PONSONBY NEWS - NOVEMBER '18

+ PUBLISHED FRIDAY, 2 NOVEMBER 2018

Established: OCTOBER 1989 – CELEBRATING 29 YEARS OF PUBLISHING HISTORY!

NOVEMBER 2018

TWO LOCAL MEN - TWO DIFFERENT STORIES MUSTAFA SHEIKH & GREG MOYLE - P20 & 26 ponsonbynews.co.nz

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FROM THE EDITOR DAVID HARTNELL: ONE MINUTE INTERVIEW PIPPA COOM: WAITEMATA LOCAL BOARD MIKE LEE, COUNCILLOR FOR WAITEMATA & GULF JOHN ELLIOTT: LOCAL NEWS - GREY MOYLE U3A PONSONBY

MUSTAFA SHEIKH - COVER STORY NIKKI KAYE: AUCKLAND CENTRAL MP

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EAT DRINK & BE MERRY VEG FRIENDLY: GARY STEEL HELENE RAVLICH: LOCAL GOODNESS PONSONBY NEWS READERS ARE EVERYWHERE FASHION & STYLE LIVING, THINKING & BEING HOROSCOPES: MISS PEARL NECLIS

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JOHN APPLETON ON HEALTH

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

MARTIN LEACH; M: 021 771 147; E: martinleach@xtra.co.nz or martin@ponsonbynews.co.nz JO BARRETT; M: 021 324 510; E: joannebarrett@xtra.co.nz JAY PLATT; M: 021 771 146; E: jayplatt@xtra.co.nz or jay@ponsonbynews.co.nz MELISSA PAYNTER; M: 027 938 4111; E: melissapaynter@me.com GWYNNE DAVENPORT; M: 021 150 4095; E: gwynne@ponsonbynews.co.nz FINN MCLENNAN-ELLIOTT; M: 021 134 4101; E: finn.huia@gmail.com www.facebook.com/ponsonbynews JOHN ELLIOTT; M: 021 879 054; E: johnelliott38@outlook.com www.twitter.com/Ponsonby_News JESSIE KOLLEN and DEIRDRE THURSTON www.instagram.com/PonsonbyNews ARNA MARTIN; E: arna@cocodesign.co.nz

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69,000 readers per month (Nielsen Media), 17,000 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.

4 PONSONBY NEWS+ November 2018

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

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LOCAL NEWS SILO’S IMMERSIVE CLUB EXPERIENCE BRINGS THE DIVAS TO THE MIC HERE LIES LOVE - written by David Byrne and Fatboy Slim, directed by Sophie Roberts

HERE LIES LOVE is an unlikely concept album: a story of love, loss and obsession told through dazzling disco-pop, charting the meteoric rise and fall of Imelda Marcos. The title is taken from a comment made by Marcos who expressed that she would like the phrase 'Here Lies Love" to be inscribed on her tombstone. Released in 2010, the album features 22 guest vocalists including Cyndi Lauper, Sia, Tori Amos and Florence Welch.

Music masterminds Byrne and Fatboy Slim take inspiration from the intoxicating glamour of both dance music and political power, noting how politicians often sell themselves like pop stars. Byrne says, “the story I am interested in is about asking what drives a powerful person - what makes them tick? How do they make and then remake themselves?”

It’s this idea that award-winning director Sophie Roberts has seized upon; this is no Broadway musical stage bio. Marcos was obsessed with the nightlife and turned one of her New York townhouses into a disco - and so Roberts is transforming Q Theatre into a Studio 54-ish cabaret den. Marrying the sweep of materialism and consumption to the rush of the nightclub, expect seductive songs and imaginative spectacle to create the most fun you’ll have in a theatre all year. Cabaret seating and opulent design will set an immersive scene for the most glamourous pre-Christmas party of 2018.

Silo’s iteration of Byrne’s 'theatre piece for your ears' stars theatre-icon Ward-Lealand and Silver Scroll 2018 finalist Hall, alongside the multi-talented singer and actor Colleen

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Davis (Daffodils Chicago), with the final members of the star-studded cast to be announced shortly. The season will feature a live band helmed by musical director Robin Kelly (The Events, Valerie).

Silo Theatre is renowned for its theatrical-music explorations. Like their celebrated take on the Jacques Brel songbook, expect to be put under a spell. So grab your dirty martini and prepare for a bumpin’ night of lush, romantic hedonism.

The Milford Asset Management Season of HERE LIES LOVE plays: 22 November - 8 December, Rangitara @ Q Theatre. Booking at www.qtheatre.co.nz Th T The he h e Mil Milf Milf i or ord o rd Asse rd sse se et M Manage agement age men m ment me entt Sea S son Se so on o n of of

s lo si sil oth ot t eat eatre. ea re ec co. co on nzz

As summer nears, a staggering line-up of Aotearoa’s fiercest divas invite you to climb into the smoky depths of Q Theatre for an unmissable concert of unchecked desire, art pop and opulent disco. Five powerhouse female vocalists including Ria Hall, Jennifer Ward-Lealand and VILLETTE bring to life David Byrne and Fatboy Slim’s irresistible album HERE LIES LOVE from 22 November.

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PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

FROM THE EDITOR Photography: Deirdre Thurston aka Annie Leibovitz

In Pippa Coom’s column this month she reported that the new playground in Vermont Street has been an 'extreme hit'. It will prove popular over summer with locals as a picnic and barbecue spot - P12.

Local Grey Lynn firefighter Jacson Kluts is back from his epic climb of the Sydney Tower. He told us his second place was a mere six seconds behind the winner. “I’ll have to go back next year and try to win,” he told Ponsonby News - P18.

Our cover stars this month are both locals - businessman and art patron Greg Moyle and young entrepreneur Mustafa Sheikh. Greg, a former major in the New Zealand Army, who served in the Solomons and East Timor, is passionate about a proposed museum and visitor centre in the French town of Le Quesnoy. This town has never forgotten that New Zealand soldiers liberated it from the Germans 100 years ago this month - P20.

L to R: Gwynne Davenport, Joanne Barrett, Melissa Paynter, Martin Leach and Jay Platt

When the two met at Greg Moyle’s home in Herne Bay, Greg encouraged Mustafa to follow his dreams of helping kids in poverty.

Both men are working in local schools. Greg himself is helping develop veggie gardens, while Mustafa’s charity is mentoring kids to protect their dreams - P26.

Last month nurses and healthcare assistants protested in Coxs Bay Reserve about their pay and conditions. Many are long-term service workers at Lynton Lodge in Westmere, which has previously won the ‘People’s Choice Award’ for best aged care small facility. Ponsonby News supports their claim - P29.

John Elliott and I attended the burger, beer and brioche community party at the Grey Lynn Community Library Hall last month. This event kicked off an ambitious programme to encourage a unified community-led approach to Grey Lynn’s development.

The West End Tennis Club will hold their 10th annual Wither Hills West End tournament from 30 November to 2 December. World-class entrants are expected. This is a free event so locals are encouraged to go along and enjoy the play - P39.

This is such a positive initiative and we hope that everyone who lives or works in the greater Grey Lynn community will enter into the spirit of the project - P28.

Over summer Bachcare, the holiday home management company, is having a competition to find the best New Zealand’s ‘Must Do’s’. You can enter at www.top50mustdos.co.nz and win one of five $500 Bachcare vouchers - P77. (MARTIN LEACH) F PN

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PONSONBY NEWS+ November 2018

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DAVID HARTNELL’S ONE MINUTE INTERVIEW Helen Brabazon has worked in the Ponsonby area for many years. When on radio she had one of the best female voices on the airways, she is sadly missed behind the radio mic.

What do you like the most about Ponsonby?

The city views, the sunsets out west, the kofta balls at Fatimas.

You are remembered for your broadcasting career - tell us about that football commentary you did on radio which people still talk about?

Easter - commercial free radio - the real commentary failed and it was a choice of six hours of talkback on the road toll and Jenny Shipley, or doing the 80 minutes myself! It was well received - even by the BBC, Sydney Morning Herald and South African newspapers - all amazed a woman would dare to comment on a rugby game.

You have worked for Mercy Hospice in College Hill, how did you get involved in Mercy Hospice?

I wanted to work for an organisation that made a difference - to everyone regardless of gender, sexuality, race, religious persuasion, marital status.

What was your childhood like?

Lucky! Parents that adored each other. Summer holidays that stretched on forever at Pakatoa Island. Filled with music, fun, fabulous food - we wanted for nothing.

Which TV series would you never miss?

Coro. It’s a wonder I don't have an accent. Even my dog loves it!

Where would your dream holiday be?

That’s very easy - the Maldives.

Your bucket list?

Bucket List is the name of my boat; it’s my happy place.

Your most treasured passion?

Boating with friends in summer.

What is the most Kiwi thing about you?

I love having bare feet as often as I can.

Do you prefer an aisle or window seat on a plane?

Window for sure. I might miss something otherwise.

What job would you do other than your own?

Radio. It’s still my number plate! It really gets into your blood.

If they were to make a movie about your life, who would you like to play you?

Someone gorgeous like Kristen Scott Thomas - she'd need a fat suit though!

How would you like to be remembered?

As the favourite aunty.

What do you love most about your age?

Still young enough to do whatever I feel like, and old enough not to care what others think.

What is something that you really disapprove of?

Homophobia!

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

Call my accountant from the Maldives!

What motivates you?

That’s easy - my family and friends.

Give your teenaged self some advice?

The acne will eventually stop.

How do you chill out?

Fishing, gardening, music, reading, indoor bowls.

Which item of clothing can't you live without?

My lifejacket.

Your favourite time of the day?

That’s easy - it's home time.

What would your dream home be like?

At the risk of sounding like Pollyanna, I already live in it, with the best partner in the world, and the best dog and the best cat.

What are you insecure about?

Saving for my retirement.

Something very few people know about you?

I won a cup for 'the woman who went the furthest' [in indoor bowls].

Greatest fear?

Something ghastly happening to my partner.

What superpower do you wish you had?

Flying would be really handy.

Which talent would you like to have?

I would really love to paint.

What cliché do you hate most?

“We're across this.”

What gizmo can you not live without?

Easy - my Champagne stopper.

Your greatest weakness/indulgence?

Currently it’s hokey pokey Trumpets.

A handshake or a hug kind of person?

That’s easy - a hug person!

Your dream guest list for a dinner party?

Dolly Parton, Steven Fry, Jacinda Ardern, Clark Gayford, Graham Norton and Frank Gasson (Frank wants to know why she’s last on the list).

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

Decriminalise cannabis. Prohibition has not worked at all.

Your favourite radio show as a child?

Sunday morning requests - Flick The Little Fire Engine, Diana and the Golden Apple, Sparky's Magic Piano, The Foolish Koala (really scared me!), ...brilliant stories and music. I would go to sleep with the little transistor under my pillow.

Your thoughts on talkback radio today?

I would love to be on the other side of the microphone again. Loved the opportunities to interview my idols like Judith Durham, and the chance to promote New Zealand and New Zealanders making an PN impact on the world. (DAVID HARTNELL, MNZM) F

What do you think happens when we die?

Compost!

10 PONSONBY NEWS+ November 2018

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DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

PONSONBY NEWS+ November 2018

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PIPPA COOM: WAITEMATA LOCAL BOARD REPORT As chair of the local board I welcome feedback on our projects and performance whether good or bad.

Of course it is always lovely when a constituent gets in touch with positive comments.

Recently, I received a message about the new stairs that connect Hopetoun Street with Western Park. The constituent wrote, “I have just discovered the new stairs to Western Park off Hopetoun. This is amazing and within metres, it’s hard to believe you are not in the Waitakeres. Congratulations. You have created a wonderful place for those of us in the inner city.”

The stairs project includes new handrails to improve accessibility and re-decking the viewing platform on Hopetoun Street. It shows the value of having a masterplan for our parks so that any development is undertaken holistically and priorities identified for funding.

Since the Western Park Tuna Mau Development Plan was adopted by the Waitemata- Local Board in August 2015, footpaths have been upgraded, new lighting and fitness equipment installed, and a new playground opened with a 25m tunnel slide being one of the longest in Auckland. With the completion of the Hopetoun Street steps, nearly all the projects identified in the plan have now been realised.

The improvements are part of the long-term vision in the plan and Waitemata- Local Board’s drive to provide quality parks and open spaces for our community.

I also welcome the feedback I receive either directly or indirectly via Ponsonby News. Last month Mort was moved to write a letter to the editor about the derelict Western Suburbs Amateur Harriers Club

building. He’d like to see it made available as a community asset and shared space for activities like a bike clinic and a bike riding school. The local board investigated options for the building but unfortunately it is in such poor condition it would be a very expensive renovation. Instead the board is progressing with a new building to house changing rooms and toilets. The facilities will be available to all codes including the Richmond Rovers Rugby League Club which has been located in Grey Lynn park since 1913. The club is in the process of securing a new lease and renovating its building. There is lots of potential for wider community use.

Investigation on the best location and design is currently underway for the new building. The secured budget for the changing rooms includes demolition of the athletic clubrooms. The preferred site and concept will be confirmed during November with the aim to start construction by the end of 2019.

A Ponsonby parent got in touch to let me know the new playground in Vermont Reserve is an 'extreme hit'. Hopefully the new playground in Sackville Reserve will also prove popular with locals who can take advantage of picnic area with a barbecue and improved access. When I checked out the playground recently, I bumped into Grey Lynn local Richard, who was there with his son Alfie enjoying the new equipment.

PN (PIPPA COOM) F

Contact Pippa Coom, Chair of Waitamata Local Board, pippa.coom@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz, www.facebook.com/waitemata

Western Park stairs from Hopetoun Street

Alfie on the new playground equipment at Sackville Reserve

12 PONSONBY NEWS+ November 2018

New stairs down to Western Park from Hopetoun Street PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

ALTOGETHER

NEW LISTING

NEW LISTING

NEW LISTING

Herne Bay 290 Jervois Road

Herne Bay 16 Sentinel Road

Herne Bay 20 Wharf Road

NEW LISTING

SOLD

SOLD

Westmere 42 Dorset Street

Herne Bay 17 Ardmore Road

Herne Bay 76 Albany Road

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

Westmere 33 Peel Street

Herne Bay (Off Market Sale) 32 Herne Bay Road

Freemans Bay 28 Picton Street

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

St Marys Bay (Off Market Sale) 54 Hackett Street

Herne Bay (Off Market Sale) 34 Herne Bay Road

Freemans Bay 21 Picton Street

With an extraordinary reputation built on his commitment to getting the job done, Chris has long been a trusted name in Real Estate.

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

Chris Batchelor 021 217 7026 | chris.batchelor@bayleys.co.nz BAYLEYS REAL ESTATE LTD, PONSONBY, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

Res ide ntia l / Comme rc i al / Rural / Prope rt y Se rvi ce s

LOCAL NEWS PONSONBY PARK - NOVEMBER UPDATE Building democracy through community engagement in Auckland.

Public participation is the foundation of our democracy. When community participation programmes are effective, the entire process is enhanced and the outcomes are always improved. They enable council to understand and be responsive to the needs of Auckland’s communities. Community engagement has the ability to build networks, grow leaders, and introduce a more collaborative style of governance that encourages participation in the democratic process. However, when poorly managed, community engagement programmes can have negative consequences when efforts to engage are not followed through. This inevitably leads to disillusionment, increased apathy, and creates roadblocks for future consultation.

The Community-led Design process for 254 Ponsonby Road aka Ponsonby Park, as for all neighbourhood group initiatives, needed to be empowered with some form of authority within the decision making process. Communities are the only ones truly able to understand their own needs and desires and are best positioned to provide the germane insights on how to allocate funds, comprehend cultural issues, and develop partnerships within the community to achieve their objectives.

Platforms, such as our Community-led Design process, implemented by the Waitemata Local Board in conjunction with Auckland Council, offer the opportunity for people to actively engage in the development of their neighbourhood and community.

And for those wanting to engage, becoming involved and informed needed to be easy and accessible.

So, for our Community-led Design process for Ponsonby Park to work, we needed to create a comprehensive communications strategy. This enabled us to reach and update people, and receive feedback on a routine basis and included: email, social media, letterbox drops, creating in-person events, and hosting information sessions. It also included the on-going and sustained support of local media such as the fabulous Ponsonby News! (Thank you Martin.) It has taken a great deal of time, energy and commitment by the volunteer

14 PONSONBY NEWS+ November 2018

members of the Community-led Design group. Yet when people are empowered, enthusiastic, and have a clear vision of what is needed and wanted by their community, the motivation to see a project through to realisation unites the participants and provides the patience and perseverance required.

Community engagement requires a collaborative approach, balanced by setting clear guidelines, goals and outcomes for the community.

The Community-led Design process for Ponsonby Park has not only developed and met such requirements, but it has exceeded expectation on what it was hoped this process would achieve. It has engaged the local community and many of the local businesses who have offered tangible and sustained support. Furthermore, there has been involvement by both local and international visitors to Ponsonby and the wider Auckland region. And, the project’s design has been shortlisted in the prestigious international ‘World Architecture Festival’. Not bad for a community-led project!

The council officers report on whether to amend the initial resolution to sell a portion of the site will be be voted on by the Waitemata Local Board at its 20 November meeting.

We then hope we can all look forward to council delivering on the whole of the site civic open space at 254 Ponsonby Road, aka Ponsonby Park.

This has been a true community-led engagement process that everyone including Auckland Council, the Waitemata Local Board, the local residents, businesses and visitors, can deservedly be proud to have collaborated on together.

The whole of the site civic open space at 254 Ponsonby Road: Ponsonby Park - bring it on! F PN For additional information visit 254ponsonbyrd.org.nz or Facebook ‘Ponsonby Park’.

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

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MIKE LEE: COUNCILLOR FOR WAITEMATA & GULF

The fight for the Waitemata Harbour The news of another waterfront stadium, this one to be sunk in the harbour, is the latest in a long list of controversial waterfront developments proposed or underway.

The real estate consortium pushing the ‘spectacular’ $1.8b stadium is claiming there will be ‘no cost’ to the ratepayers (despite asking for $4m up front). Given Auckland’s other infrastructural needs, it is doubtful that a new stadium is our highest priority right now and given the value destruction entailed (demolishing Eden Park and using it and Bledisloe port land for high-rise apartments), I am not the only Aucklander disinclined to take these white shoe characters at their word. Meanwhile there are a number of other developments drawing opposition from Aucklanders fighting to protect the harbour and its heritage.

The first is the helicopter pad at Sentinel Beach. The Herne Bay Residents Association is appalled at the non-notified consent given to a rich-lister Rod Duke to convert a boat shed into a ‘James Bond’ type helicopter pad. Locals are dismayed at the prospect of shattering helicopter noise and fearful of the danger to people using the beach from suddenly arriving helicopters driving sand, shells and pebbles in all directions, and endangering children in kayaks and dinghies.

These ratepayers are angered by the favouritism shown by council managers to this very wealthy individual at the cost of their peaceful enjoyment of their homes and public beach, and their rights as citizens and property owners to be consulted. Auckland hero Andy Coleman of Kawau Island Action Inc is so incensed he is proceeding against the council, seeking a judicial review of the non-notified resource consent before the High Court.

Further along the coast, Auckland Council’s ‘Healthy Waters’ is applying for consent for a $44m plus project to divert sewage -contaminated storm water from Westhaven Marina (at the request of council-owned Panuku) into a long tunnel running under the St Marys Bay cliffs to Masefield Beach from where it will either be pumped back into the already overloaded combined system, or discharged into the Waitemata under the Harbour Bridge. Local residents led by the St Marys Bay Association, Herne Bay Residents Association and the Western Bays Community Group compiled impressive technical evidence challenging the application. Representatives David Abbott, Dirk Hudig, Bryan Bates and others presented compelling submissions to the hearing commissioners in late September, essentially arguing separation of sewage from storm water is a much more sustainable and less expensive solution. Supporting them I presented my own submission. There are better ways to spend $44m in 2018 than dumping sewage in the harbour.

Further east again, work is underway on the Wynyard waterfront for the America’s Cup. Panuku having been rescued from an unpopular America’s Cup proposal by Minister David Parker seems still intent on offending public opinion. Over the past year the CCO has had Aucklanders up-in-arms, across the region, particularly over its plans to privatise publicly owned marina land for residential development.

Panuku has a mission to sell council property to help fund the council budget deficit and this apparently explains its willingness to override public opinion. The Wynyard Quarter is a special place, a character-filled remnant of Auckland’s old industrial waterfront.

Panuku demonstrated its disinterest in Wynyard’s special character when in August it shut down the operation of the popular heritage tramway because of a land deal granted in favour of a hard-nosed Wellington developer Mark McGuiness (Willis Bond). In response a group of passionate tram supporters led by Ponsonby wine merchant Puneet Dahl (another Auckland hero) is campaigning to get the trams running again. The group has a lively Facebook page and a petition approaching 1000 signatories.

At the same time Panuku is embroiled in another controversy over its attempts to evict the harbour ferry Kestrel, one of our most important heritage vessels, from the waterfront. Her owners Darby Partners have an exciting plan to incorporate a restored Kestrel in a boutique hotel, restaurant development on Z Pier at Westhaven east, most of which is currently a car park. For reasons, unknown, Panuku has stonewalled the proposal but at the same time has been charging the owners superyacht rates ($5500 monthly) for the privilege of berthing the old ferry. In mid-October there was a shouting match on the wharf between a Panuku manager and the Kestrel skipper who with nowhere else to go refused to be bullied off the berth.

Further east at Queens Wharf Panuku is applying to build a ‘mooring dolphin’ to enable the berthing of mega-sized cruise ships. The problem is this ‘dolphin’ is not really a dolphin at all. Rather than being anchored to the seabed like a buoy, as used in ports around the world, for instance off Circular Quay, Sydney, Panuku’s fake ‘dolphin’ is actually a 90-metre-long wharf extension with the mooring bollards attached to the end. Not surprisingly there is widespread public opposition. Three years ago there was massive outcry when Ports of Auckland tried extending Bledisloe Wharf 100m out into the harbour.

As a result, Auckland Council and Ports got a kick in the pants from the High Court, but sadly it seems absolutely no lesson has been PN learned from that experience. The fight goes on. (MIKE LEE) F

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

PONSONBY NEWS+ DECEMBER FEATURE Bring on Christmas & holiday fun in the sun CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEAS FESTIVE DINING & OUTDOOR ENTERTAINING SAFETY IN THE SUN, THE WATER & ON THE ROADS

Copy deadline: Thursday 15 November Published: Friday 30 November

16 PONSONBY NEWS+ November 2018

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

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The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

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PONSONBY NEWS+ November 2018

17

JOHN ELLIOTT: LOCAL NEWS

Jacson Kluts second of 600 climbers in Sydney “I’ll have to go back for another go next year,” Grey Lynn firefighter Jacson Kluts told me after a meritorious second place in the climb up the Sydney Tower. He finished in 11 minutes 49 seconds, just six seconds behind the winner.

That’s third last year and now second - hence Jacson’s pledge to return next year. Second out of 600 climbers is a fantastic effort.

When I spoke to him on Sunday after the event he admitted to sore legs, but was otherwise fine and was very relaxed enjoying a couple of days' break with his family before coming back to work.

His family (wife Dominique, Lilia, Addison and baby India) were all with him, but as he explained “it’s not really a spectator sport.” However, the finish was live streamed and four-year-old Lilia was able to cheer her father over the line.

There were about 20 Kiwis competing.

Jacson enjoyed the after party, and proudly received his second -place medal. He has invited the winner over to New Zealand in May to compete in the Auckland Sky Tower challenge and he has promised to come.

A highlight for Jacson was taking the naming rights of Level 62 for his late father who died earlier this year from motor neurone disease at age 62. He had been bed-ridden for the last six months of his life, so this cause is very close to Jacson’s heart.

So now Jacson will have no rest. He must prepare to carry the 20kg kit up the Sky Tower in May, and beat his Aussie rival this time around.

Congratulations, Jacson, you did us proud. (JOHN ELLIOTT) F PN

Jacson Kluts

FREE SENIORS' YOGA CLASS - EXTRA MONDAY SESSION Ponsonby Community Centre, the Waitemata Local Board and Four Winds Yoga have joined forces to provide a free yoga class for local seniors. Due to the popularity of the class, we have started another session on Monday afternoons from 1pm - 2pm.

No registration is required - just turn up.

