HONOUR MITCHELL: TEEN PAMPERING

Every once in a while, we girls need to take a beauty pit-stop. Whether that be a fresh set of nails or a new haircut, it’s a female’s right to set aside a little time to indulge in some hardcore pampering.

Let’s face it, teens need an occasional treat to rejuvenate from the endless school work, extra curricular activities and just life in general. Luckily there are some amazing places in every corner of Ponsonby to help us look our best. My theory is that we’re helping out small businesses whilst receiving a little gratifying luxury! I must say, it was very hard to decide, but below are my favourite go-tos when you’re in the mood to be spoilt.

Nails - Tea & Dry, 90 Wellesley Street West When the school holidays finally roll around, I’m sure the majority of us like to rush out and get our nails done (I know I do!). So why not drop into Tea & Dry? Their salon is very welcoming and has such a lovely, tranquil atmosphere. I recently popped in and my nails were done beautifully. The therapists were all really friendly and made me feel at ease from the get-go.This time I went for gel nail polish in a lavender colour, and I was not disappointed. I recommend Tea & Dry, not only for their spectacular nail bar, but for all of their beauty services.

Hair - David Shields, Corner of Jervois Rd and Kelmarna Ave Often we feel the urge to change up our hair - bob, bangs, highlights, layering - the list goes on. Trying to find a place that will get it right? I have just the salon for you: David Shields. My family has been going herefor years and we have never come out disappointed. They really excel in the blow dry department. My hair generally stays shiny and styled for up to a week after a visit. Great value, huh? And with your new sleek look, why not pop down the road to Dear Jervois Cafe for a little treat - prepare to be wowed.

Eyebrows - UP, 28 College Hill Nestled in the hustle and bustle of College Hill lies a quaint spa which specialises in brows and lashes. If I am being honest, UP has truly been the best eyebrow wax I have ever had. While my arches were being delicately redefined, my waxer was cheerful and chatty.

I left feeling extremely satisfied with the most amazing eyebrows - the shape was a perfect natural arch (every girl’s dream). Looks like it will be a regular! They also do other services such as lash lifts and tints!

Lavender Nails

Shiny Salon Hair

DIY Spa Night - Mecca Self-care does not always have to be professionally executed. If you are just looking for a casual evening in that involves some DIY pampering, you can easily pop into Mecca and grab some supplies. And then just get cracking on your magical spa night when the mood grabs you. In my ‘me time’ routine I love to smother on the Frank Body ‘Anti-Drama Face Mask’ and wrap my hair up in the Aquis ‘Rapid Dry Turban’, pop on some relaxing music or Netflix and unwind. But don’t be limited to those products, feel free to choose the fine array on offer (remember it’s your night!). And you definitely won’t be deprived of choice, their range is spectacular! (HONOUR MITCHELL)  PN

St Paul's College 1st XI

ALL STARS VS. 1ST XI AT ST PAUL’S COLLEGE, PONSONBY

We know, and research confirms, that sport and physical activity is important for health: physical, emotional and subjective well-being.

It functions as a form of social good in our communities. There’s a whole discipline of sports science of course, but at grass roots level, right there on the grass fields behind the school, sport is not a science. It’s not only about training or commitment or competence or performance outcomes.

No, it’s all about social interaction, humour, friendships, family bonding, generational links, and wholesome ‘rivalry’- the community version of sporting competitiveness. When a team competes against another primarily for entertainment, it becomes a kind of collaborative rivalry that draws people together and it’s way more pleasurable for participants and spectators alike. When this happens, sport is inclusive and fun and no one cares a hoot about medals or a podium!

The wonderful All Stars Cricket Bash hosted by St Paul’s College last month was a fabulous celebration of just this kind of collaborative rivalry, a fun day out for the school boys, their extended families, past pupils, a whole bunch of ‘famous old boys’, and quite a few industry supporters. It was a T20 format with an all stars line-up captained by Dave Fane featuring James McConie, Oscar Kightley, Mils Muliaina, Stacey Jones, Mark Greatbach, Dipak Patel, Murphy Sua, and Nigel Vagana. Well done everyone!

The whole day was a lovely example of how Sport NZ’s Balance is Better philosophy can work in a school community. As the kaitiaki of a system for play, active recreation and sport, Sport NZ* wants schools and supporting organisations to foster best practice so that engagement in sport is kept safe, fair and inclusive for all. The St Paul’s College cricket event was a wonderful example of how a school initiative can be aligned with the Sport NZ recommendation to bring the fun focus back into sport for all young people.

Two keen cricketers on the home team were twin brothers Drew and Cruz Scott, a couple of really nice guys who I met first at a lunchtime practice. They’d like to see cricket become as big as rugby league at their school and that’s quite an ambitious goal given that St Paul’s College has a champion league reputation. But kids dream big - they always do given half a chance - and that’s the whole point of last month’s All Stars Cricket Bash, to make it possible for these boys to dream their big dreams and inspire their goals.

Lunchtimes and after school, you’ll find the Scott twins and their school mates down at the practice nets working on their batting and bowling techniques, while perfecting their hand-eye coordination. The Scott boys and their school mates dream of making cricket a career or maybe just enjoying the game. Either way, it helps to have the right gear and facilities at school. (ALEXA LAWRENCE)  PN

It’s not too late to make your supporting move by offering financial support to the college’s sport programme. If you’d like to be a private or corporate sponsor making a real difference in the lives of these fine young men, contact Director of Sport, Dave McDermott on 021 951 524.

*Sport NZ’s purpose is to contribute to the wellbeing of everybody in Aotearoa New Zealand by leading an enriching and inspiring play, active recreation and sport system. The vision is Every Body Active. balanceisbetter.org.nz

The twins, Drew and Cruz Scott