining, hourlong show.

“Tim Bray and team bring to life author Joy Cowley and illustrator Robin Belton’s ‘Greedy Cat’ with a production that celebrates feline curiosities and fun; creating a hugely enjoyable (and far more

Next up is ‘The Magic Faraway Tree’ by Enid Blyton (27 June – 18 July); ‘The Twits’ by Roald Dahl.

(19 September – 10 October); ‘The Santa Claus Show’ 2020 by Tim Bray (5 - 22 December).

Children are encouraged to dress up as their favourite pussycat and join the costume parade prior to the school holiday or Saturday shows. F PN For bookings phone T: 09 489 8360 or visit www.timbray.org.nz

$XFNODQG·V OHDGLQJ WKHDWUH IRU FKLOGUHQ

LIVE ON STAGE

4th – 25th April 13th – 16th May For further information visit timbray.org.nz

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Runaway Millionaire, TVNZ On Demand

ARTS + CULTURE

SUMMER STREAMING GUIDE Now that the summer holidays are all but a distant memory, it’s the perfect time to escape to worlds real and imagined. They are worlds full of characters we can love and whose stories we will care about.

Sometimes these characters teach us something about ourselves and the world we live in, sometimes they reflect who we are or who we aspire to be.

TVNZ on Demand

Runaway Millionaire One of the best things about TVNZ on Demand is the growing catalogue of great local drama. Written

by Westmere local Pip Hall, Runaway Millionaire has been nominated as a finalist in five categories including best screenplay in the 2020 New York Festivals Film & TV Awards. It’s the story of a Rotorua couple who become instant millionaires, a dream come true, or is it? Told through the eyes of Kara Hurring, it’s the story of a financially struggling couple who go from pumping gas to a life on the run with 10 million dollars they were given by mistake.

Neon or Prime free-to-air

The Brokenwood Mysteries Now up to series 5, The Brokenwood Mysteries is New Zealand’s answer to the much loved Midsomer Murders. It has all the compelling charm of the best who-done-it style police procedural shows.

With well-structured plots set in a small rural town that could be just like the one you last visited, there are enough twists to keep you guessing to the end.

The likeable hero, Detective Senior Sergeant Mike Shepherd, played by Neill Rea, solves macabre, inventive and sometimes unlikely crimes with a team of characters you quickly grow to enjoy watching. While totally binge worthy, the longer

format (usually one hour 30 mins +) means the mystery is solved within a single episode, making it totally satisfying to just watch one at a time.

NETFLIX

The Stranger A UK crime drama with echoes of a chilling psychological thriller. The Stranger is the latest of this genre to drop from Netflix and is loyal to the binge worthy nature of such shows. At times the way secrets are revealed by The Stranger are truly creepy and it becomes hard to know who the good guys and who the bad guys are. While the plot has intrigue to keep you on the edge, it’s hard to become truly invested in all the characters – unlike in Broadchurch or The Fall. The series may have you wondering what secrets you hold that could end up destroying your world.

Ragnarok Danish productions are increasingly popular – in fact, global demand is said to exceed supply. Aimed at teens, the Danish/UK production of Ragnarok is a supernatural mystery that highlights the conflict Scandinavian countries experience between industry and the environment. Set in a fictional Norwegian town where gods and giants once lived and fought themselves to supposed extinction, a misfit teen, Magne, new to town, is determined to do what’s

right. When he realises he is the embodiment of Thor, the action ramps up. Ragnarok is certainly a bit different; it’s a mystery filled with interesting, quirky teen characters that traverse a full range of issues including climate change. The weird English dubbing makes it feel a bit clunky but it is still well worth a binge watch. Maybe the subtitled version would have been better.