Ponsonby Playgroup is celebrating 20 years of play! Previously run by willing parents, the Ponsonby Playgroup is now being managed by the Ponsonby Community Centre. 2018 is the 20-Year anniversary of the inception of the group and we are celebrating with a special Christmas party on Tuesday, 18 December 9am - 12 noon. There will be face painting and bubble fun plus music and dancing with Antonio the Music Man. All past, present (and future) Ponsonby Playgroup families are welcome to come!

Check out the Playgroup Facebook page for more info: PonsonbyPlaygroup. For more information on Ponsonby Community Centre, our activities and venue hire, please visit www.ponsonbycommunity.org.nz

18 PONSONBY NEWS+ November 2018

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

JOHN ELLIOTT: LOCAL NEWS

Greg Moyle’s support for Le Quesnoy memorial It was a hundred years ago this month that a group of New Zealand soldiers achieved a feat of arms that received recognition around the world.

Soldiers from the 4th Battalion of the New Zealand Rifle Brigade, led by Lt Leslie Averill, placed a ladder against the rampart wall of the 17th Century fortified town of Le Quesnoy in Northeast France and were able to get into the town resulting in the liberation of the town after four years of German occupation and the capture of 2000 German soldiers.

The town has never forgotten the sacrifice of the 135 New Zealanders who died on 4 November 1918, and they continue to this day to remember that their town was not destroyed and no civilian died on that fateful day.

It was thanks to the high regard in which New Zealanders are held and the special welcome they are offered when they visit Le Quesnoy that a decision was made to establish a War Memorial Museum and Visitor Centre in the town to commemorate the 70,000 New Zealanders who served in France and Belgium from 1916 to 1918 and the 12,000 who never returned home.

For the past eight years Greg Moyle and Herb Farrant have worked tirelessly on their vision, resulting in the purchase last year by a Trust established for this purpose, of a property near the centre of the town for NZ$1.1 million.

Greg Moyle is a Herne Bay resident, well known for his local body political work, his chairmanship of the Mt Albert Grammar School Board of Trustees, his promotion of gardening in schools, and his patronage of the arts.

Greg served in both The Solomons and East Timor, prior to retiring from the New Zealand Army with the rank of major. He is sure the Le Quesnoy project is a very sound one. He told me more and more young New Zealanders are interested in learning about our military history, and are visiting battle sites in Europe.

“The proposed museum and visitor centre will have an important educational role in assisting New Zealanders young and old who travel to Europe to see first-hand what their forebears achieved 100 years ago. In Le Quesnoy we can tell ‘our story’ of those New

20 PONSONBY NEWS+ November 2018

Zealanders who came from the ‘uttermost ends of the earth’ and who punched ‘well above their weight’ on a global stage.”

Herb Farrant is a military historian and is currently the president of the New Zealand Military Historical Society.

“What makes this project unique,” says Moyle, “is that the property purchased has, along with a 19th Century mansion, the former mayor’s residence, nine brick and tile four bedroom maisonettes which will provide staff and visitor accommodation. Visitors to Le Quesnoy currently have very few places to stay.”

Once the renovation of these buildings is complete the museum and visitor centre will operate like a ‘home and income’ and be financially self-sufficient.

Le Quesnoy is a small town of about 5000 people, but the New Zealand presence is obvious. Streets are named after New Zealanders and there is an Ecole Averill - a local school named after the famous Lt Leslie Averill who was the first to scale the wall and help save the town from the German occupation.

Greg Moyle has struck up good friendships with two local mayors, Marie Sophie Lesne, Le Quesnoy, and Raymonde Dramez, Beaudignes, who look forward to an even closer association with New Zealand in the years ahead.

This strikes me as a very worthwhile project, and one well worth funding. It is important for us all to understand why our young men went to Europe to serve God, King and Country, and made such an impact. We must also remember that too many of them did not come home.

It is heart warming to know they are so warmly remembered in the little town of Le Quesnoy. The trust is currently raising funds from the New Zealand public to provide the means to complete the project.

Information on the NZ War Memorial Trust and Visitor Centre can be PN found at www.nzwmm.org.nz (JOHN ELLIOTT) F

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

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JOHN ELLIOTT: LOCAL NEWS

More on Auckland’s library services Last month I wrote about a rogue letter Leys Institute Library received from a local complaining about lack of good books to borrow.

I was flabbergasted by this accusation because of my own positive experience with Leys. I regularly take out books from Leys. Some of them come from far flung libraries around Auckland City, including Pukekohe, Wellsford and Helensville - all delivered free of charge to me to pick up at Leys.

We at Ponsonby News decided to follow up that editorial with a bit more detail about library services in Auckland.

I am impressed with the range of activities that the Auckland Libraries run. At a time when ‘local communities’ are under attack in our neo -liberal, individualist, consumerist society, Auckland Libraries are doing their best to bring communities back together. I concentrated on Central City Library, but all Auckland Council libraries have similar activities going on all year-pop up events, clothes swaps, rhyme time for babies, bookable sewing machines available, morning teas for rough sleepers, 3D printer, music events and many, many more.

Rhi Munro, the head of the Unique Experiences team at Central City Library explained that they try to engage as many of the local diverse community as possible. Books remain their core business, but they seek to re-create lost community participation, being particularly careful to involve new New Zealanders. Many inner city dwellers have little space for socialising and the library is a welcoming place to meet friends.

Recently Rhi told me, the Waitemata Local Board has funded increased opening hours on Saturdays and Sundays.

There may be some criticism that the libraries are taking on more than some ratepayers would find ideal to spend their rates on, but the uptake in book borrowings and the example to kids of the importance of reading is never far from staff minds.

Just take your pick from exhibitions, workshops, fascinating author, speaker sessions and a variety of other events at one of the 55 branches across Auckland, including the Tupu Youth Library.

If parents are wondering what to do with their children over summer, check out the myriad children’s activities. Check the adventure reading programme for 5 to 13 year olds - Dare to Explore-Kia Mai te Whai.

Book a librarian free of charge for one-on-one help with homework, creating a CV, brushing up on your digital skills, coding or accessing council information.

Adults might like to try out ‘Reading Between the Wines’, a library activity at local bars.

Our libraries are doing their best to fill gaps in our community activities, and create a deeper sense of community with shared activities, fun and adventure.

Rhi Munroe is passionate about his Unique Experience role, and he is determined to engage as many of the three to four thousand daily visitors as he can in library activities. He has recently helped to oversee a revamp of the library layout, including to install phone chargers in desks and computer plugs for the free wifi available to all visitors.

Libraries are still about books and reading, but Auckland Council is determined to provide a wide range of related activities which will help to re-establish the sense of community lost in the last 30 years, as the free market, dog-eat-dog political philosophy has gained so much traction, resulting in inequality, depression and loneliness in young and old.

Libraries can be an antidote to life’s exigencies, and are a suitable replacement for anti-depressents.

They are providing a wonderful service to their communities, and the PN rates consumed are well worth the cost. (JOHN ELLIOTT) F

Ponsonby News loves the Leys, one of the most iconic Ponsonby landmarks

22 PONSONBY NEWS+ November 2018

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

24A Williamson Avenue, Grey Lynn Work & Play The architectural brief seemed simple. The outcome? Exceptional. Set well back from the road, the çDJHGè LQGXVWULDO H[WHULRU GHĆQHV WKLV DV VRPHWKLQJ GLIIHUHQW &RQFUHWH ćRRUV YDXOWHG FHLOLQJV JHQHUously scaled windows and steel trusses acknowledge the building’s heritage. An understated, minimalist palette creates a gallery-like setting and numerous outdoor living options are ideal for entertaining or relaxing. Zoned Business Mixed Use, the commercial street level showroom provides plenty of space for you or a tenant. Motivated vendors have their sights ĆUPO\ VHW RQ DQRWKHU RSSRUWXQLW\

rwponsonby.co.nz/PON26331 Damerell Group Limited Licensed (REAA 2008)

For Sale Set Date of Sale closes 4pm, Thursday 22nd November 2018 (unless sold prior) View Saturday and Sunday 12.30pm - 1pm

Chloe Wither 021 672 191

John Davies 021 520 701

Natasha Christensen 027 806 0868

PONSONBY U3A: OCTOBER 2018 Psychiatrist Professor Graham Mellsop was the October guest speaker at Ponsonby U3A. Professor Mellsop has had a long and distinguished career in psychiatry and is well known for his expert opinions in high profile murder trials. His talk to U3A was entitled “Understanding Not Guilty

by Reason of Insanity in New Zealand.”

He said that the motive of his talk was to provoke thinking about the topic, which is one New Zealanders should think about. “As a democracy we are supposed to acknowledge what we want and what we think.”

He gave examples of murder trials with different outcomes and explained why this was so. He also outlined the history of the legislation dating back to the 1840s McNaghten Rules defence of insanity.

He pointed out that New Zealand, UK, US, Russia, China, Brazil, Canada, Japan, Australia, Singapore, and others have fairly similar legislation and discussed the legislation in New Zealand.

Professor Mellsop has been a professor of psychiatry for 38 years at various Australian and New Zealand universities. He has researched and published more than 200 papers in various areas of psychiatry and provided expert advice in Australia and New Zealand in major civil and criminal trials. He has been on countless national and international committees, tribunals and working parties and was awarded a CNZM for services to psychiatry.

The 10-minute speaker John Childs, a retired town planner, consultant and U3A member, discussed the Auckland Unitary Plan. He explained that this is the document that controls how Auckland is developed or not developed depending on the area. He pointed out that the Unitary Plan Panel was comprised of all but one expert, who were not councillors. Issues that have arisen since the plan was made

operative include increased development rights, the look of buildings, parking rules and where development may occur. He concluded by explaining how members could find out the zoning and development rights for their property.

Ponsonby U3A is in its 25th year, offering people in the 'third age' with some time to spare the opportunity for informal study and learning experiences. The aims of U3A are: “Those who teach shall also learn and those who learn shall also teach,” - Peter Laslett, Founder of U3A UK, 1981. The benefits U3A offer are the opportunity to learn about fascinating subjects, share viewpoints on contentious issues, keep your brain active, make new friends with similarly active minds and become involved in the local community.

Ponsonby U3A meets on the second Friday morning of the month with an invited guest speaker and a 10-minute speaker from the membership at each meeting. As well there are more than 20 special interest groups that meet monthly, or more often, offering a host of topics and activities. The special interest groups are said to be the lifeblood of the U3A movement. Details of these can be found on the Ponsonby U3A section of the U3A website.

Guests are welcome to attend a meeting, but are first asked to contact Christine Hart on 027 289 5514. (PHILIPPA TAIT) F PN NEXT MEETING: 10am, Friday 9 November at Herne Bay Petanque Club, Salisbury St Reserve, Herne Bay. ENQUIRIES: Christine Hart, President Ponsonby U3A, T: 027 289 5514, www.u3a.nz

FIND MY CAR Local resident and business owner Nigel Pile has had a flying start to his business Find My Car.

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

24 PONSONBY NEWS+ November 2018

This is a consultancy business that uses his 15 years’ experience on car yards to take the hassle out of the car buying process. Give Nigel a call for a no obligation chat now.

FIND MY CAR, Nigel Pile, E: nigel@findmycar.nz T: 027 606 3821, www.findmycar.nz PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

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JOHN ELLIOTT: LOCAL NEWS

Bread - protecting dreams of youth in poverty I recently talked to Mustafa Sheikh, a young man who has set up a charity to help kids in poverty.

Born in England of Pakistan origin, Mussie came to New Zealand with his family as a child. They settled in Gisborne, where Mussie’s father was a doctor.

He told me he has been an entrepreneur since high school days - a ‘hustler’ he describes himself as. When he left Gisborne to go to university in Auckland, he originally intended to study medicine. After a year he gave that idea away and graduated with an BSc (Hons) in Chemistry.

But Mustafa had been struck by the poverty he realised existed in his home town. He told me he still loves the East Coast and has happy memories of his childhood. However, he determined that he must do something to address the inequality in our society, particularly in low decile schools. So he set up the Bread Trust, and along with the other trustees, Hamish and Crystal (medical and communications students respectively) they began mentoring intermediate-age kids.

Everyone at first was sceptical about the project, including his family who thought he should be getting a ‘real job’ to secure his future, but he is so passionate about protecting poor kids from negativity he has persisted and the trust is making good progress.

Mustafa is following his philosophy of ‘giving back’. “It’s the best feeling in the world to know that my presence on this planet is helping others,” he told me. He finds it extremely embarrassing that such issues exist in such a ‘developed’ country.

Everyone has dreams said Mussie. Protecting dreams is more than a slogan and helping children in poverty is more than simply providing them with material possessions. “It’s a larger issue stemming from a complex social origin.”

The Bread Trust believes it is critical to instill a positive mindset in those mired in hopelessness. Equal opportunity is easy to espouse, but is not always so easy in practice. No books at home, no way to travel to activities or somewhere at home to study, or just read, are a common problems in the lives of people living with poverty.

Bread is supported by Giltrap, Hampton Downs and V3 events company. They solicit donations from corporates. They hold super-car events. Mussie admits he loves cars. “We took a Ferrari into a decile one school. I said to the students dream and protect your dreams. Your amazing minds are capable of anything you wish to do.”

It’s not so much about the materialistic view of the super cars, he told me, but rather instilling courage to dream.

Mustafa Sheikh is convinced that child poverty is preventable. Kids they mentor soon gain in confidence. Success breeds success.

A typical mentoring session with Year 7 and 8 might include asking kids to write down something they are passionate about. One might say ‘I like drawing’, so they will be given paper and drawing gear and asked to practise after school. Another example was a class where healthy eating was discussed. They examined several fruit. They discussed taste, examined nutritional value and cost, concluding that many fruit were good value for money.

Bread emphasises good research skills too, and discusses developing communication skills via computers.

Here is a young man following his dream to equip just a few school -age kids with a positive, can do attitude to life and success. It may sound a bit like Obama on the campaign trail in the US, and it is working. One of the boys recently mentored was dux of his year at Wesley. It is becoming increasingly hard in our free-market economic world for kids born into lower socio-economic homes to better themselves. The bottom 10% hardly ever migrate to the top 1%.

Mustafa and his Protecting Dreams charity are doing their best to break through that cycle for as many young New Zealanders as they have time and resources to mentor.

PN Let’s applaud their efforts and give them a hand. (JOHN ELLIOTT) F Check out the charity at www.bread.org.nz

26 PONSONBY NEWS+ November 2018

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

NIKKI KAYE: AUCKLAND CENTRAL MP

Increasing costs of living – axe the new fuel taxes We are concerned the Government fails to understand the pressures that some families are under to meet costs such as fuel and rent.

National is calling on the Government to axe its new fuel taxes, and we’ve launched a petition to help New Zealanders do the same. There are two more excise taxes planned over the next two years. Councils right around New Zealand are already asking for Auckland’s regional fuel tax to be made available nationwide. The Government is already collecting huge amounts of tax on petrol. Every time you put $1 of fuel into your vehicle, 53 cents of that is going straight from your wallet into the Government’s back pocket. The Government thinks the answer is another inquiry. That’s fine but it should also be providing immediate relief to New Zealanders. The issue of funding transport infrastructure is an important issue. The regional fuel tax raises a very small amount of transport funding in the scheme of many of the larger projects.

Many people raise issues of increasing costs of living.

New apartment reform legislation released After several years of work I have released some legislation that I have developed. The Hon Judith Collins and I developed The Unit Titles (Strengthening Body Corporate Governance and Other Matters) Amendment which aims to strengthen the management of apartments and townhouses. The main driver for this change has been concerns around a lack of transparency and inadequate long-term maintenance plans, and a clearer understanding of the role of a body corporate manager. I have worked hard to produce a 20-page private members bill which I hope the Government will adopt in the future.

The number of multi-unit housing developments in Auckland increased from just over 15% of new houses in 2010 to over 40% in 2017. The legislation is something that will potentially have a huge impact in Auckland Central. We see a huge opportunity through the

legislation to strengthen the existing unit titles regime in areas such as pre-contract disclosure, record keeping of body corporates and better management of conflicts of interests and proxy votes. I intend to meet with the minister in the coming weeks to try and progress this legislation.

Petition to oppose the Auckland Council Accommodation Providers targeted rate I have serious concerns about the implementation of the Auckland Councils Accommodation Providers targeted rate. It is my view that the council has not adequately developed a system that is fair and equitable but I also believe that the process has been rushed and flawed. There is also an argument that the rate is retrospective which I do not agree with. I have acted on concerns through direct communications that I have sent to the Mayor. I have also spoken to the Mayor personally to raise these issues. Unfortunately, the council’s response was not satisfactory. It is for this reason that I have also presented a petition to Parliament on this issue asking that the implementation of this rate by Auckland Council be investigated.

This month, I also spoke out against the rating system at a public meeting on Waiheke with about 150 people attending. Thank you for all messages. (NIKKI KAYE) F PN If you have any local or national issues or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact me or my office on 09 378 2088 or send me an email on mp.aucklandcentral@parliament.govt.nz.

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

Hon Nikki Kaye MP for Auckland Central AGM ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Wednesday 14th November 2018 at 6pm at the Grey Lynn Community Centre, 510 Richmond Road in our Balcony Room Refreshments will be provided Please join us for an overview of the past year and to discuss plans and opportunities for the year ahead - we welcome your input.

I regularly work on local issues and meet with constituents.

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

Drop In Constituency Clinic: 48C College Hill, Freemans Bay November 16, 1pm

We invite nominations from forward thinking community minded people to join our friendly Governance Board. We particularly are seeking people in HR and Marketing.

PLEASE CONTACT THE CENTRE OFFICE ON 09 378 4908 or office@greylynn.org.nz

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

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

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PONSONBY NEWS+ November 2018

27

JOHN ELLIOTT: LOCAL NEWS

The Grey Lynn Project - burger, beer and brioche The Grey Lynn Business Association recently held a very successful community evening at the Grey Lynn Library Hall. It was a sold-out 120 people get together. Another 60 people tried unsuccessfully to get tickets.

Ponsonby News’s Martin Leach and John Elliott were impressed with the turnout, the warm vibes and the unity of purpose behind the venture.

This was the inaugural event in an ambitious project to celebrate and support the people and culture of Grey Lynn. The association pointed out that the area has attracted independent thinkers, talented creatives and commercially savvy business people, creating an environment that is conscious, progressive and vibrant.

The association is, they argue “holding true to our values and taking the conversation to the businesses and people so that they consciously develop strategies that celebrate and build on Grey Lynn’s success.”

They want a unified, community-led approach, clearer communication with council, and better outcomes.

A recent American book called Bowling Alone highlighted how people now do not join anything and communities have lost volunteer help.

It’s very positive to see the Grey Lynn Business Association determined to engage business people and residents, to produce a strong and vibrant community which can take on the world.

Let’s celebrate what makes Grey Lynn so special, and fight to retain and enhance those amenity values which we love.

To join the GLBA or give some feedback, email: feedback@glba.co.nz. (JOHN ELLIOTT) F PN

photography: Martin Leach

I applaud this approach to community development and enhancement.

It is positive, forward-looking and emphasises bottom-up planning, rather than settling for top-down imposition of council ideas.

For the past 35 years many New Zealanders have struggled under a market or neo-liberal dog-eat-dog economy, where co-operation and positive community togetherness were neglected. Individualism was encouraged and communities suffered.

L to R: Liz Mitchell, John Elliott & Doris De Pont. John is watching his P's & Q's because Teo is in the background!

JENNIFER WARD-LEALAND & MICHAEL HURST PRESENTED WITH THE VARIETY ARTIST CLUB SCROLLS OF HONOUR Local couple have been presented with the Variety Artists Club of New Zealand Scrolls of Honour.

Long-time Grey Lynn residents, Jennifer Ward-Lealand ONZM and Michael Hurst ONZM were presented with the Variety Artists Club of New Zealand Scrolls of Honour by David Hartnell MNZM the club's patron and our columnist.

This is the first time that the Variety Artists Club of New Zealand has given scrolls of honour to a husband and wife acting/directing team.

28 PONSONBY NEWS+ November 2018

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

LOCAL NEWS PONSONBY FELLOWSHIP HELPS DYSLEXIC CHILDREN IN SAMOA AND TONGA Dyslexia is often a hidden disability and in Samoa and Tonga there is not widespread knowledge about it.

The Auckland Unitarian Church, at the top of Ponsonby Road, has projects helping dyslexic children in Samoa with their Ministry of Education, Sports and Culture and in Tonga with the Vava’u Public Library Trust.

Dyslexia can be defined as a neurobiological learning disability which involves problems in acquiring and processing language. It is variable in both symptoms and severity with normally a lack of skills in reading, writing, spelling and sometimes speaking being apparent.

Internationally, at least 10% of people show signs of dyslexia with 2 - 3% being severely affected. Dyslexic children are often labelled as stupid, lazy or misbehaved. Dyslexia is not correlated with intelligence and people with it can develop compensatory strengths enabling them to not only advance their learning but also make very special contributions to society. However, without assistance they struggle terribly and their potential is often wasted.

The project in Samoa was commenced four years ago and in Tonga two years ago. Students are tutored by using a multi-sensory computer software and workbook based programme called Steps, a well-recognised and effective programme developed specifically for

dyslexic students by The Learning Staircase in Christchurch. They generously allow school children in Samoa and Vava’u to use the Steps programme free of charge. The Auckland Unitarian Church has provided computers for four schools in Samoa and provided laptops plus financial support for tutors for the library in Vava’u.

A Church member, certified to train people in the use of Steps, regularly travels to Samoa and Tonga on a voluntarily basis providing ongoing training for the tutors and monitoring student progress.

The Steps programme is in the English language and in Samoa and Tonga is used with children in Years 7-9 when much of schooling is conducted in English. Aware that the sooner learning difficulties are addressed the more effectively they can be remedied, arrangements to develop a Samoan and hopefully a Tongan version are being explored. This will enable children to be helped at an earlier age and PN in their first language. F Anyone interested in learning more about these two projects should contact the Auckland Unitarian Church, https://aucklandunitarian.org.nz/contact-us/

LYNTON LODGE HOSPITAL STAFF PICKET OVER PAY OFFER Last month, registered nurses, health care assistants and cleaners from Lynton Lodge Hospital in Westmere picketed for an hour in protest over failing pay negotiations.

NZNO has been negotiating to renew a collective agreement (CA) with Sunrise Healthcare which took over management of Lynton Lodge Hospital around one year ago. Sunrise had agreed to retain the existing CA. However, the latest pay offer from Sunrise has been rejected by NZNO members.

For cleaners at the hospital there is no offered pay rise beyond the increase to the minimum wage (required last April).

photography: Martin Leach

For registered nurses (RNs) with four years’ service, the pay offer is just 13 cents per hour. Those with three years’ service have been offered just two cents.

Health care assistants at Lynton Lodge Hospital (whose pay is now regulated through the Care and Support Workers Pay Equity Settlement) have voted to support their RN and cleaning colleagues by joining the picket.

Many staff at Lynton Lodge have long service there. Lynton Lodge was the winner of the 2015/16 Aged Advisor People’s Choice Award for Best Aged Care (Small) Facility, and was a finalist for the same award in 2017. F PN

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OUR VIEW UP FRANKLIN ROAD

By Jason Witehira, Owner-Operator, New World Victoria Park When you set up shop in a city like Auckland, especially in or near the CBD, the one thing you can be sure of is that at some point in time roadworks will happen outside.

their grocery shopping online, whenever and wherever they are, with the option of picking it up or having it delivered if they live locally, on a day and at a time that suits.

The simple truth is that our urban landscape is constantly changing, and here at New World it has to be said we’ve seen our fair share of change since I arrived in 2010: the creation of the Victoria Park Tunnel, redevelopment of Victoria Park Market, and resurfacing of Franklin Road, to name just three.

The thing I like about 'I shop New World' is it’s linked to individual New World stores, so you still have that personal connection with your local to ensure you get the same quality of goods and service. We pride ourselves on having that locally owned touch.

The last of those is still ongoing, of course, having started in August 2016, and with completion now not expected until next June - yes, almost three years of roadworks!

Improvements include cycle lanes, a much-needed roundabout at Wellington Street, catenary lighting that will add to the road's charm, and a new stormwater pipe to protect our precious Waitemat-a Harbour.

Alongside this is our catering service 'Made2Order', which offers an extensive range of platters - from antipasti platters and sushi to cakes and other sweet treats from our in-house bakery. We can even do bouquets of flowers and gift baskets.

