PONSONBY NEWS - MAY'17

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PUBLISHED FRIDAY 5 MAY 2017

Established: OCTOBER 1989 – CELEBRATING 27 YEARS OF PUBLISHING HISTORY!

MAY 2017

ADAM ARNOLD, PONSONBY Meet Tobias & Brad "A dream come true. We opened a restaurant, serve food & drinks & and have fun doing it."

A-Z LOCAL CAFES & RESTAURANTS GUIDE ponsonbynews.co.nz

DAW S O N & C O .

WHAT’S INSIDE THIS MONTH

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P6: Returned Services march along Richmond Road to the Grey Lynn Returned Services Club for last month's ANZAC DAY commemorations; P30: Our annual A-Z of local cafes and restaurants - meet Dida’s chef Lee Huggins & colleague Samuel Uiha.

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR FROM THE EDITOR DAVID HARTNELL: ONE MINUTE INTERVIEW PIPPA COOM: WAITEMATA LOCAL BOARD MIKE LEE, COUNCILLOR FOR WAITEMATA & GULF JOHN ELLIOTT: LOCAL NEWS U3A PONSONBY NIKKI KAYE: AUCKLAND CENTRAL MP A-Z LOCAL CAFES & RESTAURANTS

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EAT, DRINK AND BE MERRY COVER STORY - ADAM ARNOLD VEG FRIENDLY: GARY STEEL PONSONBY NEWS READERS ARE EVERYWHERE FASHION + STYLE LIVING, THINKING & BEING JOHN APPLETON ON HEALTH

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PONSONBY PETS PONSONBY PROFESSIONALS HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS HEIDI PADAIN: ENTERTAINMENT IN YOUR GARDEN ARTS + CULTURE HOROSCOPES: MISS PEARL NECLIS PONSONBY PINK PAGES

HELENE RAVLICH: LOCAL BEAUTY FUTURE GENERATION FRONT COVER PHOTOGRAPHY: Martin Leach

PONSONBY NEWS+ is published monthly, excluding January by ALCHEMY MEDIA LIMITED LIM POSTAL: P.O. BOX 47-282 Ponsonby, Auckland 1144. www.ponsonbynews.co.nz T: 09 378 8553 or 09 361 3356 Editor/Publisher Associate Publisher & Ad Manager Distribution Manager Advertising Sales Operations Manager Contributing Fashion Editor Contributing Music Editor Contributing Editor Contributing Editor Proof Readers Layout Designer Designer

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MARTIN LEACH; M: 021 771 147; E: martinleach@xtra.co.nz or martin@ponsonbynews.co.nz JO BARRETT; M: 021 324 510; E: joannebarrett@xtra.co.nz JAY PLATT; M: 021 771 146; E: jayplatt@xtra.co.nz or jay@ponsonbynews.co.nz MELISSA PAYNTER; M: 027 938 4111; E: melissa@ponsonbynews.co.nz GWYNNE DAVENPORT; M: 021 150 4095; E: gwynne@ponsonbynews.co.nz JULIE ROULSTON; M: 027 211 7169; E: julie@ponsonbynews.co.nz FINN MCLENNAN-ELLIOTT; M: 021 134 4101; E: finn.huia@gmail.com DEIRDRE ROELANTS; M: 021 261 8439; E: deirdre33@slingshot.co.nz JOHN ELLIOTT; M: 021 879 054; E: johnelliott@ihug.co.nz JESSIE KOLLEN and DEIRDRE THURSTON ARNA MARTIN; E: arna@cocodesign.co.nz MELISSA PAYNTER; E: melissa@ponsonbynews.co.nz

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LETTERS + EMAILS Listen to the music I look forward to Ponsonby News arriving in my letterbox each month. There’s something quite refreshing and tactile about a magazine.

It makes a change from searching on-line for information on things happening in our neighbourhood. I head straight to the arts section and, in particular, I enjoy the articles on music by Finn McLennan-Elliot. Last month the roundup review on gigs in Ponsonby venues was a good reminder to me to get out there and start listening

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Views in Ponsonby News reflect the authors’ and not those of Alchemy Media. to some live music. Like a tactile magazine, live music feels so much better! Cam S, Grey Lynn

in either 1945 or 1946 and a group photograph of this was taken at the Herne Bay school.

Do any readers have any news of the Home Guard in Ponsonby?

I am an old Ponsonby boy, born in Crummer Road and living most of my life in a house in Lincoln Street. I am now domiciled in London, living in the United Kingdom. since 1975. My father, called Ted Halloran, was in the Home Guard and attended the drill hall near the potteries for the duration of the war. The company was disbanded

My father regularly attended the annual 'smoko' at what was once the Regal Theatre at the top of Douglas Street on Ponsonby Road. I wonder if you could appeal to any reader who might know of the Home Guard in Ponsonby and have a picture of the demob. My father died in 1956 and Leys Institute do not have any information on the unit. My email is ponsonbypaul@gmail.com.

Paul Halloran, London

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ANZAC DAY SERVICE @ Grey Lynn RSC 25 April 2017 6

1. Helen White, NZ Labour Party; 2. Jubilation Choir; 3. Gerry Hill talks about his Merchant Navy Service; 4. Pippa Coom from the Waitemata Local Board; 5. Dan Tippett, DLT and Rev Mua Strickson-Pua; 6. New Zealand Royal Navy

69,000 READERS PER MONTH

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(Nielsen Media)

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FROM THE EDITOR CAN YOU BELIEVE WE ARE ALREADY FIVE MONTHS INTO 2017? SCARY THOUGHT! Our May issue is all about our Ponsonby Little Black Book - an A-Z of local cafes and restaurants. This time there are 213 places which may entice you to visit again, or for the first time - P30.

In April, Dida’s on Jervois Road welcomed back Lee Huggins into the position of head chef. He has taken the month to review what’s around and, in May, is presenting a new menu for the Food Store.

Dida’s is also pleased to welcome Angie Jakicevich back into the Glengarry team.

A member of the third generation of the Jakicevich family, Angie is an important link between the family and its business on the original site. She has an extensive background working in all aspects of Glengarry, a passion for great food and wine and an impeccable understanding of the level of quality required to uphold the reputation of this historic family owned enterprise - P44.

Brad - “I’m a huge fan of the beef cheek, cooked for eight hours at 110ºC in an Argentinean malbec. Served with soft, creamy polenta and garlic greens, it's a real crowd pleaser” - P47.

We are lucky in greater Ponsonby to have so much choice. At the well-established Ponsonby International Foodcourt alone, there are Italian, Vietnamese, Japanese, Malaysian, Chinese, Turkish, Thai, Laotian, Indian, Indonesian cuisines and, as the manager says, “There is a licensed bar that is known to fill your wine glass to the brim” - P53.

Graham Brazier is a name familiar to many in the music world. Brazier passed away in September 2015, two years after band mate and friend Dave McArtney’s passing. Their band Hello Sailor is best known as one of the electrifying rock bands of the pub circuit that included Ponsonby’s very own Gluepot.

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

photography: John Elliott

Popular eatery Adam Arnold is our front cover star this issue. We asked the co-owners to reveal their favourite dishes. Tobias - “My favourite dish changes weekly. I totally adore our Coromandel mussels in Central Otago chardonnay and parsley sauce - They're an indulgent delight in any weather.”

L to R: Joanne Barrett, Martin Leach, Jay Platt, Melissa Paynter and Gwynne Davenport While Brazier was playing in the United States with Hello Sailor, he was asked to take the place of the late Jim Morrison, frontman for The Doors. This is one of those little stories that’s become something of a Kiwi legend. He reportedly stood by Hello Sailor, determined to make the Kiwi band succeed.

His final album ‘Left Turn At Midnite’ is the brand new album, produced and released after his death, and a well-crafted collection of the last songs he ever wrote - P104.

(MARTIN LEACH) F PN

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DAVID HARTNELL’S ONE MINUTE INTERVIEW NewstalkZB’s weekday 12 noon - 4pm host Mark Dye has recently moved into the Ponsonby area and is loving it.

Where do you live?

Westmere. The best thing about it is that all my best friends live in the area. I do have a couple in Avondale, but I don’t hold that against them.

What was your childhood like?

My childhood was amazing. Literally perfect. I have the most incredible family (nuclear and extended), and I have many happy memories - playing in and around the creek by my house in Howick with my brother and our dog, family ping pong tournaments, summers in our caravan at Orewa Beach. It really was idyllic.

Did you always want to be in radio?

No, initially I wanted to be a pilot, and then I wanted to be on TV. In exploring the TV life, I was told the best way to get on the telly was to study radio at the New Zealand Broadcasting School as so many people from radio ended up on TV. In short, I fell in love. Having since done a bit of TV, it's so overrated. It's too time consuming. To be fair, radio (at times), can be too, but generally speaking you hit the ‘MIC ON’ button and you are away.

I will die happy if...

I continue to be able to look back on everything I have done with no regrets.

Your bucket list?

The other 110-odd countries I am yet to visit. Having a million dollars in the bank. Buying a dog.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

With most of the above ticked off.

A movie about your life - who would play you?

People say all the time I look like Johnny Knoxville, 'Our Jason' from Coronation Street and/or Rob Lowe. Who I get very much depends on the age of the person and our whereabouts. For instance, under 40 - Knoxville, over 40 and in the United Kingdom - Jason from Coro.

So probably one of them?

What do you dislike about your appearance?

Too scrawny. I’d love bigger arms/shoulders... they are getting bigger, slowly.

The best thing about your age?

Begrudgingly (hate getting older), I guess the knowledge I have.

I’d love to be 25 again, but I would miss all the knowledge and experience I have garnered since.

Something you disapprove of?

A lack of empathy. New Zealand is not the place it used to be. We have changed from a country that was about the community, the collective good, to a country that is very much focused on the individual. In saying that, this is the western world in 2017.

Your biggest disappointments?

That my grandparents weren't around longer. They all died too young for me to really get involved in their lives.

What motivates you?

Fun. And new experiences. And, out of necessity, so I can do those first two, money.

What happens when we die?

I hope I get reincarnated as a dog. I don’t believe Heaven exists!

Favourite movie?

The Shawshank Redemption. Why? I don’t know. Redemption maybe?

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Give your teenaged self some advice?

You’ve got great instinct. Follow it.

How do you chill out?

The beach - preferably somewhere near the equator, and a great playlist on my iPhone.

Which item of clothing can't you live without?

I have a pair of black jeans I am in love with at the moment. Funny thing is I hated them for the first couple of months I had them; so much so I even considered dropping them in the clothing bin.

Your dream home?

Small, minimal with a balcony, lounge and kitchen that faces west (afternoon sun), a pool and located 10 minutes from where I work.

F%^$ sitting in traffic!

What are you insecure about?

Ending up alone. It won’t happen. Worst case scenario I’ll get four dogs.

Something very few people know about you?

I can at times be incredibly shy.

Greatest fear?

My mum and dad not being with me anymore.

Which talent would you like to have?

To be able to sing. If I could sing I’d be a rockstar right now.

What cliché do you most hate?

Nothing springs to mind...

What gizmo can you not live without?

My laptop. My entire life is on that thing.

Greatest weakness/indulgence?

Food. I love eating. I am a morbidly obese man in a skinny man's body.

Comfort food?

Fried chicken. Chocolate. Toast. Cheese. Honestly, anything.

Dream guest list for dinner?

Obama. I really do love him, and hopefully I can get him really drunk and get him to spill on the aliens! (DAVID HARTNELL, MNZM) F PN

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PIPPA COOM: WAITEMATA LOCAL BOARD REPORT My first Local Board Plan at the helm of Waitemata Local Board. Twenty-one local boards have been shaping the local character and identity of diverse communities across Auckland for seven years now.

They do this through three yearly plans that set local priorities and determine what initiatives are funded. Public input into these plans is vital to ensure they reflect community aspirations.

There are a variety of ways to have your say on the Waitemata draft Local Board Plan: online, in person, post, email, via social media or at an event (details will be posted to every household in late May).

This is my first Local Board Plan at the helm of Waitemata Local Board, so I will be making the most of every opportunity to discuss the draft plan at a series of events. As promised in the March Ponsonby News, we will do all we can to make this consultation informative, effective and fun!

Information sessions and Have Your Say events in May: Come along to find out more about local board plans, ask questions and give feedback.

Waitemata is the heart of Tamaki Makaurau so the draft plan covers a great deal. It provides a local response to a new set of challenges and opportunities arising from Auckland’s unprecedented growth. The draft presents a vision for the next three years and a series of initiatives that with community support we would like to progress in order to enhance our area.

• Parnell Library, Jubilee Building - Thursday 25 May, 10am-12 noon

For example, over the next three years we are proposing for the Ponsonby area an arts precinct based around Studio One, development of Ponsonby Park at 254 Ponsonby Road now that the community-led design has been chosen and a Ponsonby Laneways Plan. As a progressive board we also take our wider responsibilities seriously. We’re committed to reducing Auckland’s greenhouse gas emissions, ending the overflow of waste into our harbour and championing best-practise initiatives to provide sustainable solutions for homelessness.

• Have your say event: Jubilee Hall, Parnell - Wednesday 24 May, 6pm-8pm

However, it is all in draft so let us know if we have the priorities right, if anything is missing or what needs to be tweaked so we can achieve the best outcomes for everyone.

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• Parnell Farmers Market - Saturday 20 May, 9am-12 noon

• Grey Lynn Farmers Market - Saturday 27 May, 9am-12.30pm • Central City Library - Wednesday 31 May, 10am-12 noon

Consultation on draft plans runs between 22 May and 30 June 2017.

What’s coming up?

The opening of the Grey Lynn Pump Track and the Grey Lynn Greenways route are happening over the next month. We will post updates and opening event invitation details on the board’s Facebook page. (PIPPA COOM) F PN Contact Pippa Coom, Chair of Waitamata Local Board: pippa.coom@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz, www.facebook.com/waitemata

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1. Twins Jaya and Ila Patel presenting the Bring Back the Monkey Bars to Grey Lynn Park playground petition to the Waitemata Local Board; 2. School holiday fun at the new Western Park playground; 3. Waitemata Local Board is committed to events that are smokefree and zero waste.

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PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

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LOCAL NEWS PONSONBY PARK UPDATE Last month our Community-led design (CLD) group presented your chosen design for Ponsonby Park to the Waitemata Local Board (WLB).

Included in our presentation were the chosen concept designs by LandLAB and the initial cost estimates for the realisation of our park.

The WLB congratulated the CLD group on our significant work and achievements to date and have resolved to “refer the chosen design to Parks, Sports and Recreation officers.”

The officers have been requested to "progress a development design and report back to the board.”

Board members in charge of the Parks portfolio, Shale Chambers and Adriana Avendaño Christie, were vocal in their support for Ponsonby Park and heartened by the ongoing and substantial community engagement in the CLD process.

In the meantime the CLD group is drilling down into the results of the final design consultation to see what the community told us - beyond their preferred design.

‘The angels are in the detail’ so this is where we look.

All of the comments will be analysed and used to further inform the design brief, thereby ensuring we have captured as much of what the community desires as possible.

This work will be completed soon and we look forward to our workshop with the WLB to further plan Ponsonby Park. An important part of this will be the creation of a timeline and

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Pippa Coom WLB Chair, Chris Bailey CLD Chair & Adriana Avendaño Christie WLB member milestones around the development of Ponsonby Park. Once these are decided, we’ll let you know when to keep an eye out for the results from each stage of the process.

We will also plan to have a debrief to council of how the Community-led design group process worked for us and how other communities might join in the fun.

Ponsonby Park - now it begins! (JENNIFER WARD) F PN

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MIKE LEE: COUNCILLOR FOR WAITEMATA & GULF

Auckland Transport’s march of folly In 1985 Barbara Tuchman published her book ‘March of Folly - from Troy to Vietnam’ about "the pervasive presence, through the ages, of failure, mismanagement, and delusion in government - contrary to its own self interest".

I think about that book whenever the question of rail to Auckland airport comes up. There could no clearer example of Tuchman’s thesis than the boards of Auckland Transport (AT) and NZTA marching in lockstep to rule out even the possibility of future trains to Auckland International Airport. And, it’s not just words, over the Christmas holidays AT demolished Onehunga’s Nielson Street overbridge, rebuilding the road at grade, thereby physically blocking the rail corridor to the airport.

Melbourne is one major Australian city that does not yet have airport rail but it does have the most extensive light rail system in the world.

Unlike Auckland, however, the Victorian government is not planning on light rail for Melbourne Airport but heavy rail. This on the grounds that trains as international best practice demonstrates, provide a faster, more predictable journey-time and carry a lot more people and luggage than street-running trams.

Deliberately sabotaging the rail corridor to Auckland International Airport is one of the most irresponsible acts I have witnessed during my time in local government.

However, I should point out that the argument in Auckland between light rail and heavy rail is something of a sham (one of the few people still taking it seriously is Mayor Phil Goff), given the government’s recently announced answer for Auckland Airport’s transport problems: light rail (trams) in 30 years’ time, buses in the meantime.

Auckland International Airport is of critical economic importance to Auckland and New Zealand - it is the gateway to the country. Despite hundreds of millions spent in road construction, congestion on the route to the city is already near where it was 10 years ago, chronic at peak times, periodically at grid-lock. With airport passenger movements currently 17 million per year, and predicted to increase to 20 million by 2020 and 40 million in 2044, this congestion can only become more dire.

In September 2011, a multi-agency study involving Auckland Council, Auckland Transport, NZTA, KiwiRail and Auckland International Airport Ltd, with consultants GHD, after examining light rail, busway and heavy rail options, concluded heavy rail (electric trains) from Onehunga 10km to the airport and 6.8km from Puhinui on the main trunk line would be the ‘most economically efficient’ solution - providing a fast, single-seat journey from airport to downtown Auckland (including the CRL stations), and all points on the rail network including Newmarket, Henderson, Glen Innes, Pukekohe and ultimately Hamilton.

In 2012, this recommendation, after public consultation, became a commitment in the Auckland Plan: "route protect a dedicated rail connection in the first decade (2011-2020); construct in the second decade (2021-2030)."

However, in November 2014, AT announced a preference for light rail. A year or so after this AT came up with a business case ‘proving’ extending (non-existing) light rail from Dominion Road to the airport would be more economic than extending (existing) heavy rail from Onehunga. As an example of the credibility of this business case, it claimed a second track for the 3.5km Onehunga Branch Line would cost $578 million, (notwithstanding it cost KiwiRail $9 million to build the first track in 2010). It also claimed a tram coming from the airport via Dominion Road, despite stopping at 20 tram stops and numerous intersections while keeping to a 50kph speed limit, would get to the CBD (and vice versa) within one minute of an electric train travelling at 110kph!

Rather than facing up to the growing transport crisis at Auckland Airport, the Government is focused on the bizarre ‘East-West Link’ along the Onehunga foreshore. At $1.8 billion the most expensive road in New Zealand history, being pushed ahead without a cost-benefit analysis (and the reason why the rail corridor from Onehunga was blocked).

Last month AT ‘project director key strategic initiatives’ Theunis Van Schalkwyk, whose responsibilities also include the East-West Link, who commissioned the business case that ‘proved’ trams superior to trains, and who along with his boss David Warburton persuaded the boards of NZTA and AT to exclude heavy rail, announced to bemused Auckland councillors that ‘mass transit’ will begin at Auckland airport in 2024. When questioned on what he meant by mass transit, he answered "advanced buses".

However, in arguing Auckland International Airport’s transport problems can be solved with more buses, the Government and AT’s bureaucrats have apparently forgotten their own Centre City Future Access Study of 2012. The modelling in which revealed that inner Auckland streets will be so congested with buses by 2021 that average road speeds will be down to 7kph. Now they are proposing to add ‘platoons’ of airport buses to the city in 2024! What confidence can Aucklanders have in these people’s advice?

Barbara Tuchman made up some rules on how policy decisions get to qualify as a ‘March of Folly’. First the policy must be contrary to self-interest, [check]; secondly a feasible alternative policy must be available [check]; and finally the policy must be that of a group (not an individual (mad) ruler) [check].

The feasible alternative option of connecting Auckland International Airport by rail to the electrified main trunk line at Puhinui 6.8km away must be carried out urgently before that option, too, is sabotaged.

PN (MIKE LEE) F

Mike Lee is the Auckland Councillor for Waitemata & Gulf ward, www.mikelee.co.nz

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JOHN ELLIOTT: LOCAL NEWS

Impressive new Labour candidate for Auckland Central Last month I interviewed Helen White, the recently chosen Labour Party candidate for Auckland Central.

Helen White is a very impressive woman. She is a barrister in employment law in the city, has three almost grown up children, and was born and bred in Freemans Bay. Her mother Carol is the former Principal of Selwyn College, while father Peter is a retired lawyer.

Carol and Peter still live in Freeman’s Bay. Although Helen White is a first-time candidate for parliament she has a mature presence about her, a firm grip on the policy issues she cares most about, and told me she felt that “the time feels right.”

She discussed the recent book The Spirit Level, which outlines social problems that accompany inequality. “The working poor still can’t feed their kids.”

White is also critical of a government which gives "little honours" to little people who ‘slave their guts out in their communities, for the underprivileged’, and gives "big honours" for business success.

White has an engaging personality and was entirely comfortable with a wide-ranging discussion about politics, family, education, often with reference to the inner city of Auckland which she knows so well.

Of course Helen White will face Nikki Kaye in the battle for Auckland Central. Kaye has been an impressive local MP, and by the time this Ponsonby News goes to print she may be the new Minister of Education. Kaye will take some rolling, but White is not fazed. She will challenge the issues head-on.

It doesn’t take long to get behind the infectious laugh and smiling persona to discuss serious political issues.

“I find a lot of people talking about the issues, including a lot of younger ones. I’m in the middle,” she laughs.

Over the years, she told me, Helen has met hundreds of people who she said “go to meetings and run around achieving absolutely nothing. This was a lesson for me. I want to do something real.

She doesn’t believe the polls. There is a vitality about Labour which augurs well for September, White reckons. People are concerned at precarious work, including zero hours', contracts.

“Justice is about economic reality,” she says, “and whether people can access it.”

“Gone is the negativity and division that infected Labour for too long.

It is now all about positivity and solutions."

White is concerned that we haven’t learned from the leaky building crisis. "It’s not over yet," she warns.

White believes her genuine localness, born and brought up in Auckland Central, and now with her law practice in the city, gives her an understanding of the hot political issues and she will fight hard to dislodge Nikki Kaye.

As a young lawyer, White worked for a time in the EPMU Union with Andrew Little. She rated him then and she rates him now. One of Andrew’s achievements, which Helen speaks highly of, was his stopping of Air New Zealand from contracting maintenance work out to Asia.

I wouldn’t put money on it, but assure readers that Helen White is a highly intelligent woman with a sparkling personality, who will give it PN her best shot. (JOHN ELLIOTT) F

White told me people no longer know what a union is and what its point or value is. Power is now “out of whack,” she contends, and there is huge disengagement, increasing alienation. People’s issues are not being addressed.

Housing is a huge issue, acknowledges White, particularly rentals.

The Government has denied there is a crisis.

“Nothing has been done to address the disparities in the economy,” she bemoans. “The inequality gap continues to widen.

The Government’s books may say surplus, but there are too many New Zealanders, especially the young, who are underemployed, if employed at all. Why hasn’t the Government worked that out?”

The Labour candidate is highly critical of the breakdown of ‘community’, resulting in suicides, drug abuse, isolation and anomie.

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18 PONSONBY NEWS+ May 2017

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

LOCAL NEWS PONSONBY COMMUNITY CENTRE NEWS We are sad to see our Centre Manager Robert Matamu leave after nine years. He has moved to the Gold Coast for family reasons and be will be missed by everyone who knew him. A new person will be appointed as Centre Manager, in the meantime Rachael Brodie will be acting Centre Manager. rachael@ponsonbycommunity.org.nz All of our groups have confirmed for next term. Please check our website for details or come and see what we have to offer for the young ones to the more mature kind.

We have Young at Art which has added a new programme called Artful Splodgers which will commence Friday 12 May to 30 June. Suitable for children aged 3-5 years. This will be at Leys Institute Gymnasium Hall. Special introductory price $90. For booking www.youngatart.co.nz or anna@youngatart.co.nz.

Do you need inspiration to prepare healthy food options? If so check this out: ‘Healthy Family Dinners’ Cooking Workshop at The Ponsonby Community Centre. Join Wick Nixon from Wicked Wellbeing for an afternoon of discovery, learning and fun for the whole family.

Saturday 27 May 2017. Time 2pm - 4pm. Special price $25 includes tasting and recipe sheets. For bookings email rachael@ponsonbycommunity.org.nz The Ponsonby Community Centre would like to organise a group for parents. This will be a support group for parents who have children going through a difficult time, ie, behavioural problems and mental health. When something like this happens we feel as a parent quite isolated and you should not be alone. If you are a parent/ sister/brother and feel you can benefit from this please do not hesitate to call Rachael, T: 09 378 1752 or email rbrodie@ponsonbycommunity.org.nz. The group will eventually become an independent group which will be run by parents.

20 PONSONBY NEWS+ May 2017

Ponsy Kids Community Preschool • 20 ECE funded hours.

• New session times developed to meet the needs of our community.

Our tamariki are the centre of everything we do. Ponsy Kids is a child’s home away from home where they are nurtured, respected and valued as individuals with a strong sense of belonging. We believe to truly know a child you need to know the family. Our families are an integral part of our teaching and learning environment where they know they have a place and are respected and valued.

Ponsy Kids is a not-for-profit, community based centre and we believe that the best outcomes for children occur when teachers are qualified with high teacher to child ratios.

This allows teachers to build stronger relationships with children, provide high-quality interactions and deepen their learning.

We believe the environment acts as a third teacher. We aim to create an inviting space that children are excited to interact with as it reflects their interests and shows that we value these.

We support our children in the next step of their learning journey as they transition to school. Our close links with local schools and knowledge of our community supports children and families into this new learning environment. Children will leave Ponsy Kids affirmed in their sense of identity. They are ready to take on new challenges as capable, PN confident, life-long learners - something that we are proud to be part of. F Contact details are: Head Teacher: Julie Ferguson, E: julie@ponsonbycommunity.org.nz T: 09 376 0896 For more information on Ponsonby Community Centre please T: 09 378 1752; M: 021 244 0904; E: info@ponsonbycommunity.org.nz, www.ponsonbycommunity.org.nz; Facebook: Ponsonby Community Centre

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

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JOHN ELLIOTT: LOCAL NEWS

Ponsonby woman joins Kings College Board Last month Ponsonby News met the delightful Ponsonby resident Shan Wilson, an employment lawyer with Simpson Grierson.

Shan has recently been appointed to the Board of Governors for Kings College. She will be one of three women on the board, and the only woman ex-pupil.

I asked her how she got shoulder tapped.

“I ticked the boxes they wanted,” she said.

“As an old girl of the school with legal experience, they thought I could make a worthwhile contribution.”

I noted from her bio that she was also a trustee of a South Auckland decile one school, Te Matauranga Primary. How did that come about?

Shan did some employment law work for the school and they asked her if she would join their board. The abilities needed to run a Board of Trustees is often limited in decile one areas, and they were delighted Shan agreed six years ago to join them. “Now we have a lawyer on the board we’re like a decile 10 school,” one of the principals joked.

I explored with Shan the differences between Kings and Te Matauranga, and asked her how these gelled together. “They do feed into each other,” she said. “Both have excellent Principals, an important part of an excellent school.” Seeing kids at both ends of the spectrum getting good teaching was rewarding, Wilson told me.

Wilson was a sixth former at Carmel College on the North Shore when she went to her parents and said she wanted to go to Kings for her seventh form (year 13) year. Her parents opposed the idea, but the strong -minded daughter won out. Some of her school friends were planning American Field Service and other overseas exchanges.

Shan didn’t want that. She wanted a new challenge, but one that would still lead to Auckland University the next year.

There were about fifty girls in Wilson’s 1987 intake. Girls had been attending Kings for seven years and were well received by the boys and the teachers. There was not one woman teacher on the staff at that time.

Kings now has a female Deputy Principal. A past headmaster once told Shan that girls pulled the boys up academically and often gave them motivation to succeed.

Shan agrees that perhaps boys and girls do better at years 9 and 10 in single-sex situations, but considers co-ed a benefit after that.

Shan’s boys did their primary years at Ponsonby Primary.

I asked Shan how she justified then sending her boys to Kings School and then Kings College, all the way from Central Auckland, passing many good schools on the way.

Did she approve of taking kids from their community far away?

She was in no way defensive about this. She had thought about this issue, but decided she wanted her boys to have the all-round education that Kings offers. “I thrived on it,” Shan said, “and my year nine son is thriving, too. Kings students love trains! They make daily travel to school easy,” Shan maintains.

However, Shan is sure that the excellent primary schools in central Auckland, like Ponsonby Primary, are particularly good.

One interesting point she made was that Kings School probably has greater diversity among its pupils than Ponsonby Primary. It’s at least partly about the exorbitant price of houses in the Ponsonby catchment area.

Kings has a number of scholarships to ensure a number of underprivileged kids get to attend.

So Shan is enjoying waving the flag for Kings girls, as well as using her legal skills on the board. She made an interesting point when she told me that because state schools have much of their administration dealt with by the ministry, governance of a private school can be much more complex. She finds this stimulating, and is a strong supporter of private schools.

“The all-round education focus at Kings helped make me a multi-tasker,” she says.

Government contributes to private-school costs because it saves putting more money into state schools is the private school mantra, which Shan espouses. “We could do with more government subsidy," she cheekily suggests. That, I thought, was an argument for another day.

Wilson is a fervent supporter of Kings, proud to be an 'old girl' herself, and proud to be sending her children there, however elitist some may call that choice. Shan is clearly a valuable addition to the Board of Governors.

PN (JOHN ELLIOTT) F

FINAL PUBLIC SHOW FOR LOCAL VIOLINIST NZTrio’s popular Q Theatre Loft Series returns on 21 and 23 May with Swoop.

Ponsonby-based violinist Justine Cormack will be playing her last public show with the ‘original crew’, after 15 years together. Swoop converges sweeping nostalgia (Frank Bridge) with epic legends of faraway lands (Shen Nalin) and honeyed sonic hues (Chris Gendall), before a magnificent curtain (Franz Schubert). Expect an intimate setting and great acoustics - plus join NZTrio to celebrate their exciting future after the show. F PN www.qtheatre.co.nz

22 PONSONBY NEWS+ May 2017

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

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DEIRDRE THURSTON: ON MY MIND

In the car I have always been an observer. Which is not to say I’m not a participant. I jump right into ‘feeling’. It is detail I love. And ‘observation’ provides detail. For many of us, certainly me, driving in the car allows thinking time, observation time. Both inner and outer.

Plans are hatched, shopping lists are itemised. Dreams are dreamed and conversations, past and future, play in our heads. Talks are had with your teen in the car. Lulled into a false sense of security by the hum of the motor and perhaps no direct eye contact, their truths come out. Their thoughts, what is happening in their lives, once again - inner and outer. Anxieties, excitement, all are handed to you with ease. Some of which you’d be happier not knowing. There have been times during these car conversations/confessions I have had to grit my teeth, stare fixedly at the road, count to 10 or 110 to stop myself screeching to a halt and screaming : “What! Please tell me you are not serious.” In these moments, I applied the sage advice of psychologist Nigel Latta: Shutup, shutup, shutup.

In fact, in all teen open talk time, the shutup rule worked to ensure open dialogue continued, car or not.

Then there are the myriad of sights we see while in the car. Pimple squeezing, nose picking, eyebrow tweezing, makeup applying, texting. I watched a guy, mid 50s, read the newspaper and do a crossword puzzle as our cars travelled side by side up the NorthWestern Motorway. He had several near misses with the vehicle in front. The meerkat brigade is hilarious. Or would be if members weren’t such a danger to others. Craning their necks back and forth to see something away from the road that has caught their attention. No wonder there are so many nose to tails and squished hedgehogs, possums and pukeko. How can anyone think it safe to hurtle along at 80km and not keep eyes firmly ahead and checking rear vision mirror?

Worst of all are the trash thrower-outers. Sitting in my car at the lights by Western Springs stadium a couple of weeks ago, KFC cartons, disposable cups and screwed up napkins were lobbed out a passenger window and the driver’s window. I could see two kids in the back seat, and the driver was adult not teen. Not that being a teen would be any excuse for such bad behaviour. It took me all my time not to jump out of my car, scoop up the rubbish and chuck it back through the windows saying: “Oops, you dropped something.” The lights turned green so I beeped my pathetic little horn and pointed at the rubbish now skittering across the road in the wind and getting squashed by other car tyres. The driver gave me a finger sign and blared his loudly superior horn back at me. The kids, seatbelt-less, knelt on the back seat and copied the driver’s (dad?) finger antics laughing their heads off and poking nasty little tongues out at me.

How is it that people can have such a sense of entitlement around polluting our space?

We all share this planet. No one and nothing alive is more important than anyone or anything else. These kids will grow up to teach the same slack attitudes. Unless they become conscious through school eco programmes or intelligence and maturity kick in, in spite of their role model. Are these the same people who stuff rubbish into letterboxes and hedges as they pass by? Turf ciggie butts on the footpath?

Possibly the ones who also use the disabled parking spaces at supermarkets for no other reason than convenience and laziness. It makes me want to cry. My very little, slender mother had to lug out a heavy wheelchair from her car boot and help my poor dad into it. He was three times her size and couldn’t walk after suffering a massive stroke. Often the disabled spaces were filled with those completely capable of jogging to the store. She then had to push the damn wheelchair on her spindly little legs much further. I was with them one day and decided to confront, politely, a family in a people mover in a disabled spot at a Grey Lynn supermarket. I explained how difficult it was for Mum to handle the chair, Dad, then push it a distance. Their response: “Tell her to leave the old bastard at home then; now f... off lady.”

What do you say to something like that?

I have also seen heart-warming sights from in my car. A man hopping out of his car, completely ignoring honking drivers stuck behind, in order to pick up an injured seagull.

Another man stop and help ducklings across Great North Road back to their terrified, quacking mother pacing the verge. They all waddled off happily towards the lake and safety. Let’s not think about the eels…

Sadly, I have seen people sobbing in their cars. I’ve certainly cried in mine. I want to stop, get out and tap on their windows and ask how I can help. Arguing, laughing, staring longingly out at the sea, dripping ice cream, dropping sushi, lighting cigarettes with only one finger on the wheel - all the stuff of being in the car.

PN In my car, I mostly enjoy being along for the ride. And singing. (DEIRDRE THURSTON) F

CINEMA ITALIANO FESTIVAL COMING SOON Movie buffs prepare: the Italian Film Festival is coming to New Zealand. Featuring a heady selection of films that celebrate Italian life in all its forms, The Cinema Italiano Festival will begin its six month national tour in June 2017.

The festival is curated by actor, director and playwright Paolo Rotondo, and will honour Italian filmmaking past and present.

Each city will open with a digitally remastered version of the classic comedy ‘Roman Holiday’, a giddy Valentine to Roma starring Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck.

Other festival highlights include Nunziante’s comedy Where Am I Going?, the highest -grossing film in Italian cinema history; Genovese’s dramatic comedy Perfect Strangers that explores what happens when a group of good friends gather for dinner and take part in an innocent experiment resulting in some eye-opening disclosure; and Visconti’s 1960 gritty crime film, Rocco and His Brothers, starring Alain Delon and Annie Girardot. www.cinemaitalianonz.com

24 PONSONBY NEWS+ May 2017

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

PONSONBY NEWS+ May 2017

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PONSONBY U3A: APRIL 2017 How hard can this be? That was the thought of 18 U3A members who recently attended their first ukulele lesson.

It is the newest special-interest group at Ponsonby U3A and has been formed for fun and enjoyment, and with the aim of providing entertainment for the U3A Christmas luncheon.

Meanwhile learning the chords of C, F and G7 is all consuming, let alone learning to strum in style.

Ukulele is one of 18 special interest groups at Ponsonby U3A. The groups are regarded as the lifeblood of the U3A movement, providing members with opportunities to learn without pressure and to socialise with like minded people who are reaching or have reached retirement age. A wide range of topics is available from art history to science, petanque to dining out. As well as ukulele, recent new groups include poetry, concert -going and science.

Ponsonby U3A meets on the second Friday morning of each month. As well as reports from the convenors of the special-interest groups there is a guest speaker and a 10 -minute speaker from within U3A. April’s 10-minute speaker was former academic Dr Helen Bernstone with a topic familiar to many U3A members - the transition from being employed full time for 45 years to becoming ‘career free’, or “my journey from one identity to another.” She described her two and a half year transition “from the best job in the world at Flinders University (equilibrium), to returning home to a life in Auckland without structure (disequilibrium) and the consequential return for her to a state of equilibrium.” Reaching that state was one of challenge, exploration and developing insights from which she emerged to a state of equilibrium - and a new identity.

The question posed by the guest speaker Gillian Eadie from the Memory Foundation was “How are you protecting your memory?” She introduced recent discoveries in the field of memory and strategies for building new brain connections as a buffer against memory loss in later life. Memory Foundation programmes are based on the internationally

Ponsonby U3A members at their first ukulele lesson acclaimed research into age-related memory loss by her sister, Dr Allison Lamont, who has her memory clinic in St Heliers. Gillian, who is co-founder and managing director of the Memory Foundation, had an important message to share as she stepped members through some memory tests and gave simple strategies to integrate into daily living.

