PONSONBY NEWS - NOVEMBER'16

+ PUBLISHED FRIDAY 4 NOVEMBER 2016

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

ponsonbynews.co.nz

NOVEMBER 2016

LOCALS FEATURE IN TASTE OF AUCKLAND IN PARTNERSHIP WITH ELECTROLUX Nick Honeyman of Paris Butter, Sergio Maglione of Farina and Megan May of Little Bird - P44

Big enough to do the business and small enough to care.

Martin Dobson M. 021 376 952

Caroline Daniel M. 021 922 223

Blair Watson M. 021 502 930

Phillip Haeder M. 021 246 8343

kellands.co.nz

Shona Walding M. 0274 908 447

Charles Collins M. 021 376 095

®

DAW S O N & C O .

WHAT’S INSIDE THIS MONTH

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P22: Andrea Reid recently created a pollinator path in Hakanoa Reserve in Grey Lynn; P135: A fundraising art exhibition and live auction @ Allpress Studio, Drake Street for Paws Awhile Animal Sanctuary.

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR FROM THE EDITOR DAVID HARTNELL: ONE MINUTE INTERVIEW SHALE CHAMBERS: WAITEMATA LOCAL BOARD MIKE LEE, COUNCILLOR FOR WAITEMATA & GULF JOHN ELLIOTT: LOCAL NEWS U3A PONSONBY NIKKI KAYE: AUCKLAND CENTRAL MP JACINDA ARDERN: LABOUR LIST MP AUCKLAND LANDMARK BUILDINGS

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EAT, DRINK AND BE MERRY COVER STORY - TASTE OF AUCKLAND VEG FRIENDLY: GARY STEEL PONSONBY NEWS READERS ARE EVERYWHERE FASHION + STYLE ANGELA LASSIG: LETTERS FROM MAUDIE HELENE RAVLICH: LOCAL FASHION LOVE CHRISTMAS GIFTS - JAY PLATT

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FUTURE GENERATION SIDELINE WITH GEORGE BERRY PONSONBY PETS PONSONBY PROFESSIONALS HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS GARDENING WITH GRAHAM SHIEFF HEIDI PADAIN: ENTERTAINMENT IN YOUR GARDEN ARTS + CULTURE

LIVING, THINKING & BEING JOHN APPLETON ON HEALTH FRONT COVER: Scott Sinton

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

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MARTIN LEACH; M: 021 771 147; E: martinleach@xtra.co.nz or martin@ponsonbynews.co.nz JO BARRETT; M: 021 324 510; E: joannebarrett@xtra.co.nz JAY PLATT; M: 021 771 146; E: jayplatt@xtra.co.nz or jay@ponsonbynews.co.nz JAN HEWITT; M: 027 595 2557; E: jan@ponsonbynews.co.nz GWYNNE DAVENPORT; M: 021 150 4095; E: ponsonbynews@xtra.co.nz JULIE ROULSTON; M: 027 211 7169; E: julie@ponsonbynews.co.nz FINN MCLENNAN-ELLIOTT; M: 021 134 4101; E: finn.huia@gmail.com DEIRDRE ROELANTS; M: 021 261 8439; E: deirdre33@slingshot.co.nz JOHN ELLIOTT; M: 021 879 054; E: johnelliott@ihug.co.nz JESSIE KOLLEN ARNA MARTIN; E: arna@cocodesign.co.nz MELISSA PAYNTER; E: melissapaynter@me.com

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LETTERS + EMAILS

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

Sustainable palm oil soap right here in Ponsonby Here at Trade Aid we commend Enzo on his fantastic effort raising $1100 towards protection of the Sumatran tigers (October issue).

Local body elections coverage Sincere thanks to you, John Elliott and Ponsonby News for your coverage during the recent local body elections.

Our soaps have sustainable palm oil from India. Andhra Pradesh has a climate suitable for the growing of palm trees where farmers struggle with other crops. It is more expensive but better for conserving nature and protecting endangered animals. We have a great range of amazing soaps including sandalwood, coconut, lemongrass, ginger, neem and pomegranate. They are worth a try and good for your conscience.

Bev Cormack, Trade Aid store manager, Ponsonby

If it were not for Ponsonby News' there would have been almost no local election reporting. Local Board candidates in particular receive very few opportunities to explain what they stand for and why they seek voter support so local coverage plays a vital democratic role.

Bashford Antiques private property and parking Jillian Bashford-Evers won’t be getting any wine, flowers or congratulatory messages from me. I had my car clamped while parked in their private car park. My fault, I hadn’t noticed the small sign.

One of the “owners” (that’s what he said he was) very helpfully advised me of where the nearest money machine was (obviously well used to providing this community service).

I handed over $170 (no receipt or identification provided on his part).

Fortunately Bashford’s have a key to Auckland Towing’s wheel clamp so the Bashford man was able to unlock it. Nice that Bashford and Auckland Towing work so well together.

Good business all round.

I’m sure he passed on the whole $170 to Auckland Towing, or that any collection fee is fully recorded in the Bashford accounts book.

Tony O’Brien, Grey Lynn

69,000 READERS PER MONTH

8 PONSONBY NEWS+ November 2016

(Nielsen Media)

I also really appreciate the focus on local issues and news all year round in Ponsonby News. Please keep up the great work.

Pippa Coom, Waitemata Local Board, Grey Lynn Bashford Antiques private property and parking I would like to respond to Jillian Bashford-Evers’ letter in the October issue of Ponsonby News. We don’t direct our customers to Bashford’s private parking. In fact, we have a sign up warning our customers not to park on private property, but this sign was regularly removed by unknown persons.

Nor did we use the address at 24 Williamson Avenue as part of our resource consent and liquor licence, simply because Bashford didn’t lease it and we could not include it on our resource consent application. I would like to say that we have not advertised the Bashford address on our website as the Council has to regularly check that any car parks offered are available. Our business has always been community-minded, so I don’t understand where all this anger has come from. Jillian’s son Israel came to see me recently and he apologised for this awful situation.

Tito Cuccinello, Pane e Vino, Grey Lynn

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 LATER THIS MONTH - 17-20 NOVEMBER - TASTE OF AUCKLAND in partnership with Electrolux offers opportunities to try signature dishes from some of Auckland’s most exciting restaurants in a beautiful al fresco setting in Western Springs, surrounded by pop-up winery stands, food stalls and drink experiences.

Three locals are involved and are featured on this month’s front cover - Nick Honeymoon of Paris Butter, Sergio Maglione of Farina and Megan May of Little Bird Organics. It sounds like an event not to be missed.

photography: Helene Ravlich

Regarding the Pollinator Paths editorial in this issue, founder Andrea Reid is working with the Waitemata Local Board, in particular Rob Thomas, on extensions to other part of the city.

Our congrats to Prego, who have recently celebrated their 30th birthday. People always say the thing they like most is the fact that the menu is always consistent. To celebrate the anniversary Prego have on the menu, some original dishes from 1986 at 1986 prices. For example mussels at $7.50.

By the time this issue hits the streets, there will be only 51 sleeps until Christmas. Throughout this issue there are plenty of ideas for gifts for family and friends. The Ponsonby News mantra: “This Christmas we pledge to shop small, spend local, eat and enjoy local.”

In this issue, Julie Roulston has a feature on Jewellery. She says, if your jewellery makes you smile, embodies a moment or a place, reminds you of a special person - that’s good enough for us!

However, local jewellery designers just get better and better; it’d be a shame not to take advantage of the amazing bijoux on offer and make a stunning style statement with one of their pieces.

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

Jan Hewitt, Martin Leach, Jo Barrett, Jay Platt and Gwynne Davenport

Against the wishes of the local community, a new liquor licence has been approved for Great North Road. We hope the new owner and staff will honour their pledge to trade fairly and to not supply to underage youth.

The Ponsonby News team was delighted to feature Enzo from Grey Lynn School on last month’s front cover. Working with Auckland Zoo, this young pupil raised over $1100 to help boost awareness of palm oil labeling. Two local businesses - Ecostore and Nature Baby - tell us they have pushed their suppliers

to switch to a certified sustainable and managed palm oil supply. Bev from Trade Aid also tells us they are selling soaps with sustainable palm oil.

But we still need your help. Please visit: www.unmaskpalmoil.com sign and send the template which is asking New Zealand Food Minister Jo Goodhew to vote yes later this month to introducing mandatory labeling of vegetable oils, including palm oil.

We would appreciate your help as this is an issue that PN the team is passionate about. (MARTIN LEACH) F

DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

PONSONBY NEWS+ November 2016

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On the boardwalk. Down by the sea. Not quite the lyrics, we know, but when you’re lucky enough to live within walking distance of all this it’s only right to sing the area’s praises, don’t you think? Share our discoveries – keithandsandy.co.nz

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12 PONSONBY NEWS+ November 2016

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The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

PONSONBY NEWS+ November 2016

DAVID HARTNELL’S ONE MINUTE INTERVIEW Vaughan Schwass joined Les Mills International in 2005 as marketing director, having gained international marketing experience with Tourism New Zealand in the United States and Canada.

Vaughan is the CEO of Les Mills Enterprises, managing merchandise business and major innovation initiatives - resulting in a number of successful new product extensions for Les Mills globally.

How do you relax and chill out?

Pinot noir and a very loud stereo (better than our friend Donald's!).

What’s the best thing about living in Ponsonby?

We live in Tawariki Street, and we love it because it's a dead end! Yes, a very quiet and friendly street.

Which item of clothing can't you live without?

Diesel jeans, I have, like, 40 pairs.

What was your childhood like?

Playful! My dad and mum worked damn hard so we could have the best fun. Water skiing, snow skiing, you name, it we did it.

What is your favourite time of the day?

Dog walking at 6am and then my gym time.

Please complete the sentence: I will die happy if…

The world sorts its s**t out and deals with global warming.

Who do you think is the most annoying celebrity today?

Mike Hosking but I do like him.

Which TV series would you never miss and why?

Love Suits... I am Harvey Specter.

Where would your dream international holiday be?

New York New York!

What’s on your bucket list?

To enjoy the years my dad didn't have. Boating, fishing and travelling.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Ponsonby - with my feet up and loving life.

Do you read movie or TV reviews and would they sway your thoughts?

Nope!

How would you like to be remembered by your friends and family?

Fondly, as the guy who made s**t happen and was the life of the party.

What do you love most about your age?

That it's not as scary as I thought it would be.

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

Double double reserve pinot cream!

What is something that you really disapprove of?

Bad service and unfriendly front of house staff. Go get another job if you hate it that much.

Can you describe one of your biggest disappointments?

Putting things off that I could have done yesterday and not doing some things at all. Take your lead in life from entrepreneurs who passionately pursue their ideas.

If you won a million dollars, what is the first thing you would do?

Buy a quarter of a do-up in Grey Lynn.

What really motivates you?

I live to get things done. Work or play. There's nothing like the feeling of relaxing after a good day's work!

What do you think happens when we die?

All our issues disappear and the game is over.

Tell us about your ideal dream home design?

Well. It's long and straight (unlike me) and has the most amazing views over New Zealand native bush, a very very big wine cellar and a pool.

Is there anything that you are insecure about?

Nothing now!

Tell us something very few people know about you?

I'm a qualified quantity surveyor who lost his way.

What super power do you wish you had?

I believe I can fly! I believe I can touch the sky.

Which talent would you most like to have?

Um, actually I'd really like to sing and sing very loud.

What cliché do you most hate?

If I'm being honest!

Tell us what is your greatest weakness/indulgence?

Pinot noir... Actually any red wine.

Tell us, are you a handshake or a hug kind of person?

Depends, a hug just doesn't cut it at a first meeting with suppliers at work. Although worth a try.

What is your comfort food?

Fish and chips.

What is your dream guest list for a dinner party and why?

Helen Clark, Sir Edmond Hillary, Sir Richard Branson and friends Catherine, Donald and Denise.

Do you have a party trick?

Hell yes.

Do you travel light or heavy?

Light!

What's the best movie you've ever seen and why?

Love Air Force One... and now I am ashamed!

If you could change one law or policy in New Zealand, what would be top of your list?

Labour should talk economics and then get elected and/or National should deal with climate change. (DAVID HARTNELL, MNZM) F PN

Give your teenaged self some good advice?

Don't dismiss your dreams or ideas. Get on with it now and take some risks.

www.davidhartnell.com

14 PONSONBY NEWS+ November 2016

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

PONSONBY NEWS+ November 2016

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SHALE CHAMBERS: WAITEMATA LOCAL BOARD REPORT

Waitemata Local Board gets going I want to thank all those who took the time to vote in last month’s local body elections.

Overall voter turnout was up only 3% on 2013’s poor turnout of 35.5%, which was in turn much lower than the inaugural Auckland Council vote in 2010 of 51%. The turnout in our Waitemata Local Board area was, however, a slightly healthier turnout of 41.5%.

Rates restraint and providing value and efficiency in council services to Aucklanders, improving Auckland’s transport woes with better public transport and less traffic congestion, resolving the housing shortage and affordability with more housing and choice, and restoring the public’s confidence in council’s performance remain the priorities for the new council. Our new Mayor, Phil Goff has the full support of the Waitemata Local Board in this new term of council, and we look forward to taking Auckland forward under his leadership. He has chosen a new deputy mayor in Franklin councillor Bill Cashmore and a streamlined Council Committee structure led by councillors Penny Hulse, Chris Darby, and Ross Clow as his major chairs. We can only all wish them every success.

Our two-term local councillor and friend, Mike Lee, has been returned for another term, besting high-profile opponent and Franklin Road local, Bill Ralston, in a closer race than in the past. Bill ran a good and positive campaign, and gave it his best and the local board team enjoyed our time on the campaign trail with all council candidates. Mike Lee is to chair the Strategic Procurement Committee and the Heritage Advisory Panel this term of council, and will no doubt continue his passionate commitment to improving Auckland’s public transport. As a board, we look forward to continuing the good and close relationship we have enjoyed over the past six years for the betterment of our local area.

City Vision; the Labour, Green and Community independents team once again won five of seats seats and a clear majority on the local board, the same as it did in the last two terms of council, although with two new faces. The justifiably popular Pippa Coom and this columnist head the leadership team of the board, with positions scheduled to have been decided at the board’s inaugural meeting on 27 October 2016. We have both received a strong mandate and thank the public for renewing their confidence in

us to continue as an active, progressive local board for another three years. Vernon Tava was again returned by a small margin, although a judicial recount is scheduled early November to confirm this. He is set to carry on the excellent work on the board he has undertaken in the past three years. The team has been joined by newcomer, young social entrepreneur, Adriana Christie, and local government veteran, Richard Northey. Their new ideas and experience add considerable strengths to the team.

Popular independent Rob Thomas was once again returned to the board, after another unsuccessful tilt at councillor. We look forward to working closely with him again. The final member of the board is Auckland Future sole representative, young entrepreneur and urban planner, Mark Davey. A diverse and energetic group. We hope to do justice to the vote of confidence placed in us all.

Unfortunately, we said farewell to long-time local, Greg Moyle, who was unsuccessful in his re-election bid. Greg has served this community with distinction for many years of public service on Western Bays Community Board (1989-91), Auckland City Council (2007-2010) and on Waitemata Local Board of Auckland Council since 2010. We wish him well with his future endeavours.

Labour Weekend heralded the arrival of early summer and the freedom summer brings.

Festivals, fireworks, fun, bikes, walks, swims, warm sun, outdoor café dining and friends to share all this with. Parnell Festival of Roses is Sunday 13 November. Grey Lynn Park Festival is Saturday 26 November. Christmas and the Franklin Road Christmas lights from 1 December are nearly upon us.

As a new local board, we look forward to delivering all that is currently planned in the year ahead, representing your interests as a strong local board, and discussing with you in the New Year a refreshed vision for the area in a new local board plan to make Waitemata an even better place to live. And let’s not forget, getting things right at council.

(SHALE CHAMBERS) F PN Contact me: shale.chambers@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

MUV TALKS INAUGURAL EVENT A new ‘disruptive’ event for the entrepreneurial community with pizza, beer, friends and inspiring stories, MUV Talks is to open its doors for the first time in early November.

Studio One Toi Tu is the venue for the event, which aims to bring together people who want to be innovative, creative and make things happen. Each ‘edition’ is to consist of a set of seven talks for seven minutes with different experiences and points of view (from researchers, business people, entrepreneurs and investors), closing with activities and networking.

The inaugural MUV Talks event will showcase seven women: • Lauren Peate - Co-Founder of Analytics 4 Us • Jennifer Clam - National Director Techweek at NZTech, and Founder of Garden Genie • Kristen Wonch - Founder of OHUDDLE • Adriana Christie - Founder of The Pallet Kingdom and local board member • Rez Gardi - law clerk at Chapman Tripp • Zlata K - CEO and Founder of Interlike • Brittany Jordt - Founder of Waywiser Speakers will be presented by Colart Miles (Co-founder of Velox Innovation). F PN

Lauren Peate

16 PONSONBY NEWS+ November 2016

MUV TALKS AUCKLAND VOL. I, 5.30pm Wednesday 9 November www.facebook.com/MUVAKL

Rez Gardi

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MIKE LEE: COUNCILLOR FOR WAITEMATA & GULF

Waitemata & Gulf vote not to be taken for granted My heartfelt thanks to the voters of Waitemata & Gulf for giving me a decisive 1000-plus majority for another term on Auckland Council.

It was a hard campaign against a well-funded, high-profile opponent in Bill Ralston backed by the National Party.

I was also very pleased to see the City Vision Waitemata Local Board candidates do so well in their contest with National’s Auckland Future. The return of board chair Shale Chambers, deputy Pippa Coom and talented Vernon Tava is a testament to their hard work and newly-elected young Adriana Christie has a great future. I was sorry to see old warhorse Greg Moyle miss out but AF’s Mark Davey will add value.

Voting was up compared to 2013 but the average turnout across Auckland was still only 38.5% (though 41.7% for Waitemata, 59.8% for Waiheke and 71.5% for Great Barrier).

Part of this is due to the age-old problem that many people find local government dull.

In 1988-1989, postal voting was introduced in an effort to get participation up. It worked - for a time but now we need to look at the whole system again. There are two elements to this problem. One is the undeniable fact that people are aware that much of the power in local government is in the hands of un-elected officers. Many feel that whichever way they vote this will not change - when in fact it must change! Despite the best intentions of the reformers of the 1980s to get the voting rate up, other reforms, especially legislation empowering council CEOs (formerly town clerks) and de-powering the role of elected councillors (what Professor Richard Mulgan called ‘Rogerpolitics’), actually worked to turn-off democratic participation.

Leaving all that to one side, City Vision is urging a return to election-day voting. While worth considering, I believe quite a lot could be done to improve the present system.

Auckland Council officers were so concerned at the low turn-out in 2013 that this year they spent a lot of money ($1.2m) to do something about it. Typically, they chose a PR campaign based on the theme of love, beating hearts and a ‘love bus’ (a somewhat

implausible association with local government) but with little focus on the practical aspects of postal voting. Yet a key change since the 1980s is the retrenchment in postal services. As one voter reminded me, even finding a letterbox nowadays can be a mission. I was also dismayed at the chilling effect of statements from council that Wednesday 5 October was the last day a vote could be posted and arrive in time to be counted (though you could take it to a library). Why votes can be apparently collected from far-flung suburban libraries up to the Saturday but our specialised mail agency NZ Post takes more than two days to transport a voting envelope a few kilometres across town is a mystery. Given the closeness of the local board race, the 180 Grey Lynn votes that inexplicably just did not turn up were also significant.

Rather than spending over a million dollars on PR, why didn’t the council talk to NZ Post (pay them if necessary) to organise a special Saturday morning collection? Why not employ new technologies to boost postal voting? While any IT specialist will tell you internet voting is presently just too difficult to secure from hacking, other media could be tried, including automated emails, phone messages and texts reminding voters to vote until the voting papers are received and scanned.

Returning to politics, a disappointed Bill Ralston complained to the media that despite a determined effort by the National machine to get the vote out "people on the right of the political spectrum just don’t vote". Actually they do and they did. It is a mistake to assume that people in this most sophisticated of electorates always vote the party line or the same way for local government as they do in parliamentary elections. To make the point, I give the last word to Ponsonby resident of centre-right persuasion (I won’t PN include a name) but the email message is clear. (MIKE LEE) F Mike Lee is the Auckland Councillor for Waitemata & Gulf ward, www.mikelee.co.nz

"Hello Mike, I was very pleased to see that you have been re-elected to council I hope my vote just added to the avalanche! I voted for you because you listen and react to 'the voice of the people', and that is how democracy really works. You must (and should be) very proud that when there is a wave of "chuck the bums out" sentiment, you have stood up, been proud of your achievements and stood for re-election based upon the voice of the people. I am very pleased for you, and for Auckland, to see your fine results. I look forward to seeing your sage contribution (especially as far as rail to the airport is concerned and perhaps the new rail network to the North Shore) continue in this new term. I am delighted for you personally Mike but also for Auckland, as I see you as a 'light in the tunnel' when it comes to the council finally getting control of the bureaucrats who think that they are running Auckland (when in fact they need to listen to what the punters are saying and then make their decisions!). Well done you." Anonymous centre-right voter

PEDAL POWERED PIZZA FROM DOMINO’S Domino’s first ZeroCar delivery store in New Zealand is located in Ponsonby.

Located in the new Ponsonby Vinegar Lane and Cider development it's the first Domino’s store in New Zealand that will not use any cars in their deliveries, with the ultimate aim to be a 100% electronic bike (e-bike) delivery store.

Domino’s General Manager Scott Bush says the transition to ZeroCar deliveries is a big step forward for the future of deliveries within New Zealand and a natural fit for the Ponsonby store.

“Not only do the pushbikes help the environment, they also reduce noise and traffic in the area and provide a fun, safe and active way for us to deliver pizza to our customers,” Scott said.

“Our pushbikes have been designed and modified for our delivery needs, ensuring our drivers can safely deliver piping hot pizzas while doing our bit for the environment. All of our delivery experts are kitted out with safety equipment including high visibility vests and helmets with safety always the number one priority.”

20 PONSONBY NEWS+ November 2016

The territory for the delivery must be taken into account and while not every Domino’s is suitable to be 100% ebike, Domino’s plans to roll them out across other stores which PN fit the criteria. F www.dominos.co.nz PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

PONSONBY NEWS+ November 2016

21

JOHN ELLIOTT: LOCAL NEWS

Pollinator paths - a beginning in Hakanoa Reserve It has always seemed to be the privilege of the older amongst us to criticise the next generation as lazy, uninterested in politics, prone to alcohol or drug abuse, selfish and consumerist.

Just this month in Auckland two young people put the lie to that proposition - one has become a household name, but the other is lesser known but worthy of special mention.

The first was Chloe Swarbrick who stirred up the Auckland mayoralty vote, and came in an astonishing third after Goff and Crone, beating twice candidate Palino, keen aspirant Thomas, along with 14 or 15 others. Her future is assured.

And now along comes another young woman with a vision, Andrea Reid. Reid, 24, is a graduate landscape architect in her first job with multi-national company AECOM. She wrote her thesis at Unitec on pollinator paths and her tutors were so impressed they (almost) insisted that she persuade local politicians to put her ideas into practice.

What are pollinator paths? This is a new movement that aims to connect Auckland’s parks and reserves to make pollination pathways. These pathways will help bring crucial pollinators into urban areas to enable the growing urban food network to thrive. The first pathway has been created in Hakanoa Reserve, Grey Lynn.

Now, thanks to the foresight of Reid and some financial support from the Waitemata Local Board bees will be supported all year round.

As Reid told Ponsonby News, “Honey bees have a critically important role in New Zealand’s biodiversity and economy.”

Discussing how the pollinator paths concept arose, Reid explained. “We are lucky to live in one of the greenest countries in the world,” she said. “What we need now is the right kind of green; the kind of green; that feeds and shelters our birds, bees and lesser -known pollinating insects.”

Local volunteers have helped Reid to create special ‘apartments’ using masonry bricks.

Materials such as sticks, stones, straw, moss, pine cones, ceramic pipe, clay, sand, wood and cut bamboo may seem like junk to us but they make five-star accommodation in the pollinator world.

22 PONSONBY NEWS+ November 2016

Residents of Hakanoa Reserve include bees; from regular honey bees to quirky leafcutter bees that cut and carry little pieces of leaf to make nests, as well as birds, lizards and butterflies.

In her thesis, Reid asked how Auckland could better use so much under-utilised space.

For example, the corners of car parks and street berms could feature blooming wild flowers and become a pollinator’s delight. Reid will talk further to locals around Grey Lynn so the paths can be extended, hopefully all the way to Pt Chevalier.

The project has sought to involve schools and seeks to educate everyone in what plants to grow to encourage bees and other pollinators to their gardens.

“New Zealand’s bee populations support about one third of everything we eat through their pollination and contribute around $5 billion to the economy annually,” Reid told us.

She adds, “Bees often get all the credit for being pollinator powerhouses, meaning that others get overlooked. Any animal or insect with the ability to spread pollen from flower to flower is a pollinator.”

Reid has a dream to create a network of pollinator paths across Auckland, and she has certainly, with the help of the Local Board and local resident volunteers, made a great start.

Don’t tell this enterprising young woman that the young can’t be influential citizens, helping to create a more liveable Auckland city.

Like Chloe Swarbrick, Andrea Reid knows that 24 is only a number, nothing that will stop her realising her valuable environmental dream.

Perhaps at the next election, Reid might lead a team with the slogan “Out with the old and in with the new.” She brings a refreshing breath of fresh air to our neighbourhood, which hopefully will inspire other young people to follow their dreams. (JOHN ELLIOTT) www.pollinatorpaths.com

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

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RACHAEL TE AOTONGA: LEYS INSTITUTE LIBRARY NEWS

Wriggle & Rhyme at Auckland Libraries Wriggle & Rhyme is a fun, free programme held at Leys Institute Library every Wednesday and Thursday 10.30am -11am during school term time.

The sessions provide positive movement experiences based on Active Movement principles using music and resources to stimulate the development of both the brain and the body for babies 0-2 years.

Active Movement entails babies engaging in quality physical movement experiences with the encouragement of their caregivers. The aim is to develop and enhance the spiritual, emotional, social, cognitive and physiological growth of the child. Sessions support caregivers in teaching their babies body awareness along with co-ordination and loco motor skills. They also provide a chance for special interaction between caregivers and their babies through active play.

Other benefits of Active Movement for children: • Develops fundamental movement skills that are the building blocks for lifelong participation in sport and recreation • Provides an understanding of the body and how to move • Builds strong bones and muscles • Increases confidence and self esteem • Encourages language development • Strengthens the memory using repetition • Encourages good eye fitness • Group interaction heightens baby’s ability to relate to others.

We invite you to bring your baby along to learn stimulating activities and songs to enjoy at home.

Auckland Libraries Summer Reading Programme - Dare to Explore With the summer school holidays just around the corner, Auckland Libraries staff are working hard at planning exciting ways to help you keep those little hands and minds busy. Our summer reading programme Kia Maia te Whai - Dare to Explore runs for six weeks, through December and January, but you can sign your kids up at the library from late November. All children aged 5-13 are welcome to join in the fun.

Every child who signs up for the free programme receives a booklet. Inside they will find a treasure trove of specially designed activities to appeal to multiple intelligences - from reading and learning to performing, creating, and problem-solving, encouraging the development of a full range of thinking and social skills. Activities can be completed at home, on holiday, at the library or online with friends. Research continues to show that the programme’s focus on fun and exploration has positive impacts on literacy outcomes for children, particularly those with the lowest reading confidence.

We love to see families in the library and strongly believe child membership will incite a lifelong love of libraries and reading. The effects of this are all positive: participation in the local community makes for an inclusive society. This factor, as well as access to a whole world of information and collections helps to create and nurture young readers while supporting them in life’s transitions and building on their life skills.

PN (RACHAEL TE AOTONGA) F LEYS INSTITUTE, 20 St Marys Road, T: 09 374 1315, www.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz

photography: Hamish Melville

OUT + ABOUT

Juliette Hogan and Alex Blanco

MichelleWeir

Tamsin Marshall

JULIETTE HOGAN EYEWEAR LAUNCH, PONSONBY - THURSDAY 6 OCTOBER PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH 24 PONSONBY NEWS+ November 2016

(except January)

PONSONBY U3A: OCTOBER 2016 Early family memories were recalled for many Ponsonby U3A members when Edward Bennett gave a talk on the early days of the Karangahape Road area at a U3A meeting earlier this year.

None more so than for U3A member and Westmere resident Jan Hutton, whose local family connections go back to 1907, when her maternal grandparents settled in John Street, Ponsonby. Her grandfather was a bricklayer. Also locally, her paternal grandparents had a carrier business providing one of the early forms of transport from Ponsonby to K'Road. They lived on a large property in Sackville Street, where they also kept the horses. At the October U3A meeting, Jan talked about her grandparents, her parents and then her own memories of growing up in Westmere. Her parents started their life together above the grocery business they owned in Park Road, Grafton. Her father then purchased a section in Westmere and the family home was built in time to welcome Jan into the world in the early 1940s. Her grandfather had bricked the house and also built a low brick fence at the front - a favourite for Jan and other young children from the street to walk along. Ten years ago, after spending most of their married life in Helensville, Jan and her husband Gavin moved back into the family home in Westmere. Jan’s mother had lived there until she was 97. Since then, the house has been substantially altered and enlarged, including plastering over the brick exterior. The fence, however, is still its original brick and is walked along by children today as it has been for the past 70 years.

A colleague of Maria Stevens, at the Blind Foundation, described Maria as “awesome”.

After her talk as guest speaker at U3A her audience would have agreed and added “inspiring.” Maria is the Braille Production Team Manager at the Blind Foundation where she has worked for the past 30 years. She talked about herself, being a parent, about Braille and what the Blind Foundation does. She started as a Braille proof reader and now manages a team of 15 sighted and three blind staff, along with volunteers in the community. She runs the accessible format production unit, producing a wide range of publications in Braille, including 90 text book titles this year.

Maria generously shared her own story. She was born with congenital cataracts, as were five of her siblings in a family of 10. She had 25 operations to the right eye and 14 to the left, which left her with a little vision in the left eye. Along with her other sight-affected siblings she was put into boarding school at an early age. The children only went home three times a year, for school holidays and Christmas. “As a result we are all independent and we are all very close.” She attended university, has been a sportsperson playing

Jan Hutton on the original brick fence at her home built by her grandfather over 70 years ago hockey, has rejected having a guide dog in favour of a white cane, uses public transport and has determinedly recovered from a stroke to live a full professional and personal life.

Guest speaker for the November meeting will be Adrian Littlewood, CEO Auckland International Airport. (PHILIPPA TAIT) F PN NEXT MEETING:

9.45am, Friday 11 November, Herne Bay Petanque Club, Salisbury Street Reserve, Herne Bay

ENQUIRIES:

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

ECO SPRESSO: LOCAL, UNIQUE COFFEE CAR From deepest Westmere comes Eco Spresso - the unique coffee car hand-built (inside his old 849cc Mira) by owner Daniel De Leon.

Eco Spresso is an incarnation of eco-friendly brewing of espresso coffee using green energy: mobile solar power, organic and fair trade coffee beans and a focus on minimal environmental impact.

Daniel says, “Coffee growers and suppliers are taking initiative with environmentally friendly focuses, cup and lid manufacturers are producing compostable items and now, for the final coffee brewing stage, I’m reflecting these eco-ambitions too!”

You can find, purchase and enjoy Eco Spresso at the Grey Lynn Car Boot Market, Western Springs College and events such as the Parnell Festival of Roses. F PN www.facebook.com/EcoSpresso

26 PONSONBY NEWS+ November 2016

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

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NIKKI KAYE: AUCKLAND CENTRAL MP

Update on economic progress and local issues I want to acknowledge all of the people elected to the local board of Waitemata.

I have seen first-hand the hard work of some of the members of the local boards across Auckland - the difference these elected representatives make to communities can be hugely significant. I look forward to continuing to work locally with Councillor Mike Lee. I also want to congratulate Phil Goff on being elected Mayor of Auckland. The Mayor of Auckland is an important role and it is crucial that central government and local government continue to work together in addressing the local issues Auckland Central faces and the wider city. I want to acknowledge Len Brown for the work that he did for Auckland. I worked on a number of projects with him and was pleased that we were able to progress projects like the $340 million Victoria Park Tunnel project and the City Rail Link. We need to continue to do more to reduce congestion and improve public transport and these projects are a step forward.

ECONOMIC PROGRESS Last month, our government announced a crown surplus of $1.8 billion. This is a huge turnaround from a deficit of more than $18 billion, which New Zealand faced a number of years ago following the global financial crisis and the devastating Canterbury earthquakes.

This government remains committed to maintaining rising surpluses because this gives New Zealand real choices. These choices translate into ongoing investment in public infrastructure and better public services. New Zealand’s economic outlook continues to be positive with consumer confidence growing, businesses investing, exports up, and tourism booming.

Our economy is growing at more than 3%, with more jobs, and rising wages thanks to the entrepreneurship and hard work of New Zealanders supported by the government’s economic plan and responsible financial management.

We are now just one of a very small group of countries that has the Government books in surplus and a growing economy. I understand how important this progress is to ensure that we continue to see wages rise and more money in people pockets.

28 PONSONBY NEWS+ November 2016

LOCAL UPDATE I am pleased to announce that construction of the six new classrooms and upgrades for four adjoining existing learning spaces are scheduled to commence at Richmond Road School in November 2016 with completion expected by May 2017.

This construction is the first stage of a four-stage plan that will redevelop the school into an innovative learning environment.

Planning for stage two will begin early next year and will lay the ground work for a new reception area, new administration and senior management area, a staffroom and a learning centre.

Last month, Hon Maggie Barry announced the establishment of new DOC offices for Great Barrier Island. These new offices will allow the Department of Conservation to work closer with iwi and local community interests in their efforts to protect the island's environment. As many of you will be aware, I helped deliver the Aotea Conservation Park to ensure that young Aucklanders will always have a special place of conservation significance for generations to come.

The Aotea Conservation Park Advisory Committee recently held their inaugural meeting.

The committee was established to provide advice to the Department of Conservation and to represent both iwi and local community interests. This will now be made easier through the establishment of the new DOC offices on the island.