It’s the perfect time-saver for the busy summer season, whether you’re having a birthday party, office function or other get together — let us take all the stress out of it for you. We can even deliver it right to your home.

Our underground carpark is also being changed so just one lane can exit onto Franklin Road, instead of the current two - and we certainly see the merit in pedestrians and cyclists being able to traverse that busy entrance, knowing as we do how our entire city is rethinking how we get around.

If you’ve visited us lately you may have also noticed we’ve updated much of our signage and decor, in keeping with New World’s modern look and our constant focus on improving the shopping experience.

Other promised improvements outside our store include new footpaths and drainage, brighter street lighting, and protection for the roots of Franklin Road’s iconic plane trees.

Which really ties in with how I started this piece - looking up Franklin Road at the roadworks that have been going on for the past two years. Just as supermarkets need upgrades to keep them looking good and user-friendly, so do our city roads. Both get worn out by too much traffic. Repairs are inevitable.

At the same time all this is happening outside our store, at New World Victoria Park we’ve been busy rethinking how we can modernise too, and make improvements accordingly.

The biggest milestone in that regard has been the launch of our 'I shop New World' online platform, meaning customers can now do

Don’t get me wrong - we’re just as frustrated as many other locals about the disruption we’ve seen so far and will continue to see for months more. But we’re confident the outcome will be worth the wait and that by this time next year Franklin Road will finally be improved and future-proofed - until I retire at least!

www.newworld.co.nz/upper-north-island/auckland/victoria-park www.facebook.com/NewWorldVictoriaPark

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3 PRIVATE DINING AREAS AVAILABLE FOR UP TO 38 PEOPLE

CALL US 09 360 1113 I N F O @ M E K O N G B A B Y. C O M /MEKONGBABYNZ @MEKONGBABY @MEKONGBABY

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FOR SALE

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

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PENE’S FEATURED PROPERTIES

Specialising in Auckland’s waterfront and premium homes Pene has been selling property since 2001 and with relationships that extend across Auckland City and beyond, she has a strong focus on high end property through the central suburbs of the greater Ponsonby area, including Herne Bay, St Marys Bay, Freemans Bay, Westmere and Grey Lynn, along with Remuera and Parnell. With a talent for matching buyers, Pene understands the local markets and can bring a value added result from her extensive networks.

Pene Milne M+64 21 919 940 pene.milne@nzsir.com nzsothebysrealty.com

EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY RAD THAI EATERY ON RICHMOND If you are looking for a casual dining experience paired with the very best in Thai cuisine and hospitality, then take a short drive, or a stroll along Richmond Road to Rad Thai Eatery.

Rad Thai is situated in the little cluster of shops just past Westmoreland Street and opposite Countdown Supermarket.

With a reputation of authenticity and excellence, Rad Thai Eatery stays true to the culinary culture and influences of Thailand.

Most of the dishes can be cooked as vegetarian and gluten-free options and the menu comprises a palette of traditions and novelties that cater to all palates. The unique dishes of Thailand's gastronomic culture both traditional and modern offers diners plenty of choice.

“Every delicacy we offer is exciting and prepared with the freshest ingredients from Thailand and unique recipes concocted by our chef,” says owner, Rad Chackrpong Srinil.

For those looking to settle in for a longer and quieter dinner, Rad Thai will happily accommodate. It can also cater for a group eating experience for dinner or a celebration.

Rad Thai is a licensed restaurant serving wine and beer, a meal for two will cost you around $40 and there are takeaway options available too.

Open Tuesday to Sunday from 11.30am to 3pm and 5pm to 10pm.

RAD THAI EATERY, 6/280 Richmond Road, T: 09 360 0809

NOW OPEN

BIG FLAVOURS OF ASIA @ XOONG XOONG, the newest addition to Auckland’s thriving hospitality hub of Mt Eden Village, offers diners contrasting flavours of Asia in a series of captivating dining rooms.

Drawing from North-east Asian influences, one is immersed in the bold and textural design of the 150-seat restaurant. Over two storeys diners will find intimate spaces and secluded dining areas juxtaposed by minimalist Japanese and intricate Chinese designs. Opposite the cocktail bar, a canopy of dramatic red lanterns leads you past the open kitchen and chef tables to the courtyard, offering guests a delightful journey of discovery.

China and Japan make strange bedfellows as their tumultuous history would tell us and this dramatic past is the inspiration for the restaurant. Xoong beautifully marries this theme with the ever-popular aromas of a Vietnamese kitchen simultaneously tying the styles together and creating a menu of big flavours that is unmistakably unique. Expect gochujang lamb racks from the wood fired oven, stunning sashimi dishes, and plenty of fresh aromatics from the wok.

Call or email to book and arrange your private function of eight to 60 guests with a customised menu for you and your party. Opening hours. Tuesday 5pm, Wednesday Sunday 12 noon.

D I N E I N & T A KE A WA Y

XOONG, 424 Mt Eden Road, Mt Eden, T: 09 623 3999, E: info@xoong.co.nz, www.xoong.co.nz

LUNCH: 11.30AM - 3PM DINNER: 5PM -10PM

TUESDAY - SUNDAY

6/280 RICHMOND ROAD GREY LYNN AUCKLAND . RAD THAI EATERY TEL. 09 360 0809

34 PONSONBY NEWS+ November 2018

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Auckland’s thriving hospitality hub in Mt Eden Village…

Experience aromatic flavours of North East Asia 150 Seats - Intimate Spaces - Secluded Dining

BOOK NOW… for lunch, dinner, Christmas functions or private events Ph: 09 623 3999 or email info@xoong.co.nz or online at www.xoong.co.nz Xoong / 424 Mt Eden Road / Opening Hours – Tues 5pm, Wed-Sun 12 noon

EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY FACES@ GREY LYNN FARMERS MARKET Dave French and Jocelyn Patterson grow gold kiwifruit and avocados.

How did you get into farming?

I’ve been doing it all my life. I grew up on a dairy farm but got into managing kiwifruit orchards, with a mate, when I came back to New Zealand after my OE. I’ve been doing that ever since.

Where did you meet Jocelyn?

I met her on my OE. We’d never met even though we lived close to each other in New Zealand. Now we have five children and the last of them has just left home.

Where do the avocados and kiwifruit come from?

We have a couple of orchards near Glenbrook Beach, near the Manukau - it is lovely volcanic soil.

I was managing this kiwifruit orchard for a group of Auckland businessmen when they decided to sell it 22 years ago. We bought it and have been here ever since.

Green or gold kiwifruit?

We were one of the first to grow gold kiwifruit. I went to a conference and came home with some sample kiwifruit. Our toddlers devoured a big pile and asked for more. What could be better than a product kids love and mums feel good about feeding them?

How has PSA affected you?

When our original gold got PSA, we had to cut it out and re-graft the vines to the more PSA - tolerant variety, Sungold. This meant we got very little production for three years.

We brew and apply beneficial microbes to both soil and leaves - the aim is to flood the orchard with beneficial microbes to outcompete the nasties. We believe this is better for us, and our fruit, than spraying and killing everything and hoping that the beneficial microbes come back quicker than the nasties.

at the back of the orchard but not commercial quantities. When a block became available up the road, we set up a commercial avocado orchard.

Aren’t avocados a feast or famine crop?

That can be managed. I prune a lot more than many other growers.

I’ve learnt from kiwifruit practices that it is important to limit the density of flower/fruit on each tree, otherwise the tree is too drained to fruit properly the following year.

How does the Grey Lynn Farmers Market fit in?

We love it - it’s neat fun. There’s a nice energy as soon as we walk in the door. The stallholders enjoy each other’s company. We go to the market because we love being part of the community. It’s so satisfying when customers tell us that we have the best avocados.

Do you use sprays?

We are growing large volumes of fruit and most of what we grow is exported, so we do need to spray a bit, but it is always specific and targeted to the problem that we dealing with. I mow weeds but don’t spray them. And I never use glyphosate (Roundup) because the weeds and grasses all have a part to play in our orchard ecosystem.

Do have you any hints for getting avocados perfectly ripe?

For Hass avocados, keep them on the bench and watch them carefully as they start to change colour. When they are brown, eat them. You can put them in the fridge once they are ripe. Do not let them go black, and dark brown might be too far. They ripen faster when it is warm. F PN

What about the avocados?

Like many kiwifruit orchards, there were a few avocado trees

glfm.co.nz, facebook.com/GreyLynnFarmersMarket

arna@cocodesign.co.nz www.cocodesign.co.nz 021 354 984

36 PONSONBY NEWS+ November 2018

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY WUSTHOF KNIVES - THE FIRST CHOICE OF WORLD CLASS CHEFS Wusthof knives have been made in Solingen Germany by the Wusthof family since 1814.

It is no accident that they are still in business 204 years later! This is a company that knows how to manufacture world-class knives used by high-profile chefs such as Gordon Ramsay, Jamie Oliver and Martha Stewart.

The Wusthof Ikon line has handles made of African Blackwood, which enhances the weight and beauty of the knife, as well as three rivets that provide extra durability and strength. These strikingly handsome knives are extremely durable and razor sharp; forged from tough German stainless steel.

Made from a single piece of high carbon, stainless steel, they feature double bolsters that provide great balance and heft for effortless cutting. The knives are easy to use, thanks to their well-balanced handle and blade. Even when cutting hard vegetables such as pumpkin and swede, the perfect balance of the Ikon keeps your hand and forearm from tiring. The steel extends all the way to the end of the handle, otherwise known as a full tang. This provides a boost of control as well as a reduced chance of breakage, and an ergonomic handle that fits perfectly in your hand.

The Ikon line has a half bolster below the blade, and the added bolster on the butt of the knife, thus making the entire knife edge usable. The broad and natural flowing curve of the blade combines with the weight of the handle making the cutting motion fluid and easy on the wrist. The result of this provides greater balance and heft for effortless cutting.

In case you needed even more convincing, the Wusthof Ikon line is backed with a limited lifetime warranty. The company stands behind its products and guarantees the durability and sharpness of the knife. Hand washing and towel drying your knives is recommended to ensure longevity of the handle and sharpness of the blade. Care for your knife properly, and Wusthof will most certainly care for you. F PN Available at www.dayandage.co.nz

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GARY STEEL: VEG FRIENDLY

Plant parties - Vegan Day goes off!

There seems to be an official day for just about everything now, which means that anything considered niche or dull is dutifully ignored by traditional media channels.

The upside of this odd scenario is that human participation in social media means that we don’t have to wait for a small spot on the TV news to find out about something that interests us, as we’re all now seemingly connected — for better or worse — through the tentacles of Facebook and its numerically lesser challengers.

October saw the annual celebration of World Vegetarian Month, and the New Zealand Vegetarian Society marked the auspicious occasion with their 75th anniversary dinner at the Heritage on 20 October. Then there’s World Vegan Day on 1 November, a day that is also marked in some countries for celebrating The Day Of The Dead, All Saints Day and National Nachos Day! It’s gratifying to see that more and more commemorative events are springing up around the country, some of them in even quite small towns. For instance, the Invercargill Vegan Society is hosting a potluck dinner at the local library. It’s interesting to note that the Invercargill branch is the southernmost vegan group and has been very active in promoting plant-based lifestyles since 2011, and in 2012 they gave free tofu to local butchers. You can imagine how that went down!

The Dunedin Vegan Society is also putting on a potluck dinner with stalls and fundraising barbecue. Christchurch has a Vegan Expo that celebrates both World Vegan Day and World Animal Day (that was actually on October 4); Hamilton has a unique event with the Zealong Vegan High Tea at Zealong Tea Estate, Gordonton, on 1 November.

Meanwhile, up north in Whangarei there’s the annual Vegan Expo on 25 November.

Back in Auckland, Hectors at The Heritage is having its annual vegan four course, plant-based set menu on 1 November, and Peter Gordon’s The Sugar Club at Sky City is also turning vegan for the day with a three -course set lunch and a seven-course dinner.

Wise Cicada is throwing a World Vegan Day party on 5 November, with live music, vegan barbecue and sampling of vegan products. The Auckland Vegan Society has opted for a vegan picnic a month later, on 1 December, at the Auckland Domain.

And for those who fancy a bit of vegan-oriented overseas travel, there is now a plethora of vegan festivals running pretty much year-round to chase. It can be a chore finding anything that doesn’t contain meat and fish in Japan, but the Vegan Gourmet Festival brings a new sophistication to vegan events with themed festivals including one devoted exclusively to vegan cheeses. If you like it large, then LA’s Eat Drink Vegan Festival (23 and 24 March 2019) is the biggest vegan festival in the world. Also in the US is the Moby-curated vegan music festival, Circle V, which hasn’t yet confirmed its 2019 dates.

Over in the UK/Europe, highlights include the Vegan Foodie Festival, which holds both Dublin and Amsterdam events in January and May respectively, London’s Vevolution, which describes itself as “inspiring events plus multimedia content for the plant powered generation,” and the Love Vegfest, which holds various vegan events throughout the UK including the first 'vegan trade and media show' displaying all the cutting-edge products coming to market. As for our neck of the woods, in Ponsonby and Grey Lynn it’s a seven-day week, ongoing, PN plant-powered bonanza. (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

Have you got what it takes to bake the best vegan pie?

The New Zealand Supreme Vegan Pie Awards recognises and honours seven award-winning vegan pies from around New Zealand.

Judging will take place at The Butcher’s Son, Herne Bay, on 1st November 2018.

Register by 24th October at www.veganawards.org.nz

Because we all deserve freedom SAFE helping animals out Help us fight cages

38 PONSONBY NEWS+ November 2018

safe.org.nz

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

LOCAL NEWS WITHER HILLS WEST END CUP 30 November - 2 December - celebrating 10 years showcasing world-class tennis in your backyard.

The West End Lawn Tennis Club is celebrating 10 years of the Wither Hills West End Cup. And to mark a decade of delivering a great, high-level, free community events we promise it will be bigger and better than ever.

The Wither Hills West End Cup showcases world class men’s and women’s tennis in your backyard. It is a free event for the entire community with courtside seating available on the grass under the trees or enjoy prime viewing from the covered grandstand.

Our catered tables with professional wait staff are a fabulous way to entertain friends, family or clients. Local caterer Catroux will be serving a super-fresh summery three-course lunch with a couple of Wither Hills wine options included. To enquire about availability and cost email info@westendtennisclub.co.nz The Trio mobile caravan will be on site with a fresh and tasty food menu, and beverages are able to be purchased from a number of on-site outlets.

A supervised kids’ area will be set up for the under 10s, so parents can relax and enjoy the exceptional quality of tennis on offer.

The Wither Hills West End Cup begins on Friday 30 November with the semis and finals being played on Sunday 2 December.

We look forward to seeing you at the West End Lawn Tennis Club in Coxs Bay for this wonderful community event. For more information visit www.westendcup.co.nz

N OV 3 0 - D E C 2 2 0 1 8

P R O U D LY S U P P O R T E D BY

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EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY @ SABATO The festive season is upon us! With more sunlight hours filling the day and the evenings starting to warm up, our thoughts turn to Christmas, summer entertaining and dining outdoors.

In anticipation of our annual catalogue coming this November, we thought we would give you a sneak peek at one of the recipes, perfect to make on Christmas Day. Roast turkey roll with chestnut stuffing 280g L’Authentique pork and fennel sausages* 200g Naiciña pre-cooked chestnuts, chopped* 2 shallots finely chopped 1 Braeburn apple, peeled and coarsely grated 200g breadcrumbs made from stale sourdough 2 tbsp fresh sage chopped 2 small eggs, lightly beaten Salt and freshly ground black pepper 2kg Crozier’s free-range boneless rolled turkey roast* 200g sliced Pedrazzoli prosciutto* Extra virgin olive oil (EVO) Step 1.

To make the stuffing, remove the sausage meat from the skins and place into a bowl. Add the chestnuts, shallots, apple, bread -crumbs, sage, eggs and season with salt and pepper. Mix well to thoroughly combine.

Step 2.

Preheat oven to 180°C. Season boneless turkey on both sides with salt and pepper and then lay out on a work surface, skin-side down.

Spread half the stuffing over the turkey, to evenly cover.

Step 4.

Shape remaining stuffing into walnut-sized balls and arrange on a lightly oiled baking tray. Put into the oven 40 minutes before the end of the turkey’s cooking time.

Step 5.

Place turkey into a large roasting pan, drizzle with EVO. Roast for 1 hour 20 minutes or until a thin sharp knife inserted into the centre comes out hot, indicating turkey is cooked through. Remove to rest for 10 minutes. Thickly slice turkey roll and serve and serve with stuffing balls on the side.

©

Step 3.

Roll up length ways to form a long log, tucking in the stuffing as you roll. Wrap slices of prosciutto around the turkey log to secure the stuffing and help keep the turkey roll’s shape.

Recipe courtesy of Julie Le Clerc.

You can pre-order our Christmas turkey kit which includes the asterisked items in the above ingredients list plus Darlington’s cranberry sauce via the website now!

For more recipe ideas and ingredients visit us in-store or on our website www.sabato.co.nz SABATO, 57 Normanby Road, Mt Eden, T: 09 630 8751

40 PONSONBY NEWS+ November 2018

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Viticultural excellence &

Outstanding Wines

5 Fort Lane, CBD T: 09 379 9702 cassiarestaurant.co.nz

From day one I have passionately believed that quality fruit in our Gimblett Gravels vineyards in the Hawkes Bay would produce outstanding wine in our bottles.

squawkingmagpie.co.nz

SIDART, Level 1, Three Lamps Plaza, 283 Ponsonby Road T: 360 2122 www.sidart.co.nz The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

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LIZ WHEADON: WINE, GLORIOUS WINE

Anyone for a crisp, dry chardonnay this summer?

Burgundy is home of the world’s most exquisite chardonnay and expressive pinot noir, as well as gamay, the often-forgotten Burgundian variety that is behind beaujolais.

A region that is diverse and fragmented, pinot noir’s ability to translate the minute detail of the terroir in which it is grown results in thousands of small cuvees that each have a unique story to tell.

Chardonnay is the winemakers' wine, a wine that expresses site, though also takes much of its resulting style from the skill of the winemaker. Therein lies the next piece of the puzzle that is Burgundy, the incredible skill this region possesses, passed down from one generation to the next.

The region of Burgundy is situated south of Paris, sitting between Dijon and Lyon. In total, the region stretches over 360 kilometres.

The main cities in the region are: Dijon, Chalon-sur-Saône, Auxerre, Mâcon and Beaune. The latter sitting in the heart of the Côte d’Or, the doorway to the great vineyards of Burgundy. Burgundy is the narrowest and longest wine region in France, but also one of the smallest and most fragmented, and difficult to understand. With more than 1000 names and over 100 appellations, it’s easy to see why.

There are five wine-producing regions in Burgundy.

Chablis sits at the most northern tip of the Burgundy region; often not referred to as being Burgundian white, though it is part of this region. The only grape allowed to be planted here is chardonnay, because the soil is made up of chalk and decomposing oyster shells and the fact that it is very cold and could not reliably ripen pinot noir.

Seguin-Manuel is an old estate, originally founded in 1824. In 2004 it was acquired by 42-year-old Thibaut Marion, born into wine and with experience including the family winery Chanson Père & Fils. The vineyards are managed organically, with no use of chemicals and quality in mind - small yields, strict pruning and green harvest. Initially located in Savigny-lès-Beaune, new plots have been added to the domaine in the villages of Beaune and Puligny-Montrachet since 2007, and more recently in Pommard and Meursault. More than six hectares of vineyard are now grown by the domaine. The wines are impressive, the quality will only go from strength to strength and, unusually for Burgundy, they represent excellent value. Whilst most

of the focus at this domaine is on wines from the Côte d’Or, Thibaut Marion has recently released an excellent chablis, which has just landed with us in New Zealand.

Domaine Séguinot-Bordet is currently run by the 13th generation of the family business. Séguinot-Bordet have been producing wine in the commune of Maligny since the 18th Century, with records showing the family’s roots in Chablis stretching back as far as 1590. The man in charge, the brilliant Jean-François Bordet, has forged a wonderful union between the old and the new and taken his family house to another level. Jean-François has installed a brand new winery in Maligny and established a strict viticultural regime in the vineyards, with cropping levels reduced and the chardonnay harvested later.

With the exception of the Grand Cru, all the wines are cool fermented and matured on lees in stainless steel to achieve fresh, clean fruit underscored by the minerality that characterises the classic chablis style. Their signature chablis comes off the Premier Cru vineyard Fourchaume, which they part own. With demand for their product at an all-time high, Séguinot-Bordet have had to start allocating their elegantly expressive, benchmark wines.

The Laroche family has produced wine in Chablis since 1850. Yikes.

How does one not fall asleep at the wheel? They don’t though.

For five generations, the family has been dedicated to producing top quality wines from this famed appellation, where a unique mix of limestone, clay and shell, a relatively northerly climate and the chardonnay grape all combine to produce a style of wine like no other. The steely, floral bouquet, delicately crisp, refined flavours and unmistakable underlying flintiness are indelibly characteristic of their terroir. Here, chardonnay reigns supreme, and under the guidance of Michel Laroche the domaine has expanded from a mere six hectares in the 1960s to the current 130 hectares of prime chablis vineyard, in the process forging a masterful reputation for excellence. Here, once again, it’s all about terroir, with Michel Laroche summing it up succinctly: "To produce the best chablis, you need to produce the best grapes." (LIZ WHEADON) F PN

NOW

NOW

$22.99

$39.99

NOW

$24.99

NOW

$29.99

DOMAINE SEGUINOT BORDET PETIT CHABLIS 2017 $22.99 DOMAINE SEGUIN-MANUEL CHABLIS 2016 $39.99 DOMAINE SEGUINOT BORDET CHABLIS 2017 $24.99 DOMAINE LAROCHE CHABLIS 2017 $29.99

FINE WINE DELIVERED FINE SINCE 1945 | WWW.GLENGARRY.CO.NZ WINE DELIVERED SINCE 1945 | WWW.GLENGARRY.CO.NZ |

42 PONSONBY NEWS+ November 2018

|

*PRICES VALID UNTIL 02/12/2018 OR WHILE STOCKS LAST.

You’ll find the chablis from these three wonderful producers instore at Glengarry, as well as being available online www.glengarry.co.nz

P: 0800| E: 733 505 | E: SALES@GLENGARRY.CO.NZ SALES@ GLENGARRY.CO.NZ

P: 0800 733 505

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EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY A JAPANESE EXPERIENCE @ THE GYOZA BAR The Gyoza Bar on Ponsonby Road first opened its doors in March this year. The friendly and inviting atmosphere makes for the perfect place to pop in for a quick snack and a drink. Or you might prefer a casual meal or a more formal dinner - you can choose.

What does gyoza mean? Gyoza is the word for a small Japanese dumpling. They are filled with ingredients such as mince and vegetables and are cooked in various ways, boiled or steamed but are typically fried.

Japanese gyozas differ from Chinese dumplings. They are smaller with a thinner skin, which is better suited to frying on teppan griddles. This gives the dumpling a crispier and fluffier texture. You can enjoy this delicious combination of crispiness and fluffiness with various dipping sauces of your choice!

All the gyozas at The Gyoza Bar on Ponsonby Road are made using an authentic recipe.

It’s a recipe that for many years has been used in ‘Kotetsu’, a gyoza bar in Fukuoka Japan, owned and operated by the same company.

What’s on the menu at The Gyoza Bar? Gyozas of course! They cater for all tastes - pork with cabbage, seasonal vegetables and oyster sauce, Wagyu with beef and cabbage, seasonal vegetables and oyster sauce, the Gyoza Pork Platter, the Gyoza Wagyu Platter, prawn wrapped with wonton pastries, or spicy pork marinated with crunchy chilli oil.

There are tapas on the menu that make a delicious snack - sunflower seeds, edamame, pickled cabbage, lotus root chips, takoyaki - octopus ball, with mayo and katsu sauce.

The chef’s specials include: stir fried seasonal vegetable with garlic soy sauce, jumbo prawn katsu, karaage chicken bites marinated in ginger, garlic and soy sauce, chicken katsu skewers, vegetable tempura (vegan option available) and fried oysters with panko and served with a green salad. Finish the meal with green tea ice cream.

A comprehensive drinks menu offers a range of sake options, Japanese whiskies, Tiger, Asahi and other beers, cocktails, New Zealand and international wines and a selection of non-alcoholic drinks.

What people saying about Gyoza Bar: “Very good customer service, top notch food selection. Will definitely return. Overall an awesome experience and atmosphere and extremely good staff.”

