PONSONBY NEWS - MAY'18

+

PUBLISHED FRIDAY 4 MAY 2018

Established: OCTOBER 1989 – CELEBRATING 28 YEARS OF PUBLISHING HISTORY!

MAY 2018

EAT, DRINK & BE MERRY: LOCAL CAFES & RESTAURANTS including dining out, wines, coffee and functions - P39

ponsonbynews.co.nz

PROPERTIES NEEDED Thinking of selling? We have serious buyers looking for their next special home: •

Buyer Profile: Family of four

•

Buyer Profile: Businessmen

•

Area: Saint Mary’s Bay and Herne Bay

•

•

Budget: Up to $6.5 million

Area: Coromandel including Hahei, Whangamata, Pauanui

•

House Description: Four bedrooms, views, preferably a swimming pool, sunny and good carparking

•

Budget: Up to $1.2 million

•

House Description: Nice holiday house with views and near the beach

We also have buyers for Northland coastal land up to $3 million from Whananaki North.

Call us in confidence and experience the difference.

TONY VERCAUTEREN BA Dip Bus

STEWART MORGAN BSc (Hons)

M +64 21 595 595 tony.vercauteren@sothebysrealty.com

M +64 21 933 305 stewart.morgan@sothebysrealty.com

HERNE BAY OFFICE: 160 Jervois Road, Herne Bay, Auckland nzsothebysrealty.com Each Office Is Independently Owned and Operated. Browns Real Estate Limited (licensed under the REAA 2008) MREINZ.

DAW S O N & C O .

WHAT’S INSIDE THIS MONTH

039 031

018 '

P18: Unless commercial growers cut back on the use of dangerous poisons, Anita Hollerer-Squire feels we have only two choices - eat expensive organic fruit and veggies - or grow our own. P39: Eat, drink and be merry at any of the 254 local cafes, restaurants and bars.

008 009 012 014 016 018 026 034

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 HELEN WHITE: LABOUR AUCKLAND

038 039 054 062 064 067 069 070

NIKKI KAYE: AUCKLAND CENTRAL MP LOCAL RESTAURANTS, CAFES & BARS VEG FRIENDLY: GARY STEEL PONSONBY NEWS READERS ARE EVERYWHERE FASHION + STYLE LIVING, THINKING & BEING JOHN APPLETON ON HEALTH

075 076 084 090 092 101 107

PONSONBY PETS HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS HEIDI PADAIN: ENTERTAINMENT IN YOUR GARDEN OUT + ABOUT ARTS + CULTURE PONSONBY PINK PAGES

HELENE RAVLICH: LOCAL BEAUTY

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 Proof Readers Layout Designer Designer

FUTURE GENERATION

www.facebook.com/ponsonbynews www.twitter.com/Ponsonby_News www.instagram.com/PonsonbyNews

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 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

PRINTED BY WEBSTAR, AUCKLAND. ISSN 1177-3987

ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTIONS: WITHIN NEW ZEALAND $49. BY CHEQUE OR POSTAL ORDER IN NZ$. NO CREDIT CARDS. PLEASE NOTE: we do not hold back issues of Ponsonby News. Our archive is all online as a low resolution pdf or from August 2010, as a high resolution E-mag - visit www.ponsonbynews.co.nz The entire content of this publication is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means - electronic, mechaal, photocopying, recording or otherwise - without the prior permission, in writing, of the copyright owner. Colour transparencies and manuscripts submitted are sent at the owner’s risk; neither the publisher nor its agents accept any responsibility for loss or damage. Although every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this publication, the publisher can accept no liability for any inaccuracies that may occur.

PONSONBY NEWS+

is printed on paper sourced from sustainable, well managed forests and manufactured under the environmental management system ISO 14001. Our hand-delivered copies are flow wrapped in eco-friendly, degradable plastic. FOR BACK ISSUES AND ADVERTISING INFORMATION: www.ponsonbynews.co.nz

4 PONSONBY NEWS+ May 2018

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

Outdoor furniture manufactured with a-grade teak, reclaimed teak, wicker, concrete, 316 stainless steel, Sunbrella®, Batyline®, and aluminum.

Amalfi Modular Collection - 40 Styles of Deep Seating

Long Island, Bella & Hampton Oasis - 73 Styles of Relaxing Chairs

53 Styles of Dining Tables & 157 Styles of Dining Chairs

Loop - 157 Styles of Dining Chairs

Concrete Round Dining Table - 55 Styles

Oslo - 70 Styles of Accent Tables

Millar - 29 Styles of Benches

Valhalla - 73 Styles of Relaxing Chairs

Stunningly curated outdoor furniture from Italy, Belgium, Indonesia, France and the Philippines, available for local and national delivery. Everything arrives fully assembled. Sunbrella® cushions are free with the purchase of our deep seating pieces as shown on site. Everything is in stock and available to take home today.

www.designwarehouse.co.nz

09 377 7710

Toll Free - 0800 111 112

137/147 The Strand, Parnell, Auckland

sales@designwarehouse.co.nz

Open Daily 9:30 - 4:30

22 Herne Bay Road Herne Bay

5 Ardmore Road Herne Bay

27 Picton Street Freemans Bay

13 Herne Bay Road Herne Bay

43 Sussex Street Grey Lynn

89 Norfolk Street Ponsonby

51 Albany Road Herne Bay

33 Peel Street Westmere

19 Costley Street Freemans Bay

78 Beresford Street West Freemans Bay

28 Picton Street Freemans Bay

78 West End Road Westmere

36B Picton Street Freemans Bay

76 Albany Road Herne Bay

16 Scanlan Street Grey Lynn

Bayleys Real Estate Limited, Ponsonby, Licensed under the REA Act 2008.

Exceptionally tuned in to what’s happening in the Ponsonby area, Karen’s your No. 1 property professional.

For an outstanding result, let Karen direct your sale.

“What is the value of my home?”

C Call me today for a free market appraisal on your home.

Karen Spires

AREINZ

M 027 273 8220 | E karen.spires@bayleys.co.nz

www.bayleys.co.nz

LETTERS + EMAILS THE MONTEREY PINE FOREST ON THE HILLSIDE IN WESTERN SPRINGS LAKESIDE PARK Local conservationist and artist, Annette Isbey spent many years protecting and nurturing the ecosystem formed by a Monterey Pine Forest on the hillside behind West View Road, in Western Springs Lakeside Park.

The forest was planted in 1923 after the lake had been enlarged by 20,000 bullock cartloads of soil that was taken up the Bullock Track to the hillside. The Council's Soil Register still deems this 'fill/weak'. The reason for planting the Monterey Pines is their roots join together to form a net-like structure that holds the bank in place.

A native forest understorey formed naturally beneath the pines and is probably as old as them. This mix forest reflects our society of 'natives and exotics' cohabiting.

the only one predisposed to failing. Treescape has been systematically topping pines of various ages under the guise of 'health and safety', that with the lack of maintenance by Auckland Council and the unskilled management of the forest by Auckland Council has been causing trees to fail.

Local residents most affected by the destruction of the forest have not been consulted or involved in the plans. Those immediately adjacent are understandably worried because the hillside is filled ground. WLB has not done a geotechnical report or the ecological reports on heron and bats suggested in the plan. No consultation on the proposal has happened since that meeting with Annette early in 2015 when resident concerns were made clear to WLB. We do not want the destruction of the native understory as is proposed.

This forest is an historic Significant Ecological area with habitat for nesting, migrating, roosting and viewing point for birds in our city. Auckland Council have declared this area a 'wildlife sanctuary'. "All wildlife in wildlife sanctuaries are deemed to be absolutely protected wildlife and public access is restricted.”

A slower process will mean identifying and removal of any trees that are genuinely predisposed to fail, less damage, and the natural regenerating native forest can be preserved and enhanced with less risk of an ecological disaster. There are New Zealand examples of Monterey pines living over 150 years, so if kauri are planted now they could be protected by the pines, allowing them to grow tall enough to take over their roles.

I met Annette when she called a meeting of concerned residents, WLB member Rob Thomas, council representatives and an independent arborist specialising in forest management, to address the damage done by off-road cyclists to the forest and the track she maintained. The zoo had removed the leading windward edge and other individuals had to take on those roles so there were some that failed. Later, the other end was removed, all without public consultation.

The Waitemata Local Board has suggested closing the track. As far as Health and Safety is concerned, the possible slipping of the bank is the biggest threat and people don't walk a track in a forest in a storm. We are asking them for consultation on the fate of our forest and the protection of wildlife before the Notified Resource Consent.

Gael Baldock, Westmere

Annette would be devastated by the Waitemata Local Board's plan to apply for a Notified Resource Consent to 'clear fell' the pine forest in one fell swoop, and involving the building of a road and two months of chainsaws from 7am to 5pm. This plan estimates that up to 75% of the understorey of native forest formed in these the last 90 years is also to be destroyed and they want to plant another native forest after they have destroyed the forest. They claim this is the only way to remove the 90-year-old trees they say are all dangerous which, of course, they are not.

This was proven by the Cat 4 storm that took out over 1000 healthy trees in Auckland and out of 200 pines only snapped nine and pulled one out by the roots as that was

EXCELLENT WELLBEING ARTICLE In the quest to defy the ageing process, for some the cosmetic surgery route or the less invasive ‘lunch hour’ type of procedures is the way to go. So for a scaredy cat like me it was refreshing to read Helene Ravlich’s article in the February 2018 issue, ‘The benefits of vitamin C’.

I liked that she listed a succinct and select range of products - all to be topically applied, no mention of fillers, lasers, bee venom or a vampire anywhere (vampire facelift). It was great to read about your writer’s experiences with these products and I feel better informed now before I go to the cosmetics counter.

P. Olly, Ponsonby

Views in Ponsonby News reflect the authors’ and not those of Alchemy Media.

69,000 READERS PER MONTH

8 PONSONBY NEWS+ May 2018

(Nielsen Media)

PONSONBY NEWS+ is printed on paper sourced from sustainable, well managed forests and manufactured under the environmental management system ISO 14001. Our hand-delivered copies are flow wrapped in eco-friendly, degradable plastic.

17,987 COPIES DISTRIBUTED TO HOMES AND BUSINESSES IN... ARCH HILL, PONSONBY, COX’S BAY, FREEMANS BAY, HERNE BAY, GREY LYNN, ST MARY’S BAY, WEST LYNN AND WESTMERE PLUS SELECTED BUSINESSES IN BRITOMART, HIGH STREET, CBD, KINGSLAND, MT EDEN, NEWMARKET, NEWTON + PARNELL PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

FROM THE EDITOR

She is a local wellness coach who has done extensive studies on the poisons sprayed all over commercially grown fruit and vegetables. Unless commercial growers cut back on the use of dangerous poisons, Anita feels we have only two choices - eat expensive organic fruit and veggies - or grow our own - P18.

There is a minority - mainly those living near the Western Springs pine forest L to R: Gwynne Davenport, Joanne Barrett, Melissa Paynter, Martin Leach and - who have genuine concerns about its demolition. The most critical issue may Jay Platt well be potential erosion behind the West worked with him including Karen Spires, who told us, “I always say View Road houses. These houses are apparently built on fill from excavations further down the hill. Gael that my work life began the day I joined Colin's team. And what a ride Baldock - whose letter appears opposite - and her group have been it was. Colin taught me everything I know about how to sell a house. assured by the Waitemata Local Board that their concerns will be He was the master and I will miss his larger than life personality. I will never forget Colin and will always be thankful to him and his expert carefully investigated before felling takes place - P20. training, his outstanding leadership and his friendship throughout the In this issue we have included a feature on local cafes and restaurants time. I was lucky to know and love him.� - P86. including dining out, wines, coffee and functions - P39.

Don't forget Mother's Day is coming up on Sunday 13 May. Spoil your Just as our April issue went to print, and on his birthday, we learned of mum with a card, gift, flowers or a lunch at one of our fabulous cafes.

PN the passing of well-known Ponsonby identity Colin Meo. Many locals (MARTIN LEACH) F

Photography: Deirdre Thurston aka Annie Leibovitz

Our concerns about pesticide and herbicide use in New Zealand, particularly glyphosate, the carcinogenic ingredient in Round Up, Squire received reinforcement when we talked to Anita Hollerer-Squire.

W E LC O M E B A C K AD R ENAL INE.

The new Audi R S 4.

Giltrap Audi 150 Great North Road, Grey Lynn, Auckland (09) 336 5250 | www.giltrapaudi.co.nz

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

PONSONBY NEWS+ May 2018

9

LOVING, LIVING & SELLING GREATER PONSONBY

Ponsonby 90 John Street

Grey Lynn 22 Allen Road

Ponsonby 24 Hukanui Crescent

Grey Lynn 2 Sherwood Avenue

Grey Lynn 11 Old Mill Road

Grey Lynn 34 Millais Street

Westmere 5 Rawene Avenue

Herne Bay 76 Albany Road

Grey Lynn 36 Grosvenor Road

Grey Lynn 40 Grosvenor Street

Westmere 79 Old Mill Road

Herne Bay 288B Jervois Road

Blair Haddow 021 544 555 | 09 375 8411 blair.haddow@bayleys.co.nz

Bayleys Real Estate Ltd, Ponsonby Licensed under the REA Act 2008

1 sold 3 remain

Four luxury freehold town homes in the

heart of Westmere.

8 Webber Street - Westmere - By Villa Villa The ultimate luxury urban lifestyle has arrived. Inspired by boutique

Unsurpassed attention to detail and intuitive seamless design combine

hotels from around the globe, revel in the impeccable design and lavish

to create a lifestyle masterpiece, whether entertaining from the

perfection of these four exclusive freehold Villa Villa town homes at

expansive open plan living area, encompassing designer kitchen and

Eight Webber in the heart of desirable Westmere.

uninterrupted access to the private courtyard with sunken lounge and

Designed by award winning Andy Blyth of Villa Villa and Leuschke Kahn architects. Each elegant residence epitomises modern sophistication

outdoor ďŹ replace, or relaxing in the second living space with rooftop viewing deck.

and state of the art functionality, from the tasteful herringbone wood

Situated in a tranquil enclave yet neighbouring vibrant Jervois and

oors, European inspired bathrooms, heated plunge pool, wine cellar

Ponsonby Roads, these private, spacious and exceptionally liveable

and double internal garage to the generous three double bedrooms,

benchmark 279-290m2 dwellings set a new standard in contemporary

including stunning master retreat with walk through wardrobe and

living.

ensuite.

For more information: Blair Haddow | 021 544 555 | blair.haddow@bayleys.co.nz www.eightwebber.co.nz

Bayleys Real Estate, Ponsonby Licensed under the REAA 2008

DAVID HARTNELL’S ONE MINUTE INTERVIEW John Fausett is an award-winning theatre director/actor who recently staged the New Zealand premier of Sunset Boulevard.

Best thing about Ponsonby?

It is constantly changing.

Your favourite time of the day?

Night.

What is your childhood link with Ponsonby?

My paternal grandparents bought the family home in Winn Road. Many years later, a fellow physiotherapist asked if I had had any connection with her new address, as she had just bought the property and saw my surname on the papers. Small world.

Tell us about your dream home?

Good company and a great balcony view.

What gave you the taste for being in the theatre?

We were always taken to shows at His Majesty’s, the St James and suburban theatres as kids. Musical theatre music was a major part of family life, although neither of my parents performed, despite each having very good voices.

What was your childhood like?

Great. Only when I was older did I realise how hard our parents worked to give us what they had missed out on.

What’s on your bucket list?

Egypt.

Your most treasured passion?

Besides my partner, musical theatre.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Hang on - I’ll check my crystal ball.

What do you most dislike about your appearance?

The unexpected change from vertical to spherical.

Do you read movie or TV reviews?

I read them but don’t follow them. Theatre reviews are more relevant to me but, even then, I often disagree with their conclusions.

How would you like to be remembered?

A great performer and director.

What do you love most about your age?

Free bus pass.

Something that you really disapprove of?

Violence and ugly attitudes.

Describe one of your biggest disappointments?

My maternal grandmother offered to send me to drama school in England and I said I would get a solid career behind me first. The disappointment was that she never offered again. Some years ago, it occurred to me she had married my grandfather when he was a professional performer before WW1, and she knew if I wasn’t passionate about performing at 16 to the exclusion of all else, I would never make it.

What motivates you?

Self belief and music.

What do you think happens when we die?

Everything stops.

Give your teenaged self some advice?

“You will worry less what people think of you if you realise how seldom they do.” I learned this a bit later in life.

How do you chill out?

A good book and a horizontal surface.

Which item of clothing can't you live without?

Spectacles.

12 PONSONBY NEWS+ May 2018

What are you insecure about?

My current shape.

Tell us something very few people know about you?

I have rippling muscles all over, but they are insulated against interstellar cold, just in case. I also played violin in the Auckland Junior Symphony Orchestra for Kiri’s first Auckland concert after winning the Sydney Sun Aria, and for her going away concert.

What is your greatest fear?

A mirror.

Who is your favourite hero of fiction and why?

I have favourite writers, but no one favourite hero character.

What superpower do you wish you had?

Flight or the 'Kapow' finger for zapping the baddies in life.

Which talent would you most like to have?

Real dancing ability - and the ability to sew like a tailor.

What cliché do you most hate?

It’ll be right on the night. Hate is a strong word though.

What gizmo can you simply not live without?

My computer.

Your greatest weakness/indulgence?

Chocolate (if we are remaining in the publically acceptable arena).

Are you a handshake or a hug kind of person?

Handshake if I absolutely must.

What is your comfort food?

Chocolate (see above).

Your dream guest list for a dinner party and why?

Kim Hill, Stephen Fry, Judi Dench, Seth MacFarlane, Jennifer Saunders, and the late William Gilbert (of G & S fame) and Victoria Wood. And with so many strong personalities to corral, Graham Norton to guide the conversation. Why? The aforementioned conversation.

Do you have a party trick?

Invisibility.

Do you travel light or heavy?

Light - ish. I’ve got better over the years.

Your all time favourite movie and why?

I don’t have one. Stage musicals?... Les Misérables; Annie; Evita; Little Shop of Horrors; Honk!; Do Black Patent Leather Shoes Really Reflect Up. If you could change one law or policy in New Zealand, what would it be?

Policy - The Herald should review non-professional theatre in Auckland as they used to in the good old days of Lyn Saunders.

(DAVID HARTNELL, MNZM) F PN PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

CREATIVE LIVING Premium apartments from the multi, award-winning combination of local developer, Urban Collective and Paul Brown Architects.

Located in the heart of Eden Terrace for chic city

ENQUIRE NOW

fringe convenience.

Unique edgy designs, featuring the finest fixtures, fittings and finishes.

1, 2 & 3 bedroom apartments. Prices from $565k to $2.6m Selling now, off the plans Call 0800 217 838 Email steve@urbancollective.co.nz Showroom at 28 Norwich Street Check website for times urbancollective.co.nz

FOR MORE INFO VISIT

59FRANCE.CO.NZ

PIPPA COOM: WAITEMATA LOCAL BOARD REPORT The economic prosperity of a city and the safety of, and convenience for, the people walking its streets are directly linked. Every retail trip involves a walk (or wheel), even if it is just through the shop door, so attracting foot traffic is vital.

The objective of the Ponsonby Road pedestrian improvement project the Local Board and Auckland Transport funded was providing a continuous, safe and consistent experience.

There are now eight raised speed tables on side streets, kerb extensions and street furniture improving the attractiveness of the street. All that’s remaining to complete is planting a tree and the installation of a bin on the corner of Collingwood Street.

The work had its challenges. Finding uncharted underground services impacted on timeframes and budget, and Auckland Transport and its contractors have learned a few things about delivering a project efficiently and to a high standard without negative impacts on businesses and the community.

Feedback on the project has been positive. The speed tables are slowing drivers and creating a more welcoming environment. There are also more pedestrian refuges for crossing Ponsonby Road, but efforts to create safe conditions for people walking and riding the Strip need to continue, and I know there are ongoing concerns the 40km speed limit is not being enforced.

We are facing a road safety crisis across the city, with more pedestrians being killed. In the past three years, deaths and serious injuries on our roads increased at almost triple the rate of the rest of the country and at five times the growth of travel.

It’s so bad that of 29 cities worldwide, Auckland has the second highest pedestrian fatality rate. There are many factors, but a recent Auckland Transport safety report found speeding, inadequate investment in safe infrastructure, increased interaction between different road -users and reduced levels of enforcement all contributed.

It is going to take communities, council and government working together to bring about a new approach to road safety, including no longer accepting road deaths as an inevitable consequence of our transport system (known as Vision Zero).

The Government recently announced, as part of its Policy Statement on Land Transport, that transport funding would prioritise safety. The Local Board, Auckland Transport and Auckland Council are committed to improving safety by adopting a Vision Zero approach that seeks a paradigm shift in the way we design for safety and embrace a road safety culture.

Following on from the 10-year budget Have Your Say events, consultation has started on Auckland Transport’s Regional Land Transport Plan, the 10-year investment plan to respond to the growth and challenges we face in the next decade.

You can contribute on what you think are the priorities for transport funding by visiting akhaveyoursay.nz between 1 and 14 May. Consultation documents at libraries, service centres and local board PN offices. (PIPPA COOM) F Email akhaveyoursay@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz for more information

Have your say session Saturday 12 May, 2pm-4pm: Grey Lynn Library Hall, 474 Great North Road, Grey Lynn.

Mackelvie Street pedestrian improvements

Pollen Street raised speed table

14 PONSONBY NEWS+ May 2018

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

An environment to open minds that open doors.

Take the first step in your child’s journey to help them reach their potential.

Join us for some light refreshments in Ponsonby and learn more about Kristin’s unique co-educational school environment.

7pm Monday 28 May

RSVP: Marg Cross on 09 415 9566 ext 2324 or email admissions@kristin.school.nz

The Butchers Son 204 Jervois Road

Progress with vision, integrity and love.

MIKE LEE: COUNCILLOR FOR WAITEMATA & GULF

Rail to the airport - the March of Folly continues Well, thank goodness for David Parker. By his stepping in to stop another Auckland Council/CCO planning debacle, the Minister for the Environment, Attorney-General etc, has achieved a much better outcome for the waterfront and the America’s Cup. It’s a pity this highly intelligent, experienced politician (and Grey Lynn resident) is not in charge of transport as he was during the Clark government. Instead of the dubious proposition of light rail (trams) to the airport, Auckland could be focussing on light rail on the waterfront, where the existing heritage tramway (engineered to modern light rail standards) could readily be connected to Britomart and the CRL, as pledged in the 2012 Waterfront Plan, in time for the America’s Cup. I wrote a year ago on the trams to the airport debacle citing historian Barbara Tuchman’s acclaimed March of Folly - from Troy to Vietnam (1985). Tuchman’s book was about ‘the pervasive presence, through the ages, of failure, mismanagement and delusion in government - contrary to its own self interest’. It will be recalled this particular ‘March of Folly’ began in June 2016 when the boards of NZTA and Auckland Transport overturned previous plans for heavy rail (trains) to the airport. Unfortunately, new mayor Phil Goff and the new Governnent led by transport ministers Phil Twyford and Julie Anne Genter (but not Winston Peters who prefers trains) have fallen into lockstep.

Auckland International Airport is of critical economic importance to Auckland and to New Zealand - the premier gateway to the country.

Despite the hundreds of millions of dollars recently spent on road construction, congestion on the route to the airport is already back where it was 10 years ago, chronic at peak times, periodically at grid-lock. With airport passenger movements currently 19 million per year and predicted to increase to 40 million by 2040, this chronic congestion can only get worse - with serious consequences.

It need not be so. Following on from work initiated by the Auckland Regional Council, in September 2011, a multi-agency study after examining light rail, bus way and heavy rail options, concluded that heavy rail from Onehunga and Puhinui (10km and 6.8km from airport respectively) would be the ‘most economically efficient’ solution - providing a fast train journey to and from downtown Auckland, including the future CRL stations like Aotea and K'Road, and, in some with cases cross-platform transfers, all points on the rail network, eg, Parnell, Newmarket, Henderson, Glen Innes, Papakura, Pukekohe and, ultimately, Hamilton.

In 2012, endorsed by AT and after wide public consultation this became a policy commitment in the Auckland Plan: ‘route protect a dedicated rail connection in the first decade (2011-2020); construct in the second decade (2021-2030)’ - [after the City Rail Link (CRL)].

However, the consensus, as so often happens (Auckland has a history of this), was overturned when AT bureaucrats (none of whom had any experience with light rail) claimed trams travelling from the CBD to the airport via Dominion Road despite stopping at 20 tram stops

and numerous intersections while keeping to the 50kph speed limit would get to the airport within one minute of electric trains travelling up to 110kph. In late 2016, soon after the election of Mayor Goff, the favoured Onehunga to airport rail corridor was blocked by AT when it demolished the Neilson Street overbridge immediately to the south of the Onehunga train station, putting the road straight across the rail corridor.

Melbourne has the most highly developed, sophisticated light rail system in the world. Unlike Auckland, however, Melbourne is not opting for a light rail connection to its international airport - but heavy rail. This on the grounds that trains can carry a lot more people and luggage, and providing a faster, more predictable journey time than street-running trams. It’s a decision based on decades of experience operating both light and heavy rail modes.

Last month the Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull announced a A$5 billion Federal Government contribution to building four dedicated heavy rail routes between Melbourne International Airport and the CBD. The Australian decision is instructive and should give our new Government reason to pause.

However, in Auckland there seems there is a yawning gap opening up between the political class and ordinary citizens. To most Aucklanders I speak to, the idea of trams to the airport is a joke - and now not so funny given Aucklanders will have to pay for the $4 billion estimated cost of the airport and Westgate tram lines, not only in their rates but also in an extra double-whammy fuel tax - for a project that has no business case.

Light rail to the airport will take a lot longer to build, provide a slower journey, serve a much more restricted catchment and be considerably more expensive than extending the existing rail network. Why on earth isn’t the new Government capitalising on the huge strategic investment going into the CRL? Barbara Tuchman made up some rules on how Government 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 insane ruler) [Check].

The feasible alternative of connecting Auckland Airport to the main trunk line at Puhinui has been costed by one recent study at around $750m. This corridor must be protected urgently before it too is sabotaged. There certainly is a role for modern trams as we reach maximum bus capacity in our busy inner city routes and waterfront - but trams will be a hugely expensive failure as an airport connection.

David Parker help! (MIKE LEE) F PN

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

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

16 PONSONBY NEWS+ May 2018

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

The independence you want, with the peace of mind you need

If you want to keep living independently but need support on hand, Summerset serviced apartments may be the perfect choice for you.

Designed for singles and couples over 70, these modern, mobility-friendly apartments are warm, comfortable and filled with features that make them easy to live in.

For your free serviced apartment information pack call 0800 SUMMER

Serviced apartments have a large double bedroom with ensuite and spacious open plan living area with kitchenette. You can furnish and decorate your apartment as you like and there’s plenty of room to entertain family and friends.

Order your free serviced apartment information pack to find out how our team works together to give you independence and peace of mind.

SUM1115

To find out more visit summerset.co.nz

JOHN ELLIOTT: LOCAL NEWS

Wellness coach talks about poisonous pesticides I recently met the vivacious Anita Hollerer-Squire, a life coach turned wellness coach.

Anita is an Austrian woman who now lives in Auckland with her Kiwi husband. She had an epiphany of sorts when she found out a good friend had breast cancer, and other friends had weight problems and other sicknesses that youngish and middle-aged people in this modern world shouldn’t have.

After all, we have a very sophisticated health system, and people are living longer and longer lives. That may not last. It has been said that the current crop of children may be the first to fail to live longer than their parents.

Cancers are rampant, raging at many times the incidence of 50 years ago.

Anita pondered these health issues and began researching. She figured that modern food might be part of the problem. It was well known that fatty fast foods are causing an obesity epidemic. But why the cancers?

The answer, Anita now believes, is the proliferation of pesticide usage, including the use of highly carcinogenic chemicals on our most basic commercially grown foods.

Commercial growers literally drench many of their crops with poisonous pesticides, many of which have been banned in Europe and other parts of the world.