LIGHTBOX

Outlander Escape to a world that is lost. The latest series brings the novels of Diana Gabaldon to life once more on our screens. With incredible cinematography, beautiful costuming and a perspective on history that is mostly accurate, if slightly simplified, this series has charmed viewers the world over. It’s a love story filled with action and adventure that crosses centuries, continents and generations. Against a consistent backdrop of arrogant colonial expansion, the hapless lovers Jaime and Claire contend with the travesty of historical events they know they have little power to change. They must bear witness to unpalatable moments in history and potentially cannot avoid their own untimely deaths, or can they? Seasons one to three were 100% binge worthy and while four to six continue to please, they may not be quite as satisfying as earlier ones.

The Brokenwood Mysteries, South Pacific Pictures

136 PONSONBY NEWS+ March 2020

Ragnarok, Netflix

The Stranger, Netflix

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

ARTS + CULTURE Lexus Urban Polo

WHAT’S ON IN MARCH Here is just a sample of the diverse events and activities happening in the wider Ponsonby community and those events we think Ponsonby News readers will enjoy.

Celebrate Seaweek at Auckland Zoo! Saturday 29 February – Sunday 8 March, 9.30am – 5.30pm Dive into Auckland Zoo and join us in celebrating the sea and her beautiful creatures this Seaweek 2020! Our whanau-friendly activities will be based around the theme of ‘Caring for our Seas’. Discover more about the zoo’s Wild Work to help our marine life and places, and how small actions from all of us can have a ripple effect in Aotearoa’s ocean environments to make it a safe place for our marine life to thrive.

Tickets: Normal zoo admission prices apply. Friends of the Zoo free. www.aucklandzoo.co.nz Lexus Urban Polo, Auckland Domain Saturday 14 March, 12 noon – 8pm It’s a polo party in the Auckland Domain. Urban Polo is a fusion of highpaced polo and some of New Zealand’s DJ’s playing simultaneously to create an amazing party atmosphere. It’s a contemporary version polo – think rugby 7’s or T20 cricket.

Improvaganza! Covert Theatre, 51 Mackelvie Street Thursday 19 March 7:30pm – 10pm The New Covert Theatre’s Grand Opening Show! A two-hour-plus show starring The Improv Bandits, C-Suite, A Bard’s Tale and more.

A mammoth occasion in the Auckland arts scene and we want you there. Hosted by Wade Jackson.

Tickets from: $50.69, visit www.coverttheatre.com A-Z Charcoal Drawing Studio One Toi Tū, 1 Ponsonby Road Saturday 28 March 10am – 2pm An intensive drawing workshop with Han Nae Kim, designed for art enthusiasts of all ages and experience levels. Be guided by an experienced tutor from A to Z and discover the beauty of charcoal!

Tickets: $95, visit: www.studioone.org.nz

Tickets from $98, www.urbanpolo.co.nz Pukeko PaintVine @ Longroom, Ponsonby Road Thursday 19 March from 6.45pm Bringing a stroke of creativity and fun to your mid week, PaintVine is a fun and social way to learn technique and produce your own work in a relaxed and social atmosphere. Tickets include all painting materials and a glass of house wine or beer.

Pasifika Festival

Tickets $49, visit www.paintvine.co.nz Over My Dead Body: LITTLE BLACK B!TCH @ TAPAC, 100 Motions Road, Western Springs Wednesday 11 March 8pm, Thurs 12 & Sat 14 March 7:30pm, plus 11am school matinee on Friday 13 March An award-winning play by Jason Te Mete that blends mythology, waiata and black comedy.

Pasifika Festival @ Western Springs Saturday 14 March and Sunday 15 March Opening from 9am on Saturday until 7pm and from 10am until 5pm on Sunday, Auckland’s award-winning Pasifika Festival has grown to become the largest Pacific Island cultural festival of its kind in the world. 11 villages, each with a performance stage and market represent the diversity of Pacific culture. Visit the Cook Islands, Fiji, Niue, Aotearoa, Hawaii, Samoa, Tahiti, Tuvalu, Tonga, Tokelau and Solomon Islands. Free entry.