“Amazing staff and genuinely the best dumplings I’ve ever had! The takoyaki was superb - and you can’t leave without tasting the cheese gyoza! Would 10/10 recommend.”

“Really nice atmosphere, warm welcome and good quality Japanese food. Worth a try.

Good selection that is vegetarian friendly and I am quite fond of Japanese whiskey.”

Present the voucher in the advertisement and get a free Wagyu beef skewer when you purchase a drink. *Voucher valid until 30 November 2018.

Open lunch (Friday - Sunday) from 12 noon, dinner (Tuesday - Sunday) from 5pm.

THE GYOZA BAR, 171C Ponsonby Road, T: 09 361 1619, www.gyozabar.co.nz

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DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

PONSONBY NEWS+ November 2018

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PHIL PARKER: WHOSE WINE IS IT ANYWAY?

Matt Connell Wines - southern superman Matt Connell was born in Taranaki and grew up in Christchurch, eventually making his way north to where working at iconic Auckland microbrewery Galbraiths inspired him to complete a post-grad degree in Oenology and Viticulture in 2001.

Winemaking took Matt to Wynns of Coonawarra Australia, Elk Covey in Oregon and finally back to New Zealand to Central Otago where he worked at Peregrine and Olssens of Bannockburn.

Prior to establishing his eponymous label, he spent seven years as winemaker and general manager of Akarua in Central Otago. During his time there he was able to re-establish Akarua as one of New Zealand’s premium pinot noir producers, winning major trophies for the label with each vintage.

And, just to hand, The New Zealand International Wine Show 2018 awarded his 2017 Rendition Central Otago Pinot Noir trophies for the Nissan New Zealand Champion Wine of Show and the Negociants New Zealand Champion Pinot Noir - at the awards ceremony held on Saturday 13 October in Auckland.

I caught up with Matt a few weeks ago and was given a sneak preview of his 2017 vintage releases, including what was to be the highly awarded Rendition Central Otago Pinot Noir. I concur with the judges!

Matt Connell Wines Lowburn Central Otago Single Vineyard Chardonnay 2017 - $38 Very subtle nose of orange blossom, pineapple and elder flower. Elegant and integrated palate of mandarin, brioche, mineral and poached pear. Creamy and soft mid palate from extended lees ageing, with subtle French oak influence.

Matt Connell Wines Bendigo Central Otago Single Vineyard Pinot Noir 2017 - $67 Spice, black berry fruits and tamarillo on the nose. Opens up on the palate with gamey savoury flavours, medium tannins, black cherry, dark chocolate and raspberry liquorice.

Very lengthy finish.

Matt Connell Wines Rendition Central Otago Single Vineyard Pinot Noir 2017 - $44 Smells like poached tamarillo, cherry and spice, with a whiff of wood smoke. On the palate, it has ripe and spicy dark fruit - with boysenberry, plum, black cherry and earthy savoury truffle. Lengthy medium tannic finish. Just gorgeous. Classic central pinot.

Availability: Glengarry has some of the 2016s but will no doubt be bringing in the 2017s.

Also mattconnellwines.com (PHIL PARKER) F PN Phil Parker is a wine writer and operates Fine Wine & Food Tours in Auckland.

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

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

Boutique tours for small and large groups.

E: Phil@finewinetours.co.nz

44 PONSONBY NEWS+ November 2018

www.finewinetours.co.nz

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

HELENE RAVLICH: LOCAL GOODNESS

WaHiki coconut ice cream As someone who has steered clear of dairy products as much as possible for most of their life (apart from good cheese because, well, good cheese!).

I have long sought out great alternatives. I don’t drink soy for medical reasons, and almond milk just doesn’t really cut the mustard, taste -wise for me. Coconut milk, however, I am a huge fan of, and the options out there for products created using this creamy goodness are always growing.

If you haven’t fallen for the charms of coconut milk yet, here are a few reasons why you should give it a whirl. Improved heart health is an associated bonus that has been proved in numerous studies, firstly because coconuts are high in magnesium, which can help to keep your stress levels low and aid in circulation.

Coconuts also have high amounts of lauric acid, which many experts believe helps to improve cholesterol and leads to a healthier heart.

Coconut milk is also thought to help lower blood pressure, which is another bonus for the heart.

Better digestion is another factor that many consumers are really attracted to, as the hydrating qualities of coconut milk keep your digestive tract running smoothly, and can help to relieve stomach upsets, irritation and constipation.

Coconut milk can also possibly help combat inflammation of the joints.

If you suffer from arthritis, or simply have lots of aches and pains, coconut milk has been proven in some studies to even contribute to pain relief.

The latest coconut-based brand that I’ve fallen for is WaHiki, an Auckland company dedicated to creating premium coconut ice cream that caters to anyone with any dietary requirement without sacrificing taste and quality.

“Right now, dietary requirements are perceived as a limitation on people’s ability to enjoy delicious or decadent foods,” say WaHiki founders Haman and Sergio, “We’re here to reverse this perception and our ethos is to offer ice cream for anyone, everywhere.”

As well as being super safe for vegans and coeliacs (they are the first and currently only New Zealand ice cream to be coeliac certified), their products actually taste fantastic, and have a real integrity to them that I can fully get behind. I love their vanilla and mango flavours, but the creation that I truly fell for from the WaHiki lineup was turmeric latte. It is apparently the world’s first commercial coconut turmeric latte flavour, and is created using actual turmeric (as opposed to chemically crafted flavouring that is rife as our demand in the West for the spice grows), black pepper (to activate turmeric’s main ingredient, curcumin) ginger, cinnamon and banana puree.

Basically, at least three out of the five main ingredients are super foods. It also only has 7.5 grams of sugar per 100 grams, which is amazing to consider when you have the dense, creamy and a flavour

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

bomb in your mouth. “Our turmeric latte has less calories than a large honeycrisp apple but you would never know that when you’re tucking into it,” says the creators, and that’s why believe it or not, it’s also wildly popular with kids.

Their matcha offering is the only vegan matcha ice cream in New Zealand, and it’s made with premium matcha powder from Japan.

“We only use natural ingredients, so it took a few trials before we got it right,” say the WaHiki team.

“We constantly went back and forth with our food technologists, to refine the flavour. You can never spend enough time on achieving the perfect taste because even the tiniest little ‘off’ element can completely throw your flavour off. We had to commit to getting it right.”

Unlike many alternative milks, the ice cream they have created has a super creamy, decadent feel. To achieve this, they apparently reduced the overrun in the churning process that is required to make ice cream. Churning is the process of adding air to create a fluffy composition to ice cream and in some dairy alternatives, they add up to or more than 100% air.

WaHiki takes longer to soften when it comes out of the freezer because it has less air in it, which means there is more actual product in their tubs than average dairy milk ice cream. When trying to justify the price of WaHiki versus some of the big brand dairy ice creams, this fact is vital.

Another factor that was a major for the WaHiki creators was not overpowering their ice cream with coconut flavour: one of my favourite tastes but a common critique of coconut-based dairy alternatives by consumers, apparently. To combat this, they changed their source of coconut milk to a more sustainable alternative (bonus!), with the supplier now working on obtaining organic certification.

This also allowed them to eliminate ingredients such as emulsifiers and forming agents, making for a healthier product all round. “Not only did we achieve a newfound level of premium quality ice cream by ‘cleaning up’ our ingredients list,” they say, “but we have also achieved a far creamier and denser product that does not produce an overpowering coconut taste.”

Lastly, their future goals? “To take over the world. We have big ambitions and no plans to slow down.

“Our goal is for Google to ask whether you meant ‘WaHiki’, when you search for the island ‘Waiheke’. Currently, it’s the other way around!”

(HELENE RAVLICH) F PN www.wahiki.co.nz

DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

PONSONBY NEWS+ November 2018

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EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY HAPPY TOGETHER At a sellout event called Burgers, Beer and Brioche in the Grey Lynn Library Hall the Grey Lynn Business Association launched the Grey Lynn Project.

Locals packed out the hall en masse to eat, drink and celebrate with beats of local musical collaborator extraordinaire Matthew Crawley while marinating on what the possibilities could be. The project launched is an approach to business and community activation that supports a platform for positive growth in business and communities alike.

Working to four key ideas: engaged communities, business success, innovation/ experimentation and heritage/urbanism the business association hopes that an inclusive and broad approach will bring many to the table to create some great things. To read in full please go to www.glba.co.nz/community-noticeboard/the-grey-lynn-project/ to read more.

Our next project is a paste up magazine where we’ll be highlighting all the great things going on in Grey Lynn that month along with history from the area. Each monthly paste up will be designed by a local artist with their take on Grey Lynn.

We want to amplify all things great in our area from back street pottery garage sales through to the musical events, organic farmers markets, community initiatives that make and celebrate who we are. This is where we need your help. Please send your events for November through to December so we can get this up on our inaugural issue to feedback@glba.co.nz. Deadline for content is 12 November.

Beyond this we will be working with areas and local activators to put on further events and work with council to get positive engagement and development in our beautiful/humble/ diverse urban enclave. The Grey Lynn Business association and the Grey Lynn project.

(JACOB FAULL) F PN www.glba.co.nz

HUNGRY & FEELING THIRSTY? We are spoilt for choice!

THERE ARE NOW 253 PLACES IN THE WESTERN BAYS, WHERE YOU CAN EAT, DRINK AND BE MERRY. They are all listed in the Ponsonby Little Black Book... ponsonbynews.co.nz/ponsonby-little-black-book

46 PONSONBY NEWS+ November 2018

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

Experience the magic of Matakana, stay at one of our luxurious new Plume Villas and enjoy the superb food and À QH ZLQH DW 3OXPH 5HVWDXUDQW &RXQWU\ OLIH VWDUWV KHUH A one-hour scenic drive north of Auckland and 5 minutes from 0DWDNDQD WRZQVKLS \RX ZLOO À QG Plume Restaurant, an oasis for gourmet travellers in a coastal country setting. Recognised for its superb cuisine, and as the cellar door for Runner Duck Estate 9LQH\DUG¡V À QH ZLQHV 3OXPH Restaurant has gained quite a reputation.

Now, 12 new luxury Plume Villas, ranging from 1-3 bedrooms, have been added within the grounds.

These all share a swimming pool and are within a relaxed stroll of the restaurant. No matter the season or the length of your stay, you will À QG 3OXPH 9LOODV D FRPIRUWDEOH place to base yourself while enjoying the many delights nearby, including the fabulous food and wine at Plume Restaurant. $OUHDG\ ERDVWLQJ D SULYDWH OLJKW À OOHG function room, Plume Restaurant has just become the perfect venue for weddings, conferences, meetings and private events set within a peaceful country location.

www.theplumecollection.co.nz

37 Sharp Road, Matakana 09 422 7915 / 09 283 3630 SCL/PLU2018/15

49A Sharp Road Matakana 09 422 7915

1335 Leigh Road, Matakana 09 423 0390

Cellar door Plume Restaurant 09 422 7915

TRAVEL BREAKS: THE NEW THERAPY!

RESORT TO LUXURY Stressful work, hectic family life and the sheer daily grind can all be forgotten on a well-earned stay at a luxury resort.

Order that cocktail by the pool, take time out at the spa or simply reconnect with nature and a slower pace of life. Here are five of our top recommendations for getting back to a better you.

Kamalaya, Thailand The island of Koh Samui offers a melting pot of cultures and tropical beach resorts. At the edge of the island, nestled around a cave that once served Buddhist monks as a place of spiritual retreat, you’ll find the wonderful Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary & Holistic Retreat. Boasting the title of Worldwide Health & Wellness Destination of the Year, they offer solutions for detox, stress, burnout and weight control, with delicious cuisine, yoga and fitness options.

Kamalaya

Soneva Fushi, The Maldives Soneva Fushi is the ultimate barefoot retreat offering luxury paired with Robinson Crusoe simplicity. The tropical paradise of The Maldives serves as the perfect base to unwind and relax on white sandy beaches, snorkel with manta rays and cruise through the waters. Hidden amongst the lush jungle of the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the resort offers a host of body treatments, specialist traditions and wellness therapies, from Tibetan hot stones to soothing scrubs.

Amanwella, Sri Lanka Sri Lanka’s sun-baked south coast is the setting of Amanwella, a paradise of swaying coconut palms, stunning Indian Ocean vistas, cultural and wildlife encounters, spa treatments and sumptuous cuisine. Go whale watching or snorkelling, explore grand temples and visit national parks in search of elephants and leopards. Contemporary suites feature floor-to-ceiling glass doors, leading to your private plunge pool, and your expansive terrace with views of the coconut grove, beach and ocean.

andBeyond Benguerra Island

andBeyond Benguerra Island, Mozambique Set on a deep lagoon surrounded by pristine coral reefs, andBeyond Benguerra Island is an exquisite slice of paradise off the coast of Mozambique. On this exclusive luxury getaway you can enjoy horse rides across the beach, snorkelling, diving, fly fishing, and take a traditional dhow cruise. Luxurious accommodation is offered in airy casinhas and cabanas, with rooms emerging out of a tropical forest, overlooking a white sandy beach.

Alto Atacama, Chile Located in Chile’s Salt Mountain Range, the Alto Atacama Desert Lodge & Spa is a tranquil haven surrounded by incredible landscapes. Get off the beaten track, interact with the local indigenous culture and explore the desert by foot or bike. Geysers, hot springs, volcano climbs, mountain biking through desert canyons, wandering Incan ruins and viewing ancient petroglyphs are just a few of their excursions, with spa options to balance out all that activity!

Alto Atacama

Sonora Resort, Canada Sonora is a jewel amid the wild beauty and pristine waters of British Columbia’s west coast.

Famed for skin and body treatments, its Island Currents Spa offers rejuvenating treatments and mineral pools. Sonora is also the perfect wilderness retreat with eco-adventure tours, grizzly bear viewing, river and helicopter fly fishing, ocean kayaking, whale watching, water sports and archery. (OLIVIA GRAVES, WORLD JOURNEYS) F PN Sonora Resort

WELLNESS SANCTUARY & SPA In the tropical beauty of Thailand’s Koh Samui, restore mind and body with your choice of wellness therapies, relaxation programs, and deliciously healthy cuisine.

Enjoy massage, meditation, yoga and more, or simply luxuriate by the pool with a good book. Bliss!

7 NIGHTS from $1,616pp + wellness programs

KAMALAYA 48 PONSONBY NEWS+ November 2018

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

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

PONSONBY NEWS READERS ARE EVERYWHERE

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

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

1. Local ladies Helen Wilcock and Connie Miller at the Bahia Palace, in MARRAKESH. We left our Ponsonby News at a cool little cafe across the road from Yves St Laurent.

Rather fitting we think!

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.

www.thesurreyhotel.co.nz

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

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

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DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

PONSONBY NEWS+ November 2018

49

ROSS THORBY: SEA FEVER

Crossing the line Naval tradition dictates that any ship crossing the equator must pay respects to King Neptune - the Lord of the Seas.

Welcome to the Crossing of the Line Ceremony - a baptism of fire that is the onboard cruise-ship equivalent of a university hazing. The line-crossing ceremony is a time-honoured event on-board ships and has been a favourite pastime of brave passengers and sadistic crew for time immemorial.

Amongst much fanfare, 'King Neptune' arrives on the pool deck to judge the pollywogs, those sailors and passengers who have not previously crossed the Equator by ship. After a very public court appearance, trumped-up charges and indiscretions are read out to an assembled crowd of qualified sailors (shellbacks). They are then judged and subjected to any number of embarrassing and humiliating punishments. There is always a long list of passengers willing to partake in the festivities - something akin to a grilling on the big red chair on a Graham Norton Show - with the added dubious pleasure of a wet, sticky dunk in the pool.

Charges against the errant passengers are usually wide and varied: wearing their life jacket during formal night or failing to wear a tie at dinner where it seems the odds are rigged well in the judges favour, for a guilty charge is always greeted by a raucous and boisterous cry of “keelhaul them” and “walk the plank” from the assembled jury.

In the 19th Century and earlier, the ceremony could be quite brutal, even sadistic with the pollywogs being beaten and sometimes thrown over the side of the ship and dragged along behind it. Some were 'keelhauled', a practice where a sailor is thrown over one side of the ship and dragged under the keel to the other. It was a death defying sport in those days with some sailors not making it out alive and others being so put off by the event that they jumped ship at the nearest port of call.

They would never do that to us - well, not without making sure that we had paid our bar bill first.

It is thought that the ceremony originated about 400 years ago, mainly as a morale booster for sailors departing on long sea voyages while rounding the headland on their way out of harbour or to break up a long monotonous voyage. Sometimes it was also an initiation rite that could prove to the other sailors whether or not you had the mettle and fortitude to last the long, lonely and brutal journey.

Famous initiates include such illuminates as Charles Darwin on the HMS Beagle who was placed on a plank and dunked in a bath after being forced to eat inedible 'goo' - he later described this in his diaries during his rounding of the Horn. Princess Elizabeth as a 21-year-old, partook in the ceremonies on her trip with her parents to South Africa in 1947, but was saved the embarrassment of a dunking, instead having a wet sponge placed on her forehead. While that may have been more dignified - doesn’t seem half as much fun.

Evolution has played some part in the ceremony over the years. Prior to WW2 in the US navy, 'black facing' was a major part of the event, but with integration and modern thinking it was quite rightly phased out. Navies around the world, until recent times, regularly held the event, but have been discouraged to do so by modern public pressure

50 PONSONBY NEWS+ November 2018

and the new 'PC' world. One infamous incident aboard an Australian submarine in 1995, documented by an Australian television company, horrified and disgusted Australian civilians so much that the practice within the Australian forces was discontinued. I won’t go into what happened, needless to say there were Australians involved.

However, it is still a popular event on any cruise-ship fortunate enough to cross the equator.

Now today after the 'trial', the hazing has evolved into a ceremony where once again the unlikeliest members of the crew take the opportunity to cross-dress and cover the pollywogs in a goo made up of such restaurant essentials as spaghetti sauce and old custard before being made to parade in front of us and kiss a rather indecently large and putrid fish before being thrown in the pool.

The surviving participants are rewarded with a certificate proclaiming their status and bragging rights for their next land-lubbered dinner party.

In the meantime, the pool on board needs an extensive clean and I’ll avoid the fish at dinner. (ROSS THORBY) F PN

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

FASHION + STYLE @ ZEBRANO Step back into the kaleidoscopic world of Stella Royal and Curate by Trelise Cooper, where dreams are filled with palm trees, polka dots and pom poms!

Embrace cute frills and flares, embellished necklines and captivating patterns all in relaxed oversize fits. Curate will keep the sun shining this summer.

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1. Curate Accidents Frill Happen from Zebrano - $249; 2. Stella Royal Two Piece Dress from Zebrano - $199; 3. Curate Romeo Must Tie Dress from Zebrano - $287; 4. Stella Royal Off The Shoulder Dress from Zebrano - $209; 5. Stella Royal Honour Top from Zebrano - $167; 6. Curate Easy Does It Morocco Top from Zebrano - $199; 7. Stella Royal Venetia Top from Zebrano - $199; 8. Curate Breathe Easy Dress from Zebrano - $287 ZEBRANO, 10 Kingdon Street, Newmarket, T: 09 523 2500, www.zebrano.co.nz

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DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

PONSONBY NEWS+ November 2018

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FASHION + STYLE @ MAGAZINE DESIGNER CLOTHING

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1. Chocolat Confetti Sprinkles Jacket; 2. Silique Grace Dress Melon and White Stripe; 3. Obi Jungle Tee; 4. Deeanne Hobbs Old Rose Overtop MAGAZINE DESIGNER CLOTHING, 4 Byron Avenue, Takapuna, T: 09 488 0406, 937 Mt Eden Road, T: 09 630 5354, www.magazineclothing.co.nz

@ WICKEN The Ivy ring set with 5 beautiful peridot stones in sterling silver, rose or yellow 9ct gold.

Ivy represents ‘binding of the soul’ in friendship and in love. It is always determined to reach through obstacles towards light and nourishment. It will protect and heal. Ivy is a respected teacher, showing us how to persevere with seemingly impossible challenges until we reach our goals together. It spirals as it grows, looking to others for support, a signal of life force, showing its true strength and spirit.

WICKEN, 125 Ponsonby Road, T: 021 0285 2635, www.wicken.co.nz

52 PONSONBY NEWS+ November 2018

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

FASHION + STYLE @ CARATS

A selection of Carats Jewellery's beautiful creations from past and present.

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

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

PONSONBY NEWS+ November 2018

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FASHION + STYLE @ DIAMONDS ON RICHMOND 1

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1. Diamond Tennis Bracelet (available in all diamond sizes, white / yellow gold) starting from $1950

7. Morganite and Diamond Ring (14ct rose gold, 0.20ct TDW) - $2900

2. Rose Gold Bracelet - $1350

8. Six Stone Diamond Ring (9ct white gold) $3900 incl gst (also available in yellow gold)

3. Pave Set Diamond Bangle - white gold - 1.50ct (total diamond weight) - $9900 4. Diamond Pendant and Chain (available in all diamond sizes, white / yellow gold) starting from $890

9. Diamond Square Cluster Ring (9ct white gold, 0.50ct TDW) - $2500 10. Morganite & Diamond Ring (14ct rose gold) - $1950

5. Diamond Pendant and Chain (9ct white gold) - $1650

11. Diamond Cluster Earrings (9ct white gold, 0.50ct TDW) - $2620

6. Diamond Circle Pendant - white gold - 0.25ct (total diamond weight) - $2145

12. Diamond Earrings - white gold - 2ct (total diamond weight) POA

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

AVAILABLE AT SHOUT HAIR...

Spring brings a lightness of spirit and energy. Good time to loosen up your hair cut or look at reinventing your hair colour. Gold and strawberry tones work well in spring.

Try Kevin Murphy's Sugared Angel conditioner for beige/gold, or Autumn Angel for an PN apricot/rose. F

54 PONSONBY NEWS+ November 2018

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

FASHION + STYLE A BRAVE NEW MOVE After more than 15 years located in the heart of Newmarket on Broadway, Brave is splitting.

The original Brave store will remain at 163 Broadway, but will also open a second store, a new boutique store imaginatively named Brave Black, located on Osborne Street, which runs parallel with Broadway.

The new, smaller boutique will concentrate on offering a wider, more in-depth selection of both Diesel from Italy and Scotch & Soda from Amsterdam, for both women and men. ”We wanted to create a smaller, more personal store, showcasing our two key brands, to provide a better understanding of the unique brands on offer,” says Martin Exon.

Brave wanted to create an environment that not only appeals to fun-loving, fashion-focused customers, but also catches the eye, and creates excitement to other retailers who already stock or may desire the collections for themselves. ”We hope that our customers, clients and stockists all find reward from Brave showcasing these fantastic brands,“ says Martin.

Diesel is currently celebrating its 40th year since its creation in 1978, it has now become an innovative international lifestyle brand, producing a wide-ranging collection of denim, clothing, shoes and accessories. Diesel is self-expression, individually full of passion. Its latest campaign ‘Hate Couture’ has attracted the likes of Nicki Minaj, Bella Thorn and Lindsay Lohan through Instagram.

Scotch & Soda is commonly best described as ‘worldly cool’ incorporating stand-out prints and patterns in each of its seasons.

The brand, including its Maison Scotch women’s collection, is well

known for its love of classic styles and prints with a designer twist and additional detailing. Key followers of the brand include Benedict Cumberbatch, Justin Timberlake, Jenifer Lopez, not to mention world renowned model Heidi Klum.

The original Brave store on Broadway, ‘Brave Red’, will continue to offer other European brands such as Garcia, Denny Rose and basics from both Diesel and Scotch & Soda. But, will also offer ‘last chance’ discounted items.

BRAVE NEWMARKET STORES will be open seven days a week, opening times and contact details can be found on www.brave.co.nz or on the Brave Instagram and Facebook pages.

brave NEW LOCATION 19b Osborne Street, Newmarket

bebraveonosborne The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

PONSONBY NEWS+ November 2018

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Ask us for our new 2019 Media Kit +

PONSONBY NEWS 2019 MEDIA KIT +

PUBLISHED FRIDAY 4 MAY 2018

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

MAY 2018

Reaching

74,000+ readers each month

EAT, DRINK & BE MERRY: LOCAL CAFES & RESTAURANTS including didini dining nining ngg oout, ut, wi ut, ut wwines, inneess,, u ct un ctio tioons ns - P39 P39 39 coffee and ffunctions

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Established: OCTOBE R 1989 – CELEBR

PUBLISH ED FRIDAY, 5 OCTOBE R 2018

ATING 29 YEARS OF PUBLISH ING

HISTORY!