Guest Speaker for the May meeting will be Matt Ball, Head of Communications, Ports of Auckland. The 10-minute speaker will be U3A member Annie Webster unravelling the PN mysteries of the world-first virtual U3A Online. (PHILIPPA TAIT) F NEXT MEETING:

10am, Friday 12 May at Herne Bay Petanque Club, Salisbury Street Reserve, Herne Bay.

ENQUIRIES:

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

RACHAEL TE AOTONGA: LEYS INSTITUTE LIBRARY NEWS

The Auckland Writers Festival is the highlight of the literary calendar in Auckland during May The Auckland Writers Festival runs from 16-21 May. Now is the time to get prepared to delve into the psyche of some of the world’s most creative contemporary writers.

The energy is always dynamic; the event really is an excellent celebration of great minds and thinkers.

In my eager anticipation, I have studied the programme and want to inspire you by sharing some highlights for this year and the books being discussed.

Catherine Chidgey - The Wish Child Receiving rave reviews and in heavy demand, The Wish Child is a tour de force set in Nazi Germany in 1939. It tells the poignant story of two children drawn together as their parents become immersed in Germany’s confusing enterprise of power while the country’s dream collapses. The days the children spend together will shape the rest of their lives. This is the New Zealand author's long-awaited fourth novel.

Rupi Kaur - Milk and Honey Contemporary writer Rupi Kaur burst onto the poetry scene through Instagram. Her words were snapped up by a publishing house before reaching New York Times bestseller status. This collection of poetry and prose is presented in four chapters. Each chapter serves a different purpose, deals with a different pain and heals a different heartache.

The poems are spare and authentic perspectives of the struggles of everyday life from a gifted young voice.

Hallelujah for Leonard Cohen A tribute to the late, great poet, novelist and songwriter. This not to be missed free event celebrates Cohen’s genius as a panel of festival writers select a piece of his work, recite it and discuss the significance of the masterpiece chosen. Oh to escape to Cohen’s whimsical world for just an hour...

26 PONSONBY NEWS+ May 2017

Lawrence Krauss - The Greatest Story Ever Told... So Far In his previous book A Universe from Nothing, physicist and cosmologist Lawrence Krauss revealed how our entire universe could arise from nothing. Not only that, something will always arise from nothing. In his latest book, he reveals what that something-reality is. His festival discussion will also cover climate change and how to stay the apocalypse.

Max Harris - The New Zealand Project This book is a vision for New Zealand and how its people can best overcome and prosper from the challenges ahead. It calls for politics grounded in care, community and creativity. Unashamedly idealistic, The New Zealand Project wishes to inspire a grander conversation about how improvements can be made to change the country and the world we live in for the betterment of everyone.

If you don’t fancy buying books to have signed at the festival, borrow a copy from your local library. Auckland Libraries hold multiple copies of these titles and certainly caters to demand if they are heavily requested. The rule of thumb is five holds to one book.

Log in to the Auckland Libraries website with your card handy to add your name to the queue. Or, more convenient yet, download the Auckland Libraries', app so you’ve got easy access to the catalogue from your phone.

There are many more fantastic opportunities to hear some great writers explore their craft at this year’s festival. Visit us here at Leys today to pick up your programme.

(RACHAEL TE AOTONGA) F PN LEYS INSTITUTE, 20 St Marys Road, T: 09 374 1315, www.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

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NXN. Whatever way you look at it, it’s a good move.

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NIKKI KAYE: AUCKLAND CENTRAL MP

Striking the right balance with immigration and investing in infrastructure New Zealand continues to be an attractive place to visit, work and live. More Kiwis are coming home, fewer are leaving and more people from around the world want to come here.

That’s a credit to our international reputation and it reflects our strong and growing economy. Auckland has been a major beneficiary of people wanting to live in New Zealand.

include introducing remuneration thresholds for both permanent and temporary skilled migrants to ensure we are attracting migrants who will bring the most economic benefits to New Zealand.

We’ve seen a significant turnaround in net migration from a net outflow of around 4100 in the year to February 2012, to a net inflow of 71,300 in the year to February 2017.

The main drivers of that turnaround are more Kiwis coming home (9000) and fewer leaving (28,000) - making up around half of that change. We are also seeing 21,000 additional Working Holiday Visa holders coming here each year, 7000 more international students, and 3000 more Australians crossing the ditch.

The first remuneration threshold will be set at $48,859 a year and applicants who earn below that threshold will have no pathway to residence. The second threshold will be set at $73,299 and applicants will automatically be considered as high-skilled. We are making changes to Essential Skills work visas to reinforce the temporary nature of work visas and to help manage the number and settlement expectations of new migrants.

We can’t - and don’t want to - stop Kiwis from returning home. And reducing the number of working-holiday makers could jeopardise opportunities for New Zealanders wanting to travel or study abroad.

However, there are other areas of immigration that we can and do actively control. But it’s not as simple as turning off the immigration tap - it’s about making sure we get the balance right.

The Government is regularly reviewing our immigration settings to ensure we have the right number and skill mix of people coming into the country to keep our economy moving. We have a Kiwis first approach to our immigration settings. But, where there is a genuine skill or labour shortage, we want out businesses to be able to access migrant labour to fill those jobs.

Recently we announced a package of changes designed to better manage immigration and ensure the quality and quantity of migrants remains appropriate. These changes

HON NIKKI KAYE

MP FOR AUCKLAND CENTRAL

We also recently reviewed the New Zealand Residence programme to moderate the increasing numbers of migrants applying for residence. These changes demonstrate that the Government is taking a responsible, pragmatic approach to immigration.

Tackling pay equity and supporting higher incomes Last month I was proud to see a historic and important step forward for some of our health sector’s lowest paid workers who will share in a $2 billion pay equity settlement over five years. This is a step forward for pay equity but also for many families who are going to receive more money in their pay packets.

This settlement recognises the work carried out by the 55,000 workers in our aged and disability residential care, and home and community support services across the country. From 1 July this dedicated and predominantly female workforce - mostly on or around minimum wage - will receive a pay rise between around 15 and 50 per cent depending on their qualifications and/or experience.

For these 55,000 workers this funding boost will see wages increase to between $19 to $27 per hour over five years. For the 20,000 workers currently on the minimum wage of $15.75 per hour, it means on 1 July they will move to at least $19 per hour, a 21 per cent pay rise. For a fulltime worker, this means they will be taking home around an extra $100 a week, which is over $5000 a year.

This is an investment that recognises the vital role of the care and support workforce and one that will help to ensure we have a higher paid, more skilled and engaged workforce caring for around 110,000 of New Zealand’s most vulnerable.

Over the past six years the Government has invested heavily to strengthen the care and support workforce in recognition of the vital role they play in the lives of many New Zealand’s most vulnerable population groups.

For constituency enquiries and appointments please contact my Auckland Central electorate office.

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48C College Hill, Freemans Bay

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09 378-2088

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mp.aucklandcentral@parliament.govt.nz

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www.nikkikaye.co.nz @ nikkikaye facebook.com/NikkiKayeMP

In 2011 we introduced the minimum wage for sleepover shifts for night-time support in residential care services. And in 2015 we began phasing in a new policy which meant care and support workers are now paid for travel time and mileage between client visits.

We have also increased the minimum wage by $3.75 an hour since we came into office, and last year we increased Working for Families by $12.50 a week. We are also the first government in 40 years to increase core benefit rates.

We are committed to continuing to lift incomes and support hardworking New Zealanders PN and their families. (NIKKI KAYE) F Hon Nikki Kaye is the MP for Auckland Central, www.nikkikaye.co.nz

Drop In Constituency Clinic: 48C College Hill, Freemans Bay of April May – 3pm, 19th 21st of Funded by the Parliamentary Service and authorised by Nikki Kaye MP, 48C College Hill, Freemans Bay, Auckland.

28 PONSONBY NEWS+ May 2017

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PONSONBY LITTLE BLACK BOOK: A-Z CAFES + RESTAURANTS GUIDE Excluding bars, since we published our cafes and restaurants list last year, there are now 220 cafes and restaurants in the Western Bays area. There are also some omissions, where some businesses have declined to be listed. We hope our guide gives readers some compelling reasons to try some of those listed... all that remains to be said is ENJOY! 3 BEANS COFFEE, City Works Depot, 90 Wellesley Street, T: 09 524 0946, www.3beans.co.nz A boutique coffee roaster, serving only a handful of cafes. Each batch is hand picked by owner Jonny McKessar, roasted to order and delivered fresh. This busy coffee roaster is a great place to get that quick fix on the run or sit in at the communal table for a meeting with colleagues or a catch up with friends.

ADAM ARNOLD KITCHEN & BAR, 171 Ponsonby Road, M: 020 408 48725, www.adamarnold.co.nz A Ponsonby Road eatery focused on providing fresh, locally sourced and ethically farmed produce. With no freezer, deep fryer or microwave on site all dishes are cooked fresh to order. Adam Arnold thinks dining out should be a social spectacular and therefore serves all dishes to share.

ALLPRESS COFFEE, 266 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 376 4726, www.allpressespresso.com Passionate about coffee? This is a must-visit store to experience exceptional-tasting coffee. Enjoy a perfect cup of espresso or discover single origin coffees and blends as a filter brew. A selection of fresh-roasted beans is available for brewing at home.

Biscotti and handcrafted European-style biscuits are baked on site.

ARCH HILL ESPRESSO, 333 Great North Road, T: 09 376 1401 Delicious pies, sandwiches and cakes made fresh everyday on site. Open Monday -Friday, 6.30am-2.30pm and Saturday, 7am-1pm.

AUGUSTUS BISTRO, 1-3 St Marys Road, T: 09 950 4855, www.augustusbistro.co.nz The old Ponsonby Post Office has been transformed into a stunning French bistro. The owners are father and daughter Chris and Courtney Rupe of the very popular SPQR. This new restaurant boasts a tastefully designed interior by Emma Richardson that is monochrome with gold accents throughout. The dishes have been created by Des Harris (ex Clooney Restaurant) with offerings such as classic French onion soup, duck liver parfait with Saint-Germain jelly, steak-frites and more. Open seven days, Monday-Friday, 11.30am-midnight, Saturday and Sunday, 11am-midnight.

AZABU, 26 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 320 5292, www.azabuponsonby.co.nz A modern Japanese restaurant where co-owner and executive chef, Yukio Ozeki delivers a menu that combines Peruvian-Japanese Nikkei flavours with more Tokyostyle dishes. They offer large and small plates designed to be shared or choose from the raw bar section that offers a variety of fresh fish creations. Hidden out the back, off Maidstone Lane, is Roji, Azabu’s sake and cocktail bar. Open Tuesday-Sunday, 5pm -late, Thursday-Friday, 12 noon-late.

BAMBINA, 268 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 360 4000, www.bambinaponsonby.co.nz Bambina is a casual, relaxed breakfast and lunch cafe where simple food using only the freshest ingredients has been served for more than 20 years. Licensed for beer and wine, Bambina is an all-time favourite that consistently delivers and is a fabulous place to meet friends for coffee, breakfast or lunch. Monday-Friday, 6.30am-4pm, Saturday and Sunday, 7am-4pm.

it’s ice cream the way it was originally served by Ben and Jerry themselves.

The perfect way to finish a meal is with a walk along the Ponsonby strip to this dessert destination.

BEST UGLY BAGELS, Shed 3, City Works Depot, T: 09 366 3926, www.bestugly.co.nz Montreal-style bagels prepared daily. Every one is hand-rolled and baked in a wood -fired stone oven right before your eyes. Fresh bagels are available to take home or you can enjoy bagel sandwiches made to order. They offer breakfast spreads such as marmite or jam ‘with a lick of butter’. Try the ‘Yodi’ house pastrami, habanero mustard, grilled cheese topped with a pickle or the classic ‘King Salmon’ smoked salmon, cream cheese, red onion, capers, dill and lemon juice. Open seven days, 7am-3pm.

BIG SUR, 432 Richmond Road, 09 361 6196, www.bigsur-greylynn.co.nz This vegetarian cafe is situated in the middle of the West Lynn shops, right next to Dear Reader. Their menu has nine different options. Try the fried upma, which are Indian spiced yellow split pea fritters with coriander and mint raita, tomato kasundi, watercress and a free-range poached egg! Yummy and spicy!

BIRD ON A WIRE, Ponsonby Central, T: 09 361 3407, www.birdonawire.co.nz Bird On A Wire is a fresh and simple free-range rotisserie chicken store. They offer chicken sandwiches and quarter, half or whole free-range rotisserie roasted chickens with a choice of bastes from Jamaican jerk, Korean barbecue, salsa verde and truffle butter (the ‘Ponsy Coq’). Vegetarians are catered for with a grilled cheese sandwich, beer battered chips, roast vegetables and salads. Open seven days, 10.30am-10.30pm.

BLAKE STREET CAFE, Corner Blake Street & Prosford Street, T: 09 360 6261, www.blakestcafe.co.nz Relax, unwind and enjoy the ambience, wine and delicious food. The menu includes the all day breakfast, brunch and lunch. Try the Euro breakfast plate or the Big Kiwi breakfast. Open Wednesday-Sunday, 8am-4pm all year except Christmas Day. No surcharge on public holidays.

BOLLIWOOD, 110 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 376 6477, www.bolliwood.co.nz Bolliwood restaurant offers quality food achieved by employing five-star chefs from India. Check out their special set menus that include vegetarian banquet, the Maharaja Banquet and the Bolliwood Special Banquet. $10 mains on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday nights and $10 lunch special. Open seven days, 11.30am -2.30pm and 5pm-late.

BONA PIZZA, 286a Ponsonby Road, T: 09 360 8866, www.bonapizzeria.co.nz With 18 years', experience, owner Pedro Komai offers a taste of fine Italian pizza and pasta. Bona Pizza is fully licensed and BYO with a happy hour from 4.30pm every day - $5 beer or glass of wine. You can eat in or take advantage of their delivery service and they cater for private functions. Open seven days.

BONITA, 242 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 376 5670, www.bonitabar.co.nz Bonita is a wine and tapas bar with an excellent wine list and cocktail credentials.

Bonita’s relaxed atmosphere is the perfect place for a casual drink or tapas indulgence. Happy hour runs from 4pm-6pm daily. Open Tuesday-Sunday 4pm-late.

BEDFORD SODA & LIQUOR, Ponsonby Central, 5 Richmond Road, T: 09 378 7362, www.bedfordsodaliquor.co.nz Bedford Soda & Liquor is a New York-inspired neighbourhood bar named after Bedford Avenue in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. It serves handmade sodas, cocktails, floats, shakes, meatballs and sundaes. Open 12 noon-12 midnight, seven days, with an eclectic mix of DJs playing from 6pm Thursday-Saturday.

BOY AND BIRD, 222 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 361 3222, www.boyandbird.co.nz A fresh, vibrant eatery specialising in tasty and succulent free-range birds, along with extensive options for non-bird eaters! Dine in and enjoy something from the boutique drinks menu or choose to take home a delicious meal cooked from scratch.

BEN & JERRY’S Ponsonby, 160 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 376 2726, www.benjerry.co.nz Enjoy Ben & Jerry’s the way it was originally intended! Dig into any of their euphoria inducing ice cream flavours. Hand scooped with custom-built cones and sundaes,

BROTZEIT CAFE & GERMAN BAKERY, 346 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 216 6858, www.brotzeit.co.nz A cafe with a bakery on site. Choose from their range of specialty German baked goods such as breads and rolls that are filled will natural goodness, and free of any

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BURGER BURGER, The Lane, Ponsonby Central, T: 09 360 8030, www.burgerburger.co.nz Where they make simple, honest burgers, serve old-fashioned shakes and really cold beers and bubbles. Open seven days, 12 noon-late.

BURGER WISCONSIN, 168 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 360 1894, www.burgerwisconsin.co.nz Burger Wisconsin has been on Ponsonby Road for 28 years. The menu is regularly updated on their website and you can phone in your order for pick-up from 11.30amlate, seven days a week. They offer delivery on online orders within five kilometres.

BURGERFUEL, 114 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 378 6466, www.burgerfuel.com The flagship store in Ponsonby was the first BurgerFuel to be open and for over a decade has been engineering the ultimate burger, built with the freshest ingredients.

This includes gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options. Open Sunday-Thursday, 11am-10pm, Friday-Saturday 11am-3am.

BYZANTIUM CAFE, 80 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 376 3695, www.cafebyzantium.co.nz Byzantium is a friendly, fully licensed cafe and restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. A private function room is also available. Open seven days for breakfast and lunch and Tuesday-Sunday for dinner.

CAFE CEZANNE, 296 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 376 3338 For 38 years, Cafe Cezanne has been world-famous in Ponsonby for its wall murals and yummy food and coffee at reasonable prices. Renowned for healthy salads, they also offer a vegetarian menu, gluten-free options and a children’s menu, and everything is available to takeaway. Fully licensed and BYO wine. Open Monday -Friday, 7am-late, Saturday-Sunday, 8am-late.

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

CAFE O, 34/332 Great North Road, T: 09 360 1860, www.ocatering.co.nz Cafe O is O Catering’s flagship cafe located in Grey Lynn. With a funky, retro-inspired interior, it’s a glamourous yet casual and comfortable affair. With all day sun and uber-friendly staff, Cafe O is a favourite destination for discerning cafe goers. They serve Allpress Coffee and modern Pacific cuisine, with an all-day breakfast and lunch menu, counter food, fresh juices and smoothies and a takeaway menu. Open Monday-Friday 10am-2.30pm CAFE VIET, 2 Surrey Crescent, T: 09 378 8738, www.cafeviet.co.nz Offering authentic Vietnamese food with small plates and main plates to choose from.

Try the bang bang prawns or the fragrant and herbaceous pho - Vietnam’s national beef noodle soup. Open Tuesday-Sunday 5.30pm-late.

CAFFETTERIA ALLPRESS, Corner Drake and Adelaide Streets, T: 09 369 5842, www.allpressespresso.com Located within the roastery, Caffetteria is a neighbourhood hub where you can enjoy expertly prepared Allpress hot air-roasted coffee, their iconic Italian-style sandwiches and healthy smoothies. A selection of blends and single origin coffee is available for brewing fresh at home. The knowledgeable team is happy to help.

CAKE & CO, 2/175 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 376 3479, www.cakeandco.co.nz Cake & Co makes beautiful celebration cakes using fresh, quality ingredients. They offer a good selection of gluten, dairy and egg-free cakes, with low sugar where possible.

Popular flavours are dark chocolate and raspberry, ginger and white chocolate, lemon curd and coconut, fig, ricotta and hazelnut, salty peanut caramel, hummingbird and lavender. Open Monday-Friday, 9am-4pm, Saturday, 10am-4pm, Sunday, 11am-4pm.

CALUZZI BAR AND CABARET, 461 Karangahape Road, T: 09 357 0778, www.caluzzi.co.nz Legendary Caluzzi Bar and Cabaret offers an unforgettable dining experience with entertainment by New Zealand’s most awarded drag artistes. It’s an interactive cabaret show with fabulous food, dazzling costumes, DJs and disco and is a great place to have a social get together. Bookings are essential.

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A-Z CAFES & RESTAURANTS GUIDE

preservatives. Or dine in for breakfast or lunch and enjoy the fabulous view the cafe offers. Open Monday-Saturday, 6.30am-6pm, Sunday, 6.30am-2pm.

PONSONBY LITTLE BLACK BOOK: A-Z CAFES + RESTAURANTS GUIDE CARMEN JONES, 382 Karangahape Road, T: 09 974 5500, www.carmenjones.nz A bohemian restaurant/bar with an interior straight out of Havana, which has one foot in the old world and one in the new. A philosophy of bringing cultures together through food and hospitality means a menu with so many good things it’s a given you’ll be visiting more than once. Feel like you make a difference when the profits of your 'Hummus for Syria' actually go to Syria via Unicef! Open Tuesday-Sunday 4pmlate, happy hour 4pm-7pm, brunch available Friday-Sunday from 10am.

CASA DEL GELATO - PONSONBY, 288 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 378 8457, www.casadelgelato.co.nz Based on the Sicilian style of gelato, they use only fresh milk and cream, and a majority of their natural flavours are gluten free. They combine the finest ingredients sourced from Italy, with the best of New Zealand seasonal fresh and frozen fruits. Open Monday-Thursday, 12 noon-10pm, Friday-Saturday, 12 noon -11pm, and Sunday, 12 noon-10pm.

CATROUX, 129 West End Road, T: 09 376 3590, www.catroux.co.nz Catroux offers a delicious seasonal brunch menu plus a cabinet full of tantalising salads and savouries. For the sweet tooth there is plenty of baking (they also have an amazing online cake ordering system). They make fresh juices, green smoothies and serve Eighthirty coffee. There is a children’s sandpit and blackboard out the back. They also offer a catering menu. Open Monday-Friday, 6.45am-3.30pm, Saturday and Sunday, 7.30am-3.30pm. No reservations.

CHAPEL BAR & BISTRO, 147 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 360 4528, www.chapel.co.nz A Ponsonby institution, Chapel embodies the spirit of Auckland’s most iconic and sociable boulevard. It is the perfect place for drinks with friends after work, for dinner, a snack or a night out. Well worth the visit to sample delicious and very affordable fare such as the crispy Italian-style pizzas. Open Monday-Wednesday, 3pm-late and Thursday-Sunday, 12 noon-late.

sophisticated and expertly crafted with assertive flavours and simplicity. Open seven nights, 5.30pm-late.

COCO’S CANTINA, 374-376 Karangahape Road, T: 09 300 7582, www.cocoscantina.co.nz This is a lively, busy, noisy bistro and bar bustling with energy. The food is best described as rustic Italian with influences from the Mediterranean and service is slick and skilful. No reservations required, but you can sit at the bar and enjoy a great wine or cocktail while you wait. Check out the new communal dining room. Open Tuesday-Saturday, 5pm-late.

COCORO, 56a Brown Street, T: 09 360 0927, www.cocoro.co.nz Cocoro means ‘the heart and soul’ in Japanese and the food and service they provide come with all their heart and soul. They serve Jun Mai pure rice sake and there is an emphasis on organic and biodynamic wines. They now offer a sushi and sashimi course. Reservations are taken for the degustation menu only, casual walk-ins are welcome. Open Tuesday-Saturday, 12 noon-2pm and 5.30pm-10pm.

COLLEGE HILL CAFE, 25 College Hill, T: 09 309 0804 Open for breakfast and lunch, College Hill Cafe offers a wide variety of cabinet and made-to-order food. Their chicken laksa is really popular and they serve Burton coffee. Catering is also available. Open Monday-Friday, 6am-4pm.

CONCH KITCHEN & BAR, 115a Ponsonby Road, T: 09 360 1999, www.conch.co.nz The Conch Kitchen & Bar is part of the entertainment scene day and night, serving South American-inspired food, New Zealand organic wines, fresh sugar cane cocktails and local craft beers. Open Monday-Thursday 4pm-late, Friday-Sunday 8am-late (winter hours).

CHARLIE BOYS COFFEE BAR, 167 Great North Road, T: 09 376 4585 Delicious homemade cabinet food and baking all made on site. Available for functions.

Open Monday-Thursday, 7am-3.30pm and Friday 7am-3pm.

CRAFT KITCHEN, 2 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 376 1962, www.craftkitchen.co.nz Serving up a variety of wholesome handmade goodies daily that you can have cooked to order. Choose from the cabinet or from their range of paleo dishes and treats such as paleo hazelnut chocolate cookies. Open seven days, Monday-Friday 7am-4pm, Saturday and Sunday, 8am-3pm.

CHARMINAR - CUISINES OF INDIA, 14 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 378 4478, www.charminar.co.nz Charminar is an Indian restaurant located where Navas was on Ponsonby Road, directly opposite Studio One. They offer traditional and legendary Indian dishes. You will enjoy Indian authentic menu items such as Afghani chicken, tandoori, lamb chops and plenty more. Open for lunch, dinners and takeaways.

CREPES A GO GO, Ponsonby Central, 138 Ponsonby Road, www.crepesagogo.co.nz Authentic French sweet crepes and savoury galettes made from the best ingredients New Zealand has to offer: real chocolate, homemade caramel, freshly squeezed lemon juice, free-farmed ham, free-range eggs, organic buckwheat, sugar and dairy -free options. Takeaway or dine in, check the website for opening hours.

CHERRY AND WHITES, 483 Richmond Road, M: 021 211 3752 Cherry and Whites is a favourite among locals for its amazing coffee and relaxed, friendly atmosphere. Offers a great range of baked goodies supplied daily by Scratch Bakers and the cabinet is stocked with delicious sandwiches and salads. It uses award-winning Altura coffee and the smoothies are popular and proudly made from real ingredients. Open weekdays 6.30am-3pm and weekends 8am-2pm.

CRUMB, Corner Crummer Road and Ariki Street, www.crumb.co.nz Crumb is a relaxed and friendly corner store, doing the basics and doing them well.

It’s suited for a bite and a drink on the run or perfect for settling in and having a yarn. They’re here to bring the community and locals together on a beautiful corner in Grey Lynn. Open Tuesday-Friday, 7am-3pm. Saturday-Sunday, 8am-4pm.

CHOP CHOP NOODLE HOUSE & WHISKY BAR, Ponsonby Central, 140 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 360 0708, www.ponsonbychopchop.co.nz A punk ramen bar with The Eagles on the radio, lip-smacking pork buns, fried chicken - and a damn fine selection of whisky. Expect handsome descriptions, like their peaty 10-year Ardberg, hailed as 'a long and glorious mix of sea-salted caramel and beach bonfire smoke'. They’ll even spike your choice of milkshake with a slug of bourbon.

Chop Chop’s where tasty Asian street food gets hooked up with great whisky and killer cocktails. Open seven days, lunch and dinner, 12 noon-late.

CUP AND BUN, 2a Hakanoa Street, M: 027 704 9614 Cup and Bun is an espresso bar started by Andy JV, who owned Rakinos for 12 years.

Situated in Grey Lynn (two doors down from Freida Margolis) Cup and Bun specialises not only in espresso, but also high quality single origins through a Moccamaster, V60 and also homemade Coldbrew. Delicious filled buns and sweet treats are available in the cabinet fresh daily and options are changed weekly.

CIMA SUSHI, 5 College Hill, T: 09 366 6175 Located at the bottom of College Hill, directly opposite New World, Cima Sushi is offering Donburi and sushi to takeaway. They offer several vegetarian sushi roll fillings including steamed green beans with sesame seeds, tempura pumpkin, seaweed salad, avocado and cucumber. Open Monday-Friday, 9.30am-3pm.

CLOONEY, 33 Sale Street, T: 09 358 1702, www.clooney.co.nz Fine dining here is an experience, an elegant and clever use of space in a large modern room with exceptional cuisine created by head chef Jacob Kear. His food is

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DANTE’S PIZZA & CASA PASTA, Ponsonby Central, 136 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 378 4443, www.dantespizzeria.co.nz Owner Kevin Morris and his team blend fresh ingredients imported straight from Italy to create award-winning pizzas and fresh pasta. The pizzas' sourdough takes four days to prepare, is hand stretched and made to order. The dough is friendly to those with gluten intolerance. The buffalo cheese is airfreighted from Italy.

DEAR JERVOIS, 234 Jervois Road, T: 09 376 7278, www.dearjervois.com A popular and very busy local cafe with wheat-free, gluten-free and vegan offerings.

The menu boasts a range of options for all. Try the acai bowl, the eggs benedict,

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or the smashed avocado on house-made Swedish rye, and waffles which are gluten free. Open Monday-Friday, 7am-4pm and Saturday and Sunday, 8am-4pm, closed Tuesday.

DELLOWS KITCHEN, 212 Jervois Road, T: 09 378 6156, www.dellowskitchen.co.nz Dellows Kitchen provides fresh seasonal food for all occasions, excellent coffee and friendly and warm service. Check out their time-saving fresh or frozen take-home meal options. Open Monday-Saturday, 7am-4pm and Sunday, 7am-3pm.

DESSERT DOJO, 95c Ponsonby Road, T: 09 378 0919 Dessert Dojo offers an exciting and innovative way of producing mouth-watering ice-cold desserts. The mixing of ice cream with a variety of quality toppings such as brownie, fruits and nuts, on the custom-engineered cold stone facilities, creates divine-tasting desserts in front of your eyes! Open Monday-Sunday, 1pm-10.30pm.

DIDA’S FOOD STORE, 54 Jervois Road, T: 09 361 6157, www.didas.co.nz Delicious food and exceptional coffee, created from the heart. Eat in or takeaway.

Dida’s has an extensive and impressive deli counter, boasting an inspiring array of lunch options, salads, tarts, pies, wraps and sandwiches alongside a well-presented cafe menu. A perfect place for breakfast and lunch, there’s also a smart little wine list and beer selection. Open seven days, 7am-5pm.

DIDA’S WINE LOUNGE & TAPAS, 54 Jervois Road, T: 09 376 2813, www.didas.co.nz Join us at Dida’s Wine Lounge to experience our comprehensive wine list and the ever changing, always-innovative tapas menu. The talented kitchen team works hard to pair traditional tapas with multiple by-the-glass options of local, imported and hard-to-find wines, craft beers and an impressive range of single malts. It’s a perfect spot in which to lose a few hours while broadening your hedonistic horizons. Open seven days, 12 noon-late.

DIZENGOFF, 256 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 360 0108 People will make a special trip from near and far to get their morning coffee at Dizengoff. They serve a Jewish-inspired menu for breakfast and lunch and it is the place to go for a tasty meal with a difference. Open seven days, 6.30am-5pm.

EAST RESTAURANT, 171d Ponsonby Road T: 09 360 6085, www.east.co.nz A casual dine-in environment, the meals have a western spin on popular Asian cuisine and are served in a funky box. The menu covers cuisine from Japan in the north to Indonesia in the south. Dine-in, takeaway or have your food delivered. Open Monday-Friday, 11.30am-3pm and 4.30pm-10pm, Saturday-Sunday, 4.30pm-10pm.

EAT AT THE SHELTER, 78 Mackelvie Street, T: 09 929 4517, www.theshelter.co.nz Eat at The Shelter, is offering the best that the Auckland food and coffee scene has to offer. Enjoy treats from Catroux, seed loaf from The Midnight Baker or a Best Ugly Bagels with your daily serving of protein and greens. Complement your meal with Eighthirty Coffee Roasters coffee or a nutritious seasonal vegetable blend. Gluten -free, dairy free, sugar free and vegan options are all available. Open weekdays - 7.30am-3.30pm, Saturday and Sunday 8.30am-4pm.

EAT.DRINK.SNAP, 38 Jervois Road, T: 09 378 8068 Offering a range of breakfast and lunch treats, such as mashed avocado on toast, mince on toast, eggs benedict, or try the nutritious acai bowl or an E.D.S organic smoothie. For lunch try their Vietnamese dishes: summer rolls - lemongrass beef/ chicken/pork on vermicelli with nuoc cham (dipping sauce). Open seven days 7am-3pm.

EIGHTHIRTY COFFEE ROASTERS, Ponsonby Central, 4 Brown Street and 553 Karangahape Road, T: 09 551 3236, www.eighthirty.com A little coffee roaster specialising in ethically sourced coffee, be it Fairtrade, organic or Rain Forest Alliance. You can pop in for a takeaway coffee at either location.

The Ponsonby store is open Monday-Friday, 7.30am-4.30pm, Saturday and Sunday, 8.30am-4.30pm; The K’ Road store is open Monday-Friday, 7am-3.30pm.

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PONSONBY LITTLE BLACK BOOK: A-Z CAFES + RESTAURANTS GUIDE EL SIZZLING CHORIZO ARGENTINIAN BBQ, Ponsonby Central, 136 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 378 0119, www.elsizzlingchorizo.co.nz Try the real flavour of the Argentinian Pampas right here in the heart of Ponsonby.

Offering Argentinian barbecue asado, homemade chorizo and empanadas. Licensed and open seven days from 11.30am-9.30pm, Friday-Saturday open till 10.30pm.

EMPRESS GARDEN RESTAURANT, 227 Jervois Road, T: 09 376 5550, www.empressgardenrestaurant.co.nz Renowned for their Peking duck, which must be pre-ordered, Empress Garden is on the corner of Herne Bay Road and Jervois Road and has been serving delicious Chinese food for over 35 years. Open seven days, 12 noon-2.30pm and 5.30pm-10pm.

EMPRESS OF INDIA, 2 Surrey Crescent T: 09 378 8780, www.empressofindia.co.nz This Indian restaurant is located on the corner of Surrey Crescent. It has a large, well -presented dining room, and the staff is welcoming. Try something a little bit different, like the Empress Special Curry (chicken/lamb/beef) cooked with onions, fenugreek and Indian mild spices. Open seven days, lunch 11am-2.30pm, dinner 5pm-till late.

EPOLITO’S PIZZERIA,166 Richmond Road, T: 09 361 1593, www.epolitospizzeria.co.nz Epolito’s Pizzeria makes traditional New York-style pizza, from classics to something new! Open Tuesday-Saturday from 5pm.

ERAWAN THAI RESTAURANT & BAR, 280 Richmond Road, www.erawanthai.co.nz Erawan Thai has built a reputation over the past 15 years for its excellence. What makes it so special is the courteous, obliging and helpful staff. The restaurant has consistently superb food and a good wine list. Open seven days for dinner and takeaway.

ESPRESSO CORNER, Unit 16, 210-218 Victoria Street West, T: 09 366 7776 Espresso Corner Cafe Victoria Park Market is serving organic Allpress coffee and freshly baked food everyday. They bake their own bread, muffins, scones, cakes, slices and prepare fresh sandwiches. They roast chicken daily and serve it with salad. Homemade cooking is available - moussaka, lasagna, burgers. They offer

gluten-free, vegan and raw food daily. Open 7.30am-3.30pm, Monday-Friday and 9am-4pm Sunday.

FARINA, 244 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 390 6213, www.farina.co.nz Situated in a bright airy space at the top of Summer Street, Farina (meaning ‘flour’ in Italian) has fast become a popular eatery. Sergio Maglione and Mike Ross offer the legendary metre-long pizzas, perfect for sharing with a group of friends at one of their communal tables. Also on offer are fresh pasta dishes, a range of Neapolitan antipasti and more. Open seven days, 12 noon-10pm.

FARRO FRESH FOOD, 34 Westmoreland Street West, T: 09 360 0499, www.farrofresh.co.nz Farro Fresh is a unique fresh food market. Whether you’re stopping in for a quick coffee or looking for the ingredients for a recipe, they have it all under one roof.

Farro stocks the very best local and international ingredients and prides itself on being a one-stop shop for fresh, wholesome and delicious food.

FATIMA’S, 240 Ponsonby Road T: 09 376 9303, www.fatimas.co.nz Serving Middle Eastern takeout with a unique twist. Fatima’s is all about flavour and fresh produce. Zingy lemon, fresh herbs and the warm aromatic spices from the East. Taste their harissa chicken, spiced lamb or fresh falafel wrapped up in a toasted pita with their handmade salads and sauces. They also offer potato koftas with sweet chilli aioli. Open seven days, 11.30am-10pm.

FIERA CHARCOAL BBQ, 112 Wellington Street, T: 09 376 1688 At Fiera Charcoal BBQ, they use the freshest of New Zealand meat, seafood, vegetables and wheat products, with lamb skewer the main feature on their menu.

With the charcoal barbecue cooking method, they use the finest selection of charcoal to get the best results. Try their fresh and delicious charcoal barbecue shashliks accompanied by original Taiwanese lager beer, pineapple flavoured beer or mango flavoured beer!

FISH FISH, Ponsonby Central, 4 Brown Street, T: 09 390 4397, www.fishfish.co.nz Fish Fish is a fishmonger, takeaway and dine-in restaurant from the team behind Burger Burger. They source the fish from Auckland Fish Markets and Yellow Brick Road, and will cook it to your preference, battered or panfried. They are proud to serve fresh and delicious seafood, seven days a week.

FIVE LOAVES EATERY, 208 Jervois Road, T: 09 361 5820 They have an interesting brunch menu and a variety of cabinet food to eat in or take out. A wide range of healthy heat-and-eat convenience meals such as lasagne, smoked fish pies and chicken cacciatore are available. Open seven days.

FOOD TRUCK GARAGE, City Works Depot, 90 Wellesley Street West, T: 09 973 2305, www.foodtruckgarage.co.nz Food Truck Garage is the bustling home of The Food Truck, where chefs proudly serve up healthier versions of classic fast food including burgers, tacos and sodas.

With a huge garage door that opens up to the sunshine, plenty of parking and Hallertau beer on tap, it’s the perfect place to grab a quick, healthy and affordable feed on the run. Open Monday-Saturday, 11am-late, Sunday 11am-3.30pm. Dine in and takeaway.

photography: Michael McClintock

FOOD TRUCK GARAGE - PONSONBY, 234 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 360 9144, www.foodtruckgarage.co.nz Offering delicious wholesome food quickly. Choose from its dine in menu, the Chicken Crunch Burger: buckwheat crumbed chicken tenderloins, house salad, tangy date tomato relish and green goddess ‘mayo’. Or the super healthy Super Bowl: avocado, super grains, baby spinach, beetroot, carrot, almonds, sprouts, toasted buckwheat, sauerkraut, flax seeds and miso dressing. Open Monday-Saturday, 12 noon-8.30pm.