Thank you again for all the lovely people who continue to contact my office. I am hugely grateful to my Auckland central staff (Maggie and Sam) alongside my colleagues who are helping ensure we continue to deliver for Auckland Central. Please do not hesitate to PN contact my office in the future if you need any assistance. (NIKKI KAYE) F Hon Nikki Kaye is the MP for Auckland Central, www.nikkikaye.co.nz

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

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JOHN ELLIOTT: LOCAL NEWS

W Wiggins Ltd - one of New Zealand’s earliest-established businesses We think of New Zealand as a young country, and by many overseas standards it is but one company, W Wiggins Ltd set up in Wellington

by Irish immigrant William Wiggins, has just celebrated its 150th anniversary.

It is still privately owned but has gone through a number of incarnations in that time.

Ponsonby News talked to the great, great, grandson of William Wiggins, Johnny Wiggins, who in 2014 set up a subsidiary of the firm in Ponsonby Road, W Wiggins Health and Beauty. Johnny confessed to us that he had moved a long way from the founder’s vision, but pointed out that his ancestor had to battle changing times too.

William arrived in New Zealand from Ireland in 1864 after a short stay in New South Wales. He was just 24 years old. He set up a leather and saddlery business, and his timing was impeccable. He became a major supplier of military equestrian equipment to the government for both the Boer War and the First World War. At this time the company employed 85 full-time staff.

After the First World War with the advent of the motor car and the consequent decline in demand for saddlery and harnesses, W Wiggins moved into first the shoe business, then bags, upholstery, and automotive re-trimming. In recent years they have become leading suppliers of industrial textiles, which they supply into the marine, transport, shade and agriculture industries.

And then along came great, great grandson Johnny. Did he carry on the family tradition?

No, he did not. He went overseas, worked in sales for L’Oreal in London, also Pepsi, learning a lot about brands.

Johnny came back to New Zealand and joined the family firm. They were still doing well, but Johnny sensed that it was time to branch out into other areas in order to keep growing the business. He had built up a good understanding of the health and beauty industry and believed he could bring new products to New Zealand that consumers would love. He was nervous about bringing these radical ideas to the Wiggins board, but they gave him the green light to go ahead. A subsidiary of Wiggins Ltd began. Johnny is still answerable to the Wiggins board, but his quick success, although challenging, has led them to accept what he brings to the company.

Johnny started his subsidiary with one major product - Collection cosmetics from the United Kingdom, which he got into Countdown supermarkets. After two years, he has six international cosmetics and skincare brands that sell in several major New Zealand retail outlets, including Farmers, Life and Unichem pharmacies and The Warehouse.

We asked Johnny for the secret of his success. He told us that he presents a point of difference to clients, his company is small and flexible, and can provide what customers want. He quoted some of the international companies such as L’Oreal who demand “this

is how we do it” for customers. For example, Johnny Wiggins and his team designed a display unit for Countdown to exactly fit the space they were allocated.

Johnny Wiggins is far from resting on his laurels. He goes to trade shows worldwide seeking new products.

He is excited about one new product nearly ready to hit New Zealand shelves called The Balm. “It will be a game changer for us,” he told me.

The board of the 150-year-old W Wiggins Ltd must be happy with how the great, great, grandson of their founder is running his subsidiary or they would have pulled the plug on him by now.

It all goes to show how diversification can continue to support a company which thrived in the horse and cart era, yet not only survives but flourishes 150 years later in the 21st century.

I’m sure the original Irish immigrant would be proud of his descendent Johnny Wiggins and we at Ponsonby News wish him well. (JOHN ELLIOTT) F PN www.wwigginsbeauty.com

GREY LYNN PARK FESTIVAL - SATURDAY 26 NOVEMBER Come and join us for a fabulous day of music, food and fun, right in the heart of Grey Lynn.

A team of festival volunteers work year-round to bring you the largest community-run festival in New Zealand.

Workshops, kids pods, gypsies, goats, steam engines, iron horses, roman centurions, handmade crafts, politicians, music, music and more music. You just don’t know what you will encounter but the free fun for the child in all of us makes this a unique Grey Lynn welcome to summer.

We think people want to gather together in friendly, ethical, creative and optimistic ways and escape the modern -day corporate branding and commercial interests that drive other major events. The festival holds onto a simple philosophy of ethical and organic traders selling products made with their own hands at fair prices. Artists and musicians share their talents and music remains a core feature with free performances all day.

Remember: Love the earth, love you, Smokefree, be mindful of the planet, don't litter, balance your alcohol, have fun, find kind people, celebrate humanity, he aha te mea nui, ole a le mea a autipo ona tuua, the power of you. F PN www.greylynnparkfestival.org

30 PONSONBY NEWS+ November 2016

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

PONSONBY NEWS+ November 2016

31

JACINDA ARDERN: LABOUR LIST MP AUCKLAND A little while ago, the Minister for Police made an announcement that may have sounded, well, a little odd. On 29 August Judith Collins declared that the police would attend all house break-ins.

What stood out to me wasn’t the fact that if you had a burglary, you were now guaranteed that a police officer would visit you, it was the fact that this wasn’t happening already.

As for sexual assault, only 12% of these offences ever conclude with an offender going before the court.

I know that won’t be a surprise to many. I’ve heard a few people locally tell stories of pretty serious incidents where the police either haven’t been able to attend or have arrived long after the fact. And none of it is their fault. In the past few years the strain on police resources has become really noticeable. They've had to absorb more than $300 million in cost pressures, back office staffing has been reduced, frontline numbers are down even when compared to two years ago, and a number of local stations have closed.

While we have managed to keep the Ponsonby base, there has been a consolidation of the stations in the inner city.

We can do something about these pretty horrific resolution rates, if we put the support in the right place. Labour recently announced that, in our view, we needed 1000 more officers on the frontline if we were going to meet both the public’s expectations, but also the police’s. In a recent survey, 75% of police officers acknowledged they didn’t have enough of them on the frontline and 86% said they were under resourced. That’s also why new officers won’t be enough on its own. We need to start plugging the resource gap and stop the cuts to those who provide back office support. Don’t get me wrong, keeping records and completing paper work is a vital role, but one the police used to have much more support for than they do now. Not every human or menial task can be replaced by a hand held device.

None of that has come without a cost, and it’s offences such as burglary and sexual assault that tell that story. There are 50 extra burglaries every day when compared to two years ago, and only one in 20 are solved with an offender facing court.

It wasn’t too long ago that the police commissioner identified that burglary was often an entry level crime that led to repeat and more serious offending. It was an offence we needed to be targeting, but one that the police simply haven’t had the capacity to address.

Our police force has an incredibly demanding job, every day of the week - they need to be properly resourced and supported, not just to keep our communities safe, but so PN they can be there when they know they're needed. (JACINDA ARDERN) F JACINDA ARDERN, Labour List MP based in Auckland Central, www.jacinda.co.nz

REINVIGORATION OF KELMARNA GARDENS Ponsonby locals will be familiar with Kelmarna Gardens, our local city farm and organic community garden, and its recent 18 months of transition from third party management to being run by the Kelmarna Community Garden Trust.

Over the past year the Trust has been working with volunteers, the community and awardwinning landscape architect Carl Pickens to develop plans for the gardens’ revitalisation.

The process was given a boost by a capacity-building grant from the Waitemata Local Board. The plan is now complete (see picture) and includes upgrades to appearance and organisational features (while respecting the rustic character of the gardens!), improving accessibility, creating a dedicated outdoor teaching space, a more effective plant nursery area and a ‘village green’ area for the community to use as a picnic and event space.

The trust is now ready to work with volunteers, community and local businesses to implement these plans - stage by stage (implemented over time, so as to cause minimal

32 PONSONBY NEWS+ November 2016

disruption to gardening and existing volunteers). It’s fantastic news that Craig Miller (of Miller’s Coffee) has agreed to be a founding sponsor of one of the key areas.

The trust needs further sponsorship and more volunteers (gardeners, builders or anyone with time) to help bring the plans to life. If you are keen on finding out more email kelmarnagardens@gmail.com, or pop into the gardens - you will find Adrian Roche, our wonderful Garden Manager there to talk to during weekdays and volunteer staff on Saturday mornings, 10am-1pm. F PN www.kelmarnagardens.nz PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

LOCAL NEWS PONSONBY COMMUNITY CENTRE NEWS Ponsy Kids Preschool • 20 ECE funded hours.

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

The outdoor project for Ponsy Kids is nearing completion!

With the turf going down and the paving replaced the new play area is becoming a more tangible reality. We have a few last elements to be installed including a mural featuring local landmarks by artist Greg Straight.

We have been working closely with our project team, MAUD (Markham Architecture + Urban Design), Constructure Structural Engineering, and Alpha 1 Builders over the past few months and we can’t wait for the area to be opened. The children are very excited about their new play space and locals are also enjoying our new look as seen from Tole Park.

We would like to say a very big thank you to the project team who has done such a wonderful job. Their professionalism and expertise has resulted in such a wonderful outdoor play area for our children.

Special thanks to Natasha Markham at MAUD for designing such a unique and creative new outdoor space.

We would like to welcome Alva Ward to our teaching team. Alva comes to us with many years of teaching experience and she is very passionate about teaching in a community based preschool.

Contact details are: julie@ponsonbycommunity.org.nz, T: 09 376 0896.

Ponsonby Community Centre & Leys Institute Gymnasium Hall Term 4 classes: We have two new classes this term. On Monday evenings at Leys Institute Gymnasium Hall we offer a new dance class, and on Thursday evenings we have a self defense class at Ponsonby Community Centre. Please visit our website: www.ponsonbycommunity.org.nz for more classes/contact information.

34 PONSONBY NEWS+ November 2016

School holiday programmes - December • Gym Kids Gymnastics will be running their holiday programme 21 to 23 December from 9am to 4pm at Leys Institute Gymnasium Hall. To register your child, please visit their website: www.gymkids.co.nz • Young At Art will have a programme 19 and 22 December at Ponsonby Community Centre. To register your child, please visit their website: www.youngatart.co.nz Venue hire If you are looking for space to run your meeting, function, classes then contact us. We have two wonderful facilities available for hire and can assist you with your requirements. Please contact the office.

From 8 November we invite booking applications for 2017 from individual /community and private groups for term classes. If you would like to start a new activity/class in the New Year, please feel free to contact us for assistance, we welcome applications from all sectors of our community.

For more information on Ponsonby Community Centre, T: 09 378 1752; M: 021 244 0904, E: info@ponsonbycommunity.org.nz; www.ponsonbycommunity.org.nz; Facebook: Ponsonby Community Centre

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

PONSONBY NEWS+ November 2016

35

DEIRDRE ROELANTS: LANDMARK BUILDINGS

Holmdene,195 Ponsonby Road Holmdene was first built as a gentleman’s residence in the Italianate style for shipping magnate Alexander McGregor.

Of Scottish descent, he was born at Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia in 1828. As a young man he worked in the coastal trade around Nova Scotia and New England.He married Charlotte Matheson in Massachusetts in 1857. A year later the couple along with his kinsman, Roderick McGregor sailed as passengers on the ‘Prince Edward’ to New Zealand. They reached Auckland in 1859 where McGregor began his long involvement with Auckland’s coastal trade. On their arrival, Roderick immediately decamped to Whangarei Heads and established a boatbuilding yard where McGregor’s first acquisition, a 36-ton schooner ‘Kiwi’ was built.

McGregor then began trading from Auckland to Russell, Whangaroa, Manganui and occasionally around North Cape to the west coast ports. Next he invested, in quick succession, in four more ships, the ‘Fairy’, the ‘Ivanhoe’ and the ‘Rob Roy’. At that time Auckland’s population was widely scattered with few suitable roads and travel by sea was the main means of transport and communication. Small river and coastal ships provided the only important links to the city’s surrounding settlements and, being dependent on weather conditions, were not the most reliable form of transport. Attempting to operate a regular service on Northern New Zealand’s exposed coastline was impracticable and by the beginning of the 1870s, McGregor became convinced that the service should convert to steamships as the obvious solution.

three years under McGregor’s guidance as managing director the Northern Company prospered, commissioning larger steel vessels such as the ‘Clansman’ and the ‘Gairloch’.

He certainly gave a significant nod to his Scottish heritage. As the depression of the 1880s hit hard at shipping companies’ freights and incomes, McGregor proposed a reduction in both wages and overtime pay in order to hold down costs. In response the Federated Seaman’s Union, with financial aid from kindred unions, launched its own company, the Jubilee Steamship Company. The Northern Company’s financial situation deteriorated further and McGregor was dismissed for mismanagement by his fellow directors in June 1888.

Of course steamers required more capital than a small-time trader could command, so he put together a syndicate of businessmen who saw sense and profit in his proposal. The syndicate’s new vessel was the ‘Rowena’ with McGregor holding 26 of the 64 shares and from this small beginning the Northern Steamship Company was born. Under McGregor's command, the ‘Rowena’ traded from Auckland to the northern ports. Over the next eight years, six further steamers were built named 'Argyle', 'Iona', 'Staffa', 'Fingal' and 'Katikati' and trade was extended south to Tauranga and Opotiki on the east coast, and Onehunga south to Raglan, Kawhia and Waitara on the west coast. McGregor gave up work as ships master when closer supervision from the shore was needed.

Nothing daunted, within six weeks at the age of 60 he was back in business with his son, William who was a qualified marine engineer, and some other partners. He purchased the steamer ‘Rose Casey’ but this time his trading was from Auckland to Waiwera and Omaha. His success was immediate and his company flourished over the next 10 years, which demonstrated that accusations of mismanagement levelled at him were unfounded. By the end of the century, he had largely retired from active involvement in the company. He died at his home, Holmdene, in January 1901. He was survived by his two sons and two daughters, his wife Charlotte having died four years earlier. Despite the unpleasant dismissal from the company, he established his contribution to coastal steam communication, which endured till ships gave way to trains and motor vehicles.

In 1881 the syndicate was reorganised as the Northern Steamship Company Ltd and took delivery of a new flagship the ‘MacGregor’, a 256-ton steamer. For the first

His mansion eventually became a boarding house in the 1980s and apparently was popular with transvestites. (DEIRDRE ROELANTS) F PN

STREET ART ON CHORUS CABINETS There are Banksies in our midst! They are applying street art to Chorus cabinets all over the place.

One Banksie in particular has caught our attention. Glasgow-born Janet Williamson who lives on Richmond Road spied a graffiti-covered cabinet near where she lives and thought that she must do something to cover the scribble.

She decided to paint an image of her tartan, including a sporran, on the cabinet, then called Chorus to discuss her idea, sent a photograph of what she had done and found them very helpful, even offering to supply the paint and assuring her they would spray graffiti guard on her completed works. She had found the task pleasant and easy to accomplish so, given the support from Chorus, decided to paint something on the next one that would make people smile. She found an image of an elephant on an old tea caddy she had in her kitchen, which tickled her fancy and decided to turn a cabinet into an elephant. It has given rise to many favourable comments. Recently, a woman shot out of the front door of a nearby house and exclaimed to Janet how much she liked the image.

Janet attended the Glasgow School of Art for four years, which was housed in a beautiful Charles Rennie Mackintosh building, one of the city’s main architectural highlights. She next went to university in Canada to study theatre design but after 17 years there she and her family decamped to New Zealand, finding the Canadian winters just too cold. She also had relations here, which is always a draw. They settled first in Wellington where she earned a living doing theatre sets but now she and her husband reside in Grey Lynn. Janet still paints constantly and has had several exhibitions on the North Shore at the Lakehouse Art Centre and Northart Gallery but will continue to seek out Chorus cabinets that need enhancing. (DEIRDRE ROELANTS) F PN

36 PONSONBY NEWS+ November 2016

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

LOCAL PARKS ARE GREAT FOR BUSINESS AND RESIDENTS Almost three quarters of the customer base for Ponsonby businesses is drawn from the Auckland Central area. With planned intensification, we know this will only increase.

LOCAL NEWS CYCLISTS STILL BREAKING RECORDS Aucklanders are continuing to get on their bikes in record numbers.

Auckland Transport’s cycling, walking and road safety manager Kathryn King says the large jump in the number of people cycling on city centre cycleways is part of the ‘network effect’.

But why do people choose to shop, socialise and recreate in Ponsonby instead of other central city areas? And how can Ponsonby retain and grow its desirability as a destination?

“Despite September being the wettest month since July 2015, we saw a big growth in cycle numbers. The pink Lightpath, Grafton Gully Cycleway and improvements to the Northwestern Cycleway have proved really popular. They’re attracting new people to cycling and growing the numbers using other cycleways and throughout the road network.

We all agree there is something different about Ponsonby and we think that difference is diversity.

“As we continue to improve the cycle network, we will see further big jumps in these numbers.”

Diversity of people, architecture, places, spaces and opportunity.

There was a 31% increase in cycle trips on Grafton Gully Cycleway this September compared to September 2015. The Northwestern Cycleway experienced a 32% increase and there was a 22% jump in numbers crossing Te Wero Bridge in the Viaduct.

Ponsonby has traditionally been a melting pot of people and culture and Ponsonby Park will continue this fine tradition. It is of a similar size to Takutai Square in Britomart or the Waitemata Plaza in the Viaduct Harbour, and will provide a space for people who live and work in the neighbourhood to relax and socialise. It will be integrated with and activated by the retail and commercial activity on both sides along Ponsonby Road and potentially, by a new laneway connection through to Tole Street. Imagine how good it would be if Dizengoff Café opened onto the park?

Recently the ‘Community-led Design’ group conducted a survey that asked the community what they would like to do and feel there. The survey was distributed widely and lots of great suggestions were received. These fell into the distinctive themes of: rest and relax, social connection and intimacy.

Unsurprisingly, feedback against the establishment of the whole-of-site open space was indicated by less than 3% of responses, while a lack of ‘retail continuity’ was not mentioned at all. With many of our historic and beautiful churches and buildings constituting the breaks in the retail continuity this was as expected. Rather than diminishing the experience, they create a more diverse and stimulating environment to explore and enjoy. From Tu Toi in the south to the Leys Institute in the north, including many significant buildings and places in between, Ponsonby Road is an eclectic and stimulating conglomeration. No wonder Aucklanders and tourists alike flock here to immerse themselves in our community, history and unique environment.

Quay St Cycleway is also proving successful, with a one day record of 1138 cycle trips last Saturday and more than 50,000 trips since it opened in early July.

And there is more to come, Auckland Transport will be seeking feedback soon on a number of cycleways and streetscape improvements including Westhaven to City Centre Cycleway, Midtown Cycleway (Victoria Street West) and Karangaphape Road Street Upgrade. Currently AT is seeking feedback on four cycle projects in the Grey Lynn, Arch Hill and Westmere areas.

Auckland Transport is working with project partners Auckland Council and the Government through the NZ Transport Agency and the Urban Cycleways Programme on a $200 million programme of cycle improvements from 2015 to 2018. F PN For more information on cycling counts and surveys in Auckland go to https://at.govt.nz/cycling-walking/cycling-walking-monitoring/

The planned whole-of-site, open space at 254 Ponsonby Road will add to both the diversity and amenity of our community. It will be a venue for events, activities and, based on the feedback so far, a Farmers market of our own! It will be a much-needed rest stop (ideally with toilet facilities) where shoppers, visitors and locals can take time out to relax and revivify before pushing on with their day. A place to meet old friends or make new ones, to give the kids a fun and stimulating place to burn off some energy or to be entranced by nature. A place to meet for a picnic, a game of petanque, or simply somewhere to watch the world go by.

All around the world there are stunning examples of how local urban parks add to the fabric of the community they serve. Paley Park, the High Line, and our own Silo Park in the Wynyard Quarter all provide for passive and active recreation.

The urban park at 254 Ponsonby Road will complement the nearby green spaces of Victoria Park, which is largely used for sports based activities, and Tole Street Reserve.

Ponsonby Park will serve as a hub for community events. With a combination of Ponsonby’s historic and urbane ‘look and feel’ in the design elements: street furniture, lighting, planting and paving materials that have been used in previous projects, as well as new site-specific features, 254 Ponsonby Road will be unique. It will have the ability to evolve over time as the area’s needs change, and the local population defines new activities and patterns of use.

254 Ponsonby Road is Our Place and it’s going to be a brilliant addition to both our local and business community.

You can contact us at: 254ponsonbyrd.org.nz or Facebook 254ponsonbyrd or PN Ponsonby Park. F

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LOCAL NEWS FOUR LOCALS AWARDED VARIETY ARTISTS CLUB OF NEW ZEALAND SCROLLS OF HONOUR Billie Farnell, the iconic resident jazz pianist at Shanghai Lil’s (now closed) was awarded a Scroll of Honour from the Variety Artists Club of New Zealand for his lifetime dedication to New Zealand music. Ponsonby film maker, social butterfly and party hostess Diana Wong was first to congratulate Billie.

Tim Bray was also awarded a Variety Artists Scroll of Honour for his unwavering dedication to developing young talent as an actor, playwright, producer, director and founder of the Central Theatre and Tim Bray Productions celebrating 25 years.

NewstalkZB host Kerre McIvor, was presented with a Scroll of Honour from the Variety Artists Club of New Zealand. The scroll was presented by fellow long-time Grey Lynn resident David Hartnell MNZM, who is the Patron of the Variety Artists Club of New Zealand, photographed with his partner Somboon Khansuk.

Chris Priestley, well known local musician and businessman, has been honoured with a scroll from The Variety Club of New Zealand. Chris is about to return to the Atomic Cafe site at 121 Ponsonby Road he made famous for music and petanque in the 90s. He will be welcomed back with open arms - he has been missed.

Diana Wong and Billie Farnell

Tim Bray and David Hartnell

photography: Emily Hung

photography: Emily Hung

photography: Jason Fell photography

The scroll read - to Kerre McIvor for her services to broadcasting in New Zealand and her unwavering support of New Zealand charities.

David Hartnell, Kerre McIvor Somboon (Ekk)Khansuk

Local Election postmortem - winners and losers A few more people voted this time, around 38%, against 35% in 2013. But such a small turnout is still a pathetic ‘nose-thumb’ at democracy.

The big loser in this election was Auckland Future, the new centre-right group, backed by National. They failed by a long way to get a majority of their council candidates into office.

As expected, Phil Goff romped in as mayor. He beat Vic Crone by nearly 100,000 votes.

Young phenomenon Chloe Swarbrick rocked the boat with nearly 30,000 votes.

In our Waitemata Ward, one Auckland Future candidate made it on to the board, Mark Davey, along with one independent, incumbent Rob Thomas, whose council seat attempt was well short of the mark.

Goff’s vast central government experience should be helpful when he has to garner support from Wellington for Auckland projects. There will be posturing between National and the Labour Goff, but real cooperation is a probability. Auckland is too big a voting lobby for National to ignore - with an election next year. (JOHN ELLIOTT) F PN

City Vision took five of the seven seats on the Waitemata Local Board, with Pippa Coom topping the poll again, and Vernon Tava just scraping in by 10 votes in seventh place after the counting of special votes.

A good scrap was anticipated for the one council seat in Waitemata between incumbent Mike Lee and well-known newcomer Bill Ralston, an independent backed by Auckland Future. There were people who thought Mike Lee had reached his use-by date.

I was not one of those. He has vast experience and has been constantly niggling at bureaucrats, especially Auckland Transport ones, for the whole of the last term. He said he has unfinished business to attend to, and the electorate agreed, returning him with a thousand votes to spare over Bill Ralston. Nevertheless, it will probably be Lee’s last term on council.

Apart from Shale Chambers, Pippa Coom and Vernon Tava, newcomers to the Waitemata Local Board were the older and experienced Richard Northey, and the young up and comer Adriana Christie. Both will be assets this term.

38 PONSONBY NEWS+ November 2016

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY FACES @ GREY LYNN FARMERS MARKET Anita from Dip Stop is at the Grey Lynn Farmers Market every Sunday.

What products do you make and which are your favourites?

I am selling a variety of gluten-free dips and salads from all around the world. I really like my cheese and apple salad as well as the creamy and crumbly feta but my ultimate favourite is the pâté. However, the customer's favourite is the Moroccan pumpkin and carrot dip.

How long have you been making dips and salads?

I started selling my dips and salads nearly three months ago.

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Budapest, Hungary.

What’s the biggest business decision you have had to make?

Leaving a full time, permanent job to be self-employed was a frightening and challenging decision at the beginning but doing what I like is a dream come true.

What’s your favourite way to relax after work?

Having a big cup of coffee while watching cooking shows. photography: Martin Leach

Where is your favourite New Zealand holiday spot?

The Coromandel Peninsula.

What’s your favourite thing about coming to the Grey Lynn Farmers Market?

It is great to meet the local community, getting to know the customers and fellow stallholders and building new relationships. F PN Anita from Dip Stop

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www.glfm.co.nz

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LIZ WHEADON: WINE, GLORIOUS WINE

Grower Champagne - there’s so much to love There’s so much more to the world of Champagne and it’s a region on the move.

The term grower Champagne refers to a producer who owns the vineyards, grows the grapes and makes their own wine - Champagne farmers. There have always been grower Champagnes produced in Champagne and many of those who we are now importing have been making Champagne for many generations. So what has changed that these producers are now exporting and gaining attention worldwide? It’s a question that I posed to many a Champenoise whilst there, the response as you’d expect - varied. It could be that there are now more growers, they are working collectively and, as such, have a far stronger voice and have become somewhat of a movement. Another school of thought proposed is that consumers are looking for something different, an individual voice and character; these wines are loaded with that. Popularity has certainly increased in the United Kingdom and in places like New York to a level where there are many top wine lists that are now 100% grower Champagnes.

What’s so cool about grower Champagnes?

Grower Champagne producers, due to their small size and vineyard link, tend to be very village specific. The big names, the Négociants, are impressive in their ability to blend across the region and produce consistent wines year in year out. Grower Champagne producers though are more terroir focused. Each grower has a unique story of place and the characteristics of that to share.

Non-vintage Champagne is produced by blending wines from recent vintages with what’s known as reserve wines. This is done to produce a wine that is consistent in style, year in and year out. Holding reserve stocks is very expensive and something that the big houses have the investment to do. Generally however, grower Champagnes have low reserve stocks and their non-vintage styles are a blend of two or three vintages. One of the reasons grower Champagnes are sometimes criticised for inconsistency, though in the same space others praise them for diversity.

Grower Champagnes do tend to represent excellent value for money. This in itself could be linked to the relative obscurity in the international market until recently; one thing that grower Champagnes don’t do a lot of is marketing. Their focus is purely on growing the

best fruit and producing the best wine; they are farmers. Without the additional layers of cost, these are well-priced wines.

So is small better? These grower Champagnes are certainly very interesting and quality fine wines. The conclusion I came to in Champagne is that all these categories have so much to offer, they just offer different things.

It’s not about better, it’s about diversity.

The big houses, the Négociants have the skill, resource and hundreds of years of experience to ensure consistency in quality. Let’s face it, you try a bottle of Veuve NV in Auckland and then in New York and you know what you are getting - it’s Veuve. Whether it’s buying a bottle for a special occasion or it is buying a bottle just because it’s Friday, having something that you know and love is just perfect. As for the growers, these are very individual expressions, wines of character and personality. So looking for something different, these are going to be just the right thing.

Not all grower Champagnes are of the same quality, there are some pretty average wines out there; those you won’t find on the shelves at Glengarry! Our collection of grower Champagnes is exceptional; seems the judges at Cuisine concur, awarding Paul Bara Brut 5 stars and Top 10, Lilbert Brut 4.5 stars and Best Buy. You don’t have to take our word for it (although given the experience, you certainly can). We’ve put together a series of grower Champagne tastings around Auckland, I’ll be hosting some and Regan, our Fine Wine Consultant, the others. So come along, taste the wines and you’ll quickly fall in love with grower Champagnes as much as we have.

PN (LIZ WHEADON) F www.glengarry.co.nz/tastings

KATHRYN WILSON IN REIMS LOCAL SHOE DESIGNER AND Veuve Clicquot ambassador Kathryn Wilson and her husband Liam Taylor visited Reims in September this year, where they were hosted at Veuve Clicquot’s private Hotel du Marc and enjoyed a private tour of the maison. F PN Left: Table setting at the Hotel du Marc; Right: Kathryn Wilson in the crayeres where Veuve Clicquot is produced.

40 PONSONBY NEWS+ November 2016

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY THANK YOU, I LOVE YOU, YOU’RE AMAZING Say it as often as you like, with Foxes Island Wine & Flowers Programme.

With busy lives and chaotic world events, Kelly Brown had a romantic notion about the importance of marking the smaller moments in life on a regular basis, a ritual that would be easy and heartfelt.

“I thought how nice it would be to receive your favourite bottle of wine and a bouquet of flowers once a month, just because” says Kelly. “We all live fast-paced lives and sometimes you just need to slow it down and literally smell the roses. It seems like a blink, but we have been producing Foxes Island wines now for 25 years; life zips by.”

Finding a way to deliver the beautiful, seasonal floral bouquets Brown had in mind initially proved to be a challenge until paths crossed again with Natalie Houston of FloraMay. “It was quite fortuitous to reconnect with Natalie as she was looking for a space and we a resident florist,” says Kelly. “She is incredibly talented and her design work has been a sensory delight at the Tasting Room, complementing the delicious wines of course!”

And the programme is simple to join. People select their preferred bottle of Foxes Island wine and desired bouquet size to be delivered on a monthly, fortnightly or weekly basis.

Programmes start from $55. Outside of subscription services, Foxes Island creates personalised and bespoke wine and floral gifts for all occasions throughout the year - a fresh approach for business gifting. Visit the Foxes Island Tasting Room, open Monday to Saturday, 10am-5pm. F PN FOXES ISLAND, 15c Williamson Avenue, T: 09 378 1369, www.foxes-island.co.nz

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EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY THE FESTIVE SEASON IS UPON US! At Sabato we have an alluring selection of new gourmet gift hampers that offer an array of options to suit your taste and pocket.

The Epicurean Feast offers a spectacular selection of appetising ingredients to impress discerning epicures. The food hamper for foodies! For barbecue lovers the Beach, Bach, BBQ box offers Kiwi favourites for gourmet grilling, perfect for long summer evenings at the beach or bach. Cheese aficionados will love our Blue Rhapsody Christmas hamper, it includes a wheel of This Farmhouse local blue, a jar of honey and a cheese knife.

Our hampers are beautifully presented and include recipes and serving suggestions to help make the most of our delicious ingredients.

For a gift that lasts, choose something from the tempting range of kitchenware. Auckland ceramics designer Rachel Carley has a new confetti bowl design that has joined her collection of elegant and eclectic earthenware ceramics. Whether you are serving salads or desserts, the confetti bowl will steal the show. A simply stunning gift that is sure to start or complement Rachel Carley collections across the country.

The beautiful and sophisticated range of Tsé & Tsé porcelain ceramics will be a valued possession for years to come. These exquisite hand-cast pieces are made in France using traditional moulds giving each piece a unique character and an uneven, mutable feel. They are much stronger than their fineness suggests and are ovenproof. Available glazed in white, gold or platinum.

Introducing our beautiful melamine serve-ware, which is as stylish and substantial as porcelain. It’s lightweight, dishwasher safe and ideal for at the beach house or around the pool. Available in four designs: Lemon, Avocado, Sea Life and Tuscan Grove.

For more gift ideas, visit our Mt Eden store (open seven days) or shop online at www.sabato.co.nz If you would like a hamper flyer emailed to you contact us on T: 09 630 8751 or admin@sabato.co.nz F PN SABATO, 57 Normanby Road, T: 09 630 8751, www.sabato.co.nz

HUNTER GATHERER GOURMET Healthy paleo-inspired baking treats that actually taste great and nourish your family - simple, no fuss.

Now in her second year of business, Grey Lynn foodie and mother, Julena Nola founded Hunter Gatherer Gourmet as a direct response to a need she saw every day within her community. Life is catapulting at a crazy speed and parents' time is pushed to the limit daily. HGG’s paleo baking and pancake solutions are easy, healthy and tasty. Kids love them! Lunchboxes and meals need not be sugar, flour or chemical laden with her line of products. People are becoming increasingly health-savvy, allergies are at an all-time high, yet treats make life far more joyful.

After much research and development, and numerous enjoyable rounds of tastings, Julena launched the range of delicious gluten, grain, dairy and refined sugar-free baking mixes - beautiful baking with no dietary nasties. Even those with an aversion to a cake mixer need not worry. The Hunter Gatherer Gourmet range equals simple, healthy baked goods - just add eggs, a little oil and water. Each box has the added benefit of being able to be made into cakes, muffins or cookies.

“We don't compromise on taste,” says Julena, “and as a busy mother and businesswoman, I also wanted to create a mix that was quick and easy, with one bowl and no fuss. The mixes are a perfect foundation to get creative too. Check out some of the recipes on our blog!”

For Julena and her family, quality food and optimum nutrition were always a priority in order to build healthy bodies and strong immune systems. Eating well has also resulted in clearer minds and balanced emotions, which also makes for a calmer household. For adults, the mixes support lean muscle mass and assist in weight control, as well as helping regulate blood sugar levels and increase the metabolism. Say goodbye to midafternoon sugar cravings.

• Quality food made with quality ingredients that tastes amazing • Proudly New Zealand brand that sources locally • Friends, family, and food - the “wellspring” of life “Healthy baking need not be a compromise on taste, texture or quality, and it shouldn’t be a chore. With Hunter Gatherer Gourmet it isn’t, and I couldn’t be more proud of what we’ve created. A commitment to clean, healthy eating doesn't have to mean boredom and deprivation - it's a lifestyle not a life sentence,” says Julena. F PN Local stockists: Farro Fresh and Harvest Wholefoods www.huntergatherergourmet.co.nz

42 PONSONBY NEWS+ November 2016

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

NEWS FROM THE GREY LYNN BUSINESS ASSOCIATION A new eat street with an international flavour is emerging in the Grey Lynn shops.

Several cafes, a boutique bar and specialist food shops have recently opened their doors, delighting the Grey Lynn Business Association, which has been championing the potential of this retail area for several years.

a drawcard for customers from other parts of the city. Pocket Bar & Kitchen is located at the back of the former ASB Bank building, with its entrance on Tuarangi Road.

“This vibrant area is becoming somewhere to go for a great night out,” says GLBA chairperson Jennifer Northover. “ In 2012 the GLBA developed a plan for these shops and it’s wonderful seeing our vision starting to come to life. We don’t want the area to lose its colour and character but it’s lovely to see families coming to dine at these new eateries.”

The architecturally-designed space combines old and new, offering two contrasting areas: a dark and moody bar or a light and bright conservatory-style space, with plenty of greenery, that flows outdoors to a small garden bar. The main bank building has been gutted and is being used to host pop-up functions. Watch this space for its future development as a new permanent hospo offering in the ‘hood.