OCTO BER 2018

ponsonbynews.co.nz pon pons ppo onnnssonnb oons nby by byneews ws.co. co nzz

THE MEKONG BABY DIFFERENCE: GREAT PEOPLE, GREAT TIMES - P14

ponsonbynews.co.nz

56 PONSONBY NEWS+ November 2018

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

LIVING, THINKING + BEING TRIAL TO BEGIN IN AUCKLAND FOR LOW VISION REHABILITATION SERVICES Auckland residents can access free low vision rehabilitation services, as part of a trial run in partnership by the Blind Foundation and Matthews Optometry clinic.

The clinic will run one day every month to support people who are finding it hard to read, even with their best corrective lenses.

Chief Executive of the Blind Foundation Sandra Budd explains: “We are running this trial because we can see a real need in Auckland and also across New Zealand, for more support to be made available to those people who today might just be ‘getting by’ while their low vision gets in the way of life.

“We know from our own clients, that the ability to continue reading is really important for many to retain independence in managing their own affairs, stay connected to family and friends, and for enjoyment,” says Sandra.

The trial clinics will provide people with a low vision needs assessment and offer tailored advice for the use of tools like magnification and management of glare and lighting. The aim is to make everyday activities easier such as reading documents, emails, the newspaper or recipes and telling the time.

Matthews Optometry Group Director, John Grylls, says his team are pleased to be part of the trial, because they can see a real opportunity to help people: “Clients often misunderstand that when their vision is failing them, not much more can be done. This initiative is about educating people that there can be a whole range of ways to improve how they get the most out of their remaining vision.”

The low vision clinic trial aims to help those who fall into the moderate range of the sight loss continuum, while the Blind Foundation’s services support those towards the far end of the sight loss continuum.

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“This trial is about establishing a sustainable model that meets the needs of people with low vision, validating the demand for low vision rehabilitation services, and ultimately improving the quality of life of people living with low vision,” says Sandra.

Sandra explains, “We have an aging population, which means an increasing number of people with age-related sight loss such as macular degeneration and glaucoma. There are only three public low vision clinics across New Zealand, so there is a real gap in available services today.”

The trial will run for nine months in Auckland, Wellington, Paraparaumu, Blenheim, Nelson, Motueka and Richmond.

About the Low Vision Clinic Please note appointment times are limited. Clients will be eligible for an appointment if they have visual acuity just below 6/24 or if their best corrected vision is still preventing them from reading.

Attendees of the low vision clinic will need to bring with them details from a recently completed eye exam, and will remain under the care of their usual eye health practitioner.

Low vision assessments are free of charge. Equipment, such as magnifiers may incur in a cost.

To book an appointment, please contact a participating clinic: Harrison and Matthews Optometrists, 1 Jervois Road, T: 09 376 2565 Epsom Eyecare, 252 Manukau Road, Epsom, T: 09 524 5864 Victoria Street Optometrists, 17 Victoria Street East, T: 09 379 9157

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GEORGE SHIERS: LOCAL NEWS

WE’VE GOT A BOOK Jay Laga’aia, a well-known entertainer and actor from Star Wars and Jay’s Jungle, returned to his old school in Freemans Bay to launch his new children’s book ‘We’ve Got a Boat’ this month.

Joined by illustrator and top-level sailor Donovan Bixley, as well as four current members of the America’s Cup team, the launch was an exciting and fun-filled morning for the students of Freemans Bay School.

The height of the show was a performance by Jay himself, who entertained the students with stories and songs from his book, encouraging active participation and dancing throughout.

Cartoonist Donovan Bixley began the show by drawing a boat following prompts from the students, with the final result having three hulls, two masts and an underwater dragon. This was followed by a Q+A with the America’s Cup sailors, Richard Meacham, Guy Endean, Josh Junior and Andy Maloney, who also passed around various pieces of equipment used on board such as helmets and steering wheels.

Jay describes the book as “a celebration of the amazing accomplishments of team New Zealand at the America’s Cup” and hopes his stories and songs help bring sailing to a new generation of New Zealanders.

photography: George Shiers

We’ve Got A Boat is published by Scholastic and comes with a singalong CD, and is available now.

(GEORGE SHIERS) F PN

58 PONSONBY NEWS+ November 2018

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LIVING, THINKING + BEING 1080 OBJECTIONS FLARE UP - CAN A BALANCE BE STRUCK? Back in 1993 rodents were eliminated from Tiritiri Matangi Island in the Hauraki Gulf by a helicopter drop of the poisonous brodifacoum, organised by DOC. I have not been able to find out exactly why brodifacoum was used and not 1080, but both have the effect of killing rodents.

carnage on our roads where no one is calling a halt to traffic. She says there are no alternatives that can do the same job.

The eradication was judged a success. While 90% of pukeko died, all other birds survived and subsequently thrived. The pukeko population quickly bounced back too.

Wright's study concludes, "continue using 1080, in fact increase its use. No predator that has invaded our country will leave of their own accord."

I joined as a volunteer on Tiritiri about 2000, and helped with some of the last of the native replanting. I also joined the committee for a couple of years.

DOC calls its 1080 programme a ‘Battle for our Birds’, to kill rats, stoats and possums. Monitoring shows that at-risk native species are being protected by predator control programmes.

It was a joy to see and hear birds like kokako, takahe, kakariki, saddleback, North Island robin, all thriving in the predator-free environment. Birds that live, nest or forage for food on the ground were safe again. They had been safe in New Zealand for millions of years before predators like rats, stoats, weasels, ferrets and possums were introduced.

However, many people are now calling for research efforts to seek diverse and innovative solutions so we can decommission 1080.

After all it is banned in the US and many other countries. It is also acknowledged that many dissenters are important change agents working for positive change.

The upshot of my love for the birds of Tiritiri, and the success of the predator kill, is thus an important factor in my attitude to the fiery discussion about 1080 use and drops.

It is the contention of DOC and its expert advisers that 1080 drops are essential if we want to prevent the demise of our much-loved native birds, especially kiwi, dotterel, kaka, kakariki and wrybill.

I spoke to Auckland University Professor James Russell, who said it comes down to values - the birds versus the poison. He acknowledges continuing to use 1080 poison is controversial but, like me, abhors the vicious personal campaign against pro-1080 people, including DOC workers who are only doing their job. They are receiving death threats, and threats of large 1080 drops on their homes and family.

Stoats are public enemy number one for New Zealand birds. Time -delayed night time photos have shown stoats at work killing kiwi chicks. They are said to have only two reasons for living — to eat and to reproduce. Stoats eat eggs, chicks and up to 3kg takake and 2kg kakapo.

A study by former Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment, Jan Wright, is interesting. Wright had been told there were "many good arguments on both sides."

That turned out not to be so, she says. Without active pest management only one in 20 kiwi chicks survive. While it is sad to kill just one dog, Wright says only eight have been killed, and she compares that loss to

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The group of thoughtful dissenters does not include the radical few who are calling for personal attacks on DOC workers and who advocate shooting down helicopters dropping 1080. These extremists are declaring a conspiracy by Government and are no longer, to quote one activist "keeping even one finger tip on a fact."

Kevin Hague from Greenpeace, and a former Green Party MP, says 1080 is not his preferred method, but it is effective, and is extremely important for protecting the ecology that is so precious to us.

It’s not my preferred method either. 1080 was made by Tull Chemicals of Alabama US, who bought the rights to it from none other than our arch enemy, Monsanto, producer of Roundup with glyphosate, in 1952. Tull has now ceased production, and I could not find out where New Zealand now secures its 1080. Towards the end of its production Tull was exporting 90% of its product to New Zealand, 7% to Australia and 3% to Israel.

There may be valid arguments for a temporary use of 1080 to prevent critical loss of our native birds, but alternatives to poisonous toxins must be found.

It may be that New Zealand is somewhat unique in having no mammalian predators prior to human habitation, and we just may be able to have a predator-free country by 2050 or later, but we must ensure that as part of this aspirational aim we use 21st Century technology to ensure its success. 1080, like glyphosate, must be phased out as soon as possible, but probably not before a suitable PN replacement is found. (JOHN ELLIOTT) F

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LIVING, THINKING + BEING CANNABIS IS 'MEDICINAL' You may have heard people say that “there's probably some miracle health plant in the Amazon."

Maybe there is, but there is also a miraculous health plant in New Zealand. As the boss of MedSafe Dr Stewart Jessamine told select committee in 2017, "the danger of cannabis is that it could be used to treat conditions for which there are already products on the market."

This is true. Interestingly, his department, MedSafe, is funded by levies on big pharma.

Is that why his department is obstructing public access to cannabis? Because when you look at their actions and statements, obstruction is clearly what they do. Even though MedSafe has a statutory duty to “investigate new uses,” they constantly act unethically.

They act beyond their powers, and they do so with wanton disregard for the facts, and their legal obligations to abide by their legal advisors. New Zealand's Chief Forensic scientist has fought them for years, "to defend the integrity of the criminal justice system," but bureaucrats on their own turf are hard to beat.

It's sad really, bureaucrats are protecting the private profits of foreign multinationals, and causing suffering, death and economic loss to our nation. It’s essentially treason. It reflects poorly on us all. Is every government department like this? Or is it just Health?

Dr Jessamine is right. It really could replace a lot of the existing products on the market, but big pharma is a 1.1 trillion dollar industry of well-documented corporate criminality. Harvard Medical School revealed all in 2017's "The Opioid Crisis: a broken pharmaceutical market." Eminent scientists, such as Peter C. Gøtzsche (co-founder of of the world's most prestigious scientific review organisation the Cochrane Collaboration) have called it “organised crime.” It is. Multi-billion dollar fraudulent marketing and anticompetitive practices are just a cost of business.

That's why we are being lied to and decieved, instead of hearing facts like: “safer than alcohol... a legitimate advance in therapeutic option.” (MoH 2008 ‘Cannabis Therapeutics’).

So, the question is, why does MedSafe view cannabis as a threat to big pharma, instead of an opportunity for the patients, taxpayers and citizens of New Zealand? Because their actions show them to be active opponents to this remarkable food, fibre, medicine, and pleasure. Their goal, the very gradual 'medicalising' of cannabis is the privatisation of cannabis. It becomes a specialist commodity, available only to the wealthy.

There is a reason that this health plant has been held sacred in every culture that has ever grown it. There is a reason that it has been prohibited in the corporate-dominated West. Because it is safe, cheap and effective.

But if you're over 40, you should consider protecting your brains, bones, sex drive, heart and more with industrial hemp foods. You can't get high off that. It's a shame that MoH and Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) want to make our 12 legal industrial hemp crops illegal for 'therapeutic purposes'. Who will benefit from that? You? Me? Or pharma?

Here's the thing, it works because human health is regulated by cannabis molecules[1] we make inside our bodies - that’s why cannabis is ‘medicinal’. But it is most medicinal as a simple plant, not as a drug. It is a dietary supplement, but Ministry of Health (MoH) doesn’t want you to know that.

It seems they simply want to keep us away from the healthiest cannabinoid, CBD. It's time we held them accountable. (TADHG STOPFORD) F PN Join us at www.thehempfoundation.org.nz, and lets do it together.

WILD + WHIMSICAL 461 Mt Eden Road, M: 021 258 0658, E: dale.flowerstation@gmail.com www.flowerstation.co.nz Follow us on

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HOROSCOPES: MISS PEARL NECLIS WHAT YOUR STARS HOLD FOR NOVEMBER

♏ Scorpio (the Scorpion): 24 October - 22 November

You are in for a very romantic month and you will be feeling exceptionally glamorous.

You are likely to receive a number of compliments from unexpected sources - and this is just the build-up to an exciting month of possibilities with a special someone in your life.

♐ Sagittarius (the Archer): 23 November - 22 December

♉ Taurus (the Bull): 21 April - 21 May

The significance of something important that’s been niggling you shows itself, and might complicate your love life this month. Because of a couple of influences from someone who should know better, you are likely to feel things even more deeply than normal.

♊

A peaceful, quiet month is in the stars for you, but that doesn’t mean it will be boring!

If you have been feeling a little stressed about your personal life recently you should put those worries out of your mind and resolve to enjoy whatever may come your way, because someone should bring you some interesting news!

Gemini (the Twins): 22 May - 21 June I hate to say it again but romance is back on the menu this month, whether you have a partner or not. A new start could be just the ticket for you to take control again, although you might find that you’re not as good at making decisions as you used to be.

Make sure you have someone you trust on hand.

♑ Capricorn (the Goat): 23 December - 20 January

♋ Cancer (the Crab): 22 June - 22 July

♒ Aquarius (the Water Carrier): 21 January - 19 February

Leo (the Lion): 23 July - 21 August This could be a great month for you as all indications are that some luck is coming your way. Also, it’s likely that everything will fall in to place for a while - the trick is to keep things in place all of the time.

Romance might be a little confusing this month, you might be getting mixed vibes - then again you might be giving out the wrong signals. However, there is a positive influence around you, which might suggest that you’re overcoming shyness and are expanding your social network, keep at it please.

Prepare yourself for a couple of challenging moments this month. The challenges are likely to come in the form of a friend who really does have your best interests at heart, but who is going to be rather clueless in voicing their concerns. You’ll need to peer a little deeper under the surface on this one.

♓ Pisces (the Fish): 20 February - 20 March

There could be a day this month where you need to take a step back in order to give someone some air, you might be smothering them. Your natural inclination will be to offer plenty of comfort to a friend going through a challenging time, but you know that the best help you can give is to let them come to their own conclusions.

♈ Aries (the Ram): 21 March - 20 April

An appearance from someone unexpected may have you behaving in an uncertain way.

If you’re feeling like you have seen and done it all, and are bored with everything, then why not make a change to your image, it might help to refocus your mind.

You are still in a buoyant mood as you feel refreshed and invigorated. And with summer just around the corner, you can afford to be positive all the time.

♌

♍ Virgo (the Virgin): 22 August - 23 September

If last month felt a little bit extreme in terms of emotional issues then this month will be the complete opposite. You will be able to experience guilt-free pleasures that you have wanted to do for a while, do them now before it’s too late. As well as all this, you might have unexpectedly encouraged an admirer.

♎ Libra (the Scales): 24 September - 23 October

You should receive another boost to your confidence this month, which is needed. Be careful about agreeing to too many engagements as you usually over-commit and end up disappointed. Try and be aware of what you're good at and improve on that, that’s where your strength is best served.

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LOCAL NEWS AUCKLAND GIRLS' GRAMMAR SCHOOL STUDENTS HONOURED AT GRAEME DINGLE FOUNDATION EXCELLENCE AWARDS 2018 Two inspiring students from Auckland Girls' Grammar School have been recognised for their outstanding courage at the Graeme Dingle Foundation 2018 Excellence Awards, held at AUT’s Sir Paul Reeves building last night.

Year 10 Auckland Girls' Grammar students, 15-year-olds Enya Perese and Marara Havea were awarded Project K Excellence Awards for showing an outstanding commitment to the Project K programme, and for overcoming challenges faced along the way.

The foundation’s namesake, mountaineer and outdoor education pioneer, co-founder Sir Graeme Dingle, says the awards perfectly showcase what the foundation lives and breathes - transforming young lives forever.

Enya and Marara’s mentor, Sarah Blundell, says both girls showed tremendous growth and achievement during the programme.

“The ethos of our foundation is that we want all young New Zealanders to have a life full of possibilities so they can achieve their dreams and make the most of their unique talents. We want to help them build foundations for success.

“Starting from day one of the wilderness adventure as shy and uncertain girls, they have come leaps and bounds. Throughout the programme, they set and achieved relevant goals, and resolved challenges through clear communication and strong work ethic.

Their ability to push forward with life’s challenges will put them in a good stead for a bright future.”

Project K is a 14-month mentoring programme designed for Year 10 students and involves three core components - wilderness adventure, community challenge and mentoring. It aims to arm young people with a powerful belief in their own ability to complete tasks, achieve goals, and find purpose and direction in their lives.

The evening was an opportunity to celebrate more than 27,000 students, their mentors, leaders and volunteers across the country who have been involved in the foundation’s various youth development programmes including Kiwi Can, Stars, Career Navigator, Project K and MYND over the previous 12 months.

It celebrated the incredible achievements of these amazing young people, many who have bounced back from hardship and conquered immense challenges to chart a positive course through life.

“The awards provide an amazing opportunity to celebrate this country’s future - our children and young people. The awards provide a valuable platform for them to recognise their own strengths and muster, from within, the conviction to overcome challenges, both big and small. It is also a wonderful reminder of the incredible work that our mentors and volunteers deliver, day in and day out, for children and young people throughout the country.

“Each year, these kids blow me away with their courage, determination and resilience. It gives me a tremendous sense of joy to be able to recognise and acknowledge each and every one of our winners, who we are all so exceptionally proud of,” concludes Sir Graeme.

The annual Excellence Awards began life as the Project K Outstanding Student Award. They were first hosted by Governor-General Dame Sylvia Cartwright almost 20 years ago. The awards provide an opportunity to honour and celebrate outstanding young New Zealanders across all of the foundation's programmes throughout PN New Zealand. F www.aggs.school.nz

Enya & Marara

62 PONSONBY NEWS+ November 2018

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

JOHN APPLETON: ON HEALTH

Back pain? Try this I wonder how many New Zealanders over 40, and even those who are a lot younger, have never suffered with lower back pain?

Very few I imagine. It can be really debilitating and who wouldn’t be keen to find a way to get some relief without having to resort to painkillers and bed rest.

thus allowing key muscle groups including the psoas, iliacus and piriformis to be gently stretched as the hips provide gentle gravity induced downward stretching pressure.

Some years ago, I came across a unique little device known as Sacro Wedgy that can be very helpful when it comes relieving the aches and pains often associated with modern lifestyles. Poor posture when standing, sitting for hours in front of a computer and then slouching in a chair in front of the television at night are significant contributors to the problem.

The piriformis is not a large muscle, but it can contribute a lot more to our misery than other much larger muscles. When the piriformis is playing up, the sciatic nerve can be affected, resulting in strong aching pain down the back of the legs. The sciatic nerve is formed by the spinal nerves of vertebrae L-4 through S-3, and it’s the longest nerve in the human body. It runs from the lower back down the leg. Sciatica is an extremely painful condition and normally there is not a lot one can do about it without resorting to heavy duty painkillers.

It seems that over time our muscles retain a memory of the way we walk, sit and lie down and this can cause our muscles to spasm as the body attempts to compensate for the unnatural situations it is put in. Sacro Wedgy was invented by an American man (now 93 years old) to provide a simple way to encourage the muscles to relax thus relieving the tension that can lead to pain and discomfort.

Sacro Wedgy is so named because it forms a wedge when place directly underneath the sacrum. The sacrum is a large and very strong wedge-shaped vertebra at the end of the spine. It forms the solid base of the spinal column where it intersects with the hip bones to form the pelvis. It has a significant role in supporting the weight of the upper body as it is spread across the pelvis and into the legs.

Osteopaths and other practitioners have often placed their fist underneath the sacrum of a patient to elevate it and allow the muscles to relax. Sacro Wedgy is designed to replicate this procedure so that anyone can benefit from it at home on a regular basis.

When the Sacro Wedgy is placed under the sacrum it provides elevation of the sacrum

Simply by lying on a Sacro Wedgy for 20 minutes and allowing the piriformis to relax, pressure on the sciatic nerve may be relieved.

Sacro Wedgy is not a quick fix but I was surprised at how much relief I obtained after just a couple of sessions. Based on my own experience and that of many people who have written testimonials on the Sacro Wedgy website, as I see it, such a simple and inexpensive device that can be used at home is certainly worth a try.

There are two Sacro Wedgys, a blue one for men and a pink one for women. The Sacro Wedgy for women is somewhat wider. I was so impressed with what I have achieved I decided to import some from the US and they are on my website.

(JOHN APPLETON) F PN There is a lot of additional information on the Sacro Wedgy site in the US. www.sacrowedgy.com

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

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MEET THE TEACHER MAREE FLANNERY TRULY LIVES A PONSONBY LIFE She lives in central Ponsonby, socialises and eats on 'the strip' and she teaches at Ponsonby’s hidden gem, Auckland Girls’ Grammar School.

Now her passion is to spread the word to local parents.

“I really believe that a lot of people in this local area - and actually over the wider Auckland area - don’t really realise the potential of Auckland Girls’,” says Flannery, who is Deputy Principal at the school.

“It’s such a thriving and vibrant community. There’s just something really special about Auckland Girls’ - and the students talk about the ‘sisterhood’. They really do look out for each other and are super proud of each other’s achievements.”

Locals will see AGGS students roll out in their new uniform in 2019 - which comes after a couple of years of hefty evolution for Auckland Girls’ Grammar.

Explains Flannery: “This is my eighth year at Auckland Girls’ and at the start of last year Ngaire Ashmore came in as principal, and straight away the focus was on raising student achievement.

“Ngaire believed our girls had the ability to be achieving a lot higher than they were and teachers believed that - and the students loved hearing that we believed in them.

So when it came to this year and we opened the email with the results for 2017 it was absolutely brilliant. Everyone went ‘wow’ and the students clapped and cheered when we talked about it in assembly. They were just so proud of each other. And it’s just kept getting better as the year has gone on.”

The numbers Flannery speaks of are impressive. AGGS’ level one pass rates went from 78% to 90, level two from 84 to 94% and level three rocketed from 68 to 80%. But the opportunity for achievement isn’t just academic.

Flannery, who’s a former Black Sticks Hockey International, says there are chances for their students right across the board.

“As a former Black Stick, I think that there are opportunities in all parts of the school for all young women,” she says. “Whether that’s in sport or the arts or academically and - actually - to be a top athlete it’s not just about the sport, it’s the whole holistic picture.

I think that’s really crucial so we have support systems in place for our top athletes who are competing at national or regional level.”

AGGS is the fifth school Flannery has worked at - and the third where she has been deputy principal. But none of the previous have compared to her experience at her 'local'.

“I just absolutely love the vibrancy of Auckland Girls’. I love that I can drive to school in a couple of minutes, and walk and be there in less than 15 minutes. So for me, it’s a little oasis in Ponsonby and I think girls who go there absolutely get the best education ... I think one of the best educations in Auckland.”

NERIDA PHILLIPS WESTMERE SCHOOL Nerida Phillips has taught at Westmere School - Te Rehu for 14 years.

What was your job before teaching?

Before I became a teacher, I ran recreation centres and taught gymnastics, swimming, trampoline and ran after-school and holiday programmes, and before that I was a circus performer specialising in flying trapeze. So I guess I have always taught children, but not always in a formal capacity.

What are your favourite parts of the job?

I love teaching, I think I have the best job in the world. Every day is different. I love to find solutions to the challenges that we face in teaching. Working together with other teachers to come up with exciting ways to teach and for the children to learn is invigorating. I love changing the curriculum to make it easier for all learners to access, even those who struggle. My bottom line is every student should feel successful in some aspect of their learning.

14 years is a long time in one job - how have you managed that?

One of the reasons that I have been able to stay at Westmere School so long is that it has gone through at least three major changes in that time. The first major change was going through an Assessment for Learning Contract that completely changed the way we taught. Next, we went through the redevelopment of our school where 90% was rebuilt as Flexible Learning Spaces.

Accompanying the rebuild was the transition to Innovative Learning Environment (ILE) pedagogy. To prepare ourselves for working in an ILE, we started teaching in collaborative teaching teams before the rebuild was complete.

Some parents are a bit apprehensive about ILEs - how different is learning in an ILE? I think some of the apprehension stems from some past experiences of open plan teaching in the 70s. But ILEs now are purpose-built for team collaborative teaching and learning, with withdrawal spaces and acoustics that are conducive to teaching larger groups of children. As a parent myself, I was absolutely aware of the concerns that parents had. In practice, ILE gives learners more people looking out for them and they have many more people to connect with.

You have recently been appointed as an Across School Teacher for our local Community of Learning - what do you like about your new job?

- Ako o Waitemata- has given me insight into the different schools Being part of the Kahui and students within our local cluster of Western Bays schools. I have learned so much about the differences between schools as well as our similarities.

Working with different teachers has been a highlight for me. The new position is all about collaboration across schools to improve the learning of the students, and an important part of this is building networks between teachers, students, management and boards of trustees across the complete pathway of schools from primary to secondary.