Take the humble lettuce. New Zealand growers can use as many as 10 different chemicals on lettuce. They may not use all 10, but even one of the highly toxic group allowed, is one too many. Four of the 10 on the list are banned completely in Europe, and several others are under review. Let me outline several of these chemicals.

Acephate - Insecticide, banned in Europe since 2003 - can cause cancer - suspected endocrine disruptor - potential ground water contaminant.

Carbendazim - Fungicide - banned in Europe since 2011 - causes malformation in the foetus - can cause infertility - can cause cancer - Dupont, the producer, mislead regulators to get approval in the EU. Sulfoxaflor - Insecticide - harmful to bees - affects nervous system and liver - a product of Dow Chemical Co. Anita Hollerer-Squire asks this question: if these chemicals kill bugs and weeds, what effect do they have on us?

She agrees with everything we have written about glyphosate in recent Ponsonby News articles, and like me she is angry officialdom has done nothing to ban this (to quote scientists of the World Health Organisation) “probable human carcinogen.”

The next problem chemical Anita has her hooks into is methyl bromide. This chemical is banned in Europe, and is destroying the ozone layer. It is toxic to the central and peripheral nervous system.

Exposure to methyl bromide is also known to cause skin, kidney, respiratory, liver and neurological damage resulting in severe and permanent health effects.

Under the Montreal Protocol, New Zealand should have phased out use of methyl bromide by 1 January 2005, yet we still use about 355 tonnes a year. This poison is used to fumigate containers arriving and departing New Zealand. It is used on fruit, vegetables, nuts, even rice and spices. Shockingly high quantities are allowed.

Anita Hollerer-Squire Anita discovered New Zealand’s dirty dozen fruit and vegetables by quantity of pesticides used on them. The latest available figures (2013) from the Safe Food Campaign analysed 600 samples for pesticide residues.

The worst offenders in New Zealand were - grapes, celery, bok choy, nectarines, oranges, strawberries, spring onions, lemons, wheat, cucumber, pears and broccoli.

You will note wheat on that list. Farmers can spray wheat with the carcinogenic glyphosate with impunity. There goes much of our bread.

Anita Hollerer-Squires gave me a sobering page on gluten intolerance.

Guess what? This intolerance is definitely linked to glyphosate use.

A study on gluten intolerance published in the National Center for Biotechnology Information links this disease to glyphosate use.

She asks,“How much longer are we going to allow the use of this poison to be used on our food? And where does this leave New Zealand consumers?”

A couple of extra glasses of wine may be the answer to dull the pain and ease the conscience. Well sorry, no. A recent test of Californian wines showed 100% contamination with glyphosate. Organic wine then - so expensive! Breast milk was contaminated too.

We should be very grateful to Anita for the pesticide contamination she has exposed, but what do we do about it?

We must persuade our politicians, local and national, to act.

We cannot rely on the Environmental Protection Authority - they are more concerned to protect the agri-chemical industry, and to listen to their American counterpart the US EPA, which has been proven to be in the pocket of big business, big pharma, including the makers of glyphosate, Monsanto, who continue to use the same tactics used for years by tobacco lobbyists until their lies were finally exposed.

Thank you Anita - we’ll support you and take the fight to the sources of the poisonous scourge - until we win. (JOHN ELLIOTT) F PN www.bodymindforlife.com

18 PONSONBY NEWS+ May 2018

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

LOCAL NEWS FIND MY CAR Buying a car can be really stressful, overwhelming and confusing especially for those who don’t spend much time on car yards.

Now local resident, Nigel Pile pictured, has started his own consultancy business cleverly called Find My Car where he uses his 15 years’ experience on car yards to take the hassle out of the car buying process.

So if you are looking for a car, but have no idea where to start, how much your trade in is worth, how much you can haggle or don’t even have the time to visit car yards - call Nigel. He will do all the work for you and make the process both enjoyable, fun and cost effective.

“In my experience most people are pretty intimidated by car yards and salesmen,” says Nigel. “We aim to make the process a whole lot easier, so if you tell us what car you’d like and your price range, we will do the research, manage the test drive, negotiate with the salesman, assist with finance or insurance, manage trade-ins and essentially take care of finding you a car.

www.findmycar.nz nigel@findmycar.nz 027 606 3821

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

We don’t take kick-backs or referral fees, which means the advice we provide is independent and trustworthy and while many will assume that this service is only for the wealthy, the flat fee is usually more than accounted for with the savings made on the deal that is done.” Call now to discuss what you’re looking for. F PN FIND MY CAR, Nigel Pile, E: nigel@findmycar.nz, T: 027 606 3821, www.findmycar.nz

DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

PONSONBY NEWS+ May 2018

19

JOHN ELLIOTT: LOCAL NEWS

The fate of Western Springs pine forest Forward-thinking Aucklanders planted over 500 Monterey pines at Western Springs in 1923.

These trees have produced a beautiful forest canopy spread over more than three hectares adjoining the zoo, Western Springs Park, Western Springs Stadium and residential housing on West View Road.

Lovely walking tracks have criss-crossed the reserve.

Picture-perfect vistas occur when the sun shines through the canopy.

This special part of inner Auckland City is much loved by locals and walkers from further afield.

Sadly many of the original trees are gone. They reached maturity, senesced, died and fell. There are fewer than 200 left standing, and many of those are in imminent danger of falling over. At least 10 fell during the February storm this year.

It is pretty clear that past Auckland Councils have not kept abreast of general maintenance in this forest. As Wendy Gray, Tree Advocate, said in a submission to the Waitemata Local Board, there is a big difference between looking after a bush park, and looking after a mature forest. She believed council had never had the expertise needed to cope with the Western Springs forest.

The current council, through the good offices of the Waitemata Local Board, is now concerned about the risk to public safety, as the remaining trees age, die and fall. There is also a risk that trees may fall over the zoo fences and provide a significant security risk.

point that, “Nature puts plants in the right places.” Until two Auckland University scientists planned the Tiri project, only weeds were growing well, and natives that did exist struggled, often in the wrong places.

Volunteer planting took care of that over a number of years.

The board has produced a number of expert reports, outlining possible remediation methods. As result of this advice, the board has resolved to seek resource consent to fell all remaining Monterey pines, and plant natives in their place.

At the Waitemata Board meeting, Shale Chambers, Deputy Chair of the Board, spoke to Wendy Gray’s submission.

Their vision is “to return exotic pine forest to diverse indigenous mixed podocarp - broadleaf species (read native), to provide a habitat for indigenous fauna and to significantly enhance the ecological and amenity values for Western Springs Park and surrounding areas.”

One of the complaints of a group of local objectors is that the vision is pie-in-the-sky, and would take 50 or more years to achieve.

They could well look at the Tiritiri Matangi Island experience where over 300,000 natives were planted, and have produced a thriving bush canopy for a variety of endangered bird species. I was on the Tiri Committee for a time, and involved in the very last of the planting, all done by volunteers. Now, those fortunate enough to spend a night on Tiri, can see and hear kiwi at night, and listen to a magnificent dawn chorus in the morning, often featuring my great love, the kokako.

Mainland sanctuaries are more difficult to establish - predators must be controlled or eradicated, but isn’t New Zealand committed to a predator-free Aotearoa by 2050? A tall order maybe, but worth pursuing.

Locals like Wendy Gray argue that the board has not consulted stakeholders on their plan. She highlights the capital value of the trees at somewhere over $2 million, and maintains that many trees have another 30 years life.

Gray and her group have called for consultation with residents, and argue that the resource consent hearing is not consultation. They say the proposed re-planting programme is flawed, the plants proposed, thousands of PB5s, are too small. Gray has clearly not studied the Tiri experience when she says, “the claim that the planting will provide us with a native podocarp forest is so wildly ambitious as to be nearly disingenuous.” The Tiri plantings also puts into question Gray’s DOC

20 PONSONBY NEWS+ May 2018

Chambers pointed out that the resource consent would be publicly notified, and invited Gray and any other interested parties to make submissions. If the consent was granted, the plan of action would then be prepared with input from a wide range of experts. Chambers stressed that the future plan was not yet assessed, and that the neighbours input, plus expert advice, would help form the plan.

My amateur response is to favour removal of all pines, and I am excited about the possibilities of an urban native plant and bird sanctuary. It is actually surprising to many people how quickly some natives do grow. I would recommend planting some larger specimens - PB5s are less than one metre tall - and seeking volunteer planting and future maintenance assistance.

A lot of work is needed too, to determine the safety of exposed steep land, especially around West View Road, and I am not too happy to hear of an eight metre road access being built to haul out the pines.

I understand lifting out by helicopter would be very expensive. I would also recommend removal of as much detritus from the fallen logs as possible. Rows of fallen logs, or piles of mulched chips would lessen the area available for native plantings.

Shale Chambers has acknowledged that there are many issues to work through, but is adamant that leaving dead and dying pines to fall over naturally or during the next storm would be irresponsible, and that it would be imprudent to close the walking tracks for 10 or 20 years until nature has done the job for us.

Done properly, Western Springs forest will one day provide a sanctuary for flora, fauna and humans to enjoy for ever.

Annette Isbey, who long campaigned for better tracks, will not live to see that day, and neither will I, but Annette’s children (one of whom I taught), and grandchildren, will be proud of the long-term vision PN displayed by the current council and board. (JOHN ELLIOTT) F

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

IF YOU’RE LOOKING TO BUY OR SELL AN AUCKLAND APARTMENT THEN VISIT US AT OUR OFFICE, 8 HEREFORD STREET.

1907/8 HEREFORD STREET

12F/15 HOPETOUN STREET

3E/238 KARANGAHAPE ROAD

501W/10-12 EXMOUTH STREET

3M/238 KARANGAHAPE ROAD

1806/8 HEREFORD STREET

4/34 DOUGLAS ST

3A/22 FLEET STREET

THE VULCAN, FREEMANS BAY

OUTLOOK, MISSION BAY

NXN, KINGSLAND

THE GROUNDS, HOBSONVILLE

MASON SQUARE, OTAHUHU

HEREFORD RESIDENCES

35 SPRING ST, FREEMANS BAY

22 FLEET ST, EDEN TERRACE

0H/15 HOPETOUN STREET

1106/8 HEREFORD STREET

1804/8 HEREFORD STREET

1703/8 HEREFORD STREET

5A/2 ST MARTINS LANE

1B/68 GREYS AVENUE

2G/5 PARLIAMENT STREET

33L CHARLOTTE STREET

JULIE QUINTON +64 21 894 071 julie.quinton@bayleys.co.nz TRENT QUINTON +64 21 894 070 trent.quinton@bayleys.co.nz

JOHN ELLIOTT: LOCAL NEWS

Auckland Secondary School Centre, Herne Bay needs your help I made a very overdue visit recently to the Secondary School Centre behind the old Bayfield School in Herne Bay. Director Sharon Fernee showed me around, and I chatted to several students.

their schools. They each had a ready answer when I asked them what they might be doing in 10 years time, which I thought was very positive.

The centre takes students who need time out from their mainstream secondary school, or who have been suspended or expelled.

Students stay at the centre for an average of 12 weeks, and their time includes community work at local kindies, schools and businesses.

They work holistically with specialised teaching staff to increase their educational, social and cultural skills.

The buildings are about to be replaced in term four, and staff and students are excited about the new development and its layout.

A local architect was there when I visited, talking to students and seeking their input for the new buildings.

The centre has a management relationship with Western Springs College, and works with a wide range of community helpers including health, counselling, police and other community agents.

Students are referred by schools in Central, East, West or the North Shore.

This centre is one of a number throughout Auckland, which take students from surrounding schools

However, there is an interim problem - they have nowhere to work from during term four, and need a suitable space that would take a reduced number of students for a term, perhaps 10, while the new buildings are put on site.

They are happy to move to a community-type housing, a church hall, or above a shop. The centre runs a lunch programme, where students learn to cook, so a kitchen would be a bonus in a temporary building.

The tone of the centre was excellent. Students went about their tasks with a sense of purpose, although Sharon explained the centre was not without confrontation and argument from time to time. Some of these are troubled kids.

These centres are performing a great service, helping move troubled students through their problems, and returning them to school, PN university or the work place. (JOHN ELLIOTT) F

I chatted to one boy from Massey High, and a girl from Takapuna Grammar. Both were doing well, but both were reluctant to return to

If any reader can help house them during term four, please contact Ponsonby News, or Sharon directly at the centre, T: 09 376 4769.

Auckland vegetable gardening in May So what did you plant in April? I managed lettuce, spinach, rocket, cauliflower and just a few early seed potatoes.

I’m saving ground for an agria main crop. They make beautiful gnocchi. Do try it! May is the time for composting and preparing to mulch.

Confession - my composting has been bad and must improve. If you don’t feed your vegetables they won’t grow, and it is very expensive to use bought compost all the time, while you throw out food scraps and garden clippings that should be in a compost bin. Worm farms are good too, and now that I know they will survive their family being away for a week or 10 days, I intend to start one.

Mulching helps feed soil and preserve moisture. A layer of about 25cm is good for shrubs and trees, and 12cm for vegetables and flowers. Mulching also helps suppress weeds. It is almost essential to mulch around strawberries, but more of that around September when it’s time to plant strawberries.

So remove weeds, dig the veggie patch over carefully, test the soil pH if you want to, put in some compost, perhaps a layer of fertiliser, and you’re ready for winter planting. And now a word of warning about use of pesticides. I was chided for my use of Blitzem - too poisonous I was told.

A friendly correspondent suggested surrounding lettuce plants with crushed egg shells, and even sneaking out at night to remove snails crawling around the garden. That’s dedication.

However, you will see elsewhere in this issue of Ponsonby News, a sad tale about the use of poisonous pesticides on commercially

22 PONSONBY NEWS+ May 2018

grown vegetables including lettuce. Anita Hollerer-Squire lists 10 highly poisonous sprays that can be used on lettuce. Not all will be used, but according to Hollerer-Squire all should be banned. Four of these chemicals are banned in Europe, and several others are about to be banned. Why, Hollerer-Squire asks, should New Zealand have such a lax attitude to these poisons?

Methyl bromide use should put everybody off eating imported fruit and vegetables. Containers are fumigated both for export and import. Methyl bromide is also used to fumigate rice, nuts and spices.

The advice of Hollerer-Squire and others is - grow your own, or buy organic. Our local Harvest By Huckleberry guarantees that all their produce is organic. As Brian Rudman, who lives in the next street to me, said, “I can’t grow garlic either, but I grow really good chillies.”

Sometimes it’s the soil, sometimes it’s the sun, sometimes it’s too little or too much water, but sometimes it just seems to be veggies being bloody-minded. Carrots are a case in point. Sometimes I grow beauties, sometimes almost a whole crop fails.

Good luck - winter can be a challenging time for home gardens.

Just as you’re ready to go out and pull out some weeds, it buckets down with rain. I’ll keep you informed about progress with my $10 PN cauliflowers - so far so good. (JOHN ELLIOTT) F So do make contact with neighbours and let’s swap ideas about the vegetables we grow best. Email me: johnelliott38@outlook.com

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

FREEDOM AUTUMN '18 COLLECTION

C O A S T Bring the H O M E Why wait for the holidays to escape when you can create your very own coastal oasis at home?

H A M I LT O N modular sofa in Marlo fabric

$3599

Left to right: CACHAE rug 200x300cm $799 • REGINA throw $199 • ESPERANCE floor light $279 • CUSHIONS from $44.95 ea MOORING coffee table 130 x 70cm $799 • TADALA vessels from $29.95 ea • CAVOS table lamp $199 • MOORING side table $399

Shop 24/7

FREEDOMFURNITURE.CO.NZ DELIVERY FEES WILL APPLY. While stocks last. Freedom’s standard terms and conditions of purchase apply. Please see in-store or online for further details.

The World The Th W rldd Belongs Wo Belon Be llon ongs to t the thee Dissatisfied D ssa Di ssa satis ttiiisfie tis tisfie fied i d

DEADLINE D DE ADLLIINEE - 20TH AD 20TH T OF OF THE THE MONTH M NT MO NTH H

PPONSONBY ONSO ON SSOONBBY NNE NEWS EWS W + Ma MMay ay 20 ay 2018 0188

2233

LOCAL NEWS

Ponsonby Park update Urban green space is an important investment that local authorities make on behalf of their citizens' wellbeing.

Throughout the world, many urban areas face increasing pressure from expanding populations, limited resources and the growing impacts of climate change. These challenges must be addressed in order for cities to provide healthy and sustainable living environments.

Public green spaces increase the quality of urban settings, enhance local resilience and promote sustainable lifestyles, improving both the health and the wellbeing of urban residents and visitors. Parks, playgrounds and vegetation in urban public places are a central component of these approaches and can help to ensure that: • Biodiversity is maintained and protected.

• Environmental hazards such as air pollution and noise are reduced.

• Impacts of extreme weather events (heat waves, extreme rainfall or flooding) are mitigated.

• The quality of urban living is enhanced.

Planning for people must be planning with people - the community has to be involved from the beginning to create urban green spaces that match the needs of local residents, visitors and businesses. Community participation, as employed in our Communityled Design process, assures use and acceptance of urban green spaces.

Urban green spaces are of course long-term investments with the benefits increasing over time as population increases. Therefore, they need to be planned and designed in a flexible way, making functional adjustments possible to adapt to changing future demands.

The Community-led Design process has resulted in a 'fit for purpose' outcome that includes: • Usability in all seasons (lighting, drainage, materials).

• The integration of strong management of safety issues (lighting, visibility, accessibility).

• The health and wellbeing of residents and visitors is improved.

• Residents and visitors have adequate and accessible opportunities for exposure to nature.

Urban green space is an important component of the public open space provided by a city. Green space serves as a health-promoting setting for all members of the urban community, so it is necessary to ensure they are easily accessible for all population groups: • Urban green spaces provide opportunities for active recreation • Through improved air and water quality, buffering of noise pollution and mitigation of impacts from extreme events, urban green spaces can reduce environmental health risks associated with urban living.

• In addition, they support and facilitate health and wellbeing by enabling stress alleviation and relaxation, physical activity, improved social interaction and community cohesiveness.

• Supplying infrastructural features such as benches, waste bins, toilets, etc.

• Use of plant species with no or small allergic potential - especially native species with fewer maintenance needs.

• Applying ecological maintenance practices and consequent health benefits.

• Making use of biodiversity enhancing features (food sources for native species) and uses different plants to create diverse settings.

• The design of an urban green space that facilitates activity by all population groups.

The findings of the council’s consultation on their long-term plan are due at the end of this month. We will soon know when the development of Ponsonby Park will begin! We’ll keep you updated.

PN (JENNIFER WARD) F

• Health benefits include improved levels of mental health, physical fitness and cognitive and immune function, as well as lower mortality rates in general.

For more information or to contact us, please see our webpage www.254ponsonbyrd.org.nz or our Facebook page ‘Ponsonby Park'

24 PONSONBY NEWS+ May 2018

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

FORTÉ - CREATING FOUNDATIONS INDOORS AND OUTDOORS With over 25 years’ experience in the industry, Forté is the timber flooring specialists. Forté provides an exceptional range of engineered timber flooring and wall panelling to create beautiful and long-lasting interiors, and is now excited to introduce Millboard, its new range of premium outdoor flooring.

Forté has spent years refining its collection to offer quality, stylish timber that is ahead of the trend. The ranges vary in style, width, thickness, colour and texture, so you can find the perfect timber solution for your project.

Manor, one of Forté’s most loved collections, features French oak planks, hand scraped to emphasise the timber's stunning deep grains and texture.

“You see the knots, the cracks and the character of the timber,” says Forté's, Miguel Uribe. “Once installed, it is an instant feature.”

A combination of stain and lacquer has resulted in the Manor Collection’s unique rustic beauty that emulates the natural charm of an old wooden floor. To view Forté’s complete range, you can visit Miguel or Annaliese at the Forté Auckland showroom.

Millboard decking is hand-moulded from genuine timber to achieve a highly authentic wood look with greater strength and resilience. Because of its specialised surface, it is scratch, stain and fade resistant, which results in a stunning deck that is virtually maintenance free. There is nothing else like it, and Forté exclusively brings Millboard to New Zealand.

Forté prides itself on being a sustainable company that has a positive impact on the environment. It re-plants what it uses.

“It is important to us that we give back through reforestation,” says Forté’s product specialist Gaius Piesse. “This year we are planting 2000 French oak trees overseas.” For more information on the forest of Forté, visit the environmental page on their website.

For free flooring samples go to: www.forteflooring.co.nz

British company, Millboard believes there is nothing to compare with the appearance of wood's natural grain, and Forté could not agree more. It has spent years perfecting an outdoor alternative that is just as attractive as the real thing but without the flaws of natural products.

FORTÉ FLOORING, Auckland Showroom, 373 New North Road, Kingsland, T: 0508 35 66 77

The Timber Flooring Specialists

Forté Auckland Showroom 373 New North Road, Kingsland, Auckland.

0800 00 23 00 info@forteflooring.co.nz forteflooring.co.nz Free Samples Available

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

PONSONBY NEWS+ May 2018

25

PONSONBY U3A: APRIL 2018 Major changes and refurbishment of the Auckland Museum’s main building were outlined to Ponsonby U3A members by the April guest speaker David Reeves, the museum’s Director of Research and Collections.

“Over the next two to three years visitors to the main museum building in Auckland Domain will see the results of a huge programme of refreshment, with additional visitor facilities, a new special exhibitions hall and completely new gallery content,” he said.

“The museum’s collections now number over four million objects, specimens and documents. Only a quarter of these are catalogued in a form suitable for online access.

Over the past few years, the museum has been investing in a special group of projects to re-house, catalogue, photograph and publish more of its collections online.”

Offsite, the museum is involved in a range of programmes with research partners, iwi communities and education providers. Documenting and understanding the natural environment of northern New Zealand has long been an important focus. Work in the field, with many organisations contributes to broader knowledge about endangered species, environmental management, biodiversity and the impact of human activity.

David Reeves joined the museum in 2011 after a career including roles at the Alexander Turnbull Library, the Auckland Art Gallery and Te Papa managing logistic, storage and documentation of collections.

The ten-minute speaker Christine Hart, bore out the truism that every U3A member has a fascinating tale to tell. Her talk entitled 'What colour was my parachute' stepped us through “how with virtually no planning the myriad of jobs I have had - not everyone can find the colour of their parachute early in life.”

With part of a degree, she left New Zealand for London initially working for a shipping and forwarding agency and travelling. She worked in administration jobs and married and lived in Oxford, returning to New Zealand to Tokoroa where her husband worked for NZ Forest products. In her first feminist foray, she successfully answered an ad for ‘stalwart men’ to be census enumerators. She then was approached by the principal of Tokoroa High School to teach english and social studies. She was given an intense training course on the job. Back in Auckland after three years, she combined child raising with completing her

BA, followed by a Masters in Sociology, which landed her a contract as a junior lecturer in the Sociology Department. She worked with the Labour Department and became a Vocational Guidance Counsellor and had a further two years study. After about 10 years as HR director for a large professional services firm, “finally my parachute went up!” She has spent the past 15 years as director of her own HR business. She has ‘given back’ as executive chair of MS Auckland and, until recently, was on the board of not-for-profit Elizabeth Knox aged care organisation.

“If I had to sum up, I’d say my parachute, what sends me up, is taking opportunities and a risk here and there,” she said.

As well as two speakers at monthly meetings, Ponsonby U3A offers more than 20 special interest groups, where members follow their particular interests or take part in leisure and social activities. Guests are welcome to attend a monthly meeting, but are asked to telephone president Collene Roche (T: 09 373 3277) beforehand. (PHILIPPA TAIT) F PN The May guest speaker will be Professor Paul Moon - 'Nostalgia and Utopianism'.

NEXT MEETING:

10am, Friday 11 May at Herne Bay Petanque Club, Salisbury Street Reserve.

ENQUIRIES:

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

REST IN PEACE GEORGE WILSON MORGAN (1938 - 2018) Family man, gardener, fisherman, social justice advocate, entrepreneur, manager and industrial chemist.

The story goes that George as a young man saw extraordinary lights filling the Auckland night sky and was so terrified that he fell to his knees and prayed, "God, if you get me through this, I promise to follow you forever." Well, it seems God did, and George kept his word. The people of Holy Trinity Otahuhu and St Columba Grey Lynn have the Aurora Australis (Southern Lights) to thank for George's steady commitment to church and community.

George was a man of his word, and a man of words. He liked nothing better than to engage in conversation, no matter the person or the context. He was passionate about social justice and the betterment of society. He despised the political neoliberal enterprise with its emphasis on privatisation of health care, welfare, transport and education, and the social and economic divisions that this created. For a man who had witnessed a more caring society during his lifetime, he felt deeply the loss of a progressive vision. He always held hope for a better way. This was never more evident than in conversation with George - a man who could see beyond pure self interest. Not surprisingly, George found a home among the diverse community of St Columba.

With his wife, Mary, George was a long-standing parishioner at St Columba. He was known for being a reliable representative of the wider community voice, for his wealth of knowledge, and his wise counsel in times of challenge. He was a founding member of the Super G's, a group of seniors who meet weekly at St Columba for activities, exercise, outings and lunch, and from time to time, he would regale them with stories from his younger days and working life.

George has a magnificent home garden bursting with flowers, plants, fruit trees and vegetables. His love of gardening reached into the extensive gardens around St Columba, too. He was often found in Te Maara community garden, planting, weeding or harvesting, and entertaining the other gardeners with his conversation and horticultural

26 PONSONBY NEWS+ May 2018

knowledge as he worked. Throughout Grey Lynn, George was known as the man who loved growing flowers and seedlings and who sold them from his Garnet Road home. For George, though, it wasn't so much the transaction as the conversation that appealed about this arrangement. He touched many lives through his love of gardening.

After a day in the garden, George enjoyed nothing more than good company, a glass of wine and to listen to the Doors or the Beatles. His skill in drawing others into conversation was likened to another passion - fly fishing - both requiring patience, perserverance, paying attention and good humour all traits that George had in spades.

St Columba celebrated George’s life on Thursday 12 April, with hymns, prayer, stories, tears and laughter. He will be missed by Mary, their family, and all who knew him. E te rangatira e George moe mai i raro i te korowai aroha o te Atua. F PN PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

JOHN ELLIOTT: LOCAL NEWS

Nutra-life Kyolic Aged Garlic Extract for optimum cardiovascular health I recently attended a very interesting luncheon held by Nutra-Life at Soul Bar down in the Auckland viaduct.

Dr Karin Reid, Research Director at the National Institute of Integrative Medicine in Melbourne had a conversation with Kanoa Lloyd during a very tasty luncheon.

garlic can be taken along with other medications, with no ill effects.

Another positive is that it reduces high blood pressure but not normal pressure.

Reid is an expert in nutritional science, and has recently completed a study on the effects on cardiovascular health of Kyolic aged garlic.

A California study produced similar results. Thirty percent of all participants had hypertension, and 70% of those had a positive response to the garlic.

The garlic study revealed that Kyolic aged garlic not only fights heart disease, but can slow and reverse it.

The secret is in the word 'aged'. Kyolic garlic studies began in Japan around 60 years ago. Garlic is aged in barrels for 20 months which changes the chemicals in the garlic making them more tolerable and more effective for human consumption. Raw garlic does not produce the same benefits, plus it contains more toxins. The aging process is not unlike grapes ageing in barrels to produce wine.

Nutra-Life Kyolic Aged Garlic Extract is a natural product made using this unique extraction process.

Dr Reid said the study showed that Kyolic aged garlic was consistently able to reduce blood pressure by 11 points on average for systolic and 6 points average for diastolic. One participant interviewed after the one year trial told how her blood pressure reduced from 155/90 to 126/84.

One of the beauties of the aged garlic is that it has practically no side effects. Most drugs have at least a 10% side effect rate. The

Kyolic aged garlic is a very safe option. It can lower cholesterol levels, helps to keep arteries clear and reduces plaque. It has no smell.

It offers natural support for heart health.

People are advised to take two capsules a day, and review intake after two months.

Dr Reid was an impressive protagonist for Kyolic aged garlic, and a highly qualified one at that.

She recommended looking up the study on line at NIIM.com.au (National Institute of Integrative Medicine).