FOXTROT PARLOUR, Ponsonby Central, 7 Richmond Road, T: 09 378 7268, www.foxtrotparlour.co.nz It’s no surprise that Foxtrot Parlour is owned by Tara Brogan. Her attention to detail is always exceptional, and from the food to the coffee to the staff Foxtrot is pretty damn flawless. No longer a secret are its famous injectable doughnuts and, of course, the bulging cabinet of home-baked delights. It offers Supreme coffee, or try the now much copied green smoothie - kiwifruit, mint and spinach.

Cocoro’s Makoto Tokuyama and Ricky Lee

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FREEMAN & GREY, 43 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 378 6496, www.freemanandgrey.co.nz Freeman & Grey is a great sunny spot with a laid-back atmosphere, great sharing plates menu and a heap of fun to be had. It’s the perfect location for that special event, birthday, corporate event or Christmas. They’ll take the stress out of your next function, offering a wide range of food and beverage options, and can sort audio visual details for you. Open from 12 noon Monday-Sunday.

FUSION CAFE, 32 Jervois Road, T: 09 378 4573 Fusion has a wonderful outdoor garden which features a sandpit, making it ideal for relaxing with Allpress coffee. Fully licensed and with a seasonal menu, its a great spot for enjoying breakfast or lunch with the family. Fusion is also available for functions.

Open Monday-Friday 7am-4pm, Saturday & Sunday 8am-4pm.

GARNET STATION, 85 Garnet Road, T: 09 360 3397, www.garnetstation.com Garnet Station Licensed Cafe serves cooked breakfasts, seven days a week and thin, crispy wood-fired pizzas on Wednesday-Sunday nights. They use Chiasso organic coffee, Green Valley organic milk, free-range eggs and only organic meat. Great vegetarian salads, GF options, sweet treats. Lots of cosy seating in the house or outside down the sunny lane. Free venue hire. Open Wednesday-Saturday 7am10pm, Sunday 8am-8pm, Monday-Tuesday 7am-4pm.

GELATO AMANTE, 49 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 360 8833, www.gelatoamante.co.nz Gelato Amante is a family owned business serving genuine Italian ice cream. If you are after a late coffee or dessert, they are situated just across from the Ponsonby International Food Court. Open until midnight with a promise of hot desserts coming soon for the winter months.

GIUSTO, 68 Sale Street, T: 09 216 8441, www.giusto.co.nz Offering breakfast, lunch and dinner, with a menu that includes vegetarian, gluten free and dairy-free options. To start the day, try the field mushrooms cooked four ways; five-grain toast, whipped feta, mixed herbs, goji berries. Or for after work, choose from the platter options such as the classic plougman’s platter, accompanied by a glass of wine or a craft beer. Open Monday-Friday, 7am-late, Saturday, 9am-late.

GRATO CAFE, 104 Richmond Road, T: 09 360 6156, www.grato.co.nz Nestled at 104 Richmond road in a cute strip of black and white businesses is Grato. A humble cafe with Italian flare and a big heart. Meaning grateful, Grato serves cabinet favourites, Mamma’s meatballs or try something more exotic from the bruschetta menu; raspberry and vanilla ricotta with honey or lemon ricotta with a chilli fried egg while drinking the bold flavours of Allpress coffee.

GREY LYNN RSC, 1 Francis Street, T: 09 376 2909, www.greylynnrsc.org.nz The Grey Lynn RSC is a city fringe club with bar, bistro and restaurant. Located in Francis Street, Grey Lynn in the West Lynn Shopping Centre. The RSC has Jimmy the Cook creating delicious fresh seafood meals and more in their downstairs bistro.

The bistro is open Wednesday-Saturday from 6pm. The RSC is open 365 days of the year, a unique gem in the middle of Grey Lynn. The upstairs function rooms are available for private events. Visitors and new members are most welcome. Quality live music on Fridays.

GROUNDED CAFE, 2 Pompallier Terrace, 09 376 2003 A great place to meet for breakfast or lunch, it offers an all-day breakfast including classics such as Eggs Benedict and French toast. There’s plenty of parking nearby.

Open Monday-Friday 7am-3pm, Saturday 8am-3pm.

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

GUSTO ITALIANO, 263 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 361 1556, www.gustoitaliano.co.nz At Gusto they keep things traditional; you will find the very best pizza, gnocchi, tortellini, fettuccine, ravioli and spaghetti. A private room is available for functions. Open MondayWednesday, 5.30pm-late, Thursday-Saturday, 12 noon-late. Sunday open from 5pm.

GYPSY CARAVAN, Lot 3, 130 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 360 4075, www.gypsycaravan.co.nz This is a pop-up restaurant from the Miss Moonshine’s team. It serves an array of Middle Eastern, North African and Mediterranean cuisines. Try the Yellow Belly Flounder with freekah, baby fennel and saffron. Or from the sweet's selection, Happy Black Forest with cocoa, cherry, yoghurt and stone fruit. Open Tuesday-Sunday, 12 noon-late.

HANA SUSHI, 576 Great North Road, T: 09 361 2008 Made fresh every day, the sushi is laid out in immaculate formation in a very long cabinet. Sushi sells out quickly here - it’s a popular go to in Grey Lynn for lunch whether dining in or takeaway. Open Monday-Friday 10am-4pm.

HANSIK, 9 Drake Street, Freemans Bay, T: 09 930 0055 Hansik is a Korean bar and restaurant located right next to Victoria Park Market and is great for after-work drinks. The outdoor deck is a ideal for sunny afternoon cocktails to go with its mouth-watering menu of authentic Korean barbecue.

HARU NO YUME, 3 Vernon Street, Freemans Bay, T: 09 309 5446, www.harunoyume.co.nz Originally from Tokyo, Rex Chang, the executive chef at Haru No Yume creates authentic Japanese cusuine that is beautifully presented to pleasure all your senses.

He and his team use traditional Japanese cooking methods with a modern twist.

IL BUCO, 113 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 360 4414, www.ilbuco.co.nz Il Buco serves the best Roman pizza by the slice. You can buy one slice for a snack or 100 slices for a party. Owner and barista Jonny Rudduck serves Eightthirty coffee and other popular menu items are beef lasagne, tiramisu and the little shots of hot chocolate are to die for. Open seven days, 7.30am-9pm.

IL FORNO, 55 Mackelvie Street, T: 09 378 0264 A bakery and cafe specialising in traditional Italian fare and bakery items, including fresh croissants, pastries, homemade cakes and a wide selection of breads along with an interesting selection of deli products to take home. The coffee is pretty good too. Open seven days, 7am-4pm.

ILIADA MEDITERRANEAN CAFE, 304a Ponsonby Road, T: 09 281 9729 Iliada is a Mediterranean cafe located on Ponsonby Road. It offers a large variety of Mediterranean dishes, which can satisfy the preferences of people with different tastes. They offer vegetarian food, as well as chicken/beef/lamb/fish. Open from 6.30am for breakfast and from 11.30am till 3.30pm for lunch. iVILLAGE, 216 Victoria Street West, Victoria Park Market, T: 09 309 4009, www.ivillageatvictoria.co.nz This Indian restaurant has recently celebrated its fourth birthday. Relive the joys of a bygone era; enjoy traditionally cooked Indian cuisine in a rustic setting. Open lunch Tuesday-Friday, 12 noon-2.30pm; dinner seven nights, 5pm till late.

JAFA, 551 Richmond Road, T: 09 361 1100 Jafa has a cool, laid-back atmosphere with a warm and welcoming team. There's Allpress coffee, and fabulous food like lamb’s fry and bacon or Balinese sticky black rice. There is a conference room upstairs for private group breakfasts, lunches or corporate meetings. Open Monday-Friday, 7am-4pm, Saturday and Sunday, 8am-4pm.

JANKEN, 158 Jervois Road, T: 09 360 0555 Janken is a sophisticated, trendy Japanese restaurant taking its name from the popular decision-making game ‘paper, scissors, rock', offering Japanese cuisine with a fusion twist. They offer a number of options for vegans/vegetarians. A unique space with its minimalist décor and exposed grey concrete. Open five days for lunch (Tuesday-Saturday), six days for dinner (Tuesday-Sunday).

JERVOIS RD WINE BAR & KITCHEN, 170 Jervois Road, 09 376 5367, www.jervoisrd.co.nz Your local place for friends, colleagues and families to gather. They offer a full menu

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FRED’S, corner Franklin and Ponsonby Roads, T: 09 360 1551 Fred’s is basically Agnes Curran with a facelift, with an emphasis on friendliness.

They’ve kept all the favourites from the good ‘old’ days, ie, lamingtons, but have expanded the menu to include gourmet hot dogs, toasties, Bircher muesli, halloumi salad, traditional and experimental milkshakes. They are open early till 3pm on weekdays and 4pm on weekends.

PONSONBY LITTLE BLACK BOOK: A-Z CAFES + RESTAURANTS GUIDE with options of smaller tapa-style plates or larger main plates with pudding and platters. Local wines mixed with intriguing foreign varieties adorn the beverage list with five rotating draught beers and delicious weekly cocktail menus to indulge in.

Champagne Wednesdays for $75 bottle and live music most Sunday afternoons with local artists performing from 3pm-6pm. Happy hour daily from 5pm-7pm. Venue available for hire. Open six days.

JERVOIS STEAK HOUSE, 70 Jervois Road, T: 09 376 2049, www.jervoissteakhouse.co.nz At Jervois Steak House, you can discover the difference between grass-fed and grain-fed beef with head chef Rob Forsman. There is a great range of beef, lamb, chicken and fish and pre-ordering is essential for the restaurant’s signature slow -roasted prime rib. Bookings are essential. Open, lunch Wednesday-Friday, 12 noon3pm. Dinner Monday-Sunday, 5.30pm.

JOY BONG THAI, 531 Karangahape Road, T: 09 377 2218, www.joybongthai.co.nz Joy Bong Thai specialises in Royal Thai as well as rustic Issan Thai cuisine with a modern twist. The food is typically delicate and spicy, always fresh daily. With friendly staff and great food, this is a great place for parties, large and small. Tell Apple, the owner, we sent you. Open for lunch weekdays, 11.30am-2.30pm; dinner seven nights, 5.30pm-10.30pm.

JUK - JESS’ UNDERGROUND KITCHEN, 203 Jervois Road, T: 09 378 7711, www.myundergroundkitchen.com A Herne Bay eatery and flagship store aka Jess’ Underground Kitchen serves up home cooking at its best - ready-to-heat meals, baking, seasonal salads and cabinet food, artisan deli goods and, of course, good coffee. They also offer bespoke catering for weddings, birthdays, corporate and office events.

KOKAKO CAFE, 537 Great North Road, T: 09 376 6086, www.kokako.co.nz At Kokako Cafe you can enjoy an expertly made Kokako espresso, filter batch brew or nitro cold brew coffee or choose from a range of coffee blends and single origin coffees to brew at home. Kokako Cafe has an extensive cabinet and seasonal à la carte menu with a focus on local produce and extensive dairy-free, gluten-free and vegetarian options. Open Monday-Friday, 7am-3.30pm. Weekends, 7.30am-4pm.

LA BOULANGE, 214 Jervois Road, T: 09 376 5145, www.laboulange.co.nz Homemade baguette, croissant, pain au chocolat and pain au raisin are a few of the highlights of this little French bakery, cafe and sandwich bar. There are a few seats in the window and outside to enjoy a traditional pastry and Supreme coffee or try one of their delicious French baguette sandwiches or macarons. Open seven days, 7am-3pm.

LA NOISETTE CHOCOLATES & PATISSERIES, 518 Karangahape Road, T: 09 303 0600 La Noisette is an innovative eating house, specialising in homemade patisseries and chocolates. They also do catering and customise desserts for all special occasions.

Open Monday-Friday, 7am-5pm, Saturday, 8am-4pm.

LA ZEPPA, 33 Drake Street, T: 09 379 8167, www.lazeppa.co.nz One of Auckland’s favourite rooftop bars with impressive views over Victoria Park and to the Sky Tower. La Zeppa offers delicious hot and cold tapas to enjoy with friends and a glass of wine and is the perfect venue for social functions from two to two hundred. Open Tuesday-Friday 4pm-late and Saturday-Sunday 2pm-late.

LAC VIET, 45 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 360 7240 This authentic Vietnamese restaurant serves traditional food at a reasonable price.

Try the Noodle Salad: lettuce, vermicelli, bean sprouts, grated carrot, cucumber, crushed peanuts and lemon fish sauce. Add to this either chicken, beef, tofu or crispy ‘nem’ rolls. Open Tuesday-Sunday, lunch 11.30am-3pm, dinner 5pm-10pm.

LE VIETNAMESE KITCHEN, 107 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 376 6107, www.vietnamesekitchen.co.nz At Le Vietnamese Kitchen you can experience the dedication to quality and the balance of intense flavours. Enjoy the fresh and aromatic flavours of Vietnamese cuisine finished with French flair. Mouth-watering, authentic dishes full of local, fresh

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vegetables, meat and fish will feature, along with a divine menu of Vietnameseinspired cocktails.

LITTLE & FRIDAY, 42 Douglas Street, T: 09 489 8527, www.littleandfriday.com With boutique espresso and filter coffee, their whole range of cabinet food and with almost all of their menu available, you will no longer need to battle the traffic across the bridge or travel to Newmarket for your Little & Friday fix. Open Monday-Sunday 8am-3.30pm.

LITTLE BIRD ORGANICS - THE UNBAKERY, 1a Summer Street, T: 09 555 3278, www.littlebirdorganics.co.nz Little Bird goodies are made from the best raw organic ingredients they can find, and are completely vegetarian, gluten and dairy free. There are 45 seats, full table service and an extensive menu available to view online. And with a range of delicious breakfast items, lunch dishes from 11am, along with smoothies, teas, teeccino, matcha, raw cacao drinks, Kokako coffee, cakes, tarts, slices, cheesecakes and cookies from the cabinet all day. Open seven days, 7am-4pm. Kitchen closes at 3pm.

LITTLE BREAD & BUTTER BAKERY & CAFE, Ponsonby Central, Richmond Road,T: 09 376 4007; 34 Westmoreland Street West, T: 09 378 9111, www.breadandbutterbakery.co.nz Little Bread & Butter Bakery specialises in organic breads. There are many different types of sourdough, European speciality loaves, bread rolls and pretzels. You can choose from a wide selection of handmade pastries, cakes and savouries, sandwiches and gourmet pies. At the large communal table you can toast your own slices of freshly baked bread and enjoy them with butter and jam, while you watch the hustle and bustle of the market area.

LITTLE EASY, 198 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 360 0098, www.littleeasy.co.nz Little Easy delivers unpretentious fun and classic ‘pubdom’ with great tasting food and vibes to match. This is much more than the average pub fare. They run weekly food specials, happy hours everyday from 4-7pm and DJs jamming till late. The classic Kiwi pub menu is infused with American traits - their burgers are served on fresh brioche buns, a range chicken wings. Both not to be missed! Open Tuesday -Thursday, 4pm-late, Friday-Sunday, 12 noon-late.

LOKANTA EATING HOUSE & BAR, 137a Richmond Road, T: 09 360 6355, www.lokanta.nz Lo-Kahn’ta means ‘Local Eating House’ in Turkish. They offer simple, tasty food of the Aegean and eastern Mediterranean. The menu has a selection of small plates, flat breads, main meals and desserts. Try the octopus - chargrilled and served with lemon on fava bean puree. Open Tuesday-Sunday from 4pm.

LONGROOM, 114 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 360 8803, www.longroom.co.nz With a covered courtyard and north-facing sun deck, Longroom offers a unique, alfresco environment for drinking and dining any time of day. An inspiring new menu consists of small and large shared dishes, a grazing platter, individual dishes and a few sweet treats. Let’s not forget the great range of beverages available including a substantial cocktail offering. DJs play during the evening Thursday to Saturday, live music and DJs on Sundays. Open seven days during summer and open Tuesday -Sunday during winter.

LONGSHOT, 114 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 360 8803, www.longroom.co.nz/longshot/ Baby sister to Longroom Bar & Restaurant, Longshot has quickly become another favourite breakfast and coffee hotspot for Ponsonby visitors and locals. Serving an array of tasty and innovative breakfast and brunch dishes. There’s also a great range of sweets and savouries to enjoy on the spot or take away. Allpress is the coffee offering which can be brewed to satisfy all preferences, and there’s a special selection of teas, juices, smoothies, crazy shakes and Bloody Marys. The cafe space opens up to the sunny ‘atrium’ style, covered courtyard for enjoyment all year round.

Open 6:30am-3pm weekdays and 7am-3pm weekends.

MA CHERIE, Shop 12, 282 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 376 1822, www.macherie.co.nz Ma Cherie is a cafe/patisserie store, opposite Lululemon. Try their French breakfast menu, which include galettes, croque monsieur, French toast, traditional croissants,

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

MAD MEX, 108 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 378 1846, www.madmex.co.nz Mad Mex offers gourmet burritos and tacos that are made to order using only the freshest produce, flavourful salsas and authentic slow roasted and grilled meats.

Open Monday, 11am-9.30pm, Tuesday-Thursday, 11am-10pm, Friday-Saturday, 10.30am-3.30am, Sunday, 10.30am-9.30pm.

MALDITO MENDEZ, Ponsonby Central, 4 Brown Street, T: 09 378 9107, www.mendez.co.nz Maldito Mendez located on the Brown Street side of the Ponsonby Central precinct, serves Latin American street food - a delicious range of snacks, empanadas, tacos, ceviches and mains. Open seven days, 11.30am-late.

MALT PUBLIC HOUSE, Corner Richmond Road & Hakanoa Street, T: 09 360 9537, www.maltpublichouse.co.nz Grey Lynn’s gastro pub has undergone an extensive renovation, re-emerging as the Malt Public House. The new bar and dining areas provide a relaxed and comfortable environment to catch up for drinks, brunch, lunch or dinner. The chef uses premium local ingredients to deliver hearty pub staples with a tasty twist. Open MondayFriday, 11am-late, Saturday-Sunday, 10am-late.

MAMATA BAKEHOUSE, 401 Richmond Road, T: 09 376 3191 This bakery-cafe-hangout is a Grey Lynn favourite. Whether your tummy growls for a sandwich, roll, pie, slice or muffin you’ll be able to get it here. Mamata is renowned for their made to order bagels, Ponsonby News’s favourite is the avocado and tomato toasted sesame seed bagel! Open Monday-Saturday, 7am-5.30pm.

MARCELLO’S, 28 College Hill, T: 09 361 2600 Marcello’s is open seven days for breakfast, brunch and lunch and is fully licensed.

What better way to start your day than with a gorgeous omelette? It serves great

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

coffee and awesome food homemade fresh everyday which always comes with a friendly smile. Free wireless is available and catering is offered for functions. Open Monday-Friday, 6am-4pm, Saturday-Sunday, 7.30am-4pm.

MARY’S, 13 St Marys Road, T: 09 360 7260 The old fire station is home to Mary’s cafe. A tastefully refurbished interior that is lightfilled and spacious. They have familiar breakfast favourites such as red flannel hash with gourmet red potatoes sautéed with red onions, tomato and chorizo and topped with fried or poached eggs. Or you may be in the mood for a healthy protein power lunch. Try the kale salad! Open Monday-Friday, 7am-4pm, Saturday-Sunday, 8am-4pm.

MATSU SUSHI, Victoria Park Market, T: 09 377 6848 The atmosphere at Matsu is perfect for pleasure or business and for a great price, you can enjoy the best sushi with the highest quality of service, presentation and freshness. Dedicated to providing an exceptional dining experience.

MEKONG BABY, 262 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 360 1113, www.mekongbaby.com A modern southeast Asian fusion restaurant designed with unique roughened floors, crudely painted walls with simple, yet elegant, nostalgic prints of life in Vietnam covering the walls. They have seating for as many as 80 guests in the bar, 60 in the restaurant and 30 in the Mekong function room. Open Tuesday-Sunday, 12 noon-late.

MEXICALI FRESH, 166 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 360 0076, www.mexicalifresh.co.nz A Californian-style Mexican eatery, that offers burritos, nachos, quesadillas, tacos and more. Enjoy feasting on tasty yet nutritious food in a fun Mexican-style atmosphere.

Open Sunday-Thursday, 10am-11pm, Friday-Saturday, till 3am.

MEXICO, 164 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 280 3919, www.mexico.net.nz A lively eatery on the strip offering great Mexican dishes. Try one of their quesadillas or soft shell tacos and look out for their weekly specials. They take bookings for groups over 10. Open Monday-Sunday, 12 noon-late.

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pastries, birthday cakes and breads. Located in a cosy, relaxed, sunny courtyard.

Open Tuesday-Friday, 7am-4pm. Saturday-Sunday, 8am-4pm.

PONSONBY LITTLE BLACK BOOK: A-Z CAFES + RESTAURANTS GUIDE MISS ISTANBUL, Ponsonby Central, 8/4 Brown Street, T: 09 600 1158, www.missistanbul.co.nz Serving simple, tasty Turkish dishes. Try one of the mezze platters with accompanying dips and flatbread. Or a classic durum (wrap): beef, chicken, halloumi, falafel, lamb or fish with sumac red onion, cacik, hummus, tomato and greens. Open MondaySunday, 10am-10pm.

MISS MOONSHINE’S, Lot 3, 130 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 360 4075, www.missmoonshines.com Slow cooking, wood smoking and quality New Zealand meat. It’s barbecue cooking inspired by pit masters and street markets. Rubs, ribs and distinctive smoky flavour that can only come from hours of cooking over burning wood. It takes the timehonoured American grill and enhances it with New Zealand freshness from quality timber and meats. Open seven days.

MOOCHOWCHOW, 23 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 360 6262, www.moochowchow.co.nz Like a stroll through the fragrant night markets and food stalls of Bangkok, MooChowChow is a boost to the senses, capturing that vibrant zang of sweet, sour, salty and hot that makes Thai food a party in your mouth. Cocktails of fresh fruits, shaved ice and smashed herbs will cool, refresh and tantalise. Private dining rooms are also available. Open lunch and dinner Tuesday-Friday from 12 noon until late, and Saturday dinners from 5.30pm-late.

MOREPORK BBQ, Corner of Jervois & St Marys Road, T: 09 303 0477, www.moreporkbbq.com Morepork BBQ is introducing damn good barbeque to New Zealand. Chef/owner Clint Davies combines homemade rubs and sauces with hand-picked premium cuts of meat and smokes them low ‘n’ slow in a custom built smoker, co-designed and co-built by the chef himself. Options to dine in at the fully licensed restaurant or takeaway a full meal for the family to enjoy. Open Tuesday-Sunday 11.30am until sold out!

MR TOMS, 151 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 360 9138, www.mrtoms.co.nz Alluring, powerful and flirty, Mr Toms is a combination of all things Ponsonby. With eloquently crafted cocktails, tasty small plates to share and their infamous, rustic baked pizzas, Mr Toms does the simple things right.

MURDER BURGER, 95 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 360 4005, www.murderburger.co.nz At Murder Burger, they serve an uncompromisingly fresh meat burger that’s worth it.

A place you would come to enjoy a range of exciting burgers minus the guilt.

MUTIARA MALAYSIAN RESTAURANT, 66 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 376 2759, www.mutiara.co.nz Mutiara is a specialist in authentic Malaysian cuisine and authenticity is the top priority for chef and owner Roy Lim. Malaysian cuisine is diverse in its influences and styles and this is reflected in the menu which offers signature dishes such as Rendang Kampung (thick curry), Ikan Bakar (Malaysian style grilled fish) and Mamak Noodles. Open for lunch Monday-Friday, 12 noon-2.30pm and dinner seven nights, 6pm-10.30pm.

NAMO, 244 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 376 9909, www.namo.co.nz This Japanese restaurant is found where Thai Me Up used to be located. The food is very good: fresh, creative and beautifully presented. The chef is Japanese and at one time worked at Nobu in Tokyo.

NISHIKI JAPANESE RESTAURANT, 100 Wellington Street, T: 09 376 7104, www.nishiki.co.nz Robata-yaki means having dinner and drinks in a cosy and social atmosphere watching the kitchen. Because most of the dishes are grilled and deep fried and snack sized, you can order many different kinds of food to share. Also available is a wide selection of Japanese sake, wine and beer; BYO wine. Open Tuesday-Sunday, 6pm-11pm.

OCCAM CAFE & BAR, 135 Williamson Avenue, T: 09 378 0604, www.occamcafe.co.nz Occam is a popular spot with locals for breakfast, lunch, coffee, snacks or a relaxed weekend brunch. There are tables inside and out and a mezzanine bar creates

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a buzzy atmosphere. It is fully licensed and you can phone in your coffee order for quick and easy pick up. Occam is also a great venue for functions. Open Monday -Friday, 7am-5pm, Saturday, Sunday and public holidays, 8am-5pm.

OCEAN AND A ROCK, 551 Richmond Road, 09 555 0123 or 021 263 1444, www.oceanandarock.com Following on from their first pop-up restaurant at Jafa Cafe, Sahil and Varun have created this new pop-up, again transforming the daytime cafe into a night-time dining experience. They have backgrounds in molecular cocktail design and European-Asian fusion cuisine, and bring to the menu an adventurous and tasty array of dishes with cocktails to match. Open Tuesday-Sunday 5pm-late.

ODETTES EATERY, City Works Depot, Shed 5, 90 Wellesley Street, T: 309 0304, www.odettes.co.nz Odettes Eatery offers a thoughtful menu that changes a little throughout the day to suit the appetite. It is the brainchild of Clare and Joost van den Berg who ran Zus & Zo, before selling up to concentrate on their city venture. Fittingly, the menu is in total sync with this exhibition of good taste and high fashion. Chef Josh Kucharick’s food meets all the demands of the modern diner and there is something for everyone, as long as they are prepared to be a little adventurous. Open seven days.

OHSO CAFE, 29 Crummer Road, T: 09 360 0700, www.ohso.co.nz Fantastic menu, cabinet food and Allpress coffee along with a chilled out atmosphere make ohSO the perfect place for a casual business meeting or a catch up with friends.

Functions and catering also available. Open Monday-Friday, 7am-3pm, Saturday and Sunday 8am-3pm.

ONE 2 ONE CAFE, 21 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 376 4954 One 2 One cafe has just celebrated its 24th year, it uses coffee supplied by the local boutique roaster Craig Miller and has free wifi. One 2 One is fully licensed and offers a selection of organic wine with craft beers. Family friendly, with a charming Parisian style and a covered courtyard complete with a children’s sandpit and blackboard.

ONE BISTRO, 1 Williamson Avenue, T: 09 360 1115, www.onebistro.co.nz This all day bistro is located in the historic former Ponsonby Fire Station. Serving all day breakfast, brunch and lunch, with daily specials. They have a private function room with capacity for 50 guests that has its own bar and outside deck, perfect for morning/lunch meetings, product launches, birthday parties, engagement parties, civil unions, actually, any occasion you can think of!

ORPHAN’S KITCHEN, 118 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 378 7979, www.orphanskitchen.co.nz Orphan’s Kitchen is all about unadulterated food and naughty wines. Offering a laid -back atmosphere with honest food. Open Tuesday-Saturday, 5pm-late and brunch Wednesday-Sunday.

OSTERIA DEL PANE, 204 Jervois Road, 09 378 8877, www.osteriadelpane.co.nz It offers traditional, handmade Italian cuisine. Chef Rob prepares all of the food on site from scratch to create authentic Italian dishes. The perfect location for your next dinner event and has a spacious private room for large functions.

PANE E VINO, 20 Williamson Avenue, T: 09 360 0263, www.paneevino.co.nz Owner Tito is passionate about the food they serve which is regional Italian style cuisine. Classic antipasti, pasta and mains, all exceptionally flavoured, using fresh ingredients plus popular Italian desserts and thin crust pizza. Dine in - delivery - take out - catering. Lunch, Monday-Friday, 12 noon-3pm and dinner seven days from 5pm.

PARIS BUTTER BISTRO, 166 Jervois Road, 09 360 4340, www.parisbutter.co.nz A French-style bistro owned by Nick Honeyman, Paris Butter takes its name from 'cafe de Paris', the complex butter sauce famous for making a steak come alive.

Monday closed, Tuesday-Thursday 6pm-late, Friday 12 noon-late, Saturday 9am3pm, 6pm-late and Sunday 9am-3pm.

PHILIPPE’S CHOCOLATE, 295 Great North Road, T: 09 376 1754, www.philippechocolate.co.nz Not just fabulous flavoured chocolates and bonbons, Philippe’s also makes French cakes and tarts, French pastries and breads, sandwiches and quiches. Open PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

vegetables, meat or fish. The meals are quick, cheap, unpretentious, nutritious and well balanced. Open Tuesday-Saturday, 12 noon-3pm and 5pm-9pm.

PINTU SALAD BAR, Lot 3, 130 Ponsonby Road T: 09 378 0698, www.pintusalad.co.nz Pintu offers breakfast and lunch with cold-pressed juices, sandwiches and create your own salads. Open Thursday and Friday nights and offers a delivery service.

REVELRY, 106 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 376 8663, www.revelry.co.nz A luxurious bohemian-style parlour with hints of opium den chic, this venue boasts one of the best decks in Ponsonby, a warming double-sided fireplace and visual delights from lanterns to antique furniture. The delicious food menu includes a selection of Asian fusion sharing plates, platters and bar snacks. An extensive New Zealand and international wine list, classic and original cocktails with seasonal recipes, and craft beers will give you something new to try every visit. Open from early afternoon until late every night of the week. Brunch service is available Friday-Sunday.

PITA PIT, 2/104 Ponsonby Road T: 09 378 7482, www.pitapit.co.nz/stores/ponsonby Pita Pit offers quality, healthy, fresh food - fast! The menu is varied with chicken, lamb, beef, ham, tuna and vegetarian fillings, with a choice of plain, wholemeal or new gluten-free pitas to choose from. The service is super friendly. You can take away or enjoy your pita at one of the outside tables. Open seven days, Monday-Wednesday, 9am-8pm, Thursday 9am-9pm, Saturday 11am-9pm and Sunday 11am-8pm.

POCKET BAR & KITCHEN, 592 Great North Road, Corner of Tuarangi & Great North Roads, T: 09 376 4309, www.pocketbarandkitchen.co.nz Once home to the ASB bank in Grey Lynn, the corner site is now a cool bar and eatery with a real local focus. There is an outdoor deck perfect for all Auckland weather and live music every Sunday. Grab a beer on tap or ask for one of their delicious house cocktails made with fresh seasonal produce. If you're sharing, try the seaweed chips with dashi mayo and the green tahini hummus. If you aren't, go the North African spiced lamb chops! If you're planning a party, make sure to ask about the new function space in the old ASB bank.

PONSONBY INTERNATIONAL FOOD COURT, 106 Ponsonby Road, www.ponsonbyfoodcourt.co.nz Walk right in and taste the mouth-watering recipes from Italy, Japan, Malaysia, China, Thailand, India, Indonesia, Vietnam and more. Situated right in the heart of Ponsonby with a fully licensed bar, this is the perfect place for that leisurely lunch, dinner or quick break from business. Open daily 11am-10pm.

PONSONBY ROAD BISTRO, 165 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 360 1611, www.ponsonbyroadbistro.co.nz The award-winning Ponsonby Road Bistro offers a well-priced menu and interesting wine list in a stylish and relaxed environment. Sarah Conway’s menu provides a global feast - and the chargrilled scotch with hand-cut chips has become a firm favourite. The friendly staff and cosy dining room offer a warm welcome. The well -priced Express Lunch Menu runs Monday to Friday from 12 noon and includes a delicious glass of Foxes Island sauvignon blanc or pinot noir. Open Monday-Friday, 12 noon-late and Saturday, 4pm-late.

PO' BROTHERS EATERY AND BAR, 185 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 376 8235, www.pobrothers.co.nz Be transported to Japan, China, Thailand, Vietnam and Korea at this Asian fusion eatery new to the Ponsonby strip. Try the Seafood Tom Yum Noodle: Thai spicy hot & sour soup with kung fu egg noodle, king prawns, mushrooms, coriander, spring onions and mixed Thai herbs. Finish with their signature dessert, Deep Fried Bao Ice Cream: deep fried bao with green matcha ice cream, red beans and peanuts. Open seven days 12 noon-10pm.

A-Z CAFES & RESTAURANTS GUIDE

Monday 8am-4pm, Tuesday-Thursday, 7.30am-5pm, Friday-Saturday, 7.30am -5.30pm, Sunday 7.30am-4pm.

RICHMOND RD CAFE, 318 Richmond Road, T: 09 360 5559, www.richmondrdcafe.co.nz One of 10 award-winning cafes owned by Hipgroup, Richmond Road Cafe is a buzzing urban cafe. With a menu refined by Hipgroup’s belief in provenance, sustainability, seasonality and locally sourced product, many of the ingredients are grown on their farm in Kumeu. There’s an all-day menu, sweet selection, freshly squeezed juices and frappes plus a champagne, wine and beer menu. Open seven days, 7am-4pm.

RIPE DELI, 172 Richmond Road, T: 09 360 6159, www.ripedeli.co.nz Providing healthy and fresh takeout food for breakfast, lunch, dinner and everything in between, using the best of local, free-farmed and free-range ingredients. Weeknight TV dinners and freezer meals, a variety of gourmet sandwiches and wraps, fresh produce -laden salads all year round, decadent home baked slices, a fantastic selection of raw treats, gluten free, dairy free - they have everything! Delivery is available MondayFriday until 3pm for out-catering and you can order online. Open Monday-Thursday, 7am-7pm, Friday-Saturday, 7am-4pm and Sunday, 8am-4pm.

ROCKET KITCHEN, 234a Ponsonby Road, T: 09 360 8834, www.rocketkitchen.co.nz Auckland's iconic cake store proudly serving Auckland for nearly 20 years. It has earned their enviable reputation through commitment to premium ingredients and quality customer service. Offers a range of birthday cakes for boys, girls and big kids of all ages, gorgeous fresh wedding cakes, delicious sweets and cupcakes. Add to this its food gift hampers, frozen meals and soups, scrumptious savoury and salads, tasty pantry items and gluten-free products and you will see why it is so popular. Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm, Saturday, 9am-4pm, closed Sunday.

ROOST - VINEGAR LANE BAGELS, 1 Vinegar Lane, Crummer Road Roost is run by Ruben Maurice with his two business partners, Wayne Schuler and Shaun Marlo. They are offering Atomic coffee and bagels in a new industrial space in the Vinegar Lane development. Don’t miss their delicious brioche.

PREGO, 226 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 376 3095, www.prego.co.nz This iconic restaurant was established more than 30 years ago, Prego is the ultimate in Italian alfresco dining with the intimacy of an enclosed courtyard, late suppers at the bar in front of a wood fire or bistro-style dining with the buzz of a busy restaurant. Takeaway available, open seven days, 12 noon-late.

photography: Michael McClintock

QUEENIES, 24a Spring Street, Freemans Bay T: 09 378 8977, www.queenies.co.nz Tucked away from the bustle of Ponsonby on the corner of Middle and Cascade Streets is the award-winning Queenies, offering Supreme coffee, New Zealand beers and wines, a unique sweet selection and a tantalising menu. Open Monday-Friday, 7am-4pm, Saturday and Sunday, 8am-4pm.

RENKON, 47 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 360 1006, www.renkon.co.nz/ponsonby This restaurant specialises in donburi, which is a large bowl of rice topped with fresh SPQR The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

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PONSONBY LITTLE BLACK BOOK: A-Z CAFES + RESTAURANTS GUIDE ROSSO POMODORO, 356 Great North Road, T: 09 360 6257, www.rossopomodoro.co.nz Your local Italian woodfire pizza made by pizza makers Marcello and Matteo with hosting by Tito to deliver the best woodfire pizza in town. They say, “the best pizza is our top priority.”

SAAN, 160 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 320 4237, www.saan.co.nz Saan’s Head Chef Lek Trirattanavatin says, “Our menu is mainly focused around the Lanna and Isaan regions of Thailand. Many of the dishes have been passed down through my family. I am very proud to present them to you here in the heart of Ponsonby. Than Hai Aroi Na Krab - enjoy your meal.” Seven nights from 5pm-late, Wednesday-Friday lunch from 12 noon.

SAFFRON INDIAN RESTAURANT, 31 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 378 2122, www.saffronindianrestaurant.co.nz Saffron specialises in South Indian cuisine. On Friday, Saturday and Sunday between 11am and 3pm it serves an all-vegetarian buffet brunch. Catering, takeaway and delivery in Ponsonby is also available. Open seven days, Monday-Sunday. Lunch 11am-3pm. Dinner 6pm-10.30pm.

SALASH DELICATESSEN, Victoria Park Market, T: 09 379 9656, www.salash.co.nz All 100% natural, New Zealand and hand-made sausages, salamis, air-dried meats, prosciutto, chorizo, cheese and more. Lunch menu, hand-made burgers and salads from only $10.50! Must try its famous chorizo burger! Open Monday-Friday, 10am5pm and Saturday, 10am-4pm. Sunday closed.

SALTA ESPRESSO, 285 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 360 1295 Salta Espresso delivers quality personal service, great coffee and delicious fresh food made with pride on the premises every day. A full breakfast and lunch menu is available as well as delicious cakes, pastries and sandwiches. Open Monday-Friday, 6.30am-4.30pm, Saturday and Sunday, 7am-4.30pm.