What do you love to do when you aren’t teaching?

I love to hang out with my own children and friends. I have a very busy and social Pt Chev household, so staying at home and being part of the comings and goings of the house is almost a second job. I bought an electric bike at the beginning of the year and absolutely love riding my bike past the Auckland traffic to work and exploring the different ways to get around by bike. Riding my bike just makes me very happy especially with petrol prices increasing.

64 PONSONBY NEWS+ November 2018

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

BILLY HARRIS: KIDS IN THE COMMUNITY

24 x 7 is an equation that doesn’t work for Oscar Hoare Only 24 hours in a day. Just seven days in a week. Whoever came up with that ridiculous timetable clearly wasn’t thinking of Oscar Hoare.

How is he supposed to fit his swimming, football, rugby, league, surfing, bodyboarding, fishing, music, maths, kapa haka, reading and saving the planet into such a short week?

Oscar is passionate about so many things, it’s hard to know where to begin.

He’s a hotshot at football, being in the Western Springs development squad, where he plays in the key central attacking midfield role. His favourite player is the French teenager Kylian Mbappe, who wowed the world with his speed and skills this year as his country won the World Cup. If Oscar chooses to pursue football for a career, he might one day face a difficult choice. Born in London, with a Kiwi father and a Venezuelan mother, he’s eligible to play for three countries.

Could the national selectors of New Zealand, England and Venezuela form an orderly queue please! (just joking - the All Whites would win hands down.)

However, Oscar’s favourite sport is swimming. He’s broken many records and won first place in numerous events, both individual and relay. Representing Ponsonby at inter-school, Oscar was first place in his favourite event, backstroke, and second in everything else. While for some, getting up while it’s still dark outside to go swimming before school is a serious challenge, Oscar’s up like a jack in the box for his twice weekly early morning training. Indeed, he’d go every day if it weren’t for Mum’s need for an occasional morning off!

If he ever gets even more serious about swimming, it’s safe to say he’ll be nearly as fast as the fish he loves to catch. When the family visit their bach in the Marlborough Sounds, Oscar can usually be found on his kayak fishing for cod, schnapper and tarakihi. Out on the water is where he’s happiest, and one of Oscar’s best memories is of a day at the Mokohunau Islands, when he suddenly felt the jerk of a 22kg kingfish on his line. In the battle between man and beast, it was Oscar who prevailed after a 15-minute struggle. By 11am, he’d landed five kingfish, and soon after he was lying down in the front of the boat recovering from adrenaline overload!

But Oscar is far more than just a sports nut, and has an impressive range of talents. He’s grown up speaking to his mother only in Spanish, the native tongue of Venezuela, so he’s fluent in that language. He enjoys mathematics, solving Rubik’s cubes and playing chess. In an ICAS maths test, he scored in the top 99% in New Zealand and the Pacific.

He also has good leadership skills. His charisma and caring nature often see him appointed captain of his sports teams, including

cricket, softball, rugby league and rugby union. Last month, the school recognised Oscar’s qualities by awarding him the Max Seddon Cup for 2018, an accolade voted for by both teachers and students, which goes to the most caring and kind student in Year 6.

Music? Check. Oscar sang in the school choir at the Auckland Primary Principal's Association (APPA) Music Festival, a celebration of music in which more than 4500 kids from throughout Auckland participate, featuring a variety of choral, instrumental, dance and cultural items.

And what does Oscar do to get away from it all? These last school holidays, as he often does, he worked at his grandparents’ Riverbrook Vineyard in Marlborough to earn extra pocket money. His job is to thin the shoots of the new chardonnay vines, which involves walking down the rows of grapes picking off excess shoots and buds from the vines to create a well balanced canopy. This promotes good light and air circulation, and helps prevent potential disease, all crucial to ensuring a good harvest come March/April.

It’s an important job, but from what we’ve learned of Oscar Hoare, it’s one his grandparents can feel completely confident he’ll do well.

(BILLY HARRIS) F PN

Clothing Alterations

Alter Ego Roong T: 09 376 8689

M: 021 032 9128

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

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PONSONBY NEWS+ November 2018

65

PONSONBY PEOPLE + THEIR PETS

FROM A CHAINED START TO LIFE, TO A SECOND CHANCE AT HAPPINESS: JACK’S STORY Every year, thousands of animals come to the SPCA in need of a helping hand to give them the kind, loving environment they so desperately deserve.

Jack was one of those animals. Chained to a small tree on his owner’s property with no shelter, food or water, Jack lived a confined and miserable life that was defined by the heavy chain around his neck.

All day, every day, Jack was burdened by this heavy chain, left out of sight and out of mind in an endless cycle of hopelessness. At times he would be so thirsty he would whimper in despair.

Sometimes it would be so hot during the day, he would try squeeze himself into the inches of shade the small tree he was chained to provided.

One night the weather was so bad, he ran around in circles desperately trying to get free and find someone who could help him.

He soon got stuck in his chain and couldn’t run anymore.

Living a deprived and lonely life, all he wanted was a brief glimpse of love and affection.

Adopted by his new mum, Andrea Midgen, the CEO of the SPCA, he loves to go for long walks and splash in the lake near his home.

Running along the beach, he often tries to give her a cuddle with muddy wet paws.

Despite his traumatic past, Jack is affectionate, loyal and adorably goofy. He is still learning how to be a good dog and is still getting used to wearing a lead after he was naughty and chewed through a couple of them!

Jack is never alone now. He goes to work every day with Andrea and sits next to his canine friend Luna in the office. He’s even been on television!

Now Jack is practising for Walk Your Dog To The Moon - the SPCA’s new event where people and their canine friends walk the distance to the moon to raise money for animals in need.

Jack was soon found by one of the SPCA’s inspectors.

As SPCA’s furbassador, Jack wants to ensure that animals aren’t neglected like he was.

Broken free from the chain that defined him, Jack was brought back to the SPCA and given a yummy meal and a soft blanket. This was the beginning of his recovery.

He is a resilient fighter and rescue dogs like Jack are so deserving of a wonderful life. You can help rescue animals like Jack by joining the PN SPCA on our journey to the moon. F

Since then Jack is now living the life he used to dream of - one with a loving family and filled with happiness.

You can sign up at: www.walktothemoon.co.nz

66 PONSONBY NEWS+ November 2018

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

PONSONBY PEOPLE + THEIR PETS

@ SPCA – PLEASE CAN I COME HOME WITH YOU?

SPCA WALK YOUR DOG TO THE MOON - GET INVOLVED

Many animals just like Yuki, Chibi, Licorice, Choccy, Koala and Jasmyn are waiting for a forever home.

Calling all animal lovers. Will you walk your way to a better future for animals this November? Grab your furry friend and join us by walking the distance to the moon.

Adopt an SPCA animal today and in return you will be rewarded with a lifetime of unconditional love. www.spcaauckland.org.nz/adopt

Walk your Dog to the Moon is SPCA’s exciting new event to gather animal lovers across New Zealand to walk the distance to the moon and raise money for animals in need! Throughout November, grab your human and furry friends, your pedometer and join the fun. Get outside, get healthy and walk your way to a better future for animals. It’s that simple.

How it works: 1. Create your profile and submit your registration fee at www.spca.nz/walktothemoon 2. Collect pledges from friends and family to sponsor you.

3. Take your dog for a walk! Or even if you don’t have a dog, you can get out and get walking and tracking your kilometres.

4. Add your kilometres to the national total.

Yuki and Chibi

Join us in the first weekend of November for a Walk Your Dog to the Moon launch event.

Here you can collect your very own doggy pedometer. A group-walk with your dog is the perfect opportunity to get inspired and meet your fellow moonwalkers. There will be extra surprises on the day, making it the perfect way to kick-start your kilometres. These events are exclusively for moonwalkers and you must have your wristband from your welcome pack to participate. Download resources from the resource page to help you plan your own walk. To get your doggy welcome pack, and your dog’s own pedometer, email fundraise4spca@spca.nz Ponsonby launch event - Sunday 4 November, Start time - 10am registrations, 10:45am walk time, Location - Western Park, Ponsonby; entrance at 9 Ponsonby Road Course distance - 3.1km; Ease of course - Very easy; course is on a main road with several traffic light road crossings and includes crossing Ponsonby Road twice. Volunteer marshals will assist with safe crossing.

Licorice and Choccy

Together we’re walking the distance to the moon to raise money for animals in need.

Sign up and add your kilometres to the nationwide total.

Create your profile now at walktothemoon.co.nz Proudly supported by

Koala

Jasmyn

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PONSONBY NEWS+ November 2018

67

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

report card 2 0 1 7

report card 2 0 1 7

name: B r i t n e y K e r r

name: O s c a r H a i n

breed: C h i h u a h u a

breed: W a i m a r a n e r

age:

8 years

age:

class: l Colehill Cottage

SOCI A L

5 years

PL AY F U L

class: l Woodbury Park

Overall Behaviour

C A R EFR EE

Overall Behaviour

best achievement

Working the room and staff to her best advantage.

best achievement

Working hard on his excitement levels in reception.

needs some work

Following instruction from her teacher when asked to head outside

needs some work

Showing patience with his more boisterous classmates.

with the rest of the group.

core subjects

physical education

social studies

core subjects

physical education

social studies

manners

A

ball & tug

A-

gregarious / outgoing

B+

manners

A

ball & tug

A+

gregarious / outgoing

A-

attentiveness

B+

chase & wrestle

B+

amiable / charming

A+

attentiveness

A+

chase & wrestle

A-

amiable / charming

A+

attitude

A+

interactive games

A+

reliable / thoughtful

A

attitude

A+

interactive games

A-

reliable / thoughtful

A+

best friends

best known f for or

best friends

best known f for or

Daisy Walker,Darcy Smale,Gizmo

Loves her grass time, for ball

Booker Blair,Darcy Findlik,Lexie

Always having a huge smile on

Taia,Molly Skinner,Poppie Steele,Hap Cocker,Georgie Campbell,Pipi Broom,Chi

games and her other business””

Wilkins,Zoe Wilkins,Coco-Bella Beca,Lenny Cocker,Archie Webber

overall comments

Patterson,Maddie Norris,Murphy Matthews,Skater Whelan,Jess

his face.

Roberts,Storm Taylor,Fira Ward,Maddy Duff Dobson,Siyah Macpherson,Zara Billett

overall comments

Britney is one of our long standing students, who knows the

A real staff favourite, Oscar knows how to charm us all with his infectious personality and cheeky grin.

ropes”. She has a tight knit group of friends

Oscar is working hard on his patience with his more boisterous classmates.

Bursting with spirit and enthusiasm, Oscar is the pawfect student.

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

68 PONSONBY NEWS+ November 2018

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

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

PONSONBY PEOPLE + THEIR PETS

report card 2 0 1 7

report card 2 0 1 7

name: N o r r i s A l e x a n d e r

name: O l i v e r L e e

breed: W i r e H a i r e d F o x T e r r i e r

breed: F r e n c h B u l l d o g

age:

6 years

age:

Overall Behaviour

Overall Behaviour

best achievement

Being top of the class when it comes to cuddles.

best achievement

needs some work

Becoming more social and making new friends.

needs some work

core subjects

1 year

class: l Colehill Cottage

class: l Colehill Cottage

physical education

Settling into daycare and building his confidence with his classmates and teachers.

Is still learning that shouting at their classmates is not the best way to win friends.

social studies

core subjects

physical education

social studies

manners

A+

ball & tug

B+

gregarious / outgoing

B

manners

B

ball & tug

A+

gregarious / outgoing

B

attentiveness

A+

chase & wrestle

A

amiable / charming

A+

attentiveness

A-

chase & wrestle

B

amiable / charming

B+

attitude

A+

interactive games

B

reliable / thoughtful

A+

attitude

B

interactive games

B-

reliable / thoughtful

B

best friends

best known f for or

best friends

best known f for or

Eddie Tait,Lachie Empson,Ninja Mouse

That delicious face!

Aunty Taylor,Aunty Kate,Lhamu

His love for balls!!

Brown,Tilly Poppy Garimella,Belle Toan,Blue Whitefoot,Coco Davies,Leo Moors,Russell Bothamley,Bruno Hakaraia,Bud Mudgway,Twila

Martin,Hugo Herring,Marvin Jenkins,China Jakicevich

Fong,Snickers Clark,Tess Alison

overall comments

overall comments

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

We are proud of how Oliver has settled into day care. He’s love

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

for balls mean hes always up for a game for chuck it and is the

how it’s done. While he loves a cuddle or silly game with the

fastest out of his friends, however he will share his balls if his

teachers, he is encouraged to build confidence even further by

classmates beat him. We look forward to watching him grow in

joining in on group games and activities. With the best manners

daycare

and the most lovable loyalty, he is the pawfect student.

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

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DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

PONSONBY NEWS+ November 2018

69

PONSONBY PROFESSIONALS: METROLAW Got a legal question? Ask michael@metrolaw.co.nz

Q: A:

I am selling my property in Australia and my lawyer over there has emailed me all the transfer documents for signing. My lawyer said they need to be notarised in New Zealand. What does this mean? Who is a Notary Public? Are they free? - Hazel

Hi Hazel, different types of documents have different witnessing or certification requirements. For example, relationship property agreements require a certificate of advice from a solicitor. Having a document notarised and witnessed by a notary is one of the highest standards of certifying. It is particularly important for documents to be used in other jurisdictions as it is internationally recognised in other countries.

Don’t try and fudge it. A client of mine once returned a document from Australia which was witnessed by a “Notary Pubic”. I guessed immediately that he had just asked someone down the pub and we had to resend documents to him with further costs and delays.

A Notary Public (sometimes called a notary or a public notary) in New Zealand is a lawyer authorised by the Archbishop of Canterbury in England to officially witness signatures on legal documents, collect sworn statements, administer oaths and certify the authenticity of legal documents for use overseas.

In New Zealand a Notary Public must have at least 10 years’ experience as a lawyer and at least five years as a principal or partner of a law firm. They must also be of impeccable character and be someone who is well respected in the community in which they intend on providing notarial services. The selection process is rigorous. Every applicant must provide references and signed recommendations by at least 25 professionals with a good standing in the business community.

Notaries' services usually incur a fee. The fee can vary between notaries but usually is a minimum of $120 and can range depending on the complexity and nature of the documents that you require to be notarised. Remember to make an appointment and ask for a quote when engaging a notary.

Metro Law now has a Notary Public, Farah Khan Llb, MANZCN who can provide notarial services by appointment. (MICHAEL HEMPHILL) F PN

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

70 PONSONBY NEWS+ November 2018

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

PONSONBY PONSONBYPROFESSIONALS: PROFESSIONALS: LOGAN LOGANGRANGER GRANGER

Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Act (AML/CFT Act) If you’ve seen the film The Wolf of Wall Street, you’ll be familiar with the concept of money laundering. Simply to say, money laundering is a crime. It is the process criminals use to ‘clean’ the money they make from crimes such as fraud, dealing in illegal drugs and trafficking.

By making the money look like it comes from a legitimate source, they can cover their tracks and avoid detection. Criminal organisations and people who finance terrorism target businesses and countries they believe have weak systems and controls that they can exploit.

Money laundering is happening every day across the country. It’s estimated that over $1 billion a year comes from drug dealing and fraud, and can be laundered through New Zealand businesses. However, the true cost and impact is many times that figure when you factor in all the crimes that generate 'dirty' money and the suffering they cause.

Making it harder for criminals to launder money provides a significant disincentive to carrying out the criminal activity in the first place.

New Zealand has had Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing Terrorism laws operating since 2013. These laws applied to banks, casinos, financial institutions and some trust and company service providers.

The scope of this law has been extended to capture the following sectors:

The above professions are required to put systems and processes in place to prevent criminals from trying to exploit them, and ensure they can identify their customers, know their addresses and, in some cases, know the sources of their customers’ funds.

Additionally, all businesses and service providers covered under the AML/CFT Act (including those from the first phase) will now have reporting requirements that relate to particular transactions as well as suspicious activities.

Customers and users of these services don’t need to do anything. Simply be aware that some extra information will be requested from you as part of providing the service to you. Even if you have been a customer of these businesses for a long time, they may need to ask you to help confirm that you are who you say you are and, in some cases, specific questions will be asked to verify the source of funds.

The information you are asked to provide will vary depending on whether you are doing business as an individual or part of a partnership, company, public body, estate or trust.

Businesses are not doing this because they think you are laundering money - they are doing it to help protect everyone and because they are required to under the law.

• Lawyers, conveyancers, and trust and company service providers (from 1 July 2018) • Accountants and providers of accounting services (from 1 October 2018) • Real estate agents (from 1 January 2019) • Dealers in high value goods and the New Zealand Racing Board (from 1 August 2019)

If you require more information please contact the Johnston Associates.

(LOGAN GRANGER) F PN Disclaimer - While all care has been take, Johnston Associates Chartered Accountants Ltd and its staff accept no liability for the content of this article; always see your professional advisor before taking any action that you are unsure about.

JOHNSTON ASSOCIATES, 202 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 361 6701, www.jacal.co.nz

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PONSONBY PROFESSIONALS OVERSEAS HOLIDAY, TRAVEL INSURANCE AND VACCINATIONS Citizens Advice Bureaux is an independent community organisation offering a free, confidential and independent service of information, assistance and referral from 90 locations stretching from Northland to Invercargill.

Last year, volunteers received over 500,000 enquiries on issues ranging from electricity, immigration, housing and employment to consumer rights, health and family.

When we plan an overseas holiday, travel insurance and vaccinations are probably at the bottom of the checklist. It’s much more fun to research and plan the accommodation, exotic food options and the ‘must dos’ while we are away.

The issue of what must be disclosed to insurance companies has been under the media spotlight recently with the very sad case of the New Zealand woman who passed away recently in a Bali hospital.

Media reports stated at the time the woman was sick in the hospital, that her travel insurance company had declined a claim for medical costs and for bringing her home, stating that she had not disclosed a pre-existing condition at the time of purchasing the policy.

“We all know that travel insurance is important. It can minimise the considerable financial risks of travelling. But people need to do their research by looking at a few options and by reading the terms and conditions before purchasing the policy that suits their needs,” Margaret Antunovich, Branch Manager, Citizens Advice Bureau Auckland City, Grey Lynn/Ponsonby branch says.

Typically travel insurance is made up of several different elements: • cover for medical costs;

• the cost of a flight home if you have to return home quickly due to an emergency; • reimbursement for non-refundable travel and accommodation costs if you have to cancel the trip or return home early; • cover for the cost of replacing stolen or lost luggage; and • cover in case you injure someone (especially in countries where there is no equivalent to our Accident Compensation Scheme) or damage their property.

If someone has a pre-existing medical condition, it is even more important to check the policy carefully beforehand. Even the definition of what a pre-existing condition is, varies from policy to policy. The insurer asks for this information so it can assess the risk you present and decide whether to offer you cover for those pre -existing conditions.

It is essential to give the insurer accurate information about any risks that may make you more likely to claim on your insurance policy.

If you do not do so and later make a claim, the claim is likely to be declined.

Some policies may automatically cover certain pre-existing conditions.

Some may specifically exclude some pre-existing conditions. Others may include cover for some pre-existing conditions but charge you a higher premium.

Sometimes insurers collect the information in the form of a questionnaire asking you about your medical history. Or they may ask for access to your medical history or a full medical examination by a doctor of their choice.

Your FIRST

CALL for a wide range of free,

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

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

Citizens Advice Bureau

Also, if you develop a condition after you apply for cover but before departure, you generally need to tell the insurance company about that too. Further, if your policy covers you for repatriation or cancellation of travel in case of emergency, you may have to disclose information about any family illnesses which could increase the risk that you’ll have to cancel your trip or return home prematurely. For example, if a close family member passes away and was ill before you left, that may be a matter that should have been disclosed or the claim may not be covered.

Margaret urges everyone to read the fine print and make sure the policy they choose suits all their needs and to be open about their situation. This avoids any misunderstandings before you head off to enjoy the sights, the food and the culture.

“If you have a problem with your travel insurance policy or insurer and you haven’t been able to sort it out by talking to them, come and see us at the Grey Lynn/Ponsonby CAB situated in the Grey Lynn Community Centre, 510 Richmond Road, Grey Lynn. We’re open 9am-4pm Monday to Friday and 10.30am-12.30pm Saturdays. You could also phone us on T: 09 376 0392 or T: 09 376 3531, toll free on 0800 367 222, or send us an email ponsonby@cab.org.nz.

We also have information about travel insurance on our website PN www.cab.org.nz” F

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

72 PONSONBY NEWS+ November 2018

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS

NATURALLY SPOTLESS @ FILTH ECO CLEANING A family-run, professional, eco cleaning company, Filth Eco Cleaning is proud to offer its services to clients in Central Auckland suburbs. “As a busy little family ourselves, we understand the beautiful chaos of modern life. We love to take care of people and treat your home like we would our own,� says owner Sybil Manow. “Most cleaning companies will use harsh detergents. We use only environmentally friendly, New Zealand-made cleaning products fragranced with essential oils. You can be confident that your family is safe from harmful chemicals, your home will be spotlessly clean and smell amazing, without compromising the precious natural environment.�

Great service begins with experienced and friendly professionals, which is why Filth Eco Cleaning puts so much consideration into selecting the best people to join its team.

The aim is to not only meet your needs, but also exceed your expectations of what a dependable eco cleaning company can be.

Because you have better things to do with your precious time, let Filth Eco Cleaning do the dirty work. You can choose the regular service for a weekly or fortnightly domestic clean or, as summer is around the corner, it’s the perfect time to book the deep cleanse for a spring clean and fresh start. “We love a happy ending,� says Sybil. “That’s why you get a thank you gift from us after every cleaning service. This month it’s a stunning natural soap, available in Daily Detox and Goddess. You can also purchase our favourite products in our online store.� F PN www.filth.nz

L L

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www.globalhomeinteriors.co.nz

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HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS

@ CORSO DE FIORI 1. Roberto Cavalli towels - From $39.90 to $215 2. Apartment sofa (available in a wide selection of fabrics and lengths).

Enquire about pricing / POA 3. Baobab Disco Collection candles 10cm $149.90 16cm $225

1

4. Pols Potten Bolt antique brass stool/side table $849 CORSO DE FIORI, The Foundation, 8 George St, Newmarket, T: 09 307 9I66, www.corso.co.nz

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74 PONSONBY NEWS+ November 2018

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

CURATE YOUR WORLD Tangier black marble & iron tables Small side table $720 Tall side table $1,190 Coffee table $1,790

Astier de Villatte Spoon saucer $119 Regence oval platter $199

24 Bottles Clima double wall bottles for cold or hot drinks $62.90 each

Ibride Sapho decorative tray $220

Marble Pink

Black Radiance

Pols Potten silver dipped Cockatoo $145

Pols Potten Brass Platters (set of 3) $349

Côté table gold monkey book ends $199

Rattan Gable lounge chair Ü ÌiÜ>à w à $769

Pols Potten brass & wire side table $790

Moulin Roty Mademoiselle Colette doll $99

THE FOUNDATION | 8 GEORGE ST, NEWMARKET | AUCKLAND | TEL 09 307 9166 | CORSO.CO.NZ

HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS

THE SECRET TO SALES SUCCESS? CONFIDENCE Of all the things that affect my ability as a real estate agent to sell houses - LVR’s, interest rates, supply and demand etc - the one often overlooked is confidence.

Not my personal confidence (though most would say that rarely drops below that of a male peacock) but the confidence of consumers, and in turn, the confidence of the market.

The news media don’t talk about consumer confidence much because their favourite game is to drive it up or down, depending on their preferred narrative at the time. Either house prices are far too high, which is bad; or they’re about to fall, also bad. It’s simple scaremongering, and tends to be self-fulfilling, since stories create wider narratives which get fed to create panic. Panic, as we know, is much more effective than good news for creating clicks and comments, which equals more time on websites and more revenue for the media outlets in question.

But before I go all Donald Trump on you, it’s worth thinking about that key notion of self-fulfilling prophecies. I’ve been around long enough to know it’s an important lesson for business and for life in general. As Henry Ford reportedly said, “Whether you think you can or think you can’t - you’re right.” I tend to think of myself as an optimistic realist, and would warn anyone who’ll listen against indulging their dark side with the latest doom-and-gloom narratives

around market corrections and imminent global recessions. Those with a pessimistic disposition will always find a reason to not buy the property, not take the job, not ask the woman out for dinner...