The arrival of Kokako cafe in 2012 was a tipping point for the reinvigoration of the shops. Kokako Organic Coffee managing director Mike Murphy says he was drawn to the shops as an ideal location to re-establish a flagship site for the brand. The popular cafe draws both locals and people from outside the area.

Tiger Burger has a focus on Korean-inspired fast food. Judging by its popularity, this niche market was just waiting to be filled by its enterprising owners. The humble burger proves to be the ideal vessel for the flavours of Korean cuisine. With a slick black and white fit-out, this burger joint is another design-savvy addition to the shops.

Mike was one of the local business owners who worked with the Grey Lynn Business Association to create a plan for the future development of the shops. His visionary approach helped establish a forward-thinking strategy that is gradually coming to fruition.

Adding more Asian-inpired flavours to the area is one of the most recent arrivals, Ubud Bali, a small Indonesian cafe and takeaway. “Grey Lynn is a cultural melting pot and it’s good to see the cafes and restaurants reflecting that,” says Jennifer. “These shops have an exciting future ahead of them.” F PN

Other recent additions to the shops include Pocket Bar, Tiger Burger, Ubud Bali and The Vegan Shop. As with Kokako, these are proving popular with locals and acting as

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photography: Scott Sinton

EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY

L to R: Nick Honeyman, Sergio Maglione and Megan May

LOCALS FEATURE IN TASTE OF AUCKLAND IN PARTNERSHIP WITH ELECTROLUX SERGIO MAGLIONE is the co-owner of Farina restaurant in Ponsonby.

He will be showcasing Italian delights at Taste of Auckland in partnership with Electrolux from 17-20 November. He will also be hosting a live cooking demonstration at the Electrolux Taste Theatre on Friday 18 November.

they are more open to trying new things. If I had done a Napoletana pizza 20 years ago, it probably wouldn’t have been accepted by the public. Now they are educated and want to see authentic Italian cuisine just as you would get in Italy.

How has Italian cuisine evolved since you first arrived in New Zealand 20 years ago?

I try to maintain my food based on what I can find in New Zealand - especially incorporating fresh ingredients. When I first arrived you couldn’t find artichoke or zucchini flower or even the basics of Italian food, like good imported olive oil. Now New Zealand makes good olive oil - and now we can source the best flour to make breads or wood fire pizza.

Obviously cuisine evolves, Italian food has evolved over the past 20 years but we always maintain our roots and to do that we need to find the right products. Now we have access to those right here in New Zealand.

How would you describe the experience at Farina?

Farina for me is a modern-style trattoria pizzeria. Italian food is designed to bring people together. With shared dining, everyone leaves after trying each other’s dishes - having had same experience, and with the same feeling. I found in New Zealand that everybody would go out and have their own little plate in front of them with roast potatoes, green beans and a cut of meat which can be done really well, but people never really connect.

I think in Farina you can connect with your friends, through the food, conversation and through the vibe.

What brought you to New Zealand originally?

It was for a work-experience holiday, initially for one year. I have an uncle here in New Zealand who is the owner of Toto’s and Non Solo Pizza in Parnell. My sister was here working for him so I came to work for him too. I involved myself in his company, and things progressed and I’ve been here forever now - for over 20 years.

How did you come to own Farina?

I was working for my uncle and then I bought shares in both NSP and Toto’s and then when Toto’s went up for sale, I decided to buy the whole restaurant. We developed Toto pizza by the metre and that became really successful. Then I expanded and made my move to Farina in Ponsonby.

What does Farina mean?

Farina means flour. It is a completely different brand for me from Toto’s, the pizza we do differently - Farina is part of the AVPN which stands for Association Vera Pizza Napoletana.

To be part of this association, we need to maintain the culture and authenticity of a product that has been the same for hundreds of years. We use ingredients that have a certain characteristic. There are about 600 restaurants that are part of this association around the world and they are quite strict. The pizza you eat at Farina will have the same characteristics as the pizza you get in Naples.

Can you explain how Italian food has changed here?

Twenty years ago people weren’t used to Italian foods and the people that owned Italian restaurants didn’t know authentic Italian food. Now people are more knowledgeable and

44 PONSONBY NEWS+ November 2016

What are you most looking forward to at Taste of Auckland?

I love the buzz, and the fact that so many people come and enjoy a celebration of cuisine all together. It’s a celebration of the best of Auckland. It’s a celebration of flavour.

How does Ponsonby compare to your hometown?

People who live in Ponsonby love food so it’s quite nice to deal with customers. Ponsonby is evolving, it’s a modern village and a tight community so in a way it is a bit Italian, in an Italian village you know pretty much everybody - you see the same person walking by at the same time every day. You have the guy who comes to have a beer at Farina at 3 o’clock.

So what’s next for you?

We’re opening a couple of restaurants, one is going to be close to Toto’s and will be a mix of Toto’s and Farina. We are hoping to open after Taste of Auckland. The new one is going to be my baby, it is on the waterfront on Quay Street in the PWC building.

How would you describe your ‘taste of summer’?

I love eating outside, I love to barbecue and entertain. I love cooking with the fresh ingredients of summer. People think Italians eat lots of pasta and pizza, and we do, but it’s about moderation - that’s just one element of Italian food.

What is your favourite thing about Ponsonby?

I love the community. There are so many options in Ponsonby now but my favourite part is still in the middle - Blue Breeze Inn. I love Asian food. www.farina.co.nz PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY NICK HONEYMAN is the owner and executive chef of Paris Butter in Herne Bay.

MEGAN MAY is the founder of Little Bird Organics. She will be part of the new Electrolux Chefs’ Secrets initiative at Taste of Auckland on Saturday 19 November.

What do you love most about the Ponsonby food scene?

With out a doubt it’s the Ponsonby and Herne Bay community. From day one we have had the support of locals and they are always such a pleasure to serve. They have really embraced what we are doing at Paris Butter and we have built very special relationships with our customers. This personal touch is something I have never encountered before.

What do you love most about the Ponsonby food scene?

Ponsonby keeps going from strength to strength, what I love most is the diversity of the Ponsonby food scene. There are these amazing established business like Prego, Dizengof and SPQR that are so quintessentially Ponsonby (of course there are many others) that have been there for a long time who continue to deliver great food and exceptional service which I so admire. Then there are smaller cafes, restaurants and food trucks with unique offerings opening up all the time that keep bringing new people to the area. They keep everyone excited about food and what Ponsonby as an area has to offer.

How do you think French cuisine has evolved over the past five years? Where to from here?

French cuisine and techniques are the base of all western cuisines. I think we are going back to the roots of it now and implementing old techniques and styles, using local produce. Maybe a little lighter and fresher in style, which adapts to our modern heath conscious lifestyles.

I think if anything Kiwis are becoming better cooks and all of these French classics will start to become part of our everyday food culture at home.

Describe your ‘taste of summer’.

I guess I am an expert on this not having had a winter in three years. I live for summer and all of the goodness that comes with it.

Cold champagne and oysters... asparagus, fresh seafood, strawberries, complex salads, long lunches, twilight dinners, lots of ice-cream. My list could go on forever!

What are you most looking forward to about Taste of Auckland?

As always, getting to meet fellow foodies at the event and catching up with my industry peers. It's a chance for us to be more social whilst getting on with what we love doing. Don't be shy to come and see what we get up to on the taste kitchen and say hello to the Paris Butter team! www.parisbutter.co.nz

How do you think the raw food movement has evolved over the past five years?

Where to from here?

The plant-based raw food scene in Auckland has really blossomed in the past five years - when we started seven years ago not many people had any idea what a raw food meal would entail and now pretty much everyone has heard of it and how eating raw food might be a good idea for your health.

I think while raw food as a food philosophy is fantastic and leaves you feeling amazing, it can seem a bit extreme to people who are new or just can't see how it could fit into their diet so they dismiss it.

What I advocate for is not an all or nothing approach - everyone can benefit from adding more plant -based raw food into their day. You don't need to be totally raw to experience some of the benefits of eating raw foods. I see the future of the raw food movement as one that focuses on getting people to add more whole organic plant-based fresh food to their kitchens, no matter what else they eat. Hopefully as a result a few less meat-based meals hit the table each week. From a health and environmental standpoint, it's essential we all start putting more plant-based meals on our tables.

Describe your ‘taste of summer’.

Summer is all about fresh food for me, the abundance and variety of produce available makes eating healthy so easy. This summer I’m looking forward to making my easy Watermelon & Peach Granitas.

What do you love most about Taste of Auckland in partnership with Electrolux?

Taste of Auckland really know how to celebrate good food and great chefs from the area - the atmosphere at Taste is one of the things I love most, everyone from the customers to the people working at the event are always in great spirits - with all that good food it’s hard not to be. www.littlebirdorganics.co.nz

Celebrate the flavours of summer Enjoy dishes from our hottest restaurants: ARTWOK X DEPOT X EURO X FARINA FISH X IMA CUISINE X MISS CLAWDY PARIS BUTTER X THE CULPEPER X TOK TOK X 18

Chef Demonstrations including: Peter Gordon, Megan May, Nadia Lim, Kyle Street & Adriano Zumbo (AUS) X 100+ Artisanal Producers X 12 Live Bands X New for 2016: Electrolux Chefs’ Secrets.

As well as a delicious selection of craft beers & boutique wine from around New Zealand.

Tickets from $25 at tasteofauckland.co.nz The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

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EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY THE GOVERNOR GEARING UP FOR A BUSY SUMMER Having launched their new menu this week and confirming their place as one of Herne Bays favourite eateries, The Governor is gearing up for a busy summer.

The Governor has gone from strength to strength in the last few months; a fully licensed cafe that has added more dining and function options, and with the ability to cater from breakfast through dinner, this contemporary little cafe has officially cemented themselves as a Herne Bay institution.

Located in the prime position on the corner of busy Jervois and Albany Roads and in close proximity to ample parking mere steps away, it’s not only the incredible food and friendly atmosphere that keeps people coming back but the convenience too.

Open for dinner three nights a week, Thursday through till Saturday from 4pm until late and with a wealth of healthy options to choose from including a special section for the kids, more and more people are stopping by or phoning The Governor after a busy day with the kids or a late night at the office and picking up dinner to go.

Having launched their new menu this week to warm reviews, The Governor has introduced some fresh new items onto their new summer menu whilst not straying too far from their crowd favourites. ‘The JB’ beef mince dish in still available for brunch and lunch, the house made granola at breakfast and the cured salmon featuring at lunch time, albeit with an interesting twist in the form of pickled ginger mayo, wasabi and wakame - giving it fresh new flavours that are outdone only by the vibrantly coloured arrangement plated before you.

Welcome additions to the new dinner menu have included the fresh market fish of the day, smoked butter asparagus and an interchanging risotto.

The large comfortable street seating allows for spectacular sun soaked afternoons and warm balmy evenings under the outdoor heaters, and all enjoyed with one of the classic cocktails on offer or a selection from the carefully curated beer and wine list as you watch the passing traffic go by in the blissful setting sun picking at the house marinated olives and smoky chicken liver parfait.

46 PONSONBY NEWS+ November 2016

Small plates make afternoon grazing a memorable experience; with a new Middle Eastern inspired grilled haloumi salad taking centre stage, the toasted focaccia with olives and sundried tomato, and the chorizo and octopus dish offering great accompaniments.

So popular are The Governor’s delectable creations that they are now available to take home or gift to friends and neighbours; the healthy gluten free house made breakfast granola is so popular it was packaged for customers to take home and add to their pantry, preserves and marinated olives are all packaged in idyllic little jars that are just perfect to have on hand as guests drop by during the festive season and all can be served with their Harney & Sons Tea, stocked on site and now as a take home option.

Several spaces are open to accommodate customers with two spacious indoor areas; one a front room bathed in natural light and then a more private back room that caters for small or large groups, with the large screen television accessible for presentations or watching summer sports and a floral filled back deck that with a wine in hand makes for the perfect Saturday session.

Open from 6.30am throughout the week has seen breakfast meetings become more and more popular; with clients utilising the quiet back space for both small meetings, product launches and larger team gatherings, all taken care of by The Governor crew.

With Christmas just around the corner, the cafe come restaurant is already booking functions and offering personalised off site catering and in house food and drink packages in time for party season. Call in or email your enquiry and Manager Jessica is more than happy to work with you to personalise your event or occasion. Better yet, if you are looking for a gift or a special thank you for clients, neighbours or friends this Christmas why not enquire about a beautifully presented Governor cafe Gift Voucher.

If you haven’t already then it’s time you drop in to The Governor and see just what all the fuss is about; whether it’s breakfast, lunch, dinner or just a snacking session you’re after The Governor is serving up true Kiwi cuisine with a worldly twist - and it’s safe to say this quaint cafe will not stay a local secret for long. F PN THE GOVERNOR, 228 Jervois Road, T: 09 361 5060, www.thegovenor.co.nz

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

TINA PLUNKETT: PONSONBY CENTRAL

TAUTAI ART EMPORIUM @ PONSONBY CENTRAL 19 November, 10am to 4pm

Another fabulous art event is on the horizon for Ponsonby Central, working with the amazing team from Tautai, Auckland Council, and the Urbanesia Festival to bring you The Tautai Art Emporium. The Tautai Art Emporium brings contemporary Pacific art and crafts to the Sapphire Room located upstairs in Ponsonby Central.

A range of authentic Pacific art will be exhibited and available for sale during this one-off art day, offering a unique chance to meet and purchase directly from the artists.

Live art demonstrations will take place throughout the day including the Pacifica Mamas, who will be creating art on site accompanied by their own music.

Keep your eyes peeled for the travelling Tautai Banana Booth throughout the celebration.

Get yourself photographed with Janet Lilo’s iconic artwork and update your Facebook status or find yourself on Tautai’s Instagram feed.

Urbanesia expresses Auckland’s unique and diverse urban Pacific identity through a vibrant festival of contemporary Pacific arts across three weekends in November. This event is presented by Tautai Contemporary Pacific Arts Trust as part of their 30-year anniversary celebrations. F PN PONSONBY CENTRAL, Corner Ponsonby and Richmond Roads, www.ponsonbycentral.co.nz

Tautai Art Emporium presents a cross-section of artists whose work reflects Pacific Arts in Aotearoa

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

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47

GARY STEEL: VEG FRIENDLY

The weight of evidence Is a plant-based diet really the healthiest option?

Sometimes I feel like I’ve spent my whole adult life justifying my decision to eat a plantbased diet. This column has often discussed the difficulties vegetarians face in a world hostile to their refusal to eat animal flesh, or to support an industry that’s one of the largest export income generators for our fledgling economy.

But I’ve got an admission to make: my decision to go veg back in the late 1970s, and to inch towards veganism in the new century, was mostly to do with a dislike of the idea of eating animals on an almost instinctual level.

Had I really loved the taste of meat, I’m not sure the transition would have been so easy. As it happens, I’ve never craved it, and by and large, I’ve felt better for eating a plant-based diet.

NIGHT NOODLE MARKETS - COMING TO AUCKLAND Night Noodle Markets comes to Auckland’s Victoria Park this November - the event also coincides with the Franklin Road lights.

Over the years, however, I have met a few people who claimed to not be suited to a vegetarian diet. A former flatmate’s brother, for instance, was a personal assistant to the Maharishi Mahesh Yoki (of TM fame) in his last years in Switzerland, but came back to New Zealand as a champion of meat-eating claiming that the all-vegetarian diet in the Maharishi’s enclave caused listlessness and depression.

For five nights, a range of high-quality food vendors will offer delicious, authentic Asian meals from a hawker-style market.

At the risk of being mauled by plant-eaters on the rampage, I’ve got to make a point that might stick in the craws of those who insist on staying on their high horses. While the accumulated body of evidence currently suggests that veganism is the healthiest dietary option, if that body of evidence changed over time to strongly infer that homo sapiens need meat to survive and thrive as a species, then I would simply have to change my attitude.

Night Noodle Markets - Auckland

The prerogative for any species, after all, is survival, and if long-term health were going to be compromised by remaining vegetarian, then change would be the logical decision.

Enjoy the colour, sounds and smells of this vibrant outdoor festival - a must for foodlovers, office workers and friends who want to drink, dine and soak up the atmosphere.

Where:

Victoria Park (Beaumont Street end), Auckland

When:

4pm - 10pm, Wednesday 30 November - Friday 2 December; 1pm - 10pm, Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 December

Cost:

Entry is free, food will range from $5 - $15. Cash and EFTPOS.

For more information: www.nightnoodlemarkets.nz For more information on vendors, keep an eye on the Facebook page www.facebook.com/thenightnoodlemarketsnz

This is the moment I’m expecting the more totalitarian vegans to jump right down my throat. Like I said, there is plenty of evidence that eating plants is a healthy way to go.

But in reality, the jury is still out on what humans need to sustain the species long-term.

Science is pretty unequivocal that homo sapiens evolved into the brainy species we are because we ate meat; or at least, the skills we developed as hunter-gatherers went hand-in-hand with the ingestion of protein-dense food.

The fact is that there are compounds found in meat that simply aren’t found in plants, and that’s why vegans typically need to seek supplementation with vitamin B12. We also have different needs as individuals, and while one vegan might find it easy to get enough iron, another will find it next to impossible.

One issue with veganism is that over time, the vitamin B stores can get very low, and once discovered, it’s very difficult to restore those reserves. And vitamin B, after all, is intrinsic to our DNA and healthy blood and nerve cells.

Last year, I interviewed Alison Ellett, the local representative of the Weston A. Price Foundation (whose ideas were pinched wholesale by the more trendy Paleo movement), which claims that the human body needs meat, and the saturated fat from animals, to maintain health. She claimed that it only takes six generations for vegetarians to degenerate to a point where the facial structure deteriorates, heads become small and round and teeth become all squashed into the jaw.

Personally, I think it’s bunkum, but vegetarians and vegans should keep open to any PN genuine science that might refute some aspect of their belief system. (GARY STEEL) F Gary Steel is an Auckland-based journalist who runs online vegetarian resource www.doctorfeelgood.co.nz He can be contacted via beautmusic@gmail.com

48 PONSONBY NEWS+ November 2016

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JULIE BONNER: NEWS FROM FROG POND FARM Imagine clambering out of bed to be greeted with "the sheep are in the back yard!"

Pardon? You must be kidding, I thought peering through the window. Yep, the sheep were indeed in the backyard - there is a first time for everything.

The previous night our two sheep were safely contained behind an electric fence, which runs down the centre of a paddock near our house. One side of the fence is dedicated to ruminant grazing, while on the other side sits my pride and joy, my veg garden.

Strangely enough, and you might raise your eyebrows, the electric fence wasn’t turned on. So those large, woolly girls must have stood for some time eyeing up the veg, thrown caution to the wind and came to the conclusion that the grass is literally greener on the other side.

Laughing and wondering if I might possibly sound hysterical, I hauled on my gumboots over my PJs and raced outdoors. The sheep were acting particularly disinterested but copped a scolding as I made my way to the garden.

I was anxious as I poked my head through the gap in the hedge to access the damage.

As suspected, the sorrel had disappeared and in the next bed the broccoli and cauli were mere stalks. The eating machines thankfully hadn’t spotted the cabbage, Brussels sprouts nor the broad beans. Phew! The garlic had been skirted, clearly not on their menu. But they had nailed the parsley and the beetroot, which was looking rather naked devoid of leaves. I stumbled through the hedge smiling, it could have been a lot worse!

I must fess up though - if this had been my summer garden I would have thrown myself on the ground and become a blubbering mess!

You may recall that I had issues with my garlic... rust! I have now treated it twice with a sulphur spray. The result? Hmm, let’s put it this way, when I walk past the bed, I prefer to look the other way, and when weeding this space, I need to have a hanky in my pocket. I suspect that when I eventually do haul these sad-looking alliums from the dirt, that the bulb will be the size of a marble, maybe, if I’m lucky. I blame our very wet winter, which was relatively mild as well. I have learnt a lesson from this though - my days of garlic gloating are well and truly over.

I’m a bit disappointed at my seedling production this year, which is currently underway in our kitchen. Growing from seed I have chamomile, zinnia and lemon bergamot, basil, parsley and chives. I love juicing beetroot so there are plenty of these. This is the first year in ages that I am without any fancy heirloom tomatoes, chili, capsicum, lettuce or beans.

Sounds like I have spat the dummy good and proper doesn’t it? Truth is, I have been time poor and being sans glasshouse means raising the seedlings in the kitchen that is warm and full of light (when the sun is shining that is. Don’t lose faith in me though, I will be sowing cucumber, zucchini and an array of pumpkin seed very soon, all is not lost. And the good news is, while I might not be growing them all from seed this year, I am going to be buying my organic seedlings from Heirloom Organix (they are at the Grey Lynn Farmers Market every Sunday) a wonderful bio-certified organic company owned by Rob Velseboer and Murray Joyce! Yes this is a plug... but their produce really is fabulous!

We are so very lucky living near Muriwai beach; a walk each day clears the head, gets the dog barking and guarantees black sand in the shower at home. It is also wonderful to idly stand by watching the gannets soaring in the sky above the cliffs where they roost, their snowy bodies glistening in the morning sun. Now that is something!

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

50 PONSONBY NEWS+ November 2016

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51

PHIL PARKER: WHOSE WINE IS IT ANYWAY?

Rockin’ it - Marlborough’s Rock Ferry wines One of the best things about my annual catch-up with my 89-year-old Blenheim stepdad is the chance to also explore the Marlborough wine region.

This year, the whole family flew down and we met for lunch at Rock Ferry cellar door and cafe. It is small, friendly and cosy, with a relaxed feel, and a good range of organic local produce on the menu also largely gluten-free (which is great for my gluten-intolerant daughter). With hearty servings priced at about $27, I had the organic steak open sandwich with hand cut fries, my wife had the Aoraki salmon with udon noodles and miso/ lime dressing, my daughter opted for Portobello mushrooms with dukkha and pumpkin, topped with blue cheese and hazel nuts. All the meals were generous, tasty and perfectly cooked. Highly recommended.

A small family winery, Rock Ferry is operated by Tom Hutchison and co-owner and wife, Fiona Harvey. Tom is a former Wellingtonian who followed his love of wine to explore Europe’s wine regions and ended up studying viticulture at famous wine campus UCLA Davis in the United States. On his return, he started his own vineyards in Marlborough and in 2005 they launched the Rock Ferry label. They own three vineyards - two in Marlborough and one in Bendigo, Central Otago. All vineyards are certified organic. They have a diverse range of grape varieties including sauvignon blanc, pinot gris, chardonnay, riesling, pinot blanc, grüner veltliner, viognier, pinot noir, tempranillo, and nebbiolo.

Before lunch, we did a tasting through their range. I ordered a mixed case of three wines to be shipped home from their top tier single vineyard range:

Rock Ferry Central Otago Trig Hill Vineyard Pinot Gris 2013 - $33 Dry and flinty style with just a tiny hint of sweetness (7g per litre), aged in a mixture of stainless steel tanks and large oak ‘puncheon’ barrels. Gentle aromas of citrus blossom, bee’s wax, tropical fruits and poached pear. With the oak influence, the style is very similar to Chablis. Flavours of Packham pear, crisp apple juice, quince and a musky, lengthy palate with a dash of clover honey. Would be fab with seafood.

Rock Ferry Central Otago Trig Hill Vineyard Pinot Noir 2013 - $65 Fermented with wild yeasts in French oak barrels. Smoky spicy aromas and red berry fruit, with a hint of earthy truffle. A good example of a great Central pinot, it opens up in the mouth with medium tannins, liquorice, black cherry, poached plum, vegemite, and a long finish of leathery gaminess. Would go well with duck, lamb or mushroom dishes.

Rock Ferry Central Otago Trig Hill Vineyard Tempranillo 2013 - $40 Tempranillo is the main ingredient in Spanish Rioja wines. This is a lovely full-bodied red.

Nice, brick red in the glass with subtle aromas of baked black Doris plum, cherry and a hint of savoury spices. In the mouth, it’s a generous and seamlessly ripe soft palate of dark berry fruits, poached tamarillo and subtle spice. Great with Boeuf Bourguinon or a rich tomato-based Italian dish. (PHIL PARKER) F PN Availability - through their website. Cellar Door & Café, 80 Hammerichs Road, Blenheim, www.rockferry.co.nz Open 7 days 11.30am - 3.00pm.

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

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TO BOOK ADVERTISING: Call Jo Barrett on 021 324 510 or Jan 027 595 2557 t: 09 361 3356 or 09 378 8553 e: joannebarrett@xtra.co.nz e: jan@ponsonbynews.co.nz w: www.ponsonbynews.co.nz

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53

ROSS THORBY: SEA FEVER Gary is your archetypal James Bond type of officer. Smooth and debonair, he might get shaken but he is never stirred.

At sea now for 30-odd years, he always had a yearning to be a paratrooper.

An aim he intended to pursue the day he walked into the Royal Air Force Recruitment Centre; yet he came out indentured into the British Navy and his career eventually led him here.

His previous job description in the Navy was “Counter Piracy and Maritime Force Training” and he can kill a man with a pencil. He taught intelligence in the British Navy in security procedures. Should the worst happen and pirates attack, Gary knows the methods that would get us out of dire consequences.

It gives you some appreciation of the caliber of our officers - ex-police, ex-marine, exintelligence, ex-showbiz - Gary also does a little sideline in Elvis. But I'll tell you more about that later.

Today, Gary trains the crew and passengers in all safety aspects of the ship, a job that has become even more important after the Costa Concordia incident. Training a bunch of hardened seafarers on an oil tanker or battleship is one thing, but our passengers are a mostly white, middle-class group of retirees whose most stressful part of their day is whether the croissants are warm, not whether there are evil characters lurking behind every coral atoll with a cutlass clamped between their teeth. And here, Gary’s most challenging job today will probably be dealing with complaints about passengers smoking cigarettes in the Cigar Lounge.

Of course hopefully, no decent self-respecting pirate would ever allow himself to be seriously interested in attacking us over-relaxed and over-dressed Cunarders.

A fact that is almost insulting, because we could happily offer the pirates an efficient hand of Bridge, a lecture on Hollywood legends and even a lesson on which wine to choose to accompany fish at dinner. Though I’m sure that the option of capturing a cargo ship full of inanimate objects far outweighs the trouble that capturing a cruise ship would ever be. The inconvenience of then having to deal with passengers upset when their dinner arrives cold, or their martini’s olive had too small a pimento, would just not make it worth their while. Especially if the pirates weren't adhering to the dress code.

But getting back to the story, like the rest of us, Gary loves the sea, but he also has another love - Gary likes to impersonate Elvis. Something he started at the impressionable age of 14, creeping out at night and begging nightclub managers to give him a spot on stage to live out his burning desire to perform as The King. For 10 years, he did the cabaret scene during his time off, and now his reputation has followed him to the high seas. Presently, after a day of threatening to kill and flay a man in six ways, and showing people how to put out a fire with, nothing more than a sneer and a "thank you very much", he performs in the officer's boardroom or the Ship’s Talent Shows, a thrusting, hip-swivelling, gyrating Elvis, resplendent in a white suit, sporting a hint of sparkle, quaffed hair and sunglasses.

Completely blowing his cover as Mr Smooth.

Somehow it seems right that on one hand he can offer the safety procedures for not slipping on a wet deck, and on the other, he knows how to deftly avoid used bloomers thrown onto the stage by love-struck seafaring matrons.

We all have our little quirks.

When he is not Elvis, he can be found striding along the decks at dusk, scanning the horizon for any speed boats that could potentially overtake us, sling a grappling iron up and climb over onto the promenade decks.

This is, of course, after they have contended with Gary’s high-powered water hoses, the security "Lrads", his Nepalese sharp-shooters and finally, a very low tech defence... razor wire. It’s not pretty, but then this stuff is not your average 'keep the neighbours out and the chickens in' brand of barb wire, this stuff would cut the beard off a Taliban.

You would hope that the pirates are also carrying Bandaids.

Gary's life seems so enticing, maybe if I had it all over again... but then I'd have to work.

Hard. Something I’m not sure I was ever suited for.

Mind you, I would like to know how to kill a man with a pencil. (ROSS THORBY) F PN

54 PONSONBY NEWS+ November 2016

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

TRAVEL BREAKS: THE NEW THERAPY!

THE HOT SPOTS OF ICELAND Fiery volcanoes, bubbling hot springs and dramatic geysers probably aren’t what you’d expect from a country on the edge of the Arctic Circle, but are a recurring theme running through this country of the most unusual and untouched nature imaginable.

Not surprisingly, Iceland is one of the trending ‘hot new destinations’, receiving 1.3 million visits last year, up from a mere 80,000 in the 1980s.

It’s all about the natural drama of the land. From volcanoes and glaciers, to waterfalls, remote islands, red and black sand beaches to fjords and towering cliffs teeming with puffins, this is nature on steroids! As today’s traveller seeks to extend their horizons and find the ‘next new thing’, Iceland has stepped in and hit the spot.

The question of when to go is quite a pertinent one, as winter in Reykjavik hovers between - 3° Celsius by night and an edgy 2° Celsius by day, and many sights in remote areas can be rendered inaccessible. May and June are the most popular months, with lower rainfall, but one thing you can say about Iceland’s weather is that it’s unpredictable - think Auckland, but with far more dramatic changes in temperature! Have at least four layers of clothing on hand at any time!

The phenomenon of Northern Lights is best viewed in remote places, so Iceland is ideal, and the best time for viewing is from mid-September to mid-April.

Reykjavik is the cultural heart of Iceland. Ingolfur Arnarson, the first settler of Iceland, built his farm around AD 870 on the peninsula where Reykjavik stands today. The town got its name "Smoky Bay" after the columns of steam that rose from the hot springs in the area. Now an increasingly sophisticated city, you can enjoy music festivals in summer, a lively arts scene, and vibrant nightlife.

With so much to see, here are our top five places to visit in Iceland: The Blue Lagoon - Bathe in the aquamarine waters of this man-made geothermal spa near Reykjavik, maintained at 40° Celsius year-round. Even more spectacular when surrounded by ice and snow, the lagoon’s rich mineral content is said to have healing qualities.

Gullfoss Waterfall - Located in a canyon, the river Hvítá plunges down three stepped terraces to spectacular effect. The ‘untouched’ feeling extends to the fact that there are no guard rails to be seen - just natural surroundings.

Akureyri - This bustling northern port town boasts some of the finest timber buildings in the country, beautifully restored to their original glory.

The Westfjords Region - Hike along red sands, sail the fjords to deserted villages teeming in wildlife, see puffins on Latrabjarg cliffs, and soak in hot springs under the Midnight Sun. Landmannalaugar - Multi-coloured mountains, vast lava fields and the Kela volcano join forces to create an ‘other planet’ landscape that is popular with those keen on hiking and horse-riding.

Iceland truly lives up to its reputation as a ‘land of fire and ice’, and truly is like nowhere PN else in the world. (CAROLINE CLEGG, WORLD JOURNEYS) F

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55

PONSONBY NEWS READERS ARE EVERYWHERE

PERFECT ITINERARY FOR YOUR DREAM GETAWAY Travel Associates is Flight Centre Travel Group Limited's premium travel brand.

They feature the most knowledgeable and well-travelled consultants, deliver uncompromising customer service and specialise in creating unique and experiential holidays with a difference.

Recently opened and conveniently located on Jervois Road, Martin & Grigg Travel Associates is the newest boutique travel agency specialising in travel options for those with a keen interest in exploring unique destinations and the ultimate in luxury travel.

Experience lies at the heart of everything they do and, just like many of their clients, they have a genuine passion for travel and immersing themselves in the culture of each destination. Every year they inspire thousands of travellers to broaden their horizons and sample a diverse range of travel experiences and destinations.

1

1. Local resident Briar Walsh in Tlaquepaque, MEXICO, reading her Ponsonby News.

2. Local resident Gerry Hill (from the Great Ponsonby Art Hotel) is pictured in BRUSSELS reading the Ponsonby News instead of gazing at the most beautiful buildings in Europe.

"Most built in the 1600s but some earlier and glittering in gold.”

At Martin & Grigg they believe you deserve the best, and that is why they are ready to greet you with a new level of professionalism, excellence and attention to detail when it comes to your holiday planning - offering you advice on destination, season, transportation and accommodation options. From luxury river or ocean cruising, grand rail journeys, an escorted or special interest tour, romantic getaways and exotic escapes, or simply a holiday with a difference, Craig Martin and Sue Grigg have more than 30 years of combined travel experience to carefully prepare the perfect itinerary for your dream getaway.

There’s nowhere in the world Martin & Grigg Travel Associates can’t take you! F PN MARTIN & GRIGG TRAVEL ASSOCIATES, 21A Jervois Road, T: 0800 951 658, www.travel-associates.co.nz

2

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.

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

56 PONSONBY NEWS+ November 2016

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Filled with unique moments and exclusive access to the best attractions, discover the magnificence of Europe, your way, with APT. Cruise Amsterdam’s canals aboard a glasstop boat, take a historic tour around Cologne or ride a gondola for panoramic views above the Rhine Valley. With private butler service and an expert tour director, these once-in-a-lifetime moments will offer you an unforgettable insight into the charmed world of imperial Europe.

Experience the very best of British and French culture as you island hop, learning about life in the Roman Era and the tumultuous times of WWII. Your journey includes visits to the once Nazi-occupied, picturesque islands of Guernsey and Jersey, where you will dine in style at a Michelinstarred restaurant, and the Loire Valley, ending in glittering Paris where you can meet the choreographer of one of the city’s best loved cabarets in a private reception.

Set amidst lush, tropical gardens, this intimate, boutique resort fronts onto over a kilometre of private white sand beach, known as the most spectacular in Fiji’s northern island group. Catering to those looking for adventure – with cascading jungle waterfalls, PADI diving, snorkelling and mountain hikes – to those seeking romance and relaxation, the 17 luxurious, air-conditioned bures – most with private pools or jacuzzi’s – will cater to your every requirement.

15 days from $8295* per person.

BONUS! Receive FREE* international airfares.

12 days from $6750* per person.

BONUS! Receive flight credit up to $1000*.

7 nights from $2515* per person.

BONUS! 2 FREE* nights plus breakfast daily.

Exclusive offer: Book before 30 Nov 16 and receive a FREE* 4-wheeled hardshell suitcase.

Exclusive offer: Book before 30 Nov 16 and SAVE $100*pp on all 2017 travel bookings.

Exclusive offer: Book before 30 Nov 16 and receive a FJ$500* spa & activities credit.