SATYA SOUTH INDIAN RESTAURANT, 17 Great North Road, T: 09 361 3612, www.satya.co.nz Satya is situated near the Ponsonby, Newton and K’ Road intersection. The south Indian recipes are age old and based on Ayurvedic principles; Satya's motive is good food. With its relaxed ambience and friendly staff, it is a great place for a vast range of Indian meals at a good price. Takeaway, delivery, catering and banquets for large groups are all available. Open for lunch Monday-Saturday, 11.30am-2.30pm and dinner Monday-Sunday, 5.30pm-10pm.

SAVOUR & DEVOUR, 478 Richmond Road, T: 09 361 2631 Savour & Devour offers a range of cabinet food with homemade cakes, pies and sandwiches and a full breakfast and lunch menu. Catering and takeaway is available.

Open Monday-Friday, 7am-5pm, Saturday and Sunday, 8am-5pm.

SAVOURY SWEET, 25 Sale Street, T; 09 309 3667 This little sandwich place also offers pie, gorgeous salads and meals... try their teriyaki chicken Asian slaw salad; creamy bacon and mushroom pasta bake and the best of all - a fresh pea pesto pasta with feta and fresh herbs.

SAWADEE THAI CUISINE, 42a Ponsonby Road, T: 09 376 0320, www.sawadee.co.nz Sawadee offers dishes from the four main regions of the Siamese Kingdom. Thai food is a blend of tastes - hot, sour, salty, sweet and spicy with subtle additions of aromatic herbs to enrich the traditional flavours. Fully licensed, takeaway menu, functions catered and BYO wine. Monday closed. Open Tuesday-5pm to late, Wednesday-Sunday-12 noon-3pm; 5pm-late. Closed on public holidays.

SEABREEZE, 184 Garnet Road Enjoy breakfast or lunch at this cafe with an ocean view to boot. The interior is modern with seating for 58, and is fully licensed. The menu has a range of breakfast classics such as toast and spreads, eggs on toast, granola or Bharta Eggs: poached eggs with spiced aubergine puree, whipped yoghurt, chilli butter with sourdough toast. Open seven days, 7am-4pm.

40 PONSONBY NEWS+ May 2017

SHAHI INDIAN EXPERIENCE, 26 Jervois Road, T: 09 378 8896, www.shahi.co.nz For more than 26 years, Shahi cafe has been serving Ponsonby locals timeless, sumptuous north Indian cuisine with a difference. There is an extensive variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes; some of the most popular are Shahi cigar, chicken tikka, rogan josh and much more. A private function room is available, dine in, catering, delivery and takeaway. Open 5pm-late, everyday.

SIDART, Three Lamps Plaza, 283 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 360 2122, www.sidart.co.nz Sidart is the award-winning restaurant of chef Sid Sahrawat with modern creative New Zealand cuisine. It is a contemporary yet formal restaurant with innovative food and attentive, friendly service headed by Stefano Baldin. The gorgeous city views and intimate dining room make Sidart a place for special occasions. Highly recommended by the Ponsonby News team. Open Tuesday-Saturday, 6pm, Friday lunch 12 noon-2.30pm.

SIERRA CAFE, 295 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 376 0081, www.seirracoffee.co.nz Offering free wifi and their famous specialty Sierra coffee as well as delicious home -made cakes and slices - everything is available to take away. Open seven days, 6.30am-4.30pm.

SIOSTRA, 472 Richmond Road, T: 09 360 6207, www.siostra.co.nz Siostra is a local bistro serving modern European cuisine. Pop in for a glass of wine and tapas or book for dinner. Private dining room available. Open Tuesday to Saturday for dinner and Friday for lunch.

SOUL THAI, 158 Williamson Avenue, T: 09 302 8888, www.soulthai.co.nz At Soul Thai, their goal is to cook restaurant quality, authentic Thai cuisine using the finest ingredients and deliver your order to your door fresh and fast. Order by phone or online. Now open in Mt Eden too. Open seven days, 5pm-10pm.

SPQR, 150 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 360 1710, www.spqrnz.co.nz A Ponsonby institution, SPQR has been a prominent fixture along the Ponsonby strip for 24 years. The lively atmosphere and friendly service gives SPQR an authentic, first-rate reputation. The pizza is great for an anytime snack and veal marsala is an old favourite. Eat in or take-away. Open seven days, 12 noon-late.

ST PIERRE’S SUSHI OF JAPAN & SEAFOOD, 320 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 360 6553, www.stpierres.co.nz St Pierre’s Sushi is all about fresh, quality sushi at an affordable price. It now offers brown rice for all sushi flavours. Readymade to go for busy people, or made fresh on the spot any time for tailor-made sushi requirements. Party platters of sushi are a specialty.

STANDING ROOM ESPRESSO, Victoria Park Market, T: 09 366 7776, www.standingroomespresso.co.nz Next time you are walking in Victoria Park call into this great little cafe. Standing room espresso is the place for great coffee and homemade food, slices and cakes. They offer organic coffee and delicious salads made to order.

SUSHI EDGE, 280 Richmond Road, T: 09 376 6218 Sushi Edge is a takeaway or eat-in establishment serving a wide range of delicious sushi and sashimi options. Their servings are generous, everything is tasty and wellseasoned and freshly made. Their sashimi bento box, vegetarian tempura don and their lunch sushi boxes are all worth trying and are good value for money.

SUSHI WASABI, Shop 14, 1 Jervois Road, T: 09 376 8388 Situated next to Dorothy Butler’s Children’s Book Shop, Sushi Wasabi specialises in traditional sushi and nigiri. Their sushi is made with brown rice. This is a daytime restaurant and you can dine in or takeaway. They have a loyalty card too. Open Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm.

SWEAT SHOP BREW KITCHEN, 7 Sale Street, T: 09 307 8148, www.sweatshopbrew.co.nz Sweat Shop Brew Kitchen in Freemans Bay is known for its succulent, smoky barbecue

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

TAISHO YAKITORI BAR, 190 Jervois Road, T: 09 378 0746 Taisho Yakitori Bar serves both traditional and modern Japanese food. There are over 60 dishes to choose from, including sushi and sashimi, 15 different kinds of sake, as well as Japanese and local beer and wine. Owner, Taka Tsuji, is from Hiroshima where his parents have run a restaurant for more than 35 years so he has grown up with traditional Japanese food and hospitality. Eat in or takeaway. Open Tuesday-Thursday, 6pm-10.30pm, Friday-Sunday, 5pm-11pm, Sunday, 9.30pm.

TARTINE, 38 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 360 6876, www.tartine.co.nz More inviting with its visible and trendy look, warmer inside with a different colour scheme and a outdoor seating arrangement, you will enjoy the Tartine atmosphere.

The food menu offers lots of exciting options and a brand new food cabinet will excite your appetite! Free parking and wifi are available. Also open from 4pm until late for after work drinks every Thursday and Friday. A great opportunity to taste its wines of the month with a cheese and charcuterie platter. Private functions and catering.

THAI CLASSIC RESTAURANT, 282 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 360 3389, Thai Classic Restaurant has been running strong since 1994, specialising in authentic Thai cuisine. Flaming chicken and flaming beef are recommended dishes.

Enjoy indoor and outdoor seating, a relaxed and friendly ambience and wonderful views of the Waitakeres. Takeaways and delivery are available to Ponsonby locals.

Open seven nights, 5.30pm-10.30pm.

THAI HOUSE RESTAURANT, 25 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 376 5912, www.thaihouse.co.nz Since 1993 Thai House Restaurant has been serving the finest quality Thai cuisine and taking pride in serving only quality and authentic ingredients, freshly prepared along with warm and personal service. Thai House has an intimate ambience, warmly

decorated with traditional Thai décor. Fully licensed, BYO wine and takeaway. Open seven nights, 5.30pm-10pm.

THAI SILVER, 186 Jervois Road, T: 09 360 0714, www.thaisilver.co.nz This is a small, warm and welcoming restaurant with simple decor and deliciously cooked Thai food from an excellent chef. Its fans say it’s the excellent quality of the dishes that gives this establishment its point of difference. Open for dinner seven nights, 5pm till late.

THE BAKE POD, 498 Karangahape Road, T: 09 366 7633 The Bake Pod is a small cafe and bakery offering traditional homemade baking using quality ingredients. They offer a range of flavours of pies, sausage rolls, savouries, muffins baked daily. Lovely, fresh sandwiches made daily and made to order. They offer catering and serve organic Fair Trade Organico coffee from Karajoz. Open Monday-Friday, 6:30am-4pm. Saturday, 7:30am-4pm.

THE BIRDCAGE RESTAURANT & BAR, 133 Franklin Road, T: 09 280 1690, www.birdcage.co.nz The Birdcage has been returned to her former glory with stained glass windows and original brick walls blended with more modern elements to give it a chic, metropolitan vibe. The north-facing courtyard bar is one of the biggest and sunniest in Auckland, a perfect inner city destination to gather with friends. The food is rustic in style. Open Sunday for lunch till 5pm. Closed Monday. Tuesday-Saturday 12 noon-late.

THE BLUE BREEZE INN, Ponsonby Central, 146 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 360 0303, www.thebluebreezeinn.co.nz Chef Che Barrington takes Auckland Asian dining to new levels, serving you the sensational flavours of regional China in the lush surrounds of a Pacific island paradise. In-house dumpling chefs fold and flip before your very eyes, and New Zealand’s premiere in-house rum bar, The Rum Jungle, shakes up kooky Tiki cocktails and understated classics. Open seven days, lunch and dinner, 12 noon-late.

STEAK YOUR CLAIM! LUNCH FOR 2 - $85

Includes 2 mains + 2 sides + 2 glasses of wine Booking is essential

Available for lunch Wednesday to Friday from 12pm to 2pm only. Offer applies to selected products only, please call the restaurant or ask your waiter for more information. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotion. Only applies to Jervois Steak House Auckland.

Available for a limited time. To receive this offer book and pay via www.jervoissteakhouse.co.nz/bookings/book-auckland/.

70 Jervois Road, Herne Bay, Auckland | Ph (09) 376 2049 | www.jervoissteakhouse.co.nz The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

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A-Z CAFES & RESTAURANTS GUIDE

meats and their exclusive beer range, which is hand-crafted in their very own brewery.

Americana-spice rubbed meats with native New Zealand woodchips for an alarmingly delicious experience. It’s a great spot for a few brews as well, with regular DJs and live gigs taking place every weekend. Open seven days 11.30am until late.

PONSONBY LITTLE BLACK BOOK: A-Z CAFES + RESTAURANTS GUIDE THE BOTANIST, City Works Depot, Shed 13, 90 Wellesley Street West, T: 09 309 9494, www.botanist.co.nz Cafe by day, wine bar at night. Florist seven days a week. A oasis of flora amidst the concrete and steel of City Works Depot. Award-winning chef Sara Simpson’s menu brings the best seasonal produce together in an innovative way. Included in Metro Top 50 Cafe 2014, Denizen’s Best New Cafe 2014, ReMix Best Saturday Brunch 2015. Resident florist Eden Hessell is Auckland’s leading floral artist and stocks a unique range of plants and flowers. Open seven days.

THE CAV, 68 College Hill, T: 09 376 4230, www.thecav.co.nz As per its gastropub theme, The Cav offers bistro-quality food in a casual friendly environment and is a great place to meet for a couple of relaxing beers or a glass of wine or two. They offer an extensive menu featuring succulent, modern cuisine with an ethos of providing great value for money. Open Monday-Saturday, 11am-1am, Sunday 11am-11pm.

THE COFFEE BAR AT GLENGARRY VICTORIA PARK, 118 Wellesley Street, T: 09 308 8319, www.glengarrywines.co.nz This is a fusion of great coffee, a takeaway lunch selection and a scrumptious selection of cakes, tarts and pastries wrapped up in one of Auckland’s finest wine, spirit and beer stores - Glengarry Victoria Park. Grab a coffee and wander through the wine store, sit and catch up on the day’s newspaper, or grab everything to go.

Alongside the Coffee Bar at Glengarry Victoria Park is a function and events space which is available for hire with food catered by Dida’s Food Store. The Coffee Bar is open Monday to Friday, 7.30am-3pm.

THE DAIRY, Ponsonby Central, 2 Richmond Road, T: 09 972 2642, www.the-dairy.co.nz This is a combination of ice cream parlour, larder and deli-style cafe. It dishes up all manner of delicious nostalgic treats; Kapiti ice cream sandwiched between freshly baked cookies, decadent ice cream sodas finished with candyfloss topping and milkshakes served in a retro cream bottle. The lunch menu offers savoury comfort food classics, and the deli showcases all of New Zealand’s finest artisan cheeses.

Open Monday-Friday 9am-late, Saturday and Sunday 8am-late.

THE FAIRY SHOP CAFE, 286 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 360 1560, www.thefairyshop.co.nz The Fairy Shop has a cafe serving homemade, old-fashioned food like Devonshire scones and lemon drizzle cakes. Pre-book a cafe session class where littlies play with fairies and adults can relax in the cafe. Children’s parties, high tea and school holiday programmes also available with parking behind. Open seven days, 9.30am-4.30pm.

THE FOOD ROOM, 250 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 360 2425, www.foodroom.co.nz Gourmet sandwiches, salads, wraps, homemade cakes and slices, organic coffee and ‘The Best Pies in Auckland’ award. The Food Room can cater for all kinds of parties and celebrations and is definitely worth a visit. Open Monday-Friday, 7.30am4.30pm, Saturday, 8am-5pm and Sunday, 9am-5pm.

THE GARNET ROAD FOOD STORE, 162 Garnet Road, T: 09 376 8227 Known for their cinnamon brioche, The Garnet Road Food Store also makes their own salads, pies, cakes and sweet treats. Dine in or takeaway. Open Tuesday-Friday, 7.30am-4pm, Saturday and Sunday, 8am-4pm.

THE GOVERNOR, 228 Jervois Road, T: 09 361 5060, www.thegovernor.co.nz With a minimalist approach to crafting simply great food through the use of fresh, organic, locally sourced produce, the Governor is a home away from home.

Hospitality and service with a warm smile are to be expected. A modern-day spin on classic cafe food, the Governor will always have something just a little bit different to get your taste buds going.

THE ITALIAN JOB, 242 Jervois Road, T: 09 376 2937 For over 25 years this family owned and operated restaurant has been serving delicious, authentic Italian food in a welcoming, cosy and rustic atmosphere and whether it’s a large group or it’s an intimate dinner for two, you will always experience warm, friendly service. Takeaway pizza and pasta. Open Tuesday-Sunday, 6pm-10pm.

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THE KITCHEN by MR TOMS, Corner Ponsonby Road & Anglesea Streets, T: 09 360 9138, www.the-kitchen.co.nz Greeted by the head chef as you walk through the kitchen door itself, you are immediately immersed in the unique dining experience of The Kitchen by MR TOMS. An intimate, evening bistro holding 40 seats surrounded by wooden timber, nautical themed colours and greenery that provides the opportunity to witness your food creations being crafted right before you.

THE OAK ROOM, 17 Drake Street, T: 09 300 6313, www.theoakroom.co.nz Situated in Victoria Park Market, one of Auckland’s most historic and treasured landmarks, The Oakroom is a beautiful space in an old part of town. Formerly a stable in the 1800s, The Oakroom has been carefully crafted in order to enhance a contemporary feel and maintain its natural and historic features. Open Tuesday -Friday 11am-late and Saturday 4pm-late.

THE PONSONBY SOCIAL CLUB, 152 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 361 2320, www.ponsonbysocialclub.co.nz Live music and DJs throughout the week, check the website for details. Open seven nights 5pm-late.

THE RAW KITCHEN, City Works Depot, 90 Wellesley Street, www.therawkitchen.co.nz This flagship store and kitchen offers an extensive range of raw breakfast cups, salads and wraps, snacks, sweet treats, nut mylks - all prepared fresh daily, and retail products. Choose from their made to order smoothies and coffee prepared by a passionate team. Open seven days, Monday-Friday, 7.30am-4pm, Saturday, 8am -3pm, Sunday 11am-3pm.

THE ROCKET STORE, 208 Ponsonby Road, T: 0800 286 642, www.atomiccoffee.co.nz This is Atomic Coffee Roasters new cafe, The Rocket Store. They have partnered with Rocket Espresso Milano that provides a place to gather and enjoy great coffee and showcase the best espresso machines on the market today. The space boasts a sleek black interior created by the team at Izzard Design. Open Monday-Friday, 7am-4pm, Saturday-Sunday, 8am-4pm.

THE STATION BAGELRY AND BAR, 2 Beresford Square, T: 09 300 5040, www.stationbar.co.nz The Station Bagelry and Bar serves New York-style bagels all day in sunny Beresford Square. At night it converts to serving all the best craft beers from around New Zealand, gourmet pizzas and is available for exclusive functions on weekends.

With regular live music, DJs and events there is always something going on @ TheStationAKL. Open weekdays 7.30am-late, weekends 8.30am-late.

THE SURREY HOTEL, 465 Great North Road, T: 09 378 9059, www.thesurreyhotel.co.nz This local pub has a cosy atmosphere, friendly service and food available all day.

There is a breakfast buffet, brunch, lunch and dinner menu as well as bar snacks and woodfired pizza. Open seven days 7am-9.30pm.

THE WHITE RABBIT ON THE PARK, 37 Drake Street, T: 09 929 2790, www.thewhiterabbitonthepark.co.nz Nestled in the iconic Victoria Park Market, this restaurant serves up a bistro-styled seasonal menu infusing modern techniques into classic dishes. A place to meet for breakfast, lunch, dinner or after-work drinks, there is something for everyone at The White Rabbit on the Park. Open Monday-Wednesday, 3pm-late, Thursday-Friday, 8am-late and Saturday, 9am-late.

THIRTY NINE, 39 Ponsonby Road T: 09 376 5008 Thirty Nine has been serving delicious all day breakfast and lunch since 2005. It uses Fairtrade Allpress coffee and you can enjoy it in their lovely courtyard. Open seven days, 7am-4pm.

TIGER BURGER, 549 Great North Road, M: 027 847 5020, www.tigerburger.co.nz Tiger Burgers offers a delicious collision of Korean cuisine and western street food.

Having spent the past year operating with a van across the Auckland market scene, Tiger Burger has settled into a permanent home in the heart of Grey Lynn. Making everything from scratch and staying true to traditional Korean flavours, the team

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

TOKYO CLUB, Ponsonby Central, 136 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 376 8016, www.tokyoclub.co.nz Tokyo Club is ‘yokocho’ style Isakaya restaurant located in the heart of Ponsonby Central. Their Japanese family team includes well-known front of house manager Sarasa Shimura and Tokyo master blowfish-sushi chef Chikara Sato. It serves quality, affordable cuisine and beverages. With Asahi and Sapporo beers on tap and its own sakes brewed in Japan, this place has quickly become very popular.

TOM TOM BAR & EATERY, 27 Drake Street, T: 09 377 5737, www.tom-tom.co.nz Elevated above Victoria Park with north-facing views through the treetops across Auckland, Tom Tom Bar & Eatery is a great place to meet for drinks and experience its unique cuisine. Open Tuesday-Sunday 11.30am-late.

TOMO JAPANESE RESTAURANT, 334 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 376 4757, www.tomojapaneserestaurant.co.nz Tomo has been serving delicious Japanese food for more than 13 years. It is fully licensed with 10 different sakes or wine and beer to enjoy with your food. The popular takeaway Lunch Box includes salad, tempura, rice, miso soup and your choice of meat or fish. BYO wine only. Open Monday, 10.30am-5pm and Tuesday-Saturday, 10.30am-10pm.

TOO GOOD ESPRESSO, 54 Brown Street, T: 09 390 1533, www.toogoodespresso.co.nz Purveyors of exceptional coffee with delicious treats; mid-week chocolate fix - caramel, hazelnut slice or almond, cranberry brownie. A tough decision. Don’t forget to pick up your take home Millers Beans for your weekend coffee fix. Open Monday-Friday 8am-3pm.

TURKISH CAFE, 294 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 360 0468, www.turkishcafe.co.nz The Turkish Cafe serves fresh wholesome, halal food inspired by Mediterranean and

A-Z CAFES & RESTAURANTS GUIDE

behind Tiger Burger seeks to introduce Kiwis to the many mouth-watering flavours of Korea.

Middle Eastern cuisine with a strong Turkish influence. There are set menus or it can tailor a menu to suit your tastes and the occasion you’re celebrating. Takeaway is available too. BYO. Open Monday-Thursday, 11am-10pm, Friday-Saturday, 11am11pm, Sunday, 4pm-9pm.

TURKO CAFE, 22 Drake Street, T: 09 213 9528, www.turko.co.nz Nestled between Sale Street and Victoria Park Market, this is a nice spot for meeting up with friends or colleagues for breakfast or lunch. You can choose from the Mediterranean-inspired menu or try the daily roast vegetable salad or feta and spinach filo from the cabinet. Open Monday-Friday, 7am-4pm.

UBUD BALI, 572 Great North Road, T: 09 376 1600 Be transported to Bali and choose from the array of dishes on offer, such as Oseng Bali - a choice of chicken, lamb or beef, stir fried with vegetables and the special Balinese sauce.

URBAN JUNGLE, 571 Great North Road, T: 09 360 8470 For more than 15 years, in the heart of Grey Lynn, Urban Jungle has been turning out consistently good food. Fully licensed and BYO wine. Open seven days, 7am4pm, Thursday-Saturday, 6pm-late.

VIC PARK CAFE, Corner College Hill and Beaumont Street, T: 09 377 3399 Vic Park Cafe was born as an extension of a home and a friendship between an Irish barista doll, a crazy Mexican chef, and a Brazilian coffee, book and music lover. They are serious about good coffee, good food, a good environment and good people; a place to sit, laugh and enjoy. Open seven days, 7am-3.30pm.

VIET FLAMES, Victoria Park Market, T: 09 379 4033, www.vietflames.co.nz At the heart of Auckland’s iconic Victoria Park Market, Viet Flames offers unforgettable flavors of Vietnam. Signature Vietnamese dishes are sumptuously prepared with a combination of locally sourced fresh organic produce and skillful traditional culinary techniques. Whether you are after a relaxing ambiance for meals,

VODKA ROOM LAUNCHES $20 EXPRESS LUNCH BOARD THAT “REPRESENTS SLOW FOOD TENETS” Recently opened Ponsonby restaurant and late-night bar, Vodka Room, has launched a $20 shared lunch board for time-pressed diners that retains a time-intensive traditional approach to food preparation.

“Our generous Rush-In Lunch Board comes out fast but every element represents our strongly held slow-food tenets,” says chef Murray Wiblin (formerly head chef at Hotel DeBrett and executive chef charged with the launch of Ebisu, Tyler St. Garage and Fukuko).

“Kneaded by hand, our black bread reflects the changing seasons - its current incarnation incorporating toasted caraway, cumin, coffee grounds, dark cocoa and unrefined molasses. The kimchi and pickles are fermented onsite, the butter is churned and cultured in our kitchen and the salo, our preserved acorn-fed pork belly, is cured here too.”

“When you look at all the elements here and the respective techniques used to craft each component, it takes just over a week to bring one board together. This is food done the old-fashioned way - and with an affordable price point that makes it accessible.”

PN Sometimes, the old ways are the best ways. F

Rush In Lunch Board

VODKA ROOM, 5 Rose Road, Ponsonby, T: 09 360 50 50, privet@vodkaroom.co.nz

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photography: Anna Kidman

To round out each hand-cut New Zealand native wood board, sourced from a supplier in Clevedon, a main component dish of either shashlik (chargrilled slow-cooked beef featherblade or pork belly), vegetarian stroganoff (a mushroom gnocchi dish), or kotleta (a light fish cake) goes out with the Russian antipasti. Wiblin confirms locally sourced produce is used whenever possible.

Chef Lee Huggins & Angie Jakicevich

DIDA’S. NEW CHEF. NEW MENU. SAME LOCATION. The story of Glengarry Wines has its origins upon the original Jakicevich family site at 54 Jervois Road in Auckland’s Herne Bay. In 1948, the government created a wine-resellers' licence to assist the local winemakers.

Glengarry originator Josef Jakicevich was quick to see the potential, and was granted one of the first two licences issued in Auckland for the greengrocer’s store he had opened the previous year on the corner of Jervois Road and Blake Street. The licence was very restrictive: retailers were only permitted to sell New Zealand wine; they had to stock 12 wines besides their own and they were not permitted to sell less than two gallons to a customer (the equivalent of 12 750ml bottles). During this period, the New Zealand wine industry was dominated by sherry, port and a number of other fancifully named concoctions.

Since then, the world has changed somewhat. Today, the site on Jervois Road is home to three thriving businesses. The original Glengarry wine store sits comfortably between the Dida’s Food Store and the Dida’s Wine Lounge, launched in 2005. ‘Dida’ is Croatian for grandfather, and the name is a fitting tribute to the pioneering Josef. Glengarry Jervois Road is one of the company’s flagship stores, housing an extensive range of international and local wines and a cellar beneath the shop that plays host to fortnightly tastings and is home to a large selection of fine wines. The Jervois Road team possesses excellent wine knowledge and offers delivery, glass hire and function advice. They can even organise any food requirements with the Dida’s staff next door.

Dida’s Food Store provides an extensive and impressive cafe offering, with the Spanish eggs a signature dish. The Food Store also offers a catering service: with platters of cheese, antipasto, sandwiches, cakes and canapés all available, there is a diverse range of options available.

In April, we welcomed back Lee Huggins from his United Kindgom homeland. Lee was one of the original team when Dida’s first opened, and obviously, although

44 PONSONBY NEWS+ May 2017

having returned to England for six years, he couldn’t stay away. We are delighted to have Lee back on board in the position of Head Chef. Back in the United Kingdom, he worked at a leading delicatessen and cafe, an establishment specialising in High Tea, a top-notch catering company and a private boarding school.

While all worthy endeavours, nothing for Lee compares to being back in Herne Bay and at the helm of Dida’s. He has taken the month to review what’s around, and in May is presenting a new menu for the Food Store.

We are also delighted to welcome back into the team Angie Jakicevich. A member of the third generation of the Jakicevich family, she is an important link between the family and its business on the original site.

Angie has an extensive background working in all aspects of Glengarry, a passion for great food and wine and an impeccable understanding of the level of quality required to uphold the reputation of this historic family owned enterprise.

DIDA’S, 54 Jervois Road, T: 09 361 6157, www.didas.co.nz

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

VODKA ROOM, 5 Rose Road, T: 09 360 5050 or M: 021 0666 500, www.vodkaroom.co.nz Whether you're a vodka veteran, novice or simply curious about vodka, this is the place to go and get your swill of vodka tasting. It offers 125 different vodkas and have three bars and six areas to eat. The food is modern Russian, with dishes such as the Olivier Salad: prawns (or without), a mix of new potatoes, apple, gherkin, quail eggs and sour cream and dill dressing, or the Akaroa king salmon gravlax which is cured in vodka. Open seven days, 12 noon-late.

WAROENG LEGIANZ, Unit 25, 210-218 Victoria Street West, T: 09 379 5058 From the famous chicken satay to more traditional dishes, Waroeng Legianz produces authentic food from different regions in Indonesia. The menu includes gado gado, Indonesian style salad with peanut sauce. Other dishes include nasi goreng, mie goreng, satay and gulai kambing. Open Monday-Saturday, 11am-3pm.

WEIRDOUGH & TUCK, City Works Depot, 90 Wellesley Street West, T: 09 366 0973 Weirdough & Tuck is a tuck shop-style sandwich bar hosting an epic array of delicious gastronomical creations! Sexy sandwiches, wicked salads, kick-ass fries, Kohu Road milkshakes and homemade sodas. Open Monday-Friday 10am-4pm, Saturday and Sunday 11am-3pm.

WELL + GOOD, 267 Ponsonby Road, wellandgoodjuice.co.nz They produce nutritious, healthy 100% raw cold-pressed juice. As well as juices, you

can choose from nut mylks and waters. It also has a range of hand-prepared whole food for breakfast, lunch, snacks and dinner. Open seven days, Monday-Friday, 7am4pm, Saturday-Saturday, 8am-4pm.

WELLESLEY STREET KITCHEN, 143 Wellesley Street, T: 09 309 3939 The Meadow Fresh Auckland CBD cafe of the year is set in comfortable retro surrounds, they have a full, all day international menu serving unique breakfast and lunch offerings, award winning Toasted Espresso coffee, gourmet pies, huge cabinet selection and wide array of sweet treats. Everything made in house and they can cater to every dietary need! Open Monday-Friday, 5.30am-3pm.

WOK EXPRESS, 236 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 376 4457, www.wokexpress.co.nz Wok Express is a quality Asian takeaway experience with a difference. It specialises in fresh, delicious, healthy, authentic Thai and Chinese food, cooked fresh to order and in generous portions! You can pick up or it can deliver to you. Open seven days, 4.30pm-10pm.

XIAO DAN RESTAURANT & BAR, 161 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 378 9908 Situated in the heart of Ponsonby, Xiao Dan serves a fusion of traditional and modern Chinese food. As well it has an amazing selection of pan fried and steamed dumplings - well worth coming in for! Open seven days, Monday-Tuesday, from 5pmlate, Wednesday-Sunday, open for lunch 11am-late.

YUZU JAPANESE RESTAURANT, 145 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 378 6040 For over 23 years, with his passion for food, Geeyong Chris Chung has been involved in creating Japanese cuisine with his beautifully presented, authentic Japanese dishes. Offering Japanese beer, sake and wine and a great variety of vegetarian options. Open for lunch, dinner and takeaways from Monday-Saturday.

ANY PAGE IN PONSONBY NEWS IS A GOOD PLACE TO BE SEEN

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A-Z CAFES & RESTAURANTS GUIDE

a fine dining experience or just a quick-fix lunch, Viet Flames takes the Vietnamese dining experience to a new level.

LIZ WHEADON: WINE, GLORIOUS WINE

En Primeur - Bordeaux futures En Primeur is a process by which one can acquire some of the finest wines in the world at very reasonable prices and in the format that you prefer.

Essentially it is wine futures and similar to the way that coffee, cotton and other items are traded on international commodity futures markets.

The process can be traced back for centuries. It was in 1972 when châteaux bottling became compulsory for Classified Growths that En Primeur in its current form was born.

Prior to this, the châteaux in Bordeaux would sell their wines in bulk or in barrels to a wine merchant. The wine was then bottled by each merchant at their offices in Chartrons.

The benefit of purchasing Bordeaux En Primeur is three fold. First, in most cases the price that you purchase the wine at En Primeur is significantly less than the wine will be on the retail shelf two years later (that’s if it appears at all). Second, there’s the availability; many of the wines will only be available En Primeur and won’t make it on to New Zealand retail shelves. Third, is the bottling; purchasing En Primeur you have the option to choose how you’d like your wine bottled, whether it is half bottles, standard bottles or even up to six litres.

So, what’s the talk of sensibility and comparison to the 2015 vintage? Similar to last year, whilst the vintage is looking to be exceptional, we are not seeing these statements in lights with grand claims that this is a vintage of a lifetime or such things. There is far more sensibility around how the vintage is being presented, as the reality is that the market is just not the same as when the 2009 and 2010 vintages were sold in vast quantities globally. The rise of the new markets and interest in Bordeaux through this period drove prices to new levels. Since then it has been a case of the market finding its balance once again.

Which of course leads to the next fascinating piece in this puzzle and where we need to see further sensible approaches. The prices for these wines are yet to be determined and time will tell as the châteaux owners release their wines on the market. What we do know now is that these will need to be realistic and in line with the current market. Early conversation indicates this is where the vintage is heading.

Whilst the 2016 vintage wines are in barrel in Bordeaux;

Putting all that aside, the 2016 by all reports is looking excellent. Of course, we are not going to take the reports for granted and will be presenting to you our views from tasting the wines. This year I was tasting in Bordeaux during the week after Easter.

I’ll be keeping you up to date with how the wines look on Twitter (#lizziewine). You’ll also be able to follow things via the Glengarry Facebook page and on our blog site - www.aboutwine.co.nz

• The châteaux invite the international press to taste and review the young wines in April 2017

Our 2016 Vintage Report and recommendations will be online post my tastings and we’ll be back in touch as the wines start to be released.

• The châteaux in Bordeaux offer their 2016 vintage wines to a merchant between May - July 2017

If this is all new to you, do check out our En Primeur FAQ page or feel free to contact the team who will be very happy to assist you with general En Primeur enquiries, preparing who will be your wish list or anything else fine wine related.

The process of En Primeur essentially works like this (looking at the 2016 vintage in Bordeaux as an example):

• The merchants offer their wines to retailers/importers around the world between May - July 2017 • The retailers then offer the wines to consumers between May - July 2017 • Customers secure their requests for wines En Primeur with their retailer around September 2017 Then around August 2019 the wines arrive in New Zealand.

What’s the 2016 vintage like?

This year fortunately looks to be following in the path of the 2015 vintage; whilst it is still early days, indications are that sensibility may just prevail. Now, if you’ve been an En Primeur customer for a while, you might be reading this and thinking ‘Yeah, right, we’ve heard that before’. What is apparent and being confirmed day by day as the international media and trade taste in Bordeaux, the vintage is very good indeed. In fact, it appears that this vintage is one to make a song and dance about and to ensure you have in your cellar.

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Are there any catches? Things you need to watch out for?

Definitely. There have been horror stories internationally with En Primeur purchasing, particularly in times of recession. It’s very important that the retailer you are purchasing from has a strong financial position (the wines are going to be delivered two years after you request your wines and pay your first payment). You need to discuss this aspect with the retailer and ensure they are purchasing from reputable merchants that are secure.

Unfortunately, with demand exceeding supply and the new international markets that have emerged, there are a lot of rogue operators at all ends of the operation.

Glengarry has been selling En Primeur for more than 30 years, with established connections and long-term relationships. It is one the highlights of my year, travelling to Bordeaux and visiting all of our business contacts, friends and colleagues there.

We have a dedicated website for En Primeur where you can see all the wines released and on offer. You’ll also find information on the 2015 vintage on our blog site www.aboutwine.co.nz (LIZ WHEADON) F PN Visit www.enprimeur.co.nz or www.glengarry.co.nz for more details.

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY THERE'LL ONLY EVER BE ONE ADAM ARNOLD...

Ponsonby News talked to the owners and life partners at this very popular cafe/restaurant.

What sort of experience do you like your customers to have?

We want our customers to feel like they are at a home away from home. A place to go when you want to dine out and don't want to feel like you have to be formal. We want our guests to leave feeling satisfied in every sense having had outstanding food, great company and fabulous service.

What are your favourite dishes?

Tobias - My favourite dish changes weekly. I totally adore our Coromandel mussels in Central Otago chardonnay and parsley sauce - they're an indulgent delight in any weather.

Brad - I'm a huge fan of the beef cheek, cooked for eight hours at 110ºC in an Argentinian malbec. Served with soft, creamy polenta and garlic greens It's a real crowd pleaser.

Any menu changes planned?

Absolutely, our menu is seasonal. Our concept from the start has been to use fresh, locally sourced, ethically farmed produce delivered fresh every day. We don't have a freezer on site so daily delivery of fresh, seasonal produce means our menu is tweaked often. We are currently working on our winter menu with our chef which we hope to be released in May. How about wines, beers and cocktails?

Our entire wine list was built by choosing the favourites

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we share at home. We love wine and feel that great wine doesn't have to come at a huge price. It’s for this reason our wine list is entirely affordable and super delicious. We also have wine of the month which we use to introduce our guests to new wines, for example our winemaker's Wife Reisling, the first vintage of our friend Olive Hill and her husband in the Waipara Valley. We love to support local, hardworking individuals like ourselves.

It’s tricky to have a place which is open from morning until night - how do you make that transition?

Monday to Thursday we open from 5pm. Friday is 10am and the weekends we serve brunch from 9am. Since we opened we have adapted our space to make it a little cosier. With the introduction of some dim lighting and a gold wall alongside our plush velvet booth seats. As the sun starts to set we turn down the lighting, put out candles and change the tempo of the music. We have guests that visit at both times of the day who don't recognise us in the evenings.

Congratulations on your recent wedding. Did you have plans to take time off from the business?

Thank you very much, we had such an awesome day! We actually enjoyed six weeks part time where we worked just weekends and the rest of the time we walked the dogs on the beach by our house on Waiheke. We've since

British TV personality Ian Towning enjoyed brunch at Adam Arnold in February returned to working full time and are at the restaurant six evenings a week.

Any future plans to open anything else?

Our dream was to open a restaurant, serve food and drinks and have fun whilst we did it. What we've actually found is that we've made such incredible friends with some absolutely wonderful people. Locals and people who pop in while they're in the city. We love opening the doors and saying hello to all the friendly faces. Though we would certainly consider other business opportunities we think there'll only ever be one Adam Arnold - and our place will always be in the heart of Ponsonby. F PN ADAM ARNOLD, 171 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 361 1619, www.adamarnold.co.nz

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EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY VARIETY IS THE NAME OF THE GAME AT THIS YEAR’S BOUTIQUE WINE FESTIVAL It’s time to pop the cork on New Zealand’s favourite boutique wine event, the NZ Boutique Wine Festival, happening Sunday 11 June at Imperial Lane in Auckland’s CBD. With five great years under its belt, the annual Boutique Wine Festival has won a legion of loyal fans who attend each year to share a glass or two and experience the best that New Zealand winemakers have to offer.