Markets go up and markets go down, but pessimism is intoxicating and definitely sells papers. A prediction of a global meltdown will always get more column space than a prediction of good times ahead. I’m not claiming to know what will happen next year, but I always reserve my strongest scepticism for those who do.

There seems to be a wave of unwarranted pessimism sweeping the world of late, driven by the polarising effects of social media echo chambers and first world angst. And this is despite the fact there has objectively never been a better time to be alive in human history.

As a species, we live longer, have less poverty, and even carry the totality of human knowledge in our pockets. Instead of worrying that someone else has more than I do, I prefer to think about how to make myself better tomorrow. Which, ultimately, is where confidence comes from.

MATT O’BRIEN, M: 021 687 866 or Facebook: Matt O’Brien Residential Sale,

@ DAWSON & CO 1. BRANCH Sunlounger by TRIBU Inspired by tree branches, the Branch collection looks fluid and organic. Behind the airy, casual appearance lies a sophisticated design and well thought out materials.

4. FLEX Sunlounger by COVE OUTDOOR Its name chronicles both its function and its form. Crafted using the finest teak and a shape that gives a lightness of form normally not associated with the materials employed.

2. PARC Table Lamp by MAIORI Iconic. La Lampe Parc is a range of three outdoor solar garden lights ideal for path lighting. These solar powered garden lamps provide abundant and warm light in your garden.

5. POSE No. 2 Table lamp by MAIORI Lightweight, weatherproofed... La Lampe Pose is versatile by design.

The understated simplicity of its design, plus its wireless system, make it perfect for any space, indoor or outdoor.

3. PETITE Table Lamp by MAIORI Easy going and adaptable, La Lampe Paris is an outdoor solar lamp that works as both a hanging or standing lamp, and because it is wireless, you can virtually place it anywhere you are, indoors or outdoors.

6. SOLID Chair by MANUTTI Solid is fashioned from solid teak and reputed for its infallible durability. Its lines simultaneously evoke the power of an extensively crafted wood, solidity with a backrest joined to both the legs and the arm rests, and comfort — thanks to its delicately crafted plush seating that perfectly moulds to the body.

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DAWSON & CO, 115 The Strand, Parnell and 38 Constellation Drive, Rosedale, T: 09 476 1121, www.dawsonandco.nz

76 PONSONBY NEWS+ November 2018

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS

BACHCARE LAUNCHES CAMPAIGN TO FIND THE BEST NEW ZEALAND MUST DO’S IN THE COUNTRY Bachcare, New Zealand's largest full-service holiday home management company, has launched a campaign to find the best New Zealand 'Must Do's' in the country.

Having hosted over one million guests in the 15 years Bachcare has been operating, this is a question often asked of their 95 holiday home managers located around the country who look after nearly 2000 properties.

Leslie Preston, Founder of Bachcare says, "The Bachcare team are a wealth of knowledge about local attractions as well as best kept local secrets but, like all of us, we need some help sometimes and that's where the idea of the New Zealand Must Do's list came from - lets simply ask the locals.

“Ultimately it's going to be an online resource we can point people to for things to do and places to go when in a region and our hope is it will continue to evolve with more and more must do's added every year.

"It's a great way of encouraging increased length of stay or return visits when guests can do their research before they arrive and often realise they either have to stay longer to squeeze everything in or simply come back again.”

Responses to the recently launched campaign have been good and have come from their large community of holiday home owners but Bachcare is keen to cast the net wider and ask the experts, the locals who enjoy their region every day.

"New Zealand is full of great must do's and we want people to tell us about their favourite cafe, best place to enjoy the sunrise or sunset, places to take the kids to keep them entertained, quirky little art galleries, basically anything that makes their region special. We also want a mix of paid for and free activities.”

Businesses can enter by filling in the form in the following link www.top50mustdos.co.nz and there's a chance to win one of five x $500 Bachcare vouchers.

Bachcare will announce the Top 50 later this month, just in time to welcome in the start of the summer season. The final Top 10 NZ Must Do's will be selected through a public poll, with more details to come.

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DEIRDRE THURSTON: ON MY MIND

Oh, no - it’s nearly Christmas!

Christmas hadn’t been on my radar at all apart from a short conversation a month or so ago when I was told that Christmas would be at my place this year.

“Yeah, sure. Great.” I replied with a cursory thumbs up before continuing to be side -tracked by my great-niece. She’s very adept in side-tracking, being so darned cute and single-minded. Wilful even. I’d been getting on with life without a thought about the big guy in red suit, with a white beard and toting a sack (Santa’s way ahead of his time -never any plastic sacks for him).

“Um, er, hmmm,” I managed to answer.

That is until I sauntered into my local bakery for a loaf of their sublime ciabatta. It’s ironic that I’m prepared to pay a large amount of money for a loaf full of holes and very little actual bread. Life’s like that, full of irony and holes. Anyway... there I was fiddling with the eftpos machine when I spotted a large, round platter with Christmas mince pies at my elbow. Home-made short pastry bursting at the seams with Christmas mince heavily laden with brandy, if the aroma wafting seductively up my nose was anything to go by.

I left off telling him there were no legs on these mythical lists. Or wings or breasts. He could have cranberry sauce though. Slather it on the courgette fritters and chickpea croquettes. The others won’t be best pleased either apart from my vegan niece.

“Making lists of everything? Got to have cranberry sauce.”

“Oh, yes, I have lists everywhere. All over the house. Loooong lists.”

Does this veggie meal mean I can’t indulge in my favourite goat brie? How can I justify that being on the table? Is it any better than a leg of baked ham? Maybe I would need to rethink this. Or, is it a case of ‘it’s my house and I can do what I want’? No justification necessary.

“Christmas mince pies? It’s only October. It’s nowhere near Christmas.”

Life used to be so simple back when we ate meat and three vegetables and toast wasn’t a sin if it was white or had seeds in it. Now we are inundated with what to eat, when to eat it and how to eat it and how laying on our Shakti mats affects our digestion.

“It is really, only...”

“Please don’t tell me how many more sleeps.” I must have looked terrified and deadly serious because the smiley shop assistant buttoned her lips immediately. The thing is, I really wanted one of those fat, juicy delights but I simply couldn’t do it. That would mean Christmas was in the air and I would have to face it.

The cavemen had it easy. Club a giant mammoth and drag it home collecting roots and the odd egg along the way. The protein was lean. They got their fat from eating the organs, marrow, tongue and eyeballs. Choice was limited. Easy.

Walking back home I found myself wondering what sort of tree I would get. A real one as per usual? After which is the sight of it dying then dry, brown and lifeless in the garden for weeks before I manage to dispose of it. Or a fake job? All blue and shiny and tinselly.

No water needed. No fallen needles. Fold it up and chuck it in the shed until next year.

Either way, I would have to buy another tree stand. Seems tree stands go the way of socks - nowhere a mere mortal can find them.

With the absence of mammoths and not being fond of eyeballs or organs, I have chosen to be vegetarian. Mostly. Not because we can’t source lean proteins here in New Zealand but because, well, animals. Ever seen a cow playing with a ball? More and more I find myself feeling guilty consuming them. A friend on an organic life-style block told me: “So long as they have happy lives filled with care and kindness on my farmlet, I don’t have a problem eating them.”

I should have succumbed to those wee, plump pies because now Christmas was definitely on my radar. The tree dilemma wasn’t the only thing surfacing.

He doesn’t kill them so remains removed from the horror of those last minutes or hours.

How would my family take it when they found out I would be doing a vegetarian feast? No ham, turkey, chicken or salmon in sight. There was only so much time I had to keep this to myself. Already the questions were beginning: “So,” my brother in law grinned and rubbed his hands together in anticipation, “what’s it going to be? Ham on the bone or turkey? Or both? A nice leg of lamb would go down well, too. I’m not fussy,” he chortled hard. He’s fond of his own jokes. Just as well.

No. Christmas will be green and orange and yellow and red and sumptuously bursting with health. It will not be paleo or vegan or vegetarian in the strictest senses but there will be no animal glazed or trussed on my table.

The tree will be in a pot, then I will donate it to be planted somewhere. Decision made.

Now, let’s get on with the rest of the year. (DEIRDRE THURSTON) F PN

LUCIA MATAIA: LEYS INSTITUTE LIBRARY NEWS Craft at Leys Don’t forget our Craft at Leys on the first Monday and third Monday of each month. The next one is Monday 5 November at 10am - 11.30am. All welcome for a cuppa and chance to meet other crafters.

Book club recommends During our last Book Chats session, we previewed The Crossway by Guy Stagg. The author recounts his 10-month journey, following medieval pilgrim paths from Canterbury to Jerusalem. Stagg began the journey after years of mental illness, hoping the trek would heal him. Travelling alone, he relied upon the kindness of strangers for accommodation.

One of our group enjoyed this book and described it as ‘well written’ and recommends it to other readers.

Another member of Book Chat groups recommends Pachinko by American Korean author Min Jin Lee. This book is a multigenerational saga following a Korean family who migrate to Japan. Pachinko has been critically well received, with strong reviews from The Guardian, The Washington Post and Kirkus reviews, amongst others.

78 PONSONBY NEWS+ November 2018

School holidays news The Harry Potter-themed school holiday programme was a success with a record number of First Year Hogwarts students completing a scavenger hunt for hidden spell books.

The children attended a potions class and were rewarded with a trip to Hogsmeade for Butterbeer and fizzing sherbets.

And on the subject of school holidays... Keep a look out for the summer reading programme: Kia Maia Te Whai aimed at keeping kids reading over the summer break.

(LUCIA MATAIA) F PN Open hours: Monday - Friday, 9am - 6pm and Saturday 9am - 4pm LEYS INSTITUTE LIBRARY, 20 St Marys Road, T: 09 377 0209, www.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz

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INTRODUCING NEXT LEVEL CONSTRUCT

Q:

I have just received two quotes back for my villa renovation in Richmond Road, and there is a price difference of almost $250,000 between the two tenders.

The builder with the cheapest price is one builder and his apprentice.

They seemed like nice guys, but they haven’t done any work of this scale before, which worries me a little bit. The other quote is from a construction company, with a dedicated project manager.

They specialise in villa renovations. But they are $250,000 more expensive. What should I do?

A:

Although it may be tempting to go ahead with the cheaper option, is important to remember that cost isn’t everything.

The value that the cheaper builder provides, may not necessarily match up your expectations of the project and may mean blowing your timeline, or worse, your budget.

It is important to remember that when you receive your quotes back from potential builders to there will always be a variation in prices. Some companies may price up to 20-30% more than another company. This is standard across many industries.

I know that it is definitely tempting to go with the builder who appears to provide excellent ‘value for money’ but I strongly urge you to check the fine print.

Some builders will often use provisional cost sums when quoting your project; these allow the builder to change the cost as a project progresses, meaning your bill may be twice or up to three times more than it was on the quote.

work needs to be supervised by a Licensed Building Practitioner, and all building work should come with the option to purchase a guarantee from Master Builders or New Zealand Certified Builders. This will ensure that the work you have done is to a high standard.

Using the services of an end to end company like Next Level Construct means that you don’t need to worry about organising anyone or anything. We take care of everything for you because we understand that your time is valuable, and is better spent not having to chase tradies. We work with you to make sure that your project is delivered on-time, on-brief and on-budget each and every time.

Our foremen are all Licensed Building Practitioners and we offer our clients the 10-year Master Build Guarantee.

My advice would be to check the quality of the work of any builder you are considering using, check the fine print and don’t hesitate to ask any questions.

Brendon Sowerby is the Founder of Next Level Construct, an award winning end-to-end residential construction company specialising in renovations, extensions and new builds. Brendon has been working in the building trade for over 17 years, meaning he knows the ins and outs of the industry.

Got a building question?

Ask brendon@nextlevelconstruct.co.nz nextlevelconstruct.co.nz

While these additional costs are at times unavoidable and are usually justified, you need to be extra vigilant that the builder is not undercutting these prices to win your project. The larger construction company you mentioned will most likely have used the services of a Quantity Surveyor. Using their services means that your project is priced correctly.

Due to the unforeseen nature of renovations, allowing for a contingency is critical above and beyond your fixed quotation.

Unknowns such as leaks, rotting framing and subsidence are examples of common issues found after exploratory work begins on a project. Any reputable residential construction company will advise you immediately of these costs, and will provide you with revised cost to complete the project, which ensures you expectations and budget are aligned.

It also pays to check what is being included in the price when you receive your quote. Quite often, what you are receiving is literally just the bare bones of your project. This means there will be no soft furnishings (such as carpets and curtains), no fixtures (such as plumbing or lights) and even no paint or plaster on the walls. These are often called ‘exclusions’ and it pays to watch out for them.

As you mentioned in your question, the cheaper quote was from a one man band, which means that you may have to become the project manager, and organise for tradespeople (plumbers, electricians, plasterers, water proofers, tilers and kitchen installers) to be on site as and when needed. You may even be left to organise the portaloo!

It would also pay to check the qualifications of anyone you are using, as well as any guarantees and warranties that are included. All building

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@ STEPHEN CASHMORE DESIGN STUDIO 1.

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Christchurch Theatre plaster panel. Only two available Imperial plaster fragment. Only two available Corbel lamps. Only one pair available Original charcoal portait

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Furniture ૛ Interiors ૛ Objects ૛ Art ૛ Consultancy 30 Jervois Rd, Herne Bay, Auckland ૛ 021 265 8113 Mon-Fri 10-6 ૛ Sat 10-4

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STEPHEN CASHMORE DESIGN STUDIO, 30 Jervois Road, Ponsonby, T: 09 524 8553, www.stephencashmore.co.nz, www.stephencashmoredesignstudio.nz

Only 2% commission rate + rebate of marketing costs* TAKE THE STRESS OUT OF SELLING… through innovative marketing concepts and exceptional service.

Help us to support Breast Cancer Foundation and Prostate Cancer Foundation NZ.

*Up to $2,500 rebated to you after a successful unconditional sale of your property by Next Move Realty.

Denis Cooksley

M: 021 167 3685 | denis@nextmoverealty.nz | www.nextmoverealty.nz Qualified Licensed Agent, Diploma in Real Estate. Associate of the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand

80 PONSONBY NEWS+ November 2018

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

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PONSONBY NEWS

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

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

Keep up to date with whats happening in Ponsonby!

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BAGS OF FUN IN NOVEMBER @ COAST Long sunny weekends away are at the top of most people’s summer wish list.

Make going away easy this summer with COAST’s range of soft luggage and accessories. Enduring but timeless, each bag is hand-made in New Zealand using the highest quality fabrics and components, including Sunbrella® brand fabric and waxed cotton.

During the month of November each purchase over $399 receives a complimentary COAST leather luggage Tag RRP$49. Instore and online while stocks last. Open seven days. Customer parking on Colin Shaw Lane.

COAST, 77 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 354 4552, www.coastnewzealand.com

Everything we touch turns to SOLD!

Professional Passionate Patient GREG NELSON 021 842 235 g.nelson@barfoot.co.nz

• Decades of experience • Magic marketing campaigns • Integrity and transparency Maximum results, minimum fuss. Exceptional service.

ANAH JORDAN 022 127 9080 a.jordan@barfoot.co.nz

09 376 3039 / barfoot.co.nz

82 PONSONBY NEWS+ November 2018

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

HOME & REAL ESTATE

@ ROSE & HEATHER

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1. Tallboy in all ranges and various sizes from $3480. Trenail Tallboy shown - $4280 2. Motif design on bedside cabinets from $1240 3. Beautiful marble tops on bedsides,all ranges from $1890 4. Newport Bed in whitewash. Available in all sizes and finishes ROSE & HEATHER, 406 Great North Road, T: 09 376 2895, www.roseandheather.com

BIG, small

or

Ta l l

take your pick..

www.roseandheather.co.nz

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406 Great North Rd | Grey Lynn

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@ ECOSTORE 1. Made from plant-based ingredients including hydrating harakeke, to gently cleanse, nourish and condition your skin. Now available in a new 900ml-size pump bottle at great value, RRP $12.99. Promotional value $11.04 between 17 and 31 October 2018. Don’t forget to reuse your bottle, bring it for us to refill for only $11.99 in our Freemans Bay store, 1 Scotland Street. Promotional value of a refill is $10.79 between 17 and 31 October 2018.

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2. Limited Edition ecostore Personal Care Christmas Set includes your favourite essential goodies: our new Lemongrass Body Wash 400ml, Normal Shampoo and Conditioner 350ml, coconut and lemongrass soap 80g.

Available from our Freemans Bay store for only $24.99.

Available for sale in November 2018.

ECOSTORE, 1 Scotland Street, Freemans Bay, www.ecostore.co.nz

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@ J I HOME 1. Nest Pendant in beautiful brass $3099

4. Marbella Outdoor Chair by Artwood $1265

2. Ideal Christmas gifts by Halo, Leather Laptop Bag in Vintage Cigar $515 or Daddy Greg Bag in Vintage Cigar $445

5. London Headboard available in a range of linens in stock now at JI Home $1665

3. Fun accessories by Artwood, Noughts & Crosses available in a range of finishes $129 or set of Dice $85

6. Magnificent Milford Armchair available in a range of linens $2359

84 PONSONBY NEWS+ November 2018

JI HOME, 36 Pollen Street, www.ji.net.nz PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

TINA PLUNKETT: PONSONBY CENTRAL

SHOP LOCAL (AND AVOID THE MALL) Take a stroll around Ponsonby Central during your lunch break or in the weekend and find some beautiful art to browse, clothes to buy or jewellery to peruse.

November is the month we all have the thought that Christmas is looming and in particular getting the perfect gift for all the special people in our lives. So support owner-operators, the small businesses, the popups, the makers and artists. Avoid the chaotic mall and visit our pop-up shops and retail stores to find something that is just a wee bit different and special.

1. Wallace and Cotton have the perfect Christmas morning PJs, organic cotton beach towels and bed linen. If you’re old school Kiwi and your Santa sack is the pillow case at the end of the bed, they have this too.

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2. Or come find the perfect outfit for that end-of-year bash and holiday on the beach. At Wixii you’ll find in-house designed clothing crafted in natural fabrics and an extensive range of curated vintage.

3. For those who love all things tech, a visit to Duct Tape is in order for an iPhone, iPad, laptop accessory or the hardware itself.

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4. It’s summer; it’s bikes and we have these bad boys popping up for the ultimate Santa present to yourself to put under the tree. Coolbikes popping up from the 5th to the 11th.

5. Shop high quality, sustainable and creative products with The Paper Rain Project. They make ethical wear look effortless and flawless. 19 Nov - 2 Dec.

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POPPING UP THIS MONTH

Nov 5 - 11 COOLBIKES MADDISONS OKI FOR ALL VERA PELLE CONTINENTAL CONCEPTS

Nov 12 - 18 LONG WHITE CLOUD ART MAKE GIVE LIVE BEAR BROTHERS DENIM

Nov 19 - 25 MANAHAN SWEET DISORDER ROBERT KERR ART MARIGOLD LANE THE PAPER RAIN PROJECT

Nov 26 - Dec 2 CHALK VERA PELLE _ 9 Dec DAISY-LEE ACCESSORIES MARIGOLD LANE THE PAPER RAIN PROJECT

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@ CITTĂ€ 1. Natura Candle Featuring a simple, elegant design made from recycled glass and filled with pure, unscented soy wax for a touch of evening ambience.

2. Buttercup Cushion Cover This bold, hand painted buttercup design will bring a welcome pop of pattern to your living space.

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3. Moroccan Shopper Pack this roomy woven bag for a picnic at the park, trip to the beach or a casual but stylish shopping trip.

4. Segment Clock This modern oak veneer clock has an ultra-simple face and a white plywood frame detail that can be rotated to suit.

5. Version Originale Body Balm This nourishing, soothing balm by Compagnie de Provence is delicately scented with anise and patchouli.

6. Gaussian 2 Tier Vessel This stackable container is perfect for safely and stylishly storing jewellery and other precious treasures.

7. Layers Vase This graceful, contemporary amber-toned vase is ideal for making a statement centrepiece this summer.

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www.cittadesign.com

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86 PONSONBY NEWS+ November 2018

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

Presenting our Summer 2018 collection

HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS

@ DESIGN WAREHOUSE 1. Sydney and Blok Concrete Dining - The shiny black wicker Sydney Dining Chair is the perfect complement to the industrial raw concrete dining table. Chic and curvy meets strong and robust. At Design Warehouse you can create any dining set you like, no matter what your style is. Everything arrives fully assembled and is in stock and ready for summer 2018/19 outdoor living.

2. Organic Teak Side Tables - Add an earthy organic vibe to your living space with these unique accent tables. Each one is carved from a thick chunk of teak wood and left raw. This allows all the natural beauty and unique characteristics of the wood to be the main design feature. Each one is truly one-of-a-kind.

3. Nairobi Pure - The Nairobi Pure Relaxing Chair is the perfect blend of modern design with classic elements. The striking shape of the frame is enhanced with the sleek and tight wicker weave. And even better, the form of the seat makes this chair ultra comfortable and no cushion is needed!

4. Brazil Sofa - Sit back and relax in the Brazil Teak and Rope Sofa. It has that effortless cool look that is chill and yet sophisticated. Add a bit of the relaxed resort style to your outdoor living space. The Brazil Sofa comes with free SunbrellaÂŽ cushions as shown on our website.

DESIGN WAREHOUSE, 137/147 The Strand, Parnell, T: 09 377 7710, www.designwarehouse.co.nz

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PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS • 1% COMMISSION (PLUS GST) SELL • UP TO 50% MARKETING SUBSIDY • FREE INTERNET SITES LISTING • HERE TO SELL YOUR PROPERTY, NOT THE AGENCY • MREINZ (REAL ESTATE INSTITUTE OF NZ) MEMBER • $80,000 MAXIMUM FEE (EXC GST) • LEASES 7.5% COMMISSION (PLUS GST) (APPROX 3.9 WEEKS RENT)

1%

(plus GST)

COMMISSION

MARKETING – WE SHARE THE COST – UP TO 50% SUBSIDY (CONDITIONS APPLY, CHECK OUR WEBSITE)

COMMERCIAL PROPERTY SALES 1% (+GST)

COMMISSION ON ALL SALES –

7.5%

ON LEASES (APROX 3.9WKS RENT)

Full details on our website:

www.investrealty.co.nz Invest Realty Ltd, MREINZ, Licensed Agent REAA2008 Graham Anderson, Ph 021959403 Email graham@investrealty.co.nz

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STEPHEN CASHMORE Stephen Cashmore Design Studio hosted an evening to showcase the repurposed lighting Stephen has been working on.

STEPHEN CASHMORE DESIGN STUDIO, 30 Jervois Road, Ponsonby, T: 09 524 8553, www.stephencashmore.co.nz, www.stephencashmoredesignstudio.nz

Huge selection of Kilim Cushion Covers.

Just landed. All sizes.

Stunning colours & patterns.

Kilim Cushion Bonanza 53 WOOD STREET | FREEMANS BAY

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION & OPENING HOURS PLEASE PHONE MARY ON 021 211 8904 | mkelly@xtra.co.nz | www.marykellykilims.co.nz

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HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS Hotels | Restaurants | Weddings | Film Sets | Birthdays | Flower Walls | Grass Walls Call 021 174 8393 or email anthonyhartesq@yahoo.com | 293 Ponsonby Road | www.fabulousfauxflowers.co.nz | Follow us on & The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

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MAGICIAN MICK PECK WINS A PRESIDENTIAL CITATION Magician Mick Peck has been awarded a Presidential Citation from the Brotherhood of Auckland Magicians at a evening at the Surrey Hotel in Great North Road.

Club president Alan Watson QSM says that Mick was bestowed the award in recognition of his hard work as a long-time committee member and as Producer-Director of the annual Magic Moments Family Comedy Magic Show.

The show is held annually to raise funds and many tickets are given away to support local charities.

"We get so many families coming along to the show that otherwise wouldn't be able to attend live theatre," says Mick. "It's fantastic to be able to give them a fantastic night of entertainment."

The Brotherhood of Auckland Magicians has a long local history. It was formed in 1945 in a house on New North Road (now the site of Midas Car Repairs) and for the past five years has meet monthly at the Surrey Hotel. F PN

photography: Red Carpet TV

www.mickpeckmagic.com

PLEASE LIKE US! www.facebook.com/ponsonbynews Alan Watson QSM (left) presents Mick Peck (right) with a Presidential Citation from the Brotherhood of Auckland Magicians

BOOKboy 2 Bay 5 High

Occasional Chairs and Lounge Suites

SLEEPYboy n Sto King Single Beds

New

Jonna 2.5 Seater Sofa Meluka now offers a wide selection of imported Danske Møbler lounge suites with stunning fabric and occasional chair options. Get a comfy seat all to yourself!

meluka.co.nz Furniture. Simply.