Recently opened in August, Martin & Grigg Travel Associates bring together over 30 years of combined experience in the travel industry. Specialists in premium airfares, luxury touring and river or ocean cruising, Craig Martin and Sue Grigg bring together a wealth of travel knowledge to create you a memorable trip of a lifetime or a short, nearby getaway.

As passionate locals of the Ponsonby community, Craig coming from Flight Centre and Sue from Cruiseabout, they have your every travel need covered. Filled with inspiration and memorable moments to share, Craig and Sue understand it’s the little things that make all the difference when designing your next holiday.

Martin & Grigg Travel Associates | 21A Jervois Road, Ponsonby | 0800 951 658 | martinandgrigg@travelassociates.co.nz | travel-associates.co.nz *Travel restrictions & conditions apply: Prices & offers are correct as at 21 Oct 2016, are subject to availability & are subject to change without notice. Selected travel dates apply. Sale period: Products are valid for sale until 5pm, 30 Nov 2016 unless otherwise stated, withdrawn or sold out earlier. APT Europe River Cruise: Travel based on 11 Nov 17 departure. Price is based on Cat E, twin share. Fly free: Flights are based on economy (W) class from Auckland/Wellington/Christchurch to Budapest, returning from Amsterdam, flying Singapore Airlines (or another of APT’s choosing), with air taxes up to $250pp. If exceeded, surcharges apply. Airfares are subject to airline & booking class availability. Once class is sold out, surcharges apply. Flights must be booked by APT. Free suitcase offer: One NZ Luggage Company hardshell suitcase per booking. Insight Vacations Escorted Tour: Travel valid 1 Apr-30 Sep 17. Save $100 offer: Valid exclusively on all new Insight Vacations & Luxury Gold 2017 bookings made by 30 Nov 2016. Savings are per person. Flight Credit: Valid on select tours that are booked & fully paid for prior to 15 Dec 16 or by the due date for payment, whichever is earliest. Offer valid when return airfares are booked with Emirates or Singapore Airlines. Credit amount may not be available on all tours or departure dates. Offer is only valid to NZ residents. Credit is based on a twin/multi-share Eligible Tour. Single supplements are not eligible.

Flight credit is per booking. Credit is not transferable or exchangeable for cash. Qamea Fiji Accommodation: Travel valid until 31 Mar 17 & subject to availability. International & domestic flights are additional. Pre & post accommodation in Nadi may be required at an additional cost. Accommodation is based on a Beachfont Bure in double share. Bonus nights are included in price. One spa & activities credit per room. Spa & activities credit cannot be used for diving and/or surfing.

General conditions: All prices are per person, in NZ Dollars, unless otherwise stated. All prices are based on payment by cash or EFTPOS only. Restrictions may apply. Selected deals are based on restricted flight schedules, hotel check in/out time & are ultimately the responsibility of the passengers upon booking to ensure flight schedules & hotel check in/out time are suitable for their needs. Seasonal surcharges & blackout dates may apply depending on date of travel. Stopovers & alternative routes may incur additional costs. Prices are valid for new bookings only. Accommodation, holiday packages, cruises & tours are based on twin share unless otherwise stated. Holidays are based on consecutive night stays. Accommodation star rating is based on Travel Associates ratings & is a guide only to the overall quality of the property. The accommodation, cruises, airfares, coach & small group tours & any other components included in your holiday are provided by carriers & hoteliers with their own terms & conditions, which your booking is subject to. Full terms & conditions: Visit www.travel-associates.co.nz/company/legal/booking-conditions.

FASHION + STYLE: JULIE ROULSTON

Jewellery If your jewellery makes you smile, embodies a moment or a place, reminds you of a special person - that’s good enough for us!

However, local jewellery designers just get better and better; it’d be a shame not to take advantage of the amazing bijoux on offer and make a stunning style statement with one of their pieces.

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WHERE TO BUY IN GREATER PONSONBY 1. Silk & Steel ear jackets $365, www.silkandsteel.co.nz

10. Flash rings $110, www.flashjewellery.co.nz

2. Silk & Steel ring $129, www.silkandsteel.co.nz

11. Nick Von K pendant $275, www.nickvonk.com

3. Deadly Ponies x Atelier Paulin bracelet $405, www.deadlyponies.com

12. Carats ring $23,000, www.caratsjewellery.co.nz

4. Stash Jewels @ Hailwood ring $135, www.hailwood.co.nz

13. Meadowlark earring from $1,689, www.meadowlark.co.nz

5. Jasmin Sparrow earrings, www.jasminsparrow.com

14. Codis Maya @ Crane Brothers collar pin $145, www.crane-brothers.com

6. Flash ring $175, www.flashjewellery.co.nz

15. by boe @ Mi Piaci earrings $90, www.mipiaci.co.nz

7. Meadowlark earring $399, www.meadowlark.co.nz

16. Alice Made This @ Crane Brothers lapel pin $495, www.crane-brothers.com

8. Aurum earrings $1750, www.aurum.co.nz 9. by boe @ Mi Piaci earrings $100, www.mipiaci.co.nz

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

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FASHION + STYLE DIAMOND EARRINGS EXPLAINED There is nothing quite like receiving a beautiful pair of sparkling diamond earrings.

Given as a gift or purchased for yourself, the allure of diamond earrings still remains strong. With so many options to choose from, here are a few simple tips to help you decide on what is right for you or the person you are buying them for.

Colour is the degree of yellow a diamond has in it and today you can find many fancy coloured diamonds but white diamonds or colourless diamonds are very popular and generally most people prefer white diamonds for earrings.

There are many different styles available, so first you need to decide if you want diamond stud earrings (single diamond in each ear) or earrings with multiple diamonds.

Clarity refers to the inclusions and flaws of a diamond.

Remember that you usually cannot see these flaws with the naked eye (unless the diamond has a very low grade of clarity) so you do not necessarily need to buy exceptionally high-grade diamonds for earrings.

Diamond stud earrings are very versatile and can be worn on any occasion whereas earrings with multiple stones (i.e. drop down earrings) tend to be worn on special occasions.

Once you decide on the style you are wanting you need to educate yourself about diamonds. Develop an understanding of the four c’s of diamonds (colour, clarity, carat and cut). They are very important as they determine the quality and price of the diamonds/earrings.

Usually most people want the largest diamonds they can get for the money they would like to spend, as long as the diamonds are beautiful, white and have a brilliant reflection of light.

Carat is the weight of the diamonds in the earrings and mostly referred to by a TDW (total diamond weight of both diamonds combined).

Cut refers to how the diamond has been cut and how it then reflects light. Ideally, you want to buy either excellent or very good cut diamonds as they will ensure the diamond has maximum brilliance in this area. These are the main aspects to consider and once you are familiar with what to look for, you are ready to purchase.

Ponsonby’s local jewellers Diamonds On Richmond offers a wide range of diamond earring options, either in store or custom made. They offer duty-free shopping, 12 months interest-free options and for the month of November and December are offering a free pair of diamond earrings, valued at $1200, with every engagement ring sold. To enquire, visit www.dor.co.nz or call in to talk to the team.

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

SANTA’S STOCKING HELPER Have you written your list? That wonderful time of year has appeared once again. The season of giving has begun.

Seventysix has had the workshop humming with the creation of exciting new pieces that should tick a few boxes on the Christmas list. Amongst their ever growing classic silver collection of pendants, rings, earrings and cufflinks, there is a new 'lace' inspired collection of gold stacker-style rings, and an awesome fluted ring in silver that can be worn a handful of different ways. Mix it up with a rose gold or a gold one or perhaps even a yellow one.

Of course the gents are not forgotten and there are some new treats to suit all, from skulls to signet rings.

Pop in, have a chat and check out all the new pieces lining the cabinets at Seventysix and be welcomed by Shaun, Ange and the friendly team. F PN

60 PONSONBY NEWS+ November 2016

SEVENTYSIX DESIGN, 14 Jervois Road, T: 09 379 0676, www.seventysixdesign.co.nz

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

FASHION + STYLE HIDDEN GEM ON COLLEGE HILL If you are looking for a unique design or you wish to have existing jewellery pieces reworked into something modern and wearable, then visit Aurum Ponsonby and talk to Colin Thomson.

He has a wealth of design ideas and manufacturing experience guaranteed to provide the perfect solution for all your jewellery needs.

Developing a love of precious jewellery and fine gemstones whilst living in southern Africa, he qualified as a goldsmith and practised at the Jewellery Centre of London before settling in Freemans Bay. Aurum Fine Jewellery opened on College Hill in 2006.

Operating initially as a manufacturing jewellery business with retail clients around the country, the business has evolved with the growing demand for handmade, personalised jewellery not readily available in high street stores.

YOUR BLING DOESN’T NEED TO COST THE EARTH! Sustainable jewellery uses only eco friendly materials...

Either readily available materials such as clay, glass, stone that are in abundance and don't require damaging extractive mining practices. Or if using metals, uses recycled metals such as silver, copper and gold.

The Vault stocks a great range of fair trade and eco-friendly jewellery with low carbon miles as it's made in New Zealand from abundant and sustainable materials. F PN THE VAULT, 95 Ponsonby Road, www.thevaultnz.com www.facebook.com/TheVaultNZ

Colin maintains contacts with diamond and gem brokers who travel regularly to Europe, Asia, South America and Africa. He is able to source unique and rare stones such as Columbian emeralds, Thai rubies and sapphires, Tahitian pearls, Australian white and gold pearls and New Zealand’s own blue pearls from Akaroa. He works with precious metals: gold, platinum and palladium to create unique and beautiful jewellery in a wide range of styles at very competitive prices.

You have probably passed this boutique jewellery studio on College Hill many times whilst out and about. For business-people that work predominantly in the city or live in the surrounding suburbs, Aurum has a very convenient location offering one-to-one consultations and prompt, efficient service.

The Aurum studio is open Tuesday to Saturday 10am until 4pm. Appointments are advisable. F PN AURUM PONSONBY, 89 College Hill, T: 09 378 1335, E: colin@aurum.co.nz, www.aurum.co.nz

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PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

FASHION + STYLE CRANE BROTHERS REACTS TO CHANGE WITH ‘NOCTURNE’ Crane Brothers is well known for its suiting and formal wear but over the last few years there has been a definite shift towards a more relaxed aspect to their offering.

Adaptation isn’t new to Crane Brothers. As menswear has evolved over the past two decades, the label has had to constantly anticipate the developing requirements of its clients’ wardrobe.

Crane Brothers SS17 is the label’s largest and most comprehensive collection to date and has a muted palette of dusty blue, grey, ivory and bone, with relaxed suiting and separates a key part of the offer - in part a solution for their clients to a more relaxed workplace dress etiquette.

Relaxed dress codes notwithstanding, Crane Brothers continues to celebrate the heritage of its brand and the suit. Garments are made by hand in New Zealand and Italy and embody the concept of modern tailoring; honoring the principles of artisan craft combined with contemporary design.

At the special occasion end of the spectrum, Nocturne SS17 interprets the classics for weddings and formal occasions with aspirational tuxedos, double breasted blazers, dinner jackets, dinner shirts, bridal ties and self-tie bows. F PN CRANE BROTHERS, 2-4 High Street, Auckland, T: 09 377 5333 and 99-105 Customhouse Quay, Wellington, T: 04 499 9531, www.crane-brothers.com

MOOCHI LAUNCHES SWIMWEAR Moochi Creative Director Kellie Taylor worked with swimwear early in her fashion careers, so it’s no surprise that the latest category to join the moochi range is Swim.

The seven-piece capsule combines the minimal design sensibility the brand is known for with an uncompromising commitment to fit, and is designed to inspire confidence.

Moochi swim is all black, mix-and-match and complemented with accessories: straw hats, an ‘xx’ motif cap, summer slides and printed tees. F PN www.moochi.com The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

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FASHION + STYLE NICK VON K’S JEWELS FOR PRINCESSES Have you ever dreamed of being a Princess? Ponsonby News is infatuated with the latest jewelry offering from Nick Von K - Electric Unicorn.

"I really wanted to create a line of jewellery for young girls, that didn't expect them to be 23 when they are only 13,” says creator Nick Klarwill.

From earrings to rings to necklaces, Electic Unicorn screams everything unicorn! The instagram page: electric_unicorn_jewellery has inspiration from Japanese Harajuku girls to purple candy floss to flying cats blazing rainbow trails across the sky. The colours are a day-glo mixture of pastel blues, pinks and purples. “This is exactly the sort of universe many young girls live in,” tells Klarwill.

The website continues this theme and includes a story about the origins of the Electric Unicorn character herself - how she forms a rock band with a bunch of young girls and together they combat an evil witch who has stolen all the children's imaginations. F PN www.electricunicorn.band

INTELLECTUAL FASHION SHOW IN PRINT The Intellectual Fashion Show (IFS) featured over 60 eclectic interpretations of artist June Black’s imaginative costumes.

Created by designers and artists as diverse as Evan Woodruffe, Finn McCahon-Jones, Liz Findlay [Zambesi], Margi Robertson [Nom*D], Judy Darragh and Andrew McLeod, they have been captured in stunning images, styled by Karen Indebitzen-Waller and shot locally at Kingsize Studios by photographer Fraser Chatham.

Designed by award winning designer Alan Deare, the IFS publication takes the form of an offbeat fashion magazine, and also features literary works, reproductions of original art by June Black, and the curator's essays. This limited edition catalogue is available through the NZ Fashion Museum online shop. F PN

Evan Woodruffe Costume in which to invite undiluted pleasure

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IFS MAGAZINE @ NEW ZEALAND FASHION MUSEUM shop.nzfashionmuseum.org.nz

Finn McCahon-Jones Costume over which to fold one’s hands and slowly close the mind within itself PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

ANGELA LASSIG: LETTERS FROM MAUDIE The monthly jottings of a free-spirited Ponsonby dressmaker of the 1920s, as imagined by Angela Lassig.

VERMONT STREET, PONSONBY 25 NOVEMBER 1925

Dear Queenie,

I’ve been playing around with beautiful fabric myself for the past week. While having a long overdue look around one of my favourite second-hand shops I was handed, most unexpectedly (for I had completely forgotten I’d asked) a large parcel full of old shawls!

After being inspired by an article I had read in February, about a craze amongst London’s smart set for wearing original antique shawls and modern versions thereof, I took it upon myself to ask my local estate dealers to keep an eye open for the same and set them aside for me.

The parcel I was handed contained three huge old jacquard-woven Victorian shawls, two smaller printed wool ones and two very large finely-woven rectangular silk shawls. They were given to me on the condition that I buy a very beautiful large Paisley shawl which looked as if it was made only yesterday, when in fact it was something like sixty or seventy years old! The latter was in such lovely condition, and its colours so vivid and subtle that I had no trouble parting with the £8 asked for it. (I have seen them advertised for up to £15 so I was really being offered a real bargain).

I’m not quite sure what to do with it but at present I have it draped artfully over my settee. I’m thinking that it might make quite the Christmas present for Mother, who is so very difficult to buy for. I know that she was very upset when a trunk containing some of her mothers’ and grandmothers’ old clothes, including one of these shawls, went astray during my parents’ move into their current home some 25 years ago. She talks about the incident from time to time so the gift of this one might help ease the loss, even after all this time.

The shawls in the parcel, in comparison to the latter, were, at first glance, in a very poor way. However, after opening them out on the lawn on a lovely dry day, I found that they are quite respectable. While the silk shawls are strong and not at all rotted, they were badly stained in places and also have a few holes here and there. The woollen shawls are in very useable condition but suffer too from many small holes, no doubt caused by moths... I found a few casings amidst the folds.

After a very gentle hand wash (in the bath not the copper!) with shaved flakes of Taniwha soap [i], I laid the silk shawls out on the back lawn on an old linen sheet. To my astonishment, most of the stains came away! And the colours, newly revealed with the removal of the grime, are surprisingly glorious! With careful cutting and strategically placed sequinned flowers (that is, over the holes!), I think that I could easily get two frocks from each silk shawl. These will have to be rather special dresses, given the age of the shawls and the originality of the fabric! I have snipped a little bit off one end for your admiration. As you’ll see, the plaid pattern is formed from satin self-stripes of varying widths

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on the fine silk background. I’ll have to line the dresses of course. Perhaps I could make an evening stole from one, to go with one of the gowns, as a sort of homage to the original shawl... that would be nice don’t you think?

I’ve got so many ideas for the three largest wool shawls [ii], not the least being curtains! Now that they’ve been carefully washed and dried, they’ve become much softer, the colours more intense and they drape beautifully. I quite fancy having these hanging in my drawing room, the two of similar hues adorning my bay window, the other cut in two and forming drapes for the two doorways.

It would be so cosy in the winter and would impart rather an exotic feel to the entire room, wouldn’t you agree? Of course if I did that, I would have to cut up the two smaller printed shawls and make them into cushions and items of comfort for the room.

On the other hand, I could take the path of fashion (which is, after all, my trade) and use these treasures to make some very special garments. I kept an article from the Ladies’ Mirror of March last year [iii] which includes photographs of three beautiful garments of exotic inspiration, one of which was entirely fashioned from an old silk Paisley shawl. I think it would work equally well with one of my fine wool shawls. The two other garments were stunning opera coats of velvet which used pieces of old shawl fabric as decorative features.

One had shawl lining the dramatic upright collar and for the lower hanging parts of the deep kimono-style sleeves. The other was a long wrapper which had strips of shawl inserted down the uppers of the sleeves and around the deep cuffs and also lining the loose shawl collar... divine!

With summer upon us, I am tempted to defer the furnishings in favour of the fashions... I know they would be very popular with my customers. If I cut the fabric judiciously I might be able to eke it out over the entire autumn and winter season next year.

I have asked Mrs. Keane [iv] to keep an eye out for more old shawls and if, as I suspect, more come to light, I might be able to both furnish my drawing room and my customer’s backs!

Oh my dear, I’ve just read this through and, as usual, my letter is all about me! I hope I haven’t bored you too terribly. The truth is that I haven’t had much time away from my workroom at present to gather any really interesting news... (only old shawls!)

Until my next letter, Wishing you, Tom and Clara much love,

Yours Maudie xx [i] Taniwha Soap, the ‘Big Bar of Golden Purity’ was manufactured in Auckland by the Union Oil, Soap & Candle Co. Ltd, and was regularly advertised in the Ladies’ Mirror. The advertisement for 1 June 1923 states that it ‘will not injure the finest fabric’. [p.56] [ii] It was not unusual for the larger shawls to be up to 12 feet long and 6 feet wide! [iii] “Rich Splashes of Colour in Embroidery and Design Symbolise Autumn’s Whimsical Brushwork”, Ladies’ Mirror, March 1924, p. 33 [iv] Mrs E B Keane, 2nd Hand Dealer, 14 Ponsonby Road (in 1925)

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

illustration: Michael McClintock

Thank you for your letter and all your news. I am so pleased that you like the little dress that I made for Clara and that it fits her nicely. When I realised that I had just enough fabric left over from a new frock to make a child’s dress, I immediately thought of Clara... the colour should complement her red hair most beautifully. And the print is so pretty too! I’m just happy that I could make good use of one of my remnants rather than it joining the hundreds of fabric scraps filling big wicker baskets underneath my cutting table. If wee Clara ever decides that she wants to make dresses for her dollies, you know who to ask. I would happily send her a parcel of the prettiest prints for her to play with!

FASHION + STYLE RETAIL SUPERSTAR Shaun McBride, Seventysix Design

How did you come to be a retail salesperson?

Truth be told, It was never on my radar. I always just wanted to build things. And the shop grew up around us.

What do you love about your store?

We get to be ourselves 100% of the time. The shop is an extension of who I am, and I feel pretty lucky to be able to design and make interesting things all day every day.

What makes a standout retail salesperson?

I think it’s really important to be yourself. To be totally into what you are selling. For me, for example, I love the designs that we do and the products that we make, and I love coming to work every day - it becomes pretty easy when you love what you do.

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

One of our beautiful Art Deco-inspired pieces went to some of our awesome customers who celebrated a milestone anniversary. It was one of those rare occasions where the customer saw what he wanted in our cabinet and it was perfect in every aspect.

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

Tim Burton.

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

Viv Rosenburg from I Love Ponsonby. She is a breath of fresh air and one of the kindest people we have met.

Where do you enjoy shopping?

Oh man, this is hard! Truth be told I hardly every leave the shop (unless it’s to eat!) I do enjoy buying the odd book or two though around here, and Flotsam and Jetsam when I get the chance.

Name someone you think is a great greater Ponsonby brand/store/ retail salesperson Love all the girls at Askew. They are fantastic. Always upbeat. Rob at the Ponsonby Barbers, always good for a quick catch up, Karen at Yvonne Bennetti, Daniella at Trove - we are surrounded by a bunch of great people/retailers. Oh and one more, James who works at Miss Moonshine’s - this guy is a real star! F PN SEVENTYSIX DESIGN, 14 Jervois Road (shop front on Redmond Street), T: 09 379 0676, www.seventysixdesign.co.nz

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

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HELENE RAVLICH: LOCAL FASHION LOVE

We’ar founder, Jyoti Morningstar It is incredibly easy to spend time with Jyoti Morningstar. The founder of yoga-meets-fashion brand We’ar, spends her days in an incredibly creative job, divides her time between the island paradises of Bali and Waiheke and is an all-round calming influence on all those who surround her.

Having founded the brand back in 2005, she is well versed in what lovers of the brand are looking for, and her last two collections were a direct response to customer feedback.

The label’s spring/summer collection is entitled Poniente, and was reportedly inspired by the warm and wild winds from the West that bear that name - as well as the women who wear the label. “Poniente is the second collection we have designed after a major repositioning of the brand following some surveys we sent our customers last year,” she explains over coffee at The Shelter. “We really looked at who they were and what they want, what they love about us and also what we are not giving them.”

One of the key stories that emerged from what turned out to be quite extensive research was, “we love you but we want to take you to more places” says Morningstar with a smile. “People had been wearing our clothes on the weekend and loving the comfortable, casualness but wanted to take us to a party as well, and even to work on a Monday rather than leaving them behind.” She says that they have carefully answered that brief, and from here on in are most definitely going to “keep that woman in mind, what are her daily needs and how can we serve that whilst keeping the essence of We’ar”.

My favourite pieces from the collection, like the Summer Marching Pants, Blaze Midi Skirt and Playa Dres, are most definitely suited to both daytime and after hours, and the fact that they are made using natural, sustainable fabrics is a given. In the words of Jyoti written on the We’ar website: “Every breath taken and every purchase made is a stone dropped in the shared waters of our universe. The ripples of your decisions affect everything.”

photography: Lukas Vritilek

She says that everything is wear-tested for comfort and durability, in Bali first and foremost as the company’s sample studio is based there. “It is usually me or one of our staff there that gives it a good wear test,” explains the label founder, “if it’s yoga or activewear we take it out and dance and do yoga in it, or if it’s streetwear we pop it on and take it out somewhere nice.” She says that the international, style-centric social scene is such in Bali that people are out every night, “and most nights if you wear something new, you will get a response, hopefully complimentary!”

The brand has stores in Bali in the tourism hotspots of Seminyak and Ubud, with another opening recently in the Canggu area. They have also entered into a collaborative venture with a Danish jewellery designer named Helena in another retail space near the island’s famous Monkey Forest, “which is so much more high traffic and tourist-y than our other Ubud location,” says Jyoti. “It is a really different kind of vibe for us there but it’s working, and it’s nice to open ourselves up to a new market again.”

The label’s Ponsonby store celebrates its third anniversary on the strip this month, and its figurehead tells me that the location was a very calculated one. “We opened a store in Bali first,” she tells me, “then our first New Zealand store was in Cross Street, just off Karangahape Road. It functioned as our headquarters and warehouse for our web store as well, until the business partnership we were in ended and we opened another store on Waiheke.” It goes without saying that the Waiheke Island space went gangbusters over the Auckland summer, “and it was just so much busier than anything else we’d ever done. We had a lot of international visitors come through but a lot from Auckland too, and from that group a lot of the people were from Ponsonby.”

She says that if there is a neighbourhood in New Zealand that embodies the We’ar lifetsyle it is undoubtedly Ponsonby, “where people are just so educated in areas like a healthy lifestyle and sustainability. People there love fashion and beautiful things but want them to come with more of a story, and have an authentic connection with what is going in with our planet.” Jyoti laughs when she likens the average Ponsonby customer to the group that is perhaps their French counterpart: the “bobo”, which is short for bourgeois-bohème (bourgeois-bohemian). “I love the passion for authenticity that a lot of people in the area still have - they believe in making good choices for their own health as well as the health of the next generation, and they also love local.”

“People who live in Ponsonby shop in Ponsonby, and we love being a part of that.”

PN (HELENE RAVLICH) F www.we-ar.it

A preview of the upcoming Miss Crabb shoe collection

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PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

FASHION + STYLE LET THE VAULT SORT ALL YOUR CHRISTMAS GIFTS! Free gorgeous gift-wrapping and a great range of quirky gifts, New Zealand art and street art prints, New Zealand made and contemporary jewellery. A small store with a big heart.

THE VAULT, 95 Ponsonby Road or online with free freight www.thevaultnz.com, T: 09 377 7665

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

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FASHION + STYLE CELEBRATE SUMMER IN STYLE In the oft-serious world of glasses, it's easy to forget how much fun eyewear can be.

But that's the thing, optical frames and sunglasses have the ability to transform a look, outfit and mood - and that's what the Bailey Nelson spring and summer collection is all about.

custom-made strawberry coral) and features a wide range of lens tints (e.g. rose gold mirrors, blue gradients and solid G15 greens).

Get 'em while they're hot. F PN

Oh yeah, it's also about waving goodbye to winter and celebrating summer in style.

We are pleased to present our newest styles - all of which are hand crafted with a mix of classic and fresh Mazzucchelli acetates (keep an eye out for forest green and our

70 PONSONBY NEWS+ November 2016

BAILEY NELSON, 4/160 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 378 9137, www.baileynelson.co.nz

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

baileynelson.co.nz

Po n s o n b y | Ta k a p u n a

JAY PLATT: WE CAN’T N T LIV LIVE WITHOUT...

Perroquet Mesh evening bag $149 @ Republic www.republichome.com

Aroha Black candle Medium $55 @ www.arohahealingcandles.co.nz

Blue Butterfly kids oil cloth apron $37.50 @ Millys www.millyskitchen.co.nz

Elf on the Shelf book $79.90 @ Askew www.askew.co.nz

Yellow and White Robot alarm clock $35.95 @ Republic www.republichome.com

Fornasetti ‘Eye’ tray $395 @ Design 55 www.design55.co.nz Cuppa Coffee cup Reusable/Recyclable takeaway cup $19.50 each @ Millys www.millyskitchen.co.nz

Sigg coloured water bottles $34.50 each @ Millys www.millyskitchen.co.nz

72 PONSONBY NEWS+ November 2016

Peace design cushion $129 @ Republic www.republichome.com PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEAS

Zagara Italian glycerine soap $69.90 set of 4 @ Tessuti www.tessuti.co.nz

New Zealand designed luxury hand loomed Turkish towels $149 each @ Askew www.askew.co.nz

Elf Pets Reindeer $59.90 @ Askew www.askew.co.nz Tivoli Pal-Glo Bluetooth portable radio $499 @ Askew www.askew.co.nz

Emile Henry Grill barbecue $59.95 @ Millys www.millyskitchen.co.nz

Children's Books $25 each @ Askew www.askew.co.nz

S’Well Hot or Cold travel bottles $69.95 each @ Millys www.millyskitchen.co.nz

Oil cloth lunch bags $27.50 each @ Millys www.millyskitchen.co.nz Amber drinking glasses $55 each @ Tessuti www.tessuti.co.nz

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

STYLING: Jay Platt PHOTOGRAPHY: Danilo Santana David, Fisher Santana.

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HELENE RAVLICH: LOCAL BEAUTY

Talking to Ashley & Co Anyone who knows me well will tell you that I have a veritable fetish for scented candles and the like, and they are the perfect accompaniment to winter days and nights spent indoors as well as into the summer months.

I have a 'wardrobe' of candles that I like to choose from, dependant on mood and time of day, and I am constantly on the hunt for new additions. I am known to drop major coin on my candles at times (shhhhhh), and so take caring for them pretty seriously. I’ve invested in the likes of a candlesnuffer and wick trimmer, and always follow instructions when burning a new brand.

A brand that I have been burning for a while but may be still relatively new to you is Ashley & Co, who has created some unique home fragrance and bodycare options.

Started by an innovative husband and wife team in a North Shore barn way back in 2005, Ashley & Co is now best known for bringing what they like to call “affordable luxury” to everyday life.

“For us it was all about enhancing the everyday,” says founder, Jackie Ashley. “We scent our homes, shower, wash our hands, moisturise as part of our everyday routine and we wanted to make those moments feel special. Scent has the magical ability to provoke memories, but also pique your senses and bring you into the present. We get that life has a continuous to-do list so our products are aimed at encouraging taking that little moment, and making that moment good!”

As well as wanting to create their own ‘ritualistic moments’ all those years ago, they saw a gap in the market for a product that is now ubiquitous in almost every home store.

“There were no reed diffusers available in New Zealand back then,” explains Jackie, “my sister-in-law from Hawaii gave me one and I was immediately hooked.”

Since their inception it has felt to me like Ashley & Co has had a slow, fairly organic evolution, as opposed to making any grand statements and huge, flashy campaigns.

Would they agree?

“Personally I find it hard putting myself/the brand out there,” admits Jackie. “It’s become a lot easier over time, and the main reason for our organic growth has been people using the product and then becoming very loyal customers.” Both she and husband Ben agree that the company always had plans to be a brand with longevity and being thoughtful and different, “but you could say our actual strategic planning has only come into effect over the past four years. Up until then it was purely reactional, going on our gut a lot... and fitting a business around having a young family.”

The brand now offers six beautiful scent options across 48 different products, a number that is soon to grow to 52. When asked to name a favourite Jackie says taking “our most favourite everyday home product - Tui & Kahili Wash up - into the commercial and hospitality space has really generated awareness and a following,” and has definitely been a high point for the brand.

One of the many things that has long allowed Ashley & Co to stand out from the crowd is their scent selection, which is unusual and intriguing, and completely unique. I ask Jackie: do they create them with their own tastes in mind or in answer to feedback from fans of the brand? “We only introduce scents that have defined place and personality within the range,” she explains, “scent is so subjective that our aim was to create a diverse range of appeal. Not every scent is for everyone, however when products are limited to one scent like our new range of haircare (Wash Locks and Soft Locks), we listened. Hopefully we have created a scent that is still unique, with a twist on a popular peppy scent.”

In terms of the future, the pair hopes that teaming their existing body products with the newly released Wash Locks and Soft Locks under the umbrella ‘Modern Amenities’ will give them the opportunity to enter the travel and accommodation sector, both domestically and globally. “We have our first hotel partnership opening in Singapore in December,” explains Jackie with pride, “and in the past 18 months we’ve forged partners in Australia and Japan as well.” Both she and Ben agree further territories will happen in time, “but where we’ve had more than 10 years of organic growth in building the brand here, the path we’re taking overseas is entirely different.”

“We need to make sure we do things right, find the right people and build the systems to PN give us the best chance. We’re in no hurry.” (HELENE RAVLICH) F www.ashleyandco.co.nz

The pair works with a perfumer, but say that they always go into the process with a very clear direction and scent story in mind. The type of perfume that they use is dependent on the project - natural vs synthetic? - and if it's for the body or for the home.

This can take months and multiple variations, followed by samples, samples and more samples - making sure that the fragrance works across the different mediums.

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CLARE CALDWELL: THE ART OF LIVING “Mum I didn’t get enough one-on-one time with you when I was back in New Zealand. I’m shouting you a trip to London!”

So on 14 September, I flew off across the seas to see my daughter Sarah.

On the first leg of my journey, a friendly young Iranian boy sat next to me. Bemused staff thought he was Indian and kept serving him naan bread and very hot curries! Meanwhile, I was served a tray of food with flavours and culinary combinations I can only describe as indeterminably strange. I think it was fish lurking under that sauce but I couldn’t be sure and the pickled radishes didn’t help. I then unwrapped what looked like coleslaw only to discover it was incarcerated by something impenetrably hard and brown. Discarding something gelatinous in another little dish, I headed desperately for what I hoped was fruit... Finally! Some fresh rock melon!

Breakfast was equally hybrid - a dish of baked beans filled with shrimp and broccoli...

After what seemed an eternity, we finally landed and disembarked. Going through the austerity of the airport security was terrifying. Little, unsmiling women in big uniforms went through my bags with such suspicion and military precision I was convinced I would be taken away for interrogation and never seen again. Finally they waved me on. I went through a doorway and to my astonishment emerged into the perfumed glitter, bright lights and decadence of duty-free shopping! Bizarre.

Eight hours, two filled rolls and several coffees later I got on board the next flight.

I was questioning a bewildered person who was sitting in my seat and brandishing my boarding pass, when a beautiful, slender air hostess who had been slamming everything shut appeared. Looking at my pass she suddenly shrieked, “You on wrong plane!” Several others joined in and started bobbing and nodding furiously until I boomed imperiously over the top of them, “Is this plane going to London?” to which they all nodded. “Then I’m not getting off it!” More hours in the airport was more than I could bear. “You better sit down then,” said the poor air hostess quietly, looking very stressed. It was at this point, I noticed I had been looking at the wrong boarding pass.

With a nervous and apologetic titter, I slunk guiltily into my correct seat and avoided eye contact for the rest of the journey.

After a few days in London with Sarah and her boyfriend Matt, she and I flew out to Barcelona.

table, their open bags, and us. The waitress took off muttering incoherently in Spanish and was never seen again and we all sat shocked and dripping, waiting expectantly for management to come and rectify the situation. They never came!

From Barcelona we flew to Edinburgh where family on my dad’s side are from. I belong to the Douglas clan. Whilst in Edinburgh Castle, I unearthed a grisly story from medieval times about the Black Douglases. Apparently, during a royal banquet, later called “The Black Dinner” a severed bull’s head on a salver was placed in front of three innocent young Black Douglases as a gruesome signal all three were to be beheaded - they were seen as a future threat by the ruling elite.

However, in spite of its turbulent history, Edinburgh is delightful! I loved all the old stone buildings, the little cobbled streets, the bagpipes, the colourful kilts, the sturdy thighs, the large food portions, and all the red haired people. Had a real feeling of kinship there.

Back in London, Sarah and Matt soon returned to work so I had to fend for myself.