Event Director, Jacqueline Taylor says the objective of the NZ Boutique Wine Festival is to create a unique wine experience like no other, giving vineyards the opportunity to showcase their wine in New Zealand's largest market, and offering attendees the chance to discover some of New Zealand's best kept secrets.

“We think people should enjoy wine with a story, and the best stories come from boutique wine producers, who work tirelessly to put wine on the table that creates lasting experiences,” says Taylor.

This time 33 wineries have taken the plunge, in a delightful journey through all the wine regions from Northland to Central Otago, with plenty of stops along the way.

Regions represented include our northernmost winery, KariKari Estate, down through Auckland, Waiheke Island, the Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Gisborne, Hawke's Bay, Wairarapa, Marlborough, Martinborough, Nelson Canterbury, Waipara Valley and Central Otago.

And with labels such as Akitu, Ascension Wine, Batch Winery, Bell Bird Spring, Bishops Head, Black Ridge Vineyard, Clark Estate, Collaboration Wines, Fancrest Estate, French Peak Wines, Grava, Hopes Grove, Karikari Estate, Maison Noire, Man O' War, Matavino, Matawhero

Yvonne Lorkin

48 PONSONBY NEWS+ May 2017

NZBWF - Girls' Lunch

Winery, McArthur Ridge, Misha's Vineyard, Mount Michael Wines, Mt Beautiful, No. 1 Family Estate, Peacock Sky, Postage Stamp Wines, Silver Wing, Snapper Rock, Squawking Magpie, Stanley Estates, Te Motu, Te Whai Bay Wines, The Landing Vineyard, Turanga Creek and Two Rivers...

trying brilliant boutique wines that you won’t see in supermarkets. Yvonne’s Masterclass at the NZ Boutique Wine Festival this year focuses on: The rise of the new whites (with some old faves thrown in), looking at groovy new white varieties spinning the wheels of our boutique winemakers across the length of the land.

There is something for everyone, covering every varietal and pleasing every palate.

“I love the NZ Boutique Wine Festival, its intimate setting and the amazing variety of unique, quirky and downright spectacular, thought-provoking wines that it offers,” says Lorkin. “I can’t wait to be part of this wonderful wine and food event,” she said.

Alongside the hustle and bustle in Imperial Lane, guests will have the opportunity to indulge in a VIP lunch and dinner menu, participate in expert master classes, and experience a vertical tasting unique to the New Zealand Boutique Wine Festival.

Special guest and official ambassador this year is Yvonne Lorkin, a personality with a long list of accolades in the New Zealand wine industry.

Yvonne is the drink’s writer for Dish Magazine and writes for NZ Herald’s Canvas Magazine. She’s also the syndicated weekly wine columnist for 10 NZME regional newspapers, is a highly experienced senior wine show judge and appears regularly on morning television. She’s been a wine correspondent on Radio NZ National since 2010 and for the last six years has been producing and presenting the TV show Thirsty Work. (Series Four is on-demand www.3now.co.nz and TV3 are planning for Series Five).

Yvonne is also co-founder and Chief Tasting Officer of WineFriend.co.nz, a personalised wine delivery service designed to take the hassle and guesswork out of

“If you love your wine or simply want to learn more, make sure you come to this year’s NZ Boutique Wine Festival - taste and learn and enjoy,” says Taylor. “Because life is too short to drink bad wine," she adds.

Tickets are now on sale from Eventfinda (link below) ranging from General Admission for $39 per head, a VIP two course Lunch for $79 and three course dinner for $99 per head.

A limited release of earlybird tickets is now on sale for $29 per head, available until 29 May. Tickets: www.eventfinda.co.nz/2017/new-zealandboutique-wine-festival-2017/auckland Each ticket includes: One Luigi Bormioli Italian wine glass (RRP $19.99), event programme, and one free tasting PN token on entry. F

NZBWF - Guests

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY ONLINE AUCTION - INTERNATIONAL AND NEW ZEALAND WINES Online single vendor auction 26 - 31 May. Mossgreen-Webbs is New Zealand’s leading rare and fine wine auction house. They specialise in single vendor as well as mixed vendor sales, holding at least 15 auctions per year, delivered both live and online. They pride themselves in sourcing and bringing to market wines and spirits of great provenance and value.

Their online single vendor auction this month features the wines from a very well-known Jervois Road restaurant that recently closed its doors. This Herne Bay institution was one of the first places in the area to offer alfresco dining in the late afternoon and early evening sunshine.

It had a wonderful wine list that featured wines from all over the world but specialised in New Zealand and Italian wines.

The wines in this auction are in pristine condition and will be offered at unbelievably good value. Some of them are still available in the market but will be offered at prices that need to be seen to be believed. Many wines are no longer available but will represent great value compared to current vintage pricing.

This is your chance to not only relive the halcyon days of this fine restaurant but to stock up your own cellar with the wines that you once enjoyed while watching the traffic flow by on Jervois Road.

Mossgreen-Webbs is always looking for well-cellared wines for auction. If you are interested in consigning wines for auction, please don’t hesitate in contacting Reece Warren at Mossgreen-Webbs. F PN T: 09 524 6804 or reece.warren@mossgreen-webbs.co.nz

Craggy Range Le Sol 2014 Estimate $90 - $110

Masi Campofiorin 2013 Estimate $28 - $36 The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

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GARY STEEL: VEG FRIENDLY

Handy hints for cafes - the secret of success is having a point of difference Until recently, there was quite a proliferation of vegetarian cafes in Auckland, but there seems to have been a small seismic shift, as owners sell up and newbies move in.

The first casualty was Cosset Cafe in Mt Albert. This vegan establishment was well liked and had a supportive customer base, but its owners had apparently just reached that stage of running an intense business where they were suffering retail fatigue, and wanted some family time. They couldn’t find buyers, so it closed.

will limit customers, so they’re planning to add animal flesh. It’s depressing, annoying and frustrating, because you know what? There are loads of cafes around the area that offer the same old stuff: boring menus, average food based around meat, and they’re all competing for the same dollar, and most of them aren’t doing so well.

The second casualty was Ethos, the cafe attached to East West Organic in New Lynn, which did fairly good business, but its owner made some poor business decisions that resulted in liquidation, and a subsequent takeover by Huckleberry, who also own Harvest Wholefoods. Ethos is now called Huckleberry Cafe, and its entirely vegetarian menu has been invaded by meaty muck. I was so upset at this development that I chose not to eat there, despite having travelled that day through heavy traffic from the other side of town, specifically to eat there.

It surprises and depresses me how many proprietors take over cafes with no vision of what they can do to make them special, or how to get a buzz going, or how to get customers coming back, or how to get new customers. So here’s my little primer:

Soon after that, I noticed when travelling through Whangarei that its only dedicated, upmarket vegetarian cafe, Nectar, like Huckleberry Cafe, now had various repulsive meat products added to its line of super-food smoothies and healthy vegan treats. I don’t really feel inclined to go there anymore. There’s too much cross-contamination between meat and veggies in shared kitchen space.

2. If the cafe you’re taking on has an established clientele, don’t f**k with them, or the formula. This is your base from which to expand.

Now the news has come through that Big Sur in Richmond Road has new owners who consider that having an entirely vegetarian menu is too restrictive and

50 PONSONBY NEWS+ May 2017

1. Point of difference. If there’s something unique about your cafe, whether it’s the ambience, the great service or the great food (or a combination of the above), then trade on that.

3. Get the basics right: if the front of counter staff aren’t professional and friendly, or the chef is unreliable, or the barista can’t make a great flat white (soy or otherwise) to save himself, then you’ve got problems.

4. Get out of your comfort zone and find what people really want. Don’t think you have to have the same

egg and bacon-based breakfast menu that everyone else is doing just because everyone else is doing it.

5. Don’t assume that you’ve got to please everyone.

Specialising is a great thing, and if you find a hole in the market, capitalise on that.

The successful vegan and vegetarian cafes in our area are the ones that were bold enough to go out on a limb, but clever enough to know how to market what they were doing: Little Bird with its raw food and the trendy superfood image that goes with that, Kokako and its freshly roasted organic coffee and menu so good even a meateater hardly notices.

If I was starting a vegetarian cafe right now, I’d be going for a small but perfectly formed set menu of partprepared dishes that was at a perfect lunch price point.

Less fuss in the kitchen, better economy of time, and therefore, better prices. But there are loads of great things waiting to happen with cafes in Ponsonby, the greater Auckland area, and elsewhere. We just need the clear-headed food adventurers to make them happen.

PN (GARY STEEL) F Gary Steel is an Auckland-based journalist who runs online vegetarian resource: www.doctorfeelgood.co.nz He can be contacted via beautmusic@gmail.com

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

photography: Kate Little Photography

TINA PLUNKETT: PONSONBY CENTRAL

A ROOM OF THEIR OWN The Sapphire Room's charm is in the many ways it can be used.

The room can be used as a whole with the fixed bar/kitchen at one end with the expansive space in between allowing for a substantial dining set up.

Or perhaps with the small room to the left of the entrance serving as a cocktail bar and the VIP area with the main area set up for the ceremony and later for dancing and mingling with day beds and decor.

The large sliding barn door can be closed until the big reveal come dinnertime when the barn door slides open, giving guests a glimpse at the stunning dining set-up and open kitchen.

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SETTING THE SCENE For your special day you need those special flowers, LOVE. & Mr Lewis in Ponsonby Central provides you with just that. We delight in blending classic, old fashion with the wild and bizarre. We specialise in installations - all shapes and sizes. So come see us to discuss your wants and desires for your big day. Love, Mrs Lewis.

LET THEM EAT ... CHEESE Don’t have a sweet tooth? Try instead a ‘Cheese Tower’, a tall, decadent display and layers of cheese: Go international or keep to local New Zealand artisanal cheese, you can even go vegan. Create tiers from different varieties, and decorate with fruit and fresh herbs.

Cheese from The Dairy.

DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

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PHIL PARKER: WHOSE WINE IS IT ANYWAY?

Foreign fab four It’s always good to step outside the comfort zone of the frequent and familiar wine choices, so this month I’m featuring four very different wines.

Two from France, one from Spain and an unexpected treat from Lebanon. We are finally seeing a good range of foreign wines on the shelves of wine stores and in online providers. Affordable non-New Zealand wines used to be limited to bulk Australian producers who did largely deliver bang for buck, but now larger producers from Europe are able to export good wines at a good price point for the average wine drinker.

Sacha Lichine La Poule Blanche VDF 2015 - $22 This is a sauvignon blanc from Languedoc, the hot southern region of France formerly an area of mass-produced cheap wines. Nowadays they are lifting their game to make wines under the entry level VDF (Vin De France) classification, and often from grapes atypical to the region. This is a dry and mineral take on sauvignon blanc. Not much aroma - just a whiff of minerality and a hint of stone fruit. In the mouth it’s very dry, mineral and flinty with a hint of gooseberry. Match with oysters. Availability - Mairangi Bay Fine Wines and online at Vino Fino.

Bodegas Franco-Españolas Rioja Bourdon Gran Reserva 2007 - $38 A garnet red and opaque wine made of tempranillo, mazueleo and graciano. Aromas of cedar, sherry and black pepper. Gamey and astringent. A complex and elegant wine with flavours of ripe plum, cherry, liquorice and spice with persistent tannins and a dry finish. Only 5000 cases produced. Not widely available. A good match with a rich venison casserole.

Chateaux Marsyas BQa de Marsyas 2013 - $41.40 Hailing from the Bekaa Valley in Lebanon, one of the few Middle East wine regions, this is a juicy, dark, ripe red. A cab sauv/syrah/mourverdre blend. Slightly pongy, earthy beetroot aromas (but in a good way) lead on to a complex palate of black berry fruit compote, and Christmas cake. The finish is soft and dry. Match with marinated BBQ eye fillet. Availability - Mairangi Bay Fine Wines.

Sacha Lichine Le Coq Rouge VDF 2015 - $22 From the same producer as La Poule Blanche, a red blend of grenache and syrah from the Hérault region, south of France, between Pezenas and Béziers. With aromas of ripe red berries and flavours of cherry, cassis and plum, this is a light-bodied fresh and fruity easy drinking red. Match with lighter picnic fare. Availability - Mairangi Bay Fine Wines and online at Vino Fino.

For local availability - I highly recommend searching www.wine-searcher.com (PHIL PARKER) F PN Phil Parker is a wine writer and operates Fine Wine & Food Tours in Auckland.

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

MAJOR MAKEOVER FOR GREY LYNN RSC The Grey Lynn Returned services club has not just had a tidy up, it has had a major makeover. The whole of the outside has been adorned with artwork by local artists Dan Tippett and friend DLT. These are two local guys, who along with Jane and Wayne from the RSC, have designed and carried out the stunning work.

Anzac Day is the biggest of the year for returned Services Clubs and Grey Lynn had a good turnout last month with local MPs Nikki Kaye and Jacinda Ardern and new labour candidate for Auckland Central, Helen White. Our friend Gerry Hill, suffering from multiple sclerosis gave a speech.

The artwork and repaint has transformed the place. Visitors on Anzac Day were full of praise for the work, including the newly planted gardens.

Ponsonby News congratulates The Grey Lynn RSC on their refurbishments, and hopes it means new members, regular attendance, and that the local community uses and values this iconic venue. (JOHN ELLIOTT) F PN

photography: Jane Jackson

The Club is proud of the painting of the outside walls and the back wall of the carpark.

All is spray painted - not a brush in sight. The bush and native bird scene on the back wall of the carpark represents the tranquility of the New Zealand service people left to fight for abroad. Then along the walls near the main entrance Dan and DLT have painted a Kittyhawk plane and a mounted rifleman on his horse. Both are beautiful pieces of art.

The Grey Lynn RSC is steeped in the history of the merchant navy, and became a Returned Services Club (rather than Returned Services Association) because RSAs placed too many conditions on who could join. The GLRSC took in some of those excluded by the RSA and allowed others in the community to join. They are a genuine local community, with a new dinner menu provided by the famous Jimmy the Fish, Thursday to Sunday, which will always contain his signature dish, crème caramel. The club also features a huge range of local musical talent week by week.

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PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY

PONSONBY INTERNATIONAL FOODCOURT - OPEN AND ALL WELCOME In the last 15 years, Ponsonby International Foodcourt (PFC) has seen many iconic faces enter its doors to enjoy a meal.

From international celebrities to our own legendary All Blacks, they mingle anonymously with locals and tourists with one commonality - to pick and devour their favourite cuisine.

Established in 2002, PFC was created with one goal in mind - to bring everyone's favourite Asian and Italian cuisine under one roof. The concept allows a complete family or group of friends, to mix up their taste bud cravings and buy different dishes to share or eat as a single meal.

There is nothing more annoying then to go out and find that what others chose to eat is not exactly what you or the kids want to eat. PFC's variety includes: Italian, Vietnamese, Japanese, Malaysian, Chinese, Turkish, Thai, Laotian, Indian, Indonesian and a licensed bar that is known to fill your wine glass to the brim.

All shops are individually owned and specialise in their own cuisine. Some shop owners are cooking family recipes. Marco from Bella Verona is one. He brings his Nonna's yummy sauces from Verona, Italy.

PFC waited a long time to get the right Italian to join and is so excited to welcome Marco and Monette. Part of the Pane & Vino chain, Bella Verona is creating the most fabulous pastas and pizza with Nonna's homemade sauces of course!

PFC has become a legendary institution. You will definitely see a cross-section of Auckland's diverse community and of course do a bit of celebrity spotting.

Everyone is welcome. Open seven days a week from 11am - 10pm, exterior renovations PN in progress. F

PONSONBY INTERNATIONAL FOOD COURT, 106 Ponsonby Road, www.ponsonbyfoodcourt.co.nz

WINE AND DINE SERIES AT GYPSY CARAVAN Flown in fresh from Central Otago, Mount Micheal Wines are to feature at The Gypsy Caravan in a series of events “guaranteed to get taste buds rolling.”

2 May - Meet the Winemaker - $110 per ticket - one sitting at 7.30pm Be educated over a four-course dinner designed by Chef Touvai and matched to Mount Micheal Wines.

Winemaker James McElrea and owner Anna Robbie will be on hand to guide you through your meal and share the story of Mount Micheal.

with live music and a flight of Mount Micheal Wine matched to a Gypsy Caravan sharing platter.

7 July - Winter Warmer - free entry Freeze out those winter blues and let us warm you up with a cocktail-style party - think belly warming food, fire and pinot noir. “Dancing shoes are not compulsory but we think you will want to bring them..."

4 June - Sunday Acoustic Flight - $45 per ticket Sunday Session with class: kick back and relax GYPSY CARAVAN, Lot 3, 130 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 360 4075 The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

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JULIE BONNER: NEWS FROM FROG POND FARM

Happy gardening, everyone...

I mentioned in the last Ponsonby News, that I would probably be gardening over the long Easter weekend and as it happened, I was absolutely right.

The weather was interesting though... sunny one moment then damp the next, did it stop me, not a chance, I was a gardener on a mission!

Our veg garden appeared to get that jaded look overnight. The sweet corn went from succulent to dessicated in no time, exiting our dinner plate and becoming chook tucker.

My sunflowers which had such bright happy faces, dropped their petals and turned their heads to the ground. So it was time to remove this bed, complete with the ground -hugging apple cucumbers. I’m a fan of waste not want not, so the corn and sunflowers were set aside, these will be mulched later on.

Just up the hillside my old spud bed which was covered in self-seeded nasturtiam and more apple cucumbers, was also hoisted out leaving a pile of greenery and a huge bucket of white orbs. I heaved this up the hill and deposited this near the back door - think a mountain of cucumbers, the promise of lots of pickle, salads galore and more chook food.

This bed is now covered in a cloche which is protecting kale and broccoli from those pesky white butterflies. I have added worm castings from my worm farm, Rok Solid fertiliser and seaweed pellets. The soil in this bed was rich and full of good organic matter thanks to the use of summer mulch.

Into my old ‘3 Sister’s garden’ (corn bed), I broadcast some mustard and lupin seed which will make a nice interim cover crop, before planting broad beans later in the season. In saying that, I watched from the window as birds were ferreting about in the dirt later in the day - rolling my eyes skyward I wondered why I didn’t net the bed, as I had intended.

Did I tell you that we have a rooster? His name is Jack, a good-looking lavender Sussex, who is, as it happens, a bit of a blouse. He gets ‘hen pecked’ at meal times and desperately needs to ‘man up a bit’. Crowing would be a good start, it’s time to let the girls know who is boss!

We are still eating dwarf and runner beans, herbs, cucumbers, beetroot and spring onions. Plus there is nothing as good as homegrown spuds, roasted, boiled or mashed ... and don't forget the butter.

Grape harvest in Marlborough is one of my favourite times of year. Although this vintage had been a tough one due to unexpected weather thrown our way from the tail end of those cyclones.

Arriving in Blenheim early evening post Easter, we headed to Loddon Lane Vineyard which is nestled in next to the Wairau River. Our winemaker Chris (top bloke) had been steering the ship most of the day. Harvest is a busy time of year, there is much to do; watch as people and machinery do their thing, wait for the arrival of trucks to cart the grapes away to the winery and yes some nail biting and clock watching can also be added into the mix.

Our harvest in Marlborough culminated at Brookdale Vineyard which is in the Omaka Valley. This picturesque vineyard grows sauvignon blanc and pinot gris. For me it’s always an opportunity to eat more than my fair share of grapes as I race up and down rows of vines taking photos while listening to the rythmic chug chug of the havesters.

I won’t mention my camera getting a tad sticky - professional photographers would be horrified.

The weather was beautiful and the sunset to die for! Thanks so much to everyone involved that helped to bring in those grapes.

Oh, and back at home in Auckland, I forgot to mention, that I have been munching on those feijoas too... it’s a competition between myself and the wildlife!

PN (JULIE BONNER) F If you are interested in more news from our place or perhaps some gardening tips, then visit my blog www.frogpondfarm.co.nz

54 PONSONBY NEWS+ May 2017

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

BELLA VERONA EATERY OPENS Bella Verona Eatery is the new Italian dining spot located up the stairs in the Ponsonby International Food Court.

Tito and the former manager of Pizzeria Rosso Pomodoro, Marco, with his wife Monette, have opened their first simple Italian Eatery.

Monette is the chef at Bella Verona. She spent three months in Verona, Italy in Marco’s grandmother’s kitchen where she learned the recipes from Nonna’s restaurant which was located not far from the balcony of Romeo and Juliet.

So naturally the Bella Verona menu comes from selected dishes that Marco grew up eating back home and with this menu his vision is to "take Bella Verona customers to his Nonna’s kitchen in an instant."

On the menu there are starters of deep fried calamari or prawns, mains of authentic Italian pizza and pasta with traditional sauce and flavourful tart, cheesecake, tiramisu and panna cotta desserts also available. Then to finish you meal or spend your morning or afternoon break what better way than sipping on beautiful Italian Segafredo coffee.

Marco says, “At Bella Verona you will always smell the good aroma of food, the kind that grandmothers cook for the family.”

Come in and experience a slice of flavourful Italian fare and with access to the balcony you can also enjoy the view of Ponsonby. F PN

LUNCH TIME SPECIAL: $10 for any pasta or pizza from Monday to Friday BELLA VERONA EATERY, Shop 1, Ponsonby International Food Court, 106 Ponsonby Road.

EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY @ SABATO Make the most of the new season with vibrant autumnal grains, pulses and pasta. Create hearty salads, soups and one-pot wonders using fregola, farro, filini and more!

Treat your mum this Mother’s Day with this farro, kale and beluga lentil salad, serve alongside salmon for a divine lunch. Plus, don’t forget to visit us in-store for a vast array of gifts and hampers to spoil your mum.

Kale, Farro, Beluga Lentil Salad with Pinenut and Anchovy Sauce Serves 4-6 ¾ cup Girolomoni Organic Farro Perlato ½ cup Sabarot Beluga Lentils 2 Tbsp Salvagno Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVO) 1 large onion, finely chopped 150g baby kale or large kale leaves, stems removed 2 Tbsp Forum Chardonnay Vinegar ¼ jar Sabato Julie Le Clerc Preserved Lemons, rinsed and finely chopped, plus 1 Tbsp of brine from the jar Salt and freshly ground black pepper Pinenut, Anchovy Sauce 5 Ortiz anchovies in oil, drained ¼ cup Pinoli Pine Nuts 1 large garlic clove 2 Tbsp Salvagno Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil 3 Tbsp Forum Chardonnay Vinegar 1 Tbsp Italian parsley leaves, chopped Salt and freshly ground black pepper Cook the farro in boiling, salted water for 20-25 minutes or until tender. Drain well. Cook the lentils in boiling water for nine minutes, then drain well. At the same time, heat EVO in a pan. Add onion and cook over a medium heat for 10 minutes to soften. Remove from heat and stir in the farro, lentils, kale, vinegar, preserved lemon and brine. Season to taste.

To make the sauce, blend all ingredients together in a mini food processor until thick and creamy. Season with salt and pepper. Toss sauce through the farro mixture as a dressing, or serve on the side, to spoon over as desired. ©Recipe by Julie Le Clerc.

For more recipe ideas visit us in-store or on our website.

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

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ROSS THORBY: SEA FEVER

I’m not good in the heat - it plays havoc with my hair I opened the door to the balcony this morning and was assaulted by a rush of hot, smoky air.

It’s barely 8.30am and already a sultry 30°C. I’m not good in the heat - it plays havoc with my hair. Off in the distance, the dark blue sea and sky were interrupted by small grey curtains of water joining heaven and earth. Rain that would fall intermittently on us all day, but would quickly evaporate from our skin in the relentless tropical sun. Mirroring the rainfall, was a series of tall, wispy columns of smoke rising up from unseen fires inland and the ingredients from this mixture created a sultry tropical air that succeeded in draining our energy, but invigorated the spirit.

Home is the sailor, home from the sea, And the hunter home from the hill.

Spread out before the ship, was the low-lying capital of Samoa, Apia. It peered back at us through a layer of thick palm fronds, punctuated regularly by the spires and steeples of many churches. The missionaries really did a number on these Islands.

So who was this man? This guy who had written tales that were such a part of every child’s bedtime story and whose poetic verse inspired travel writers for so many subsequent years. The home didn't disappoint and yet still didn't provide too many answers either. Native tapa cloth wall-papers the solid wooden walls and the beautiful dark timber floor is covered in natural flax mats. Solid old Papapapatai Falls colonial furniture, a piano in a glass case to protect it from the tropical climate and a view out over a magnificent botanical garden that can’t help but inspire. When built, this house high on the hill, must have appeared to the locals like an alien Tardis. Gabled, double storied and surrounded by verandas it was nothing like anything that had been built before and it added to the mystery and mana that he attained with the people of his newly adopted home.

After walking into the main part of the town, past old colonial buildings with paint peeling, a heavily fortified police station, a large well-patronised flea market and numerous churches of every religion and architectural style, we were able to hail a taxi for the drive up into the mountains for this morning’s foray away from the ship - the home, museum and tomb of Robert Louis Stevenson. Born in Scotland in 1850, he travelled extensively throughout the world in search of a climate that relieved his tuberculosis.

After writing Treasure Island, Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde and Kidnapped, he had settled here on the Samoan Island of Upolu. He bought 400 acres high in the hills overlooking what was then a sleepy little fishing town, where he involved himself with the local tribes and their customs.

His influence over the island gained him the native name Tusitala - the Teller of Tales and he earned the deep respect of the Samoan people. He established himself on his estate, Villa Vailima, and it was here in the mountains overlooking the harbour that he died one evening, opening a bottle of wine. He was aged 44.

His home is now a museum dedicated to his memory. Here, if you have the stamina, you can walk up the mountain to where his tomb proclaims: Under the wide and starry sky, Dig the grave and let me lie.

Glad did I live and gladly die, And I laid me down with a will.

This be the verse you grave for me: Here he lies where he longed to be;

He had two wishes, to be interred on the top of Mt Vaea and to be buried with his boots on. I like this guy. He had style. He had class.

Virtually alongside the estate, is the waterfall Papapapatai. Its fresh clear waters are sucked out of the mountain jungle at the top of this peak and fall 500 feet to the valley floor below. The cool waters looked enticing considering the temperature, even here up on the mountain ridge.

It’s not hard to imagine Samoa’s scenery inspiring Tusitala in his writing. His life may have been cut short, but his tales of adventure and travel continue to inspire and entertain PN people of all ages and across all of the world. (ROSS THORBY) F Robert Louis Balfour Stevenson: “I travel not to go anywhere, but to go. I travel for travel's sake. The great affair is to move.” 13 November 1850 - 3 December 1894

Apia, Samoa

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PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

TRAVEL BREAKS: THE NEW THERAPY!

A TASTE OF INDIA To launch yourself into the sights, sounds and smells of South India is to embark on a very interesting journey indeed!

Perhaps the very best way to reach the heart of India is through the all-important sense of taste.

Travel around India and you will discover an array of delicious and aromatic dishes to satisfy your inner gourmet. Many find it a revelation that no self-respecting Indian cook uses curry powder, a relic of the British Raj, preferring to blend their own spices from treasured recipes handed down through the generations.

India is nothing if not diverse. Landscape, culture and religion have all played their part in shaping the distinct regional cuisines. Wheat grows well in the north, so it’s here you’ll find wonderful flatbreads, whereas the rice fields of the eastern and southern states have resulted in the most wonderful rice-based dishes. Chilies grow well in Andhra Pradesh, so the curries, chutneys and pickles pack a serious punch here. In the deserts of Rajasthan, you’ll find dishes reflecting the lack of green vegetables, but rich with dried spices and herbs.

History has also played its part with early Mughal conquerors adding Persian flavours, cream, butter and nuts to the mix. European and Arab traders, drawn to India by its wonderful spices, introduced tomatoes, potatoes and chilies which are now widely used. Religion also plays a role - the Hindu religion sees cattle as sacred, and Muslims believe pork to be unclean - you’ll only find pork dishes within the Christian communities of Goa. India is heaven for vegetarians!

My heart (and stomach) lie in southern India - the coconut, the seafood, the chutneys, dosas and idlis are too delicious. Combine this with the beautiful tea plantations, colonial hill stations, an eclectic cultural mix, and the tranquil backwaters of Kerala, and you have a wonderfully rewarding travel experience.

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

Top five Southern Indian Experiences 1. Cruising aboard a traditional kettuvallam houseboat in the tranquil canals of Kerala, with your onboard chef creating fresh and flavoursome local dishes.

A relaxing antidote to the chaos of the cities.

2. The hill station of Ooty, a fascinating blend of bustle and ancient temples, with lush scenic beauty and charming British Raj era houses.

3. Mundackal Estate Farm, just out of Cochin, is a working rubber plantation which also offers cooking classes, using ingredients grown on the farm, including coconuts, cardamom and black pepper. A delightful glimpse into rural Indian life and delicious food!

4. Mysore, described by Lonely Planet as “one of south India’s most enchanting cities,” is bursting with royal history - it’s World Heritage-listed palace is a delight.

Check out the heady aromas of spices and incense in the bazaar.

5. You cannot visit Kerala without taking in a Kathakali dance show - this classical dance is intense, loud, colourful and often bewildering, but well worth the experience!

Some shows allow you backstage before the show to witness the elaborate costume and makeup preparation. (CAROLINE CLEGG, WORLD JOURNEYS) F PN

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PONSONBY NEWS READERS ARE EVERYWHERE

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1. Local resident Wayne Foster was pictured at EVEREST BASE CAMP on Sunday 26 March reading Ponsonby News.

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2. Mark from Let's Cruise and Les from Westmere Butchery in the best suite aboard the Queen Victoria heading to SAN FRANCISCO. 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.

58 PONSONBY NEWS+ May 2017

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

FASHION + STYLE

RETAIL SUPERSTAR Francesca Hopkins, CurioNoir

How did you come to be a retail salesperson?

I started working at The Fabric Store when I was in high school.

What brought you to CurioNoir?

Three factors: Tiffany Jeans, the CurioNoir ethos of celebrating fine craft and the uncommon, and the sense of community that surrounds the world of CurioNoir.

What do you love about your store?

Everything.

What makes a standout retail salesperson?

The same as what makes a standout person in general. Kindness, patience, good communication and listening skills, self belief and the courage to be curious and learn.

Tell us about a memorable sale you've made this year...

I love all the interactions in our store because our space has something to offer everybody, even if it's an experience rather than a product. Observing how people respond to a new and uncommon experience is always memorable and interesting.

If you could wave your wand and have anyone in the world walk into your store right now, who would it be?

I would love for Drake to come into CurioNoir, mostly because I'd like to flirt with him.

If you could wave your wand and have anyone in greater Ponsonby walk into your store right now, who would it be?

Maeve Woodhouse, a Ponsonby gal and my most magical friend... so I could give her a hug and kiss.

Where do you shop/enjoy shopping?

Miss Crabb, because Kristine Crabb creates the best clothing and the girls in there are all stunners. And Z petrol station on Williamson Avenue (shopping for petrol?!) because the staff in there are so incredibly kind, helpful and are always smiling, it's the most uplifting re-fuel experience each time.

Name someone you think is a great greater Ponsonby brand/store/ retail salesperson...

Areez Kati at Simon James Concept Store has a very warm, calm and creative energy that I love experiencing when I go into the store. F PN CURIONOIR, 76a Ponsonby Road, T: 09 360 4090, www.curionoir.com

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FASHION + STYLE: JULIE ROULSTON

Warm layers Move away from the chain store! Local designers’ knits and coats are bursting with interesting colour, original patterns and texture, and all in beautiful quality. Accessorise with Deadly Ponies’ knockout wool, felt and mother-of-pearl button bags and baubles.

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Where to buy in Greater Ponsonby 1. Maaike cape $555 www.maaikeclothing.com 2. taylor sweater $455 www.theshelteronline.com 3. Workshop Denim sweater $279 www.workshop.co.nz 4. Deadly Ponies charm $95* www.deadlyponies.com 5. Workshop cardigan $329 www.workshop.co.nz 6. Sylvester parka $349 www.katesylvester.com 7. Zambesi dress $320 8. taylor coat $1,398 www.theshelteronline.com 9. Deadly Ponies bag $790 www.deadlyponies.com 10. Maaike cardigan $495 www.maaikeclothing.com 11. Paris Georgia Basics coat $1160 www.themercantileonlinestore.com 12. taylor coat $987 www.theshelteronline.com 13. Sylvester jacket $459 worn with maxi $399 www.katesylvester.com 14. Ruby sweater $249 www.rubynz.com 15. Deadly Ponies bag $695 www.deadlyponies.com *Proceeds of sales go directly to Lifewise' 'Ending Youth Homelessness' Big Sleepout campaign fund and focusing on youth homelessness and youth services.

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HELENE RAVLICH: LOCAL FASHION LOVE

Deanna Didovich, Ruby With a super-sweet smile and an undimmed passion for design even after many years in the industry, Ruby’s Deanna Didovich is one of New Zealand fashion’s quiet achievers.

After entering the notoriously cut-throat style industry fresh from university, she travelled to London for some offshore experience and on a visit home landed the job that she is still in today. RUBY loves Deanna and she loves it right back, and the legions of women now wearing the label is testament to her both her talent and her commercial savvy.

weddings, school balls and 21st birthdays and our customers love that,” says Deanna, “they know they can come in at a moment’s notice and find the perfect dress.”

When we chat one miserable, rainy Auckland day, she is knee deep in designing the label’s pre-spring collection, which is due to drop into Ruby stores in July. It is one of several small collections that the label releases each year, a decision that means Deanna is kept busy and Ruby fans well satiated. “As soon as I’ve wrapped this up I’ll move on to summer and then our next sleepwear range,” she tells me, the latter a runaway hit for the brand that I personally own several pieces from. Was the sleepwear collection - under the moniker, Quiet Please - created in answer to customers who were so enamoured of the label that they wanted to sleep in Ruby too? “Not exactly,” says Deanna, “it was more a case of me wanting to create a bit of a sub-brand, and sleepwear with a daywear crossover just seemed like the perfect choice.” She adds that from day one, every single piece in the Quiet Please range was designed “not just for going to bed in, they can all be translated into your wardrobe to be worn by day as well. There’s a slip dress that you can wear to bed or to a party, a shirt that you can wear to bed with boxers or to work with a great pair of jeans... We select a beautiful print for each collection too, just for that extra special element.”

For autum-winter 17, the label explores what it likes to call “a world of love-worn clothes”, and continues the spirit of la gioia della vita - Italian for ‘the joy of life’ - that began with its autumn releases under the name La Collezione. Dark romance inspires the collection, because as we all know, no love story is flawless. Flirty dresses, ruched waists and off-shoulder ruffles are interrupted by distressed denim separates and bronze rivet detail.

Talk turns to the Ponsonby Ruby store, which has been on the strip for five years now and is definitely a key part of the luxe retail landscape. Does she think the Ponsonby customer is different to say, the Newmarket Ruby shopper? “I’ve asked the retail staff there and they say the Ponsonby store is just such an amazing mix of customers that it’s hard to pinpoint one particular type of woman,” says Deanna, adding that the store can be filled with mothers and daughters, working women on their lunch breaks or groups of school girls after 3pm. “The clientele is made up of a range of women who appreciate the variety we have on offer,” says the designer, “be that accessories at a lower price point, the Ruby label, the slightly older Liam, our sleepwear and our resortwear. There is something for everyone and that is reflected in the customer base.”

A highly detailed Fresco print and polka dot can be found in there that further embody the Italian aesthetic, as does a Fornasettiinspired artwork emblazoned with the words “Numero 37 Viale Lune.” Colours are flushed and full of life, with rusty rose, merlot red and the lightest pink on show. “I always wanted the winter collection to look really luxurious and opulent,” says Deanna, “and I think we’ve really achieved that.”

The label is also known for its statement, modern-with-a-twist eveningwear, such as the incredible Marina dress seen so often on Instagram last year that was named after Deanna’s Sydney-based, superstar stylist sister. “We have always catered for occasions like

“Ponsonby is pretty lively these days and we love it.”

PN (HELENE RAVLICH) F

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Enveloping outerwear is mixed in with more structured pieces, including the Piero jacket, a patch pocket military-inspired style that is destined to make its way into many a wardrobe. A khaki wool turtleneck completes the selection, and when worn with a mini skirt, is exactly what’s needed to conquer the unpredictable weather we are all learning to know and love!

Lastly, I ask the designer how Ruby feels about the constant retail invasion of Ponsonby by the big chain stores, one of which seems to open every month. “It is what it is,” she says a smile, “and they bring new customers to the area which can only be a good thing for us. We have a loyal customer base so we are just embracing it.”

www.rubynz.com

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

FASHION + STYLE CASHMERE POP-UP AT COAST Inspired by their Omaha Beach lifestyle, Yolande Ellis and Elle Pugh design cashmere for year-round comfort and style: the perfect solution for New Zealand’s unpredictable climate.

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Increased demand has seen their Elle + Riley Cashmere - essentials for women, men and travel - opening in a winter pop-up inside one half of Ponsonby’s Coast store.