I have begun taking aged garlic as a result of this meeting. It was the quadrella as far as I was concerned - the lovely Kanoa, the authoritative Karin, the prospective benefits for me, and the smooth running of the function by lovely Renai Hagstrom, from our very own Ponsonby PR Company, The Generalist. (JOHN ELLIOTT) F PN

Dr Karin Reid, Kanoa Lloyd and John Elliott

ROUNDUP FACING THE JUDGES A must-see documentary which records the global fight to prohibit use of glyphosate and highlights the latest scientific evidence of its carcinogenic qualities.

Directed by Frenchwoman Marie Monique Robin and produced in collaboration with Arte France, it follows a group of opponents who assembled in The Hague in 2016 to hold Monsanto, maker of RoundUp, to account. The Hague was chosen as the venue for this citizen tribunal because of its association with crimes against humanity.

In exposing the truth about the chemical weedkiller that Monsanto has marketed as safe for years, experts, victims and health watchdogs from all around the world make the claim that the multi-billion dollar corporate is guilty of ecocide. Illness, deformity and death of children and adults from France to Sri Lanka, from California to Brazil, are all documented in the moving personal statements of victims and the statistical evidence presented by scientists. It features some of the latest research and exposes the manipulation of out of date research Monsanto has used to protect their multi-billion dollar profit.

The gripping one and a half hour movie will be screened Friday 18 and 25 May, 7pm at Garnet Station Cafe. Koha on the door, but booking at www.GarnetStation.com. For more information, email johnelliott38@outlook.com. F PN

28 PONSONBY NEWS+ May 2018

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

G I N pm

N

D

R A 12th

O M

N 3 E – P ay

12

G t a S

SPRING IS COMING The Springs is a boutique development of 10 luxury townhouses on a prominent corner site in Grey Lynn. Located across the road from the beautiful Western Springs Park, your new home will be at the epicentre of everything you enjoy.

Featuring large modern interiors, quality materials and fittings, and unobstructed park views, this development is your opportunity to purchase a stunning home in the highly sought-after Grey Lynn area.

Spacious interiors with views out to Western Springs Park

Licensed Agent REAA 2008

These homes are expected to sell quickly - get in touch today to secure your place.

Richard White 021 051 8404

Julie Davies 0275 299 109

richard.white@harcourts.co.nz

julie.davies@harcourts.co.nz

Generous kitchens with premium European appliances

ON-SITE SHOW SUITE: 1 BULLOCK TRACK, GREY LYNN Open from Sat 12th May then open daily 12pm - 1pm

LOCAL NEWS KEEP NEW ZEALAND BEAUTIFUL LAUNCHES NEW CAMPAIGN TO TACKLE LITTER Last month Keep New Zealand Beautiful (KNZB) launched an anti-litter campaign, fronted by a boisterous character named Mama Nature to celebrate Kiwis doing the right thing when it comes to disposing rubbish.

KNZB saw a need for a new litter reduction campaign after its volunteers collected enough rubbish to fill 120 rugby fields with litter reaching half a metre in height from just one week-long clean up week.

The campaign also aims to tackle new research revealed by KNZB showing the top items littered in public places by New Zealanders, with the key culprit being cigarette butts (78% of litter), followed by takeaway packaging (5%).

Mama Nature was developed by KNZB to encourage Kiwis to do the right thing with their litter including disposing of it in the bin, taking litter home when a bin isn’t available and picking up litter they come across. Mama Nature cracks down on those who litter and celebrates the 'be-yooo-diful' behaviour of those who do the right thing and put their litter in the bin.

The national litter behaviour research, commissioned by KNZB, found nearly all New Zealanders (93%) think it is important for New Zealand to maintain its clean, green image.

Despite this, the research showed nearly half (44%) of those surveyed littered within just five metres of their nearest bin. According to the data, the average distance New Zealanders are prepared to

walk to a bin to dispose their rubbish is only 8.4 metres, with littering rising dramatically beyond this distance.

KNZB CEO Heather Saunderson says it is great to see New Zealanders take such pride in our country. However, the organisation will be undertaking more work to reach a holistic view of the country’s litter problem.

“We created Mama Nature to celebrate ‘be-yooo-diful’ behaviour when it comes to Kiwis doing the right thing with their rubbish and we’re hoping she’ll be a fun reminder for all of us to ensure our litter ends up in the bin.

“The next stage of our litter prevention project will involve us partnering with Stats NZ, the Ministry for the Environment and the Department of Conservation, to launch a Tier 1 National Litter Audit, physically inspecting litter in areas such as motorways, rest stops, residential streets, beaches, rural and industrial locations,” she says.

Mama Nature revives the sentiment of KNZB’s iconic ‘Do the right thing’ and ‘Be A Tidy Kiwi’ campaigns from yesteryear.

The study was conducted by Sunshine Yates Consulting Limited over 32 days with researchers observing 765 people and their littering.

WESTERN SPRINGS FOOTBALL GIRLS' DAY Western Springs Football Club hosted its first ever, junior girls Football Festival event on Sunday 15 April, with over 100 players aged 5-16 taking part.

Andy Vernon (Football Development Manager) and Futsal Ferns captain Hannah Kraakman organised a number of skill activities and small-sided games and ensured all the girls that participated had fun and enjoyed the day.

The event was to put the focus on junior girls’ football and make it special for all participants with the overall aim of growing women’s football within the club.

“We wanted to run an event for our junior and youth girls from ages five to 16 and we wanted to show that we support the girls and to do something different and a bit special for them.”

The focus was for the girls to enjoy the sport and grow with it.

The event was supported by local businesses - with over 100 prizes and giveaways.

The event was supported by Lululemon, Players Sports, Stirling Sports - St Lukes, Tank Juice, House of Travel - Ponsonby, Shut the Front Door, NZ Breakers, Vodafone - Ponsonby, Seabreeze Cafe, Malt, Westmere Pharmacy and Spark Arena, who all played a huge part in the success of the event. F PN www.wsafc.org.nz

30 PONSONBY NEWS+ May 2018

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

SE C U R

E

DAY TO

THREE KINGS

$5000 DEPOSIT

Images are an artist impression

Apartment Living at Three Kings Our newly released Obsidian Apartments offer a dream urban lifestyle so close to the city.

In this established neighbourhood you’re spoilt for choice. With great transport links on your doorstep, the CBD is only a short 6km commute from home and you’ll enjoy easy access to cafes, restaurants, schools, shopping, outdoor activities and the airport.

For just $5000 deposit, you can secure your new urban lifestyle today.

Visit our Sales Suite Open 10am - 4pm or by appointment 989 Mt Eden Rd, Three Kings &RQWDFW Judy McGaffin 027 807 6536 Lee Read 027 247 1680

ŘHWFKHUOLYLQJ FR Q]

LUCIA MATAIA: LEYS INSTITUTE LIBRARY NEWS May is here and that means it is New Zealand Music Month and the Auckland Writers Festival. We still have programmes for the Auckland Writers Festival, if you haven’t already got one.

Presenting writers include Catherine Chidgey, Fiona Farrell and C.K. Stead. Each day kicks off with A Maori Word A Day: Hemi Kelly presents a fun half hour of Te Reo lessons from his book by the same name. The festival also salutes literary great Witi Ihimaera who will be honoured Sunday 20 May at a special free event.

My list of must see presenters: Lloyd Jones, Paula Morris, Damon Salesa, Selina Tusitala Marsh and Anne Salmon. International literary stars, screenwriters, poets, songwriters and performers, there is something for everyone.

Book Chat recommends Instead of recommending a few books, it seems more appropriate to tell you about some of the writers our Book Chat group are looking forward to seeing at the Writers Festival. First up, there is Australian writer Alex Miller discussing his autobiographical The Passages of Love. Another writer is Amy Goldstein with her book Janesville: An American Story. And finally, there’s superstar neuroscientist David Eagleman talking about the brain and creativity.

New Zealand Music Month Pop in and check out our selection of music books, magazines and CDs. Did you know that you can access Naxos Music Library? This electronic resource is available via our library website and accessible with your library card. It has the most comprehensive collection of classical music online. Naxos also has historical recordings, jazz, world, folk and Chinese music. And along with music you will find reading notes and biographical information.

Our children’s preschool programmes will have a New Zealand music flavour so come along to our regular session of Rhymetime, Wriggle and Rhyme and Storytime.

PN (LUCIA MATAIA) F Open hours: Monday - Friday 9am - 6pm and Saturday 9am - 4pm.

LEYS INSTITUTE LIBRARY, 20 St Marys Road, T: 09 377 0209, www.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz

DEIRDRE THURSTON: ON MY MIND

Headless chickens Easter is long gone. All the eggs have been devoured or binned. Toy bunnies cast aside to idle with dust bunny rellies. My great niece’s fluffy chickens, however, remain on the windowsill - headless. She’s not a devil child, it’s just those cute little heads had to go.

One of the cats batted an orange beak then yawned as my niece gathered up the three heads and dumped them in the rubbish in case Poppet tried to swallow them.

Ten-month-olds put everything in their mouths. I’ve seen Poppet delight in daisies, dirt, a cricket and a chip she dropped in water then squished in her tiny, perfect fingers before shoving the soggy mess into her pretty, gummy mouth. Yum. Anything that has been on the floor is fair game. All that grime adding earthy notes. Personally, I think it’s an excellent way to develop her germ resistance. My niece and I don’t discuss immunisation.

Our feet are in distant camps so best to not bring the divisive subject up.

Aucklanders, like headless chickens themselves if the roads were anything to go by come Good Friday, deserted the city and suburbs to drive, sail, fly to other parts of the country. The last long weekend for ages. And, oh, the weather. Golden, warm, perfect.

I swam, drank wine, ate cheese (usually a no-no for me) and barbecued chicken (sans head), sweet corn and lemons until they were caramelised and oozing liquid nectar.

All with sand between my toes and gratitude for being able to live in this stunning city.

Poppet rode a tiny, piebald pony, cuddled a disgruntled guinea pig and danced to Queen - her little head bobbing in time. Cuteness overload. Telling a friend... she looked blank while I delivered details of Poppet’s performance then said: “You know how it’s really boring listening to other people’s stories about cute babies?”

I did know. But, honestly, Poppet was cuter than any other baby ever. Except my own son at that age. He had the edge over her. Only slightly, but definitely an edge.

Watching her grow is a privilege. A new family member is like new putty on window frames. It strengthens the family unit. Poppet is very much like our side of the family we agree, forgetting she has a father, too. I’m sure his family think the same in reverse.

It’s amazing to see all the resemblances and traits emerge. To me, Poppet is a direct copy of her mother as a baby. The eyebrows, the fingers. And me - the wee curl on the right side above her ear. She is fascinated by my painted fingernails. Just as my son was of his grandmother’s. Every time she sees me, Poppet takes my hand and looks at my

32 PONSONBY NEWS+ May 2018

nails. Her brow creases if the nails are not red, pink or blue. Explanations fall on deaf ears. Tickling her tummy eases her disappointment. That frown is identical to the way her aunty, my other niece, frowned when she was little - and still does. Family likenesses, family traits - miracle territory.

Looking at the chicken bottoms with their stick-like feet on the sill reminded me of an uncle and aunt I often stayed with as a child during school holidays. Their house resembled a gingerbread cottage. The garden had nectarine and peach trees and violets everywhere. A little shed stood to one side. Painted mauve. My aunt’s favourite colour, which became an obsession my uncle had to live with. Towels, wallpaper, cups, bedspreads - all mauve. Possibly explained his codeine supply. Occasionally she branched out with lilac. My favourite thing in the garden, though - a hen house and run where chooks lived happily six days a week. Eggs were produced and boiled for breakfast with toast fingers.

Then Sunday came. Uncle encouraged my aunt off to morning mass. We would wave goodbye as she walked up the road to church in her mauve headscarf. The chooks cackled uneasily, the air seemed a little chiller. My uncle would say: “You pop inside and put the kettle on, Twopence. I’ll be in shortly.”

Off I trotted, not letting myself peek out the kitchen window (mauve sills) to see what the ruckus was in the garden. Squawking hens and low mumbling sounds reached my ears.

I assumed Uncle was cleaning the coop.

It wasn’t until years later, I realised the Sunday, headless roast chickens over the years were Flossie, Lizzie, Lilac and Lavendar... I always did wonder why he let his cup of tea get cold and loiter for ages in the garage behind closed doors. The odd russet feather in his hair seemed natural after all that coop cleaning. I never thought to count the feathered beauties and there always seemed to be a full brood at my next stay.

Having had hens myself, I know how wonderful they are. I’ll buy Poppet chooks one day.

She can watch them free-range, forage for bugs, raid the strawberry patch, bathe in sunlight and wander, at sunset, back to their cosy house. Heads forever intact.

PN (DEIRDRE THURSTON) F

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

HELEN WHITE: REPRESENTING LABOUR FOR AUCKLAND CENTRAL

Our greener future One of the most significant statements by Jacinda Ardern at the campaign opening last year, was that climate change was the most significant issue of our generation.

It is likely obvious to many readers but it needed to be the front and centre commitment of a new government and all governments to come; and until now it hasn’t been. I have felt powerless, watching so many leaders and countries ignore the problem in favour of short -term gain at the polls. I have worried that that the way our society works governments will continue to bow to the pressure from the business interests involved. The international accords concern me in this regard. I fear they commit to too little too late, forcing future generations to pay the price.

Since taking office there has been a comprehensive move to address climate change. The banning of oil exploration is a very significant step. Because of the money involved and the well-practised PR strategies that are used by the fossil fuel industry, there will be criticism and noise. Anyone who doubts that the fossil fuel industry is a force to be reckoned with just google the clean coal adverts in America. They are full of images of joyous workers and it is called 'clean coal' - apparently if you say it is 'clean' it must be.

Bottom line, the industry is driven by the profit it is making. It is not there because it wants to provide jobs, clean energy or help our economy. The spin doctors are aware that to assert that this will hurt the economy and cost ordinary people jobs is the best weapon it has in keeping on making money. Thus, we have already heard from the spokespeople, 11,000 jobs will go in Taranaki. That is wildly inflated because it includes the predicted loss of the jobs of car dealers and cafe owners. The actual number of people employed is actually under 5000. Given the length of time this will take very few of the people employed now will lose their jobs.

Employment is of top priority of this Government. It is not called the Labour Party by accident. The assumption of job loss ignores the intention to redevelop the impacted regions over the next decades.

Jobs that will be transferred to other clean industries and new jobs will be created within the energy sector. We are going to grow clean energy and create a sustainable economy.

The way this is going to happen is actually very measured and respectful of the legitimate interests of those involved. This action will actually demonstrate that this Government can be trusted to treat business properly, honouring commitments.

We will see these companies fight their corner because that is the nature of the beast. They are just doing their job. The interests of their shareholders are in extracting as much money out of oil and gas as they can but they really have nothing to complain about because this is exactly what a democracy is about. The Government is just doing its job. It is not there to maximise their profit but to put the interests of the people it represents first.

We have a lot of work to do transforming the economy to one that is sustainable but it is also full of new opportunity.

The good news is that New Zealand starts with some real advantages.

First, we can generate power in a sustainable way given we have hydro-resources and can generate power from wind. This is not available in other countries.

The agricultural sector and transport are our biggest is emitters of carbon. The movements towards public transport, rail and electric vehicles are all going to significantly reduce these emissions. It will also help if we design our cities as places people will realistically walk and bike to work; something we are working on in Auckland.

Agriculture is tougher. It is so important to our economy that it is currently excluded from the carbon credit system. Farming methods will need to change and the government will need to support that.

There are significant environmental advantages in developing a much stronger horticultural economy and refining our primary products before export.

There are opportunities for the development of a much stronger, sustainable and even organic, horticultural sector. Denmark, which has some very similar features in its economy but obviously the advantage of access to the European market, has done this very successfully. The premium it receives on organic and sustainably grown produce is significant.

A recent paper from AUT suggests that one reason we did not do the same was fear that by marketing some of our produce as organic and sustainable we were highlighting that most of what we were producing was not, undermining our clean green brand.

Interested in getting involved with Labour in the Auckland Central electorate?

Get in touch! aklcentrallabour@gmail.com

The reality is this sector remains vulnerable to be attacked on this basis until its practices are sustainable, so we better get on with it. The silver lining is Denmark has demonstrated that there is a premium on produce that is 'green'. Obviously, the sooner we do this the better our opportunity for capturing market share.

PN (HELEN WHITE) F Helen White representing Labour for Auckland Central. www.labour.org.nz/helenwhite

Authorised by Andrew Kirton, 160 Willis St, Wellington

34 PONSONBY NEWS+ May 2018

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

LOCAL NEWS

OPENING AND BLESSING OF ST PAUL’S COLLEGE’S NEW MARCELLIN CHAMPAGNAT BUILDING ON FRIDAY 23 MARCH St Paul’s College’s new three-storey Marcellin Champagnat Building on Richmond Road in Ponsonby was blessed and officially opened last month.

The $9.3M three-storey building designed by prominent architects Architectus will predominantly be devoted to Middle School classrooms, also housing school administration and student services.

The Catholic Bishop of Auckland, Patrick Dunn, blessed the new building. It was officially opened by Brother David McDonald, District Leader of the Marist Brothers of New Zealand who had Brother John Fitzgibbon, a Marist Brothers' community member, unveil the building’s plaque. They joined with staff, students, the school’s board and proprietors and other invited dignitaries in the celebratory opening ceremony.

St Paul’s Headmaster, Mr Kieran Fouhy, says: “This new building makes a statement that we are a quality boys’ school, forward looking yet underpinned by 2000-year-old tradition. It’s the most significant development at St Paul’s College since it first opened and is a major investment for the school.”

St Paul’s College’s Board of Trustees recommended the school construct the new building to house the Middle School when they were elected five years ago. It was partially funded by the sale of some unused land on John Street, supplemented by funding from Catholic educational organisations and a $1.2 million donation from the Hugh Green Foundation.

Architectus designed the substantial brick, block and concrete building which was completed on time and under budget by Savory Construction for the start of the 2018 school year. It replaced an older administration block and a building which used to be a Marist Brothers’ residence.

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

Catholic Bishop of Auckland, Patrick Dunn, blessing St Paul’s new building with the assistance of two members of the school’s Special Character group, Shade Shepherd and Joseph Johnston.

DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

PONSONBY NEWS+ May 2018

35

LOCAL NEWS GREY LYNN BUSINESS ASSOCIATION The value of belonging to the Grey Lynn Business Association (GLBA) was no more evident than at our recent networking function held at Tiger Burger in mid April.

Attended by some 20-plus members and non-members, the chatter was quick and the questions thick and fast. Significant concern remains over the next phase of cycle lane developments along Surrey Road, Garnet and Old Mill Roads and down Richmond Road through the West Lynn village and beyond.

It was pleasing to report that work will start on the restoration of the Surrey/Richmond intersection. This traffic hazard jutting out impeding the flow of traffic along Surrey Crescent will be 'reconstructed' commencing 17 April. Originally planned for work to commence in early April AT listened to our concerns and deferred work until the school holidays have commenced. Work should be finished around 1 May. Of course the fundamental issues still remain - how to develop shared space for cyclists, pedestrians, cars and the community to co-exist along cycleways One and Two. There is no answer to this question yet but GLBA has representatives on the Community Liaison Group.

It is very clear many businesses want to be engaged in the next phase of commenting on the technical specifications for redevelopment. AT has assured us there will be a period for comment and it is intended to engage with Association members and represent the collective views. Joining GLBA gives us a critical mass of business views to form substantive and cogent submissions. We are being listened to and will continue to be listened to so long as we make sensible, thoughtful submissions. This occurs when businesses collaborate.

As businesses largely owned and operated by residence in Grey Lynn we are mindful that we must also be mindful of the community and very much reflect the values of Grey Lynn. To help in developing and articulating those values, First Retail New Zealand has been engaged to develop the Grey Lynn Urban Centre strategy. This is the key piece of work which will define the commercial/retail development strategy for the area encompassing Arch Hill, Grey Lynn Village, West Lynn Village and Richmond Rise. All businesses will be invited to participate in developing this strategy and if you are interested in being involved please contact info@GLBA.co.nz.

Work on this project commences in mid May with First Retail New Zealand talking to individuals and groups about their opportunities/

36 PONSONBY NEWS+ May 2018

challenges for vision to get the widest possible perspective on an urban centre strategy.

Members of GLBA have access to a social media network of more than 10,000 contacts within the inner-city area. This follows on with the very successful West Lynn campaign and is part of our valueadd initiative to make it more attractive for business within the GLBA area to gain maximum exposure while simultaneously reducing cost. This is a service provided as an integral part of membership.

Such campaigns can parallel existing campaigns run by individual businesses or can become a business’s primary form of marketing.

The essence of the project is contact re-enforced with a group of customers already engaged and familiar with the Grey Lynn Precinct.

As an extension of this work we are attracted toward running campaigns which are themed. We know for example there are 10-12 galleries within the area defined under the GL Urban strategy and a campaign focused on the uniqueness and individuality of each gallery has some attractions. However, to undertake these activities we need increased collaboration and all galleries on board.

These galleries form part of the distinct and unique nature of GL. There are other opportunities such as a themed organic/natural products campaign; or an owner operator campaign - one thing that distinguishes many of our businesses is that they are run by entrepreneurs.

To be successful each of these initiatives requires engagement and commitment from businesses in the area. Strength and credibility rises as more and more businesses become involved. No one of us has all the answers, each one of us has plenty of questions but by working together we get the best strategies, the best brand development work, the best initiatives, the best urban positioning while still retaining the essential essence, quality and values of our businesses and the community.

GLBA has been going from strength to strength but the reality is if we are going to achieve our potential we need every business engaged and participating. GLBA can be the catalyst and facilitator but we need all of the expertise and energy of businesses in the district to participate, engage and join with us in this very exciting journey. www.glba.co.nz

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

Luke Crockford Real Estate outside the square.

I run a process driven business that gets exceptional results.

Feel free to ask my clients.

Luke Crockford 021 2778 565 luke.crockford@bayleys.co.nz

Bayleys Real Estate Ltd, Ponsonby, Licensed under the REAA 2008

NIKKI KAYE: AUCKLAND CENTRAL MP

Important issues for Auckland Progressing apartment law reform As you may be aware under the previous government we were progressing reform of the Unit Ttitles Act. As the MP for Auckland Central I had spent a good 18 months working with the sector and government to progress a bill that we committed to having in Parliament

by December last year. The Hon Judith Collins and I recently met with the Minister of Housing to discuss a cross-party agreement to ensure changes to the laws around Body Corporates and the Unit Titles Act continue to progress. There are a number of issues involved in the reform such as improving long-term maintenance plans, better dispute resolution and ensuring greater transparency and accessibility of information for buyers of apartments. We understand the importance of progressing these issues.

There will be thousands more apartments and units in Auckland so it crucial that we improve the law to ensure apartment owners have confidence in what they are buying, we have confidence in apartments that are being built and any disputes can be dealt with in a more transparent and faster way.

The Government has said that it may continue the reform I have been progressing but that it may not be able to be progressed until the end of this year. I am working with some sector representatives to try and progress the drafting of a member's bill so we can move quicker on this. I hope to have draft legislation ready within the next two months.

Auckland Tax The Government has recently announced its draft land transport policy statement including an additional nationwide fuel tax, alongside the proposed Land Transport Management (Regional Fuel Tax) Amendment Bill. The regional fuel tax means Aucklanders will be paying twice - up to 11.5 cents more per litre from the regional tax plus another potential 13.8 cents nationally imposed tax. This means a potential 25 cents per litre in total and some families and

Hon Nikki Kaye MP for Auckland Central I regularly work on local issues and meet with constituents.

Please contact my office if you would like to meet with me.

Drop In Constituency Clinic: 48C College Hill, Freemans Bay May 25th 2:00pm

people will be paying hundreds of dollars per year for their commute.

National does not think these additional taxes are fair and we oppose the regional fuel tax. There are multiple boundary issues with implementing it, it collects a small amount of revenue and we don’t think it is fair for Aucklanders to pay twice.

We do understand the importance of investing in public transport and progressing initiatives to reduce congestion. We are also not opposed to considering additional funding mechanisms. We invested in a number of major public transport projects including investing billions in the electrification of rail, the central rail link and bus infrastructure. There is a lot more to do but some of the issues are not about just providing additional funds, they are also about designing a much smarter city to reduce congestion. We will be talking more about our alternative plans for ensuring we continue to get Auckland moving.

The pressure of high living costs in my electorate and other parts of Auckland is already a huge concern for some constituents as well as for businesses. The reality is high fuel taxes will hit some low income families hard.

PARLIAMENT UPDATE Ensuring good quality school reports National believes parents deserve to have quality information on how their children are doing at school. The Government has scrapped National standards which mean we will not have a robust nationwide picture of achievement, restricting the ability of parents to raise issues if they believe their child should be doing better. We will be one of very few countries in the world that does not have a centrally reported picture of nationwide achievement. National supported reporting a broader range of information across the curriculum not just in reading, writing and maths. In fact we actually made a decision to do this last year.

I have started a petition to tell the Government you want schools to provide achievement and progression information that is reported to the ministry to ensure a nationwide picture, alongside more Government investment in online reporting tools. It would be great if you can sign it: https://nikkikaye.national.org.nz/school_and_parents_reporting.

Spokesperson for Sport and Recreation I was delighted to be promoted to the front bench recently and appointed our new spokesperson for Sport and Recreation, alongside the education portfolio, by the Hon Simon Bridges. I am looking forward to working with community groups, schools, clubs and other organisations, including those involved in the high-performance sport area, to ensure we have a more active nation and compete well on the world’s stage. While I see huge synergy with the Education portfolio, sport and recreation should be valued by New Zealanders of all ages. There is huge health benefits to being active at all ages.

I will be briefly at the Commonwealth Games (paid for by myself) to meet with members of the team and the Australian Minister of Sport.

We should be hugely proud of these athletes and their achievements.

Often it is years of work that has culminated in an hour or a couple of hours at an event like the Commonwealth Games. Their perseverance, work ethic and courage in the face of injury or defeat are all values which we should celebrate and support being passed on to young PN New Zealanders. (NIKKI KAYE) F If you have any local or national issues or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact me or my office on 09 378 2088 or send me an email on mp.aucklandcentral@parliament.govt.nz.

Funded by the Parliamentary Service.

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

38 PONSONBY NEWS+ May 2018

Authorised by Hon Nikki Kaye, MP for Auckland Central, 48c College Hill, Freemans Bay.

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

RESTAURANTS, CAFES & BARS

TOKYO CLUB - IZAKAYA DINING BAR To many, Japanese cuisine is a favourite. Tokyo Club is one of the closest representations of ‘Izakaya’ cuisine, as found locally in the Yokocho alleys of Tokyo.

The Japanese specialist chefs produce many a vast array of dishes that you’ll be dining on when visiting urban Japan.

Tokyo Club, in the heart of Ponsonby Central, emulates this big city, laneway dining style. The cuisine is simple, yet of high quality. The service style is casual in a cheerful atmosphere. Our ingredients are sourced throughout the Pacific and Japan. Freshness and sustainability are key to our selections. The menu’s emphasis is on harmony and the passing of the seasons, this is the art of ‘washoku’.

The preservation of Japanese cuisine.

Owner and host Sarasa Shimura has long been part of the Ponsonby dining scene. “The locals love this style of dining. The food is freshly prepared in front of you. It’s simple, healthy and affordable.

Complexity doesn’t mask what’s great about our ingredient selections, and traditional recipes. Locals come in to share experiences of eating and travel.

“I can’t believe the talk about the upcoming events. The Rugby World Cup, then the Tokyo Olympics. Many locals have already visited my beautiful country. Many are planning to make these upcoming events a trip of a life time. Food, travel and friends, it all goes together.

“It’s not uncommon to have the All Blacks front row lining up at the dining bar at Tokyo Club. They love the healthy, lean, proteinbased diet that is prepared freshly in front of them. There are many fun representations of Japanese cuisine, but ours is based on the preservation of a tradition.” F PN

TOYKO CLUB, Ponsonby Central, 4 Brown Street, T: 09 376 8016, www.tokyoclub.co.nz

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

PONSONBY NEWS+ May 2018

39

RESTAURANTS, CAFES & BARS CLASSIC AND MODERN @ AUGUSTUS Augustus Bistro encompasses a modern take on French cuisine with a vibrant wine and cocktail menu within a chic, fine dining environment.