Contrary to much scepticism, the mother negotiated the tubes, buses and trains with aplomb! Many steps later (sob) and two kilogrammes lighter, I had visited Tate Britain.

Tate Modern, the British Museum, Harrods, Brixton, Camden Markets, Portobello Market, Brick Lane, Little Venice, Sky Garden, Earls Court... the list goes on.

In spite of jostling and competing with nine million other people constantly, I fell in love with London all over again. It still excites and enthrals me. Thank you to my darling daughter for her loving generosity and fun company. It’s a holiday I will treasure forever.

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

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

Sarah had booked us a room right in the heart of the Gothic Quarter so it was fabulously central. Stepping out of our hostel entrance we were right amongst it all - and it all went non-stop, morning, noon and night! Our room, or the ‘cell’ as we called it had nothing but a bunk bed, a chest of drawers and a fan - no window! But it was fine. The Gothic Quarter is a very old and still inhabited part of Barcelona, with myriads of alleyways off alleyways, filled with local cafes, bars, restaurants and shops, so meal prices were very reasonable. Everyone comes out to eat at about 10pm so the whole city is pumping until about 4am.

Barcelona is utterly beautiful. I loved the diversity of the old Spanish architecture, the fountains, parks and piazzas and a visit to Gaudi’s Cathedral and house rendered me speechless. Mind you, I was speechless a lot of the time from climbing so many bloody stairs! (It was to be even worse in the United Kingdom). Sarah as usual set a cracking pace and mother just had to keep up! One day, following a much-needed swim, we were sitting in a cafe near the beachfront. The girl at the next table ordered a glass of beer - they’re enormous pint glasses over there. The waitress came bustling back - and tripped. A tsunami of beer hurtled through the air, drenching the girl, her friend. their

76 PONSONBY NEWS+ November 2016

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

JOHN APPLETON: ON HEALTH

Inflammation - the driver of many chronic illnesses Whenever we come across medical terms linked with illnesses, it’s surprising how many of them have the suffix 'itis', derived from a Greek rootword which has come to mean inflammation.

There are lots of them hepatitis, colitis, gastritis, bursitis, sinusitis, cystitis, prostatitis, bronchitis, dermatitis, conjunctivitis, hepatitis and meningitis to name a few.

For many years, wear and tear was believed to be the primary cause of joint pain in the hips and knees. Researchers at Stanford University in the United States are now saying that we should be paying a lot more attention to chronic low-grade inflammation, which is also believed to be a significant factor in our two biggest killers, heart disease and cancer.

Acute inflammation in response to an injury or an infection however, is an essential part of the clean-up, repair and healing process. It’s when the ‘switches’ that govern the inflammatory response remain activated that we get into trouble. This could be why athletes have problems with old injuries as they age. Incompletely healed tissues continue to produce inflammatory chemicals. The problem, as I see it, clearly lies with our modern lifestyle. Here’s a run-down of how we end up with chronic inflammation.

It’s a long list starting with our excessive consumption of refined carbohydrate sugar, white flour products and omega 6 fatty acids, which are found in thousands of products in our supermarkets. Allergies and food sensitivities often linked with our lifestyles also create inflammatory responses.

Environmental toxins can be highly inflammatory. There are so many everyday chemicals found in our homes, e.g. cleaning products, that can trigger inflammation when absorbed through the skin. Chronic stress produces hormones that result in chronic inflammation and when we are sleep-deprived we have significantly higher levels of inflammatory chemicals.

Fat cells are another promoter of chronic systemic inflammation. This is a double whammy because often what causes us to become overweight creates inflammation and

then the fat itself, particularly that found around the abdomen, produces large amounts of inflammatory chemicals. This could be why overweight people suffer so much more disease and disability.

So what can we do about this? Diet would be the first port of call, and to this end a focus on unrefined foods and plant-based meals is where we need to head. Monica Reinagel is the author of a great book, The Inflammation Free Diet Plan, which lists 1500 foods rated best and worst for inflammation, and it has lots of yummy recipes.

While supplements should never take the place of a health-inducing diet, they can have an important role to play specifically when it comes to inflammation. Top of the list is curcumin, which is extracted from turmeric. Curcumin is amazing and it has a partner frankincense (also known as boswellia), which is less known but nearly as important.

Taken together they are dynamite as natural anti-inflammatories.

Ginger from the same family as curcumin is also up there and can be taken daily as ginger tea or in smoothies. Making fresh ginger tea from the root is best. Omega 3 (fish oil) is also high on the list but with this, quality is paramount and we need to take enough of it, at least 800mg EPA and 500mg DHA daily. Magnesium is a mineral that most of us in New Zealand need more of. Magnesium is a powerful natural anti-inflammatory. I take it as a powder in water before bed.

Inflammation is clearly a common denominator in disease. Controlling chronic inflammation could be the key to not only preventing many illnesses but also the key to reversing them. All it may take is a bit of knowledge and a commitment to making a few changes. (JOHN APPLETON) F PN

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

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SARAH-JANE ATTIAS: HEALTHY LIVING Are you experiencing increased tension in your neck muscles and shoulders, recurring headaches, pins and needles in your arms or hands, are the kids developing a ‘camel hump’?

This could be a flag to a relatively new phenomenon called ‘text neck’, that is of great concern within the medical fraternity and appearing more commonly in people of all ages and stages at our Living Osteopathy Clinic here in Grey Lynn.

Obviously digital devices are here to stay and I’ll be the first to put my hand up and declare “I love all of mine” - each and every one of them - iPhone, iPad, Fit-bit activity tracker and the freedom I enjoy with my ‘mobile office’. However, a quick glance at this graph below highlights a modern-day problem that we all need to address. Your head weighs 4.5kg but as you look down, the weight on your neck increases to 12kg at a 15-degree angle and a phenomenal 27kg at 60 degrees.

the vertebrae in the neck that supply the shoulders and arms, and reduces your lung capacity by up to 30%.

• What can you do to help yourself? Do the opposite! Stand tall, this helps to create the perfect posture to glide through your life. Seated at the computer or dinner table - you will look great - poised - you will seem to ‘grow’ quite a few inches!

• Be aware of where your head is in space, make sure your head is up.

As a Primary Health Care provider, we would just like to mention to our community that it is Diabetes Month and there will be a raised awareness of healthy living and eating.

Can osteopathy help? Most certainly, our treatment accompanies and supports the patient in dealing with diabetes especially with movement and general well-being.

Best results are achieved if your osteopath and the patient work in the same direction.

If you are looking for a little gift, Diabetes Auckland have endorsed a product that we stock. Aircycle, which has been designed and manufactured in New Zealand, is light and fits into an envelope and can be posted around the world. It is so easy to protect and care for your feet with an Aircycle inflatable foot exerciser.

Courtesy of Dr. Ken Hansraj M.D, Chief of Spine Surgery at New York Spine Surgery & Rehabilitation Medicine

And then there is compelling medical data, x-rays and advanced clinical studies from eminent worldwide researchers confirming that ‘text neck’ is real and present in up to a staggering 58% of the mobile data users, to varying degrees.

How can osteopathy help?

• Go to livingosteopathy.co.nz and there on our front page is a video with three simple one-minute postural rebalancing movements that I specifically refined for text neck recovery, no equipment required and it’s been designed for all ages.

Aircycle are available at Diabetes Auckland and Living Osteopathy.

(SARAH-JANE ATTIAS) F PN Disclaimer: This article is for general information purposes only. If you have a specific health problem you should seek advice from an appropriate registered health care provider. Living Osteopathy is a Primary Health Care Provider registered with ACC and the OCNZ. Living Osteopathy does not accept any liability other than to its clients.

LIVING OSTEOPATHY, 29 Scanlan Street, T: 09 361 1147, www.livingosteopathy.co.nz

• In the clinic, I use gentle osteopathic techniques to correct the balance between where your neck meets your upper back and where your neck meets your head, whilst broadening and opening through your upper chest and ribs.

• This would reduce the compression through your spine by unwinding the muscular tension, allowing more space for the intervertebral discs and the health-giving blood and nerve supply, which in turn provides pain relief.

• If I felt further investigation was appropriate, I would refer you for an x-ray.

• Then re-education and retraining of your muscles and joint position will be encouraged.

• Don’t let it become a longstanding issue. It is so important to get advice and treatment. We would discuss and set in place a step-by-step short and easy daily routine to rectify your posture and awareness You now have an increased awareness of the issues and that it can be a serious matter with long term effects for your total-body posture. Ultimately if not correctly diagnosed, treatment sorted and posture corrected, it leads to incrementally increased spinal stresses and misalignment potentially leading to corrective surgery - something we all want to avoid!

Another problem is hunched shoulders must come forward to help carry the weight of your angled text neck - this in turn reduces the space for the nerves, which exit from

78 PONSONBY NEWS+ November 2016

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

LIVING, THINKING + BEING THE WORLD’S COOLEST ELECTRIC BIKES AT AUCKLAND’S HOTTEST PRICES This month you can save up to $1000 off leading European designed and built e-bikes.

Now that summer is on its way, the time has never been better to get out of your car and get onto an e-bike. You’ll arrive at your destination faster, with a smile on your face, more refreshed and without the usual car parking hassles.

When investing in an e-bike it is important to future-proof yourself and purchase a bike that will last the distance and offer you better performance with a longer life. The best e bikes always include the very latest technology, with the Europeans leading the way in e bike trends. Manufacturers like Bosch invest heavily in research and development.

Pictured here is the award-winning Grace Easy designed, built and tested in Germany.

This Red Dot model comes complete with Brooks’ saddle and grips, plus all the Richey chrome accessories. Normally priced at $4499, it has been reduced to $3499 as part of our sale.

There’s also no substitute for a ‘ride before you buy’ test so come take one of our bikes for a spin. You may just ride away with a bargain being we have bikes priced as low as $2499. Our spring sale must end 26 November or while stocks last, so be quick.

Flux has the biggest range of the best bikes all in one location so come and visit. F PN FLUX, 8C Charlotte Street, Eden Terrace, T: 09 303 4030, www.e-bikeshop.co.nz

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LIVING, THINKING + BEING ARVIGO TECHNIQUES OF MAYA ABDOMINAL THERAPIES® Maintaining good digestive and reproductive health at Aroha Healing in 2016.

If you are looking for a natural and results driven therapy to assist with abdominal and reproductive health then you may have found it in the Arvigo techniques of Maya Abdominal Therapy® available at Aroha, Grey Lynn with Rosanna Marks.

You may have a condition relating to reproductive organs, digestive system, suffer from anxiety or you may be experiencing fertility challenges.

This massage therapy assists circulation of blood, lymph, nerves and energy. The best part of this incredible treatment is that Rosanna will teach you the belly massage, so you get a ‘going home’ present on your first treatment and it may just be the best gift you ever receive!

Arvigo Therapy is founded on an ancient Maya technique of a non-invasive, external abdominal massage. Arvigo Therapy stimulates circulation and blood flow within the abdominal area, supporting the body for optimal function of digestive and fertile health and wellness. It is a therapy that can be applied throughout every stage of an adult or child’s life.

Arvigo Therapy incorporates a holistic approach to health and wellbeing. Only by treating the whole person on a physical, emotional and energetic level can true healing take place.

The Arvigo Techniques of Maya Abdominal Therapy® are inspired by the ancient Central American healing traditions of the Maya. Developed by Dr. Rosita Arvigo, this modality grew out of her apprenticeship with acclaimed Maya shaman, Don Elijio Panti.

These techniques address the physical health and position of pelvic and abdominal organs and any emotional holding patterns found therein. Soft and gentle manipulations are used to reposition misaligned organs, thereby stimulating circulation of blood, nerve, lymph and chi to support the body’s innate capacity to self-heal.

Rosanna’s clients have had incredible results with this ancient treatment and she will be advancing her knowledge early in 2017 when she travels again to Belize to learn ancient PN Maya spiritual healing with Dr. Rosita Arvigo. (ROSANNA MARKS) F AROHA HEALING, 3 Maidstone Street, M: 0273 866 587 or T: 0800 MINDBODY, E: info@arohahealing.co.nz, www.arohahealing.co.nz

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Clothing Alterations

Alter Ego Roong T: 09 376 8689

M: 021 032 9128

182-4a Jervois Road, Herne Bay E: ra_cha29@yahoo.com “I get all my bits & pieces done by the smiling helpful Roong... and she’s got Eftpos = sorted...” MARTIN LEACH

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ANDREA FRIRES: HOLISTIC MEDICAL CENTRE

Back to basics with food choices We are fortunate to live in a country where healthy food choices are in abundance. At the same time, diet fads change daily and marketing spin has far too great a punch.

It’s therefore not surprising that so many of us feel completely confused and overwhelmed by what we should or shouldn’t be eating. This is particularly the case as we head into the summer months, when many of us begin to focus on weight loss.

As a naturopath and holistic nutritionist, one of the most common questions I am asked is what should I eat? When I’m asked this question, I go back to basics.

BECOME A FOOD DETECTIVE Generally speaking, if it is a wholefood that has been grown and prepared as nature intended, without excessive heating, processing or additives, then it will serve your body well. The challenge is when food is being portrayed as whole and natural but has actually been transformed into something quite different. For this reason, I really encourage you to become a food detective and read all food labels carefully: • If it has more than five or six ingredients on the label, includes numbers, flavourings, or buzz words like 'lite', 'fat free' , then it’s probably not all that good for you.

• Similarly, be wary of terms such as 'natural', 'sugar-free' and 'gluten-free'. Even if it sounds healthy, it may still contain high quantities of sugar or sugar alternatives.

• And stop eating once you feel feel 80% full... it can take up to 20 minutes for your brain to actually register that you are full.

Therapeutic or restrictive diets such as FODMAPS, high fat, or low carbohydrate diets are best practised under the guidance of a qualified health practitioner and followed for a limited period to achieve the best results. Our bodies are not designed to go for long periods without certain macronutrients and over time this can cause health problems in itself.

ANTICIPATE AND MANAGE THE DREADED CRAVINGS One of the biggest hindrances to following a healthy diet can be food cravings. We can have the best intentions, but somehow that bag of chips, packet of biscuits or bar of chocolate manages to sneak its way in.

Food cravings can be incredibly debilitating when it comes to the food choices we make, so it is really essential to address the cause of these if you want to overcome them. One of the most common reasons for cravings can be that you are not getting enough good -quality protein and fat in your meals, particularly at breakfast.

There are lots of ways to help beat the cravings, including:

• Heavily heated oils (deep fried) and hydrogenated fats (widely used in sweets, frozen meals, fried foods and many dairy products) will have had a change in structure, which means they are no longer in their natural form.

MANAGE YOUR PORTION SIZES Another question I’m often asked is which protein, fats and carbohydrates should I eat, and how much. The answer will depend on the individual and their circumstances, how well they tolerate different food groups, and how active they are. For the average person, however, the following generally applies at each meal. By following these simple guidelines, most people are amazed by how good they look and feel once they start getting this balance right: • Protein the size of your palm - with red meat no more than twice weekly, 2-3 servings of fish per week, and plenty of plant-based proteins too.

• A tablespoon of healthy fat such as olive oil, coconut or avocado.

• A cup of good quality carbohydrate such as kumara, pumpkin or brown rice.

• 2-3 servings of extra vegetables.

1. Breakfast like royalty! Start your day with a good hearty breakfast, rich in healthy proteins and fats, and this will set you up for the rest of your day. Eggs with steamed greens, chia pudding, porridge or muesli with plenty of nuts and seeds mixed in.

2. Include protein or healthy fats in each meal and include these macronutrients in your snacks too. If you get the balance right, you should find you don’t need the afternoon coffee and muffin after all.

3. Don’t graze through the day. Have a quality breakfast, lunch and dinner, and then if you need to, a small good-quality snack in between, such as mixed nuts and seeds or veggie sticks with hummus.

4. Use cinnamon and ginger to sweeten and flavour your food. These spices are not only delicious, but they also help to regulate your blood sugar and combat your sweet tooth!

5. There can often be an emotional element to food cravings or eating habits. This may stem from ongoing stress or it may well be more deep rooted than this. If this resonates with you, then I encourage you to consider seeing a qualified practitioner.

(ANDREA FRIRES) F PN

Chia pudding recipe INGREDIENTS • ¼ cup of chia seeds • ¾ cup of unsweetened almond milk • A pinch of ground cinnamon (optional) • 1 piece of fresh seasonal fruit METHOD • Stir together ¼ cup chia seeds with ¾ cup almond milk and leave covered in the fridge overnight.

• Sprinkle over the cinnamon before serving.

• Add 1 piece of fresh seasonal fruit to serve.

Andrea Frires is a qualified naturopath, nutritionist and medical herbalist from The Holistic Medical Centre, 48 Ponsonby Road. To make an appointment for a consultation with naturopaths Andrea or Nicola or any of the holistic GPs, call T: 09 370 0650

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The Best of Natural & Conventional Medicine

A LITTLE BIT ABOUT US The Holistic Medical Centre integrates conventional medicine with naturopathic health care and disciplines, including lifestyle and nutritional advice.

Our holistic GPs and Naturopaths work in collaboration and take the time to get to know you and understand all the factors that impact your wellbeing.

We perform comprehensive blood tests, review your nutrition and lifestyle to identify the underlying cause of any health issues then develop a plan to optimise your health.

To make and appointment with one of our Holistic GPs or our naturopath please call 09 370 0650.

OUR HOLISTIC G.Ps

Dr Nayana Shah MBBS, FRNZCGP, Dip Paeds, Dip Obs

OUR NATUROPATH

Dr Olivier Caunes

Doctor of General Medicine (PhD), Dip bio molecular science, Dip bio chemistry applied to endocrinology

Dr Daria Kelly

MBChB, Postgraduate Dip Paediatrics, BSc (Hons)

Andrea Frires 4XDOLĂ€HG QDWXURSDWK QXWULWLRQLVW DQG medical herbalist, BSc(Hons) in Human Sciences

“Moving to the Holistic Medical Centre has “My experience with the Holistic Medial Centre has been the best decision for our family. We were changed my life! From sound advice I have been constantly sick and always on antibiotics with our able to get my health on track and I’ve been very previous doctors. Since moving we have all been much more mindful of taking care of myself and in better health, have hardly touched antibiotics taking a preventative approach to my health�. and feel empowered to take control of our own Vicki, August 2016 health. I fully recommend the Holistic Medical Centre to everyone.�

Cathy, August 2016 (09) 370 0650 reception@holisticmedicalcentre.co.nz 46-48 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby, Auckland 1011 Hours: Monday – Friday 8.00am – 5.30pm

holisticmedicalcentre.co.nz /holisticmedicalcentrenz

CARING PROFESSIONAL Doctor Sarah Hart MBChB NZSCM cosmetic medicine doctor at Skin Institute How did you come to be a cosmetic medicine doctor?

It was an interesting path. When I qualified as a doctor in 1994, Cosmetic Medicine didn't exist. I worked in hospitals in New Zealand and London and had begun post-graduate training in psychiatry when I discovered, back in 2001, that I could treat people to improve their appearance without surgery. It clicked with me immediately. The treatments were safe and effective and it was just so exciting seeing the transformation! I found an excellent mentor, completed my training and that was it. I'd found my niche.

What do you love about your job?

I love seeing how improving my patients' appearance can lift their confidence, often leading them to socialise more or make positive health choices, such as taking up an exercise plan. The mutual good feeling created is very rewarding. We Kiwi women often feel guilty about caring for our appearance, so it's a privilege to join women on a journey of transformation, doing something for themselves.

What do you find challenging?

The most challenging thing is finding enough time to treat all my patients! I have built up a loyal following and now I'm booked months ahead. It sounds great but it can be frustrating. I have recently joined the Skin Institute and I am involved in training our expert team of cosmetic medicine nurses, so I am excited about a team approach to delivering treatment. They are a talented, caring bunch.

How do you differ from other cosmetic medicine doctors?

It's probably fair to say I'm pretty obsessed with what I do. I spend a lot of time both learning new things and teaching others. And my aesthetic is very 'under-the-radar'.

I love to create natural looking results. That's not every cosmetic medicine doctor's style.

I never stop learning. I am privileged to regularly spend time with key opinion leaders internationally such as Brazillian plastic surgeon Dr Mauricio de Maio and Sydney's Dr Steven Liew. I have learned so much from their beautiful minds.

I teach more than most cosmetic doctors. I serve on the Education Board of NZSCM (NZ Society of Cosmetic Medicine) which regulates and trains cosmetic medicine doctors in New Zealand, so I teach all the new Kiwi cosmetic medicine doctors. I also have a strong international presence - I am writing this on a plane returning from Queensland, Sydney and Perth, having taught 14 workshops in seven days, with a trip planned to teach in China in November. It's super busy but very satisfying. I'm very passionate about what I do.

Can you share an anecdote about a case?

Privacy and discretion is everything in my profession, but I feel comfortable sharing about a journalist I treated recently, as she wrote about it publicly. She is a smart, honest and down-to-earth person and was a little scared, and sceptical, of cosmetic medicine.

I think it's fair to say she feared looking unnatural or being judged by her friends. The team at Skin Institute - specialist dermatologist, myself and an appearance medicine nurse - delivered a personalised treatment programme to transform her skin and she got a fabulous result. The best part? Hearing that the friends she confided in had been encouraging and supportive. She was so happy - I felt the improvement in her skin gave her an overall sense of rejuvenation and wellbeing.

What do you do to care for yourself?

The holistic approach works for me - good sleep, an anti-inflammatory diet and relaxing exercise are so important to skin health. When it comes to treatments, I have tried pretty much everything over the years. I follow the 'little tweaks' approach to Botox and filler - tiny amounts regularly - for a natural, understated look, combining it with dermal needling to encourage collagen and high-grade medical skincare for nourishment.

I adore Aspect Doctor Multi B serum, Skin Medica Retinol and my new obsession, Skin Medica's HA5 Rejuvenating Hydrator. Seriously - it's incredible. I want to roll my whole body in it. Finally, sun protection with Dermquest SheerZinc SPF30. At long last, a zinc -based sunscreen that feels great on the face. It's my weekend must-have.

What's your advice to people seeking cosmetic medicine treatment?

I think both nurses and doctors can deliver a good result if they have been well trained.

If you go to a nurse, there should be a doctor closely involved with supervising them, don't be afraid to ask. It's important to go to a reputable clinic that has been accredited

by NZSCM. NZSCM regulates cosmetic medicine doctors in New Zealand and their doctors are bound to consider the holistic nature of a client's needs including physical, psychological and environmental. You know you're in good hands if you see the NZSCM qualification. F PN SKIN INSTITUTE, 3 Saint Mary’s Road, T: 09 376 8888, www.skininstitute.co.nz

CHECK BEFORE YOU BUY GENUINE MANUKA HONEY With manuka honey top of the ‘must buy’ list for health and beauty benefits, consumers need to be sure that what they are buying is the genuine article.

Now the guardian of New Zealand’s leading quality mark for genuine Manuka Honey - UMF® - has come up with an online solution. The UMF Honey Association’s (UMFHA) website carries a full list of names of licence-holders that can be easily checked via a handy search function.

More than 90 companies are licensed to use the UMF® quality mark, which represents the purity and quality of manuka honey. The UMF® classification and grading system is second to none and internationally recognised as the hallmark of premium manuka honey. You can find out more at www.umf.org.nz. F PN

So, whether you’re shopping in New Zealand or overseas, you can now easily check the company name on a product using a smartphone.

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LIVING, THINKING + BEING PREMIUM BEDDING BORN IN ST MARYS BAY Finalists in multiple categories for the Westpac Auckland Business Awards, Melissa Stocker’s Moemoe bedding business started in her home office based in St Marys Bay. Moemoe is made in New Zealand using New Zealand wool where possible.

Moemoe supplies bedding to retail, export and the loyalty reward channel. Melissa had the name in her head for years before it came to fruition. Moe is the Maori word for sleep and the cherub-like image on the packaging is modelled on Melissa's own baby who was born while launching the range.

Moemoe aims to be available to New Zealanders who are seeking a premium, quality product, locally made at a reasonable price. The business began with a 500gsm duvet inner and has since added 300gsm 'summer weight' wool duvet inners, underlays, alpaca duvet inners, wool combo duvets (300gsm + 200gsm tied together), feather and down duvet inners, and pillows: lavender, wool blend, European size, feather and down and alpaca.

Moemoe has carved out an interesting niche market supplying to loyalty programmes including Westpac Hotpoints, Virgin Velocity rewards, Air NZ Airports and Flybuys, and is the preferred supplier to Harvey Norman. This was the most logical channel for Melissa while at home with a new baby, “it enabled me to visit one customer yet cover over 600,000 of their customers. It made sense when time is limited.” F PN www.moemoe.co.nz

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LIVING, THINKING + BEING KINGA & SIFA - THE DYNAMIC DUO FROM FORME SPA With more than 30 years' industry experience, Kinga and Sifa are experts in all things beauty and spa.

Now teamed together at Forme Spa & Wellbeing in Mt Eden, Kinga and Sifa offer all the things they are well known for - the best Brazilian waxing around, amazing facials, IPL hair removal and more. Kinga started her Auckland work life many years ago at Forme Spa & Wellbeing in Ponsonby and they're thrilled to have her managing the Mt Eden spa, where she returned back with her long -time work buddy, Sifa.

Mention Ponsonby News when you book your Brazilian, facial or IPL treatment and choose a complimentary upgrade from lash tints, brow shapes and underarm waxing. F PN FORME SPA, 396 Mount Eden Road, Mount Eden, T: 09 623 3242, www.formespa.co.nz

L to R: Sifa and Kinga

AU PAIR - QU’EST-CE QUE C’EST? Many New Zealand families are unaware of the positive impact employing an au pair can have on their family, what an au pair is, or that it is a child care option available to them.

First and foremost, what exactly is an au pair? ‘Au pair’ in French translates to ‘on par’ or ‘equal to’, highlighting the reciprocal relationship between families and their au pair.

An au pair provides families with live-in childcare support. They come from around the world, particularly Europe, and will often live with their New Zealand host family for up to a year.

Employing an au pair is a great childcare solution as it gives your children full-time care - not to mention an additional pair of hands around the home!

“Au pairs provide a flexible form of child care on a very cost-effective model. For up to four children, host families can have live in, home-based early childhood care for as little as $190 plus tax per week. Parents with children at day care centres pay per child, which can work out to be a lot more expensive,” she says.

And not just anyone can become an au pair. Screening processes include character and childcare reference checks, a personal interview to assess suitability and personality, as well as police and medical checks.

A common misconception about au pairs is that hiring one is expensive. Having someone live in and provide childcare is surely something reserved only for the affluent?

Childcare experience is also essential. Au Pair Link require their au pairs to have a minimum of 200 documented hours of childcare to be eligible for placement, but the reality is that they usually have much more experience than this.

Casey Muraahi from Au Pair Link, a Ministry of Education-licensed company which matches and supports families with au pairs, says this is not so.

Au pairs are a great childcare option to consider and provide a strong support system as your young ones develop and grow. F PN www.aupairlink.co.nz

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LIVIING, THINKING + BEING ANY PAGE IN PONSONBY NEWS IS A GOOD PLACE TO BE SEEN

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BILLY HARRIS: KIDS IN THE COMMUNITY

Ariana wants to make a world of difference Planet Earth is hurtling toward destruction. Sea levels are rising and destined to swamp any low-lying land in its path. In many parts of the world, the air is unbreathable, the water undrinkable, the food chain contaminated. Extreme weather events such as droughts, floods, storms and heat waves are wreaking havoc on mankind and every other species. This sounds like a job for Ariana Brunet.

Okay, that could be an introduction to a Superhero movie, but the reality is that the world is in a bad way and if we’re going to turn it around, we need people like Ariana to show us the way.

There are those who deny climate change, or claim that it’s not manmade so there’s nothing we can do about it. What does Ariana say to that?

“I recommend that everyone goes online and does a bit of research,” says the 17-year-old Western Springs College student. “There have been seven major studies done, and in every one, at least 90% of scientists - 100% in some - agree that climate change is due to human acitivity.”

But even so, what can little old New Zealand, a speck at the bottom of the world, do about it?

“We can make a difference,” said Ariana. “According to WWF, we’re the fifth worst emitter, per capita, of greenhouse gases among industrialised nations. We have to lead by example, as we’ve done in world affairs before.

“There are lots of ways we can become conscious consumers. Buy locally produced things, or buy things produced under fair trade. Ask ourselves if we really need a new phone every year, or if we’re trying to fill a hole inside. Grow your own food, or buy from people who do.”

'Upcycling' plays a key role in conscious consuming. While recycling means reusing things, upcycling means adding value to unwanted things. Turning trash into treasures. For example, pallets are very useful for upcyling, providing good wood that you can turn into furniture.

Ariana’s passion is a generational thing, passed down from her grandparents and parents. The family have a worm farm, which, for those unfamiliar with the good deeds worms do, means the worms help decompose food waste, creating compost for your garden to help grow more food.

It’s been a busy year. Ariana helped create and run a Global Citizenship Course at her school, to arm people with skills and ideas to make a difference. MPs and other speakers hosted workshops on conscious consumerism.

She organised an Upcycled Pallet Chairs and Tables project at WSC, created a plastic-free blog (www.plasticcompassion.wordpress.com), is helping create a community garden at St Matthew's church in the city, and is assisting to create places - art and public spaces, workshops, online spaces - where people can imagine a better world.

But it’s not all about saving the world for Ariana. She also takes time to enjoy it. Among her many carbon footprint-free interests are poetry, drama, paddle boarding, hiking, rock climbing, scuba diving and bouldering, which she got into while on school exchange in Tennessee, where bouldering is popular.

In talking to Ariana, one can’t help but be impressed by her unending positivity. How does she do it, considering the size of the challenges the world faces?

But with millions of people in places like Bangladesh and the Pacific Islands losing their homes, and 100,000 animals choking to death on plastics every year, there’s always work to be done. Ariana attended the Youth EnviroLeaders Forum in Nelson (set up in Peter Blake’s honour) along with guests from the Pacific Islands and Australia, where young people reconnect with the environment.

“it’s no good thinking about the negatives in the world unless it motivates action,” she explains. “It’s in the face of the greatest challenges that people can think outside the box and find extraordinary solutions. For instance, in World War II, with the shortage of food in England, people grew food on any area they could, including cabbages on the grounds of Buckingham Palace.

“The problems in the world are caused by two things. Disconnection from each other and other beings. No human exists in a vacuum. And resignation, the feeling that problems are so big we can’t make a difference. Let’s not focus on the negatives but the opportunities, this gives us hope and inspiration to create a better world.”

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While there, Ariana spoke to Nick Smith, Minister for the Environment, about her hopes for the environment. She also hopes to meet, some day, Kathy Jetnall, the poet from the Marshall Islands who spoke at the UN climate change talks. And Richart Sowa, who built an island out of plastic bottles in Mexico, is on her bucket list.

A bucket, presumably, made from pallets. (BILLY HARRIS) F PN

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

SIDELINE WITH GEORGE BERRY

Gold medals for couch potatoes?

A summer of sporting fun

Esports, better known as competitive video gaming, secured its place in the national sporting calendar last month with the Grand Final of the New Zealand Gaming Championships at the Idea Collective at Auckland’s Motat.

Ocean swim anyone?

The video game played was League of Legends a team-based online video game that sees two five-player teams go head-to-head, and is played globally by 100 million players each month.

The winning team, called Tigereye, took out the competition ahead of five of the best 'League of Legends' teams from around New Zealand following a fierce sixweek tournament-style competition which was also broadcast live on Letsplay.live and SKY Sports.

Also featuring on the bill was the final of the first Secondary Schools competition between Auckland Grammar and Manurewa High School. Auckland Grammar won the inaugural final after earning its spot in the Point and Click Secondary School competition, which saw 48 teams consisting of 240 gamers competing for a chance to compete in the grand final.

Letsplay.live director John McRae, the organiser of the event, said “eSports is the activity of choice for millennials. Globally eSports outperforms the NBA and MLB in viewership, has strong links with the education sector as seen by Ivy League Universities who are now providing eSports Scholarships and is being embraced by traditional sports franchises, including premier league team Manchester United and the NBA's Philadelphia 76ers buying teams and signing players.”

McRae is also a board member of the New Zealand eSports Federation which sent New Zealand’s first representative side, the eBlacks, to the world champs in Jakarta earlier this month. The future is bright for eSports in New Zealand and, with the rumoured inclusion of eSports in the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, is set to get a lot brighter.

(GEORGE BERRY) F PN

If you’ve ever been keen on ocean swimming there’s never been a better chance to ‘dip your toes into the water' so to speak or even your whole body.

Every Saturday morning over the summer at Mission Bay, Kohimarama and St Helliers, Open Water OceanClinics (a different beach each week) are being run to give swimmers both the chance to try the sport out and also the tools to become more competition swimmers. The classes run from 7.10am for advanced swimmers, 8.20am for intermediate and 9.30am for beginners. The cost is around $30, well worth it to improve your ocean swimming and give you a few safety tips as well.

Light it up!

Be one of the tens of thousands across 50 cities around the globe donning red flashing armbands and running shoes and turning Silo Park into a glowing, spectacle of running lava lamps for the “run in the dark” a 5 and 10 kilometre event on Wednesday 16 November.

The entry fee of $40 goes to the Mark Pollock trust, which is searching for a cure to paralysis and, if you can’t make that, or you’d like an even bigger challenge, head on down to the Auckland Domain on 26 November for the Walking Stars, a night-time walking half marathon. The Cancer Society-run event is the first of its kind (stroll or stride, but no running) in New Zealand and they’re raising money to fund breakthrough lifesaving research for cancer sufferers and their families.

Ahhh, the races.

I can honestly say the last day I had at the races I watched all of about one hundred meters of actual racing, but my word, I had one of my most fun days of the year.

And aside from the Melbourne Cup and some special days at Ellerslie, there’s plenty of racing to get excited about this year, with Alexandra Park offering night racing every Friday between now and Christmas, including Thursday 22 December.

WWE fans!

Wrestling fans, or just anyone looking for something slightly different, check out “On the Mat” a charity pro wrestling event at the Trusts Arena on 12 November. Along with a raft of pro Japanese wrestlers including seven time IWGP champion Hiroshi Tanahashi, the night will include a raft of celebrities, like boxing bad boy 'Brown Butter Bean' and X-Factor contestant Ashley Tonga.

It’s certainly something different for Auckland.

All Whites are all right!