Elle + Riley is designed to take the wearer seamlessly from lunches in the city to evenings at the beach - at an affordable price. New products will be arriving monthly from early May, and the pop-up also stocks everything you need to care for your cashmere and ensure its longevity. F PN SHAUNA Earrings $219 SAMANT Earrings $199

ELLE + RILEY @ Coast, 77 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 354 4552, www.elleandriley.com

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SOFT SANDS ANDS

ADAY Earrings $249 SAMANT Earrings $199 CATALINA Studs $129

COPENHAGEN 6 5 M A C K E L V I E S T R E E T, P O N S O N B Y W W W. D Y R B E R G K E R N . C O . N Z

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FASHION + STYLE LOCAL MUM LAUNCHES INNOVATIVE BABY SLEEP SOLUTION Local Ponsonby mum Jane Sundstrum is behind the launch of Girl + Boy, a new baby brand selling an infant sleep sack that offers a unique alternative to swaddling.

Along with her friend and business partner Kimberly Hinds, Jane saw an opportunity to create a sleep solution after their own experiences with their respective children; one who did not like being swaddled as a baby and another who was diagnosed with infant hip dysplasia, which can be caused by tight swaddling.

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Girl + Boy's new inbetweenie™ is a range of unique muslin and cotton sleep sacks, suitable for babies up to one year old.

Based on the simple concept of a safe, soft boundary, the inbetweenie™ keeps little hands and arms covered so your baby stays cosy through the night. The fully enclosed design controls the startle or moro reflex and allows babies to find their fist and self soothe. It offers enough room for babies to naturally stretch out their hips and safely expand their chests with sufficient movement for them to safely roll on to their front and backs again.

The inbetweenie™ range comes in two weights: extra light; which is made from a feather-fine cotton and is TOG rated at 0.2 and original muslin; a double weight muslin fabric, which can be used for most of the year simply by adding or removing layers of your baby's clothing.

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"The inbetweenie is a beautiful, uncomplicated solution that will help your baby sleep safely and comfortably," says Jane. F PN ™

www.girlandboyco.com

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1. All Girl + Boy inbetweenie™ sleep sacks come beautifully presented in a cotton wash bag.

2. The inbetweenie™ is safe for when your baby starts to roll, which happens from three months of age.

The inbetweenie™ Original Muslin in Pink, $79.95.

3. The inbetweenie™ is a fully enclosed sleep sack with a soft neckline. The inbetweenie™ Extra Lightweight in Grey, $74.95.

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4. The inbetweenie™ Extra Light sleep sack is TOG rated at 0.2, the lightest weight on the market.

The inbetweenie™ Extra Light Weight in Blue $74.95.

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

FASHION + STYLE D&G + SMEG: ‘SICILY IS MY LOVE' Fashion powerhouse Dolce&Gabbana has joined forces with Smeg to create a remarkable collection of Sicily-inspired small appliances.

The collection, dubbed ‘Sicily is my love’, comprises Smeg’s toasters, kettles, blenders, stand mixers and coffee machines, all of which have been richly decorated with the fruit, landscapes and icons Sicily is famous for.

The appliances were exhibited for the first time at the recent Salone del Mobile in Milan.

A limited number should be available for sale over Christmas 2017 in Italy. The ‘Sicily is my love’ collection may be available in New Zealand in 2018. F PN www.jonesfamilybusiness.co.nz

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LIVING, THINKING + BEING

SERVILLES PONSONBY OFFERS WINTER HAIR RECOVERY SOLUTIONS Winter is the perfect time to give your hair the chop and let it recover after the harsh effects of summer, getting rid of those split ends and opting for a shorter, lighter do.

However, sometimes we just aren’t ready to give up that length. The Servilles Ponsonby team have found the perfect solution to having the best of both worlds.

The solution: ‘Amazing Hair’ extensions. Servilles Ponsonby are now offering ‘Amazing Hair’ extension services, which are the latest innovative tape-in hair extensions from Australia and are great for adding both length and thickness. These extensions can be colour matched to both natural and coloured hair, as well as having a life span of one year.

If you’re not ready to commit to the tape-ins or you want to mix up your look each day, they also have temporary options. Clip-in extensions, clip-in ponytails and the ‘Secret Extension’, are perfect for giving you longer thicker hair, without the commitment, as well as the freedom of choosing when you wear them.

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With summer glows leaving us all behind, the Servilles Ponsonby team recommends warming up your hair by adding caramel and honey to help give that warm, healthy complexion that winter fails to give to us naturally.

Treatments and oils are the next step in the winter hair recovery process. Argan oil is a great all rounder for an overnight mask, just work a decent amount in before bed and wash out in the morning. It’s important for you to get the right treatment for your hair, so we recommend popping in for a free consultation with one of our team members. F PN SERVILLES PONSONBY, 348 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby, (Corner of Jervois and Ponsonby Roads), T: 09 378 9799, www.servilles.com

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

LIVING, THINKING + BEING VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR MITOQ STUDY Researchers from the University of Auckland’s Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences have teamed with Antipodean Pharmaceuticals to study the effectiveness of MitoQ in people with type II diabetes.

The study is designed to investigate the potential effects of MitoQ on the way the artery in the upper arm reacts before treatment with MitoQ is commenced, and again, one month following treatment.

The test is designed to show how healthy the artery in the upper arm is. It works by temporarily preventing blood flow through the arm. The researcher will measure how much the artery reacts, using ultrasound, once the blood flow has been restored. This technique is used as it is able to indicate how well the arteries that supply the heart muscle might be working. This can help predict future cardiovascular health.

The team of researchers are experienced in both academic and industry based projects with the main study researcher - Caroline Alsweiler who is involved in international cardiovascular studies with the Green Lane Coordinating Centre as their clinical trials manager. The researchers are inviting people to contact them if they have the conditions needed for study entry and are interested in receiving further details. F PN MitoQ Study: Caroline Alsweiler, T: 09 320 3502, csor001@aucklanduni.ac.nz, www.diabetesauckland.org.nz

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

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CLARE CALDWELL: THE ART OF LIVING For those with a basic layman’s understanding of quantum physics, it may come as no surprise that the simple act of meditation can have results that affect not only the person meditating, and not only his or her surrounding community, but the wider world as a whole.

In 1978 the ‘Maharishi Effect’ was discovered. A study was conducted for three weeks utilising 7000 people, all meditating, and all holding the desire to have a positive effect on the surrounding urban environment. As a direct result of their group meditation with its intentional peaceful focus, the collective energy of the city was totally transformed. On that day there was a marked reduction in the amount of local suicides and car accidents (taking all other variables into account). In fact, the exponential energy was so powerful that globally it was noted there was a reduction in the rates of crime, violent acts and deaths generally by an average of 16%.

Since that time more than 50 studies have been done to test the validity of the Maharishi Effect. The results have given such a clear indication of the direct impact of global meditation is both powerful and transformative, that the results have been published in the Journal of Crime and Justice.

This is how quantum energy can work - a revelation I find not only extremely exciting but one that in our current global climate of self interest, hatred and increasing violence.

It gives me a sense of hope that maybe, just maybe, we have a tool that could make a difference; one that could change things to create a better world in the future.

PN (CLARE CALDWELL) F Clare (Claudie) Caldwell is a creative arts therapist who runs a small private practice from home. She now runs a voluntary art and art therapy programme at Auckland City Mission. She is also a freelance artist.

Enquiries : T: 09 836 3618; M: 021 293 3171; E: clare.e.caldwell@gmail.com

“For example, a day-by-day study of a two-month assembly in Israel during August and September 1983 showed that on days when numbers of participants at a peace -creating assembly were high, the intensity of the ongoing war in Lebanon decreased sharply and war deaths were seen to drop by a staggering 76%,” (peacewarriors.net).

So how does this quantum energy work? If we acknowledge that everything is energy, forming and reforming and vibrating at differing intensities, we see that our thoughts are forms of energy too. A thought is a ‘thing’ - a form of fine vibrational matter that contributes to the creation of all that we experience. Meditation can be an intense focusing of a thought. These effects are powerful and life-changing for the individual meditator but when people come together and intentionally direct their mental energy towards a collective vision, the results are literally world-changing. The power of meditation on this scale is almost beyond belief.

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PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

JOHN APPLETON: ON HEALTH

Shingles - a rapid response is important When the itchy red spots of childhood chickenpox disappear and life returns to normal, the battle with the virus that causes chickenpox seems won.

But for too many of us this triumph of immune system over virus is temporary. The virus has not been destroyed but remains dormant in our nerve cells, ready to strike again later in life. A second eruption of the chickenpox varicella-zoster virus is the disease called shingles or herpes-zoster.

Anyone who has had shingles will know that this is a very unpleasant, often intensely painful and debilitating disease.

For those of us who are hovering around middle age and had chickenpox as a child, there is a chance we might experience a bout of shingles. This disease is estimated to affect two in every 10 people in their lifetime. More than 50% of cases occur in people over 60. Anything that weakens the immune system can open the door for shingles but top of the list is stress.

Shingle's symptoms may be vague and non-specific at first.

Numbness, tingling, itching, or pain may be experienced quite some time before the classic rash appears. This can make early diagnosis difficult because shingles can be mistaken for something else especially when severe pain is experienced early on. When the migrating virus finally reaches the skin, usually the second to the fifth day after the first symptoms, the rash tells all.

The rash which often begins as clusters of small bumps on the back between the hips and underarm soon develops into fluid-filled blisters (vesicles). In turn, the blisters fill with pus (pustules) which break open and form crusty scabs. If all goes well in about four or five weeks, the disease runs its course, the scabs drop off, the skin heals, and the pain fades.

Is shingles contagious?

My research tells me that people who have had chickenpox cannot 'catch' shingles from someone who has it. However, people who've never had chickenpox can be infected with chickenpox if exposed to someone with an active case of shingles. While this may be unlikely to happen it’s worth bearing in mind.

So what can we do about shingles?

Standard medical treatments can involve antiviral drugs such as acyclovir (the active ingredient in Zovirax which is commonly used to treat cold sores).

Such antiviral therapy is not a cure but its use is primarily to shorten the course of the disease. To relieve pain, the doctor may recommend over-the-counter analgesics (pain-relieving drugs), such as Ibuprofen or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. There isn’t really a lot on offer.

My first consideration would be intravenous vitamin C. While modern medicine continues to shun this as a treatment option, history is on our side. In 1949 American doctor Frederick Klenner MD reported having excellent results when using intravenous vitamin C with shingles. According to this pioneering doctor, the pain was gone in seven out of eight patients within two hours of the first vitamin C injection.

In Auckland we have Holistic Medical Centre based at 48 Ponsonby Road offering intravenous vitamin C. www.holisticmedicalcentre.co.nz The next stop for me would be to have course of acupuncture. There has been much written about the effectiveness of acupuncture for shingles. Having seen results, I rate it very highly.

Why is this important? A very unfortunate development of shingles if not dealt with appropriately in the first instance is the development of a very painful and extremely difficult to treat condition known as post herpetic neuralgia. Post herpetic neuralgia is to be avoided at all costs. As I see it, it’s really worthwhile investing in resolving the initial shingles outbreak as effectively as possible rather than face a debilitating PN condition that could be lifelong. (JOHN APPLETON) F

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

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

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LIVING, THINKING + BEING NEWS FROM AROHA HEALING Aroha is based on the Grey Lynn/Ponsonby border at 3 Maidstone Street and will be celebrating five years at this location on 1 June.

If you have wondered what is behind the Aroha doors there is so much for you to experience. Rosanna and Benton have created a haven of unique massage and healing therapies from indigenous cultures around the globe, small intimate yoga and dance classes, reiki and reiki facial therapies, Hawaiian ka huna massage and Rosanna’s unique signature Aroha massage. The pair are reiki master teachers, holding regular workshops to show others how to use their energy to heal themselves and others.

Benton and Rosanna also create beautiful, handmade natural products. You will loveexploring their collection of Aroha candles, facial and body potions, room and aura sprays plus a selection of crystals and lamps, jade eggs, Mantrabands, Phyts organic skincare, Tailor skincare, white sage, incense, pana raw organic chocolate and organic sanitary products.

Mother’s Day is Sunday 14 May and Aroha has the perfect gift!

Introducing Aroha Black.

A decadent blend of pure rose essential oil and black rose and oud fragrance oils. This is a rose delight and is a permanent addition to the Aroha candle collection. Aroha Black comes in a deep-black jar with gold lid and our iconic Aroha gold heart logo.

Aroha Black is a beautiful and powerfully uplifting candle. Pure rose essential oil is the most energetically vibrant oil, stimulating the mind and increasing a sense of wellbeing.

Rose brings balance and harmony into our lives and roses are known as the flower of love.

Rose oils open the heart to the vibration of love and is also an antidepressant, once favoured by Cleopatra as her signature scent. She would have her ship's sails drenched in rose water so her presence would be known as she sailed up the Nile.

Blended with black rose, oud fragrance oil brings depth and mystery to the magical Aroha Black Candle. In Arabian Oudh is highly valued by perfumers for its sweet, woody, aromatic and complex scent. The oil or resin is added in a perfume composition, most often as a base note.

Aroha HQ smells like beautiful handpicked roses when we light this candle, and if you would like an environment that is filled with uplifting rose scent then this beautiful candle is for you. Medium $55, large $75 - the perfect gift.

You can read more about the wonderful selection of treatments at the Aroha Love website or on their Facebook and Instagram. If you sign up to the Aroha newsletter you will receive 10% off any Aroha product listed on the website. Gift vouchers available in-store. (ROSANNA MARKS) F PN AROHA HEALING, 3 Maidstone Street, M: 0273 866 587 or T: 0800mindbody, www.arohalove.co.nz

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PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

Do you have a

BACK PROBLEM? DON’T DO ANYTHING UNTIL YOU HAVE READ THIS! Back & Neck Pain Headaches Hip Pain

Arthritis Scoliosis Poor Posture

NEED RELIEF! WE CAN HELP We are offering you an opportunity to come in and have an initial consultation and spinal examination.

Disc Problem Sciatica Muscle Tension

40

$

only

That’s $135 worth of care for $40 7BMJE VOUJM UI +VOF 40 "$5 /08 EVERYBODY KNOWS THAT CHIROPRACTORS ACHIEVE EXCELLENT RESULTS WITH MUSCULOSKELETAL PROBLEMS SUCH AS BACK AND NECK PAIN, SCIATICA, SCOLIOSIS, HEADACHES, HIP, SHOULDER AND KNEE PROBLEMS, AND PINS AND NEEDLES INTO THE ARMS OR LEGS.

* /!41 ( %þ 1(0%!/Č ) 5 (( ! helped with Chiropractic.

However, many people are not aware that Chiropractic may help other conditions that may not produce symptoms of back pain, yet may be caused by problems in the spine.

All of these problems can be caused by ‘pinched nerves’ in the spine, because the spinal nerve system animates every cell organ and tissue in the body. If this nerve supply is interrupted then decreased function and ill health results.

Common conditions such as fatigue, allergies and hay fever, sinus congestion, memory and concentration problems, (1..! 2%/%+*Č /(!!,%*# %þ 1(0%!/Č asthma and shortness of breath, heart palpitations, chest pains, indigestion * .!ý14Č ,!.%+ , %*Č +*/0%, 0%+* * diarrhoea, irritable bowel syndrome, poor bladder control, infertility,

Let’s not forget kids problems too, including: ‘growing pains’, sporting injuries, behaviour problems, learning %þ 1(0%!/Č ! 3!00%*#Č +(% Č ! . infections, tonsillitis, and poor posture.

!+,(! ".+) (( 3 ('/ +" (%"! !*!ü0 from Chiropractic care: athletes to improve performance, trades people 0+ .!) %* /0.+*# * ý!4% (!Č +þ ! workers to improve workplace ergonomics and comfort, mums and kids to promote normal growth and development.

The WHOLE " )%(5 * !*!ü0ċ Our friendly service is 100% guaranteed!

Karen Williams | B.Sc. M.Chiropractic K For additional information please call F

T Three Lamps Chiropractic 09 378 0069 | Suite 6 | 283 Ponsonby Rd | Ponsonby 0 www.threelampschiropractic.co.nz w The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH PONSONBY NEWS+ May 2017 71

SARAH-JANE ATTIAS: HEALTHY LIVING This is the time of year when many New Zealanders are packing their bags for adventures. My family lives in England and for the past 20 years I have made the pilgrimmage home twice a year and that's a lot of air miles!

Here are seven of my tried and true recommendations for the stages of your journey; preparing for, during and on touch down. I have assembled an essential travel kit over the years that will serve you well.

Please take a peek on www.livingosteopathy.co.nz where I show you one-minute ‘tension relieving’ exercises great for flying.

I always travel with a ‘spikey ball’ in my handbag. It's light, easy and guaranteed to get a few giggles from X-ray handlers. Every hour, head to the area around the exit row seat/galley. Place the ball between your shoulders and the wall - small circular gentle movements - that's pushing into key areas all down your back to your buttocks. It's a mini massage; muscles relax and blood rushes to these areas. Marvellous!

Therapeutic-grade essential oils create a ‘dome’ around you, a protective layer to ward off bugs, lavender, eucalyptus and, my new top pick, kanuka. It's a powerful antiseptic that's actually a little brother to manuka yet much gentler on your skin. Dab on your scarf, pulse points and collarbone area - calmly breathe through your nose deep into your belly.

resting on the wall again, shoulders are relaxed and arms hanging by your sides. Repeat four times and you will increase your mobility.

Injury - one of the most common injuries whilst traveling is neck, shoulder or lower back pain from not ‘handling’ baggage correctly. To prevent injury, remember the old saying “don't use your back like a crane”. Brace, engage your pelvic floor, use your knees and your breath. ACC does cover you for an injury sustained whilst you are away on a trip. Osteopaths are accredited ACC providers, so upon your return please contact us immediately and we can assist you with assessment, filing in forms and treatment - no need to see a doctor first. (SARAH-JANE ATTIAS) F PN Please quote ‘Special Ponsonby News Offer’ when booking online or do give us a call on T: 09 361 1147, www.livingosteopathy.co.nz Disclaimer: This article is for general information purposes only. If you have a specific health problem you should seek advice from an appropriate registered health care provider. Living Osteopathy is a Primary Health Care Provider registered with ACC and the OCNZ. Living Osteopathy does not accept any liability other than to its clients.

Flight socks - highly effective - you must get a good fit; carefully measure your calf to get an effective compress to reduce pooling fluid in your ankles. I've personally tried with and without on several occasions, and they make a huge difference to your overall circulation and body feel.

Hydrate - the plane is dryer than the Sahara! At our clinic we sell an excellent travelpack-size bottle of electrolytes (remember the 100ml rule) added to water this encourages our cells to absorb fluid and maintain hydration. Remember to take an empty water bottle (required for security checkpoints), at the earliest point fill it and maintain fluid intake, on average one litre every two hours. We tested out the ‘1 Above’ flight drink, in convenient pill form, and it definitely works. Hydration prior to departure and post arrival is equally important.

View transit as an opportunity to reboot your body - try short concise ‘pump’ exercises similar to what you've seen a tennis player do waiting to receive a serve; a mini jog and bouncing on the spot, stretching your arms above your head, and then out at shoulder height, clasping your hands behind your back and stretching your arms away, full rotations of your shoulders - forward and back. As we osteopaths say, “move it or you lose it!”

Elevate - when you arrive or on long-haul flights, find a quiet corner in the transit areas with a wall, spread a sarong and lie on the floor with your legs up the wall and practice slow calming, deep breathing. Ten minutes in this position is equivalent to two hours resting flat. It's very rejuvenating. Dancers use this technique a lot. If this is not possible, at least elevate your legs up on your in-flight bag.

Roll Downs - safely stretch your back: You have seven cervical, 12 thoracic and five lumbar vertebrae, although I doubt very much that you will feel this many - my first few roll downs I feel about five! Do this in a controlled fashion, stand with your back pressed firmly to the wall, your feet a hip-width apart and positioned a foot's-length away from the wall.

Knees slightly bent, shoulders pinned back to the wall. The idea is to peel forward one vertebra at a time, from your neck to your lower back. Release your breath out, sucking in your abdominal muscles and curving forward, relaxing your arms as you hang forward.

With head and neck relaxed, bend your knees a little, breathe. Then re-stack your spine, from the bottom up, again drawing in your tummy muscles, until the back of your head is

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PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

LIVING, THINKING + BEING FIVE REASONS WHY THE WORLD SHOULD BE THANKFUL FOR FUNERAL PROFESSIONALS 1. They actually enjoy what they do.

I certainly don’t know anyone in the funeral profession, that’s just in it for the money. This is their life passion and that deserves a great amount of respect in my book.

2. They’ve got enough life insight for the rest of us.

Hanging around the Grim Reaper day in and day out teaches you some serious life lessons faster than most others. Sit down with a funeral director and you’ll quickly learn that time spent with these wonderful humans will result in either a great story or a seriously insightful life lesson.

3. They get more slack than most other professionals.

And they take it well. Have you ever dealt with a crazy grieving person? Or a family fighting over where mum’s ashes should be spread? Can you really imagine what it would be like to carry out a family’s plans with no errors at all? Think about the copious amounts of pressure that creates. Yet somehow, they still maintain their sanity (for the most part).

4. They take care of the unimaginable.

When your job is to sew broken limbs back onto bodies and cover up the signs of rigor mortis with makeup, you know you’ve seen it all.

Just let your imagination wander into the strangest things you think you could ever find at a funeral home and it’s probably happened.

5. They’re probably working at this very moment.

Yes, we realise it could be 2.30am or it could be 11pm while you’re reading this.

Source: Taken from a funeralOne Blog article by Rilee Chastin.

SIBUNS, 582 Remuera Road, T: 09 520 3119, www.sibuns.co.nz

CHEESY INNOVATION A NEW ZEALAND FIRST A new, New Zealand-made cheese hit supermarket shelves in April. It may look, smell, cut and taste like the hard cheese every Kiwi loves to put on a platter, but this cheddar is a much healthier alternative.

Leading innovator of dairy-free products, Angel Food has created New Zealand’s first -ever vegan cheddar - free from dairy, eggs, meat and GMOs - and instead made with peas, sunflowers and corn.

“Cheese is one of those things that many people find the hardest to give up when they go dairy-free,” says Angel Food CEO and founder, Alice Shopland. “That’s why we’ve created this convenient, tasty substitute. We want to make it easy for people to cut back on dairy.”

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

Plant-based and certified by the Vegetarian Society, Angel Food’s new dairy-free cheddar alternative is available to buy nationwide in supermarkets, health food stores and online this month.

The cheddar joins its existing range of ready-made cheese sauces and dairy-free mozzarella and parmesan alternatives. F PN www.angelfood.co.nz DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

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HELENE RAVLICH: LOCAL BEAUTY

Benefit and the Bold is Beautiful project If you’re a beauty freak like me, then chances are you have popped into the fresh, new Benefit boutique on Ponsonby Road near Seed Heritage.

It’s the San Francisco-born brand’s first standalone Auckland boutique, and destined to attract many of the customers who have been travelling to their Smith & Caughey’s CBD and Newmarket counter to access their services. Their irreverent approach to feeling beautiful is infectious, and their products and services are most definitely up there as some of the best on offer locally.

The brand is taking its sass and its unabashed love of women to the next level this May with the official arrival of their global Bold is Beautiful Project in New Zealand.

Since Benefit’s inception, co-founders Jean and Jane Ford have always said beauty should extend “beyond the counter” and empower all women - especially those who need it most. It was through this vision, in 2015 that the Bold is Beautiful Project was born. The aim of the campaign is to create long-lasting and positive change in the lives of women around the world and want to know what’s funding it? A hell of a lot of damn great brows.

In May last year, Benefit donated $15 from every brow wax service worldwide to the project and raised $3.4 million globally - that’s 209,019 waxes! This year the Bold is Beautiful Project is arriving in 17 countries: United States, United Kingdom, France, Australia, Spain, Singapore, Canada, Ireland and United Arab Emirates, New Zealand, Mexico, Brazil, Turkey, Portugal, Italy, Korea and the Philippines. Each market has selected its own charity to benefit (pardon the pun) from funds rasied.

When asked the question “why brows?” Annie Ford Danielson, the brand’s Global Beauty Authority said: “Benefit Cosmetics has been transforming brows since Jean and Jane opened their very first boutique in 1976.

Since then, millions of our customers have visited our 2100 BrowBar Beauty Lounges worldwide and received a positive, uplifting feeling. Through the Bold is Beautiful

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Project, we want every woman and girl around the world to feel the same way too.”

Ford Danielson also emphasised the power of the brow, which cannot be denied. “Brows frame our face, draw attention to our eyes and can even take years off our look. Taking the proceeds from a service that creates such a remarkable change on the surface and donating them to charities that ignite a deeper change in the lives of women was a no-brainer for us.”

So this May, $15 dollars from every Benefit brow wax service will go to New Zealand’s chosen charity partner, Look Good Feel Better, a cause that as a cancer sufferer is dear to my heart. For those not familiar with its amazing work, Look Good Feel Better is a not-for-profit charity providing free classes for women that focus on the visible side effects of cancer treatment including hair loss, eyebrows, eyelashes and other skin related issues.

The two hours spent at a Look Good Feel Better class provides the opportunity to relax, have fun, feel special, do something practical, be proactive and connect with people who may be experiencing something similar - away from the world of diagnosis and treatment. They do amazing work throughout the country, and aim to provide workshops within 30 minutes’ drive of anyone in need. Incredible.

So, for the month of May, Benefit will be donating $15 from every brow wax service in New Zealand to Look Good Feel Better. All you need to do to make a difference to the lives of Kiwi women battling cancer is get a brow wax - simple as that. Benefit New Zealand is aiming to raise at least $50k for the charity, which is a hell of

a lot of 'wow brows' but definitely not impossible. Kaye Larnder, Country Manager, Benefit Cosmetics New Zealand told me that she and her team are “thrilled to be partnering with Look Good Feel Better as part of our global philanthropy project Bold is Beautiful. Look Good Feel Better works tirelessly in the community to help improve the lives of cancer patients with their Feel Better Classes.” She added, “Benefit Cosmetics is in the business of making women feel great and therefore this was a natural partnership.”

And if you need any more excuses to head into Benefit Ponsonby, the standalone destination also offers more Benefit, with spray tanning and extended waxing services also available. It’s also a great place to stop by and chat about their very cool 'brow styling' options, which are great if you’re like me and don’t really love the cookie -cutter, drawn on with a Sharpie-style brow look so common on Instagram these days. Feathered, straight or naturalwith-a-twist, they can help you explore the difference that a great brow can make, and even find you a killer foundation, mascara or lipstick option to go with.

So what are you waiting for? Book in at one of the local PN Benefit counters now! (HELENE RAVLICH) F Auckland Benefit counters can be found at: BENEFIT BOUTIQUE, 100 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 360 0020, www.benefitcosmetics.com

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

LIVING, THINKING + BEING HELEN HARRISON OSTEOPATHY OPENS IN PONSONBY Helen Harrison Osteopathy provides holistic healthcare, from newborns to the aged, focusing on restoring balance to the body, achieving health and well-being and creating change in a person’s quality of life.

She aims to provide a warm and caring approach to family healthcare that is customer focused, taking time to both listen and communicate effectively to individual presentation and needs.

Helen’s treatment approach is gentle and every treatment plan is unique and encourages healthy living. She uses osteopathy in the cranial field (OCF) to restore balance to the body using the body's own healing ability.

“Osteopathy is based on the perfection of nature’s work. When all parts of the human body are in line we have health.

When they are not the effect is disease. When the parts are readjusted disease gives place to health.” A.T. Still, University of Health Sciences.

Osteopathy releases tensions in the body and can be effective in the management of a variety of conditions such as headaches, back and neck pain, sciatica, dizziness, pre and post-natal care, birthing trauma, colic and reflux, ear infections, post-injury care and sensitised nervous systems.

Recently, moving her osteopathic practice to Letham Cottage, allows her to live and work locally. Helen is ACC approved, no doctor’s referral required. Late night appointments available Monday and Thursday.

If you need more information, request a 15-minute complimentary visit to meet Helen.

PN She’ll answer your questions and tell you how she can help. F HELEN HARRISON OSTEOPATHY, 35 Jervois Road, Ponsonby, T: 0274 895 588, www.helenharrisonosteopathy.co.nz

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DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

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CARING PROFESSIONAL Dr Ed Timings - Back in Action Ed Timings is an international health motivation speaker and chiropractor practising in Ponsonby since 2000, and also a high -performance chiropractor at the Millennium Institute working with top athletes from many sports.

An ex-Ironman and senior rugby player, he now just tries to keep moving and slow down time!

Ed started the swim group Eddie’s Eels - now in its 16th year - and like many is trying to stay active and enjoy life but also trying to be smart in staying healthy using 30 years’ knowledge in the health Industry. He’s married to Karen and is father to four fastgrowing children who are now entering the challenges of the adult world.

How did you come to be a chiropractor?

I had a chiropractor really help me as a young first XV rugby player, and went to America as a 17-year-old to see what I could achieve in this arena of health.

What do you love about your job?

People from all different walks of life, different ages, stories and abilities. I love the people, but everyone that walks in I also truly believe I can help!

What do you find challenging?

Fulfilling the obligation of expectation. Naturally we want to quickly help but sometimes it’s not that easy. Sometimes it’s not that simple and, every now and then, perhaps not completely possible. That is truly upsetting. Realising I need to get better and knowing that we make mistakes but when we stand still from learning more it’s actually time to do something else.

How do you differ from other chiropractors?

I have two professions. One as a chiropractor which is very specific and one as a health motivator which is very general. Both have the same outcome but having two outlets allows a lot of freedom and perspective.

Can you share an anecdote about a case?

I have had the joy of working with some great athletes like Valerie Adams where your goal is totally to increase performance. Then there are cases that you can’t help such as hereditary scoliosis in a young girl and you desperately wish you could have changed outcomes. And then there are cases where, despite effort, you don’t help and can sometimes aggravate and you realise you still need to learn. I do believe, however, that

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intention is everything and people know when someone really cares... and that goes a long way.

I once got a call from some person called Rihanna wanting me to see her on a Sunday, at her house, when she could fit me in. I thought I would give that one a miss and my kids nearly died. Needless to say I went in and she was just lovely! And met my kids!

What do you do to care for yourself?

I swim, I stretch, I do weights, I see a chiropractor. It’s funny, now I am 50, I do so much more because every day you see what happens if you don’t! Father Time is looking at me somewhat ominously now so I also spend hours learning more and more about best practice. Knowledge is just so important.

What's your advice to people seeking chiropractic treatment?

Health is a team effort. As a chiropractor I will do my very best to restore spinal function and I have great videos and support for how the patient can get involved in their care. Health is a team effort. There is education and work to do. If you are not part of your care, you are depending on someone else - and no one cares as much about you as you do. So be involved. Both the patient and I have two ears and one voice! Listening is good. F PN BACK IN ACTION, 2 Sheehan Street, T: 09 376 3176, www.backinaction.co.nz

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

BILLY HARRIS: KIDS IN THE COMMUNITY

No sting in this tale about Cooper Mowbray Any kid who has a playdate at Cooper Mowbray’s house is in for a surprise. Rather than sitting down to play X Box, or kicking a ball around, he or she will be taken out into the backyard to meet several thousand of Cooper’s friends!

You see, nine-year-old Cooper has the rather interesting hobby of helping to manage two beehives on the property. That word - beehives - is enough to give most kids the heebie jeebies, but after learning more about bees from Cooper, their attitude soon changes.

“They love meeting the bees,” says the Marist Herne Bay student. “Mum opens the hives when our friends are around so they can learn about them. When they know more about them, and see inside a hive, they go from ‘I’m scared of bees’, to ‘I love bees!'”

Obvious question: Do you get stung?

Coooper staunchly defends the bees. “The only stings we’ve had are when we’ve been barefoot in the grass, and stood on a bee, and that’s our fault, not the bee’s,” he says.

“We’ve never been stung when working with the hives. Even before we had hives, we’d get one or two stings each summer, so getting the hives hasn’t increased our sting rate at all.”

The family’s love for their bees was demonstrated when Cooper’s big brother Reuben was stung. When a bee stings, it dies, so Cooper was more worried about the bee than Reuben. “Oh no, you killed our bee! How mean!”

And how do the neighbours feel about several thousand busy invertebrates moving in next door? Aren’t they concerned about their property value?

Cooper’s mum Stacey explains: “They’ve been great. Unfortunately quite a few bees drown in their pool, which is the most annoying thing for them. Sometimes they try to fish them out and save them. They’ll of course be getting the first pot of honey when we harvest some. Most of our other neighbours don’t seem to have noticed we have hives, which is how it should be. They’re just a natural part of the environment.”

So how did the family interest in bees begin? Stacey did a course at MIT last year and got her certificate in apiculture. Shortly after, she bought two colonies of bees from Peter Alexander from Waiapi Apiaries.

(Picture Stacey coming home after popping out to do a bit of shopping: “Hey everybody, I’m home! Can you come and give me a hand with these?”)

Stacey wanted her boys - Reuben, Cooper and Tom - to learn about bees. To know that bees have a vital role as pollinators and that they aren’t something to be afraid of. If you stay calm around bees, you will almost certainly not get stung. After all, bees have a vested interest in not stinging because they don’t want to die. If you do get stung, you should flick the sting out at the base with your fingernail, rather than pull it out by the sack, which only squeezes the venom into you.

Her passion for her bees soon transmitted to her boys, and Cooper in particular was hooked. He helps whenever his mother opens the hives, by holding the frames, taking close-up photos, and using the smoker. He loves to see the bees go about their business,

watch them on their flight path out into the community and back, carrying the pollen on their hind legs.

He’d love to be able to see the bees communicate. “Inside the hive, they do an amazing waggle dance which tells their sisters - all worker bees are female - where a nectar or pollen source is,” says Cooper. “They’re so smart they don’t even need a GPS system!

This dance gives all the information the others need to find it - direction, distance and how much food is there.”

Perhaps the bees can sense how much Cooper cares for them. He seems to have a natural way with them, staying so calm that he happily holds the bee-covered frames, something that would induce terror in most people, with his bare hands. Indeed, he wants his own colony in the future, and top of his Christmas wish list not a fancy computer game or Ronaldo soccer boots, but a bee-keeping suit.

Cooper and his brothers gained much satisfaction in helping plant the Hakanoa Reserve Pollinator Path, a great initiative which turned unused land into pollinator parks, and they’d love others to do more for bees too.

“If we all planted something flowering in our backyards we would make life much easier for bees," Cooper says. “Then they wouldn’t have to fly so far, because all the flying and carrying pollen is tiring for them. Even a big pot of lavender would be a nice gift for your local bees.” (BILLY HARRIS) F PN

Clothing Alterations

Alter Ego Roong T: 09 376 8689

M: 021 032 9128

182-4a Jervois Road, Herne Bay E: ra_cha29@yahoo.com “I get all my bits & pieces done by the smiling helpful Roong... and she’s got Eftpos = sorted...” MARTIN LEACH

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MEET THE TEACHER Trent Bray Trent Bray Swim School How did you come to be a swimming teacher?

After finishing my swimming career. I found I had a lot to give back, and teaching children seemed to come naturally to me. Children are like sponges yet each is different and needs slightly different technique tips. It is very rewarding to see swimmers progress through their various stages.

Where did you train?

The 18 years I competed and the input from many coaches in New Zealand and around the world trained me more than I could have ever hoped for.

What brought you to your current school?

I was coaching at Mt Albert Grammar School. Then an opportunity came up at Mt Albert Primary School to start up a swim school there and I’ve never looked back. In 2008 we built a facility at Kowhai Intermediate School and have recently purchased a learn-to -swim pool in East Tamaki.

We teach from six months old all the way through to adults; personally I teach more than 100 swimmers per week.

What are your favourite things about being a swimming teacher?

The look on someone’s face when they finally get it. Seeing the growth of a swimmer from learning to swim right through to squad levels, it is a very rewarding job. I now also focus on teaching all the teachers to a high level so we all teach the same way throughout our swim school.

What has been a highlight of your teaching career?

Years ago I remember one child in particular who was terrified of the water. He was about six years old and had a bad experience in the water before. He hopped in screaming and almost dragged in his mum with him. He wrapped his arms around my neck so tightly, screaming in my ear for about 15 minutes until I could finally get him to relax. After another 15 minutes I had him submerging under the water and enjoying himself. His mother had tears in her eyes and he had a smile on his face. Something I’ll never forget.

He is now swimming in our squads.

If you could wave a magic wand at your swimming school...

I think I would give everyone gills. Water is such a dangerous element yet so much fun when you learn how to use it properly.

How would other teachers describe you?

I think they would say that I’m very focused on teaching correctly and ensuring that all the other teachers are doing the same.

Five tips for mums and dads of kids learning to swim?

1. There is no substitute for constant supervision around water. Put your phones down and keep an eye on your kids.

2. Consistency when it comes to swimming lessons is important and makes a big difference with their progression.

3. Proper swim wear, caps and goggles make a big difference when learning to swim.

Please don’t put them in the water with board shorts, it just weighs them down.

4. It’s hard for some parents of children who don’t like swimming, but stay the course: they will thank you for it when they get older. It’s one sport that is a lot harder to learn when you are older, and could one day save their own or someone else’s lives.

5. If you are not sure, ask. Our lessons are not what you got taught when you were younger as there are better ways to learn, so if you are not sure why things are done the way they are just enquire. Learning to swim is very simple if you can understand why you do it that way. F PN

How would your students describe you?

Firm but fun - hopefully they learn a lot from my classes.