Offering staple French classics such as escargots and onion soup alongside more modern approaches.

Daily specials run ranging from fresh, seasonal oysters to the plat du jour. Beginning the week with Scallop Saint Jacques and concluding it with our slow-cooked Sunday roast; traditional but with a little French flare.

The menu itself is tailored to suit all, even for those maybe not too familiar with French cuisine, and those maybe not to keen on eating a snail. This allows Augustus to cater for both a full dining experience, or a much more relaxed light lunch.

The food at Augustus is the heart and soul. However, not limited to being a one trick pony. A bar this beautiful would be wasted without an outstanding drink selection to accompany it.

The cocktail list shadows the food in a sense, offering traditional drinks with classic French ingredients such as Chartreuse and Suze, but also Augustus’s take on modern cocktails such as The Pornstar Martini, aptly renamed ‘Clara Morgane’. A daily Happy Hour runs between 4pm and 6pm boasting French wine, house beer and a selection of cocktails.

The wine list is predominately French with a smaller selection of New Zealand wines. For anyone maybe not familiar with French wine the highly trained team is available to offer guidance through the wine list, and an opportunity to try something new.

The venue is flexible, it caters to private events, with options available to hire the whole restaurant or as a semi-private area. Large parties, weddings and corporate events are just few of the many ways in which to utilise Augustus Bistro. F PN

AUGUSTUS BISTRO, 1-3 St Marys Road, T: 09 950 4855, www.augustusbistro.co.nz

Above: The Signature Sashimi Platter Below: The Ora King Salmon New Style Sashimi @ Cocoro

Celebrate Mother’s Day Special 4 Course Menu - only $77.70 Available Lunch and Dinner cocoro 56a Brown Street, Ponsonby 09 360 0927 www.cocoro.co.nz

40 PONSONBY NEWS+ May 2018

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

RESTAURANTS, CAFES & BARS AZABU: NEW SEASON NEW MENU Azabu is warming things up with a new menu. Chef Yukio Ozeki, continues to mesmerise with a fresh local menu with Azabu’s signature Nikkei twist.

There’s plenty to talk about with some of the tastiest dishes yet. Try the Grilled Sweet Corn with chilli lime butter and parmesan, or Spicy Wagyu Hanger Beef skewers served with a homemade chimichurri and adobo sauce.

Once again Azabu and Chef Yukio have claimed a right into the culinary awards and nominations and accolades continue to pour in. But don’t take their word for it, book PN today and try for yourself. F

Not only do the new dishes tempt any diner, some of the original menu find their way back due to the popularity vote of the diners. The Soft-Shell Crab Bao is served with Chef Yukios infamous wasabi tartar is not only addictive, but it transports you to the opening months which is hard to believe was over 14 months ago.

New-season, new menu. Bookings hello@azazbuponsonby.co.nz AZABU, 26 Ponsonby Road, www.azabuponsonby.co.nz

@ SABATO Contrary to popular belief, you do not have to stand over a pot stirring constantly to produce delicious, creamy risotto...

Ferron’s rice has been a staple in Italy’s best kitchens for almost a century and is often referred to by name in Italian cook books.

Differing to mass produced rice, Ferron is not highly polished, giving more essential starch and vitamins on the outer part of the grain. It is grown without the use of chemical fertilisers or pesticides and irrigated with spring water full of frogs and carp; which controls pests in a natural, organic way.

In a heavy-based saucepan heat a little oil and sauté the onion and garlic until soft (the ‘soffrito’). Add the rice and stir continuously for about three minutes (‘toasting’). If using wine, add, then let evaporate. Add all the hot stock, stir gently and bring to a simmer.

Cover, turn the heat to low and cook for about 15 minutes. Meanwhile prepare any other ingredients of your choice. Once the rice has cooked, add these ingredients. Season and rest for a few minutes off the heat. Add Parmigiano then ‘mantecare’ - stir the risotto off the heat to release the natural starches which make it creamy.

For added flavour, finish with porcini crema, pesto or a combination of meat and vegetables of your choice. F PN For more recipe ideas and ingredients visit us instore or on our website www.sabato.co.nz SABATO, 57 Normanby Road, Mt Eden, T: 09 630 8751

Sabato stocks two of Ferron’s quality rice; the firm, nutty Carnaroli that remains al dente, and the creamy Vialone Nano that absorbs two and a half times its weight in liquid or stock (making it ideal for a creamier risotto or a delicious rice pudding).

Make risotto easy with Sabato’s Risotto kit; containing Ferron rice and all the ingredients you need to make an authentic and delicious Italian risotto in your own kitchen. Our favourite Ferron recipe is the easy No Stir Risotto, give it a go below: FERRON ‘NO STIR’ RISOTTO - Serves four as a main Extra virgin olive oil (EVO) 1 onion or 2-3 shallots, chopped 1-2 cloves of garlic, chopped (optional) 2 cup Ferron Carnaroli or Vialone Nano risotto rice 4 cups Sabato chicken or vegetable stock, simmering 100ml white wine (optional) Salt and freshly ground black pepper Parmigiano Reggiano, grated

42 PONSONBY NEWS+ May 2018

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

Top 50 Nominee Auckland’s Best Resturants - Metro 2018

NEW SEASON NEW MENU

A GREAT NIGHT IS A LATE NIGHT

P^ k^ pZkfbg` mabg`l ni pbma hnk g^p f^gn' <a^_ Rndbh Hs^db% \hgmbgn^l mh f^lf^kbl^ pbma Z _k^la eh\Ze f^gn pbma :sZ[n l lb`gZmnk^ Gbdd^b mpblm'

Ik^ hk ihlm ]bgg^k% ^gchr hnk l^\k^m li^Zd^Zlr [Zk mn\d^] bg ma^ [Z\d' Khcb ;Zk bl hi^g mbe eZm^ Zg] ma^ i^k_^\m lihm _hk ma^ ÛgZe gb`am\Zi'

MID-WINTER PARTY? >gchr hnk f^gn Zm rhnk ^o^gm' ?khf +) mh *1) `n^lml% mZed mh hnk ^o^gml li^\bZeblml hg ahp p^ \Zg mnkg rhnk b]^Zl bgmh f^fhkZ[e^ ^o^gml' ^o^gml9lZohk`khni'\h'gs )2 20+ )+*1 ppp'lZohk`khni'\h'gs

:sZ[n l hi^gbg` ahnkl Zk^3 P^] & Lngu *+if & EZm^' Fhg & Mn^l u .if & EZm^'

;HHD3 Hgebg^ hk iahg^ )2 & ,+) .+2+ @AZABUPONSONBY

/AZABUPONSONBY | www.azabuPONSONBY.co.nz

RESTAURANTS, CAFES & BARS

SERVING FAST, AFFORDABLE POWER LUNCHES When people you greatly admire appear to be deep in thought, they are probably thinking about lunch.

One of Australia's and New Zealand's well known and respected chefs, Sean Connolly, talks on all things lunch.

Sean's philosophy on great dining is all about bringing people together. He takes pride in offering a relaxed and uncomplicated atmosphere that complements his fresh and honest fare. This flows through both of his Federal Street restaurants in Auckland - Gusto at the Grand and The Grill.

“There’s a renewed vibe and energy in Auckland and we’re feeding that fast city feeling. It’s all about preparation and being ready so we can operate like a machine. I understand how to serve fast lunches.

I’ve been operating in one of the busiest streets in Sydney. We do the power lunch very well, fast and furious as I like to call them. We can turn lunches around in 30-35 minutes. I want to bring that kind of speed and urgency to The Grill and Gusto at the Grand.

“I think there is a perception of expense when you come to high -end restaurants. Whereas, what we’re trying to do now is what the Michelin star restaurants do in France, where you’re just after an affordable lunch so you have the beautiful experience of going to The Grill or Gusto. You can tick the box for coming, but you’re not having to go for the full package that’s going to empty your wallet.

“The lunch menus are now firing, all singing, all dancing. They’re a little bit different compared to our dinner offerings, a bit more fun. The dishes are a lighter option, not as heavy. I think sometimes people go out for lunch then might need to go for a lie down after.

We don’t want people to feel like that after lunching with us. We want people to feel refreshed and refuelled for the day ahead.

“The Grill’s rock in/roll out lunch menu is a testament to this new style of service. Awesome burgers, duck fat fish and chips, braised beef sandwich, crab linguine and a steak Diane (a minute eye fillet steak with a Diane sauce). Can’t forget the salads. Caesar salad moderne and 62° egg, or crispy duck salad. Everything is geared to be fast, fun and

44 PONSONBY NEWS+ May 2018

fresh. Good, well-presented and simple food. Nothing tricky, just great, fresh local produce.

“These lighter options are the key to the success of a good lunch menu. I like to eat clean, simple, healthy food. It’s all about providing people with options.

“Gusto's express lunch menus provide a fantastic shared dining experience for people on the go. Featuring garlic, rosemary pizzetta, bucatini puttanesca, grilled snapper, angus flank with salsa verde, rocket, pear, parmesan salad and even some salted caramel popcorn semifreddo, all aimed to share with friends and family.”

Both The Grill and Gusto at the Grand are part of the Federal Street $49 lunch club, bringing together courses from Federal Street’s award-winning restaurants for one great price. Find out more at PN www.Fedst.co.nz F

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

Free parking for lunch bookings. For details and to book visit Fedst.co.nz.

Join us for a delicious four-course dinner, each accompanied by the best of Astrolabe wine and Sawmill beer.

May the best match win!

Tuesday 22 May 2018, 6.30pm $135 per person Four-course dinner with beverage match To book, phone 09 363 6365 or email enquiries@thesugarclub.co.nz

Each course will be matched by a 90ml pour of wine and a 165ml pour of beer. Host Responsibility limits apply.

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied SKYA10646

DEADLINEE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

PONSONBY NEWS+ May 2018

45

RESTAURANTS, CAFES & BARS @ HUGO’S BISTRO Q: What’s on the menu at Hugo’s Bistro?

Hugo’s is European-style bistro ‘with a twist’, so our dishes incorporate comforting favourites such as beef croquettes and veal schnitzel with green apple and caper slaw. We have an open charcoal grill which gives many of our dishes a unique smoky flavour especially our ‘steak frites’ of aged scotch fillet with charred greens, fries and Cafe de Paris butter.

Q: Does Hugo’s Bistro cater for special events?

We have already hosted events ranging from fashion launches to corporate parties. Hugo’s is a lovely space for smaller, intimate events - long lunches and dinners. Our space is long and narrow, and features beautiful, plush banquette seating.

Q: What distinctive wines are on the wine list?

With a small but eclectic list, each wine we have is distinctive but there are some that deserve special note. The rich, mineral-scented white gotas de mar Godello from Rivas baixas, Spain, is deservedly popular with our clientele. And for something to partner with our unique, smoky meats, local Carmenere from Ransom wines in Matakana has depth and earthy complexity. photography: Anna Kidman

Q: Does Hugo’s have a signature cocktail?

Instead of cocktails we have an amazing menu of (fashionable) spritz.

From the ubiquitous Aperol to our classic 'Hugo' with St Germain and cucumber. F PN

photography: Anna Kidman

HUGO’S BISTRO, 67 Shortland Street, T: 09 320 4387, www.hugosbistro.co.nz

@ ODETTES EATERY Q: What does Odettes Eatery offer for special events?

Odettes Eatery is a lovely venue for larger special events including weddings. We can also host large groups (of up to 40) without the need for exclusive hire. Canape and cocktail events, seated banquets, dance parties - we do them all!

Q: What distinctive wines do you have instore?

We have several gorgeous reds on our succinct list - the lovely 2010 Foxes Island Single Vineyard Pinot Noir (Marlborough), along with a 2011 William Murdoch Merlot/Malbec (Hawke’s Bay) both offer lovely bottle age, and they sit alongside offerings from Chile, France, Spain,

Italy and New Zealand. We also have a dedicated gin list offering local and foreign gins paired with creative garnishes. You are also welcome to byo wine on Tuesday evenings with no corkage charges.

Q: What is Odettes' signature cocktail?

Our cocktail list, developed by our talented GM Lauren Fitzpatrick, highlights classics with an Odettes' twist. Our Honey & Thyme Daiquiri (Roasted Fig Rum, Lime & PX Sherry) is a smooth and rich drink, while the Peruvian Sunset (Pisco, Aperol, Lemon, Thyme, Whites) is bright and herbaceous. The Espresso Martini is elevated with Toasted Coconut Vodka - yum! F PN

ODETTES EATERY, 90 Wellesley Street, T: 09 309 0304, www.odettes.co.nz

46 PONSONBY NEWS+ May 2018

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

PONSONBY NEWS+ May 2018

47

RESTAURANTS, CAFES & BARS

TOK TOK FOR FLAVOURSOME ASIAN FUSION Tok Tok is the kind of restaurant that will have you coming back for more.

When it first launched, it was an undeniable hit for the local dining scene. Their menu offers delicious and well thought through Asian fusion cuisine. The chefs ensure they get wonderful flavours into every dish; they are masters at getting the balance, depth and freshness just right.

The ‘small plates’ menu has a wonderful selection to choose from, and although they are small plates, the servings are generous and reasonably priced. Order one dish or selection of dishes on the menu that includes the Kaffir Lime Chicken, Crispy Beef Buns, or the succulent Lamb Bites.

Equally as tempting are the ‘big plates’ menu. The Vegan Yellow Curry and Grown-up Lamb Green Curry are sure to satisfy the palate of even the most seasoned curry buff. And don’t forget to try The Crispy Hapuka Curry, which was the 2016 Supreme Winner of the Best Dish at Taste of Auckland, as well as the Crispy Half Duck which was the runner up in 2017.

Not only is the food simply amazing, and hard to fault, but the ambience is great too – whether you sit indoors, or outdoors on the patio deck in the comfort of the bench-style seating. The team at Tok Tok prides itself on providing outstanding service, nothing is too much trouble - the mood is always upbeat.

If you are planning a special event, Tok Tok is the place to go. The team will go out of its way to customise a menu for you, or you may prefer to opt for the set menu options. Tok Tok can cater and accommodate for groups of people as small as eight, and as large as 160 guests.

Take the short trip across the bridge to Takapuna because this restaurant is a destination worth heading for! F PN TOK TOK, 129 Hurstmere Road, Takapuna, T: 09 489 3988, E:Toktokkitchen@gmail.com, www.toktok.co.nz

48 PONSONBY NEWS+ May 2018

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

Asian Fusion at its best An ambient dining experience that offers succulent, delicious food to tantalise even the fussiest taste buds.

129 Hurstmere Road, Takapuna

Group Functions - Catering for up to 160 guests.

E: Toktokkitchen@gmail.com

(minimum 8 guests)

www.toktokkitchen.co.nz

T: 09 489 3988

LIZ WHEADON: WINE, GLORIOUS WINE

The Landing - Northland’s shining star Gather a group of passionate wine people in a room and ask them to list the wine regions of New Zealand - they’ll generally start with Marlborough, then meander through the middle of New Zealand and finally head south.

Those with good sense will also get Kumeu and Waiheke in the list, but there’s very little chance that the Bay of Islands will make the list.

After one taste of the wines from The Landing, you’ll not only be looking for another, this taste will leave you keen to know more. The Landing wines are produced from vineyards overlooking Wairoa Bay in Northland. New on the shelves at Glengarry, though the region itself is not all that recent.

It is thought that grapes were first planted there by Samuel Marsden in 1819. Following this, the region around the Purerua Peninsula became integral to the area, the soil perfect for agriculture and the area blessed with marine life. The Landing was founded in 2007, looking to continue this focus.

The Landing is a 9ha vineyard that is managed sustainably - as are the majority of New Zealand wineries. However, it’s not something championed the world over and an impressive feat that we need to talk about more.

This part of Northland is, as you would expect, one of the warmer parts of New Zealand, particularly with regard to grape growing. The vineyard’s proximity to the sea, and the cooling influence it provides, is key to the balance you’ll find in these wines. That, and the gentle slopes chosen for planting the grapes on. This gentle slope and temperate climate has proved suitable for chardonnay and syrah.

The Landing wines are available in all Glengarry stores from this month, including: The Landing Chardonnay From basking in the Northland sun, an abundance of tropical fruits are present alongside stone fruits, peach, nectarine and a lovely hint of citrus. On the fuller side of Chardonnay, 30% was aged in new French oak, giving this a wonderful creamy mouthfeel and a rich nutty finish.

The Landing Syrah The 2014 vintage Landing Syrah is a very dark brooding Syrah, with a concentrated core of black berried fruit and a lovely spicy note. There are beautiful, fine tannins that are well integrated into the deep rich fruit and lead to a lingering finish. (LIZ WHEADON) F PN www.glengarry.co.nz

ST ITH THE BE BLESSED W

B AY O F ISL A N D S THE L ANDING THE L ANDING THE L ANDING

B AY O F I S L ANDS SYRAH 2015

$37.99

B AY O F I S L ANDS CHARDONNAY 2016

$37.99

B AY O F I S L ANDS PINOT GRIS 2017

$22.99

*PR I C ES VA L I D U N TI L 2 7/0 5/2 018 O R W H I L E S TO C KS L AS T.

FINE WINE DELIVERED SINE 1945

50 PONSONBY NEWS+ May 2018

|

W W W . G L E N G A R R Y. C O . N Z

|

P: 0800 733 505

|

E : S A L E S @ G L E N G A R R Y. C O . N Z

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

RESTAURANTS, CAFES & BARS DIDA’S: YOUR LOCAL - RECIPE OF THE MONTH Shaved Cabbage, Fennel and Ham Salad - Serves 4 Ingredients 2½ tsp fennel seeds 400g white cabbage (about ½ cabbage), shaved 1 Spanish onion, thinly sliced 8 thin slices leg ham ½ cup torn flat-leaf parsley 1 tbsp thyme 1 tbsp rosemary 1 tbsp finely chopped chives Sourdough bread, to serve

Cabernet Vinegar Vinaigrette 140ml olive oil 60ml (1/4 cup) cabernet vinegar (if unavailable, use red wine vinegar) 1½ tsp Dijon mustard Method To make the cabernet vinegar vinaigrette, whisk ingredients in a small bowl to combine and season to taste.

Dry-roast fennel seeds in a small frying pan (stir the seeds continuously in a dry pan, medium-high heat, for approximately 30 seconds until they are fragrant). Grind with a mortar and pestle and set aside.

Combine the cabbage, onion, ham, herbs and ground fennel seeds in a large bowl, drizzle with the cabernet vinegar vinaigrette, toss to combine, season to taste and serve with sourdough. F PN DIDA’S, 55 Jervois Road, T: 09 361 6157, www.didas.co.nz

PINOT NOIR FROM AROUND THE WORLD

TANNINS

NOT THE MAINSTREAM

WINTER WHITES

T U E S D AY 1 S T M AY

T U E S D AY 1 5 T H M AY

T U E S D AY 2 9 T H M AY

T U E S D AY 1 2 T H J U N E

WHERE: JERVOIS ROAD CELLAR, 54 JERVOIS RD, PONSONBY | TIME: 6:30 PM | TICKET PRICE: $35.00

WINE LOUNGE

TO BOOK ANY TASTINGS GO ONLINE TO: WWW.GLENGARRYWINES.CO.NZ/TASTINGS EMAIL: SALES@GLENGARRY.CO.NZ, CALL: 09 308 8307 OR COME IN AND ASK OUR FRIENDLY STAFF

+

PONSONBY NEWS JUNE June NEXTfeature: ISSUE

MAINTAINING A HAPPY HEALTHY SUSTAINABLE LIFESTYLE COPY DEADLINE: Sunday 20 MAY PUBLISHED: Friday 1 JUNE The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

PONSONBY NEWS+ May 2018

51

GARY STEEL: VEG FRIENDLY

Vegan oasis We don’t know how lucky we are...

Anyone of a vegetarian or vegan disposition knows just how desperate the food situation can get very quickly when venturing out of Auckland.

Yesterday I met a British couple whose sorry tale reinforced all my prejudices. They’d just travelled up to Cape Reinga and had really struggled to find vegetarian, let alone vegan, food to keep their bellies happy on the tourist trail.

I’ve never been game to indulge in Vietnamese cuisine because it’s notoriously meaty, and as with so many supposedly Thai vegetarian dishes that have fish stock in them, I’m probably overly suspicious of meat-tainted dishes. But because it has a healthy accent and has a section of its menu that’s completely vegan, I’ve more confidence that they’re serious about getting it right.

While there’s a day-time vegetarian cafe of sorts in Maungaturoto on the Kauri Coast and a day-time vegan salad bar in Whangarei, that’s pretty much it. By the time I met them, the British couple were quaking in their boots at the thought that they might find Auckland to be as meat-obsessed as the Far North. Happily, I was able to tell them about the remarkable transformation of Auckland’s inner city, and especially, Ponsonby/Grey Lynn.

Café Viet is a small, relaxed venue with low lighting that feels like a great hideaway. While the vegan menu does feature some ‘fake’ meat, it doesn’t dominate the dishes like it does at the Sunflower Thai vegan restaurant in the CBD. For instance, if you order the Summer Rolls you get a choice of either vegan roast duck or tofu, and yes, there are ‘beef’, ‘chicken’ and ‘prawn’ dishes, but also other options.

It suddenly seems as if our stomping ground is in a rush to become the most vegan-friendly conjoined suburbs in the whole of New Zealand, and given the fact that on the other side of the same city in a suburb like Remuera you’d struggle to find anything resembling plant-based cuisine, it really is remarkable.

The wonderful thing is that when a new vegetarian or vegan restaurant or cafe opens up there doesn’t seem to be much - or any - customer attrition from existing venues, either. I ate at Kokako the other day and found that, to my delight, they were as busy as ever despite the potential lure of that splendiferous vegan cafe, The Butcher’s Son. Another remarkable side effect of this wellspring of vegetarian and vegan activity is that many meat-oriented restaurants are getting inspired to include vegan options, or even separate vegan menus. One such is Café Viet on Surrey Crescent just over the road from Tart vegan bakery and around the corner from The Vegan Shop.

I opted for the Café Viet Vegan Spring Rolls ($13), which were mindblowingly good, and not at all like conventional spring rolls. These were, as the menu describes them, ‘crispy spring rolls filled with taro, mung bean, mushrooms, vermicelli then wrapped again in fresh rice paper, and served with a soy vinaigrette sauce’. These large rolls were both soft and crispy, piquant with herbs and a delight for the senses.

My only problem was how to eat them, as I found them too heavy to pick up with the chopsticks, too sticky to jab a fork into, and too hot for my stubby fingers to manhandle.

Then there was the Kumara Curry Puff Noodle ($18) which again was pleasingly herbaceous and just a great mix of sensual and olfactory delights. Described as ‘rice noodle dressed with coconut sauce, mumin-law’s kumara curry puffs and salad of the day topped off with crushed peanuts’, I filled my tummy to bursting point and left Café Viet feeling certain I would be back. (GARY STEEL) F PN

Gary Steel is an Auckland-based journalist who runs online vegetarian resource www.doctorfeelgood.co.nz.

He can be contacted via beautmusic@gmail.com

52 PONSONBY NEWS+ May 2018

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

RESTAURANTS, CAFES & BARS 5 Fort Lane, CBD T: 09 379 9702 cassiarestaurant.co.nz

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

Vegetarian 100%

CH AL LE NG E

Join in MEAT-FREE MAY! SAFEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s six-week challenge has all the tips, tricks and delicious recipe ideas you need to eat your way to a kinder life.

Challenge yourself this May and make a positive difference for animals, the planet and your health.

FIND OUT MORE AT EATKIND.ORG.NZ

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

PONSONBY NEWS+ May 2018

53

RESTAURANTS, CAFES & BARS ENJOY A PLANT-BASED DINNER WITHOUT THE FUSS The Kai Box founders John and Saskia Mellows' goal is to help people create delicious plant-based meals at home.

Try their new recipes, explore new flavours, and experience the many benefits a vegan lifestyle can bring to you and your family without the fuss.

Each week you will receive all the pre-measured ingredients and recipes you need to cook healthy plant-based meals. All their boxes are free of meat, dairy and eggs. Special requirements? No problem, let them know in their special instructions box when you place your order online.

How did you come up with the idea and name for The Kai Box? “I am a playcentre mum and we often used the word kai with our children when baking (and eating). It was one of the first words I learnt in my introduction to Maori culture and Te Reo. For me the word kai represents wholesomeness and food from the earth,” says Saskia.

What inspired you to make the meals plant based?

“John and I started on our plant-based journey a few years ago and we decided to start a company that would help others to make the transition to a plant based and vegan lifestyle. I was meal planning and experimenting with new recipes for my own family, so we thought we may as well share the knowledge we had gained to help others wanting to eat more plant based since the benefits are really endless.”

Are all your customers vegan?

“Not all our customers are vegan, some are just wanting to reduce the amount of animal

John and Saskia Mellows products that they have in their diet and we encourage that. Others may have dairy allergies or are vegetarian wanting to cut out dairy from their diets.”

Is The Kai Box for everyone?

The Kai Box is definitely for everyone, whether you are a busy parent who just doesn’t have time to plan your meals and shop for the ingredients; or if you are a new vegan and not sure what to eat; or even a vegetarian of 10 years, you may discover some new recipes that you can add to your recipe collection.”

THE KAI BOX, email: sales@thekaibox.co.nz, www.thekaibox.co.nz

Wholefood plant-based meals Delivering fresh ingredients and recipes to your door each week WE PLAN We plan your meals each week with a variety of healthy plant-based recipes

Family Box / Couples Box available

YOU CHOOSE Choose a Family Box or a Couples Box WE DELIVER We source the freshest produce, pack your Kai Box (including the recipes) and deliver it to your door YOU COOK You prepare the ingredients cook and enjoy!

Check out The Kai Box... www.thekaibox.co.nz

54 PONSONBY NEWS+ May 2018

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

RESTAURANTS, CAFES & BARS www.thesurreyhotel.co.nz

Retail, restaurants and recreation all on your doorstep Â&#x2122; Â&#x2122; Â&#x2122; Â&#x2122; Â&#x2122;

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

+

PONSONBY NEWS

It no longer matters if you're in Paris, Prague, Perth or Palmerston North, if you're 'homesick' for PONSONBY, read your monthly dose of Ponsonby News online.

Visit www.ponsonbynews.co.nz to view our e-mag...

Keep up to date with whats happening in Ponsonby!

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

PONSONBY NEWS+ May 2018

55

RESTAURANTS, CAFES & BARS FACES @ GREY LYNN FARMERS MARKET Yvette Brooks from The Red Hot Kiwi Company is easy to spot at the Grey Lynn Farmers Market and not just from her striking red hair. It is the crowd gathered around her, concentrating as they identify salsa flavours in different parts of their mouths, under her expert instruction.

Why the red hair?

I’ve been colouring my hair since I was 13 and it seems to suit me.

So red seemed an obvious element to include in our name - The Red Hot Kiwi Company is meant to be playful. I wanted to use our national mascot, the kiwi, but to make a difference. He's shaggy with feet! I'm the 'red', the salsa is 'hot, kiwi' - we are made in New Zealand, and my darling husband Chris is the 'company'!

What attracted you to salsa?

I have strong nostalgic associations with Mexican food from a trip to San Diego with my nieces. We found an extraordinary Mexican restaurant that was alive with vibrant colours, smells, flavours and sizzling sounds. As we shared this delicious feast, I had an epiphany, “this is what food should be like.”

But why make it a business?

The real push was my beautiful niece, Danielle, who just passed away at the age of 26 from cancer. About two years ago, she was visiting us and found me up to my eyeballs in tomatoes and chillies. She told me she thought I was so brave and how proud of me she was. She is my reason that I make every batch with love, integrity and the finest New Zealand ingredients.

Her motto - and now mine - is: “do what you love,” and I love making salsa and great food that people love to eat.

Why do you sell at Grey Lynn Farmers Market?