It’s not often we get to see our national men’s football team play at home but on 12 November at Albany Stadium the All Whites will take on New Caledonia. It’s an afternoon game too with kick-off at 3pm so it’ll suit the while family. The 'Road to Russia' as it's being dubbed should feature a number of the team who are playing their football in Europe, so it’ll be a chance for you to see the likes of Winston Reid in the flesh.

(GEORGE BERRY) F PN

Blackcaps finally get reward!

Whatever happens during the rest of the Blackcaps tour of India, it no longer matters as much.

After 13 long years, the New Zealand team has got one over India while in India, winning the second one-day match by six runs.

While the Blackcaps have managed to remain competitive in ODI cricket against India, winning 42 compared to India’s 47, they’ve continually struggled when matches have been played in the sub-continent. The victory is their first ever on that ground in Delhi, and is just their sixth win in 29 one-day matches. (GEORGE BERRY) F PN

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

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SIDELINE WITH GEORGE BERRY

Something to celebrate The score line and performance won’t have been something the Breakers and Mika Vukona would have been stoked about for his milestone 300th game for the Auckland ANBL franchise.

However, the sheer achievement of playing that many games is something he should and can be extremely proud of.

Touch and go for League fans While the Kiwis’ loss to Australia in Perth didn’t do too much to help our fickle interest in the sport, this month’s Four Nations Rugby League tournament has the possibility of making or breaking next year’s Rugby League World Cup.

He’s the type of guy who’d rather talk about others than himself and articulate his thoughts though his actions on the court.

With the sports show piece being co-hosted between New Zealand, Australia and Papua New Guinea, November's Four Nations in the north of England is the final major tournament before next year’s World Cup and is the last chance to help garner interest in International Rugby League.

So rather than describe the man accustomed to shying away from talking about himself with words like gutsy, dependable, a natural leader, hardworking and innovative, take a look at his record or records prior to playing his 300th game and you’ll get a sense of the type of man Mika Vukona is.

If the Kiwis play well, there will no doubt be a renewed and/or refreshed interest in the international game. If they don’t, like they have in the past when the tournament has been held in England, then the tournament is at risk of losing its place in the battle for sports fan's attention.

• • • • • • • • •

New Zealand starts the Four Nations by taking on hosts England followed by Scotland and then Australia before, hopefully, the grand final against one of the three teams mentioned.

Most appearances by a Breakers player - 299 Most consecutive games played by a Breaker - 161 (2010-2015) Most wins by a Breakers player - 171 Most rebounds 2,034 36 double doubles - 2nd all time for Breakers 2239 points - 3rd a/t 213 steals - 3rd a/t 550 assists - 4th a/t 91 blocks - 4th a/t

• Played in Breakers inaugural game v Adelaide, Oct 2003 as development player scoring 2pts • Now in 12th season with the club, 10th as fully contracted player • Won 5 NBL championships - 4 with Breakers one with South Dragons • 2nd most games played by an active player (366) (GEORGE BERRY) F PN

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With significant depth in most positions, they’ve been blessed with possibly one of the best squads ever assembled in the Kiwis history, but with Australia’s constant dominance over the Kiwis, their recent struggles in England and the games being played in the middle of the night New Zealand time, there is serious potential for Kiwi sports fans to tune out, especially the ones on the fringes - the ones that RLWC organisers will be desperate to get on board for next year.

New Zealand is set to host seven games during next year’s tournament, with the Kiwis taking on Samoa, Scotland and Tonga, followed by the quarter finals in Christchurch and Wellington and the semi-final in Wellington.

Hamilton will host the other match in New Zealand between Tonga and Samoa.

(GEORGE BERRY) F PN

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MEET THE TEACHER Ken Havill, retiring principal, Western Springs College - Nga Puna O Waiorea “I am leaving this position very proud of my association with a school which is widely recognised for its enlightened and successful approach to secondary education.

"I feel very fortunate to have served such a richly diverse and resource-filled school community, brimful of families with creative energy who are such passionate advocates for the school.

"I am particularly proud of WSC’s transformation from being a school dependent on outof-zone enrolments into a school supported by the majority of local families.

"I am especially grateful for my associations with Nga Puna O Waiorea, the te reo Maori immersion kura and, in particular, with the whanau behind its striking success.”

How did you come to be a teacher?

I had become disillusioned with my own dogma-filled education. In my last year at school I was inspired by a teacher who shared with us his personal struggle with indoctrination. As a result of these experiences I began forming a vision of education being about learning to think independently and critically, and a notion of teaching as an esteemed profession.

What brought you to your current school?

Two things: firstly, when I landed here as the deputy principal in the early 1990s in the days before the gentrification of the area, the school was predominantly Pacific Island and Maori, two groups whose educational interests I had begun to identify with at my two previous schools.

I was also attracted by the prospect of working with the principal, Jim Peters, whose values I shared - the demand for excellent teaching, the affirmation of cultural diversity, the acceptance and celebration of individuality, belief in community, and the strong renunciation of all forms of violence (this was in the years following the abolition of corporal punishment in schools).

What are your favourite things about being a teacher/principal?

Being a teacher: stimulating interest in students about historical developments and contemporary phenomena; provoking reflection and debate among students about pressing local, national and international issues; observing students develop increasingly sophisticated research, analytical, speaking and writing skills.

How would your students describe you?

Dedicated to WSC, respectful, supportive.

Being a principal: continually marvelling at the creative talent of our students, the creative enterprise and dedication of our teachers, and the amazing support of our parents and trustees, and being energised by repeatedly discovering our strength as a community.

If you could wave a magic wand in your school...

The magic wand has been waved in the form of the government’s gratifying $75 million budget for the redesign and rebuilding of the school. I look forward to the opening of the new school at the beginning of 2019, and the revelation of a technologicallyenlightened, sustainable, student-centred learning environment.

What has been a highlight of your teaching career?

WSC achieving recognition for its consistently outstanding academic results:

Five tips for mums and dads of high school kids and for parents who want their children to achieve at high school

• Seven consecutive years as the top decile 8 state secondary school in NZ across all NCEA levels, and including UE;

• Keep sending unwavering messages to your teenager that you have an unconditional belief in her/his intelligence and capability, despite what sometimes or often seems as overwhelming evidence to the contrary! (This is not an edict against tough love when it is occasioned).

• Using the same criteria, achieving first or second ranking among all Auckland region state secondary schools regardless of decile from 2009-2015.

What has been a low point of your teaching career?

Confronting the prospect in the early 2000s of WSC having to abandon its no-uniform policy in order to attract more enrolments. Fortunately, continuing roll growth kicked in from the following year and this was averted. (At WSC, we see 'no uniform' as a powerful symbol of our emphasis on individuality and independent thinking).

How would the chair of the board describe you?

Collaborative; willing to listen; hard working.

How would other teachers describe you?

Accessible and approachable; principled, fair-minded; welcoming of leadership or change initiatives.

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

• Eat meals together on a planned basis. Make this a high priority arrangement for you and your teenager. Assign her/him one night per week to do the cooking.

• Be available on a regular basis, for example, at mealtimes, to listen and learn about the challenges of managing school and other commitments; slow down on the “you should...” solutions advice; strongly encourage, but do not try to compel participation in sporting and/or cultural activities.

• Take a genuine interest in their studies, welcome opportunities to discuss themes and issues.

• Be prepared to insist on a digital-free environment in the bedroom during agreed sleeping hours, with negotiated exceptions. F PN DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

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FUTURE GENERATION THE STATUS OF NEW ZEALAND TEACHERS As a young teacher in the 1960s and 70s, I had an interesting and exciting career.

In the short space of 14 years, I had six years at North Shore Normal schools, attached to North Shore teachers’ College, I had a year off on full salary to complete my BA, I had two years as teacher recruitment officer, seconded by the Auckland Education Board to speak to Year 12 and year 13 students from Pukekohe to Kaitaia about university and the joys of teaching.

I sat in on the selection committee for teacher trainees. Some outstanding young people came forward and have done education proud the last 40 years. A few of those are now principals of schools, senior lecturers at teachers’ colleges, or in senior roles in the education department. I went on to complete my MA (Hons) with a thesis on teacher selection. However, despite the high quality young people I met who went teaching, there was a problem, and it still exists today.

Teaching did not, and still does not, attract its fair share of able school leavers. Parents, relatives, next-door neighbours, even teachers, would say, and still say, to a bright school leaver, “You can do better than that. What about law, medicine, dentistry, engineering?”

Despite David Lange’s Tomorrow’s Schools, New Zealand still failed to recruit more top students, and I mean ‘top’ in all senses of the word, not just academic. We are now starting to suffer in international comparisons.

So what could we have done? Like many people worldwide, I have been impressed by Finland’s education system. After the Second World War, Finland as a former satellite of the Soviet Union, was broke. Their economy was in tatters. They decided on a long-haul project - the best possible education of their children for the country’s future. They didn’t only pay lip service to the thesis that ‘children are our future,’ they set out to ensure it. How? Finland decided that teaching had to be made into the most desirable profession possible. They made a five year masters’ degree a prerequisite for all teachers. Many then went on to further specialisation in research and classroom practice from one of Finland’s 11 elite graduate schools of education.

Teachers quickly gained as much status in the community as doctors lawyers and other graduates. They received very good pay and conditions. Compared to New Zealand teachers, they work shorter hours, children have more breaks during the school day, homework is rare, and crucially, testing is rarer still. Finnish teachers would say that United States teachers spend more time testing than they do teaching, to the detriment of their students.

Finland’s historic achievements in delivering educational excellence and equity to its children are the result of a deliberate policy of loving their children, having a profound respect for teachers as trusted professionals, and a deep understanding of how children learn best.

And no, Finland’s population is no longer homogeneous. They have lot of immigrants arriving from North Africa and Eastern Europe who must be integrated into their system.

They have specialist teachers and small numbers of students to help with this integration.

What advice do Finnish educators offer other countries? First of all, they don’t presume to dictate, but they will say “Instead of control, competition, stress, standardised testing and loosened teacher qualifications, try warmth, collaboration, and highly professionalised teacher-led encouragement and assessment.

Finnish students have only one standardised test - at the end of secondary school, - yet they have consistently topped international charts in recent years. They don’t find these results particularly exciting. Finns regard teaching as one of the most prestigious professions, and only one in 10 graduate applicants makes it into the profession. All schools are public schools and they have not seen the need for a proliferation of private schools or charter schools.

Finland just makes certain the very best young people teach their young and prepare them for life. There are lessons here for New Zealand. (JOHN ELLIOTT) F PN

HOLIDAY READING FOR THE CHILDREN Annual - edited by Kate De Goldi and Susan Paris (Gecko Press, hardback $39.99) ‘It's a Christmas stocking stuffed to overflowing with rich presents for the curious. It's a steaming plum pudding full of plums, raisins, nuts, cherries, and bright sixpences. I didn't just read the Annual, I ate it.’ High praise from author Jack Lasenby for the Annual, a compilation of treasures commissioned by the editors from 41 different contributors.

Christmas might be cancelled. But Amelia isn't just any ordinary girl. And - as Father Christmas is going to find out - if Christmas is going to be saved, he might not be able to do it alone...

This wonderful story for 6-10 year olds is funny and sad at the same time. Strictly for those who believe in magic, particularly at Christmas time.

DOROTHY BUTLER CHILDREN’S BOOKSHOP, 1 Jervois Road, T: 09 376 7283, www.dorothybutler.co.nz

The Annual features a dictionary of odd words that come in handy on car trips, a sophisticated "spot the similarity", a found poem from school newsletters, a maths-nerd's memoir full of tricky logic puzzles, comics that embrace other worlds, a very unlucky zebra, and top-class fiction that spans Christchurch Botanic Gardens in the 19th century, the loss of a brother, a Kiwi beach holiday, and a Fontanian boarding school. This is the perfect holiday reading book for the 8-12 age group. Highly recommended.

The Girl Who Saved Christmas - by Matt Haig (Allen and Unwin, hardback $22.99) If magic has a beginning, can it also have an end? When Amelia wants a wish to come true, she knows just the man to ask - Father Christmas. But the magic she wants to believe in is starting to fade, and Father Christmas has more than impossible wishes to worry about. Upset elves, reindeers dropping out of the sky, angry trolls and the chance that

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PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

FUTURE GENERATION EXPOSURE TO MUSIC EDUCATION DEVELOPS A CHILD’S BRAIN When children are young it’s really important to give them a whole raft of opportunities. At a young age we know that children will relish trying out many new opportunities and experiences.

Tony Sissons, Headmaster of King’s School What we now also know, backed up by modern scientific data, are the benefits we gain from developing the pathways of young brains as they pursue all kinds of specialist subjects such as music, art, sport and the learning of a second language.

The recent findings of a two-year study by researchers at the Brain and Creativity Institute (BCI) at the University of Southern California, showed that exposure to music and music instruction accelerates the brain development of young children in the areas responsible for language development, sound, reading skill and speech perception.

Similarly, a study conducted by the Institute of Education, University of London, recently published an overview paper on the impact of music on intellectual, personal and social development. Drawing on the results of numerous studies, it concluded that playing an instrument can lead to a sense of achievement, an increase in self-esteem, increased confidence, self-discipline, and provides a means of self-expression.

This research continues to underpin our policy at King’s that every boy plays an instrument, plays a team sport, takes part in art exhibitions and learns a second language. All assists in the overall development of each and every child - both in their academic endeavours and in their personal growth.

At King’s School I believe strongly that we should try to give every boy an opportunity to do something that is great, and you never know in what area that might be or when he has that moment of inspiration.

KING'S SCHOOL, 258 Remuera Road, Remuera, T: 09 520 7770, www.kings.school.nz

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DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

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LOOK... WHO IS IN THE ZOO!

Pasadena pupils nail perfect homes for penguins Auckland Zoo’s colony of 11 little penguins (korora) have some great new nest boxes thanks to the woodwork skills of pupils from Pasadena Intermediate.

Bird section keeper Claire Cameron, who helped design a new prototype for teacher Martin Ball and his 12 enthusiastic students to follow, says the need for the eight new boxes provided a good opportunity to make some improvements.

“Penguins do like their privacy, so we redesigned the nest box entrance to be at the side rather than in the middle. Now when they enter, they come along a little corridor before reaching the main compartment, so they can’t be viewed from the outside, which they like.”

Auckland Zoo bird keeper Claire Cameron and zoo educator Frazer Dale with one of the nest boxes created by Pasadena Intermediate pupils that the penguins are now making great use of.

Martin Ball was approached by zoo educator Frazer Dale. Passionate about connecting youngsters with wildlife, Fraser could see this would be a great student project, and Martin jumped at the chance to give his first-time woodworkers the opportunity to create something so valuable and practical.

“Frazer worked with us to source the specific materials required, and we built the boxes by carefully copying the prototype. These were mostly Year 7 students, with the exception of a couple of Year 8s. It was great to see them working cooperatively in pairs to nail the boxes together, and being curious and interested about the penguins and their needs,” says Martin.

Rex Dalhousie (Year 7), who met with Claire and visited the zoo’s penguin colony recently with other participating pupils, says building the boxes was “really fun”.

“It was fun learning about the different tools and also what the penguins needed for their environment, and the different food and care they need. We put holes in specific places in the boxes for breathing purposes.”

The Zoo’s 11-strong penguin colony of seven females and four males (four pairs and three singles) live at ‘The Coast’ within Te Wao Nui, and have all been rescued from the wild.

Their permanent injuries (several have just one flipper), sustained from incidents such as boat strikes, becoming tangled in fishing lines and dog bites, mean they would not survive back in the wild. However, they’re in good health, and play an important advocacy role here at the zoo.

Claire says while the boxes are designed for nesting, and some of the penguins do build nests, there’s been no chicks to date, but adds “never say never”.

“While we’ve had no successful breeding yet, the boxes are well used, including during the penguins’ moulting period (generally November-March). Plus, there’s a fair bit of ‘house swapping’. In fact, for us keepers, keeping tabs on who is where and with whom is better than watching ‘Days of our Lives’! Just over the course of this year, we’ve had a single male break up a female-female pair, and there was quite a love triangle going on for a while,” says Claire.

TOP TIPS TO HELP PENGUINS Keeper Claire says there’s lots of ways we can all help keep little penguins safe, and also ensure they get what they need to flourish.

“It’s really important that everyone sticks to fishing quotas and size limits so that there’s enough adult fish around to make baby fish - for these penguins, and other marine life, to eat.

“Also, keep your dog in check if you take it to the beach. Penguins come and go from the water around dawn and dusk - right when we’re often on the beach with our dogs, so it’s best if your dog is kept on a leash,” says Claire.

In addition, pick up any rubbish on the beach. If you see a scruffy looking little penguin, it’s most likely moulting and not sick, so leave it alone.

If you come across an injured penguin in the Auckland region during the day, phone the Department of Conservation office (09 307 9279). If afterhours, call the emergency hotline 0800 DOCHOT (0800 362 468).

photography: Brian Cairns

“We also have a newer pair trying to find a good nesting spot, with other established pairs sometimes chasing them away from their boxes.”

Taha Basar and other students from Pasadena Intermediate enjoyed a special opportunity to help keepers feed some of the little penguins at The Coast.

94 PONSONBY NEWS+ November 2016

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

ANGELA BEER: PETS & PATS FOUNDER

PETS AND PATS LUXURY DOG DAYCARE AND FARMSTAYS Welcome to Dog Disneyland, a 20-acre farm, 18 minutes from Ponsonby, where your dog can do as much or as little as they like, all in the safety of their own private, gated, secure, country estate. We pick up and drop off to your home/office.

Pricing from $40. Free $195 complimentary voucher for you to use for a no-obligation trial.

DAYCARE: We look after a small, discerning number of local families. We are like the private school of dog daycare. We have the largest and best facility in the country with the smallest numbers of dogs, the largest indoor and outdoor spaces and lots of one-on-one individual attention with our highly skilled staff. Kids can swim, play, unwind in our play paddocks, bushwalks, tennis courts, pool and cinema lounge.

FARMSTAYS: We only have eight VIP guests staying per night and they sleep inside our luxury farmhouse with all the creature comforts they enjoy at home. When looking for care for your beloved pet, here are some questions I encourage parents to ask when interviewing potential places/services.

1. Ask how many dogs are in your facility/care?

2. Ask what is the staff to dog ratio and what qualifications do your staff have? So you can ensure your dog is getting quality one-on-one attention.

3. Ask what does my dog do in your care? Find out how much time is spent in cages or inside vs how much time exercising/playing, etc.

4. Ask what onsite care is available when my dog is with you. It’s not uncommon for some places when dogs are put to bed from 4pm to not have anyone living on site during the night. You should also ask how close is the nearest vet.

5. If using a dog walking service, ask where do you walk my dog, is it safe, how many dogs do you take out at a time, how long is my dog travelling in a vehicle for, what happens if there is an accident? Do you have insurance should anything happen to my dog or my home?

At Pets and Pats, we understand dogs are our best friends and cherished members of our family, they deserve nothing but the best. If you’d like to try the Pets and Pats experience, please call for your $195 free complimentary voucher. We look forward to welcoming you.

Dog HQ: Herne Bay; Country Estate: Dairy Flat. M: 021 539 699, angela@petsandpats.com facebook.com/petsandpats

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DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

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PONSONBY PEOPLE + THEIR PETS

@ SPCA - THESE WEE BEAUTIES NEED LOVING HOMES

GIVE FOR JUSTICE...

SPCA Auckland Annual Appeal 11, 12 and 13 November

Selena, a nine-year-old Samoyed was locked up in a small room with no sunlight or fresh air. She was deprived of exercise, stimulation and would likely have starved to death if the SPCA hadn’t intervened.

“Selena weighed about half what a healthy Samoyed her age should weigh” said Kevin, the SPCA Inspector who rescued Selena.

Leopald

When Selena was rescued, our team gave her the care she needed, and the chance to run and play in the grass with her own doggy toys - simple daily things that every dog deserves - all of which Selena had never known before. She soon became the healthy size she was meant to be. Finally, Selena’s years of neglect and mistreatment were over.

Today Selena is living in a loving new home. She’s enjoying learning to live as a normal dog, with space to play and run, but sadly there are many more dogs like Selena that still need help.

Mogley

The SPCA is the only charity in New Zealand with the legal authority to seize abused or neglected animals and prosecute offenders. This is only possible because compassionate animal lovers throughout the community support their fight for justice.

SPCA is calling on you to give as much as you can during their Annual Appeal. Collectors will take to the streets throughout Auckland, volunteering their time to make a difference for animals in need. F PN Please donate to help SPCA rescue, rehabilitate and seek justice for these innocent animals. You can also make a donation today at www.spcaannualappeal.org.nz

Alexandra

Butters

Indi

96 PONSONBY NEWS+ November 2016

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

PONSONBY PEOPLE + THEIR PETS

John Elliott, Lolo and Macy “I’m an old fella and I always had a dog around as a kid in Whangarei - sheep and cattle dogs which we loved but lived outside.

My family now has two cats.

Cait and son Theo went to the SPCA to replace our beloved Catherine who died at around 18 years of age. Catherine was also an SPCA cat named by a flatmate of Cait (Catherine) to confuse everyone. There were two Catherines in the flat, so when Catherine was called it could have been one of two people or a cat.

We take them with us to our bach in Northland whenever we go, and they love it up there.

They’re pretty good travellers now - we used to have frequent poo and wees stops!”

[As told to Ponsonby News] F PN

Cait wanted one cat and Theo wanted another, so I went next day to decide. I said, let’s take both.

Lolo, named for Picasso’s muse, is black, and Macy (originally Macky as a Gaelic addition to the family) is tortoiseshell. They’re both ordinary moggies, with different personalities.

We’ve now had them three years and they are about five years old.

Both are snuggle bunnies. Macy climbs up on Cait and cuddles, Lolo hops in bed with us and likes to crawl under the cover. She sleeps all night and you can push her around in the bed and she doesn’t move.

Lolo is the guard. She circles the fence line, warding off any other cats. When not sleeping on our bed during the day, Lolo will often sit on the front veranda sunning herself and watching the passing parade.

In the morning, Macy will jump up on the chaise in our bedroom, push the curtains aside and check out what birdies she can see, and who is walking up the road. The cats are quite good friends but, like child siblings, they fight a bit from time to time.

They both thrive on Raw Essentials food purchased in Grey Lynn.

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DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

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PONSONBY PROFESSIONALS: METROLAW GOT A LEGAL QUESTION? ASK MICHAEL@METROLAW.CO.NZ

Email Michael with your question and include PONSONBY NEWS in the subject line. Michael Hemphill, a partner of the firm, will answer one topical question each month.

Q:

I have been having issues with an expensive oven that I bought recently.

The oven would not grill toast. Upon notifying the supplier of the problems I was having with their product, they sent a technician to look at the oven.

The technician tested the oven and said it was up to the specification. Shortly after I was sent a bill for the technician’s services, even though I had not requested one be called. When I queried the bill with the supplier they said that as apparently there were no problems with the oven, I was required to pay the invoice and I was told that if I did not pay then my warranty would be voided. Are they able to do this? It still won’t toast. Thanks in advance.

A:

When you buy goods from for domestic use from a supplier who is “in trade” then you are entitled to a number of guaranties under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 (CGA).

These are provided to you by the statute and although a supplier may often offer you some other form of warranty, they cannot contract out of their obligations under the Act and it is probably “misleading and deceptive” conduct from them in terms of the Fair Trading Act 1986 to pretend that they can.

There is a guarantee as to acceptable quality, which means that they are fit for all the purposes for which goods of the type in question are commonly supplied.

There is a further guarantee that the goods are fit for a particular purpose if you made it known to the supplier that this was a purpose for which the goods were being acquired.

The point is, there is plenty of room to argue this with the shop.

You need to decide whether you want to keep the oven or if this is a big enough issue for you to want your money back.

As for the technician’s costs, it seems to me that unless you had agreed to incur these costs when you complained to the supplier then the supplier is going to be responsible for the costs.

You just need to make it clear both to the supplier and the technician that you still have an issue with the oven and dispute the costs. Good luck.

PN (MICHAEL HEMPHILL) F Disclaimer - this article is for general information purposes only. If you have a legal problem you should seek advice from a lawyer. Metro Law does not accept any liability other than to its clients and then only when advice is sought on specific matters.

METRO LAW, Level 1, 169A Ponsonby Road, T: 09 929 0800, www.metrolaw.co.nz

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K ELMARNA GARDENS KELMARNA G A R D E NS

FOR AS FOR AS LITTLE LITTLE AS AS $$55 A M MONTH ONT H Your regular donation will help connect more school children with nature, empower people all

over Auckland with sustainable living choices and develop and maintain a therapeutic garden. Join now at: www.kelmarnagardens.nz/donate

98 PONSONBY NEWS+ November 2016

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

PONSONBY PROFESSIONALS: LOGAN GRANGER

Tax issues associated with PIEs – are you using the correct PIR rate?

Everyone loves a good pie, especially here in Ponsonby. But we don’t mean the tasty meat variety, we’re referring to Portfolio Investment Entities (PIEs).

PIEs investments have been around for about nine years following the introduction of the KiwiSaver scheme. A PIE is a type of entity such as a managed fund that invests contributions from investors in different types of investments. The PIE regime allows individuals to invest into KiwiSaver (and other PIEs) and not worry about filing personal tax returns to declare the PIE income. Eligible entities that elect to become a PIE will generally pay tax on investment income based on the prescribed investor rate (PIR) of their investors, rather than at the entity’s tax rate.

The investor will then receive the benefit of the income derived by the PIE on their behalf, less any tax paid on that income at their prescribed investor rate (PIR). When a PIE makes a loss, a tax rebate is paid to the PIE equivalent to its loss at the investors PIR. The income of the PIE will be reflected in the unit price, with units being cancelled or issued to reflect the tax paid to, or refunded by the IRD. Listed PIEs operate slightly differently.

Your PIR will depend on your total taxable income, such as salary and interest and your PIE income over the last two years.

Getting your PIR right It’s important to choose the correct PIR rate, otherwise you could pay too much tax on the PIE investment. PIE income is excluded income, which means you do not include the income in your tax return and the PIE tax is the final tax. The exception to this is when a rate which is lower than your prescribed rate has been used.

If you elect too high a rate - for example 28% when you should have elected 17.5% - you will be paying too much tax. There is no mechanism to recover the excess tax.

If you elect too low a rate - for example 17.5% when you should have elected 28% - the PIE income attributed to you from your PIE investment will not be excluded income, it will be taxable income. This taxable income will need to be included in your tax return.

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Although the tax paid by the PIE will be allowed as a credit against your tax liability, you will not get the benefit of having your tax capped at 28%. Instead tax will be paid at the marginal rate, currently up to 33%.

No election - if you do not choose a PIR, you will default to the rate of 28%.

Income level in two preceding years (i.e. 2015 and 2016) PIR for 2017 $48,000 or more taxable income; and/or $70,000 or more of total income (PIE + non PIE Income)

28%

Between $14,000 and $48,000 of taxable income; and $70,000 or less of total income (PIE + non PIE Income)

17.5%

$14,000 or less of taxable income; and $48,000 or less of total income (PIE + non PIE Income)

10.5%

It’s important to advise your fund manager of your correct PIR rate as they may be able to reduce your tax for the rest of the year. If you need any assistance with calculating what PN PIR rate to use, contact your accountant. (LOGAN GRANGER) F If you have any further questions or would like to discuss this matter, please do not hesitate to contact Logan Granger.

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

DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

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99

HELENE RAVLICH: LOCAL AGENCIES

The PR Shop’s Pippa and Sally Pippa Lekner and Sally Frewin are co-owners of PR agency The PR Shop, which you’ll find housed in a narrow little building at the Ponsonby end of Great North Road.

The pair has been working together since 2005, and talking with them over coffee at Longshot is like hanging out with an old, still very happily married couple. They share the same passions and the same sense of humour, even finishing each other’s sentences with aplomb. They are fun women to be around, and clearly their original promise of providing “no bulls**t PR” most definitely still stands.

From its inception, The PR Shop was determined to prove that PR could be different. It didn’t have to be exorbitant, full of empty promises or live up to what the company calls “its shonky reputation of smoke and mirrors”. Eleven years on, the energetic agency has an ever-expanding, dedicated team of talented people who believe in the power of great consumer PR and Pip and Sal are proud of that.

They are constantly amazed - as am I - at the proliferation of new PR companies and solo practitioners popping up seemingly every week, a trend that some have called a “dumbing down” of the industry and its ethics. How do The PR Shop founders feel about the new wave, often surging ahead with often questionable credentials? “I can only think positively about those that are leaving big PR companies and striking out on their own,” says Pippa, “because that is what we did! We have been around 11 years now so we don’t feel at all threatened, and it really does seem that there is enough business out there for everyone.” She adds that the industry is all about people: finding people like you to work with and aligning the right clients with the right agencies. “We aren’t afraid to refer a lot of business as well,” says the PR veteran, “we are good friends with people like Rebecca Purdy at The Generalist and Claudia Macdonald at Mango and we all refer business to each other if we are too busy, have conflicts or think someone else might be a better fit.”

When asked if they have felt the negative reaction to PR by many of the media who have been burnt by the 'cowboys' in the industry they both say no, adding their reputation precedes them and most of the journalists that they deal with know their modus operandi well. “We try not to do any unsolicited stuff,” says Pippa, “and like to stop and ask the media we deal with what it is that they want, rather than just making assumptions. They will often fill us in on some of the other material they are being sent that annoys them too, which gives us a bit of insight into what we shouldn’t be doing.” She adds that you are only as good as your last story or your last client, “which keeps you on your toes and doing a good job.”

Sally continues the theme by mentioning clients that have come to The PR Shop a little bit burnt, a little bit disillusioned by other companies that have over-promised results and under delivered when it comes to coverage. “We quite like taking those clients on as a bit of a challenge,” she says with a smile, “and many of them are still with us five or six years later. It’s a good feeling to know that we played a part in changing their minds.”

100 PONSONBY NEWS+ November 2016

The pair both agree that the idea of the 'big, flashy event' that has long been associated with traditional PR is also disappearing, with smaller, more carefully curated showings and tastings taking its place. “People are too busy to spend their evenings leaving the house just to look at a new product,” says Pippa, “and it saves money for our clients too.”

The PR Shop’s speciality is the fast moving consumer goods area, and both women agree that there has to be a passion in the office for a product or a project before they will even look at taking it on. They present all new business ideas to their entire team and if feedback is that it’s just not exciting them, the two founders just won’t take it on. “We have to have a passion for it,” explains Pippa, “and we have to look at the bigger picture in terms of a brand’s morals and goals. We won’t represent anything that is intensively farmed for example, and the care and treatment of animals is very important to us too.”

“We just want to work with nice products and nice people,” says Sally, with both agreeing that after years doing time in big agencies, life is “no longer just about the bottom line.”

They and their team want to work with the products that they themselves enjoy eating, drinking and using in their daily lives, rather than just taking on new clients for the PN dollars. (HELENE RAVLICH) F

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

PONSONBY PROFESSIONALS GIFTING FOOD AND DRINK THIS CHRISTMAS? FOR MANY SMALL TO MEDIUM BUSINESS owners or self employed contractors, when it comes to taxation and GST it is often difficult to know what you can and can’t claim and more precisely what percentage you can claim on any given item of expenditure.

William Worsp and Faustin Duprat

ONE-OFF FURNITURE AT GREY LYNN POP-UP Dining tables, entertainment units, floor lamps, desks, bedside tables and even beds! WRW & Co. is a New Zealand custom design furniture company dedicated to creating products that the team love and want to have in their own homes.

The company has opened a pop-up showroom in Auckland until the end of December.

Located in an old converted Grey Lynn warehouse, it showcases their new collection.

It’s been a big year after renovating Mr Toms in Ponsonby and The Little Blackwood in Queenstown, and it’s been great for Will and his team to subsequently focus on their own designs - such as modular kitchen units which mix solid oak with steel.

Will started the business four years ago, after returning home from travelling Europe and working in London, with a workshop based in an old surfboard factory in Raglan. The venue provides continual inspiration and reinforces WRW & Co.’s design ethos of simple, yet high quality craftsmanship to create one-off pieces made from natural materials, PN often repurposed from a previous life. F

The IRD has recently released an operational statement declaring that gifts of food and drink are ‘entertainment’ and potentially subject to the 50% deduction limitation rule as from 1 September 2016. One type of expense covered is the expense of providing food and drink off business premises.

AccountabilityNet owner Michael McCook

This means that spending on things like chocolates or a bottle of wine to give as gifts to customers, clients or suppliers for example, is now 50% deductible. If the items are purchased as a gift basket or together with other items that aren’t food and drink, the expense must be apportioned between fully deductible and not fully deductible.

With more than 20 years experience in the area of taxation and accounting, AccountabilityNet offer professional and practical advice to all their clients. At AccountabilityNet they teach you to use the latest technology to automate business processes that make your compliance and administration significantly less.

They also offer mobile certified Xero training services and recommended Xero add-on PN systems Auckland-wide. F Contact AccountabilityNet now on T: 09 477 2400, M: 021 257 0972 or email patsy@accountabilitynet.co.nz

WRW & CO. 1 Grosvenor Street, M: 0275 260 802, www.wrw.co.nz

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DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

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HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS

SHOP UP A STORM @ THE ‘ONE DAY SALE’ With only seven weeks to Christmas, excitement is building and so Business North Harbour is gearing up early again this year.

To help take the stress out of your Christmas shopping they are holding their famous one day sale on 26 November! This is a well-known North Harbour event and this year they have even more retailers, wholesalers, distributors and cafes ready to open their doors for one day only, with discounts up to 90% off retail! Now in its fourth year, One Day Sale 2016 looks set to be a record breaker.

To get your shopping list prepared, be sure to download the Shopper’s Guide, which will be available online from 11 November at www.businessnh.org.nz/onedaysale2016 - here you will find a list of all the businesses participating and their location.

If you are looking for a specific gift for Christmas or need any homeware, games, home décor, beauty products, makeup and especially if you need a new wardrobe, then set aside Saturday 26 November from 9am to 4pm and shop up a storm! It’s going to be a shopping extravaganza!