TRENT BRAY SWIM SCHOOL, 2 Sandringham Road, Mt Eden T: (09) 845 4599, www.tbss.co.nz

A low point of your teaching career?

I don’t think I’ve had any low points, it’s not that sort of profession. Being able to teach is extremely gratifying.

How would your boss describe you?

He thinks I’m ok, wink, always trying to do things better and finding better ways of doing things. Continually striving for perfect lessons.

TAWHIRIMATEA: A SONG FOR MATARIKI RELEASED Scholastic encourages Kiwi kids to celebrate Matariki with a new bilingual story and song picturebook. Tawhirimatea: A Song for Matariki, is by singer/songwriter June Pitman-Hayes, illustrator Kat Merewether, and Maori lyricist Ngaere Roberts.

The new title will be available from 1 May 2017, in time for Matariki celebrations due to start Sunday 25 June.

Matariki is the Maori name for the cluster of stars also known as the Pleiades, and for many Maori it heralds the start of a new year.

Scholastic published its first Matariki title - The Seven Kites of Matariki - last year, and it received such a positive reception from schools, parents and children that they knew they needed to find other Matariki stories.

“Observing how quickly the children learned and gained understanding through the Tawhirimatea waiata, I realised it had the potential to be an illustrated children’s book with music,” says Pitman-Hayes.

The book’s lyrical text weaves Maori mythology into a story of the seasons and Matariki, with translator Ngaere Roberts retelling the story in te reo. Tawhirimatea, A Story for Matariki includes a CD featuring jazz-singer Pitman-Hayes singing both English and Maori language versions. F PN TAWHIRIMATEA: A SONG FOR MATARIKI @ The Dorothy Butler Children’s Bookshop, 1 Jervois Road T: (09) 376 7283, www.dorothybutler.co.nz

78 PONSONBY NEWS+ May 2017

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

FUTURE GENERATION AUCKLAND GIRLS GRAMMAR SCHOOL STUDENT ATTENDS UNESCO CONFERENCE Eleven students, eight countries, five months of research and blog posts, four mentors and five days to write and present the International Youth White Paper on global citizenship.

Scarlett Parkes, deputy head girl of Auckland Girls’ Grammar School, was lucky enough to be funded by the New Zealand Commission for UNESCO. After a 20-hour trip she arrived in freezing Ottawa, met by all the other students (she became family immediately; a ‘global family’) and her mission began.

Difficult, thoughtful conversations and the fast staccato tap of keys characterised her days, as they discussed global citizenship in more detail than Scarlett had ever discussed before. “Global citizenship is basically a way of trying to be a good human being, of ‘saving the world’, but less cheesy and more realistic.

“Our hard work paid off; the room was packed just before we presented and our passion for what we were saying shone through in every single speaker and the audience fed off that. Someone once said ‘young people write poems like each one will save the world’. Our paper is that for us,” says Scarlett.

The main message she got from the experience was: “The right approach isn’t to find the definition of global citizenship, but to never stop looking for it” as my friend Youssef from Morocco said. “Global Citizenship is so complex, there are so many interconnections and power structures at play, that there is always more to learn (or unlearn). In that sense, we aren’t ever ‘educated,’ education is a process that never ends,” says Scarlett.

“If you have ever looked around and found things you didn't like in the world and wanted to change them, don’t be scared by high-up ideas of ‘making a difference’, ‘creating change’ or ‘healing the world’, or even ‘global citizenship’. Do small things, help people close to you. If you don’t know how to help, or what people need, just ask them! No one PN knows everything, and that’s okay,” says Scarlett. F Auckland Girls’ Grammar School: 16 Howe Street, Freemans Bay, T: 09 307 4180, www.aggs.school.nz

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LOOK... WHO IS IN THE ZOO!

Going to great heights for giraffe World-renowned giraffe experts and codirectors of the Giraffe Conservation Foundation, Dr Julian Fennessy and Stephanie Fennessy, are in Auckland this month to share their story and passion for sticking their necks out for this most iconic gentle giant.

The Namibian-based conservationists, with their two young children, lead an adventurous, action-packed life. Their extensive research efforts have recently led to this largely forgotten mega fauna being moved from ‘Least Concern’ to ‘Vulnerable’ on the IUCN Red List of threatened species. Their work has also contributed to uncovering that there are now believed to be four different species of giraffe, not one, as previously thought.

photography: Giraffe Conservation Foundation

Auckland Zoo Conservation Fund has been proudly supporting the ground-breaking work of the Giraffe Conservation Foundation (GCF) since 2012. It’s the world’s only NGO focused on the conservation and management of wild giraffe, whose numbers have plummeted by over 40% in the past two decades.

Last year, Auckland Zoo’s Pridelands team leader Nat Sullivan, had the “great privilege” of going to Namibia to work with the Fennessys and the GCF team.

Nat’s time in the field involved helping to locate and temporarily capture wild Namibian giraffe to fit them with GPS tracking collars. This technology will assist the GCF in better understanding the natural ecology and threats facing this population, to ultimately help their future conservation management.

Dr Julian Fennessy and Stephanie Fennessy, co-founders and directors of the Giraffe Conservation Foundation will give a free talk in Auckland on 13 May.

“Without a doubt, it was the best experience of my life! These were a specific population of desert-dwelling giraffe, and it was incredible to see how they had adapted to be in this environment, and surprisingly, how pale in colour they are compared to other giraffe,” says Nat.

photography: Handal Hinz

“Overall, the experience really highlighted to me just how important the work Julian, Steph and their team are doing.

I love being able to talk to zoo visitors and share my passion and involvement in helping giraffe on the ground. Many people don’t realise giraffe are in trouble. Without the Giraffe Conservation Foundation and their other collaborators, these majestic animals really are the forgotten mega fauna,” adds Nat. Nat Sullivan (front) on assignment in Namibia with Dr Julian Fennessy and PhD student Maddie Castles

photography: Julian Fennessy

An Auckland Zoo Conservation Fund special event BBC documentary screening: ‘Giraffes, Africa’s Gentle Giants’ Saturday 13 May (6pm - 8.30pm) Auckland Art Gallery Auditorium On Saturday 13 May (6pm - 8.30pm) at Auckland Art Gallery Auditorium, Auckland Zoo will host a one-off public screening of the extraordinary BBC documentary ‘Giraffes - Africa’s Gentle Giants’ that captures some of Giraffe Conservation Foundation’s daring missions and discoveries. The Sir David Attenborough-narrated documentary will be introduced by the Fennessys, and there will also be a Q & A session following the screening.

A reticulated giraffe in Kenya

80 PONSONBY NEWS+ May 2017

Tickets: This not-to-be-missed event is free (koha to Auckland Zoo Conservation Fund) but tickets are limited, and registration is essential. From 20 April, you can find full details and register your attendance at www.aucklandzoo.co.nz PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

FURRY AND FABULOUS - $500 PRIZE ANGELA BEER: ANIMAL LOVER

PETS AND PATS LUXURY DOG DAYCARE AND FARMSTAYS Welcome to Dog Disneyland, a 20-acre farm, 18 minutes from Ponsonby, where your dog can do as much or as little as they like, all in the safety of their own private, gated, secure, country estate. We pick up and drop off to your home/office.

Pricing from $40. Free $195 complimentary voucher for you to use for a no-obligation trial.

Daycare: We look after a small, discerning number of local families. We are like the private school of dog daycare. We have the largest and best facility in the country with the smallest numbers of dogs, the largest indoor and outdoor spaces and lots of one-on-one individual attention with our highly skilled staff. Kids can swim, play, unwind in our play paddocks, bushwalks, tennis courts, pool and cinema lounge.

Farmstays: We only have eight VIP guests staying per night and they sleep inside our luxury farmhouse with all the creature comforts they enjoy at home. When looking for care for your beloved pet, here are some questions I encourage parents to ask when interviewing potential places/services.

1. Ask how many dogs are in your facility/care?

2. Ask what is the staff to dog ratio and what qualifications do your staff have? So you can ensure your dog is getting quality one-on-one attention.

3. Ask what does my dog do in your care? Find out how much time is spent in cages or inside vs how much time exercising/playing, etc.

4. Ask what onsite care is available when my dog is with you. It’s not uncommon for some places when dogs are put to bed from 4pm to not have anyone living on site during the night. You should also ask how close is the nearest vet.

5. If using a dog walking service, ask where do you walk my dog, is it safe, how many dogs do you take out at a time, how long is my dog travelling in a vehicle for, what happens if there is an accident? Do you have insurance should anything happen to my dog or my home?

At Pets and Pats, we understand dogs are our best friends and cherished members of our family, they deserve nothing but the best. If you’d like to try the Pets and Pats experience, please call for your $195 free complimentary voucher. We look forward to welcoming you.

Dog HQ: Herne Bay; Country Estate: Dairy Flat. M: 021 539 699, angela@petsandpats.com facebook.com/petsandpats

SPCA ANIMALS LOOKING FOR HOMES

Maggie

Nutmeg The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

Mia

Millie

Ritchie

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PONSONBY NEWS+ May 2017

81

PONSONBY PEOPLE + THEIR PETS

GET CREATIVE AND HELP ANIMALS IN NEED! Looking for a fun but fulfilling activity for the whole family to keep all ages entertained?

Why not get those creative brains flowing and make some toys that help improve the day-to-day lives of Auckland’s animals in need.

At the SPCA Auckland Animal Village, enrichment is an important part of animal’s time; it helps them grow their confidence and keep their brains stimulated.

Dave Rowlands and Tootie Dave Rowlands is a musician and guitar tutor based in Grey Lynn where he lives with wife Emilie and best friend Tootie.

Tootie is a six year old moggy who Dave has had since he was a tiny kitten.

“Emilie was obsessed with getting a kitten so I found him on Trade Me and bought him home as a surprise.

Often, animals have come from situations of neglect or have been abandoned before arriving at the village. Many have never had toys of their own or understand what playtime is.

Whether it's knitted mice for the cats and kittens, plaited tug toys for the dogs, or cardboard treat balls for rabbits, we are always in need of toys for our animals to help keep the boredom at bay and add some fun to their day.

"His name is Tootie (worst name for a boy, we know). We just couldn’t come up with a name and just called him 'cutie tootie' and it stuck.”

We have plenty of ideas and how-tos on our Education Kids Portal, so get creative: http://bit.ly/spcatoys Don't worry it doesn't have to be fancy. Our animals love the PN homemade and authentic kind! F

Dave and Tootie’s favourite thing to do together is nap on the couch.

www.spcaauckland.org.nz

While not aware of any current friends, Dave tells, “Our neighbours used to have a cat called Cash and we would constantly come home to them sleeping on our couch together.”

And Tootie’s ultimate treat? Ham. F PN

SPCA ANIMALS LOOKING FOR HOMES

Poppy and Spike

82 PONSONBY NEWS+ May 2017

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

PONSONBY PROFESSIONALS: LOGAN GRANGER

2018 Tax Year changes - beginning 1 April 2017 We would like to begin by wishing everyone a Happy New 2018 (financial) Year!

From 1 April 2017 being the beginning of the new 2018 tax year, the Inland Revenue has set new rules for business use of the home, also known as 'Home Office'; as well as new rules for shareholder PAYE salaries.

Reducing Provisional Tax - Shareholder Employee PAYE Salary Top-Up From 1 April 2017, shareholder employees will be permitted to take a PAYE salary during the year with a 'lump sum top up' at year end.

Business use of Home (Home Office) When determining whether a tax payer is permitted to claim a business use of a home, the premises or building have to be a separately identifiable part of the house, which is used primarily for business purposes. Most people confuse this as a room that has to be set aside exclusively for business. This is not entirely correct. For example, a garage is a separately identifiable part of the house. If this is being used primarily for business use, it could also come under a use of home claim. However, if it is a double garage, it might be difficult to show the use is primarily for business if it houses a private vehicle as well as a business one.

As a 100% provisional taxpayer, you generally pay three (or two) provisional tax instalments a year and the terminal tax is the difference at year-end, where the final tax is settled.

There will be two options for calculating a claim for use of home:

As a shareholder employee taking a PAYE salary, your tax is paid monthly relative to the amount of the salary. Any year-end top up will be subject to provisional tax. However, the provisional tax will be minimised if the tax is efficiently covered by the PAYE on the salary during the year.

It is important to note that use of money interest still applies if provisional tax is underpaid. This method of paying tax is one way to reduce considerably large provisional tax bills.

Option 1 - Continue to make your calculations in the usual way.

Option 2 - Determine the percentage of mortgage interest and rates (or rent) used for business. Inland Revenue will then provide a per square metre rate to use to cover the other costs.

The home office calculation can be quite complex when considering the relevant expenditure and potential GST adjustments that may need to be made when preparing year end accounts. We recommend seeking the advice of a professional accountant before making such calculations to avoid the over or understatement of the home office expense.

Once a shareholder has elected to take a PAYE salary, they are not permitted to revert back to being a 100% provisional tax payer. They would, however, be permitted to reduce the salary as long as it’s not tax avoidance, which would transpire if the remuneration provided to the shareholder employee is deemed to be less than market rate remuneration for the services rendered. Again, we recommend seeking the advice PN of professional accountant when tax planning. (LOGAN GRANGER) F Disclaimer - While all care has been take, Johnston Associates Chartered Accountants Ltd and its staff accept no liability for the content of this article; always see your professional advisor before taking any action that you are unsure about.

JOHNSTON ASSOCIATES, 202 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 361 6701, www.jacal.co.nz

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PONSONBY PROFESSIONALS: METROLAW GOT A LEGAL QUESTION? ASK MICHAEL@METROLAW.CO.NZ

Email Michael with your question and include PONSONBY NEWS in the subject line. Michael Hemphill, a partner of the firm, will answer one topical question each month.

Q:

I need to get some work done to my property. The joinery and windows need replacing in my townhouse. I have been hunting around for someone who can do the job for me and it seems like it is slim pickings. I have managed to find one guy and he has sent me a contract but I am wondering if there is anything I should be aware of? Something tells me it could still be risky business...

A:

You are right, it always pays to check building contracts carefully. Try and read the whole thing and if there are any bits you don’t understand, get advice.

There are a number of things to be aware of before signing the contract.

You should check whether the work requires building consent. If it does, then you will need a code compliance certificate for the work completed, otherwise the property could be quite difficult to sell in the future.

If the property is a unit title so you should check the body corporate rules and notify the body corporate of the intended renovations. This is because the maintenance and repair of the exterior of the property is often the body corporate’s responsibility. Even though you own the property, the body corporate might turn around and require you to be responsible for the maintenance and repair for the renovations.

We have dealt with some body corporates lately who have been quite uncooperative regarding renovations. While they might agree to you getting someone in to do this work, they might want to register something on the title of your property to protect them from being liable for any maintenance or repair of the new joinery in the future, including any subsequent owner of the property.

Turning to the building contract, I always want to check that it says they will start building, keep building, finish building and fix up any mistakes.

Some key points to consider: • Deposits - Often builders will ask you to pay half before they start the work and pay the rest once the work has been done. But if you put down $15,000 now and the builder’s company goes belly-up then you might not have any right to get your deposit back. You should try to limit the amount of the deposit. If the deposit is being used to buy materials, you might want to make sure that you own the materials as soon as they are purchased. Ideally there should be enough money left to complete the job at any stage - what’s known as paying on a cost-to-complete basis.

• Completion - when will the work be completed? Is there any cost to the builder for failing to complete on time? Is the final payment or retention a sufficient incentive for the builder to finish the job on time?

• Maintenance Period - you want this to be long enough that you have time to notice any defects.

• Dispute Resolution - how are disputes resolved? Are there any limitations on liability?

If you would like our help with reviewing terms or amending the contract let me know.

PN Good luck! (MICHAEL HEMPHILL) F Disclaimer - this article is for general information purposes only. If you have a legal problem you should seek advice from a lawyer. Metro Law does not accept any liability other than to its clients and then only when advice is sought on specific matters.

METRO LAW, Level 1, 169A Ponsonby Road, T: 09 929 0800, www.metrolaw.co.nz

84 PONSONBY NEWS+ May 2017

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HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS

@ COAST 1. COAST Mackenzie Woollen Blanket - $449 Hand-woven in New Zealand from 100% New Zealand wool, available in four stock colours.

2. COAST Bendigo Woollen Blanket - $330 Designed and made in New Zealand from 100% New Zealand wool, available in three stock colours.

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3. COAST Glenorchy Merino Wool Blanket - $449 Warm, sumptuous and made in New Zealand from 100% New Zealand wool, available in three stock colours.

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4. COAST Weekender Bag - $449 Made in New Zealand from marine-grade Sunbrella fabric. Available in three stock colours.

5. Ashley & Co Shampoo and Conditioner - $39.95 each New Zealand-made haircare product available in store.

4 5

COAST, 77 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 354 4552, info@coast.co.nz www.coast.co.nz

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SPECTACULAR STORM NERO Porcelain Slabs for Splashbacks, Benchtops, Floor to Ceiling Bathrooms.

In stock : 6 & 12mm

86 PONSONBY NEWS+ May 2017

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS

@ EUROPEAN CERAMICS European Ceramics (EC) are specialists in stone, porcelain and ceramic tiles. A remarkable brand with a reputation for excellence, we have been in the flooring industry for over 25 years.

The dedicated team at EC has an unparalleled boutique design studio in Newmarket to service a discerning clientele.

Offering exclusive and superior product ranges such as the decorative options shown, EC are also thin porcelain slab specialists. Extra 6mm thick for floor and wall applications and 12mm for bench tops/cabinetry. EC constantly has its finger on the pulse of new design trends.

EUROPEAN CERAMICS, The Foundation Building (first floor), 8 George Street, Parnell, www.euroceramics.co.nz

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STREET NAMES: THE HISTORICAL BOROUGH OF PONSONBY AND GREY LYNN

Russell Street Thomas Russell was a leading member of an early cartel that found New Zealand, and Auckland in particular, ripe for speculation.

He was born in Cork in 1830 and in 1833 his parents emigrated to Australia where his father farmed in NSW. Seven years later the family sailed to New Zealand and eventually settled in Auckland where his father was by turn either farmer or carpenter. His mother, Mary, ran a drapery store in Shortland Street to help support the growing family. Her sudden death in 1847 at age 36 was a severe blow and the family was further disrupted by their father absconding with two of his sons to the Californian goldfields, leaving Thomas to look after his remaining siblings.

He already evinced a maturity beyond his 20 years, and was charismatic and very ambitious. His resourcefulness was demonstrated upon hearing that California was at the height of the gold rush and vegetables had become scarce so he bought all the onions he could get hold of in Auckland and shipped them to San Francisco where they fetched enormously high prices.

@ FORMA

At that time he was employed in a law office and as soon as he was licensed to practise, he set up his own firm helped by his connection with the Wesleyan church where he was first a Sunday school teacher then a lay preacher. He enjoyed Reverend Walter Lawry’s patronage, which was further strengthened when he married Lawry’s niece.

As a consequence many Wesleyans used his practice for their private business matters.

Thomas, now successful, helped his younger brothers, having a strong sense of family loyalty. He articled all four to his practice and each founded their own firms which have endured to the present day.

But Thomas was more interested in the cut and thrust of speculative commerce. He was an active supporter of the Progress Party which represented the interests of Auckland’s business community and due to his initiative the New Zealand Insurance Company was formed in 1859. During the following 10 years he promoted a number of financial institutions and gold mining companies.

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An apocryphal story put about by his arch enemy, Falconer Larkworthy, is that the manager of the Bank of New South Wales had doubts about Thomas Russell’s credit worthiness and prevaricated about renewing his account, thereby inducing Thomas to establish the Bank of New Zealand. In subsequent years, his influence within the bank enabled him to get generous and sometimes improper advances in order to build up a substantial private fortune.

As if all these activities weren't enough to keep him occupied, he began a brief foray into politics and was appointed a minister without a portfolio in in the Domett administration, and then with the outbreak of war in the Waikato, he was made Minister of Defence. He continued to hold this post in the following Fox-Whitaker administration and represented the settlers’ views towards ‘rebel’ Maori. Governor George Grey became uneasy at the scale of confiscations planned and mistrusted Russell who wanted to encourage land -buying schemes that would benefit his own legal firm.

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2. Forma Casa Ottoman - $1430 + fabric

After the shift of New Zealand's capital to Wellington, Russell withdrew from politics but he had powerful friends in government on whom he could call for favours, so much so that William Rolleston, Minister of Lands, observed that an "idea exists that Mr Thomas Russell is not a representative of the Colonial Government but the Colonial Government is the representative of Mr Thomas Russell." While he was loyal to those who supported him, he could be vindictive towards those who did not. He never lacked enemies. He was forced to carry a loaded revolver in case a disaffected investor in gold mining who held Russell responsible, tried to hunt him down at Russell's home. However, he was arrested and gaoled for life. Finally the colony was too small for his financial ambitions and social aspirations so in 1874 he took up permanent residence in England and soon became an influential mortgage broker in London City.

Although living abroad he made lengthy visits to inspect his estates in New Zealand enabling him to maintain ascendancy over the directors in Auckland. When the colony fell into a depression in 1886, his companies fell into a desperate plight but a successful deal with Logan Campbell saved him and he and he was able to live in comfortable circumstances in a country house near Farnham in Surrey until he died in 1904. His estate amounted to £160,000. For more in-depth knowledge of those times read ‘Makers of Fortune, a Colonial Business Community and its Fall by R.C.J. Stone.

PN (DEIRDRE ROELANTS) F

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3. Forma Mean Swivel Chair - $2500 + fabric FORMA, 51-53 The Strand, Parnell, T: 09 368 7694, www.forma.co.nz, ww.facebook.com/formafurniturenz PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

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MILLY NOLAN: DESIGNER GIFTS

Marble overload If you are obsessed with anything made from marble, you will love the latest wave of marble homeware that juxtaposes monochrome tones or green-coloured stone with natural elements such as brass or copper. Here’s a round-up of our current favourite marble pieces for the home.

1. Marble Basics Marble Octagonal Trivet - $99 Use this trivet as a platter or alternatively as a dining table centrepiece to showcase a vase of flowers or to display your favourite candles.

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2. Marble Basics Marble Cheeseboard - $115 This marble cheeseboard ticks all the boxes for serving cheese, antipasto or simply as a decorative piece in your kitchen.

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3. Marble Basics Moss Trinket Bowl - $80 An ultra-luxurious way to keep trinkets safe or make a statement by serving nibbles from when entertaining.

4. Marble Basics Marble Cheese Knife Set - $115 Let your cheeseboard do the talking with this marble and brass knife set that will be sure to impress guests.

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5. Marble Basics Hexagonal Coaster Set - $120 Handcrafted from white honed marble, your glass of wine will look that much more enticing sitting on one of these fabulous hexagonal coasters.

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6. Citta Design Curved Marble Serving Board - $50 Add a sense of luxury to the kitchen with this curved serving board. Display on the counter on its own if you can’t bear to get it dirty.

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7. Marble Basics Moss Best Friends Vase - $150 The contrast of this vase’s rich, rainforest green marble paired with brushed brass makes for a striking piece in the home - whether filled with flowers or not.

8. Avanti Marble Straight Edge Mortar & Pestle - $90 Not only handsome but a very handy addition to your kitchen, this mortar and pestle will make light work of grinding up nuts, herbs and spices.

9. Marble Basics Essential Salad Servers - $140 A more sophisticated way to serve your favourite salads when entertaining guests - or use everyday for a touch PN of luxury. (MILLY NOLAN) F

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All products available at www.mildredandco.com

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PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

Priced from $1,500,000 Brand New & Ready To Go

MODERN LIVING, WORK, ENJOY Waima is an exciting new creative environment designed for an easy, fun city lifestyle right in the hub of the action.

This contemporary terrace townhouse development has been architecturally designed to provide you with the perfect modern day living solution. With flexible configurations and 2 secure carparks, there is something for everyone at Waima and best of all, it’s just a stone’s throw away from Ponsonby Rd and the Auckland CBD.

Please join us for the open homes from 12.30 – 1.00pm on Saturday & Sunday at 6 Waima Street, Grey Lynn.

Abbey Davis 027 464 5121 | Richard Humphreys 021 893 310 abbeyandrichard.co.nz Licensed REAA 2008

Charlton Realty Ltd

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@ DESIGN WAREHOUSE 1. Mykonos Club Chair Create a modern and serene outdoor living space with The Mykonos Collection in white powder-coated aluminum. The Sunbrella® cushions are included in the price as shown.

In stock now and ready for pick up or delivery.

2. Washington Sofa Experience luxury with the Washington Outdoor Collection. Made with the highest quality materials and a stunning design; ready for you to take home and enjoy today.

Sunbrella® cushions included in the price.

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3. Cabo Daybed Lie back and relax on the Cabo A-Grade Teak Daybed and keep your favorite drink within reach on the C-Table. Sunbrella® cushions are always included. In stock now.

Fully assembled.

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DESIGN WAREHOUSE, 137/147 The Strand, Parnell, T: 09 377 7710, www.designwarehouse.co.nz

@ TRENZSEATER 1. Aria Armchair - from $2543 Classic design with shaped arm and stud detailing. Made with your choice of fabric or leather.

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2. Arabella High-Gloss Console - length 1800mm x depth 500mm, $4117 Sleek, high-gloss black top with matte black metal frame, including one drawer with vertical fluting detail. Made in your choice of finish and size.

3. Barcelona Side Table - $3204 Stunning round parquet top made from French oak with tree nailing details. Hand -made in New Zealand.

4. Carrera High-Gloss Sideboard - from $5786 High-gloss, black side board with streamline horizontal fluting detail on the cupboard fronts.

Made in your choice of finish and size.

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5. Bari Armchair - from $2522 Generous sized armchair with fixed back cushion and loose seat cushion. Made with your choice of fabric or leather.

6. Aria Barstool - from $1161 Elegant barstool with tapered leg, upholstered seat with stud detailing. Made with your choice of fabric or leather.

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TRENZSEATER, 80 Parnell Road, T: 09 303 4151, www.trenzseater.com

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PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

MY FAVOURITE ROOM Jayne Collier “I was born a mainlander, but lived overseas in Asia and the United Kindgom for about 10 years before coming back to New Zealand to raise my son.

"I live in Freemans Bay with my teenage son and his cat (Smooch).

"When I first moved to Auckland 25 years ago I flatted in Ireland Street and loved the Ponsonby vibe. After returning from overseas, I settled in Nelson, but when the opportunity came up to move back to Auckland the only place I wanted to be was in the Ponsonby area. Being so close to everything means I can walk everywhere. I'm close to shops, restaurants, the marina and there is always something to see and do in the city.

"My favourite room is my courtyard. Most of the year we barbecue and dine out here. There is an overhang from the upstairs apartment that gives shelter. There is something extremely relaxing about eating outside, almost like you're on holiday. It's also a great spot to sit in the sun and enjoy a glass of wine while reading.

"Living in a small apartment can be claustrophobic, but having this great outdoor area gives me more choices and being in such a quiet area it's so peaceful while still feeling the energy of the city. I grew up in the country so having an outdoor area was a non-negotiable for me when looking at apartments. This is the perfect size and with no gardening!

"My favourite things in the room? I love the hanging chair, its partner is on the rear balcony. I bought them both on TradeMe for a steal. The hardest part was getting them in the car! Everybody who sits on them immediately feels like relaxing, especially when they PN start rocking.� F

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@ FREEDOM 1. Freedom Furniture Box Chair Panama Bluestone - $1899 Add a sleek and stylish statement to the living room or study with Freedom’s Box Chair. Crafted from premium leather and complete with gold detailing, the search for ultimate luxury that will last for many years to come has been found.

2. Freedom Furniture Lobby Chair in Ritz Ink - $999 This soft, jewel-hued chair will enhance any room with its touch of art-deco luxe. Climb aboard into its curved back and lavish cushioning for instant relaxation.

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3. Freedom Furniture Rocker Armchair in Sky Mint - $699 Gently rock the little one to sleep in Freedom’s Rocker armchair, a piece that will be treasured by families for generations - warm, walnut-hued timber is paired with a calming Sky Mint colour for a modern take on a traditional furnishing.

4. Freedom Furniture Attica Armchair in Union Caramel - $1699 The plush surrounds of Freedom’s Attica armchair will beckon anyone in sight to sit upon it. Curl up in the rich, caramel layers of Attica in front of the fire or with a great cup of coffee.

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Check out the collection online at www.freedomfurniture.co.nz or head into your local Newmarket, Sylvia Park, Westgate, Botany (pop-up), Wairau Park or Albany store.

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HEIDI PADAIN: ENTERTAINMENT IN YOUR GARDEN I felt invaded even before their arrival... I knew I wouldn't be able to bear it: the destruction, the confused birds and the noise! They were coming to dismantle what I consider to be my photography studio (our deck).

The deck was a crumbling mess and long overdue for a rebuild. Our charming builder inspired confidence, of course. Nonetheless, I was so worried that our regular bird visitors would disappear. Witnessing mayhem in my very own tree house wasn't going to work for me. I decided to leave Martin to it and go on a road trip.

Despite feeling slightly uneasy, I packed some of my favourite things along with my camera, three lenses and my aged dog. I was nervous and excited all at once. I was going to take flight.

Taking flight became the main theme for my trip. I love the challenge of capturing birds in flight. It's a very physical thing. As the bird moves away or toward the sun you must become one with the camera. You need to think fast and act fast when it comes to changing the camera settings. I often find myself pivoting on the spot whilst anticipating the bird's next move. Yes, I have been known to trip over and if that was you I banged into down in the Auckland Viaduct, "sorry about that," seagulls are quite captivating.

Just prior to my adventure I had acquired a new lens. I finally bought it after one too many 'nearly great' shots of harriers in flight. Most of my images have been taken with the 200mm lens. The 400mm lens gave me the reach I needed to get this harrier shot.

The good news is, when I returned from my trip I could see no difference in bird life activity around my home. I even captured this juvenile tui in flight not long after arriving.

Birds are more resilient than I had imagined.

My equipment: Canon EOS 7D Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM Telephoto Zoom Lens Canon EF 100-400 f/4.5-5.6L IS USM (MK1) Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro Lens There's a lot of debate about which camera settings are best used for this type of photography. If you would like some tips and advice on this please send me an email. I've PN listed my camera gear above as I'm often asked. (HEIDI PADAIN) F

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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

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS

MISTER SHARP MOBILE SHARPENING SERVICE Lance Poppe has three decade's experience in the front line of hospitality. He returned from London in the mid 90s and worked at a few old favourites like Stella, Staircase and SPQR. Ten years ago Lance picked up the art of sharpening knives and blades. His father is the original Mister Sharp master sharpener from the South Waikato region. Honing his skills to a professional level took a good deal of practise and he has now exited the restaurant scene to concentrate fully on Mister Sharp.

Lance believes his rotating whetstone system is the best way to re-create the original edge while taking off the minimum amount of metal, giving your knife or tool longevity.

Mister Sharp is the modern-day equivalent of this old sharpening method used throughout Europe and Asia. Folk used bicycle pedal power to turn the rotating whetstone whereas Lance uses a small, quiet generator and works at a purpose-built workbench from his van.

His van can operate from virtually anywhere. “I travel through Auckland to Hamilton and Taupo with many customers inbetween. I'm doing work for the yachts and big boats at Westhaven, I pull up, do the work and they don’t have to take items anywhere.”

For the domestic household, he sharpens a range of knife and scissor types, plus garden tools that include secateurs, loppers, clippers, spades, axes and grass cutters. On the light commercial side, he sharpens guillotines, chisels, mandolins, and food processor blades - sharpening makes an ideal Mother's Day present.

Mister Sharp is at La Cigale Market every second Saturday. A text reminder service is available for customers, Friday evening prior or 8am on market morning. F PN Mister Sharp has no call-out fee, simply a $40 minimum call-in spend. More information on prices can be found at www.mistersharp.co.nz MISTER SHARP, M: 0274 443 348, info@mistersharp.co.nz

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REAL ESTATE UPDATE: KAREN SPIRES

‘Australians First’, ‘Make America Great Again’ It’s a paradox. However, in wake of mounting pressures on infrastructure, housing, employment and resources, a wave of nationalism seems to have swept the globe.

Perhaps inspired by the events of Brexit, or the living, breathing embodiment of nationalism - President Donald Trump - Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull last month announced the end of the ‘457’ skilled-migrant visa scheme in a bid to tackle rising rates of unemployment.

Despite Prime Minister Bill English following suit shortly after, announcing a review of our own immigration policies - particularly those pertaining to skilled-migrant visas - I feel fortunate that many of the factors driving foreign resentment abroad are not having the same aggravating effect in New Zealand.

In the year to February 2017, net migration rose to a record 71,333 with 57,156 of those freshly minted passports bound for Auckland. In the face of this, the Government have their feet on the ground, and because the surge in population has both increased employment as well as top-line GDP, we can continue to appreciate the improvements our growing global profile is having on our city.

Regardless of policy and politics, there is a distinct international flavour across Auckland and we will recover from the excitement of the World Masters Games just in time for more jubilation during the June/July British and Irish Lions rugby tour. As global influence has played a huge part in attracting events of this calibre to our shores, it is important that we understand how developments abroad continue to transform the DNA of our cities, including Ponsonby and its surrounds.

Buzzing self-sufficient precincts such as Ebisu, Shibuya and Harajuku service whole neighbourhoods in a theme which has filtered down to us, with recently improved amenities including supermarkets, eateries, entertainment and green spaces transforming Ponsonby and its surrounds. The concept has given new life to areas like Grey Lynn, Westmere, Freemans and St Marys Bay, with the notion that the central city is no longer the only place to enjoy urban life.

Take one look across the city skyline and you’ll become acutely aware that we are in a huge period of development, and while like China we are looking to build up, rather than out, Ponsonby has more of a Canadian feel. The emphasis for all apartment and townhouse developments is quality, space and freedom. It’s refreshing to see that the local landscape has been carefully considered, with the design of many new developments mirroring the view beyond the window.

Smart cities are good cities and innovators in urban design are looking increasingly to the influence of technology to increase liveability. The Auckland City Council has welcomed many guest speakers to our city over the past 12 months, and from Guangzhou to Los Angeles we have been taking advice on how best to integrate elements of sustainability and technology to connect citizens and their community.

From San Francisco, California - the brainchild of two roommates initially only looking to supplement their own rent - Airbnb has revolutionised how people buy property. The idea of renting a room or entire home for supplementary income has had a domino effect on buyers’ psyche and we are hearing buzz words like ‘optionality’ and ‘multipleuse’ as those in the market demand increasing versatility from their property.

Global property trends have certainly enhanced Ponsonby and its surrounding suburbs, and it has become increasingly important that we apply lateral thinking when it comes to marketing property to secure the best possible price. In wake of more expatriate New Zealanders looking to return home than ever before, next month Bayleys will participate in the Smart Expo in Hong Kong as part of a global initiative to promote New Zealand property around the world. Bayleys is industry leader in this ‘big-picture’ thinking, with an emphasis on promoting property to the widest possible audience, so if you are considering a sale in the near future, feel free to contact me to discuss your global options.

Across the Pacific to Tokyo, Japan and we have a perfect example of decentralisation.

Thanks for reading. (KAREN SPIRES) F PN

AUCKLAND PROPERTY SALES AND PRICES LIFT IN MARCH Auckland residential property prices returned to normal levels of activity in March with sales numbers increasing and the average and medium prices setting new monthly records.

“After a quiet two months of trading at the start of the year, the market lifted in March with activity returning to something like the normal pattern and increased," said Peter Thompson, Managing Director of Barfoot & Thompson.

“This upturn was always on the cards after the quiet January-February period.

“In March, the average sales price hit $968,570, an increase over the average price for the previous three months of 4.8%. The March increase over February was 2.5%.

“The median sales price at $900,000 showed a higher increase over the previous three months of 7.7%. The monthly increase was 9.8%.

“Compared to last year the average price is now 11.7% higher and the median price 12.8% higher.

“During the last quarter of 2016 the rate at which Auckland house prices were increasing slowed markedly, and this situation has continued into the first quarter of this year.

“Traditionally March is the high point for prices in the first half of the year. Vendors that accept the market is changing and that there is greater choice available are the ones most likely to achieve a successful sales outcome in coming months.

“While the number of sales in March was nearly double those for February, at 1110 they were not as high as the 1341 in March last year.

“The March rise in activity can partly be attributed to the high level of choice available.

“While the number of properties for sale at month end at 4413 was down 2.9% on the number at the end of February, during the month an additional 1983 new properties were listed, and choice during the month was greater than it has been for the past four years.

“The back story to these numbers is that clearance under the hammer at auction was down to around 40%, and that more sales were agreed in after auction negotiations following vendors and buyers making modest compromises on their positions.

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“During March 451, or 40.6% of all sales were for in excess of $1 million, and of that number 67, or 6% of all sales, were for in excess of $2 million. 99 properties, or 8.9% of sales, sold for under $500,000.

“Rural and lifestyle property sales were also active in March, with numbers being up by 55.5% on those in February, but consistent with those for March over the past few years.” F PN

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS Introducing Charlotte With a long-held interest in buying and selling property both here and overseas, Charlotte became a salesperson at the end of 2015.

She has not looked back since, selling over $10m worth of property in her first six months, largely through attention to detail in marketing, building rapport and trust with buyers and an inherent negotiating ability.