I love the community of the market. It is like being part of a family where everyone is interested in seeing each other succeed. I started at Oratia and Melissa (who makes kombucha) kept saying I should come to Grey Lynn. She was right - it is such a good fit for me. It’s great to be surrounded by like-minded people who value to integrity of the ingredients.

Any surprises at the market?

It is amazing how many Americans, Canadians and Latinos have sought us out. They are our biggest critics because they know what

good fresh Mexican salsa should taste like. There was a Mexican girl who tasted my salsa and started crying because it tasted just like her mum’s - it made her homesick.

What is it they like about your salsa?

I think it’s because it's so fresh and ticks so many 'healthy choices', without being dull. We are vegetarian, vegan, paleo, gluten-free and all-round yummy! We use New Zealand ingredients, organic when possible. From our Mild, to our Xtra Hot, our Salsa Verde, or our Chipotle, there is something for everyone, even kids love it.

What does the future hold for you?

I was lucky to be spotted by one of the 'talent scouts' for the Kitchen Project. There was a rigorous interview process and it is such a privilege to be one of the five emerging food businesses that have been accepted into this intensive business mentoring programme.

I intend to make the most of this opportunity. I would love to be the wholesale salsa that all chefs and restaurants use and that every PN household has in their fridge. F www.facebook.com/redhotkiwi, www.glfm.co.nz

At Plume we believe a great meal is not just about the food and wine, we believe it is a complete sensory experience.

Plume, proudly the house of Runner Duck Wines.

Book Now 49a Sharp Road, Matakana

56 PONSONBY NEWS+ May 2018

w. plumerestaurant.co.nz p. 09 422 7915 e. reservations@plumerestaurant.co.nz

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

RESTAURANTS, CAFES & BARS

FREE CONE DAY 2018 IN PONSONBY...

Ben & Jerry’s serves fans fun, flavours and free ice cream on Free Cone Day. In March, Ben & Jerry’s fans marked 10 April on their calendars as the 2018 Ben & Jerry-est day of the year: Free Cone Day! For the past 40 years, Ben & Jerry’s has opened Scoop Shops for one day in April, to dish out free ice cream to fans, thanking them for being so uniquely awesome. The tradition has continued to grow, beginning in Vermont, and now spanning across the globe.

Kiwi fans were invited to Ben & Jerry’s Scoop Shops located in Ponsonby, Hamilton and Wellington to join in on the company’s long-time tradition of thanking fans through delicious ice cream!

"Free Cone Day is a highlight of the Ben & Jerry’s year, and we are stoked that we brought it to even more Kiwis in 2018 with the recent opening of the Sylvia Park, Hamilton and Wellington Scoop Shops,” says Kent Hildred, Ben & Jerry’s Communications Manager.

Ben & Jerry’s advocates for social causes like marriage equality and climate justice, and makes their ice cream in the best way possible, which includes sourcing Fairtrade and non-GMO ingredients all while continuing to deliver on the chunky and funky flavours fans have grown to love and expect. So the biggest question is, which flavour would you have liked on Free Cone Day? F PN www.benjerry.co.nz

+

PONSONBY NEWS JUNE June NEXTfeature: ISSUE

MAINTAINING A HAPPY HEALTHY SUSTAINABLE LIFESTYLE COPY DEADLINE: Sunday 20 MAY PUBLISHED: Friday 1 JUNE

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

PONSONBY NEWS+ May 2018

57

PHIL PARKER: WHOSE WINE IS IT ANYWAY?

Rockin’ the South - wines from Rockburn in Central Otago A Central Otago high-flyer, Rockburn, has done very well with its pinot noir picking up numerous awards.

Rockburn winery owner is Dunedin cardiothoracic surgeon Richard Bunton. The winemaker is former microbiologist Malcolm ReesFrancis who spent four years at Felton Road Wines as assistant winemaker. A very stylish cellar door and winery was opened in 2006, and features a back wall of Central Otago river stones and a long, dark polished wooden waka-shaped tasting room counter.

The wines are available throughout New Zealand and are exported to the UK, US, Australia, Canada, Germany, Sweden, Japan, Southeast Asia and beyond. And also, like Wooing Tree, Rockburn's rosé - Stolen Kiss - has been highly successful.

Rockburn Seven Barrels Pinot Noir 2016 - $97 Spicy aromas, with a bit of tar, wood smoke and black berry compote.

Smoky and savoury flavours of dustiness, with fruity black cherry, plum and a hint of truffle.

Rockburn The Art Central Otago Pinot Noir 2016 - $97 Smells like pot pourri with a hint of gaminess and ripe plum. Rounded, soft and feminine. Floral and subtle with red fruit flavours, cherry and PN liquorice. (PHIL PARKER) F

Rockburn Central Otago Pinot Gris 2016 - $45 Poached pear aromas. A rich and unctuous palate of mandarin citrus, pineapple and ripe pear with a hint of sweetness and an off-dry finish.

Rockburn Central Otago Estate Pinot Noir 2016 - $45 Aromas of dark berry fruit and spicy liquorice. Fruity palate with red and black cherry, rich mocha and supple, silky tannins with a long finish.

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.

HUNGRY & FEELING THIRSTY? We are spoilt for choice!

THERE ARE NOW 254 PLACES IN THE WESTERN BAYS, WHERE YOU CAN EAT, DRINK AND BE MERRY. They are all listed in the Ponsonby Little Black Book... ponsonbynews.co.nz/ponsonby-little-black-book

58 PONSONBY NEWS+ May 2018

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

TINA PLUNKETT: PONSONBY CENTRAL

SOMETHING FOR EVERY MUM Don’t want to do the cliché burnt toast in bed and luke-warm tea? Here are some fun ways to spoil all the different mamas in our lives.

1. Tried and true for a family of four - Eggs Bene, of course Foxtrot Parlour has that, but a couple of other favourites on the menu include Kedgeree Traditional Smoked Fish with soft-poached egg and homemade kasundi or Malaysian Beef Rendang served with shredded pickled cabbage, cucumber, tomato and sesame salad. Or go continental with fresh baking from Little Bread & Butter.

2. Nana and the kids - For those who are sweet enough but can always go sweeter, Crêpes a Go Go will pile on that fresh whipped cream and Nutella. For a savoury option you can enjoy smoked salmon on buckwheat. Or grab a coffee and a cone, or an ice cream sandwich from The Dairy and a coffee from any of our cafes.

1

3. Everyone including the neighbour - Last year, I spent a spectacular Mother’s Day afternoon with friends and whanau at Bedford Soda, sitting at one of their big tables soaking in the winter sun through the windows. There were high chairs for the little ones, beers for the uncles and cocktails for the mums! The menu kept everyone from Master Two through to Nana super happy. It was a huge hit!

2

4. Mama date for two - Chill out in the morning then leave the kids at home with Dad, grab your Mum or Nana and head to Blue Breeze Inn, Go Go Daddy, Chop Chop or Tokyo Club for delicious asian flavours, wines and a fun night. You deserve it.

4

3

5. Ants in your Pants - If you’re the type of family that just can’t keep still, then come grab some fresh bread, avo, cheeses and deli meats or hot chicken and have an adventure - try Coyle Park or one of the Herne Bay beaches for a brisk walk and bite or head to the Winter Gardens in the Domain.

FLOWER POWER.

Ponsonby Central's floral hub, Rose Tinted Flowers, specialises in dreamy, bespoke florals. They're celebrating all Mums this Mother's Day so when you buy a flower subscription for your Mum, they'll give you a bouquet too. Amazing!

Their floral subscriptions are a gift that keeps on giving, Mum will be spoilt well after the hype of Mother’s Day has come and gone. There are 3 sizes, Mini, Midi and Maxi and each bouquet will be tailored to what your Mum loves.

Safe to say pre-orders will be essential, it’s a big day for them, they'll be delivering flowers all around Auckland on May 13th, or you can collect straight from Ponsonby Central on your way to brunch.

Easy peasy.

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

PONSONBY NEWS+ May 2018

59

ROSS THORBY: SEA FEVER

Choosing your ship is more important than choosing your itinerary...

It all started innocently enough... the brochure in the cruise specialist's window proclaimed a week of rollicking fun up to the Pacific Islands from Sydney. All for barely the price of a good night out on the Strip.

And it seemed like a good idea at the time. What could possibly go wrong?

'The Explorer of the Seas' is one of a new generation of mega ships.

I discovered her on the day of embarkation blocking out the sun on Sydney Harbour like a giant nebula star. Her white superstructure soaring above the army of workers scurrying about her base, filling her belly with the needed ingredients for 154,000 meals together with copious amounts of alcohol to provide for her passengers over the coming week.

This ship is massive. At over 1015 feet and 136,000 tons she carries up to 5500 people and is three times the size of the Titanic.

Our cruise turned out to host mainly Australians on a quick post Mardis Gras break, with 600 children (and it’s not even the school holidays) and 200 pole dancers.

Yes, you did read me correctly. That was 200 of Australasia’s finest on a week’s conference and workshop - many of the ship's company were disappointed to learn that there would be no public performances. However, this turned out to be incorrect.

Now this ship is not everyone’s cup of tea, but then she is not trying to appeal to everyone. There is a ship for everybody and, as I have oft said in the past, choosing your ship is more important than choosing your itinerary. This trip was to prove my point.

Complete with its Waverider, basketball and football pitches, ice skating rink, rock climbing wall, mini-golf course, outdoor movie theatre and wedding chapel as well as 10 restaurants and nine bars, this ship’s theme and demographic is definitely party! And for a group get -away, or for a family break, the ship and its crew do what they do very well. It may be a four-star ship, but she gives five-star service.

Not a traditionally designed ship, there is a 120m long promenade running through its interior where you’ll find the shops, cafes and a couple of bars complete with outdoor umbrellas, trees and copious amounts of street-side entertainment running virtually 24 hours a day. A constant cacophony of sound, thrills and spills.

Heat One of the belly flop competition

60 PONSONBY NEWS+ May 2018

We lurched our way out of Sydney harbour, the noise from the bars, and bands enveloping us while most of the revellers who had taken advantage of the 'all you can drink' package barely glanced up from their umbrella-designed cocktails to notice that we had slipped our lines. We headed around Sydney Heads and up the coast, right into the path of Cyclone Hola.

Now this surprised me, because this time, I hadn’t brought my mother along - she seems to attract cyclones whenever we are together on a ship.

Despite the weather closing in for the first few days and our missing out on stopping at Noumea, due to the Captain being barely able to see from the bridge for squalls, the ship barely missed a beat.

We continued to be entertained by the comedians, ice skating shows, Broadway productions, hairy leg competitions, a belly flop competition, (yes, they do exist - they are not a myth) and finally the Sexiest Man Alive competition which, funnily enough, featured some of the contestants from the previous two competitions. There was no mullet or fat shaming here.

On the last night in the wee small hours after investigating the grooving nightclub and the heavily populated theatre, I moved to the upper deck to discover the pole girls and their entourage who had taken over the adult’s pool and bar and were demonstrating their talents. I hasten to add, Mother, that I didn’t watch - well, not, for long anyway. But from what I did see, some of the participants proved to be more strippers than dancers.

For me, the importance of having a balcony this particular trip, was never more evident than in my appreciation of sitting in solitude, watching the azure-blue sea slip past, my feet planted firmly on the balcony railing and a glass of Mr Mumm’s finest within reach. The sound of rollicking laughter and action was masked by the percussion of the ocean waves against the hull below me.

There is no such thing as a bad day at sea, but give me slow and PN elegant over fast and furious any time. (ROSS THORBY) F

Rock climbing - Explorer of the Seas PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

TRAVEL BREAKS: THE NEW THERAPY!

JORDAN - SANDSTORMS AND BAGPIPES I confess, I am a history nerd - selective of course. Ask me about the House of Plantagenet and you would receive a blank stare, but if you want to discuss the impact of the 365 Crete earthquake on the Middle East or the lengths young Johann Ludwig (Jean Louis) Burckhardt went to in his quest to discover the 4th Century BCE capital of the Nabataeans at Petra, I’m your girl.

I lived in the Middle East a while, quite like the food, can understand and speak the language, but until we landed for our last visit, I did not realise I was travelling with a secret weapon, my son. Middle Eastern people, in general, adore kids. Their eyes light up while their usual gregarious and generous natures are amplified tenfold. We were continuously invited home for dinner, offered gifts at every turn, engaged in conversation and if I ever had a problem accessing wifi in the hotel, I learnt unashamedly to send the child, as any and every problem would be sorted immediately.

The mineral-rich waters of the Dead Sea have been attracting visitors all the way back to King Herod and Cleopatra. My son bobbed happily around on top of the water, pretending to read a German newspaper as that was all we could lay our hands on for the obligatory photographs.

The wonderful 6th Century mosaic floor map of Jerusalem and the Holy Land in the Greek Orthodox Church of St George in Madaba was our next stop. The town has one of Jordan’s largest Christian communities and, incidentally, does a great falafel sandwich!

Arriving into Wadi Musa, we thought we would stop at one of two possible locations where Moses supposedly struck a rock with his staff and water flowed forth for thirsty Israelites. The trickle of water inside a simple modern -domed building left us feeling decidedly underwhelmed.

That changed as we got up bright and early the next morning to explore Petra. The ticket includes a horse ride down to the siq, the narrow entrance carved through rock. Fortunately, the gentle creatures are not as wild-eyed as their owners who are keen for lively banter, mainly in pursuit of a big tip.

Humming the Indiana Jones theme tune, my son and I stepped out of the siq as the façade of the Treasury soared above us. We stood agape at the magnificence of it all before spending the rest of the morning creating stories as we explored amphitheatres, caves, tombs, temples and a monastery - all carved from stone.

Travelling with children allows you to see the world in quite a different way.

Suddenly finding gladiators playing the bagpipes at Jerash is not kitsch but fascinating, and being stuck in a sandstorm is not an irritation but an opportunity to stop for ice cream so we can marvel at the power of Mother Nature.

He loved every moment and yes, we have a second selective history nerd in the family as a result. (KATE GOHAR, WORLD JOURNEYS) F PN

TAILOR-MADE TRAVEL Step back in time to the Kingdom of Jordan. Beside the ancient Roman city of Jerash, you’ll experience Wadi Rum, the Dead Sea, Amman’s desert castles, and witness the varied flora and fauna of Dana Nature Reserve. A highlight will be the Rose Red city of Petra.

JORDAN

HISTORY & WILDLIFE The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

9 DAY TOUR from $1,750pp (share twin)

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

DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

PONSONBY NEWS+ May 2018

61

PONSONBY NEWS READERS ARE EVERYWHERE

1

2

3

1. Westmere resident Lauren Emanuel tells us, "Just a shot of me reading the March issue in Chatterbox cafe on the island of KIRIBATI. I have been here 14 months on a VSA assignment supporting improved mental health services. VSA is an iconic New Zealand organisation working in the Pacific to build capacity in developing societies.â&#x20AC;?

2. Local reader Steph Kohlhase tells us, "This is our Australian Labradoodle puppy named Roma reading the latest April Ponsonby news edition on holiday in WHITIANGA. She loves checking out the Ponsonby pets and people section!â&#x20AC;? Thanks Helena and Roma.

3. Ross Thorby is pictured with the 2nd officer on the bridge of the Explorer of the Seas.

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.

62 PONSONBY NEWS+ May 2018

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

“WHERE SHALL WE GO THIS YEAR, JIM?" As a travel broker I often get asked “where shall we go this year, Jim?" - a question that makes me love my job!

I’ve been lucky enough visit 50 countries and in total spent three years of my life on the road. I love sending people to places I know they will love. Booking a flight is one thing but having a well -organised, cost-effective trip with my personal recommendations, tips, tricks, do’s and don’ts is the reason the vast majority of my clients are trusted repeats of many, many years.

Vietnam has come on in leaps and bounds with its unique offerings. Go for stunning beaches, savour incredible street food, bustling markets and hikes or go glam with fabulous cuisine, boutique ‘Indochine’ styled hotels and rooftop cocktails. Vietnam has something for everyone. It’s cheap and I know it like the back of my hand so I can help you tailormake a trip of things you’ll love.

In the past couple of years my favourites, and places I’ve had rave reviews about from my clients, have been many but the stand-outs would have to be Japan, Vietnam and Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka, wow! An alluring melange of Old English Raj-era charm, a touch of Bali and a pinch of India. Truly spectacular unspoilt beaches, misty tea plantations, millennia-old forts, palaces and wildlife, all wrapped up in an area the size of the North Island.

A great spot for families, adventure or relaxing romantic escapes. Sri Lanka is achingly beautiful, like nowhere you’ve ever been.

Japan - what a country - these days easy to get around and affordable. An amazing mix of ‘cyber cities’ and zen tranquillity, astounding natural beauty, incredible food and friendly folk; it’s a bucket list ‘must do’. A safe and fascinatingly diverse country, whether you're a family looking for a soft adventure, a foodie, culture vulture or somebody who loves to see something a little different.

Wherever you’re going, a break to the Islands, a trip to Europe or an adventurous getaway to somewhere new. I'll make your trip truly incredible, personalised and easy with the added benefit of Flight Centre's Lowest Airfare Guarantee... a trip only Jim can do!

JIM CATO-SYMONDS; M: 027-357-5343, E: jim.catosymonds.nz@flightcentre.co.nz, www.flightcentre.co.nz

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

PONSONBY NEWS+ May 2018

63

FASHION + STYLE @ DIAMONDS ON RICHMOND 1

2

3

7 4

5

6 8

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

Morganite & Diamond Ring (9ct rose gold) - $1450 Six Stone Diamond Ring (9ct white gold - $3900 Diamond Bangle (9ct yellow gold) - $4500 Diamond Ring (9ct white gold) - $2500

Diamond Earrings (9ct white gold) - $600 Diamond Tennis Bracelet (available in white or yellow gold) starting from - $1950 Diamond Pendant plus chain (9ct yellow / white gold) - $590 Sapphire & Diamond Pendant plus chain (9ct white gold) - $850

DIAMONDS ON RICHMOND, 98 Richmond Road, Grey Lynn, T: 09 376 9045, www.dor.co.nz

@ ZEBRANO 3

2

5

6

1

4

1. Jelicoe Burnt Out Rose Dress - $277; 2. LaLa Champigion Print Dress - $443; 3. Mela Purdie Velvet Slide - $317; 4. Nineteen46 Grace Sweater - $269; 5. Paula Ryan Collar and Placket Dress - $483; 6. Rebel Wilson Suede trench coat from Zebrano - $273 ZEBRANO, 10 Kingdon Street, Newmarket, T: 09 523 2500, www.zebrano.co.nz

64 PONSONBY NEWS+ May 2018

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

FASHION + STYLE @ CARATS

1

3

2

4

5

1. Gorgeous fully handmade kina featuring 8.25ct of diamonds and 2ct of tsavorites set in 18ct white gold - POA 7 6

2. 18ct white gold diamond and tsavorite kina pendant - $9500 3. Golden kina set with tsavorite (green garnet) - $9200 4. 18ct white gold diamond mini kina - $3695 5. Diamond deluxe kina, set in 18ct white gold - $8250 6. Opening kina dress ring with removable diamond baby kina - POA 7. Mini kina drop earrings set with diamonds - $4695

8

8. 'Colour my heartâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; sapphire, diamond, tsavorite, and yellow/ orange sapphire rings.

All beautifully handmade in store at Carats workshop.

CARATS, 25 Vulcan Lane, Auckland CBD, T: 09 309 5145, www.caratsjewellery.co.nz

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

PONSONBY NEWS+ May 2018

65

FASHION + STYLE @ MAGAZINE DESIGNER CLOTHING

2 1

1.

2.

3.

4.

3

Obi Fleur D'Amour Dress Obi Fleur D'Amour Crop Kimono Studio S Wild Rose 50s Dress Studio S Floral Border Dress

4

MAGAZINE DESIGNER CLOTHING, 4 Byron Avenue, Takapuna, T: 09 488 0406, 937 Mt Eden Road, T: 09 630 5354, www.magazineclothing.co.nz

(09) 376 4402

www.chantalandais.co.nz

128 Jervois Rd, Herne Bay, Auckland 1011, New Zealand

66 PONSONBY NEWS+ May 2018

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

LIVING, THINKING + BEING

PURSUING HER PASSION A chat with Janice Willis, the busy founder of Elderly Assist, Moving Assist and Clutterbusters.

I first met Janice two years ago when I interviewed her for a profile piece on her company Elderly Assist. I was struck immediately by her passion for her work - helping the elderly get through the stressful business of downsizing and moving home.

Nothing has changed and in fact Janice has been so successful pursuing her passion in the Auckland area that she is now expanding into Hamilton and the Bay of Plenty.

"We’ve been established in the Auckland market for six years now," says Janice, "so the next logical step is to move into the regions. My teams work with local staff and managers in these areas doing everything that we do in the Auckland market."

Janice is very proud of her team members - all credit and police checked - who she hand picks for their ethical and compassionate approach to their work.

"I recruit my people based on their temperament and morality," she says. "You can teach people how to pack but you can’t teach ethics and empathy."

On the back of her success with Elderly Assist and with her key teams in place, Janice has also launched two new companies.

"Helping retired people declutter and move is still my core business," says Janice. "But when family and friends of my Elderly Assist clients approached me to work with them, I decided to set up Moving Assist and Clutterbusters."

Moving Assist is for ‘time poor’ people (or those of us who just can’t stand the thought of organising a move) who are not elderly but need someone to help them sort out their belongings, selling those they no longer need (without taking a commission), pack, relocate and unpack in their new home.

"Not everyone is downsizing their possessions in order to move though, says Janice, "some people just need a helping hand to sort themselves

out and this is where Clutterbusters comes in. They might need help with their cluttered home, garage or office overflowing with documents. We provide all the services we do for our Elderly Assist clients; our team members just wear a different uniform!"

All three companies provide a tailor-made, one-stop shop or clients can cherry pick the services they require: decluttering, packing and moving, preparing the home for sale, assistance with the sale, gifting or disposal of belongings, garden maintenance, you name it. Over the years Janice has built up many valuable relationships and add-on services including liaising with lawyers, and assisting with deceased estates, real estate firms, retirement villages, charities, collectors, builders and gardeners.

Says Janice: "Many of my contractors have come to work with me and are now key team members, bringing their expertise to my business."

Another source of pride for Janice is Elderly Assist’s 98% authenticated positive rating on the No Cowboys website, ranked from over 40 reviews.

The glowing testimonials speak volumes about Janice and her team’s compassion and commitment. Writing on the website in February this year, happy customer Owen says: “(Elderly Assist) Did an excellent job and what delightful people, accurate estimates, great care packing.

I can’t praise them enough.”

In between sorting out and moving dozens of people and starting companies, Janice has seen one daughter move to New York, another start her studies at AUT and met and married her husband Nigel. "It’s not all work and no play!" says Janice. "But I do love my job. I couldn’t imagine doing anything else."

Call Janice on 0800 839 874 or visit: www.elderlyassist.co.nz, www.movingassist.co.nz, www.clutterbusters.co.nz Visit for testimonials www.nocowboys.co.nz/businesses/elderly-assist-limited#ratings

Elderly Assist at work

On move day with a customer

Elderly Assist

We are great at:

Moving Assist Our specialities include:

Janice Willis 0800 839 874

www.elderlyassist.co.nz www.movingassist.co.nz The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

• Downsizing and Decluttering • Packing and Moving • Unpacking and layout assistance • Assistance with the sale of furniture and belongings • Estate dispersal

www.clutterbusters.co.nz

We work in the greater Auckland region, Hamilton and Bay of Plenty.

“What ever shape you’re in We will get you sorted”

Call us on 0800 839 873

• Downsizing and decluttering • Working sensitively with hoarders • Helping with difficult decisions • Assistance with the sale and disposal of furniture and belongings • Confidentiality and respect

DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

PONSONBY NEWS+ May 2018

67

LIVING, THINKING + BEING

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

68 PONSONBY NEWS+ May 2018

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

JOHN APPLETON: ON HEALTH

Is there a link between diet and crime and delinquency?

Concerns about our prison population are being reported in the news. We are told that New Zealand has one of the highest rates of incarceration in the developed world, yet politicians can’t decide whether we need to build more prisons or to find ways to reduce the numbers of those being sentenced.

I have a book in my bookcase titled ‘Diet, Crime and Delinquency’ It’s a fascinating account of the strong links between what we eat (or don’t eat) and the way we behave.

Nutritional deficiencies and imbalances can impair brain function and set the stage for criminal behaviour say scientists who have conducted studies that confirm the links.

high copper and low zinc would repeatedly lose their temper (violent reaction) and later feel remorse. The people with low copper and low zinc and high sodium and potassium never had a good day. Walsh found them to be mean and cruel, with oppositional defiant disorder, and they had no remorse.

While most of the ‘talk’ at Government level is about tougher punishments and hiring more police; research is showing that a solution to crime and violence could be found on the dinner plate. These findings are not new and what surprises me is that our politicians continue to ignore this as a realistic option. I have previously suggested that we conduct studies in our prisons and indeed at schools where behavioural problems are of concern. If it was simply about throwing more of our money at the problem we wouldn’t have a problem, would we?

It turned out that the violent kids were found to have been born with a metal metabolism disorder and as a result they had an inability to process minerals. Metallothionein is a protein needed for the absorption of zinc and the violent kids have poor metallothionein in the gut. Subsequently, Dr Walsh analysed 207 patients with behavioural disorders who were treated at the Pfeiffer Treatment centre in Illinois. 92% of assaultive patients who followed their prescribed diet and took supplements improved and 58% completely eliminated this type of behaviour.

Back in the 70s Bill Walsh, a scientist from Argonne National Laboratory in the US, studied mineral levels in the hair of 24 pairs of brothers. In each case one brother was ‘good’ and the other a ‘boy from hell’. The results stunned him. The ‘good’ boys had normal mineral levels but the delinquents had two distinctive patterns. One group had very high copper and very low zinc, sodium and potassium, and the other group had very low zinc and copper and very high sodium and potassium. Interestingly, the troublemakers also had high lead and cadmium levels, three times higher than their well-behaved brothers.

Alexander Schauss, author of ‘Diet, Crime and Delinquency’ says that current environmental exposure to lead is 500 times that experienced by 16th Century man.

A sociology professor Stephen Schoenthaler at California State University also found powerful links between nutrients and behaviour. Originally a skeptic, Schoenthaler concluded that after 20 years of studies, he’s a believer; nutrition has a huge role to play. One study of juvenile delinquents and adult criminals in five US states found that the offenders with the worst behaviour consumed the least vitamins and minerals. In California, prison convicts with up to four nutritional deficiencies were 50% more likely to be involved in serious violent incidents and those with five-nine nutritional deficiencies were 90% more likely to be involved in such incidents.

Walsh decided to extend his research to adults and he found exactly that same patterns in 192 adults half of which were incarcerated criminals and half law abiding adults.

He discovered behavioural traits that matched each mineral pattern. People with very

Behaviour and nutrition clearly go hand in hand. Unless our elected representatives embrace this thinking, it will not only be more of the same, it will get a lot worse.

PN (JOHN APPLETON) F

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

The Accent Is On YOU! Cosmetic Dentistry, Hygienist, Family Dentistry, 1- Hour Crowns.

“So glad I found this dental practice.

Dr Matt and his team were great!

Very professional and friendly.

Thank you guys!” – Thomas C Dr. Matt Sumner

BOOK ONLINE

Visit: bit.ly/bookapptonline

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

PONSONBY NEWS+ May 2018

69

HELENE RAVLICH: LOCAL BEAUTY

Celebrating mums this month (and all year round) Mother’s Day rolls around each year to the sound of eftpos cards swiping and naysayers calling out the commercialisation of the annual tradition.

I say be a hater if you will, but as a mother - and a daughter - I love the chance it gives to honour mums all over the world, as well as those that have passed on. It needn’t be a big-budget affair either just a nod of recognition to your own mum for being there for you or a reward to yourself for another successful year of helping bring up some very special little people.