Visit the BUSINESS NORTH HARBOUR website for upcoming events and programs at www.businessnh.org.nz or contact them on T: 09 968 2222. F PN

102 PONSONBY NEWS+ November 2016

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

Ponsonby 34 Ponsonby Terrace Only once in a blue moon does an opportunity like this, in Ponsonby´s heart, present itself for the astute buyer. It´s a rare combination...that classic villa plus 2 completely self-contained 1 and 2 bedroom units. Much admired from the street, this gracious home comprises 4 large bedrooms, a formal lounge and a spacious, modern kitchen. The dining area opens onto a huge covered deck, equipped with its own kitchen, perfect for entertaining. Whether the 2 units are used for short or long term rentals, the financial return is incredibly attractive. There´s access to Tole Street Reserve plus garaging and off-street parking. Make the villa your home, rent or airbnb the units, employ the nanny, create a teen zone, work from home, or bank the lot....this outstanding proposition will work for you! It´s close to great local schools and all of Ponsonby Rd´s fabulosity. With this much choice, move quickly, as neither time nor tide nor a blue moon waits for anyone!

rwponsonby.co.nz

7 A 3 C 3 F 1 I 4 K 685m2 P

Auction 6.30pm, Wed 16 Nov 2016 (unless sold prior) View Saturday and Sunday 12.30pm-1.00pm rwponsonby.co.nz/PON24082 www.rwponsonby.co.nz/PON24082 Elaine Ferguson 0275 345 024 elaine.ferguson@raywhite.com Chloe Wither 021 672 191 chloe.wither@raywhite.com Ponsonby office Damerell Group Ltd LICENSED (REAA 2008)

104 PONSONBY NEWS+ November 2016

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS

WHAT’S IN-STORE @ YOYO

YOYO, 24a Williamson Avenue, T: 09 376 4884, www.yoyo.co.nz

1 3

2

5

4

1. Openable Christmas Decoration; depicting NZ's native birds. Fill with small surprises and make sure you leave a message on the gift card $9; 2. Wooden Objects; organically styled wooden wonders for your world, from $35; 3. Grand Budapest Shelf; bring your tired walls to life by increasing circulation from $189; 4. Handmade Ceramics; sculptured by craftsmen (and women) and cooked in a Tauranga kiln, from $29; 5. Arbour Hanging Planter; suspend your garden in Babylonian bling $185

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GARDENING WITH GRAHAM SHIEFF Tropical New Guinea impatiens There’s only one word that describes these amazing tropical New Guinea impatiens bred in Holland... stunning!

fertiliser will promote foliar growth and flower production.

Plant in free-draining soil with the addition of coarse sand and make certain the frangipani receives sufficient water through summer, its active growing period.

With 12 brightly coloured varieties to choose from you can add vibrant colour to your garden display, deck or patio.

Water sparingly during winter while the plant is deciduous.

This selection of impatiens is known as Impatiens Tamarinda.

Large, brightly coloured flowers are produced from spring until autumn. Find a shady position in the garden, on the deck or patio to grow your impatiens.

Tropical impatiens flourish when watered regularly during our warm seasons. Add plenty of organic material to the soil when planting and mulch to retain moisture around the plants’ roots.

Feed the plants with a balanced slow release fertiliser such as Osmocote.

Tropical impatiens will light up your garden throughout summer and return awesome colour in future years.

If planting your frangipani in a container such as an attractive glazed pot, ensure the container is heavy so it doesn’t topple over and damage the plant.

Keep an eye out for insect pests such as mites and scale that suck the goodness out of the plant’s foliage and leave it looking unattractive. Spray with an all-purpose organic insect spray.

Take care to plant your frangipani in a frost-free location.

Lady Palm - rhaphis excelsa The rhaphis is one of my favourite palms due to its hardiness and stunning appearance. Originating from southern China and Taiwan, the rhaphis can be successfully grown indoors and outside, even in a location susceptible to frost.

Unlike other palm species, the rhaphis is rather slow growing and stays compact, making it a perfect pot specimen or focal point in the garden.

The Lady Palm has the potential to reach a height of 2-3m and thrives in low light conditions.

Frangipani Frangipani or the ‘temple flower’ produces highly attractive blooms that fill your garden with sweetly scented fragrance on summer evenings.

For optimum results, it’s critical that your plant is grown in a warm, sheltered, north-facing location. Adding Osmocote slow-release fertiliser or Phostrogen soluble

106 PONSONBY NEWS+ November 2016

any garden. Like most ferns, it prefers dappled sunlight and is usually positioned beneath large New Zealand native specimen trees such as rimu, totara and pohutukawa.

The silver fern can reach a height of 10m with its fronds growing to 3-4m in length. Pongas can be found in abundance on our North and South Islands as well as on the Chatham Islands to the east, mostly in the sub canopy regions of drier forests and open scrub.

Pongas prefer well drained humus and, once established, will tolerate drier growing conditions. Shelter from wind and protect from frost.

Button fern Pellaea rotundifolia is a very attractive low-growing New Zealand native fern which thrives in low light or shady outdoor positions. It has attractive, shiny dark green fronds. For best results, plant Pellaea in a location that receives dappled morning sunlight and has free draining soil with a large proportion of organic matter.

Bird’s nest fern - Asplenium nidus A fine example of a low-growing fern suited to outdoor positions with filtered sunlight. The bird’s nest is an epiphyte that attaches itself to trees in its natural habitat.

Be sure not to plant it in an open sunny situation as its fronds will be scorched and look unattractive.

While the bird’s nest prefers an outdoor location, it can be grown successfully indoors in a location with filtered sunlight. Feed sparingly with slow release fertiliser like Osmocote and don’t allow the soil to dry out or become saturated.

FASCINATING FERNS Silver fern - Cyathea dealbata The silver fern or ponga is a symbol associated with New Zealand both overseas and by Kiwis. Majestic in appearance with silver white colours on the underside of its fronds, the ponga creates an impressive focal point in

PN HAPPY GARDENING! (GRAHAM SHIEFF) F M: 021 997 743, www.gardenhelp.co.nz

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KINGS PLANT BARN - ENSURING YOUR ROSES LOOK FABULOUS Widely cultivated since ancient times, roses have inspired and captured our imagination for centuries.

Coming in a dizzying splash of colours, often with a scintillating array of scents, there is little not to love, provided you can avoid the pricks!

Roses grown in healthy soil and kept well fed and watered are far less likely to suffer from problems. However, issues still occasionally arise. And while healthy well-kept roses look fantastic, neglected ones may not look so great. So to help ensure yours look fabulous, here are a few tips...

COMMON PROBLEMS AND HOW TO AVOID THEM Fungal problems: Black spot and rust can be fairly common, especially when it's warm and hot. To reduce the chance of this occurring: • Prune in winter (in July), opening up your rose to allow increased air flow. • Remove leaf material from the ground around your roses or any leaves on the plant that start to yellow or develop black spot.

Feeding: Keep roses well fed, use either Kings Slow Release Rose Food or for a natural option that helps improve your soil, feed with sheep pellets and Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster.

If black spot or rust occurs and causes problems, treat with liquid sulphur (make sure you don't use lime sulphur).

Watering: Avoid wetting the foliage when watering. Water deeply every 1-2 weeks (newly planted roses may require more regular watering). Reduce watering needs by adding mulch and Saturaid (a wetting agent).

Pests: Most pests that effect roses can be effectively controlled with an organic pesticide such as Bugtrol. Spray in the evening to minimise harm to beneficial insects such as bees. F PN

Deadheading: Regularly cut out spent flowers back to a healthy bud to promote flowering and to improved appearance.

Not sure what's wrong? Visit the KINGS PLANT BARN plant-doctor at www.plantdoctor.co.nz for more advice.

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LOVE YOUR LOCAL TREES “Grey Lynn is my home,” says Joe Salmen, head arborist at Custom Tree Work.

“There are a lot of good people in the area. I’ve enjoyed working for older families that have been in the community for a long time, and also for people that are new and excited about being in Ponsonby and Grey Lynn.”

Joe is a qualified arborist who has been climbing, pruning and dismantling trees for over a decade. Most days, you’ll find him hanging out in the tops of Auckland’s tallest trees, or in his workshop sharpening chainsaws and planning his next skyward adventure.

His well-organised workshop houses an extensive range of equipment and machinery, guaranteeing that the hard-working Custom Tree Work team is ready and professionally equipped for any tree or garden job.

“We tackle big jobs and little jobs,” says Joe. “Custom Tree Work is fortunate to be a small crew that can expand to a world class A-team when we need to.”

For the big jobs, Custom Tree Work calls upon the talents of some of the world’s best competitive tree climbers - including three-time World Champion Scott Forrest and two-times European Champion Matt Glen - who have the skills to tackle the tallest and toughest trees.

“There are some beautiful old trees in Ponsonby and Grey Lynn,” Joe says. “But a lot of mature trees have also been cut down. It would be good to take care of the trees that remain with regular pruning and maintenance.”

For a no-obligation quote, please email: joe@customtreework.co.nz. For urgent storm work or other emergencies, phone Joe Salmen direct. F PN CUSTOM TREE WORK, T: 021 749 474, www.customtreework.co.nz

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MY SOUL, MY GARDEN Today, people see gardens as more than a spot for the washing line and a few standard plants - these precious settings are now linked to health and better living.

As trends show, all ages are spending more hours outside, have less spare time and are building smaller homes. Outdoor areas are coming into their own, being repurposed as stylish, appealing and just as important as indoors.

There’s a new appreciation that exteriors are extensions of our tastes, personalities and values, with plants and hardscapes the tools to create modern appeal and add value; in short - maximum enjoyment from formerly under-utilised potential.

That’s where the Soulscape team can work outdoor magic - delivering more than just a job well done. Together with you, they’ll transform your outdoor space with the creativity and care it deserves - on time and to your budget.

Director Jeff Poole is a hard-working, straight-talking landscape architect, whose reputation has been built on honesty, commitment to customers, sustainable practices and most importantly, putting your needs first.

From small urban gardens to expansive lifestyle grounds, Soulscape provides ideas, concept drawings and complete builds; most importantly, ample reassurance with a long list of happy customers’ recommendations.

What else makes Soulscape truly different? Jeff and his team pledge to care for you like family. With the team’s genuine heart, soul and hard work, you and your loved ones will PN savour every enchanted minute in your bespoke garden for years to come. F SOULSCAPE, Level 1, 91 St Georges Bay Road, T: 0800 027 685, www.soulscape.biz

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@ FRENCH COUNTRY OUTLET STORE 1.

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Khaki Velvet Cushions 50cm sq $25 / 60cm x 40cm $25 Tall Cabbage Jar $35, Short Cabbage Jar $19 Bleu Hand-painted Terracotta Dinnerware from $9 Set 4 Apricot Bubble Goblets $20, Set 4 Apricot Bubble Tumblers $20, Apricot Bubble Pitcher $20 2

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ENHANCE YOUR PROPERTY WITH A NATURAL BRUSHWOOD FENCE Needing a new fence or privacy screen? Want to block out traffic or neighbour noise?

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FRENCH COUNTRY OUTLET STORE, 8 Pollen Street, T: 09 376 7585, www.frenchcountry.co.nz

Brushwood fencing is made of exceptional quality Australian hardwood broom which provides a virtually maintenance-free fencing solution that offers an attractive natural look. It is environmentally friendly and extremely versatile - suiting a variety of homes from classic villa to modern contemporary.

Produced from renewable resources, brushwood fences are incredibly durable, low maintenance and long-lasting (more than 20 years). High sound absorption qualities are a distinct feature of these fences, making them very suitable for infill housing, reducing traffic and general neighbourhood noise. The high density of the materials means it is pool-compliant, too. An added bonus is that graffiti-writers tend to stay away from them, since the brushwood is not a good medium for their ‘art.’

Typical uses for brush fencing include; fences, dividers, privacy fence screens, partitions, windbreaks, screening of building extensions, thatch hut roofing, patio and swimming pool surrounds, outdoor entertaining areas and garden borders.

There is very little maintenance required for brushwood, as they don’t require painting or oiling to maintain their natural characteristics.

Brustics specialises in the design, supply and installation of high-quality brushwood, bamboo and eucalypt fencing, along with a wide range of natural landscaping products such as thatched tiled roofing, gazebos and umbrellas, authentic European wood-fired pizza ovens and water-garden equipment and garden décor. F PN See the full range at www.brustics.co.nz or call T: 0800 278 784

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@ FREEDOM FURNITURE 1. Freedom Furniture Hammock Seat in White, RRP $219 The comfortable curves of the Hammock Seat provide the perfect spot to kick back and relax on long summer days, creating a private space that you’ll never want to leave.

2. Freedom Furniture Swivel Hanging Pot Holder Large in Yellow, RRP $19.95 Hang the Swivel pot holder outdoors or in for a colourful, bohemian look that is full of texture and contrast - its bright yellow cotton lends itself to a natural, retro-cool vibe that’s perfect for summer.

3. Freedom Furniture Entertainer Drinks Bucket 41 x 24cm in Pink Lemonade, RRP $34.95 Keeping your drinks cool during balmy evenings while providing a pop of colour, the Entertainer drinks bucket is a fun and playful yet practical addition to all of your barbecues and parties this summer.

4. Freedom Furniture Adelphi Modular 3 Piece Package in White, RRP $2699 The Adelphi modular package makes al fresco entertaining a breeze, fitting seamlessly into any outdoor space as a right- or left-hand modular or even a laidback chaise depending on how the slatted teak inserts are positioned.

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www.freedomfurniture.co.nz

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@ CORSO DE’ FIORI 1. Made from elm wood, the Laurent round coffee table is equally at home in an urban lounge or light-filled beach house. $1790.

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2. The loose cover Hemingway chair from Corso de’ Fiori’s bespoke collection is designed with an ease befitting a lazy summer afternoon. $2246 each (other lengths and fabrics available - prices will vary).

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CORSO DE’ FIORI, The Foundation, 8 George Street, Newmarket, T: 09 307 9166, www.corso.co.nz

DON’T MISS THE DECEMBER

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DECEMBER SPECIAL FEATURES + CHRISTMAS DINING + CHRISTMAS GIFTS + SUMMER HAIR & BEAUTY + CHILDREN & SCHOOL HOLIDAYS

COPY DEADLINE: Sunday 20 November PUBLISHED: Friday 2 December

PREMIUM POSITIONS AVAILABLE

TO BOOK ADVERTISING: Call Jo Barrett on 021 324 510 or Jan 027 595 2557 t: 09 361 3356 or 09 378 8553 e: joannebarrett@xtra.co.nz e: jan@ponsonbynews.co.nz w: www.ponsonbynews.co.nz The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

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HEIDI PADAIN: ENTERTAINMENT IN YOUR GARDEN It is spring at last. Cat herding season. Gosh! I bet I'm in trouble with all you cat lovers and I haven't even completed my first paragraph.

Don't get me wrong; I love those fluffy vibrating companions, just not so much at this time of year.

Some of the cats in my neighbourhood are in full hunting mode. I can tell when the birds are upset because of the sounds they make. More often than not, when I venture outside to take a look, I find a feline predator climbing a tree, or worse. I've taken up hissing at them and when this doesn't work, I start a short sprint in their direction. If anyone were to witness my behaviour, they would consider me quite unhinged.

There's a fantail nest at the back of our property, so I'm visiting them fairly regularly, hoping to see their young. Sadly, last year I found their nest destroyed. I circle the perimeter of our property several times a day, sometimes I go farther afield. I recently noticed a cat on the property opposite. It was stalking; low down in the grass, getting closer and closer to the paradise duck family. There was no way I wanted to see them hurt, so I did a mad dash across the road to scare the cat away.

Even if I haven't yet discovered a nest, I can tell by the sounds and the behavour of respective birds that they're either in the courtship phase or tending to their young.

I have a regular visitor, a male blackbird. Recently he has taken up arriving on my deck with a beakful of worms. He will sit there and wait for me to roll a grape in his direction.

He somehow manages to hold on to the worms whilst picking up the grape. He does this throughout the day. He looks decidedly harassed. No doubt he has a nest full of chicks.

While on the subject of being harassed, I learned a valuable lesson recently. I like to put fruit outside for the birds. Since late winter early spring, I have had quite large numbers of honeybees here and they just love oranges. I have become so used to seeing the honeybees that I don't pay them much attention, then one day they paid attention to me.

You see, I had read somewhere that honey is a wonderful face mask. I rubbed the sweet sticky goo onto my face and ventured outside. At first, there were just one or two around me, then more and more started to buzz around my head. I ran inside, and they all followed. There I was running through the house, arms flailing madly. Luckily I managed to get to the bathroom and slam the door on them.

When I ventured outside the bathroom, face all scrubbed clean and soft. I noticed that some of the bees hadn't left. The scent remains for some time I guess. I had to gently shoo them towards windows. So, there you go. Spring is a rather exciting time isn't it?

PN (HEIDI PADAIN) F

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To see some of Heidi’s other photographic work, go to www.flickr.com and type Heidi Padain into the search box or you can contact Heidi by email hidihi@xtra.co.nz

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@ LE MONDE

@ FORMA

1. Christmas at Le Monde is naturally earthy, they love feathers, horns and pinecones and the Stag's Head perfectly fits the look. This magnificent beast is only $265.

1. Retro Dining Table from $2300, simplicity with a retro twist. Available in a range of sizes as well as custom made options.

2. This trio of hooks look fantastic on any wall. The Bronze Zebra, Elephant and Giraffe Hooks is $38 for the set.

2. Ella Dining chair $595, the Ella dining chair is the perfect partner for our Zanders dining table with its black metal legs and sculptural shape.

4. W Dining Chair $665, European Oak combined with a Danish woven seat create a Scandinavian stunner.

3. Ice Dining Chair $285, this clear polycarbonate chair from Italy glistens like ice when the light catches the detailed patterns.

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LE MONDE, 36 Pollen Street, T: 09 376 2993, 69D St Georges Bay Road, T: 09 377 9518, www.le-monde.co.nz

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FORMA, 51-53 The Strand Parnell, T: 09 368 7694, www.forma.co.nz www.facebook.com/formafurniturenz

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@ DAWSON & CO Dawson & Co's curated outdoor collection includes over 15 outdoor dining chairs in a wide variety of materials and finishes to suit any outdoor environment.

1. LCA chair by Harbour Outdoor, $1229 2. Vintage chair by Tribu, $689 3. Skin chair by Calligaris, $259 4. Mood chair by Tribu, $1639

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Available exclusively from DAWSON & CO, www.dawsonandco.nz

GET READY FOR SUMMER @ DESIGN WAREHOUSE 1. The Ventura Club Chair has a natural and organic vibe with its unique rope detail and reclaimed teak frame.

2. Create a beautiful outdoor dining space with Design Warehouse’s most sought-after dining tables, the Raw Concrete Trestle Table.

3. Dine outdoors in style with the Natalie Rope Outdoor Dining Chair. It’s eye-catching design is fun and contemporary.

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DESIGN WAREHOUSE, 137/147 The Strand, Parnell, T: 09 377 7710, www.designwarehouse.co.nz

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“ IT’S NOT JUST ABOUT TH E RESULT. IT’S HOW YOU GO A BOUT G E T TI NG IT.” STEVE HANSEN

At Ray White we go about things the right way.

We put you, the customer, at the heart of everything we do.

We stop to listen, we offer trusted, impartial advice, and we put in the hard yards to deliver on expectation – from listing your home, right through to settlement.

At Ray White we work for you.

What do you value?

Ray White (Real Estate) Limited Licensed (REAA 2008)

whatdoyouvalue.co.nz

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SUMMER LIVING @ COAST 2

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1. Picnic in style with a COAST Picnic Bag - $399; 2. The Classic Canvas Collection perfect for weekend excursions from $349; 3. The Grip Bag makes a great Christmas gift -$299; 4. Bathe in luxury with Laguna Towels -$149; 5. The summer staple - COAST Lux Cotton Beach Towels - $69.99; 6. COAST Antigua Waffle Linen Throws - 100% pre-washed Linen goodness -$239; 7. Perfect for alfresco dining COAST Bendigo Woollen Blanket. 100% New Zealand Wool. New Zealand made - $299; 8. Wrap up after the sun goes down with a COAST Mackenzie Woollen Blanket, 100% New Zealand Wool, New Zealand made - $399 COAST, 77 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 354 4552, www.coastnewzealand.com

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77 Ponsonby Road

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MY FAVOURITE ROOM

Clothing designer Liann Bellis sells her woman’s clothing collection ‘liann bellis’ throughout New Zealand.

She studied in Wellington and after being the first student to win what was then the Benson & Hedges Young Designer Award - along with six other awards that final year - Liann "had a wonderful time" working at TV One in Avalon Studios for a couple of years.

She then left New Zealand and travelled overseas. She met and married an American, Michael Bellis, and they lived and travelled in the United States for eight years before having their daughter Brieana.

Are you a longtime greater Ponsonby resident?

Our family has owned this home for nearly 20 years.

Leann tells Ponsonby News, “My marriage did not last and I returned to New Zealand with Brieana and began a children’s clothing label called ‘liann bellis’ from what was my home in Tauranga at that stage. When Brie was seven years old, I met Dale and we married two years later and moved to Nelson to suit his business. I worked with Dale helping him in his business for 15 years. I had my creative need fulfilled by painting fine art during these years. In 2010, my husband said I could share part of his building and start my clothing label again. Consequently my children’s label grew into women’s clothing; so much so that I have taken over half the building!”

What do you use it for?

Entertaining cooking for family and friends, and just relaxing with a good magazine or book.

Who do you live with?

I live with my husband Dale and three pets, Baxter, a four-year-old red setter, and two six-year-old cats, Basil a British blue and Bella, a British black. Our home is in Richmond, Nelson, however we spend a lot of time here in Ponsonby at our family holiday home in Ring Terrace, Saint Marys Bay.

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What do you call this favourite room?

The room is open plan due to the exceptional view, so you would most likely call it a lounge/kitchen area, i.e. study, lounge, library...

Why is it your favourite room?

There is an amazing wee kitchen, and it is very warm and comfortable, with an exceptional view over the city and the marina.

What are your favourite things in the room?

As it is a holiday home, everything is kept very simple and easy, so I would have to say the lovely green leather couch and seats where we all gather together. F PN www.liannbellis.co.nz

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MILLY NOLAN: DESIGNER GIFTS

Scandinavian design Characterised by beautiful yet functional objects, Scandinavian design has taken the world by storm. This style has become a way of life for many, who favour its minimalist approach. Take a step back and simplify your home with these Scandinavian homewares, which follow both form and function.

1. Menu Marble Wall Clock - $679

By Menu, the masters of high-quality Scandinavian design, this marble clock will set your living room apart with its uncomplicated yet striking structure.

2. House Doctor Round Hanging Mirror - $230 Transforming an everyday functional item into a something quite beautiful, this mirror makes for an elegant design feature in your hallway, living or bathroom.

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3. Menu Kettle Teapot - $170 This iconic teapot, made of heat-resistant glass with a tea infuser is a more special way to have your morning brew.

4. Menu POV Wall Candleholder - $115 A smart and playful product, this wall candleholder can be used as a single or in a group for a truly special effect.

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5. Menu Bottle Grinder Set - $160 These minimalist bottle grinders will look as good on display in your kitchen as they do on the table at a dinner party.

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7. Menu Chunk Wood Candleholder - $79 With its wooden base and elegant brass top, this candleholder is asking to be displayed and will sit neatly on any windowsill or feature shelf.

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8. House Doctor Round Chopping Board - $160 Made from warm-coloured acacia wood, this board is a versatile kitchen essential and provides the perfect neutral platter for antipasti.

PN (MILLY NOLAN) F

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6. Menu Water Carafe - $150 The clean lines of this glass carafe are made even more charming by its unique cork lid. A must-have for the dining table.

All products available at www.mildredandco.com

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@ NEO DESIGN That old chestnut ‘the kitchen is the heart of the home’ has never been truer than it is today.

As lifestyles have changed, the role of the kitchen as a hub has become paramount. Whether you have a villa, bungalow or urban pad, renovating the kitchen is an opportunity to create a whole new multi-purpose space. Whatever your style, Neo Design will design and build a kitchen for you that is a joy to use and adds value to your home. Call their designers for a complimentary consultation.

NEO DESIGN, 96 Hillside Road, Glenfield, T: 09 443 4461, www.neodesign.co.nz

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@ARTISAN 1. Metro Teal, flatwoven rug, 2500mm x 3000mm, 100% wool, made in India, $2360; 2. Pindot Slate, flatwoven rug, 2500mm x 3000mm, 100% wool, made in India, $2360; 3. Vienna Grey, flatwoven rug, 3000mm x 4000mm, 100% wool, made in india $3780

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ARTISAN, 3a Normanby Road, T: 0508 278 4726 (ARTISAN), www.artisancollective.co.nz

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INTRODUCING DAVID DOWNIE Exceeding expectations is nothing new for high-flyer David Downie.

From an illustrious career in aviation which saw him as one of the youngest ever to manage a 777 aircraft - David has been making service paramount to his success for more than 15 years.

Keeping cool under pressure at 40,000 feet has prepared David exceptionally well for a curve ball, or five. Relishing a challenge, he attributes one of the main attractions to a career in real estate as the exciting and varied environment - fiercely negotiating with buyers one day to researching and preparing for clients the next.

Not resting on his aero-expertise, David is a perennial property buyer, and since purchasing his first property at the ripe old age of 21, has bought, renovated and sold four more properties since. His sharp eye for detail and superior market-knowledge has enabled him to hit the ground running in the premium Ponsonby area.

Evident from his quick progression through the ranks, David’s business smarts and ability to identify with his clients ensures he is consistently one step ahead of the game.

While gathering all and any information that’s available to him (through seminars, industry events and local publications), David understands that not all information is created equal and as an industry expert it is his role to keep abreast of all market trends, fluctuations and information.

It comes as no surprise then that David has chosen a partnership with Bayleys. Believing he has the perfect combination of insight, customer service and tenacity, coupled with

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Bayleys extensive networks and exceptional marketing opportunities, the sky is the limit for David Downie. F PN DAVID DOWNIE, T: 09 375 8494, M: 021 395 397, E: david.downie@bayleys.co.nz PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

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UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL Kate Burke - consultant psychologist Kate Burke worked for 20 years in therapeutic care and protection social work in the United Kingdom and New Zealand before becoming a registered clinical psychologist in 2000.

Her practice is based at Millennium Consulting in Ponsonby. Millennium Consulting is a group of senior psychologist practitioners providing specialist and general psychological services.

Tell us about your partner?

Hans Heumann, Event Organiser, Grey Lynn Park Festival.

Do you have any children or grandchildren?

Yes, Holly is 33 years old, Josh is 11 and Isobelle is five.

Do you have any pets?

My dog Mozart.

What are your virtues?

Curiosity, determination, thriftiness.

What are your vices?

Opinionated, untidy, junk food.

Your best friend would say of you...

“You can trust her with a secret.”

Your mother would say of you...

“She’s kind.”

Who's your ultimate rock icon?

Bob Dylan.

What’s your secret passion?

Going to the ballet.

What's your secret talent?

Fire poi.

Where do you spend your holidays?

In England with my family.

What were you going to be when you grew up?

I haven’t grown up.

How did you come to be a psychologist?

I've always been interested in what makes people tick.

Your favourite Ponsonby cafe?

Orphan’s Kitchen.

Favourite Ponsonby restaurant?

Mekong Baby.

Favourite Ponsonby store?

Augustine.

Favourite Ponsonby fashion label?

Wallace Rose.

What's inspired you recently?

Rita Paczian conducting Bach’s Musica at Auckland Town Hall.

What would be your desert island distractions?

Lots of books. The Food of Love Cookery School by Nicky Pellegrino, The Other Boleyn Girl by Phillipa Gregory, The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett, Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Graham, The Art of Invective by Dennis Potter, Once Upon a Lifetime by my father, David Burke.

The house is on fire and your family is safe - what do you save?

My daughter’s stuffed possum.

“I'd be lost without my...”

Pacemaker.

One thing you have learned about life is?

It’s full of surprises.

Your advice to Grey Lynn Park Festival-goers?

Honour the Kiwi Park’eha project that is the festival. Our stalls and musicians bring you crafts and music with love not branding. Think about how you show practical support for our stalls. Cash is flash, cards are hard, come hungry. Balance alcohol intake. Be kind to us, we’ll have organic and recycle bins for your waste litter. Be kind to you and have a day full of smiles.

Your advice to young Ponsonby people aspiring to work in the event industry?

Get in touch with us! We can provide unpaid work experience across a range of roles in the event industry. F PN www.greylynnparkfestival.org

If you weren’t a psychologist you’d be?

A novelist.

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“Isn’t it supposed to be about you?”

“Success in real estate is achieved by a genuine focus on my clients’ wishes and needs - listen first, then deliver.”

Susa Guhl, 027 496 9008

Susa Guhl

Licensee Agent

M: 027 496 9008 E: susa.guhl@raywhite.com W: www.susaguhl.co.nz Ray White Damerell Group Ltd Licensed (REAA 2008)

REAL ESTATE UPDATE: KAREN SPIRES Perhaps the result of the lasting impression left by the local elections, we have noticed a distinct community focus this month at Bayleys Ponsonby, as we have been busy supporting the local Inner-City Arts Programme and Bayleys’ Beyond Auckland property expo, all while dissecting local sales figures for the month of September.

Proud sponsors of the Inner-City Arts Programme for more than a decade, we were out and about in September collecting artwork from our local schools (St Joseph’s, Newton, Richmond Road, St Francis, Ponsonby Primary, Marist, Pasadena Intermediate, Bayfield, Freemans Bay, Point Chevalier, Grey Lynn and Ponsonby Intermediate) for display at the Freemans Bay New World.

The programme, dubbed ‘through the eyes of a child’ offers both primary and intermediate aged students the chance to show-off their paintings, sketches, sculptures and otherwise fabulous creations at individual exhibitions, which are later combined for display to the public in the local New World.

Providing book vouchers for around 20 prize-winners, as well as man-power transporting and collating the masterpieces, the team at Bayleys Ponsonby especially loves to see how the programme engages the children, growing their confidence and nurturing their original ideas.

In support of the wider New Zealand community, we were fortunate to be a part of the Bayleys Beyond Auckland property expo which was held at Bayleys’ offices in Remuera over the weekend of 15-16 October.

The exhibition, with the aim of showcasing property throughout the regions, sought to educate buyers about their property options, including investment in property outside Auckland, from rural to waterfront and businesses for sale.

Timely then, that Beyond Auckland fell in conjunction with the new sales statistics released from the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand (REINZ), which recently showed that the rise of the regions is alive and well.

It comes as some reprieve that throughout the country, property sales hit record highs, and the REINZ reported a new national median of $515,000 - with six of the 12 regions including Northland, Wellington and Otago recording record median sale prices.

A little closer to home, Auckland sales dropped by 3% - although it is worth considering that this is the regional average. When individually analysed, we find that sales in the central isthmus, which include Ponsonby and its nearest surrounds actually continued to rise, with a 3.9% increase on August’s median sale price.

While the latest round of data from REINZ shows slightly less wind in Auckland’s property sales, residential property in Ponsonby continues to secure premium prices thanks to the proximity to Auckland city, schooling and amenities, along with the calibre of housing, and Ponsonby’s reputation as a desirable community.

With only a mere few weeks until the holiday season opens, November is traditionally the last push for the property market before buyers and sellers take a break over the holiday season. If you are looking to capitalise and showcase your home before the end of 2016, speak to us about how we can expedite a stress-free sale, just in time for Christmas. (KAREN SPIRES) F PN

Karen Spires is a Bayleys Real Estate ‘Top Achiever’ - placing her sales data among the top five % of salespeople within the company.

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K KARIN MCIVER

LOOK TO KARIN FOR ALL YOUR REAL ESTATE NEEDS

After looking after her clients and working closely with them for over 10 years in fashion on Jervois Road, Karin knows what it takes to look after the people of Herne Bay and St Mary’s Bay. Let’s talk Real Estate!

Phone me on 029 382 4122 and let’s tailor make your real estate requirements.

889 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby facebook/karin-mciver-real-estate Licensed REAA 2008

STREET NAMES: THE HISTORICAL BOROUGH OF PONSONBY AND GREY LYNN

BIRD OF THE MONTH

Upton Street, Herne Bay

Over November and December I’m going to do a little feature on a couple of our most famous extinct birds.

Named after John Henry Upton who was born in Lincolnshire, 1845.

We’re starting with the laughing owl. They were once plentiful, especially when European settlers arrived, with their name coming from the loud cry of dismal shrieks that was often repeated multiple times. They were common up until the mid-1800s, before the introduction of stoats, weasels and ferrets contributed to their rapid decline. The last confirmed record dates from 1914.

His father was a surveyor as well as a farmer.

John was educated at a private academy in Spalding and on attaining his majority set sail for Auckland on the migrant clipper ship ‘Chili’.

His brother William had already arrived at Port of Auckland, as a passenger aboard the ship 'Evening Star' in 1858. He immediately established a successful book-selling and stationery business in Auckland so there was plenty of enticement for his younger brother to join him and the firm became known as Upton Bros. By the beginning months of 1865 they were advertising a move to new premises in Queen Street (three doors below the Brunswick Hall). All manner of stock was advertised, books, music, stationery and among the books, a selection from Bohn's Standard, Scientific, and Illustrated Libraries which were offered to schools and teachers at a discount.

Paper, newspapers, and books have always been an integral part of New Zealand life and even more so in earlier times. William’s enterprise played an important role in Auckland’s social life. As well as selling books, magazines, music, stationery and fancy goods, the shop sold tickets to theatre productions, local shows, lectures, balls and events it was an art union agency and a location where tender and other documents could be inspected by the public and messages could be left for collection. Its Queen Street window was a focal point, displaying artefacts, artworks and items of community interest. The company was actively involved in Auckland’s affairs and contributed generously to fundraising activities.

Also, a number of books were published by the firm, one in 1892 by Williams, Archdeacon of Waipu.

Sadly William Upton died not all that long after his brother had arrived to join him. He was only 29 and an obituary in the Daily Southern Cross read "Quite a gloom was cast over the whole community by the death of Mr W. B. Upton, senior partner of the firm, Upton Brothers who was respected and esteemed for his sterling qualities as a citizen and his excellence as a business man.’" The Auckland Star described how his sudden death caused a general feeling of sorrow. John Upton continued to run the business in partnership with his brother-in-law, William Gorrie jnr, whose family were early settlers arriving in New Zealand in 1840, William having been born on their arrival at Kororareka. They eventually called the business Upton & Co which continued for 50 years. When William Gorrie died in 1911, the reins were passed to Upton’s two sons.

The firm continued to flourish under their management till it was sold to Whitcombe and Tombs that had branches in Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin. It was advertised as "successors to Upton & Co", closed the old premises and reopened on the corner of Queen Street and Durham Street West.

They were easily twice the size of a morepork by all accounts.

Despite rodents, specifically rats, causing massive problems with many other species, the laughing owl was unlikely to have declined in numbers soley due to rats.