Auckland Zoo

Tickets $30 (adults), $15 (children), visit: www.tapac.org.nz

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Horoscopes: Miss Pearl Neclis – what your stars hold for March

Aquarius (the Water Carrier) 21 January - 19 February You are always able to share when it comes to your friends, but recently have felt the need to keep some things to yourself. Don’t ever feel guilty about the choices you make. If you stick to your guns you can then make it clear where you stand in your group.

Pisces (the Fishes) 20 February - 20 March If you feel lost or are unsure of what direction to take, look around you as there are plenty of signs pointing you in the right direction.

Whether it’s a figure in authority pointing the way or a casual acquaintance whispering in your ear, you need to take notice.

Aries (the Ram) 21 March - 20 April Whatever you do, don’t put a limit on your imagination this month. Engulf yourself in artistry from all areas of life. Deny yourself nothing and you will be a richer person from the activities that you’ll experience.

Taurus (the Bull) 21 April - 21 May You can be forgiven for confusing real life with fantasy this month. Your social life seems quite complicated and you’re having a bit of an issue with trust. It feels like you have the weight of the world on your shoulders. Seek clarity where you can and your focus should shift.

Gemini (the Twins) 22 May - 21 June You mustn’t ever be concerned about the opinions of others. However, the fear you have of commitment, whether it’s romantic or otherwise, is changing your behaviour.

If you don’t want to change or adapt, then don’t, but make your actions clear.

Cancer (the Crab) 22 June - 22 July Talking about the past can sometimes have an enormous effect on you as a person. You are often drawn to events in your history that produced a certain outcome that was never what you actually wanted. Make peace now as your past and present are about to collide.

Leo (the Lion) 23 July - 21 August A cleansing purge may be the only way that you’ll find relief from what’s been weighing you down recently. Find the filters that suit you. If you get help from sharing, then share away. Find an outlet that fits in with you rather than the other way around. Do what you want rather than what others want you to do.

Virgo (the Virgin) 22 August - 23 September You must remain as transparent as you can if you are to build on any relationships that you have. You don’t have to be completely open, but must be willing to adapt. It’s not worth concealing anything as then your loved ones may not prove as helpful as you’d like.

Libra (the Scales) 24 September - 23 October Try and communicate more seems to be the goal at the moment. Don’t be over zealous in your approach as it might put people off.

Cleansing your environment will ease any anxiety that you may be feeling about any impending decisions you have to make.

Scorpio (the Scorpion) 24 October - 22 November Holding on to an object that gives you a feeling of being capable has always been something that is part of who you are.

Whatever it is that gives you strength will always make you a person that is both dramatic and passionate at the same time.

Separating the two may set you free.

Sagittarius (the Archer) 23 November - 22 December You may be extreme in your thinking, but are fortunate that you are able to accept difference. With your mind always active you are always thinking of ways to change yourself or others. Leave the status quo as it is for a while. Change can occur naturally and organically if left alone.

Capricorn (the Goat) 23 December - 20 January You’re very clever at guessing and reading between the lines. And you now have the tools in your repertoire to make a difference to other people’s lives. There’s nothing stopping you from changing your routine if you remember to keep going forward.

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Dave Lewis

• Plumbing ͻ 'ĂƐĮƫŶŐ • 35 Years Experience ͻ EĞǁ tŽƌŬ ĂŶĚ ZĞŶŽǀĂƟŽŶƐ • Maintenance ͻ DĂƌŝŶĞ 'ĂƐ /ŶƐƚĂůůĂƟŽŶƐ ͻ ĂĐŬŇŽǁ WƌĞǀĞŶƟŽŶ ͻ hŶĚĞƌŇŽŽƌ ,ĞĂƟŶŐ ͻ WƵŵƉ Θ &ŝůƚƌĂƟŽŶ ŝŶƐƚĂůůĂƟŽŶƐ ͻ , W tĞůĚŝŶŐ ͻ ,Žƚ tĂƚĞƌ ^ƉĞĐŝĂůŝƐƚ

GROWTH MAINTENANCE 1/8

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PONSONBY NEWS+ March 2020

139

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