A gift that I always love to receive is a fabulous body oil, which I think is not only a luxury, but also a necessity. French brand Nuxe’s Huile Prodigieuse (1) is one of my absolute favourites, a marvellous multitasker that can be used as everything from a post-bath moisturiser to nourishing hair oil. It’s a multi-award winner, and is formulated with nourishing vitamin E to rehabilitate stressed skin and maintain its optimal hydration levels, making it perfect for winter in particular. I love that over 98% of the ingredients are nature-derived and Nuxe’s founder - Aliza Jabès - is firm in her belief that plants hold the key to great skin and hair. Suitable for nourishing face, body and hair, the lightweight, heavenly scented blend is made up of six skin-restorative plant oils - borage, St John’s wort, sweet almond, camellia, hazelnut and macadamia. It transforms skin, seals split ends and can even be mixed with your usual moisturiser or foundation to deliver an extra shot of moisture when needed. Hair-wise, it can be sprayed on a natural bristle hairbrush for radiantly shiny hair or used directly on the hair (from a distance of around 20cm) as a pre-shampoo mask. It’s also non-greasy, preservative-free, silicone-free and mineral oil-free, which gets a major thumbs up in my books.

1

2

Lancôme’s La Vie est Belle L’Eclat L’eau de Toilette (2) is the mega beauty brand’s latest fragrance release, and a sparkling twist on the original La Vie est Belle. Sunny and warm, it is the first in the La Vie est Belle family to follow the path of a woody, musky amber fragrance with a touch of vanilla, making it a lovely warming scent for when the temperature drops. The bottle is also incredibly pretty and will sit beautifully on a dresser long after the scent has been well used up.

At the moment I am wearing a fragrance created a little closer to home in the form of the truly enchanting and beguiling Pablo Extrait de Parfum, from Curionoir (3). Also available as a candle (top of my Mother’s Day list), the fragrance was reportedly inspired by a thought-provoking image of the great Pablo Picasso himself. It is fresh, spicy and powdery, with a definitely sexy undertone that will appeal to all sexes. Available from the Curionoir Ponsonby Road flagship store, exclusive boutiques and curionoir.com, it includes notes of lemon, frankincense, Cuban tobacco leaves, freesia, mimosa, coriander, patchouli, aniseed, vanilla absolute and tonka bean. I’ve been wearing this by night whilst the weather has been sticky, but with the downturn in mercury will be pulling it out by day as well, and I definitely have one eye on that beautiful candle for long, snuggly winter nights indoors.

On the subject of fragrance, Jo Malone London is a brand that is always well received in any form, and their bestselling candle fragrances - English Pear & Freesia and Peony & Blush Suede (4) - are welcome in my home at any time of year. Just in time for Mother’s Day, the brand has also released an addictive new Cologne Intense in the form of jasmine sambac and marigold. Heady and opulent.

70 PONSONBY NEWS+ May 2018

3

4

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

HELENE RAVLICH: LOCAL BEAUTY

Jasmine Sambac (5) is the queen of all jasmine, whilst marigold has been added to reportedly capture “the vibrancy of an Indian flower market,” said Mathilde Bijaoui, Master Perfumer. Available right now, I predict that this scent will go on to be an absolute hit for those who like their signature fragrance a little exotic and a lot sexy.

5

Another great pick for those who like their scent a little off the beaten track is Byredo’s cult fragrance, Gyspy Water Eau de Parfum (6). Available locally at Mecca Cosmetica, the vibrant and subtly woody number fuses fresh lemon, pepper and juniper berry extracts with smoky incense and warm amber.

Enchantingly individual without being overpowering, it is the perfect choice if you like light fragrances that aren't floral, and a little bit boho to boot.

Last up, also at Mecca is Diptyque's uber floral candle (7), the delectable and unabashedly feminine Roses. Made in France from a high-quality blend of vegetable and paraffin wax, it has a hand-set cotton wick for the cleanest burn and will envelop any room in the intoxicating scent of freshly picked roses. Yes, it’s a little pricier than the average posy, but it will last longer than flowers any day.

PN (HELENE RAVLICH) F

6

7

ALL NEW PATIENTS

FREE DENTAL

EXAMINATIONS APRIL & MAY ONLY* INCLUDES 2 BITEWING XRAYS

CALL TODAY 3780877 FOR AN APPOINTMENT

LIKE US SO YOU DON’T

MISS OUT ON DEALS

WWW.KEITHNELSON.CO.NZ 378 0877 103 FRANKLIN ROAD FREEMANS BAY

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

*Conditions Apply.

THE DENTAL FAMILY FOR YOUR FAMILY DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

PONSONBY NEWS+ May 2018

71

LIVING, THINKING + BEING

STEPHEN MARR CELEBRATES MAMAS As a team, Stephen Marr has always been in the business of celebrating women, and this month the salon is turning its light on mothers everywhere in the lead up to Mother’s Day on Sunday, 13 May. A stylist at the Ponsonby salon for an incredible 18 years, Kat Derham is mama to Liam (15), Georgia (10) and three-year-old Ivy (pictured).

She says that the experience of being a new mum with her oldest and her youngest were so vastly different, and yet amazing in their own ways.

“I almost feel like Liam and I grew up together,” she says, “and as a result I have a really different relationship with him than I do with the girls.

I’m still mum, but we’re also really good mates.” With the girls, she describes herself as being “more assertive, and most definitely ‘mum’,” and seeing her being photographed with tiny whirlwind Ivy it’s immediately obvious how great a mum she is.

Kat says the best thing about being a mother for her is watching her children grow, “hitting their little milestones and becoming people with their own distinct personalities.” She says that Liam is the best big brother to Georgia and Ivy, and that she loves hearing the girls talk about each other as “best friends, which I hope they will be forever.”

Kat says her biggest challenge is making time for each child, “and recognising their individual needs and honouring them. If I didn’t have an amazing boss who lets me work hours that fit in around my family, I don’t know how I’d do it.”

When it comes to Mother’s Day, Kat laughs when she admits, “I like to really claim the morning as my own!” After a few hours of Kat time, the family will inevitably venture out to hit the park or the beach, “because I really couldn’t celebrate being a mum without them all around.”

To celebrate all of the beautiful mamas out there, Stephen Marr salons are running a promotion, along with luxury partners Huka Lodge and Oribe, offering an Oribe treatment and Blow Wave Experience for $99 (valued at $149) served with glass of champagne throughout the month of May. All those who book will go into the draw to win a night of luxury at Huka Lodge and you can also pick up gift vouchers to treat a mum in your life.

The dream night at Huka Lodge will be in a Junior Lodge Suite for two people, located by the stunning Waikato River. Full country breakfast, pre-dinner drinks and a five-course degustation dinner are included, prepared by the lodge’s talented Executive Chef Paul Froggatt. Transfers to/from Taupo Airport and use of all lodge facilities are included, and the prize will be valid until 30 September 2018 and subject to availability. www.stephenmarr.co.nz

72 PONSONBY NEWS+ May 2018

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

LIVING, THINKING + BEING LOOK GOOD, FEEL GOOD WITH CACI The team at Caci understand - when you look your best, you feel your best.

At Caci, the team will take care of your skin and body concerns such as lines and wrinkles, pigmentation, unwanted hair and stubborn body fat.

With over 40 locations nationwide, including 29 Graham Street in the CBD next to NZME, 342 Ponsonby Road and 53 Davis Crescent in Newmarket. With more than 20 years’ experience, they’ve learnt a lot along the way, including that the best way to get truly long-lasting results is with a tailored plan of treatments.

Caci can customise a treatment plan giving you the best possible results, in a time frame and budget that suits you.

Simply choose from: • Appearance Medicine - Cosmetic injections and dermal filler • Skin Rejuvenation - A range of treatments for fresh, bright and healthy-looking skin.

After discussing your specific skin concerns, the Caci team may recommend: Fractional CO2 Laser, Photo Rejuvenation, or Microneedling (Caci’s newest treatment using the latest electroporation needling pen) along with skin conditioning treatments like Microdermabrasion, Sonophoresis Infusion, Light Therapy and Skin Correcting Facials.

• Body Shaping - Cryolipolysis treatments with Caci’s award-winning ChillSculpt plan.

• Laser Hair Removal - Reduce unwanted hair with laser; a safe and cost-effective, long -term hair removal treatment that achieves lasting results.

When you sign up to any treatment plan at Caci you will enjoy: • A 20% discount on all beauty therapy treatments, such as facials, waxing, lash and brow services.

• Beauty Rewards - Including free facials, eyebrow and lash services, plus you’ll save money.

On a treatment plan you will pay less than you would for individual treatments. Caci also offers an interest-free payment plan, so you can pay off your treatments over time, just like a gym membership.

Your skincare plan doesn’t end at the clinic. Caci are stockists of Murad Skincare and Caci’s own skincare brand Ki. This means that their team of experts can assist you in creating the perfect at-home skincare regime to complement your treatment plan.

Regular treatments have a cumulative effect, helping you achieve real, lasting results. So if you have a particular area of concern you’d like to target, whether it’s pigmentation, lines and wrinkles, unwanted hair, or more - start by booking a free consultation.

Contact the team at your chosen Caci: 29 Graham Street, Auckland CBD, T: 09 366 4401 342 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 360 3333 53 Davis Crescent, Newmarket, T: 09 524 2784 www.caci.co.nz

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

PONSONBY NEWS+ May 2018

73

MEET THE TEACHER Paul Alford, Western Springs College Paul Alford is the newly appointed Leader of Te Kahui Ako o Waitemata and a deputy principal at Nga Puna o Waiorea - Western Springs College.

What is a kahui ako?

Literally, it means 'learning cluster', so it’s a community of learning. Ours brings together the 12 state schools (primary, intermediate and secondary) in our Western Bays area.

It’s really about schools communicating and collaborating effectively to make sure that every local child has a seamless pathway from pre-school to post-school and realises their full potential.

How did our kahui ako start?

Ken Havill, the wonderful late Principal of Nga Puna o Waiorea - Western Spring College, kick-started ours. At our recent launch, I described my childhood memory of being driven through a beautiful avenue of mature trees on the way home from the beach, and my parents explaining that the man who planted it knew that he would never see it full-grown but wanted to create something beautiful for future generations. Ken’s vision is a similar gift to the students he would never meet.

What is special about this kahui ako?

It’s unique because it unites both English-Medium and Maori-Medium pathways. All 12 schools have Te Reo Pakeha pathways, and seven of them also have Te Reo Maori pathways. Ngati Whatua hosting our launch at Orakei Marae was a powerful affirmation of this partnership.

What is it about teaching that excites and interests you?

The glee that students have when they really get something that they have been grappling to understand and watching them then make connections across subject areas or with the wider world. Philosophy is my teaching subject and I love how the connections students make often surprise them - as well as me!

Who is your favourite philosopher?

Easy, the German Philosopher Gadamer. His explanation of how we learn and grow is spot on. He also talks about how the different cultures we come from enable us to make sense of the wider world, change it, and be changed by it.

You have taught in both the UK and New Zealand.

Which system do you prefer?

Definitely the New Zealand system, because of its vision and optimism. It is open to innovation, open to the wider world, and future-focused - it’s not harking back to some broken 19th Century model. Our bicultural tradition also adds real depth and richness to the New Zealand system.

How do you relax?

I grew up in a small village and I love being outdoors - tramping, kayaking, gardening, just being in nature. I also play a lot of badminton and my partner Ateesh and I enjoy theatre.

What is your favourite play?

Medea - it would be great to see an Auckland production of the original play soon, hint hint! F PN

PONSONBY COMMUNITY CENTRE TERM 2 FOR KIDS The Ponsonby Community Centre hosts some fabulous groups offering after school and weekend classes for your children.

Head Held High: Head Held High is a school of confidence! We teach our itinerant Speech and Drama programme in Auckland schools and venues. We are committed to building the confidence, communication skills and creativity of our clients. We love what we do! Our incredibly talented, warm and energetic team are making a positive difference every day. For bookings: www.headheldhigh.co.nz Rudd School of Rock: Rudd School of Rock is an Auckland, New Zealand-based music school specialising in music lessons/tuition and coaching for guitar, drums, bass guitar, keyboard/piano, singing/vocals and ukulele for kids and adults from beginner to advanced levels. For bookings: www.ruddschoolofrock.co.nz French Lessons: Keen for your children to be multi-lingual? Contact Karine Lohner for more information on Karinelohner@hotmail.com or 021 962191

74 PONSONBY NEWS+ May 2018

Ballerina School: Introducing and enriching your child in dance and ballet is a wonderful gift that will last forever. Dance and ballet promotes good posture, body alignment, musical awareness and develops rhythm and co-ordination. Involvement in a dance class allows the student to explore movement, music and creative expression as they learn in a structured environment. There are classes introducing preschool children from 20 months - 5 years of age to the different styles of dance and ballet. For bookings: ballerinaschool.blogspot.co.nz Open for venue hire seven days, Preschool open Monday - Friday, we take ages two-five years. F PN If you would like to join us or would like more information on the role, please contact julie@ponsykids.org.nz or on T: 09 376 0896, www.ponsonbycommunity.org.nz

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

FUTURE GENERATION WHAT’S AGGS ALL ABOUT? Auckland Girls’ Grammar School wants to showcase its recent evolution to Ponsonby parents on Thursday 31 May at its Open Day/ Information Evening.

Since new principal Ngaire Ashmore took over last year, the school has celebrated excellent academic achievements. Level one pass rates rocketed from 78 to 90%, level two from 84 to 94% and level three from 68 to 80%.

And they’re just getting started.

“We want to give students every opportunity to be engaged and challenged in a nurturing environment,” explains Ashmore.

“Open Day is a chance to see what AGGS is about now. It’s seeing the day in action and it’s a time to ask questions of teachers, students and our leadership team.”

Ashmore’s team includes Ponsonby local, Deputy Principal Maree Flannery, and newly appointed Deputy Principal Gavin Morgan.

“I think people locally have no idea of the hidden gem sitting at the bottom of Ponsonby,” says Morgan. “They see girls coming from out of area, but if you’re in Ponsonby I urge you to think about us. We offer absolute commitment to recognising the untapped potential of girls.”

L-R: Gavin Morgan, Ngaire Ashmore & Maree Flannery

Former Black Stick Flannery says they’re also about producing sports champions and celebrating culture, dance and drama.

girl), and women like Professor Innes Asher, former Head of Paediatrics at Auckland University. The list of achievers is enormous.”

“People don’t realise how many AGGS success stories there are,” Flannery explains.

“Netballers Katrina Grant and Kayla Cullen, comedian Rose Matafeo (former head

Meantime, Principal Ashmore invites local parents to experience Auckland Girls’ Grammar School by visiting on Open Day. F PN

AUCKLAND GIRLS’ GRAMMAR SCHOOL, 16 Howe Street, Freemans Bay, T: 09 307 4180, www.aggs.school.nz

OPEN DAY

Thursday 31 May 9∞30am -12∞30pm We invite you to visit our school on Thursday 31 May. Our senior students will lead school tours throughout the morning and our Principal will give short talks at 10.00, 11.00 and 12 noon.

Information Evening – Thursday 31May 6∞30pm - 8∞30pm We will also be holding an Information Evening from 6.30 – 8.30pm. All prospective students for 2019 and their parents are very welcome to attend this evening.

The evening will be particularly useful for those students who are interested in enrolling into Nga Tumanako o Kahurangi, our Maori Whanau Unit.

Auckland Girls’ Grammar School welcomes enrolments from throughout the Auckland region and we hope that you will take this opportunity to find out more about us.

Parking at Gate 2 | 16 Howe Street | Newton

Phone 307 4180 or email enrol@aggs.school.nz to register for Information Evening or for more information

www.aggs.school.co.nz The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

PONSONBY NEWS+ May 2018

75

PONSONBY PEOPLE + THEIR PETS O T T E R HO US E

report card 2 0 1 7

report card 2 0 1 7

name: V i v e k a C a l v e r t

name: B e x W e b s t e r

breed: M i n i S c h n a u z e r

breed: M i n i S c h n a u z e r

age:

10 years

age:

class: l Colehill Cottage

SOCI A L

5 years

PL AY F U L

class: l Colehill Cottage

Overall Behaviour

C A R EFR EE

Overall Behaviour

best achievement

Becoming more social and making new friends.

best achievement

Making a new best friend

needs some work

Working towards more active participation in class activities.

needs some work

Not setting off the classroom choir when her favourite teachers come into the room

core subjects

physical education

social studies

core subjects

physical education

social studies

manners

A

ball & tug

A+

gregarious / outgoing

B

manners

A+

ball & tug

A

gregarious / outgoing

A

attentiveness

A-

chase & wrestle

C+

amiable / charming

A-

attentiveness

A

chase & wrestle

A

amiable / charming

A+

attitude

A

interactive games

B-

reliable / thoughtful

B

attitude

A+

interactive games

A

reliable / thoughtful

A+

best friends

best known f for or

best friends

best known f for or

Fonzie Fairhallcate,Fonzie

That delicious face!

Ted Monk,Bex Webster,Tana Moffat,Vinnie Robb,Jimmy

Being the teacher’s pet.

Fairhallcate,Otto Findlay,Maggie Leng,Bosco Conlan-Bang,Kookie Boomert

Conlan-Bang,Bex Webster,Cyrus Peleti,Arnold Carter,Roxy Nelson,Rudy Wright,Bella Hermon,Leo Maung,Bosco Conlan-Bang,Ralph Webster,Piper Manning,Coco-Bella Beca,Charlie Miller,Toto Cundy,Honey Batchelor,Mo Ross,Fynn Harrison,Nico Woolford,Alfie MacDonnell,Bruno Kuan,Archie Postlewaight

overall comments

overall comments

Viveka is top of the class in the manners department and makes

Bexyboo is top of the class in the manners department and makes

the pawfect teacher’s pet by helping show the younger ones how

the pawfect teacher’s pet by helping show the younger ones how

it’s done. We are so proud of how far she has come and would

it’s done. Whilst still learning to control her vocal excitement

love to see her make even more friends next year. With the best

in certain situations, Bex shows all her classmates how to love

manners and the most lovable loyalty, she is the pawfect student.

life and make the most of everyday!

BARKLE Y MANOR 2 0 1 7 - 1 0 T H Y E A R A N N I V E RS A RY

76 PONSONBY NEWS+ May 2018

BARKLE Y MANOR 2 0 1 7 - 1 0 T H Y E A R A N N I V E RS A RY

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

PONSONBY PEOPLE + THEIR PETS

report card 2 0 1 7

report card 2 0 1 7

name: M a t i l d a M a l c o l m

name: P J M i l l e r

breed: C a i r n T e r r i e r

breed: S c h n a u z e r x B i c h o n F r i s e

age:

4 years

age:

class: l Colehill Cottage

Overall Behaviour

Overall Behaviour

best achievement

Being the player of the match in every game of ball!

best achievement

needs some work

lowering her volume when chatting with her teachers and classmates.

needs some work

core subjects

12 years

class: l Woodbury Park

physical education

social studies

Consistently making an effort to express their excitement in a less verbal manner.

Remaining calm when Aunty Lyndsay leaves the room.

core subjects

physical education

social studies

manners

A

ball & tug

A+

gregarious / outgoing

A

manners

A

ball & tug

B-

gregarious / outgoing

A-

attentiveness

A+

chase & wrestle

A+

amiable / charming

A

attentiveness

A

chase & wrestle

B

amiable / charming

A+

attitude

A+

interactive games

A+

reliable / thoughtful

A

attitude

A+

interactive games

C+

reliable / thoughtful

B+

best friends

best known f for or

best friends

best known f for or

Jessie Gillam,Milo Palmer,Manahau Davis,Jasmine

Using those big brown eyes to

Benji Gowans,Chica

Always having plenty to say!

her advantage.

Jenkins,Lewis Baker,Dukes

Martin,Bella Methven,Alfie White,Eastwood Wallace ,Max Lyon,Aunty Sarah M,Monsta Sellars,George Rassam,Oy Simpson,Aunty Anna,Toby McLean

,Bobbie Bridgwater,Hamish

Haynes,Mac Gillan,Terrance Wynne

Woods,Milly Smale,Charlie Bourke,Dudley Strong

overall comments

overall comments

Matilda is a champion when it comes to ball games. She loves

A real staff favourite, PJ knows how to charm us all with

getting stuck in and always involves some of the shyer kids to

his infectious personality and cheeky grin. While we love the

play. Matilda is so sweet and kind and a great role model to the

exuberance, he is still learning to control his excitement when

younger kids. We enjoy seeing her excitement and love for daycare.

Aunty Lyndsay and Aunty Krista are around. We love his positive

She is a pawfect example of Fantail house member.

attitude and zest for life.

BARKLE Y MANOR 2 0 1 7 - 1 0 T H Y E A R A N N I V E RS A RY

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

BARKLE Y MANOR 2 0 1 7 - 1 0 T H Y E A R A N N I V E RS A RY

DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

PONSONBY NEWS+ May 2018

77

PONSONBY PEOPLE + THEIR PETS

SPCA - JUMP IN JUNE EVENT June 16 will see brave fundraisers jump out of a plane at 12,000 feet to raise money for SPCA animals.

The fundraising event, Jump to the Rescue, is run by SPCA and encourages thrill-seekers to register to skydive, and collect donations from their family and friends. All proceeds go towards SPCA animals who have been abandoned, neglected and abused.

Last year the event raised over $42,000 in Auckland alone. This year the SPCA has teamed up with four skydiving operators across New Zealand, giving potential fundraisers a wider choice on where to skydive - Auckland, Taupo or Canterbury.

How it works: Step 1. Head to www.rnzspca.co.nz to register for the event and create a fundraising page.

Step 2. Ask your friends and family to donate. If you raise over $880, you will jump for free.

Step 3. Head to your chosen jump spot on June 16 and enjoy the ride.

“Jump to the Rescue has raised over $142,000 for the SPCA since its beginning in 2014. This year we’ve expanded the event nationwide and we’re hoping to have more people on board than ever.

“It’s a great opportunity for our supporters to take part in an incredible activity, while raising funds for the SPCA. The event day is a lot of fun and there’s always a really positive atmosphere - we’re there to support our jumpers, and there’s usually an animal around for them to cuddle if they need calming down.” F PN www.rnzspca.co.nz

Andrea Midgen, SPCA CEO, says the annual event is traditionally a huge success.

@ SPCA – PLEASE CAN I COME HOME WITH YOU? Many beautiful animals are looking for a loving and forever home. Adopt an SPCA animal and in return you will be rewarded with a lifetime of unconditional love. www.spcaauckland.org.nz/adopt

Ruby

Izzy

78 PONSONBY NEWS+ May 2018

Cloudy & Storm PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

PONSONBY PEOPLE + PETS

Jump to the Rescue Join us for the adventure of a lifetime!

Join Team SPCA and experience the thrill of skydiving while saving animals in need. Even better, you’ll jump for free when you raise the minimum fundraising target of $880. Make a difference for New Zealand’s animals today!

Register now at rnzspca.org.nz or call 09 256 7312

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

PONSONBY NEWS+ May 2018

79

PONSONBY PROFESSIONALS TOP TIPS FOR FLATTERS AND TENANTS (AND LANDLORDS) At the CAB we deal with heaps of questions from renters and landlords about their rights and obligations.

So we’ve come up with some must-know tips for you.

Tenancy agreements: A tenancy must be covered by a written tenancy agreement. Read your tenancy agreement before you sign it and seek advice if you aren’t sure (you can check it against the Tenancy Services template agreement online or contact your local CAB or tenants’ association). Even if you don’t have a written tenancy agreement covering your rental situation you may still be protected under the Residential Tenancy Act.

Time to bust a move: Is it a periodic or fixed tenancy? If you have a periodic tenancy then you can end the tenancy simply by giving your landlord at least 21 days’ written notice.

Landlords aren’t allowed to require you to get the place professionally cleaned at the end of the tenancy. Even if you sign the agreement anyway, that clause is unenforceable.

With a fixed-term tenancy it’s a lot harder to leave before the end of the specified term. Be aware that if your landlord gives you notice to leave and you then decide to leave earlier, you’ll need to give your landlord notice.

Make sure you and the landlord do a property inspection together at the start of the tenancy - and take photos of the place while you do.

Ask the landlord whether 'P' has been used or manufactured on the property. The landlord should be checking for this between tenancies.

Are you a tenant or a flatmate?

If your name is on the tenancy agreement then as a tenant you have obligations to your landlord (and vice versa) under tenancy law.

If you aren’t named on the tenancy agreement then you are a flatmate and your rights and obligations are to the tenant/s. Those rights and obligations should be recorded in a house-sharing agreement (there’s a template on the Tenancy website). You don’t have rights under the Residential Tenancies Act if you’re just a flatmate.

Bond money: A landlord can ask for a bond that’s the equivalent of up to four weeks’ rent. They must pay your bond to Tenancy Services within 23 working days of receiving it.

Your landlord has to give you 90 days’ written notice if they want you to leave (or 42 days’ notice in certain circumstances, such as a member of the landlord’s family moving in).

If you leave stuff behind when you go, your landlord has to contact you and give you time to retrieve it. If you don’t, the landlord can apply to the Tenancy Tribunal for an order allowing them to dispose of those items (including selling them). If they’ve kept your stuff in storage then they can claim the storage costs from you.

Disputes, disagreements and disagreeableness: The Tenancy Tribunal can settle disputes between landlords and tenants. They can’t help with disputes between flatmates or between flatmate and tenant. For these you have to turn to the Disputes Tribunal. If you stop paying your rent you’ll be in breach of your tenancy agreement, which could lead to eviction. Keep copies of all communications with your landlord. F PN For more information please contact your local CAB at 510 Richmond Road, T: 09 376 0392, E: ponsonby@cab.org.nz

Alternatively, the tenant can lodge the bond with Tenancy Services online.

At the end of the tenancy, the tenant/s and landlord must sign a bond refund form and send it to Tenancy Services, before the bond money can be returned (minus any deductions for damage to the property).

The people named on the tenancy agreement are the only ones who can get their bond back from Tenancy Services.

Who pays for the water?

If the property has a separate water meter, the water is supplied on a metered basis and the charges can be exclusively attributed to your living on the property, then you (the tenant) have to pay the water supply bills. Usually you pay the landlord and the landlord pays the water supply company.

Look after your digs: Treat the property with respect. Also, be nice to your neighbours.

If it’s broke, tell the landlord: Tell your landlord as soon as possible about any necessary repairs or maintenance. Who pays for the repair depends on who caused the damage.

You have to allow a reasonable amount of time for the repairs to be carried out, but if you think it’s taking far too long you can give your landlord a 14-day notice to remedy.

Your FIRST

CALL for a wide range of free,

up to date and confidential information about: • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Consumer rights Budgeting Legal clinics Employment rights Justice of the Peace Health & welfare issues House & tenancy issues Unemployment problems Education & training Personal & family issues Immigration needs Local & general information Photocopying & faxing

Citizens Advice Bureau The landlord comes a-calling: Your landlord must give 48 hours’ advance notice if they want to inspect the property. If they want to enter to carry out repairs they have to give you at least 24 hours’ notice.

80 PONSONBY NEWS+ May 2018

0800 FOR CAB or 09 376 0392 510 Richmond Road, Grey Lynn www.cab.org.nz

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

PONSONBY PONSONBYPROFESSIONALS: PROFESSIONALS: LOGAN LOGANGRANGER GRANGER

Bright-line Test Extension The bright-line period will be extended from two to five years. The five-year test applies if a person acquires a first interest in residential area on or after 29 March 2018.

IRD states this is generally the date a binding (ie, unconditional) sale and purchase agreement is signed and executed by both parties. Hence, those with binding sale and purchase agreements before 29 March, but settling after that date, should only be subject to the two-year year rule. This extension will capture more people (some unaware) than the current rule has.

Also, officials released the consultation document on restriction residential rental tax losses (ie, “ring-fencing”). It is proposed to apply from the 2019-20 financial year; rental losses will only be applicable to offset the gains or taxable sales of the property.

Special rules are proposed to deny investors interest deductions where a company, trust or partnership holds the residential rental property. Submissions on the rental loss ring-fencing proposal are requested by 11 May. One key concept of the bright-line test is that it applies regardless of the reasons for sale. If the property is sold within the bright-line period, meets the definition of residential land and does not qualify for the main home exclusion, the gain will be taxable or the loss ring-fenced regardless of the surrounding reasons for the sale.