This was due to the arrival of the kiore, or Pacific rat, many hundred years earlier and they quickly became an important food source for the owl. As humans modified the natural environment, its traditional prey declined in numbers and the diet of the owl shifted to those pests and prey that had been introduced.

As is common with many native New Zealand birds, the laughing owl built nests directly on the ground, in caves and on rock ledges. This made it a very easy target for mustelids - the weasels, stoats and ferrets. These nest sites were often used for long periods of time, and the prey remains found at some nest sites has provided a very useful understanding of the makeup of ecosystems before human arrival.

(FINN MCLENNAN-ELLIOTT) F PN

Meanwhile, John became very involved in politics and held so many public offices that are too many to enumerate here, but whatever he undertook was carried out successfully because his unvarying rule was to thoroughly qualify himself for any role he was called upon to fill. For instance, before becoming chairman of the Education Board he acquainted himself with the duties this entailed throughout his tenure as a board member. He also used his experience as a school committee member when one of the governors of Auckland College and Grammar School. In like manner, he served some four years as a borough councillor before he was elected Mayor of Auckland.

He filled the Mayoral chair with great credit to himself and profit to the city. Probably his greatest achievement was getting support from David Murdoch, John Logan Campbell and Thomas Russell to support him in securing an appropriate area in the city collection to house the famous Mackelvie Art Collection. The trustees all appeared before Mr Justice Conolly to make their submission at the Supreme Court 12 September 1892. This action was taken in order to secure the Court’s approval for a scheme to enable the collection be placed in the annex built by the City Council at the Art Gallery. Later when a vacancy occurred though the death one of the Mackelvie Trustees, John was elected to the board.

As a churchman, John was prominent for a quarter of a century, being connected with almost every Anglican function including the Diocesan Synod for many years. He was a member of the General Trust, the Melanesian Mission Trust and many other boards.

He lived with his family in Herne Bay near Point Erin Baths and died 14 October 1929.

PN (DEIRDRE ROELANTS) F

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FINN MCLENNAN-ELLIOTT

Look So Good - second album is dynamite Hopetoun Brown has just released its absolutely fantastic second album, Look So Good. Only a year since its debut album, this one takes the duo to a whole new level with a star-studded lineup of guest musicians helping to create one of my favourite albums of the year.

The duo features a unique array of instruments, Tim Stewart is the man with the voice and the trumpet, but we couldn’t forget his foot stomping! The other half of the duo, Nick Atkinson, plays the bass clarinet, and I imagine a lot of you will need to check out the photo to see what that instrument looks like! Atkinson plays this in a way I have never heard a bass clarinet played, turning a slightly obscure orchestral instrument into a funky, driving piece of a band.

Atkinson sat down to talk about why they’ve followed up with new album so quickly, “It's amazing what happens when you give yourself a bit of a goal. The band is going, it’s working, we're getting on good, and that won't necessarily happen forever because life is complicated and things change. We thought, we've just got to keep going and get another record out.” Releasing an album in spring seems to work for the band as they enjoy getting out on the road to tour it before the summer madness.

"I think Auckland is a very good town to be a musician. I think we're really lucky for what we've got here. We've got some really terrific venues, we've got a great crowd that supports live music, I think it could be bigger, I think there could be more of those people. But more and more Aucklanders seem to be getting quite accustomed to local, alternative music as a cool entertainment option. I think the caliber of live acts is pretty great at the moment.”

photography: Sarah Frizzel

“Tim is a chef, he works at O’Connell Street Bistro, and the restaurant had a nasty fire earlier in the year so he had a few months at home and I spend all my time doing this Hopetoun Brown thing.” As a result, they have had the time to rehearse at the beginning of the year and found themselves on track for a new album. Atkinson, thinking about why they felt the urge to follow up so quickly says, “I guess also, there's just a wonderful community of musicians at the moment. We’ve been lucky enough to play with the kind of people like Will Wood and Tami Neilson and occasionally Marlon Williams, and even some crazier, more out there people like Finn Scholes and Darryn Harkness. They're all here now, living in Auckland, playing their instruments. Musicians lives are always in flux, they're not always playing, not always recording, so I think when they are, you've got to make the most of that."

Look So Good is available now. Check Hopetoun Brown out on Facebook to find out how to get your hands on it, or ask at your local record shop! www.facebook.com/hopetounbrown

Look So Good is a ripper of an album, with brass and horn harmonies all over it, funky riffs from the bass clarinet and with an influence from blues to funk to hip hop there is a lot to love. It’s a big change from their debut, Burning Fuse, with drums, organ, multiple guests and arrangements that quickly make you realise what a force Hopetoun Brown is.

“On this record, there are two four-on-the-floor tracks, that are quite, to coin a 90s word, 'oonsty', they have 'oonse'. But I do think of us as a blues band. It ties up a lot of stuff, and I also think that blues is awesome. It's where Tim and I came from. Even Supergroove were the Low-Down Dirty Blues Band for a while."

It’s almost just a throwaway these days to mention that this duo was the brass section for Supergroove. The name Hopetoun Brown is all over the place, as they play support to acts in all different realms of the music world, from folk and Americana gigs at the Tuning Fork to rocking shows at the Kings Arms and the typically electronic and alternative venue Neck of the Woods.

“Hopetoun Brown are Ponsonby to the core,” Atkinson reminds me, referring to the streets that gave the band its name. “This is where Supergroove did their first gigs, at Java Jive. Our first Low-Down Dirty Blues Band gigs were at the Gluepot. We all went to Ponsonby Intermediate, and most of the band went to Western Springs College.”

A band that brings together friends and musicians to play music is what Atkinson and Stewart had in mind when they formed the band. This new album is exactly that, with guests ranging from Tami Neilson, Aldous Harding and Finn Scholes. It is without doubt an album you must listen to. Even Atkinson thinks it’s been pushing them to new heights, “Playing with these musicians really ups your game, and it enables you to do things you can't normally do. If you dance with a bad dancer, it's hard to dance really well, but if you dance with really good dancers, maybe your dancing gets better. At least that's the PN hope.” (FINN MCLENNAN-ELLIOTT) F The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

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FINN MCLENNAN-ELLIOTT

New kids on the block Western Springs College has been the birth place of many great bands over the years. Members of Nesian Mystik and Supergroove passed through the school on Motions Road before going on to fame.

Smokefree Rockquest 2016 has introduced us to a new act, Daffodils, hoping to be the next big thing to come out of Springs. They came second in the national final at the end of September, while also taking out a prize for Best Song. It was a hugely successful evening for the four-piece. The band is made up of Theo Spike Salmon on guitar and vocals, Louis Graham on bass, Isaac Keating on drums, all from Western Springs, and Jade Bryham on synths and keyboards from Kristin School.

Theo spoke to us about how Daffodils found themselves in this position and what makes them tick.

We started by asking him how long he’d been playing music, “I’ve been playing music for more than 10 years, and I started playing guitar at age seven! It’s always been a big part of my life, and we’ve always had music playing in our house for as long as I can remember. Daffodils have been together for about 9 or 10 months, but we’ve gotten so much done in that time it feels like much longer.”

“Louis, Isaac and I have been playing together since we were 12, we all go to the same school. I met Jade and we got on really well, and I love synths, so that was a logical fit.

I tried to do some solo stuff for a bit last year, but I missed being in a band so much, and these guys are all such brilliant musicians it was an easy decision!”

Obviously, ending up the finals of Rockquest leaves them with positive feelings about the competition but Theo can’t say enough good things about it. “I think it’s a wonderful thing! We’re so lucky to have such a welcoming competition that gives kids the opportunity to have a taste of what playing live music feels like. It’s been a great motivation for us, and the amount of successful musicians that have come out of it is testament to how beneficial it is for kids interested in getting into music, especially as the music industry seems fairly daunting!”

Daffodils is hoping to find themselves a spot within the music community over the coming months as they play shows and grow their fan base. The next step is always to take the success they’ve had and create a path to follow. “I’m hoping, I think we all are, that it’ll become a more serious prospect for us over the next year or so. It’s definitely a bit more than a hobby for us. I’m planning on locking myself away to write some new songs. We’ve got a few things planned.”

Watch this space as Daffodils take off. (FINN MCLENNAN-ELLIOTT) F PN www.facebook.com/daffodilsnz

photography: Josh Yong

Daffodils are influenced widely, and it shows in the washy surf sound that they create, “We all have different tastes in music, which seems to have a bit of an effect on the way we each play! We’re really interested in ethereal, atmospheric soundscapes and we try to incorporate that. We don’t really find influence from one particular band, just whatever interests us at the time and what feels natural. With that being said, I’m a huge fan of bands like The Jam, The Smiths, The 1975, and Joy Division.”

In some form or other they have entered Smokefree Rockquest for many years and to finally make it to the national final meant a lot to them, “It was pretty incredible, we’ve always looked up to the kids in the final and so being part of it was humbling. We met some awesome musicians as well, which was super cool.” The quality of music at the national finals was exceptional, with bands from around the country making their way to Auckland for the final evening. Theo speaks very highly of his music department and teachers, “We’ve got such brilliantly supportive teachers, and they really encourage us in all our musical ventures, which is wonderful.”

Finn McLennan-Elliott has a Bachelor of Science Honours degree specialising in human geography at Auckland University. In his spare time, Finn plays clarinet and guitar in an orchestra and a folk music group. He is hosting ‘Folk at the Old Folks’ on the first Sunday of every month at the Auckland Old Folks Association Hall, an intimate afternoon concert of folk music.

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ARTS + CULTURE @ ALLPRESS STUDIO Animals - Seeing the Sentient Being

29 November - 1 December, 9am - 3pm; Opening: 28 November 3 - 5pm; Live auction: 1 December, 5.30pm - 8pm Animal advocacy organisation Direct Animal Action are hosting an art exhibition and live auction to raise funds for Raglan-based animal sanctuary Paws Awhile. Direct Animal Action is based in Auckland and advocate for the rights of all animals. Their key campaigns call for legislative bans on factory farming and rodeo in New Zealand.

“We work hard for better laws for animals, but we wanted to do something more tangible to help animals in our country,” Direct Animal Action spokesperson Romina Marinkovich said, “so we decided to organise an art exhibition and live auction celebrating the sentience of animals and raising much needed funds for Paws Awhile animal sanctuary.”

Paws Awhile, was established in 2014, providing safe haven to animals rescued from abuse and neglect. Owner Anna Dahlberg self-funds the sanctuary, which is home to a variety of animals including dogs, cats, highland cattle, donkeys and kunekune pigs.

Marinkovich says,“more than 30 established and emerging artists have put their hands up to be involved and they’ve all embraced our theme of animals as sentient beings.

“Flox, Paul Walsh, Simon Esling, Greg Straight, Greta Anderson, Erin Simpson, Fiona Tunnicliffe, Iain Cheesman, Carol Theologo, Lynda Bell, Barry Ross Smith and Mary McIntyre are just some of the diverse range of artists who’ve stepped up to be involved in our event.

“Paul Walsh has even gone a step further and will be creating an art piece on the spot during our live auction. When he’s finished the piece, it’ll be sold to the highest bidder and we’re also incredibly honoured to have well-known Kiwi actress Sara Wiseman MC our live auction evening. F PN ALLPRESS STUDIO, Browns Mill Building, 8 Drake Street, Freeman’s Bay, www.seeingthesentientbeing.com/ www.facebook.com/events/147391942337496/ www.facebook.com/PawsAwhileAnimalSanctuary/

Julie Ross

SHOWING @ WHITESPACE Julie Ross Rabbitat 8 - 27 November

Julie Ross presents a new body of work in Rabbitat, which illustrates an exploration into society and humanity through metaphor, allegory, anthropomorphism, and humour.

Rabbitat is a metaphorical and allegorical story about society and human nature. It is an exhibition that alludes to everyday objects, our humanity, desires and fears, through literary and art-historical references and humorous animal imagery.

An engaging and masterful storyteller, Julie exhibits a combination of sculptural and painted works within Rabbitat to explore her narrative. Hand-built porcelain clay sculptures and bronze works complement oil paintings laden with detail and symbolism.

There is an affinity between the different formations, and the rich source of visual resources Julie references in her work; her surrealist and illustrative style is layered with multiple meanings and innuendos. This allows Julie to tell a visual story that is simultaneously whimsical yet critiquing, individual yet collective.

In 2005, Julie received a BFA with Honours from Canterbury University, followed by a Masters in Painting in 2011. She has exhibited across New Zealand and Melbourne.

WHITESPACE, 12 Crummer Road, T: 09 361 6331, www.whitespace.co.nz

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ARTS + CULTURE TINY THEATRE OFFERINGS @ GARNET STATION Voices from Rain, 16, 17 November 10am - 4pm Book Exhibition and Poetry While You Wait, koha.

Open Mic: 7pm - 9.30pm, $5, Guest poets Michelle Osbourne, Raewyn Alexander, Rene Harrison and musician Berthine Bruinsma. Sign up now.

Free Zine-making Workshop: 16 November 4pm - 6pm BYO paper, pens and glue, etc. Magazines will be provided.

“I grew up in this town, my poetry was born between the hill and the river, it took its voice from the rain, and like the timber, it steeped itself in the forests,” Researching the lyrical work of Pablo Neruda, Raewyn Alexander saw it could also superbly describe a poetry and book happening, emerging from the environment and its people. After all, rain occurs everywhere in Tamaki Makaurau Auckland!

Cynthia Fortitude’s Farewell - her second 24, 25, 26 November 8pm and 27 November 4pm, $25/$20 Willow Productions presents the talented Helen Moulder and Tim Bridgewater, with music by Gounod, Mozart, Verdi, Humperdinck, Elgar, Puccini, Schubert and Miss Fortitude herself! Musical arrangements are by Michael Vinten.

The legendary diva, Cynthia Fortitude, has been commissioned to write an opera for the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan. Sponsored by a well-known chocolate company, Miss Fortitude is combining the writing of the opera, BALLS, with a concert to farewell her adoring public. Her usual accompanist cannot be there and her stand in, Dr Gottlieb Von Oberstock Winkle Dorf causes various disruptions and the concert nearly descends into chaos. F PN

Paul Jackson, Man In A Black Hat - oil on linen 1085 x 790mm

SHOWING @ OREXART Paul Jackson Until 19 November

Paul Jackson ‘returns’ in his latest exhibition to a collection of paintings he had laid aside then returned to complete earlier this year. With some 50 years as an exhibiting artist, Jackson draws upon his feelings and memories of the country of his birth, his joint Tongan and New Zealand heritage.

Helen Moulder as Cynthia Fortitude

Jackson isn’t giving us historical portraits, but there are connections to the past, a past re-imagined, re-constructed. This is subjective narrative, a highly personal vision, like Fellini, Jackson has disguised himself, searching his way between the flesh and the spirit.

In Harlequin the mask is held to one side, but held nonetheless.

Severity George Quiz Nights - check the Garnet Station website for details.

Jackson in the tradition creates portraits. He draws on the familiar (to New Zealand and the Pacific) and combines sea horses, moths, saws, fish hooks, woven matting, tattoo, moko, he reassembles the skin, draws it across a landscape, like a taxidermist pulling pelt over a form. The skin is never quite as it first appears, it peels, bubbles, is real but it isn’t. We need to move in, to look harder, find the real beside the surreal. F PN

Book online at www.garnetstation.co.nz, T: 09 360 3397, GARNET STATION TINY THEATRE, 85 Garnet Road

OREXART, 15 Putiki Street, Arch Hill, T: 09 378 0588, rex@orexart.co.nz, www.orexart.co.nz

“An unbeatable gem of a comic character” - Dominion Post. “A guaranteed pleasure... a legend in her own right” - Theatreview.

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THE BEAUTIFUL ONES PLAYS @ LOWER NZI, AOTEA CENTRE 19 - 26 November

Defiant dance, big bold beats and a story of love featuring live vocals and a first foray into acting by Ria Hall, The Beautiful Ones brings the late night sheen of a city club to Auckland. Complete with projected imagery, live music, beats, fierce dance and late night talk, the result is an electrifying underground experience with an urban Pacific flavour.

You are invited to join the party on the large scale set with an open dance floor, for the coolest underground club scene in Auckland, and into the dynamic and heady world of Hana and Ihia. The young lovers have made a promise to each other, but will they be able to withstand the temptations of the modern world? See music, fashion, dance, theatre and art collide in an urban love story in the club.

This multi-media and visually amazing show, features roots/hip hop songstress Ria Hall performing to original contemporary music by rising producer K*Saba and award -winning musician Tama Waipara. The show is choreographed by Ponsonby local Tai Paitai, teamed with design by artist Johnson Witehira, fashion by iconic stylist Sopheak Seng and script advising from Dolina Wehipeihana.

A highly talented crew have brought this site specific performance to life with performances from Ria Hall (AIA Marae DIY), Tia Maipi (Born To Dance), Scotty Cotter (The Rehearsal), Sharn Te Pou, Paige Shand (As Night Falls), Te Hau Winitana, Braedyn Togi and Raai Badeeu. F PN

Get amongst the action of the story telling and the party - for a very short time in Auckland. Tickets from www.ticketmaster.co.nz

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ARTS + CULTURE NEW ZEALAND OUTSIDER ART FAIR

17 - 26 November Opening: 17 November @ Galatos Theatre

This year’s NZ Outsider Art Fair features dozens of exhibitions, events and projects in more than 30 galleries and pop-up venues that show the growing impact of New Zealand self-taught artists on the vibrancy of the art scene, other creatives and our cultural diversity.

The 2016 NZ Outsider Art Fair will be launched at Galatos Theatre. The evening highlight will be the outsider art inspired show by fashion designer Jeanine Clarkin who will also be featuring her latest work recently shown in Paris and London.

There’ll be a live performance by Sola Rosa’s Cherie Mathieson and Toi Ora rap artist Nina Stone. Live Art by Colab artists; John Unasa - painter, Cerisse Palalagi demonstrating her 'polycalligrafitti' art style, Noodles - illustrator and Allen Villi - mixed media.

The festival wrap party is to be held at Studio One Toi Tu, on 26 November from 5pm8pm. Other events include Creative Conversations with the fair's special overseas guests from Art Projects Australia.

One of the art fair highlights will be a public discussion on Friday 18 November hosted

by Creative Conversations, an open access network for people interested in creative practices in community spaces. The 3pm-5pm event at Studio One Toi Tu will consider: How can creative communities and marginalised voices contribute to our urban planning and inclusive vision?

Tarn Watkinson ‘Rotate and Bloom’

Guest participants include: Sim Luttin, curator and manager from Arts Project Australia, Melbourne - Australia’s foremost Studio/workshop for artists with disabilities, and the international guest of the NZ Outsider Fair. Kim Paton, artist and director of Object Space, Tracey Williams, Head of Creative Strategy, Arts and Culture. Auckland Council, Stuart Shepherd, artist and Dream Home concept curator and Asha Munn, Dream Home designer and artist.

Check out www.nzoutsiderartfair.co.nz for programme details. The Art Explore Art Trail Map and mobile app will assist you in navigating this 10-day event. F PN TOI ORA GALLERY, 6 Putiki Street, T: 09 360 4171, info@toiora.org.nz, www.toiora.org.nz

THE LITTLE GALLERY - VICTORIA PARK MARKET Located in the artisan hub Victoria Park Market, The Little Gallery is a newly opened space dedicated to showcasing 'a little of the best' of modern and contemporary New Zealand art.

They take pride in supporting the local art community, and represent a diverse group of New Zealand artists working in a range of media including painting, sculpture, printmaking and jewellery. Many of these artists have a strong connection to the Coromandel region, where the original Little Gallery is based.

The Little Gallery is run as a co-operative, and is managed between the owner Sarah Holden and a team of artist volunteers who dedicate their time to support the space.

This gives gallery-goers the unique opportunity to engage directly with the artists, providing the chance to gain a deeper insight into the works on display, as well as learn more about the variety of artistic practices promoted by the gallery. Pop in during the week and you will encounter artists creating works right on site!

The Little Gallery will also host regular artist talks and demonstrations, further creating opportunities for engagement.

SHOWING @ THE LITTLE GALLERY Big, Bold, and Beautiful, From 24 November, Opening: 5-7pm

and with the wide variety of high-quality art in the vibrant space, there is sure to be PN something to suit all styles and tastes!) F

This exhibition will include a collection of statement works with bright colours, sizeable canvases and bold brush strokes. There is a focus on having something for everyone,

THE LITTLE GALLERY, 30-32 Victoria Park Market, 210 Victoria Street, T: 09 354 4745, www.thelittlegallery.co.nz

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Image Credit: Alicia Beech

Thurs 24 November 2016, 5 to 7pm Join us for the preview of this vibrant exhibition and enjoy wine and nibbles, plus the chance to meet some of our friendly artists.

Everyone is welcome.

AUCKLAND 30 to 32 Victoria Park Market 210 Victoria Street West Auckland Central | 09 354 4745 info@thelittlegallery.co.nz www.thelittlegallery.co.nz

ARTS + CULTURE @ LAKEHOUSE ARTS 2017 Lake House Arts presents a vibrant and engaging exhibition programme profiling artists and groups that are both nationally and locally recognised as well as community-based and local artistic talents.

The programme strives to represent a wide range of visual art mediums, including historical and multi-cultural themes with links to a selection of regional and local, arts and cultural events.

The exhibition programme is accompanied by a range of public programmes including artist’s talks, exhibition tours and art workshops for adults and children.

They are now seeking proposals for 2017 from practitioners of any artistic discipline, individually or in groups. Refer to their website for proposal guidelines or email the curator to have them sent to you. www.lakehousearts.org. nz/webpages/exhibition-proposals or email manager@lakehousearts.org.nz F PN Julia Newland - Outsider Art Fair

Marisa Vodanovich - New Graduates 2016

LAKE HOUSE ARTS, 37 Fred Thomas Drive, Takapuna, T: 09 486 4877

Sharifa Karimi - Emerging Artist series 2016

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Raewyn Judkins - Outsider Art Fair

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From Dean Tercel's 'City Fragments' oilcolour on linen

UPTOWN ART SCENE Artweek Auckland is a well-established October experience for many, with around one hundred art events happening over nine days across the city.

Studio Art Supplies participates in Artweek with its annual exhibition of staff art: Art Hall, this year in its sixth iteration. Often citing ‘run by artists for artists’, it’s our opportunity to show customers and art lovers the work that we create outside of our workplace. Art Hall is held upstairs from the store, in the Squeezed Tube Gallery, a room usually used for behind-the-scenes activity.

Wendelien Bakker 'attempt to catch movement of water' acrylic on paper in perspex box

The work in Art Hall Six reflects the diversity of materials in-store. Dean works on ‘reverse-stretched’ linen with oilcolour, letting the raw material show through in places, while Michael prefers the smooth hard surface of wooden panels for his acrylic works.

Wendelien uses marbling techniques to transfer acrylic onto paper, and Evan prints with gelli-plates to transfer acrylic onto paper, before working over the top with acrylic markers. Patrick layers tiny wooden spheres with liquid acrylic to achieve complex colour and shape relationships.

Michael Mitchell acrylic on wooden panel

It’s been a busy year off-site for the staff too. Michael Mitchell had work included in the Painting Prog exhibition at the Wallace Trust Pah Homestead, Dean Tercel was part of a show in Beijing, Wendelien Bakker is completing her MFA at Elam, and both Patrick Lundberg and Evan Woodruffe recently exhibited at the prestigious ‘Spring 1883’ show in Melbourne.

With around 20,000 items in the store, it’s good to know that when you need some help the staff are ready and able to assist - Studio Art Supplies really is PN ‘run by artists for artists’. (WILL PAYNT, STUDIO ART SUPPLIES) F

ART ASSOCIATES With a vast collection of contemporary artworks, we make the process of leasing or purchasing art easy and accessible. Contact us to find out more.

37 Scanlan Street, Ponsonby, T: 09 376 4308, www.artassociates.co.nz The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

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ARTS + CULTURE ARTIST LESTER HALL - WHERE CULTURES MEET AND BLEND The Tretchikoff referenced ‘Poll Tax’ came out of Lester Hall's studio over five years ago.

It has enjoyed strong recognition and sales, often to Asian New Zealand families identifying with the historical reference and update of character in the portrait. Lester reports of many emails mentioning "thanks for the recognition," but also of photographs of a family’s saved poll tax certificate glued to the back of the framing.

"These contacts always humble me and give support to my general conversation" says Lester.

His new incarnation of the famous, now Kiwiana icon ‘Chinese Girl’ or ‘Blue Lady’ as many call her, is a move further forward into the ‘Third Space’ commentary of his work.

Lester Hall - Pania

"We are entering a new stylistic phase with so many Asian influences and I feel it is pertinent to play these out, to relish and enjoy them. Pop culture becomes our fabric and ‘Blue Lady’ is where my art is headed.

Pop art statements of an Aotearoa, New Zealand look, and feel... who are we, where are we from and where are we going?"

142 PONSONBY NEWS+ November 2016

Lester Hall - Poll Tax This layered background effect is also prevalent in several other new works from Lester Hall's studio including a re-imagination of Pania and of a MacPhee velvet maiden.

"Third Space, that place where the cultures meet and blend..." Lester Hall.) F PN www.lesterhall.com

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

ARTS + CULTURE DEBUT PASIFIKA POETRY COLLECTION FROM GREY LYNN POET Lucky Punch, a highly anticipated first poetry collection by new Pasifika voice Simone Kaho, will be launched on Tuesday 15 November at Poetry Live at Karangahape Road’s The Thirsty Dog, with all welcome.

Kaho is a New Zealand poet with Tongan ancestry. She grew up in the 80s in Waterview. She was awarded a Masters in Creative Writing from the International Institute of Modern Letters at Victoria University of Wellington in 2011.

Kaho lives in a treehouse studio in Grey Lynn with her blue Burmese, Louie. Her collection, Lucky Punch, tracks the lived experience of a mixed-race Tongan girl growing up in 1980s Auckland with her childhood ally and sometimes nemesis, Henry.

“Lucky Punch is a dedication to sensitive and beautiful-spirited men and boys, the ones who get PN beaten down by New Zealand’s macho culture.” F www.anahera.co.nz/books/lucky-punch

NEW WORKS @ THE FRAME WORKSHOP Tom Burnett - New Works

Tom Burnett’s style is easily recognisable with his masterful use of colour and simplified forms where we recognise the flavour of The Pacific and New Zealand.

Come into The Fame Workshop Gallery to see the whole range of Tom’s new images which they now hold in stock.

All the images are silk-screened by Tom himself, which in turn makes them all slightly different and therefore each a unique print. With his work in some of the finest collections around the world, adding a Burnett to your art collection is owning a piece of art history.

THE FRAME WORKSHOP & GALLERY, 182 Jervois Road, T: 09 376 4749, www.frameworkshop.co.nz

Tom Burnett ‘The Island’

Tom Burnett ‘Breadfruit Red’

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

Tom Burnett ‘Dune’

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ARTS + CULTURE KICK OFF THE FESTIVE SEASON @ HIGHWIC'S CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL 19, 20 November, 10am - 4.30pm

The Highwic Christmas Festival offers a very pleasant way to spend a day and, centrally situated in Newmarket, it is easy to get there by bus or train.

“There’s a stream of entertainment throughout both days to provide Christmas spirit, including maypole dancers and carols by ukulele,” says Highwic’s manager, Cheryl Laurie.

"Our guest florists will decorate the house in style with extra special arrangements."

"We have four scheduled tours with gardening Guru Dr Keith Hammett who will introduce visitors to some of Highwic’s gardening delights,” says Cheryl. “Because of the popularity of Keith’s tours in the past, we’ll be pre-selling tickets - just email us to book.”

A miniature Christmas Garden Competition for children will be judged by no less a person than Santa Claus. Each entry earns a free admission ticket for an adult accompanying the child. Space is limited, so bookings are essential.

Meanwhile, in the kitchen of this 19th century carpenter gothic 17-room house, the coal range will be churning out cakes and other goodies ready to be decorated.

“People can also do some Christmas shopping at the Highwic Christmas Shop onsite and Santa has advised us that he’ll be here on both days between 11.30am and 3.30pm,” says Cheryl.

Admission: Adults $10 per person, accompanied children free. Concession entry for pre-booked groups: $8 per person.

For programme information go to www.highwic.co.nz and for bookings, email highwic@heritage.org.nz or T: 09 524 5729. F PN

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PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

ARTS + CULTURE KICK-START YOUR CREATIVITY THIS SUMMER Corban Estate Arts Centre Summer School 2017 16 - 20 January

Summer means a host of different things to different people, whether it is spent at baches and beaches, chasing music festivals or relaxing in the backyard. For some of us though, the January holidays provide the ideal time and space for creativity to flourish; the ideal downtime to catch up with artistic projects. If that sounds like you, then you’re in good company! Summer School returns to Corban Estate Arts Centre in January, bringing together artists from around New Zealand for a week of hands-on workshops and inspiration out West.

Summer School 2017 consists of eight classes designed to really kick-start creativity.

Whether you’re looking to learn new skills or gain inspiration from a selection of outstanding New Zealand artists, the week promises a rich and rewarding experience.

A few of our favourite artists from recent years will be returning, including FLOX with her nature-inspired stencil art and Nicki Stewart, who will be sharing the ancient art of encaustics.

Liam Barr

Alongside this Liam Barr invites students to explore a world of magical realism in portraiture; Fiona Rennie-Schwieters provides a unique opportunity to work with glass casting, lost wax casting; or for the metal heads there’s aluminium casting with Mark Scafer and David McCracken. Elena-Jean Scott brings a feast of colour, exploring paint manipulation; and for those with an interest in illustration, Claire Delaney opens up the endless possibilities of mixed media; or join Duncan Pepe Long and get ink under your PN fingernails experimenting with monotype printing. F Visit the CORBAN ESTATE ARTS CENTRE website to find out more: www.ceac.org.nz

Flox

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HOROSCOPES: MISS PEARL NECLIS

What your stars hold for November ♏

Scorpio (the Scorpion): 24 October - 22 November You might want to make sure you have all the facts at your fingertips before coming to any conclusions this month as you have made mistakes before. If you think you have the truth then use it, if not, then don’t.

♐ Sagittarius (the Archer): 23 November - 22 December

♉ Taurus (the Bull): 21 April - 21 May

You feel agitated this month for some reason and it’s putting you off your game. You’re not sure why but you seem to be tempted by the unusual and the different, and this could be why you're not yourself, exploring something new always brings challenges.

♊

Why have you suddenly got the urge to blurt out your innermost secrets to anybody?

Anything impulsive now will drive a further wedge in any or all of your relationships. Try to find someone you know who can help, rather than strangers.

Gemini (the Twins): 22 May - 21 June Try and not be too disappointed this month when you begin to confide in someone and you don’t get the result you’re looking for. It’s best not to make a fuss though, as the attention it will bring is not what you’re after.

♑ Capricorn (the Goat): 23 December - 20 January

♋ Cancer (the Crab): 22 June - 22 July

It’s about time you opened up to a bit more amusement in your life rather than looking enviously at everyone else having fun. However, you have to be comfortable with whatever you do first and foremost.

♒ Aquarius (the Water Carrier): 21 January - 19 February

You must make sure you don’t have a bad attitude this month as your professional and personal relationships are likely to collide in a spectacular fashion. You need to put on a face though, as you may be forced to choose.

♌

Very little escapes you these days regardless of whether you’re included in what’s going on, just be prepared to listen first before reacting in case you get the wrong end of the stick.

Leo (the Lion): 23 July - 21 August You might find that you have been looking at things with rose-tinted glasses, that is to say, everything looks rosy, but unfortunately that’s about to change as you realise that you’re going to have to step up your game.

♓

♍ Virgo (the Virgin): 22 August - 23 September

Pisces (the Fish): 20 February - 20 March You do find work boring especially when it can be the same day in and day out, but as unglamorous as it seems, what you’re doing now is laying the groundwork for your future.

♈ Aries (the Ram): 21 March - 20 April

Don’t take too many risks this month if you can help it, as you do tend to overreact and, in another scenario, you overreacting to something trivial could put off a potential love interest.

You may just want to concentrate on the big picture but sometimes you have to deal with the detail. By looking closely, you will be able to see that you're believing all is well when clearly it is not.

♎ Libra (the Scales): 24 September - 23 October

A wonderful moment will catch you unawares this month as your imagination goes into overdrive thinking about the possible outcome. Don’t deter from the path you’re on or go off course in any way and you’ll enjoy the reward.

PONSONBY NEWS OUTLETS FREEMANS BAY

NEWMARKET

Ecostore, 1 Scotland Street Glengarry, Corner Sale and Wellesley Streets Kellands Real Estate, 4 Drake Street New World, Victoria Park

Taylor Boutique, 1 Teed Street

GREY LYNN Barfoot & Thompson, 533 Great North Road Barkley Manor, 400 - 402 Great North Road Grey Lynn Community Centre, 520 Richmond Road Grey Lynn Community Library, 474 Great North Road Raw Essentials, 401B Richmond Road Ripe, 172 Richmond Road Tapac, 100 Motions Road Vetcare, 408 Great North Road

NORTH SHORE Rug Direct, Wairau Park Dawson’s Furniture, Mairangi Bay

PARNELL Jane Daniels, 2 Birdwood Crescent Parnell Community Centre, 545 Parnell Road

PONSONBY

Atomic, 420c New North Road

Askew, 2b Jervois Road Bayleys, 305 Ponsonby Road Countdown, 7 Williamson Avenue Harcourts, 89 Ponsonby Road Leys Institute, 20 St Mary’s Road The Longroom, 114 Ponsonby Road Mag Nation, 123 Ponsonby Road Paper Plus, 332 Ponsonby Road Ponsonby Community Centre, 20 Ponsonby Terrace Servilles, Corner Jervois & Ponsonby Road Studio One, 1 Ponsonby Road Whitespace, 12 Crummer Road

MT EDEN

WESTMERE

Citta Outlet Store, Corner Enfield & Normanby Road Sabato, 57 Normanby Road Studio Italia, 25 Nugent Street

Glengarry, 164 Garnet Road

HERNE BAY Herne Bay Post & Stationers, 240 Jervois Road Five Loaves, 206 Jervois Road Icing on the Cake, 188 Jervois Road Momentum, 182 Jervois Road

KINGSLAND

146 PONSONBY NEWS+ November 2016

Ponsonby News is published on the first Friday of each month excluding January.

Copies go quickly so be quick to collect yours from any of the following outlets.

The issue is also published on our website www.ponsonbynews.co.nz

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

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