In a short time frame, Charlotte has shown the flexibility and drive to identify, list and successfully sell a wide variety of property in the inner city fringe, ranging from development opportunities, investment properties and character homes. Charlotte’s competitive advantage in the marketplace is her determination to expand her network every day by establishing new connections throughout the wider community that will ultimately provide impetus towards successfully helping her clients achieve their property goals.

Charlotte has developed an innate understanding and appreciation of the inner city fringe suburbs, in particular the Ponsonby-Herne Bay neighbourhood. A St Mary’s College old girl, Charlotte was a boarder back in the day when the current Mercy Hospice on College Hill was Coolock House Hostel

for girls. Now a local home owner, she connects honestly with clients and potential purchasers alike, communicating the attributes of the locale she knows intimately, in an emphatic and genuine way. This is immeasurable in assisting purchasers with gaining an understanding of the value of their potential new home and ultimately achieving the best possible result for her clients.

In July last year, with a strong desire to create a competitive advantage for their vendors via the world’s very best real estate marketing, distribution and exposure, Charlotte and Stewart became part of the New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty (NZSIR) team, based in Jervois Road. Stewart and Charlotte are great friends and whilst mostly working independently, are supportive of each other's businesses and collaborate when they recognise that a property will benefit from the combination of their individual strengths.

CHARLOTTE KOFOED, M: 021 241 9394, charlotte.kofoed@sothebysrealty.com

Introducing Stewart Stewart Morgan has exceptional negotiation skills and a strong track record in real estate with a 100% success rate on the properties he has taken to the market over the past four years.

His personable manner, good time management strategies and perfectionist tendencies allow Stewart to streamline the sales and purchase process for his clients and buyers, while aiming to exceed their service and end-result expectations.

Having recently relocated into this area, he is enjoying the vibrant, dynamic and diverse feel of the neighbourhood and appreciates the sense of community on offer here. He can often be found in Ponsonby Central or SPQR.

He is known for being trustworthy, reliable, up-front and, above all, professional. His robust networking skills and commitment to being at the forefront of the evolving property sector is wellsupported by New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty’s enviable position in the real estate market.

Stewart works successfully alone or with his colleague Charlotte and their complimentary skill sets equate to a great selling team with an enviable track record of premium results.

Interested in architecture and interior design, Stewart is well travelled and well educated with a first class Honours Degree, BSc (Hons), in Zoology and Psychology. He also holds a commercial pilot's licence and is a dab hand on his Steinway grand piano with aspirations to further his classical music qualifications.

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

If you would like your property sold with a fresh, intelligent and scientific approach, leading to superior results for you, give Stewart a call.

STEWART MORGAN, M: 021 933 305, stewart.morgan@sothebysrealty.com

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HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS

CREATING SPACES TO LOVE LIVING IN After 15 years in business, renovation specialist Evolution Builders prides itself on its record of 100% total customer satisfaction, having worked hard over the years to leave not one single client unhappy with the end product.

“Happy clients are our number one goal,” says founding director Brent Varley. He says he and his fellow founding director Craig Parker have both reached a stage in their lives where the work is not all about the money, it is about being challenged and satisfied in what they do. “We want to work with people that appreciate what we do and share a passion for creating cool spaces to live in. We’re really focused on them being happy at the end of the job with the cost and the quality.”

Evolution Builders is a specialist in renovations, due to the central Auckland location where Brent and Craig lived and also cut their teeth in the industry more than 30 years.

They make a good building business pairing, with Craig good at taking a set of plans, a bare piece of dirt, or an old do-up and getting that thing happening, and Brent’s strengths are in the details and finishing things off to a high standard.

“We specialise in villa and bungalow refurbishments, especially contemporary extensions to these beautiful old homes, and we have an in-depth understanding of what it takes to pull these projects together to create a fantastic result,” Brent says. “We are able to manage large projects, and build great relationships with our subcontractors, so our clients’ building experience is made easy by dealing with one manager who takes care of the whole project from quality, cost and timelines.”

As Evolution Builders became more established in the renovation market, the company’s workmanship started to catch the eye of architects. It was around 10 years ago that they built their first big, architecturally designed new home, a huge 800sq m structure on Lake Pupuke, Takapuna, designed by Darren Jessop Architects.

“It was a real milestone job for us, we felt we had stepped it up. These days we do most of our new-build work for Studio John Irving Architects. The spaces he creates are just beautiful to live in. He has an ability to create a feeling, not just a structure, and we love working on these houses because the clients really love living in the end product.”

Evolution Builders currently has a team of about 10 builders, some have been with the company up to 10 years, and all are valuable to Brent and Craig. As two guys who left school aged 15, Brent and Craig pride themselves on their training of apprentices, saying their own apprenticeships gave them something to focus on and even kept them from going off the rails in those teenage years.

“That’s how we see the young guys that come in, we try to help guide them through those teenage years,” Brent says. “We’ve got success stories from guys that could have gone either way, we’ve been able to train them into carpenters. Some are now running jobs and earning great wages, they have a real life-long skill and a career they can be PN proud of. That’s gold! I can really hold my head up high about that.” F EVOLUTION BUILDERS, Craig, M: 021 782 558, craig@evolutionbuilders.co.nz Brent: M: 021 965 990, brent@evolutionbuilders.co.nz www.evolutionbuilders.co.nz

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UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL Tracy Hickman “I’m a director in the Corporate Advisory Team at Staples Rodway Chartered Accountants, advising business owners and boards on governance and strategy.

"I volunteer as a board member for the Asylum Seekers Support Trust, and am currently helping to organise a charity art event called Frame Works.

Who's your ultimate rock icon?

Queens of the Stone Age are my favourite band - good, strong beat to make me run faster.

"I am an endurance runner, with 22 marathons and ultramarathons completed, including one on every continent.”

What’s your secret passion?

I love bears and I have tried hard to run in events with a likelihood of seeing them. Haven’t succeeded yet, but running round Grey Lynn imagining being chased by a bear does wonders for my speed!

Tellus about your partner?

Paul Qualtrough. Paul is a business owner. He has developed a machine to sort recycling, with great success in the Australian market.

Where do you live?

In Grey Lynn, in a villa which has been a project for a number of years. Life gets in the way of having enough time to finish it.

Do you have any pets?

Oscar the cat, a Russian Blue cross who adopted us five years ago, and is infamous for his rodent hunting habits.

How do you keep fit?

I enjoy swimming at the Tepid Baths and running around the city and trails, especially out west. For the last few years my friend Jo and I have been working towards the goal of running a marathon on every continent, so our weekend runs tend to be long, rugged ones.

Your best friend would say of you...

Slow down! I’m always juggling work, sport and other commitments and rarely take time out to just chill.

What are your vices?

I adore good chocolate. Devonport Chocolate mint truffles are my go-to treat when an afternoon sugar low hits. The Queens Arcade store is opposite my work, and they know me by name. Also, I’m very determined (as in stubborn as a mule), and my Germanic roots result in me being scarily efficient.

Where do you spend your holidays?

Wherever there’s a running event or family. The last 12 months have included trips to Mongolia, Argentina and Antarctica.

What's your perfect Sunday?

A swim, wander around Grey Lynn Farmers Market and brunch with friends, pottering in the garden. Finish up with a long FaceTime chat with my sister (in the United Kingdom).

What were you going to be when you grew up?

A nuclear physicist. I was always reading physics text books when I was a teenager. Trouble was, I was hopeless at it, so it was never going to be a good career choice!

How did you come to be a business advisor?

I love helping people, and working with business owners to grow their businesses was a logical progression after years of working in large and small businesses and seeing the effects of good and poor decisions. I find it really satisfying to see the success of a business that has taken good advice and is flourishing.

If you weren’t a business advisor you’d be?

A volcanologist, clambering over active volcanoes and measuring gas emissions, checking for earthquake events and maybe even taking hot lava samples.

Which is your favourite Ponsonby cafe?

Mary’s, with good friends for a weekend brunch and a long chat.

Favourite Ponsonby restaurant?

Ponsonby International Food Court is our favourite haunt on a Sunday evening for a quick and tasty bite before food shopping. Love the eclectic nature of the clientele and busy atmosphere.

Favourite Ponsonby store?

Shoe Clinic, knowledgeable staff and a good range of gear.

What's inspired you recently?

Visiting Antarctica. I felt overwhelmed by the sheer scale of the wildlife and natural beauty, all so unspoilt and real. It’s made me want to travel more to remote places, craving that feeling of insignificance compared to the environment and being far from human habitation. Preferably with no cell phone coverage.

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Your desert island distractions...

Box sets of Nordic noir with my partner, Paul, a sofa to snuggle on and a mug of hot water!

The house is on fire and your family is safe - what do you save?

I’m a little ashamed to admit it, but my running medals.

The bling shouldn’t be so important, but to me they represent so many hours of training, endurance - literally blood, sweat and tears - and would be irreplaceable.

“I'd be lost without my...”

Icebug trail shoes. Perfect for muddy trails in the Waitakeres, and Icebugs have never given me blisters.

I wore a pair for the first time during the Antarctica Marathon, specially designed for running on ice, and not even a single black toenail after almost six hours of running!

One thing you have learned about life is?

Don’t stress about the small stuff. In five years’ time you won’t even remember it was an issue.

Your advice to Ponsonby people looking to start running?

Whether young or not so young, I’d suggest joining a club or running with a group, and entering a short race to provide a goal. GetRunning is a great group for beginners. Run Auckland and Parkrun are good short races for those starting out. There are some wonderful routes in the area, especially through Grey Lynn Park, Cox’s Bay and Weona Walkway.

Your advice to young Ponsonby people aspiring work for good in the community?

You need to be passionate about volunteering for a charity or community organisation, so choose one that interests you and give it a go. You could start by offering to help out at a specific event and, if it works for you and the organisation, then look at giving your services on a regular basis. If you are going to be able to keep it up long term, it’s important not to overcommit and to enjoy what you are doing. F PN www.frameworks.org.nz

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS

@ DAWSON & CO

@ CORSO DE FIORI

1. Axel Parquet Dining Table by Timothy Oulton from $3379 The Axel range crosses old world and industrial with its combination of reclaimed wood from decommissioned Chinese junks and hand-treated metal detailing.

Each piece tells a story, forming a solid, cohesive collection rife with personality.

1. Zhao Tray, from Ibride’s anthropomorphic portrait collection (arriving at Corso end of May).

2. Ryan Coffee Table by &Co Studio - $2899 Ryan is hand-crafted from exotic demolition hardwoods such as salvaged wood from downed telephone poles, reclaimed railroad ties and from 100-year-old flooring as well as Brazilian peroba and shagren.

3. Oval coffee table with black sandstone top (119 x 63 x 46cm) - $1790

2. Kearose rose gold soy candle, in four fragrances - $79.90

3. Crosby Coffee Table by &Co Studio - $1979 Mixed materials and the simplest of shapes offer a dramatic centerpiece. Reclaimed peroba wood is supported by a textural faux shagreen base in soft grey.

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DAWSON & CO., 115 The Strand, Parnell and 38 Constellation Drive, Rosedale, T: 09 476 1121, www.dawsonandco.nz

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CORSO DE’ FIORI The Foundation, 8 George Street, Newmarket, T: 09 307 9166, www.corso.co.nz

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FINN MCLENNAN-ELLIOTT

The last album of Graham Brazier - Left Turn At Midnite Graham Brazier is a name familiar to many in the music world and surely to many not as well -versed in music.

I knew his name as he helped run his mother’s bookshop, Brazier’s Books, down Dominion Road, a place my father often went and found bargains. Brazier was a massive personality and the stories of Hello Sailor, their tours, their gigs and their lifestyle are well documented.

Brazier passed away in September 2015, two years after bandmate and friend Dave McArtney also passed. I wrote about McArtney’s memoir Gutter Black a couple of years ago, and it talks about the days of Hello Sailor, tells many stories that include Brazier and ultimately shows the close relationship these two musicians had for so long. If you haven’t read Gutter Black, I’d personally stake my name that it is one of the best autobiographies of the past few years.

Hello Sailor is best known as one of the electrifying rock bands of the pub circuit that included Ponsonby’s very own Gluepot. With Brazier as the swaggering front man, singing hits like ‘Blue Lady’ and sometimes pulling out the saxophone, they toured and played across the 70s and 80s, with a brief and ultimately unsuccessful attempt to break in to the United States.

One of those little stories that’s become something of a Kiwi legend, is that while Brazier was playing in the United States with Hello Sailor, he was asked to take the place of the late Jim Morrison in The Doors. He reportedly stood by Hello Sailor and was determined to make the Kiwi band succeed.

It was lifestyle that was very much sex, drugs and alcohol, plus a few instances in court and it was certainly colourful. We are about to be treated to a final album from the man himself. Left Turn At Midnite is the brand new album from Graham Brazier, produced and released after his death, and a well-crafted collection of the last songs he wrote.

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Left Turn At Midnite has a bit of everything as it pulls together sounds that have made Brazier one of New Zealand’s most iconic rockers. The slide and almost surf sound behind Brazier’s voice in ‘Storm Coming’, or the crooning and ballad of Hosana.

The grunting, grooving harmonica driven song ‘Shack’, hails back to that sound you’d have found in the Gluepot in the 80s as the dance floor writhed and moved.

‘University’ almost has elements of the old time country, Cash slap and clap, with a nice touch of trumpet adding some tasteful instrumentation. Brazier sounds energised throughout the whole of Left Turn At Midnite, and it rightfully has been hailed as his finest collection of music ever. The songs were written and created during a time in his life that included the loss of his best mate and musical colleague McArtney. Brazier wears brutal honesty well, add a mix of raw emotions and that iconic deep voice and you are left with an album that really showcases this musician’s talent.

Produced by Alan Jansson, someone with whom Brazier had wanted to work for years, Jansson has faithfully taken on board Graham’s ideas and concepts and caressed them in a way that lifts the entire album to a level above anything we have seen in the past.

Left Turn At Midnite is out now and is our last taste of Graham Brazier’s writing and genius. I’d recommend going and finding the album, getting a glass of your favourite and raise a toast to a stunning era of Kiwi music.

(FINN MCLENNAN-ELLIOTT) F PN

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

503/367 Great North Rd, Grey Lynn

303/19 Surrey Crescent, Grey Lynn

2H Diamond Street, Eden Terrace

50 Lemington Road, Westmere

2D/9 St Georges Bay Road, Parnell

33A Western Springs Rd, Kingsland

13/10 Shelly Beach Rd, St Marys Bay

32B Hepburn Street, Freemans Bay

23 Anglesea Street, Freemans Bay

32A Picton Street, Freemans Bay

3/35 Oliver Street, Pt Chevalier

89 Williamson Avenue, Grey Lynn

2A Collingwood St, Freemans Bay

32 Turakina Street, Grey Lynn

2D/62 Queen Street, Auckland

22 Woodford Road, Mt Eden

Blair Haddow M 021 544 555 2A Nexus Apartment, Ponsonby 12 Wakatipu Street, Pt Chevalier B 09 375 8411 blair.haddow@bayleys.co.nz

Loving living & selling greater Ponsonby

FINN MCLENNAN-ELLIOTT

Big City - Ha the Unclear Dunedin born band Ha the Unclear found its way to the big smoke and is excited to announce a ‘fistful’ of shows around the country celebrating its new single, Big City.

Ha the Unclear has had an exciting past few years since it released its debut album in 2014, Bacterium, Look at Your Motor Go. The band has been nominated for a Tui at the NZ Music Awards, toured with Courtney Barnett, played at Rhythm & Vines and jumped the water to Australia.

Bacterium, Look... was hailed as odd pop, ‘absolutely bonkers’ and garnered great reviews throughout many respectable magazines. Ha the Unclear’s unique blend of upbeat pop and rock, interesting and unique lyrics that draw your ear, has made it one of those bands that has turned heads when its name comes into conversation.

This latest single is the beginning of the build up to its second album, and comes on the back of the band’s move from Dunedin. Ha the Unclear has landed in Auckland for now, but not without a “transitional six months spent living on a hydroponic lettuce farm in the Bay of Plenty where the band toured between bouts of picking basil, lettuce and avocados.”

Ha the Unclear are Michael Cathro on vocals and guitar, Paul Cathro on bass, Ben Sargeant on drums and Theo Francis on guitar.

Big City was recorded with Tom Healy in the Lab Studio in Mt Eden. The song details a public transport journey as a bus full of people fail to react appropriately to an onboard emergency.

The song speaks very much to the move from smaller town New Zealand to the larger city, as Cathro adjusts to this new lens of life. He alludes to the apathy and lack of social responsibility people who live in the big city seem to have as bystanders and members of public society.

The song bounces and pulses along until Cathro and everyone sing, “Everyone’s anonymous now, everyone’s anonymous now,” on repeat.

Michael Cathro answers a few quick questions before the show in Ponsonby at Golden Dawn on Thursday 18 May, as part of the Big City tour.

How has the transition to Auckland had an impact on your song writing (apart from the obvious with ‘Big City’); has it opened any more doors, or allowed you access to things you didn't have in the South?

The dramatic change in the cost of living means the pressures are different. Songs tend to be manifestations of what I've been worrying about so if the things I’ve been grinding my teeth about in my sleep have been different, the lyrics probably reflect that.

Why the move to Auckland?

I had been experiencing a lot of novelty through living overseas and travelling and when I came back home I think I wanted to extend that feeling for a while. I think it's a childlike thing where everything you're experiencing is new and profound. There must be a happy place somewhere when you accept familiarity as your lot but for now I'm still enjoying exploring and Auckland is just a little bit closer to the rest of the world.

Do you all play music full time or is it one of many things?

I think we all live fairly multi-faceted lives, try to get the full human experience. While creating music, performing and touring is a priority and takes up most of our time, but we variously have other jobs to help us get by and I recently finished up some studies.

What’s your feel for the Auckland music scene as it currently sits?

I guess we can only speak for our own experiences but we really enjoy it. There are lots of opportunities to play different types of shows and we're constantly crushing on other acts we're lucky enough to play with. We've been a bit quieter recently while we've been finishing up this record but we should be a bit busier live-wise on the other side of this upcoming tour.

Why should people come out to Golden Dawn and see you?

We've got a brand spanking new bunch of songs that we're enjoying learning and playing and I reckon that will create some really good energy. For us it's a celebration of our new music and we just want to share it.

You can find Ha the Unclear performing live just around the corner from your house at Golden Dawn Thursday 18 May. With great beers on tap, grooving music to dance, to what better way to see in the end of the week. (FINN MCLENNAN-ELLIOTT) F PN

HA THE UNCLEAR is excited to announce a ‘fistful’ of shows around the country celebrating its new single, Big City.

106 PONSONBY NEWS+ May 2017

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HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS

HONOURS FOR PONSONBY AT ARCHITECTURE AWARDS Ponsonby projects have won in four categories at the 2017 Auckland Architecture Awards. Forty-five projects received honours this year, 13 more than in 2016, reflective of the building boom that has gripped Auckland in recent years.

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Simmons undertook an ambitious tour of the 64 projects shortlisted for Auckland Architecture Awards with fellow jury members Hamish Monk, Murali Bhaskar and Raukura Turei, who are all architects, and lay juror Desna Jury, Pro Vice-Chancellor at AUT University.

The Auckland Architecture Awards are part of the nationwide New Zealand Architecture Awards programme run by the New Zealand Institute of Architects. Through

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the awards, the NZIA aims to show why good architecture matters in the ongoing development of New Zealand’s cities, towns and communities.

Winning projects are eligible for shortlisting in the New Zealand Architecture Awards, which will be announced in November. F PN www.nzia.co.nz

photography: Patrick Reynolds

Convenor of the Awards jury, architect Lynda Simmons, said the winning works in the peer-reviewed awards programme set a high standard for architecture in Auckland and Northland. “This year’s award-winners show how architects are providing sophisticated solutions to complex problems,” Simmons said. “They are not just trying to meet a client’s brief. They are looking for - and finding - ways to contribute to the wider city in a positive way.”

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1. Commercial Architecture - Pollen Street Office, Ponsonby, by RTA Studio; 2. Housing - Lods House, Freemans Bay, by Rosso Design; 3. Urban Design - Mackelvie Precinct, Ponsonby, by RTA Studio

EXPERIENCE THE CONSIGNMENT VIBE Consignment addresses a gap in the contemporary furniture market and presents opportunities to people to upscale, on-sell, purchase and develop their own eclectic style.

Consigning benefits both the consignor and the buyer and our focus is on creating an exciting, original space to showcase quality interiors and iconic European brands at moderate prices... B&B Italia-Maxalto, Driade, Liagre, Minotti and more!

“We came up with the furniture consignment model because we understand that as our pace of life changes, we are constantly redesigning ourselves and our spaces. Consignment provides an opportunity to on-sell investment pieces at competitive prices. We’re a first port of call for interior designers, people with a keen eye for style, those looking to down -size, upscale, or simply wanting that special piece to add the finishing touch.”

The spacious store offers a stylish and affordable selection of new and pre-loved designer pieces and home-ware as well as their in-store espresso bar, Orca. Orca an important section of the store as the goal is to not provide an exciting showroom/gallery, but to act as a social hub too. Consignment is a great venue for business meetings as well as pop up installations, exhibitions and special events.

Consignment is currently sourcing key pieces; new and pre-owned furnishings, lighting and accessories, with an emphasis on contemporary European designs, that they will sell on your behalf. Visit their website for details on currently sought-after stock. Grab a coffee in-store and experience the Consignment vibe. F PN

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

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ARTS + CULTURE

UPTOWN ART SCENE Melanie Roger’s move from Herne Bay to K’Road brings the gallery count along the strip (and a street either side) to sixteen!

Melanie Roger took over from Anna Bibby on Jervois Road seven years ago following her move from Gow Langsford, but rising rents precipitated a refreshing change of location. With Stark White just to the right and Michael Lett, Ivan Anthony, and Bowerbank Ninow two blocks to the left, at 444 K’Road Melanie Roger is right in the middle of the action.

The gallery re-opened with a solo show by local Kirsten Carlin, whose work was shown alongside that of Frances Hodgkin at the Dunedin Public Art Gallery earlier this year.

DPAG curator Lucy Hammonds described “Carlin’s candy-coloured impasto paintings [paying] homage to the twists and flourishes of Hodgkin’s brushstrokes,” but whereas Hodgkin’s paintings were often directly from life, Carlin’s landscapes are composites of an

internet tour of picture-postcard scenery, presenting a fantastical fiction.

United States-based New Zealand artist Peter Gouge is currently showing at Melanie Roger. While his work exhibits the same clear, patterning lines as Carlin, Gouge’s painting is a geometric grunge across coarse materials such as sacking and carpet. He balances strong colour and shape with the almost abject nature of materials subject to wear and tear, to produce intriguingly tactile paintings.

It’s great to have such a concentration of art spaces in this neighbourhood, providing a vibrant atmosphere that stimulates both the senses and the intellect. A big welcome to Melanie Roger - make sure to check her beautiful gallery soon! F PN (WILL PAYNT STUDIO ART SUPPLIES)

Kirsten Carlin's distinctive candylike landscapes

Artist Kirsten Carlin with little friend

108 PONSONBY NEWS+ May 2017

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

ARTS + CULTURE TURNING PHOTOS TO PIECES OF ART @WHITESPACE If you’re looking to turn your photographs into artwork for your home, bach or office, talk to Lindy at on2canvas.

She will work with you, using your photos - a favourite Instagram from your smartphone or even scan those existing photos hidden away in an album from yesteryear.

An experienced photo-shop artist, with a keen eye for detail, she will best prepare the image for printing. If the photo requires editing, such as having items removed or if you are looking to create a collage of images or a unique pop-art design, then talk to her about the best options for you. She sees this process as collaboration between your ideas and her skills.

The finished art can then be printed to any size, and you can choose from a variety of materials such as canvas, specialised paper or linen.

When it comes to framing, there are many options to choose from. Lindy will consult with you on the best way to present the printed artwork to suit your style.

Unearthed: Garry Currin, Scott McFarlane & Lisa Rayner 16 May - 10 June Unearthed features three outstanding New Zealand painters, all of whom paint expressive, imagined spaces. Each artist presents us with a view of our world that is almost recognisable but somehow slips away into a past memory.

Garry Currin's search for painterly truth lies in his working processes, he paints from the inside out, approaching the energy of the moment listening to the music of Toru Takemitsu.

Garry’s work was recently featured at the PyeongChang Biennale in Korea.

Scott McFarlane's work provides the viewer with a glimpse into the external influences, environmental cues and moments of piqued interest, all infiltrating his artistic practice with humour, beauty and pathos. Scott has an MFA with honours in painting from Otago School of Art. Lisa Rayner draws on the perceived connection we feel with place and hopes to find new connections within the medium and through the act of painting. Lisa graduated with a Masters of Art and Design from AUT University, she was the co founder of the artistrun space and studio; Second Story in K'Road. F PN WHITESPACE, 12 Crummer Road, T: 09 361 6331, www.whitespace.co.nz

Having been a Ponsonby based business for the past 12 years she is always keen to experiment and try new ideas.

So talk to Lindy about creating a unique and personalised piece of art for you or as a special gift. F PN ON2CANVAS, M: 021 465 465, www.on2canvas.co.nz

Lisa Rayner, oil on paper

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ARTS + CULTURE @ OREXART Pacific Currents 6 - 27 MAY

In conjunction with ANZ Private Bank, OREXART presents Pacific Currents, a show of works by artists from New Zealand and the Pacific and 10% of sales will be donated to The World Child Cancer Charitable Trust.

Every child deserves a fair, fighting chance against cancer. When The World Child Cancer Charitable Trust began work in Tonga, Samoa and Fiji, the odds of any child surviving cancer in these islands were precariously low. Now, in collaboration with Auckland’s Starship Blood and Cancer Centre and the Children’s Haematology Oncology Centre in Christchurch, The World Child Cancer Charitable Trust works with doctors and nurses in Tonga, Fiji and Samoa to share the knowledge and procedures that have contributed to an 80% survival rate of childhood cancer in New Zealand. F PN Please contact rex@orexart.co.nz for details.

OREXART, 15 Putiki Street, Arch Hill, T: 09 378 0588, www.orexart.co.nz

@ THE FRAME WORKSHOP Sam Broad, printmaker, painter and automatist, has been fascinated with most things mechanical since an early age.

A powerful theme in his recent works is the impact and interaction of technology on people.

Other themes in Broad's work include 1950s pulp sci-fi, Maoriana and New Zealand postage stamps. Broad juxtaposes these motifs in a style which the artist describes as, "future folk vs. colonial tea party."

Sam’s innovative and humorous works draw people in and they challenge and thrill the viewers.

Sam is predominantly self trained. He has been involved in running community art spaces and two galleries and he currently teaches at Vincents Art Workshop and Pablos in Wellington.

The Frame Workshop on Jervois Road has many of Sam’s works. You can have your chosen piece framed to your own style or maybe the pre-framed works they have on their wall will suit you. F PN To give you an idea, here’s a snippet of his works or you can visit www.sambroad.co.nz THE FRAME WORKSHOP & GALLERY, 1/182 Jervois Road, T: 09 376 4749, www.frameworkshop.co.nz

Vaka’uta Lingikoni, Sy Travel

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PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

@ THE LITTLE GALLERY Angela Murray: Exhibition and Talk 10 May, 5.30pm - 7pm The Little Gallery is pleased to present a solo exhibition and talk by Angela Murray.

Angela Murray is a multidisciplinary creative, working as an artist as well as a life and creative thinking coach. In her 35-year management career working with leading international brands, Angela has seen how creativity leads to bold thinking, innovation, happiness and success in the workplace. She has also seen businesses fade away when people are squashed into tight little boxes, playing by the rules, hiding their gifts and afraid to take risks.

Through her creativity and communication workshops, Angela helps people in business let go of the 'rules' and focus on nurturing their inner creativity and passion. Angela will be giving a presentation at the opening event of her exhibition: How creative thinking is guaranteed to help you succeed in life and biz.

This will cover topics including: • Dispelling the 'I'm not creative' myth • How creativity will help your career and business grow • Teaching an old dog new tricks - with corporate creativity • Simple creative techniques to reduce stress at work and home

ARTS + CULTURE @ THE LITTLE GALLERY ‘Joie de Vivre: The Joy of Life’ - A new group exhibition Opening: 25 May, 5.30pm - 7pm The Little Gallery Auckland presents a new group exhibition, Joie de Vivre: The Joy of Life.

This exhibition brings together a new collection of work by The Little Gallery's stable of New Zealand artists, inspired by Henri Matisse's painting, Le Bonheur de Vivre (The Joy of Life), 1905-6.

During its time Matisse’s painting sparked public outrage when first exhibited in the Salon des Indépendants, for its departure Colleen Waite - Secret Garden from traditionally accepted styles of painting. The work is now regarded as one of the foundations of modernism, marking a new direction for the future of painting.

Our artists were proposed to flesh out their own Joie de Vivre, whether in response to Matisse's original version, or their own visual representation of what 'joie de vivre' means to them.

All are welcome! Wine and nibbles will be provided. F PN

We envision this exhibition to be a lively, vibrant array of colours and styles, bringing as much joy to our visitors to view as our artists to create. F PN

THE LITTLE GALLERY AUCKLAND, Shop 30-32, Ground Floor Victoria Park Market, 210 Victoria Street West. T: 09 354 4745 or M: 027 368 1181, www.thelittlegallery.co.nz

THE LITTLE GALLERY AUCKLAND, Shop 30-32, Ground Floor, Victoria Park Market, 210 Victoria Street West, T: 09 354 4745 or M: 027 368 1181, www.thelittlegallery.co.nz

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ARTS + CULTURE WOOD CRAFT FESTIVAL @ LAKEHOUSE ARTS 13 May - 18 June

Lake House Arts is again hosting the Wood Craft Festival. Previously named the Wood Sculpture Symposium, it has been a biennial event on the North Shore of Auckland’s calendar for nearly 20 years. It was one of New Zealand’s first sculpture outdoor exhibitions and possibly the first to show artists sculpting live - allowing the public to view the process from log to artwork.

The Wood Craft Festival encourages both emerging and established artists to step out of their comfort zones, to create a work ‘on the fly’, on site within Lake House grounds and within a strict time period of seven days.

This year’s event is expanding on previous incarnations by including public programming with artist talks, demonstrations and interactive activities for kids. The theme of environmental sustainability is central to the Wood Craft Festival, and to facilitate more understanding of ecological issues, the festival will include several workshops, presentations and talks by environmental groups.

The festival will also be engaging with local schools by offering environmental and art/sculpture based workshops in keeping with curriculum goals - inspiring the next generation to see the beauty and function of our native flora and fauna.

The live sculpting event is free and open to the public and runs from 13 May to 21 May, with a ‘Beer, Bands and BBQ’ day on Saturday 20 May. The awards and opening of the month-long outdoor sculpture exhibition takes place on 23 May. In the last week of the exhibition any remaining unsold works will be auctioned.

Many thanks to the event sponsors Chartwell Trust and Devonport Takapuna Local Board. F PN LAKE HOUSE ARTS, Easy access, off the motorway at Esmonde Road onto Fred Thomas Drive, Takapuna, www.lakehousearts.org.nz

112 PONSONBY NEWS+ May 2017

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

ARTS + CULTURE

PERFORMING WITH ST MATTHEW’S CHAMBER ORCHESTRA 21 May - 2.30pm

“The epitome of smooth” - Bassoonist Ben Hoadley and promising young conductor Tim Carpenter.

Ben Hoadley whose playing has been described as both smooth and deft (William Dart) enjoys a dynamic career as a performer, teacher and composer In New Zealand, Australia, Hong Kong, Norway and the United States.

Recent highlights for Ben include performing and recording a new bassoon concerto

by Alex Taylor with the NZSO, while his most recent CD Southern Invention was listed by William Dart in the NZ Herald as one of the top 10 classical releases for 2015.

Episode 31 • Tuplet • Cacti

In light of this, you can be assured that Ben Hoadley’s interpretation of Weber’s iconic Bassoon Concerto will be impressive.

Conductor Tim Carpenter is emerging as one of New Zealand’s most sought after and promising young conductors; engaging, precise and sometimes whimsical.

St Matthew’s Chamber Orchestra is a dedicated group of musicians whose high-quality music making brings their audiences much joy. (Gillian Ansell, NZ String Quartet). Their concerts play to full houses. Make sure you get there early. F PN TICKETS: Eventfinda or door sales cash.

Adults: $25, Concessions: $20, Children under 12 free.

photography: Charles Brook photographer

ST MATTHEW-IN-THE-CITY CHURCH corner Wellesley and Hobson Streets, www.smco.org.nz

Ben Hoadley

24 May – 1 June CHOREOGRAPHY BY ALEXANDER EKMAN

BOOK NOW rnzb.org.nz SUPPORTED BY

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HOROSCOPES: MISS PEARL NECLIS

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What your stars hold for May

Gemini (the Twins): 22 May - 21 June While you may have a list as long as your arm of things to do and you’re as keen as mustard to get started, take a long, hard look first before you begin as you may have bitten off more than you can chew this month.

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Cancer (the Crab): 22 June - 22 July There seems to be a lot of background noise that is stopping you from being heard.

You need to have a voice this month and not be bullied into being quiet or even walking away from everything.

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Sagittarius (the Archer): 23 November - 22 December You’re experiencing a dilemma as you feel like you need to have a rest as your lifestyle has involved a lot of socialising. But if you take a break, will you be missing out on something? Take control and do what you have to, those who know you well will be surprised.

♑ Capricorn (the Goat): 23 December - 20 January

You have proved that the way you work is different from others and finally you are seeing results. This should give you the flexibility to be a bit more choosy about what becomes your next project.

Leo (the Lion): 23 July - 21 August You need to get off this road that you’ve been walking on for so long now. Of course you know you’re not getting anywhere but feel powerless to do anything about it. That could be all about to change though if you play your cards right and keep them close to your chest.

♒ Aquarius (the Water Carrier): 21 January - 19 February

♍ Virgo (the Virgin): 22 August - 23 September

♓ Pisces (the Fish): 20 February - 20 March

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♈ Aries (the Ram): 21 March - 20 April

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♉ Taurus (the Bull): 21 April - 21 May

A relationship that you have been hoping would develop may not after all materialise, as the other party seems to be emotionally withdrawing. Don’t despair though, your strength and maturity will get you over the hurdles that are to come.

Libra (the Scales): 24 September - 23 October You know you deserve some time off but there’s always an internal conflict going on with you that makes you feel guilty about doing so. Sometimes you just have to do it and deal with the consequences if and when they happen.

Scorpio (the Scorpion): 24 October - 22 November Be spontaneous this month as this always brings thrills with the sudden change in routine. Don’t walk away from responsibilities though because you are finally learning how to divide up your time between work and play.

You seem to be quite excited this month and it’s to do with your imagination. You can continue along the path of the mundane or you can believe in your dreams and reinvent yourself. You can always postpone current tasks.

You seem to be only interested in getting things done and getting on with serious issues this month but you may have missed some obvious signs telling you to relax.

You can take care of business and also you can have some fun if you just relax a little.

You’re in two minds this month as to whether you're happy or getting satisfaction from what you’re doing. Sometimes a disappointment will bring you down or propel you forwards. Choosing the right path will clear your head.

Sometimes it’s best to say nothing at all instead of saying something that is meaningless.

But sharing what’s going on in your life and going beyond what you are comfortable in saying can truly touch those who matter.

PONSONBY NEWS OUTLETS FREEMANS BAY

NEWMARKET

Ecostore, 1 Scotland Street Glengarry, Corner Sale and Wellesley Streets Kellands Real Estate, 4 Drake Street New World, Victoria Park

Taylor Boutique, 1 Teed Street

GREY LYNN Barfoot & Thompson, 533 Great North Road Barkley Manor, 400 - 402 Great North Road Grey Lynn Community Centre, 520 Richmond Road Grey Lynn Community Library, 474 Great North Road Raw Essentials, 401B Richmond Road Ripe, 172 Richmond Road Tapac, 100 Motions Road Vetcare, 408 Great North Road

NORTH SHORE Rug Direct, Wairau Park Dawson’s Furniture, Mairangi Bay

PARNELL Jane Daniels, 2 Birdwood Crescent Parnell Community Centre, 545 Parnell Road

PONSONBY

Atomic, 420c New North Road

Askew, 2b Jervois Road Bayleys, 305 Ponsonby Road Countdown, 7 Williamson Avenue Harcourts, 89 Ponsonby Road Leys Institute, 20 St Mary’s Road The Longroom, 114 Ponsonby Road Mag Nation, 123 Ponsonby Road Paper Plus, 332 Ponsonby Road Ponsonby Community Centre, 20 Ponsonby Terrace Servilles, Corner Jervois & Ponsonby Road Studio One, 1 Ponsonby Road Whitespace, 12 Crummer Road

MT EDEN

WESTMERE

Citta Outlet Store, Corner Enfield & Normanby Road Sabato, 57 Normanby Road Studio Italia, 25 Nugent Street

Glengarry, 164 Garnet Road

HERNE BAY Herne Bay Post & Stationers, 240 Jervois Road Five Loaves, 206 Jervois Road Icing on the Cake, 188 Jervois Road Momentum, 182 Jervois Road

KINGSLAND

114 PONSONBY NEWS+ May 2017

Ponsonby News is published on the first Friday of each month excluding January.

Copies go quickly so be quick to collect yours from any of the following outlets.

The issue is also published on our website www.ponsonbynews.co.nz

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

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