Meaning of residential land The bright-line test only applies to a disposal of residential land. Residential land is land that has a dwelling on it or an arrangement that relates to erecting a dwelling, or bare land that may be used for erecting a dwelling under rules in the relevant operative district plan. However, it does not include land that is predominately used as a business premises or farm land.

The exclusion for business premises is not defined but will cover most types of commercial buildings, however care will still be needed if there is a dwelling above or attached to the business premises.

The farmland exclusion applies to land that is being worked on in the farming or agricultural business of the land’s owner or because of its area or nature is capable of being worked as a farming or agricultural business as an 'economic unit'.

Exclusions a) Main home exclusion There is one key exclusion from the rules where a home has been predominantly used as the main home of the person or if the property is owned by a trust it is the main home of the principal settlor of the trust. b) Inherit land and on-selling The bright-line test does not apply to the sale of land by an executor of an estate or on disposal by a beneficiary of an estate. It also does not apply when land is transferred pursuant to a relationship property agreement. c) Sale of shares There is an anti-avoidance provision to prevent a person selling shares in a company that owns residential land or a trust changing its deed with the 'purpose or effect of defeating the intent of application of the bright-line' test. (LOGAN GRANGER) F PN 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

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

PONSONBY NEWS+ May 2018

81

PONSONBY PROFESSIONALS: METROLAW Got a legal question? Ask michael@metrolaw.co.nz

Q:

I have been refused a loan because of a default that is showing on my credit report. I think this was disputed and from years ago, is there anything that I can do about it?

John, Westmere

Thanks for your question. The credit ratings are done by private credit reporting companies which access public information such as the Government insolvency website www.insolvency.govt.nz/ and the courts as well as information from private companies, including banks that use their services both to credit check and note defaults.

A:

For some reason several clients that I have dealt with have bad credit from failing to return video cassettes which snowballed into a judgment against them.

The Government provides useful information about credit records and your rights as a consumer in several different places, some useful sites include the following: www.govt.nz/browse/consumer-rights-and-complaints/ debt-and-credit-records/check-your-own-credit-report/

Your rights against the credit reporting agencies are mainly provided for under the Privacy Act. This gives you the right to apply for a copy of your own credit check from any (and all) of the credit reporting companies. If any of that information is wrong then you can apply to them to have that information corrected.

The following credit reporters operate in New Zealand: • Equifax • Dun and Bradstreet • Centrix If you need to correct information on a credit report, make sure you contact all three.

From their websites you can find how to get a copy of your own credit report, this is usually free unless you want it in a hurry in which case they can charge you. You should also be able to find information on how to apply to correct any information that is wrong. Where that information has come from a private company then you will usually need to engage with that company so that they support your application to correct information held by the credit reporting company.

www.sorted.org.nz/guides/credit-reports

Let me know how you get on and if you need any help.

(MICHAEL HEMPHILL) F PN

www.privacy.org.nz/the-privacy-act-and-codes/codes-ofpractice/credit-reporting-privacy-code/

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

82 PONSONBY NEWS+ May 2018

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

PONSONBY PROFESSIONALS: HANNAH McQUEEN

Wealth strategy or spending strategy?

The apparent failings of millennials and their predilection for instant gratification and smashed avocado are often traversed topics. What we don’t often talk about is, where their parents might be letting them down.

I don’t mean failing to teach them their times tables or to use their manners. I mean the failure to teach kids to be financially independent - a situation which can result in both parties’ financial futures suffering.

Adult children who aren’t paying their own way in the world, or really adulting all that well in general, are one of the biggest factors holding my clients back from saving for retirement.

them ahead any faster. The easier and cheaper living arrangements simply give them more time and money to spend on themselves, not their future.

If you have an adult child living at home you need to seriously consider: is this situation their wealth strategy or spending strategy?

Are they getting ahead with your help or getting comfortable thanks to your help? Would tough love be more effective than a cash injection?

According to the 2013 census, (the latest available data) 150,000 young adults aged 20-34 live at home, up almost 30% since 2001.

Research by Rabobank a few years back found children expect to leave home around the age of 27.

I am a firm believer that if they’re living at home they need to be paying board - and no, $50 a week will not do - respect them enough to charge them for their living costs. Some parents have a hard time accepting money from their children, but my advice is to take it - it’s a lesson about the costs of the real world. What you do with it after that is up to you. If you want to squirrel it away to give back to them in a lump sum later, fine, but impose the discipline of paying your way first.

In the US, the data is more up to date and even starker. Research by the Pew Research Centre found more Americans aged 18-34 live with their parents than in any other living situation - like flatting or living with a spouse.

Obviously, there are some circumstances where your kids need to use you as a safety net, but don’t let them confuse you for a hammock.

Unemployed adult children need to be actively looking for work and contributing what they can to the household costs.

Some adult children are undoubtedly living at home to save for a deposit for a house of their own, and we know that’s a more onerous task than ever. However, in my experience of observing adult kids living at home, they’re there much longer, but it’s not getting

You need to make sure your kids are working as hard to get ahead as you are to help them or you put both parties’ financial futures at risk.

(HANNAH McQUEEN) F PN

Boomerang kids, KIPPERS, failure to launch - call it what you like, there’s no doubt it’s a growing phenomenon.

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

www.enableme.co.nz

DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

PONSONBY NEWS+ May 2018

83

OUT + ABOUT

The start of the march

Outside the Grey Lynn RSC

Steve Spencer of Grey Lynn RSC committee

Rev. Mua Strickson-Pua

Helen White, New Zealand Labour Party

Pippa Coom, Waitemata Local Board

A pupil from St Pauls College

ANZAC DAY SERVICE @ GREY LYNN RSC - WEDNESDAY 25 APRIL

AS COOL AS IT GETS The Springs is a boutique development of 10 luxury townhouses on a prominent corner site in Grey Lynn.

Located across the road from the beautiful Western Springs park, your new home will be at the epicentre of everything you enjoy.

With architecture by Gel Architects and interiors by Yellowfox, these stunning townhouses are as cool as the trendy suburbs surrounding them. Featuring large modern interiors, quality materials and fittings and unobstructed park views, this development is your opportunity to purchase the perfect home in the perfect location.

Gel Architects has delivered a dynamic design for this townhouse development. The modern form is marked by contrasting light and dark cladding with a feature gold paint.

Each unit is clearly defined by the change in roofline, a play of horizontal and vertical louvres in the faรงade and a subtle stepping in floor plan and elevation.

The design makes the most of the long site with large, open-plan living areas opening out to west-facing balconies with views of the park. The entries are located off the Bullock Track, whereas the double internal garages are accessed via a shared driveway from Great North Road. Yellowfox has crafted beautiful bespoke interiors with a modern edge to fit the stunning exterior.

All the units have spacious layouts with timber floors running throughout the kitchen and living. The master bedrooms have an ensuite and walk-in wardrobe and feature large picture windows looking out to the park with louvres for privacy. The Type A units include multi-purpose rooms that can function as bedroom, media room, den or gym.

The generous modern kitchens feature stone benchtops and European appliances. The full height cabinetry, minimal handles and under-bench feature lighting create a slick contemporary look to complement the functional design. In every way, these are executive homes made for modern luxury living, with three, four and five-bedroom options.

Richard White and Julie Davies of Harcourts invite you to attend the launch day at 1 Bullock Track, Saturday 12 May 12 noon - 3.00pm.

Visit www.springsgreylynn.co.nz to register your interest today.

84 PONSONBY NEWS+ May 2018

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS

@ DAWSON & CO - NEW SEASON LIGHTING 1. Globe Pendant by Timothy Oulton - $1176 Inspired by a vintage 1950s holophane streetlight from Tim's personal collection, the Globe pendant reinterprets European industrial lighting into a more refined piece for the home.

2

2. Bark Square Pendant by Timothy Oulton - $4879 The elegant geometry of Art Deco meets the soothing tones of nature in the Bark pendant. 261 hand-polished prisms of cast glass are textured with a rippled tree bark effect, arranged in stepped concentric rows and anchored by a matt brass frame. A softer, subtler take on glamour for a more laid-back, natural feel.

3. Night Rod Table Lamp by Timothy Oulton - $1839 The glamorous Night Rod collection offers dramatic lighting for elegant urban spaces. Long prisms of optical grade glass are held tightly together in a staggered effect, within a skeleton of either plated bronze or natural metal.

1 3

4. Elysium Ball Pendant by Timothy Oulton from $2679 The love of precious stones is deeply ingrained in the human heart, an ancient beauty that remains untouched and constant. The Elysium Ball is exquisitely and painstakingly handcrafted from a halo of natural rock crystal.

4

DAWSON & CO, 115 The Strand, Parnell and 38 Constellation Drive, Rosedale, T: 09 476 1121, www.dawsonandco.nz

;;r 1oÂ&#x152;Â&#x2039; |_bv Â&#x2030;bm|;u Â&#x2030;b|_ |_; Ń´-|;v| 7;vb]mv bm ]-v -m7 Â&#x2030;oo7 Cu;vÄş EW N

o| 7;-Ń´v |_bv lom|_ om Cu; Ĺ&#x; YÂ&#x2020;; r-1h-];vÄş

mv|-Ń´Ń´-ŕŚ&#x17E;om v;uÂ&#x2C6;b1;v -Â&#x2C6;-bŃ´-0Ń´;Äş

(bvb| oÂ&#x2020;u v_oÂ&#x2030;uool |o v;; -Ń´Ń´ oÂ&#x2020;u _;-ŕŚ&#x17E;m] 0u-m7vÄş ;Â&#x2030; ,;-Ń´-m7Ä˝v lov| ;L1b;m| Â&#x2020;Ń´|u- Ń´oÂ&#x2030; ;lbvvbom 0Â&#x2020;um;u

79% EFFICIENCY

UL200 The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

seasons BBQ SPA HEAT PATIO

4Seasons | BBQ SPA HEAT PATIO Ć?Ĺ&#x2020;Ć?Ć&#x201C; bmh ubÂ&#x2C6;;ġ )-bu-Â&#x2020; -uhġ ou|_ "_ou; Ć?Ć&#x2013; Ć&#x201C;Ć&#x201C;Ć? Ć&#x2013;Ć&#x2018;Ć&#x201C;Ć&#x201C; Ĺ&#x2021; Ć&#x201C;v;-vomvÄş1oÄşmÂ&#x152; mou|_v_ou;Ĺ Ć&#x201C;v;-vomvÄş1oÄşmÂ&#x152; DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

ur YoHEATING

EXPERTS

4seasons.co.nz

PONSONBY NEWS+ May 2018

85

HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS

REST IN PEACE - COLIN MEO 23 MARCH 1950 - 23 MARCH 2018 My colleague Jo Barrett and I enjoyed our time working at Meo Realty in 2002/03. I'd first met Colin Meo while buying a house on Crummer Road through Karen Spires back in 2001.

Karen had met Colin at a First National Conference in Christchurch back in 1991, where they all stayed at the Grand Chancellor, which has now been demolished following the Christchurch earthquakes.

Karen tells us how she was very impressed with Colin's auction presentation. “I thought that taking a property to auction was a fantastic idea. It really was a new way of selling back then.

“On the way home in the plane, I asked Colin if he had a job for me in his No.1 Samuel Vaile Ponsonby office. He told me he would love to have me as his newbie salesperson. So there began my stellar real estate career, all thanks to Colin Meo. “I always say that my work life began the day I joined Colin's team. And what a ride it was. Colin taught me everything I know about how to sell to a house. He was the master and I will miss his larger-than-life personality. I will never forget Colin, and will always be thankful to him and his expert training, his outstanding leadership and his friendship throughout the time. I was lucky to know and love him.”

From his initial foray into Ponsonby with Beltons in the mid 80s, Colin Meo was a pioneer of sorts. Sick of seeing properties turned over two, three or four times in one day, he oversaw a significant change to the way property was sold. In no small way, Colin spearheaded the auctioning of property, so that it became the option of choice in these tightly held inner suburbs.

As the suburbs’ desirability took an enormous upward swing, Meo’s mantra was always that the sellers deserved to have people competing for their keys and that any property sold without competitive factors at work was potentially undersold.

My colleague Jo Barrett first met Colin Meo in 1991. She was selling real estate from the Samuel Vaile First National office in Dominion Road, Mt Eden.

Jo tells us, “Colin and Geraldine ran the Samuel Vaile First National Ponsonby office.

“Years later in 2002, I answered a Situations Vacant ad which was headed up ‘Can you sell Ponsonby Villas’ or words to that affect. I was told the opportunity was with Meo Realty and that Colin Meo would be interviewing me.

“At the interview, with his infectious smile, he looked at me and said, 'Jo, you did well in Mt Eden... you can sell a villa in Ponsonby!'.

“Colin was a huge personality. He mentored us on how to be the best we could be. I was always so grateful for his support and his positive approach to life was an inspiration. To Colin’s family, I extend my heart-felt sympathy - he will be missed.”

Auctioneer Mark Sumich worked alongside Colin for decades and told Ponsonby News, “Colin developed an upmarket auction room in his own Meo Realty office on the corner of Ponsonby Road and Pompallier Terrace, then later in Blake Street. From these premises he dominated the local scene in the 90s, with a series of high-quality agents and an atmosphere second to none.

“There was never a dull moment as six or eight properties went under the hammer most Wednesday evenings. Colin’s unwavering belief in the process saw him lead the way in upbeat marketing campaigns and a hands-on approach to every sale. He had high expectations of his agents, teaching savvy negotiating skills straight out of Tom Hopkins’ top drawer.

“His legacy sees many people better off for his expertise. As someone who worked alongside him for many years, he is sorely missed. However PN that utter belief in himself, a low tolerance of twits and his wry chuckle, will always be his personal hallmarks.” (MARTIN LEACH) F

Colin Meo had two real passions - holidaying in Positano on the Amalfi Coast & food - he was a charming host and loved being in the kitchen

86 PONSONBY NEWS+ May 2018

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS

MOVING OUT SALE @ ZIMBA Zimba, a homeware wholesaler of international brands Cuisipro, Kasumi knives, Nel Lusso has, for 15 years, been located behind Victoria Park Market on Centre Street.

END OF LEASE

CLEARANCE 18 CENTRE STREET, behind Vic Park Market 10am - 3.30pm

During that time, Carla Romeril and her team have occasionally opened the doors as a pop-up OUTLET (formally Rhubarb Outlet) to move out old stock and samples. This time they are opening the doors for the last time as they are moving out.

Carla says, â&#x20AC;&#x153;All stock must go at bargain prices as we really donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to pack it all up and take it with us, so there will be some real bargains just in time for Motherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day!" The doors will open daily from Monday 8 May and close Saturday 12 May, 10am - 3.30pm. Eftpos and credit cards welcome. F PN ZIMBA, 18 Centre Street, www.zimba.co.nz

Cash, credit cards and eftpos Starting Tuesday 8th MAY - Saturday 12th May

UP TO 80% OFF

1 2

www.zimba.co.nz 1. Woodland Cushions 2. Server Set with bag 3. Shifu Round Block

3

A very approachable property expert with over 26 years in Auckland Real Estate

2017 TOP Salesperson Barfoot & Thompson, Grey Lynn branch Year ending 31 March 2017

Over 26 years selling Auckland real estate has awarded Repeka a substantial knowledge base and 26 years of shining testimony

027 499 0855 I r.lelaulu@barfoot.co.nz

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

PONSONBY NEWS+ May 2018

87

HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS

@ ROSE & HEATHER

2

1 3

1. Rose & Heather Refurbishment Service. Change your colour, change the handles. This five-drawer - $1210; 2. Trenail personal desk 75 x 150, depth 65cm 3. Media cabinets in all ranges from $3380 ROSE & HEATHER, 406 Great North Road, T: 09 376 2895, www.roseandheather.com

At Rose and Heather we make the pieces you want to come home to..

THE NEWPORT BED

406 Great North Rd | Grey Lynn | t: 09 3762895 www.roseandheather.co.nz

88 PONSONBY NEWS+ May 2018

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS

@ FREEDOM 1. Freedom Furniture Cancun Coffee Table 2-drawer - $799 The Cancun Table is home to freshly brewed coffee and must-read books. Its white -wash timber creates a versatile furniture piece for almost every home interior.

2. Freedom Furniture Bijou Wall Hanging - $159 When Bohemian meets coastal, the Bijou Wall Hanging is created. Adorn a blank wall with this statement living piece.

3. Freedom Furniture Twisted Floor Lamp - $329 Collecting beach treasures is a bach essential: pieces of driftwood are handcrafted into this coastal-inspired floor lamp.

2

4. Palm Springs Chair in Alma White - $699 Take a break in Palm Springs. Framed from solid oak timber and designed with a lowprofile seat, this chair suits a relaxed, laid back interior.

3

1

4

Shop the collection 24/7 at www.freedomfurniture.co.nz or head into your local Newmarket, Sylvia Park, Westgate, Wairau Park or Albany store.

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

PONSONBY NEWS+ May 2018

89

HEIDI PADAIN: ENTERTAINMENT IN YOUR GARDEN There’s a manuka tree that slightly overhangs the rail on one side of our deck.

This manuka tree is a gateway tree of sorts. It’s the tree where most birds land. They then make their way onto the rail where we have a large dish of water and three feeding stations. This tree is stunning in the summer months, the tiny white flowers emit a sweet fragrance that attracts native honeybees, and the bees from our neighbour’s hives.

Our manuka tree has weathered many a storm over the years and has started to look increasingly sparse and unsightly. However, nothing could have prepared me for the significant damage recently caused by a storm with no name.

On the night of Tuesday 10 April, the wind lashed viciously through our property. Several branches of our pohutukawa tree were snapped off, but the manuka tree fared the worst. The tree was smashed so hard that only two branches have any foliage remaining. The rest of the tree has been reduced to a jagged row of snapped, split spikes.

The following morning, in the clear light of day, the manuka tree looked awful. The day before, I had seen five tui birds bouncing around in this tree like mischievous monkeys. As I surveyed the damage, I began to worry that the birds would stop coming.

Never one to disappoint, King Tui, our resident male tui, swooped in, clutched onto a remaining branch and proceeded to sing very

loudly. Presumably, he was staging a protest about the sudden modifications to his territory. His outrage attracted another male tui to the scene. This newcomer was his equivalent in size and attitude.

It was apparent to me that a battle would ensue, and it surely did.

They fought very noisily in the remainder of the manuka tree. The only positive was that I no longer had foliage in the foreground of my shots, so I was able to capture some stunning images of these two beautiful birds.

At the time of writing this, 10 days have passed and the brawling hasn't ceased. King Tui has begun exploring how best to expand on his territory and is spending a great of his time bouncing around in the middle of the deck on our furniture.

It seems to me that I need to hire a creative arborist to turn my manuka tree into a jungle gym and, if that other male tui hangs around for much longer, I am going to give him a name. I think I will PN name him Storm. (HEIDI PADAIN) F 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.

90 PONSONBY NEWS+ May 2018

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS

The big ecostore Autumn sale has arrived!

Visit our Freemans Bay ecostore shop between 15th and 31st May, 2018 for amazing deals. Everything is on sale, up to 20% off all ecostore items, including refills, bulk sizes, personal care gift sets, and more.

Up to 25% off all other products!

up to

off

everything

Shop hours: Mon-Fri 10am-6pm Sat-Sun 10am-5pm Public holidays: 11am-4pm

Visit our store: 1 Scotland St, Freemans Bay. (Opposite New World, Victoria Park)

Successfully Selling Brilliant Homes In Your Neighbourhood FOR SALE BY AUCTION 1 2 1 5/29 Hamilton Road, Herne Bay - Ref: 756167

1

• Character 1960’s upstairs unit with fantastic views of the water through to the Harbour Bridge.

• This end unit has west facing windows for maximum sun, natural light and warmth all day long.

• Beautifully renovated throughout to a very high standard.

• Set on 2086m2 park like grounds.

• Owner has bought so short notice 2 week auction.

FOR SALE BY NEGOTIATION 1 2 1 1 2/29 Hamilton Road, Herne Bay - Ref: 755126 • 1960’s north facing unit in a block of only eight • Generous sized open plan living with full length balcony.

• Set in park like grounds with an outlook of mature trees and marble statue.

• Owner of 17 years cashing up and wants this sold.

12 Edgars Road, Westmere

7 Warwick Avenue, Westmere

44 Selbourne Street, Grey Lynn

24 Lawrence Street, Herne Bay

Felicity Scott BBS | Residential Sales M 0274 522 241 B 09 376 3039 E f.scott@barfoot.co.nz | barfoot.co.nz/f.scott The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

PONSONBY NEWS+ May 2018

91

HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS

A DREAM URBAN LIFESTYLE Renew, respect, love - a philosophy for living that builds on the past. The concept of the Fletcher Living site at Three Kings is founded on respect for Te Tatua-a-Riukiuta (Big King) as a spiritual and physical landmark.

Urban design has been carefully considered to incorporate multiple vistas of Big King.

Street level views and improved access will restore Big King’s position as a key feature of Auckland, and by doing so give the site a strong sense of location and connection with the wider city.

Situated in the heart of Three Kings, the Fletcher Living development offers access to nearby amenities: Three Kings School, shops and services and public transport.

Essentially, a 'village within a city' created by integrating retail, recreational and residential spaces.

Today’s homes need to be designed around modern, busy lifestyles. Versatility of space and a variety of home styles are key to creating a desirable neighbourhood. “We believe we have achieved the right balance of homes and the right blend of private and shared spaces at Three Kings.”

The newly released Obsidian Apartments offer a dream urban lifestyle close to the city.

Obsidian is the second stage of Fletcher Living’s Three Kings development, featuring 59 apartments selling off-plan. A DKO designed build, this vibrant, emerging development caters to different lifestyles and stages, with one, two and three-bedroom apartment options available to purchase now.

The apartments provide a choice of flexible living spaces, a storage locker and most - other than eight, one-bedroom apartments available under the Auckland Affordable Buying Scheme - have one carpark. Three-bedroom apartments have two.

Open plan living and 2.6m high ceilings work to create a spacious, light-filled interior opening to a balcony area, with two interior colour palettes - classic and contemporary - both featuring natural hues in different shades. Features include Caesarstone benchtops in the kitchens, Fisher & Paykel appliances and tiled bathrooms.

With great transport links on your doorstep, the CBD is only a short 6km commute from home and you’ll enjoy easy access to cafes, restaurants, schools, shopping, outdoor activities and the airport. The perfect choice for a relaxed, low-maintenance lifestyle.

For just $5000 deposit, Obsidian Apartments make living in this sought-after location a possibility for everyone.

Learn more about Obsidian Apartments on the Fletcher Living website or visit their sales suite today at 989 Mt Eden Road, Three Kings. Open seven days, 10am-4pm or by appointment. Contact Judy McGaffin, M: 027 807 6536 or Lee Read, M: 027 247 1680. www.fletcherliving.co.nz

SENSING PROPERTY: MATT’S PSYCHIC PREDICTIONS FOR THE HOUSING MARKET “If recent sales data is anything to go by, I have no bloody idea.

“I’ve noticed that some people in my industry believe their job is to tell vendors where the housing market is headed. That the best way to get new business is to constantly bombard you with emails containing QV figures, sales volumes, pass-in rates and other complex market data... which they usually accompany with their expert predictions on what the market will do over the next six months. What’s funny about these predictions is that no matter what data they present, their final analysis always seems to be that ‘now is the perfect time’ to list your property with them!

“Not only is this ability to predict the market highly dubious but, even if it were true, I don’t think I’d want to list my house with a number-crunching psychic. Psychics might be able to sense the occasional murder, but I wouldn’t hire them to create and execute a comprehensive, multi-channel marketing campaign that realises top dollar for my property!

“One of my favourite quotes remains unattributed, so if I put my name on it, Google might one day give me credit...

“Forecasting is the art of saying what will happen, and then explaining why it didn’t.”

Matt O’Brien... last Thursday night at the pub.

“I might steal the odd witty quote, but I’m not dishonest enough to predict what the market will be doing in six months. And here’s the thing... it’s really neither here nor

92 PONSONBY NEWS+ May 2018

there. The housing market goes up, the housing market goes down. Sometimes it stays flat.

Whatever it’s doing when you come to sell your property, the same rules apply.

“The job of a top agent is not to tell you whether the market is up or down, you can see that for yourself. The media never shuts up about it. The job of a top agent is to find creative sales angles, to showcase the hidden gems that make your property special. To understand the target market, pay attention to detail and network, putting in endless hours on your behalf.

“It’s basically good, old-fashioned hard work and salesmanship and, a psychic... as far as I know, they still haven’t found a replacement for that yet. But perhaps I’ll ask a psychic... maybe they will in six months!” F PN Call MATT O’BRIEN on M: 021 687 866 or Facebook: Matt O’Brien Residential Sales PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS

@ DESIGN WAREHOUSE 1. Dining Set - Enjoy alfresco dining with this stunning classic teak dining set featuring the Bella Chairs, Long Island Table and Hampton Bench. At Design Warehouse you can create any dining set you like!

2. Brentwood Relaxing Chair - Organic and sophisticated perfectly describe the style of the Brentwood Relaxing Chair. Made with reclaimed teak, rope and includes SunbrellaÂŽ cushions as shown.

1

3. Oasis Sofa - The Oasis Outdoor Sofa design combines aluminum, teak and rope to create a contemporary sofa like you have never seen before. SunbrellaÂŽ cushions are free with the purchase of deep seating as shown on-site!

3

2

DESIGN WAREHOUSE, 137/147 The Strand, Parnell, T: 09 377 7710, www.designwarehouse.co.nz

ROUNDUP FACING THE JUDGES A must-see documentary which records the global fight to prohibit use of glyphosate and highlights the latest scientific evidence of its carcinogenic qualities.

Directed by Frenchwoman Marie Monique Robin and produced in collaboration with Arte France, it follows a group of opponents who assembled in The Hague in 2016 to hold Monsanto, maker of RoundUp, to account. The Hague was chosen as the venue for this citizen tribunal because of its association with crimes against humanity.

In exposing the truth about the chemical weedkiller that Monsanto has marketed as safe for years, experts, victims and health watchdogs from all around the world make the claim that the multi-billion dollar corporate is guilty of ecocide. Illness, deformity and death of children and adults from France to Sri Lanka, from California to Brazil, are all documented in the moving personal statements of victims and the statistical evidence presented by scientists. It features some of the latest research and exposes the manipulation of out of date research Monsanto has used to protect their multi-billion dollar profit.

The gripping one and a half hour movie will be screened Friday 18 and 25 May, 7pm at Garnet Station Cafe. Koha on the door, but booking at www.GarnetStation.com. For more information, email johnelliott38@outlook.com. F PN

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

PONSONBY NEWS+ May 2018

93

HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS

@ CITTA Celebrate the season and live lavishly with the luxurious textures, graphic patterns and rich Carmine and Quince tones of Citta’s Winter 2018 Capsule Collection.

Make a statement with graphic hero cushions featuring bold iconography and striking marbled detail while you cosy up with luxe velvet bedspreads and woollen purl knit throws.

Luxury stretches from inside the home to outside, with chunky knit scarves which tuck up around the neck to fend off the cold.

Embrace the dwindling daylight hours and warm up with layer upon layer of live-in luxury.

PN In need of some styling tips? They’re here to help. F

Organise a one-on-one styling consultation today - ask in store or book online at: www.cittadesign.com/styling-consultations

1 2

3

1. Cotton Velvet Quilted Bedspreads from $359 2. Purl Knit Wool Scarf in Grey Marle $79.90

5

3. Cotton Velvet Cushion Covers from $39.90 4

4. Sumi Linen Cushion Cover $46.90 5. Shift Table Lamp $289

A N A H J O R D A N Everything I touch turns to SOLD May’s word of the month... MAY I sell your home? anahjrealestate

anahjrealestate

M 022 127 9080 | B 09 376 3039 E a.jordan@barfoot.co.nz barfoot.co.nz/a.jordan

94 PONSONBY NEWS+ May 2018

184 Ponsonby Rd, Ponsonby

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS

THIRTY YEARS OF DESIGN EXCELLENCE Award-winning design studio Kitchens By Design celebrates a significant milestone along with a proud and illustrious heritage.

Thirty years is a long time to be in any business, but to remain at the top of your game in the ultra-competitive world of design takes a special kind of company - and local kitchen design company Kitchens

By Design can confidently lay claim to this distinction. More than that, it can say with some pride that it is one of the pioneering kitchen design companies in New Zealand, having nurtured and trained many of the country’s top designers since its inception back in 1988.

“Kitchens By Design holds a very special place in the history of New Zealand design,” says owner Richard Cripps. “Over the past 30 years, it has won close to 70 national and internationally recognised design awards, including NKBA Kitchen of the Year and Kitchen Designer of the Year on several occasions. It’s a legacy we are all really proud of.”

Richard goes on to say that prior to the establishment of Kitchens By Design, kitchens weren’t given too much thought design-wise. “Mainly, they were installed by builders, literally screwing cabinets together and putting up what they’d done in their last job,” he explains. “There was no real design planning or principles, or even consideration given the individual spaces the kitchens were going into.

“Kitchens By Design changed that. It brought design to the forefront, where ergonomics, functionality and spacial design were all carefully considered. And that’s something we continue to do 30 years on.”

The company was founded by pioneering kitchen designers Linda Christensen and Lesley Waite, and was originally based in Barry’s Point Road over on the North Shore, before moving across to the city where it now has a showroom at 7 Melrose Street in Newmarket. Just last year, however, Richard decided to expand his company’s reach by opening the first premium kitchen and bathroom design showroom on Auckland’s North Shore, at 3 Byron Ave, Takapuna, joining its sister showroom in Newmarket.

“Kitchens By Design’s point of difference is our two stunning showrooms, and I encourage anyone who is looking to put in a new kitchen to come and see us. Our showrooms are all about delivering a premium experience to the discerning client,” says Richard. “At any one time, at least one of Kitchens By Design’s six designers will be at each showroom, so visitors are able to receive some first-hand, expert advice on their new project, should they need it.”

The design team at Kitchens By Design - Sue Gillbanks, Shane George, Michelle Gillbanks, Sean Monk, Marianne Gailer and Jane Fergusson have more than 70 years of experience between them. Each designer has their own style and flair, and they all have a unique set of skills they bring to the table.

There is also a dedicated support and admin team that ensures every aspect of the design and build process runs like clockwork.

This produces a best-of-both-worlds scenario whereby Kitchens By Design clients get a truly individual, bespoke design, yet the whole team is there to assist in the seamless delivery of every kitchen and bathroom project that is produced.

As well as the designers and his support team, Richard is also keen to point out that Kitchens By Design has a loyal and trusted group of crafts men and women, suppliers and manufacturers - all of whom are important contributors to the finished project.

“We have spent decades fostering these relationships, so that our clients can reap the benefits of our experience and knowledge,” he says. “The result is that we offer the widest possible choice of premium products, and maintain great relationships with the best manufacturers and suppliers in the country - some of which span over 25 years - which means our clients can be assured they are in expert hands at every stage of their design project.”

Kitchen By Design’s comprehensive, concept-to-completion process ensures every client is involved and informed at every stage of their journey to their new kitchen or bathroom.

“We value each and every one of the hundreds of the satisfied clients that have come through our doors over the past 30 years,” says Richard. “And the fact that many of those clients are now coming back into our showrooms and asking us to help design their next kitchen is testament to the quality of our designers and services we offer at Kitchens By Design.”

KITCHEN BY DESIGN’S showrooms can be found at 7 Melrose Street, Newmarket, T: 09 379 3084, and 3 Byron Avenue, Takapuna, T: 09 488 7201.

The showrooms are open Monday-Friday 10am-4.30pm, Saturday 10am-2.30pm, or by appointment. www.kitchenbydesign.co.nz

96 PONSONBY NEWS+ May 2018

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

GREAT KITCHENS DONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;T JUST HAPPEN...

THEY HAPPEN

BY DESIGN.

VISIT OUR AUCKLAND SHOWROOMS NEWMARKET SHOWROOM: 7 Melrose Street, Newmarket | 09 379 3084 TAKAPUNA SHOWROOM: 3 Byron Avenue, Takapuna | 09 488 7201 kitchensbydesign.co.nz

REAL ESTATE UPDATE: KAREN SPIRES

Update on the Auckland property market It comes as no surprise that Auckland continues to be ranked among the top three cities in the world to live in.

A recent survey by recruitment consultancy Mercer ranked 450 cities throughout the world, concluding that only Austria’s capital Vienna and Zurich in Switzerland have a better quality of living than Auckland.

The next highest-ranked New Zealand city is Wellington which placed 15th. Australia’s top-ranking city was Sydney, which achieved 10th place, followed closely by Melbourne in 16th place.

This is not the first time the City of Sails has been recognised in the survey. Auckland also achieved a top-three placing in 2012, 2015, 2016 and last year.

It’s no secret that Auckland has long been a popular city to live in. The demand for property has increased exponentially over the last decade, with supply struggling to keep up with demand. More people are drawn to the city each year than to the rest of New Zealand combined, including more than 80% of New Zealand’s net migration.

Property values in Auckland are continuing to hold up well as the summer selling season draws to a close, with average asking prices in March sitting at $963,888. Sales volumes have remained solid compared with the first two months of the year, with many first-time buyers taking the opportunity to purchase their first home while prices remain stable.

So what makes Auckland such a popular city to live in?

Mercer chief executive Martin Lewington says a total of 39 factors were considered during the survey including housing, economic environment, natural environment, public services and transport, schools and education, recreation and socio-cultural environment.

The survey also includes a city infrastructure ranking which assesses each city’s supply of drinking water, electricity, telephone and mail services, public transportation, as well as traffic congestion and the range of international flights available from local airports.

“New Zealand’s natural environment and subtropical climate, stable political and social environment and good medical and health services are the top three contributing factors for Auckland retaining third spot in the global rankings,” Lewington says.

It is a sentiment shared by Bayleys managing director Mike Bayley, who says that Auckland’s favourable economic condition is also a contributing factor as to why people enjoy living in the city.

“Auckland’s economy is firing on all cylinders, contributing to 38 percent of the country’s economic output. Employment levels are high and population growth continues to out-strip growth in housing supply,” he says.

“In addition to this, mortgage rates - although marginally higher than a year ago - remain low by historical standards and are unlikely to jump with the Official Cash Rate (OCR) projected to remain flat through to year end.

“Auckland’s ambition and growth have made it a world-class city,” Bayley says.

Location has always played a key role when choosing somewhere to live. Auckland’s central suburbs, including those of Ponsonby, Freemans Bay, St Marys Bay, Herne Bay, Westmere, Pt Chevalier and Grey Lynn have sustained popularity not only because of their close links to the city’s economic hub, but also for the lifestyle they provide by being in close proximity to some of Auckland’s most breathtaking views, sandy beaches and top school zones.

A safe community to live and raise children in is also high on the priority list, as is easy access to parks and amenities.

PN Thanks for reading. (KAREN SPIRES) F

Karen Spires AREINZ, M 027 273 8220, E karen.spires@bayleys.co.nz, www.karenspires.bayleys.co.nz

Keep your drawers on!

15%FF Drawers

A ND D O N’T GE T YOU R K N I C K E R S I N A TWI S T LIMITED TIME. SEE W E B S I T E FO R DE TAI L S .

meluka.co.nz Furniture. Simply.

98 PONSONBY NEWS+ May 2018

DESI GNED AND MADE IN N E W Z E AL AN D 0800 M ELUKA • I NFO @ M E LU K A.C O.N Z

Accessories not included

TH R E E KIN G S 9 8 3 M T E DE N R O AD N O RTH SH O R E 13A L IN K DR IV E BOTAN Y D O W N S 501 TI RAKAU DRIVE TAUR AN G A 4/6 8 3 C AM E R O N R O AD

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

Show apartment open to view!

By personal appointment Our independent apartment show home is now open to view by personal appointment.

Os

wa

l

Rd

ENTRY

Cornwall Park

oR d

gi Rd

kin

Ca

mp

be ll

Rd

Logan Campbell Retirement Village

Irir

an

Ko ro

The village will provide a lifestyle option to suit everyone. This includes independent living, assisted living in serviced apartments, and the very best of resthome, hospital and dementia care.

St

ds

Located on Campbell Road, our brand new retirement village is opposite the beautiful Cornwall Park and enjoys stunning vistas across Auckland. Close to the motorways, this is a great location in the heart of one of Auckland’s most desirable suburbs, with the best of the city close at hand.

187 Campbell Road, Greenlane

For more information please call Taryn or Lucy on 636 3883 187 Campbell Road, Greenlane

*Terms and conditions apply

• Fixed weekly fees* • Deferred management fee capped at 20% Plus seven more guarantees!

HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS

BOLT OF CLOTH - MORE THAN JUST FABRIC

@ BOLT OF CLOTH

Renovating your home or wanting to get cosy for winter?

Bolt of Cloth, located down the quaint Osborne Lane in Newmarket, is the place to go.

It's a creative area buzzing with style, fashion and food.

Amber, Auckland store manager

Bolt of Cloth has an in-house interior design consultant who will guide you through every step, making it fun, easy and stress free. Fabrics are sourced from around the globe and include brands such as; Marimekko, Spira, Hemptech and James Dunlop, just to name a few.

1

2

Only the finest quality fabrics are used, from plain to stunning patterns in cottons, linens and velvets, making your home unique and brimming with personality. They have something to suit an array of budgets.

They understand how hard it can be to find the perfect finishing touches for your home, so they custom-make lightshades, cushions, blinds, squabs, curtains all here in New Zealand. If you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t make it to the store, their talented consultant can come to you.

4 3

The team look forward to meeting you. F PN BOLT OF CLOTH, 2 Osborne Street, Newmarket, T: 09 520 5660, www.boltofcloth.com

5

7

6

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

Pieni Unikko in Black Cotton Tote Bag - $39.99 IXXI Art in a Box Flamingo 80cm by 120cm - $180 Elderflower & Lychee Diffuser 250ml - $34.99 Unikko Mug 2.5dl in Orange, Yellow, Black - $29.99 Blunt XS Metro Umbrella in Yellow - $99 Betsy Anne Liberty S'well Bottle 500ml - $84.95 Zoology Cushion Cover 50cm - $65

BOLT OF CLOTH, 2 Osborne Street, Newmarket, T: 09 520 5660, www.boltofcloth.com

100 PONSONBY NEWS+ May 2018

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

FINN MCLENNAN-ELLIOTT

Nigel Gavin - meeting Chris Priestley & Gitbox We’re continuing with the second half our interview with Nigel Gavin. Picking up where we left off, we started talking about Nigel’s fortuitous meeting with Chris Priestley and his subsequent involvement in Atomic café and, as it is now known, Café One2one.

“I met Chris on my first visit to New Zealand. My elder brother came here in the early 70s, using his dual nationality. So I came to visit in 1981. My brother was a psych nurse down in the Waikato.” Nigel comments that it was very rural for someone brought up in New York.

“So my brother tells me, 'the guy that runs the hospital, his kids are into music, they’re having a bit of a ‘do’. You should go introduce yourself to them'. I went down there and it turned out to be Chris Priestley, Brendan Power, Glenn Campbell. Chris told me, 'well if you’re coming to Auckland then I’ve got this little record shop called Real Groovy'. At that time it was a little record shop!

“I finally came to Auckland and the only people who would let me play with them were the folkies. I’d never had anything to do with folk music, and obviously I would overplay. I would get told that we have to hear the lyrics first. I played at the opening of Atomic café.”

Nigel has remained close friends with Chris ever since, and has been a staple in the Unsung Heroes, Chris’s songwriting project of the past few years.

Nigel ran the Thursday nights at One2one when Chris left Auckland and is a regular there most weeks. On ocassion he even has his birthday there!

Gitbox is Nigel’s current and not-so-new project, a collection of 10 or more guitarists, almost all past or present students of his. All on acoustic guitars, Nigel has put down his seven-string to ensure that all players are equal.

“Gitbox started in 1986, and I was influenced by Indonesian gamelan music. Their instruments are all these percussion instruments.” Nigel explains how a member of the community will turn up and learn how to do a simple rhythm (he demonstrated with a spoon on his mug), and

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

then over time they get better and the rhythms become more advanced (this was also demonstrated, not exclusive to the mug this time).

Nigel came up with a plan and decided to put all his students in one room, merging their lessons into one. “This isn’t the best decision for income, unfortunately, but musically is great,” he concedes.

“This allowed me to have my beginners with my advanced students, and I could write sketches where they can spiral up to the more complicated parts as they get better. At first it was very modal and it went very well. People who heard some of the practices said that it was beautiful music and I should let it get out.

“So it was decided. We were going to do an album. We did some national tours, you can imagine with 10 of us, we had two vans and travelled up and down the country. Then we did a second album before I got called overseas to play for a number of years.” Gitbox didn’t last long without its founder and for a long time lay dormant, a project of the past.

“Over the years a lot of festivals asked me if I could put it together, but it’s too hard to do for just one show. Then last year, a few of the original members came back together. My girlfriend Sonia moved to Auckland so we started practising and writing new music. We’re in the process of recording an album and touring. It’s hard to keep 10 people together, but now others are writing music for the group.

We’re doing a Chopin piece and The Good, the Bad and The Ugly, and Guitar Boogie, among others.”

Nigel has been in New Zealand half his life; he’s pretty well settled here. As we wrap up our interview, I ask him to quickly run through where he grew up (New York and then California) and he drops in that he joined and toured with a circus. But that’s definitely a story for another time, maybe find him at One2one and ask him yourself.

(FINN MCLENNAN-ELLIOTT) F PN

DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

PONSONBY NEWS+ May 2018

101

FINN MCLENNAN-ELLIOTT

NZ Barok Concert NZ Barok are bringing a concert of Bach to St Luke’s Church in Remuera. This is Bach in all his intricacy, beauty and timelessness.

A full programme of Bach is a rare treat for lovers of baroque music and they will be treated to James Tibbles at the harpsichord to bring this to life. NZ Barok will be performing Brandenburg Concerto No. 5, alongside Sally Tibbles on baroque flute, Concerto in D minor for harpsichord, Suite for strings in D Major, and Arias for Strings from the Passions.

NZ Barok is the only period instrument orchestra in New Zealand and is comprised of some of the leading baroque specialists from around the country. They play in the style of the period and use instruments that are authentic to the era of music they are performing. These instruments are from all around the world yet are maintained by specialists here in New Zealand. Ponsonby local, Paul Downie, made and cares for the harpsichord James Tibbles performs on.

Some of the pieces NZ Barok perform are well known, but they also strive to breathe new life and vitality into lesser-known pieces from the 18th Century. Founded in 2004 by Helen Brinkman and Graham McPhail, NZ Barok was joined in 2010 by Miranda Hutton as coartistic director. Graham McPhail returned from studies in Holland in the 1980s and has since remained at the forefront of historical performance in New Zealand.

Helen Brinkman completed her postgraduate studies in the Hague, Netherlands, and these connections to Holland are where the name ‘NZ Barok’ came from. Miranda Hutton is a baroque violinist, having spent time in Europe studying and performing. She has recorded multiple times with the New Dutch Academy, and, like Graham, has involvements in numerous other groups, projects and ensembles in New Zealand and Australia, like Pipers Sinfonia and the NZ Opera.

James Tibbles is a leading player of the historic keyboard. He has an active international performing and recording career, having just released a record on the Paladino music label of J.S. Bach sonatas for viola de gamba and harpsichord. It was recorded in Australia last

102 PONSONBY NEWS+ May 2018

year with Laura Vaughan and supplements his work as Coordinator of Early Music studies at the University of Auckland. He teaches historic keyboards, making for a formidable early music duo with his wife Sally who plays baroque flute, and teaches at St Cuthberts. Sally also studied in The Hague, confirming its relationship to Auckland’s Early Music scene.

Further into the year, NZ Barok will perform ‘Baby Baroque’, a free concert for kids. This will be in the middle of July, in Remuera and Takapuna, and kids will have the rare opportunity to join in and interact with baroque music in a unique way.

(FINN MCLENNAN-ELLIOTT) F PN NZ Barok performs on Saturday 5 May in the evening and Sunday 6 May in the afternoon at St Luke’s Church.

You can head to www.nzbarok.org.nz to find out more.

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

CORBAN ESTATE ARTS CENTRE 2 Mt Lebanon Lane, Henderson

KIDS ARTS FESTIVAL FREEENT

EV

Sat 12 May 10am - 4pm

ARTS + CULTURE @ THE FRAME WORKSHOP The Frame Workshop is pleased to offer Tony Ogle’s first screen print of 2018, ‘Lottin Point Nikau’.

Tony has always been drawn to locations off the beaten track. His work is immediately recognisable for showcasing our beach culture with iconic images of baches, classic caravans and untouched niches of New Zealand. These scenes convey a quality of PN timelessness. F THE FRAME WORKSHOP & GALLERY, 1/182 Jervois Road, T: 09 376 4749, www.frameworkshop.co.nz

RAO IN

SHINR E

MARVELLOUS MECHANICA HANDS-ON WORKSHOPS PERFORMANCES EXHIBITIONS AND MORE

(09) 838 4455 BA

N ES

TS

CEN

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

TE AR

TR

TA

E C OR

www.ceac.org.nz

‘Lottin Point Nikau’ - Tony Ogle

DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

PONSONBY NEWS+ May 2018

103

ARTS + CULTURE @ OREXART

‘MAY MAGIC’ @ ST MATTHEW-IN-THE-CITY CHURCH

Sarah Dolby - New Portraits 3 - 28 May Opening: 3 May

A concert combining beautiful voices from University of Auckland’s School of Music, Spanish-born conductor Josè Aparicio and the accomplished St Matthew’s Chamber Orchestra, 20 May - 2.30pm.

Sarah Dolby was born in Wanaka in 1971 and brought up in Dunedin. She holds a Fine Arts degree from Otago Polytech, and worked as art director for a leading animation company for 12 years in 3D animation. In this role Dolby was the first artist to complement a team of computer scientists. Dolby currently lives on the Otago coast where she paints fulltime.

The beautiful voices include Ella Ewan, Leila Alexander, Clare Hood, Carla Camilleri, Arthur Adams-Close, Alex Matangi, Nathan Hauraki, with Danny Kim violin, Zoe Stenhouse -Burgess and Yunesang Yun flute.

Still Life 300x400mm oil on alum Dolby's work has always been character driven and combines traditional portraiture with narrative. The haunting, romantic women of her Gothic paintings are often famous literary figures including Ophelia and Mary Shelley or, more recently, fairy tale archetypes such as the Fairy Godmother or the Damsel-in-Distress.

Dolby's characters are immediately dazzling in their power and beauty, but on closer inspection reveal hands rubbed raw, flushed complexions and above all else, unnerving expressions. Set against stark, yet luminous backgrounds, the focus of each work is firmly on the character, and the depth and complexity of emotions barely contained behind their gaze.

Dolby works patiently, building up the graceful lines of thin necks and arms, the folds of garments and the subtle pallor of skin in layers of fine detail. For Dolby, giving time to the paintings allows their emotive qualities to slowly emerge amidst their atmospheric palettes, creating works that are as personal and as resonant as diary entries. F PN Please contact rex@orexart.co.nz for details.

OREXART, 15 Putiki Street, Arch Hill, T: 09 378 0588, www.orexart.co.nz

Spanish-born Josè Aparicio began studying music with his father at age five, continuing his flute studies at Alicante’s Music Conservatoire where he won the graduation competition and the Sociedad de Conciertos de Alicante Prize.

In 1996 he became principal flute of the Orquesta Sinfónica de Alicante and Orquesta de Camara Ciudad de Elche, touring with them both extensively.

In 1998 he moved to London to study post graduate flute, conducting and singing at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama where he won second prize in the prestigious Gold Medal competition. He continued to perform regularly in the UK, Austria, the Netherlands, Spain and France.

In 2009, José immigrated to New Zealand. He is currently Artistic Director of the Napier Civic Choir, regularly conducts the Hawke’s Bay Orchestra and has directed and conducted the Festival Opera in Napier. His understanding and knowledge of repertoire is extensive, his perspective one of both performer and director, feeling equally at home with opera, choral and symphonic repertoire.

José tutors young singers taking part in Project Prima Volta, which supports up to 30 Hawke's Bay teenagers each year to experience the highs and lows of performance and to develop their musical skills.

St Matthew’s Chamber Orchestra is an accomplished orchestra. Soprano Madeline Pierard says, “It is a joy to perform with this dedicated group of musicians, their PN enthusiasm and commitment is admirable. It shines through in performance.” F TICKETS: Eventfinda or door sales cash only. Adults $25, Concessions $20, children under 12 free.

ST MATTHEW-IN-THE-CITY CHURCH corner Wellesley and Hobson Streets. www.smco.org.nz

Boho 300x400mm oil on alum

Estelle 300x400mm oil on alum

ST MATTHEW’S

CHAMBER ORCHESTRA

Sarah Dolby 3 - 28 May 2018 Opening Thursday 3 May 5-7pm 15 putiki street, arch hill open tue-sat, 09 3780588

104 PONSONBY NEWS+ May 2018

CONCERT: SUNDAY 20 MAY | 2:30pm VENUE: ST MATTHEW-IN-THE-CITY CHURCH CONDUCTOR: Josè Aparicio SOLOIST: Students from the University of Auckland School of Music

PROGRAMME:

Bach Various Arias Schubert

Brandenburg Concerto No 4 in G major

Symphony No 5 D 485 in B flat major

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

ARTS + CULTURE

UPTOWN ART SCENE The dead have been making an appearance in our neighbourhood.

No, not the Zombie Apocalypse, but an intriguing pop-up exhibition

by Antiquarius at Tim Melville Gallery called Classical Sculpture from the Ancient World. Sixteen works ranging from a Syrian ram dated to 2000 BCE through to a Roman floor mosaic take us mainly through the ancient Mediterranean, with the notable exception of a beautiful Chinese horse from the Han Dynasty.

It’s intriguing seeing these in a contemporary art gallery, where they are sitting alongside works by local artist Andrew Blythe, but not so unusual. Classical sculpture has been shown with modern-day artworks previously at Fox Jensen and Ivan Anthony galleries. While there have been better synergies had Joe Sheehan sculptures been on show, this isn’t a curated combination, and the classics sit quite separately from the contemporary.

Some of these works are divine, both in historical meaning and current vernacular. The luminous blue Egyptian ushabti is the overseer of figurines placed in a tomb to toil in the afterlife in

1

3

proxy of a worker. The mother-goddess Isis holds baby Horus in a detailed bronze, and a marble Tanit, the Phoenician goddess, displays a rounded belly, pregnant from the god Baal. Along with a perfectly preserved Bronze Age helmet (which clearly shows another type of helmet!), these date from a largely matriarchal time before the Dorian invasions brought pronounced patriarchal cultures to the Mediterranean region.

What makes it hard to believe about the age of these objects is how directly they speak to us. The modest pieces of clay making up the Syrian ram could’ve been brought home from art class yet have been modelled by a distant ancestor. The face of a Roman Venus twists on an angle reminiscent of Terry Stringer’s sculptures. These sculptures remind us of the constancy of human existence.

It’s great to see them making an appearance among us again.

PN (WILL PAYNT, STUDIO ART SUPPLIES) F

2

4

1. A Bronze Age Greek helmet; 2. Chinese Han Dynasty Horse; 3. Egyptiasm ushabti; 4. The face of a Roman Venus The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

PONSONBY NEWS+ May 2018

105

HOROSCOPES: MISS PEARL NECLIS

What your stars hold for May ♉

Taurus (the Bull): 21 April - 21 May You have a plan and seem convinced that what you are doing is the right way it should be done. Don’t try to convince anyone else as it could end in heartache for you.

♊

Gemini (the Twins): 22 May - 21 June You haven’t felt this good or positive in a long time and you want to tell everyone how you feel. Be careful how you go about telling people, as not everyone will feel your sentiment.

♋

♏ Scorpio (the Scorpion): 24 October - 22 November

Don’t try and escape the reality that you’re living. You will see the veil of fog lifting from your vision eventually and what is uncovered will make you very happy.

♐

Sagittarius (the Archer): 23 November - 22 December Your fantasies have sustained you for quite some time now but unfortunately it's time to enter the real world. You have so much potential but you are unable to see it.

Fortunately that’s all about to change.

Cancer (the Crab): 22 June - 22 July You wish you could have more time off but the reality is you can’t afford not to be working. Maybe there is something else you could be doing that would give you the balance that you crave.

♑ Capricorn (the Goat): 23 December - 20 January

♌

♒ Aquarius (the Water Carrier): 21 January - 19 February

♍ Virgo (the Virgin): 22 August - 23 September

♓ Pisces (the Fish): 20 February - 20 March

Leo (the Lion): 23 July - 21 August You couldn’t be happier at the moment. Everything is going right for you. The truth is, you could be in denial about what’s going on around you. Don’t bury your head in the sand, face what’s coming head on.

Something is making you feel very uncomfortable and you don’t know what it is.

Face everything you can head on and hopefully the source of your discomfort will become apparent.

♎ Libra (the Scales): 24 September - 23 October

You’re overflowing with creativity this month and you don’t seem to have an outlet to express yourself properly. You will have to go on as normal but remember you have an untapped source of energy waiting to be released.

You have found it hard to let go of your past and it’s beginning to affect your future. If you act now and take control of your destiny, your life will sort itself out.

There will be someone this month that will cause conflict around you. It’s not worth the effort to get involved, instead just ride through it and let them get anything they want off their chest.

Your head is buzzing with new ideas and yet you are hesitant in bringing them to anyone's attention. Just because you have no experience doesn't mean that you are not capable.

♈ Aries (the Ram): 21 March - 20 April

You have no motivation this month and seem to be having trouble finding it. You have that get up and go within you, but you may have to fight the feeling that you’re not good enough.

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

Rugs Direct, 108 Carlton Gore Road

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

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 Atomic, 420c New North Road

MT EDEN

NORTH SHORE Rug Direct, Wairau Park Dawson’s Furniture, Mairangi Bay

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

PARNELL Jane Daniels, 2 Birdwood Crescent Parnell Community Centre, 545 Parnell Road

PONSONBY 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

WESTMERE Glengarry, 164 Garnet Road

Citta Outlet Store, Corner Enfield & Normanby Road Sabato, 57 Normanby Road Studio Italia, 25 Nugent Street

106 PONSONBY NEWS+ May 2018

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

THE PONSONBY PINK PAGES

For all your Plumbing & Gas Fitting needs New Builds, Renovations, Maintenance, Hot Water, Gas Hobs, Water Mains & more…

Phone Steve on 021 79 79 12

Concept ŏ Design ŏ Fitout ŏ Install

558 Rosebank Road, Avondale Ph: 09 3691880

T: 378 9560 M: 0274 746 507 E: Phillipa@hotpropertyrentals.co.nz 1/1 Franklin Road, Ponsonby www.hotpropertyrentals.co.nz

www

E: sales@systemscommercial.com www.systemscommercial.com

Call us Today!

“TAKE THE STRESS OUT OF BEING A LANDLORD – CALL US” The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE DEADLINE--20TH 20THOF OFTHE THEMONTH MONTH

PONSONBY NEWS+ May 2018

107

Thinking Real Estate?

Think Chris Batchelor.

With an extraordinary reputation built on his commitment to getting the job done, Chris has long been a trusted name in Real Estate.

.syelyab

SOLD

SOLD

84 SarsďŹ eld Street Herne Bay

3/187 Jervois Road Herne Bay

20A Webber Street Westmere

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

54 New Street St Marys Bay

93 Islington Street Ponsonby

76 Albany Road Herne Bay

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

33 Peel Street Westmere

32 Herne Bay Road Herne Bay

28 Picton Street Freemans Bay

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

57 Sentinel Road Herne Bay

13 Wanganui Avenue Herne Bay

21 Picton Street Freemans Bay

Chris Batchelor Phone. +64 21 217 7026 Email. chris.batchelor@bayleys.co.nz

108 PONSONBY NEWS+ May 2018

BAYLEYS REAL ESTATE LTD, PONSONBY, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)