92 PONSONBY NEWS+ November 2018

D E SI G N E D A N D MA D E I N N Z

T H RE E KIN G S 98 3 M T ED EN R D N O RT H S H O RE 13A LI N K D R ALB AN Y 2 60 OTEH A VA LLEY R D B OTAN Y D O W N S 501 TI R A K AU D R H AMILTO N 15 MAUI ST

TAU RAN G A 4/68 3 C A M ER ON R D TAU PO 2 9 TOTA R A ST H AS T IN G S 810 HERETAUNGA ST PALME RS TO N N O RT H 699 M A I N ST LO W E R H U T T 2 8 R U TH ER FOR D ST

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SUPPORTING OUR LOCAL COMMUNITY Shop Local, Eat Local, Enjoy Local

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PUBLISHED FRIDAY, 6 JULY 2018

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

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

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PUBLISHED FRIDAY, 5 OCTOBER 2018

Established: OCTOBER 1989 – CELEBRATING 29 YEARS OF PUBLISHING HISTORY!

SEPTEMBER 2018

JULY 2018

OCTOBER 2018

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GOOD LIVING - P39 Winter: Fitness, Health + Beauty

Keeping it ocal since 1997.

ARCHITECTURE + DESIGN - P81 Locals Kate Rogan & Eva Nash run their own architectural firm Rogan Nash and bring a wealth of international experience from office design in London as well as high-end houses in our neighbourhood

In collaboration with Tom Gould in New York City, featuring Action Bronson

THE MEKONG BABY DIFFERENCE: GREAT PEOPLE, GREAT TIMES - P14

«roudly presentà DECADE

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LOGAN CAMPBELL - BOUTIQUE RETIREMENT LIVING AT ITS BEST One of the most reassuring things about any new Ryman Retirement Village is the evidence of what has gone before.

With award winning and much-loved villages throughout Auckland and across New Zealand, Ryman Healthcare has proven time and again that their standard of accommodation, range of living options, kindness and care sets them apart.

So welcome to the newest, most central and, in the opinion of many, the finest ‘boutique’ retirement village in Auckland. Logan Campbell Retirement Village is located opposite the city founder’s great gift to Auckland, Cornwall Park, and only 6km from the CBD. Since opening in March 2018, the village has warmly welcomed its first residents into their luxurious, spacious independent living and serviced apartments. The first rest home residents moved in, and most recently they have opened their hospital and dementia care centre.

Any preconceptions about retirement villages are soon dispelled as visitors are amazed by the facilities at Logan Campbell. Spacious, elegant and superbly furnished communal areas include the central lounge with its grand piano; the dining room, barista cafe, library, ultra-comfortable movie theatre, and a bar featuring Happy Hour Fridays.

Recreational and fitness centres include a gymnasium equipped with high quality fitness machines; a heated swimming pool, spa

94 PONSONBY NEWS+ November 2018

pool, bowling green, billiard room and activities room. Residents enjoy being pampered in the hair and beauty salons; a small shop sells essential supplies and the library includes computer and Wi-Fi facilities.

There are also sunny balconies, outdoor decks and courtyards.

The design of the courtyard garden is a special feature of Logan Campbell - retirement living has never been so well catered far, relaxed or rewarding.

Apartments are selling fast, for a tour of the village, a chat about the retirement living options available or to view the show apartments PN contact Taryn or Lucy on T: 09 636 3883. F

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

Serviced apartments

available now!

Peace of Mind Retirement Full continuum of care – keeping care at the heart of everything we do

Living in a serviced apartment provides the perfect balance of independent living combined with a little extra assistance with housekeeping and meals.

More than this however, are the community and friendships that village life provides. Where meal times provide the perfect setting for those moments of shared joy and laughter, and the various activities and outings available – all at your own pace of course.

You can also receive resthome-level care in the comfort of your own apartment.

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Deferred management fee capped at 20% Fixed weekly fee* – providing certainty about your living costs

To find out more phone Lucy or Taryn on 09 636 3883 8837

187 Campbell Road, Greenlane

*Terms and conditions apply

These one-bedroom apartments are affordably priced from $450,000.

HEIDI PADAIN: ENTERTAINMENT IN YOUR GARDEN When some people see a bird, they identify its species, and sometimes the sex.

Unless you look carefully, observe and engage with the birds you have no idea what you're missing out on.

Zena, a female blackbird, had real spirit. She arrived in style. Well, not really. She was chased into one of our ranch sliders by a tui. As a fledgling, she only needed a few hours of my care. Merely stunned and bruised she came right very quickly. I'm assuming that being handled by me during this time, she lost a little fear because when her parents tried to chase her out of the territory, which they always do, she would get as close to me as she could. I would often find her hunkered down in the plant pot closest to our main entrance.

In time, her parents gave up chasing her off and she grew into a feisty young bird. She decided she wasn't going to be bullied by the tui birds and firmly stood her ground. Her love of grapes meant she would often appear inside our home, chirping in demand.

A few weeks go, I found Zena on the ground outside. She could barely fly because her tail feathers were missing. She was relatively lively none the less. She seemed more grateful than usual for the grape I rolled in her direction. I looked at her and my heart sank. I guessed that this was the work of a local cat. The captured bird will often lose its tail feathers during the fight to get away. One thing I have come to learn is, if a bird in this condition remains alive for a couple of days, then their tail feathers can begin to grow back and they will survive. However, the bacteria in a cat’s mouth are enough to kill a bird irrespective of the injuries, so what were the odds?

Martin and I decided to capture her, rather than risk her being attacked again. Getting our hands on her was quite a fiasco, to be honest. We used a large towel and a box to cover her. Once we had her in our home we fed her some protein (dog food) and small pieces of grapes.

The following morning, I was delighted to see her still alive, but her legs had become paralysed and I knew at that moment that she would die within hours. I held her in my hands. I could feel her heart beating against the palm of my hand, until it stopped.

Martin and I will really miss this bird. Not all birds are the same. Just like you and me, they have their own very special personalities. Having a close rapport with a wild bird is very special. These moments are to be cherished. (HEIDI PADAIN ) F PN To see some of Heidi’s other photographic work, go to www.flickr.com and type Heidi Padain into the search box, or, you can contact Heidi by email hidihi@xtra.co.nz, or look her up on Facebook... Heidi Padain Photography.

MEOLA MONARCHS - BUTTERFLY SANCTUARY Pt Chevalier Brownies have made an ongoing commitment to be involved in helping Meola Monarchs to establish a butterfly sanctuary in Meola Road behind MOTAT’s Aviation Hall.

Jacqui Knight from the Moth and Butterfly Trust of New Zealand explained the life of monarchs and why conservation of butterflies is important. Gael Baldock from Meola Monarchs regaled them with the fantasy world that this interactive art park will evoke with swans, fairies, lady bugs, nymphs, butterflies and, now with the planting of 'Dragons Gold Kowhai', dragons as well!

The girls between eight and nine years of age mainly attend Pt Chevalier Primary School. Here they are forming a 'caterpillar'.

(GAEL BALDOCK, WESTMERE)

96 PONSONBY NEWS+ November 2018

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS PREPARE TO BE SEDUCED... 42 ANGLESEA STREET, FREEMANS BAY Unassuming from the roadside, this character villa with a European feel will entice and seduce as you wander through.

Situated a short stroll from the vibrance of the Ponsonby boutiques, restaurants and cafes, the contemporary styling of this home cleverly blends modern simplicity with features of the original villa.

Bathed in northerly light through the beautiful, ornate stained-glass window, this home boasts three bedrooms, a well-appointed office and a spa-like bathroom. Venture downstairs and the entertainer in you will be thoroughly spoilt with the gourmet, European-style kitchen complete with a spacious island with seating. Voluminous light and airy open living and dining spaces, the French doors open to flow seamlessly to the expansive deck area, perfect for alfresco dining or twilight cocktails while drinking in the vista of the tranquil park-like sanctuary with the lush plantings, the chorus of singing birds and the dappled light through mature trees.

There is the bonus of a separate powder room, laundry and utility room with plenty of storage and an additional garden courtyard patio seating area. What’s not to love? F PN This tasteful home is simply irresistible. Don’t delay viewing - call Carl M: 021 953 152

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

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FINN MCLENNAN-ELLIOTT Being in a rock band was always high on my list of things I wanted to do when I was 12 or 13 and attending Ponsonby Intermediate.

It took me another six or seven years before I was in a band of my own, but for a group of eight girls in Year 8 at the school, they are living the rock and roll lifestyle now.

They’re calling themselves Socially Awkward and they’ve already made a name for themselves as an 80s loving, exceptionally talented band.

They performed in BandQuest, which is the intermediate version of the high school competition RockQuest. Ponsonby Intermediate had three bands in the competition and Socially Awkward came second in the Auckland heats.

In the music room at Ponsonby Intermediate, I sat down with the band and their mentor Joe Lonie, the former bassist from Supergroove.

The band are: Georgia, Mila, Elliott, Imogen, Hattie, Charlie, Isobel and Tabitha.

Elliott started at the beginning, “One lunch time we were just singing some a capella, and joking around, and I said, oh my God guys we should do this for talent quest. Everyone said no. Then Imogen said, we could start a band! Then we all started ‘bagsing’ instruments.

That lunchtime we came to the music room and started jamming out.”

The most surprising thing was that only a couple of the girls had played instruments before this year, a testament to the determination and skills of them and their teachers.

“I didn’t play guitar beforehand, I just sang,” said Mila, who is the exuberant and energetic front woman, and has since picked up the rhythm guitar duties.

Joe pipes up from the back of the class where he’s fastidiously tuning all the guitars ready for their practice. “I try to pick songs that will be fun for everybody, but they’re also pretty good musicians you know, so I want to take that into it also. I try to pick songs that will show off some of their musicianship, but you can’t always please everybody all the time. They’re songs that feature everybody in different ways and challenge them.”

“We’re learning In the Air Tonight [Phil Collins],” Mila says. “Which will be exciting for Elliott. Every song needs a guitar solo for Georgia.”

“They’re writing a really good original song,” Joe prompts them.

It started with Imogen, “I came up with this really random bass line.

We took it from there. I had a lesson with Joe and he figured out the guitar chords.”

Elliott chimed in that she sometimes writes songs when she goes to sleep at night, and they all quickly and excitedly recounted the rap they’d written, and the lyrics they’d started for this song.

“Imogen and I got together and had a lesson with Joe, and we wrote up the chords and we wrote down some lyrics that stuck and we’ve just been evolving from the chorus,” Mila explained.

The band are practising every Tuesday after school with Joe. Joe works with each of them on their parts, as well as their stage presence - although it was clear the girls had very strong ideas of how to present themselves! It certainly seems to be working.

Georgia, “I’ve played guitar since Year 3,” This shows as she blazes out all the guitar solos, of which every song has to have at least one.

“It’s not just playing, it’s the whole package. Not that they need that much help with band dynamics. They’ve got a great attitude and are very supportive of each other. Once we get the music down we think about how we could make it more entertaining for the audience.”

Imogen had started bass at the beginning of the year, with teacher Joe Lonie, and Elliott’s brother played drums, so it was a logical instrument for her to start on. Hattie had never sung before and Charlie and Isobel hadn’t played much keyboard until joining the band.

They all universally loved BandQuest, and found the experience exhilarating. “I loved the feeling when they called our name out,” Mila says.

Socially Awkward are playing songs by The Cure, David Bowie, Prince, and their influences are widespread but Joe plays a part in the song selection.

“He helps us find all the songs we want to learn,” Georgia says.

Singer Hattie says: “When they said Ponsonby Intermediate, we all thought it was one of the other bands, and we all looked at each other, and then you can see in the video all of us bobbing up and down with excitement.”

“We’ve done The Cure, Bangles, a Pink song that didn’t work out. The ones that have stuck, we have loved,” says Mila.

Having played at the school Talent Quest and BandQuest, they are on the hunt now for more shows. They’d be the perfect fit for Christmas or birthday parties, and it’s all about experience now, getting on stage and trying out their songs and seeing how they’re received.

“We also, or Joe did, found this really cool song by The Primitives called Crash,” Georgia says.

If you think you’ve got an opportunity for them, please get in touch PN and I'll pass you along! (FINN MCLENNAN-ELLIOTT) F

98 PONSONBY NEWS+ November 2018

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS

A very approachable property expert with over 26 years in Auckland Real Estate

2017 TOP Salesperson Barfoot & Thompson, Grey Lynn branch Year ending 31 March 2017

Over 26 years selling Auckland real estate has awarded Repeka a substantial knowledge base and 26 years of shining testimony

027 499 0855 I r.lelaulu@barfoot.co.nz

APARTMENT LIVING – THE MODERN LIFESTYLE New Apartment Developments – Apartment Furnishings and Home Décor

LET OUR READERS KNOW ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS OR PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT Contact joannebarrett@xtra.co.nz www.ponsonbynews.co.nz The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

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REAL ESTATE UPDATE: KAREN SPIRES Spring has sprung in the real estate market and we have welcomed the warmer weather and longer days with arms wide open.

And it’s not just the flowers that are blooming, with Realestate.co.nz reporting a 31.9% surge in the number of new listings coming onto the market in September. The number of residential houses for sale is now at the highest level it has been for four months.

While this is positive news, we must be mindful that it will take a few weeks for this to translate into sales.

This is why the latest figures from the Real Estate Institute Auckland showed a decrease in the number of properties sold in September, as a direct result of the low numbers of listings experienced in July.

REINZ chief executive Bindi Norwell said, “With July’s listings down by 5.4% year-on-year and an all-time low level of listings in seven regions, it is little wonder that September’s sales volumes were so low.

“There simply weren’t as many properties for sale resulting in a very quiet start to spring.”

Average sales prices have continued the now predictable stable pattern we have seen throughout this year. The average sales price for the Auckland region was $850,000 - the exact same price as in September 2017. Average prices in Auckland City are sitting at $937,000, an increase of 1.8% compared with a year ago.

The continuing stability in the market is good news for buyers, sellers and investors too, as everyone can take comfort in the predictability of where values are sitting. It is unlikely that we will see too much change in the Auckland market over the new few months while demand remains high, interest rates remain low, and prices remain stable.

Bayleys’ latest Marketbeat research newsletter showed has highlighted just how desirable residential properties in Ponsonby and surrounding areas have become over the years.

According to the Bayleys’ research team, in the early 2000s average property values in Ponsonby were sitting at around 35% above the average value of properties in the wider Auckland region.

Today, this figure is at more than 90% higher, and is continuing to trend upwards.

While average values in many of Auckland’s regions have been more subdued throughout the course of 2018, Ponsonby’s continue to grow, reflecting both the continuous popularity of the area and the local residents’ determination to retain it as a desirable place to live.

Residential property sales in Ponsonby and surrounding areas, encompassing Freemans Bay, Grey Lynn, Herne Bay, Point Chevalier, St Marys Bay and Westmere, bounced back over the second quarter of 2018. By the end of June sales had increased by 29% compared to the first quarter of the year, outperforming the Auckland region which experienced an 11% increase over the same time period.

Freemans Bay has experienced the largest increase in average values over the last two years, up 33% in the period June 2016 to June 2018. The only suburb to experience a significant decrease was St Marys Bay, with values dropping by 29% between June 2017 and June 2018. However, this decrease has largely been attributed to the large increase in the number of apartment, unit and townhouse sales which have taken place in recent years.

PN (KAREN SPIRES) F

Karen Spires AREINZ, M 027 273 8220, E karen.spires@bayleys.co.nz, www.karenspires.bayleys.co.nz

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PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

FINN MCLENNAN-ELLIOTT We love the Irish, and with over 600,000 New Zealanders claiming Irish ancestry, it’s no wonder.

Yet there has never been a National Irish Festival in New Zealand, until now. For the first time this November, Kiwis and Irish alike will come together to celebrate everything Irish with a massive four-day celebration, with over 60 events, across three cities, as part of the inaugural New Zealand Irish Fest.

From 15 to 18 November three celebrated songwriters will travel from Ireland to play shows in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch alongside Irish comedians and local musicians. The feature artists are: the iconic Damien Dempsey from Dublin; award winning songwriter Mick Flannery from Cork; songstress Lisa O’Neill from Cavan and Dublin comedian Alan McElroy.

Damien Dempsey is largely regarded as one of Ireland’s greatest singer-songwriters. He delivers a hugely powerful live show. For the uninitiated, his music crosses between traditional Irish music, add a bit of rock, folk and reggae and throw in a singer rooted in a consciousness that is grounded in the working class.

Mick Flannery is one of the new breed of singer-songwriters out of Ireland in recent years, and is quickly making a name for himself. He is a double platinum-selling artist and was the first Irish musician to ever win awards at the International Songwriting Competition in Nashville, when he was just 19. He’ll be joined by Lisa O’Neill as they perform for the New Zealand Irish Fest. Lisa is from County Cavan, with an accent to prove this. She has a unique and totally original voice, singing as the most folk-rooted of the three international guests. She’s spent the last two years touring in support of Glen Hansard.

New Zealand Irish Fest will also see the premiere of four Irish films in New Zealand and marks the very first Irish Film Fest New Zealand.

Irish Film Fest New Zealand is being curated by Bryan Glick, who has worked for Sundance Film Festival, AFI Fest, Outfest, and Los Angeles Film Festivals. When Bryan heard what was planned for the New Zealand Irish Fest he knew he needed to be a part of this amazing island-to-island showcase. Highly anticipated in the festival is the New Zealand premiere of gala title Black 47. The action-packed revenge western set during the potato famine has grossed over $2,000,000 at the Irish box office and stars Hugo Weaving, Jim Broadbent and Barry Keoghan.

Following this are the four films in the documentary showcase. These four docos show the extraordinary in the ordinary. Leading the lineup is SXSW breakout Making the Grade. Director Ken Wardrop will be in attendance at select screenings for a question and answer session.

The film looks at piano teachers and their students from year zero to eight as they prepare for their exams. Each lesson gives the audience a joyous peek into the lives of everyday Irish citizens.

Shelter Me: Apollo House tells the stranger-than-fiction story of how an abandoned building became a makeshift shelter and an inspirational event for millions.

Central subject ‘Damien Dempsey’ is performing as part of the New Zealand Irish Fest.

Finally, back by popular demand after selling out in Auckland, they could not deny the power of those octogenarians who are literally Older Than Ireland. 30 people who pre-date the modern Republic of Ireland tell their stories in this 100% fresh Rotten Tomatoes gem.

For those seeking more formal enlightenment, there is True/False Darling, Lovers of the Night. This beautiful mosaic of seven Irish monks living in a secluded monastery is full of anecdotes on decades of a life lived.

As if musical performances, comedy, film, Irish dancing displays and Gaelic football showcases weren’t enough of a reason to celebrate, the All Blacks play Ireland in Aviva Stadium, Lansdowne Road in Dublin the same weekend on Sunday 18 November at 8am.

The festival has been curated by Gerry Paul, an Irish born Kiwi who has lived in Ireland for over 20 years and played with some of the biggest names in Irish music including Sharon Shannon and New Zealand/Irish band Gráda. While directing the music for the Irish President’s State visit in 2017, Gerry noted the joy when the Irish community united to celebrate Irish culture and what it means to be Irish. He decided it was time for an annual event.

PN (FINN MCLENNAN-ELLIOTT) F www.nzirishfest.co.nz www.facebook.com/nzirishfest

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ARTS + CULTURE BILLY TK SENIOR AND BILLY TK JNR - TO PERFORM RARE INTIMATE SHOWS Billy TK Senior and Billy TK Jnr, two legends of New Zealand guitar who are father and son, will perform together in November in special, intimate, not-to-be-missed shows kicking off at the Thirsty Dog Tavern on K'Road Saturday 3, Sunday 4 and Monday 5 November.

The shows are titled, ‘A Tribute to a Hero of NZ Guitar celebrating the music of Billy TK featuring Billy TK Jnr & special guests’, and include another TK and son, Mara TK of Electric Wire Hustle fame.

Billy TK Jnr sums it up: “These shows will be special - we have not played together in years and every time we do it’s high action and awesome music. I can’t wait, as who knows when we will have a chance to do this again! Having my brother’s golden voice with us will be exciting and will be the first time we have all been on stage together."

Billy TK is a living Kiwi cultural icon, an intense and exciting guitarist who melded contemporary blues-rock with flowing progressive Pacific rhythms when many Maori musicians were still considered part of the showband heritage.

Technically gifted, the intense style of guitarist Billy TK Senior (Billy Te Kahika) has been described as a blend of contemporary blues-rock and flowing progressive Pacific rhythms.

Billy began experimenting with feedback and developing his own electronic pedals in 1966 with his Palmerston North-based band The Sinners. As soon as the music of Jimi Hendrix hit the airwaves he learned every track he could. In the late 1960s, he joined fellow Palmerston North musician, singer, stand-up drummer and creative giant Maurice Greer in Human Instinct. Billy stayed with Human Instinct through its 1972 tour of Australia when he began recruiting for his own band, Powerhouse, which supported major acts including UB40, Joe Satriani and the Neville Brothers.

In 1996 Billy performed a walk-on with his hero Carlos Santana at an Auckland concert and now performs all over the world as a ‘Peace Activist’ on behalf of the Maori people of New Zealand. Billy is the quintessential guitar hero and offers adorers of guitar music a potent experience.

Billy TK Jnr is the proverbial ‘chip off the ole block’ having earned himself a reputation on the international guitar-playing stage as one of New Zealand’s greatest guitar players.

@ WHITESPACE

Over two decades, Billy has toured widely in the US, Australia, including highly acclaimed performances at the Sydney and Narooma Blues Festivals, New Zealand and the South Pacific. Supporting Jimmy Barnes during a New Zealand tour, Billy was invited to play lead guitar with Barnesy as special guest after performing his own sets. Between recording critically acclaimed albums, he’s toured with George Thorogood, the Neville Brothers, Ian Moss, Junior Wells, Mississippi Willie Foster and Joe Satriani.

'Billy TK Jnr and the Groove Shakers' have toured the world visiting Europe, Australia and New Zealand since the release of ‘Blues Benediction’, which saw him reveal his own writing ability and perform covers by Jimi Hendrix, ‘Little Wing’ and Freddie King’s ‘Hideaway'. Following his European tour Billy TK Jnr and The Groove Shakers toured the US playing state theatres and festivals.

Mara TK has what is described as ‘a golden, silky smooth voice’, and has produced material for Hollie Smith and his own band Electric Wire Hustle (winner of the best electronic act at the 2015 New Zealand Music Awards). He has proven himself to be a singular force for modern music.

On Monday 5 November will be the finale show with special guests galore coming in to perform, including Tama Renata (Once Were Warriors guitar player) and many others.

Billy TK Senior has the final comment: "I know that the people want mad guitar and I plan to give them that and a lot more." F PN

Hanna Petrick - Corridors, until 16 November

A painter working in both illustration and abstraction, Hanna's focus is environment (in both senses of the word: ecology and setting), drawing inspiration from architecture, rock formations and organic matter.

Born in the Pacific Northwest of the United States, Hanna called the steppe climate of Boise, Idaho, home for her first 12 years. After a brief stay in Utah, she was whisked away (albeit happily) at the age of 14 with her family to Wellington, New Zealand where she attended Wellington Girls' College before moving to Auckland to study at Elam School of Fine Arts.

Hanna graduated from Elam School of Fine Arts, University of Auckland with a BFA (Hons). Primarily a painter working in both illustration and abstraction, her main focus is environment (in both senses of the word: ecology and setting); drawing inspiration from architecture, rock formations and organic matter. F PN WHITESPACE, 20 Monmouth Street, T: 09 361 6331, www.whitespace.co.nz

Corridors

H A N N A PETRICK 28 Oct–16 Nov, 2018

20 monmouth st grey lynn auckland whitespace.co.nz

102 PONSONBY NEWS+ November 2018

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

ARTS + CULTURE FINAL PERFORMANCE OF 2018 CONCERT SEASON St Matthew’s Chamber Orchestra with oboist Bede Hanley and conductor Tianyi Lu 18 November - 2.30pm St Matthew’s Chamber Orchestra finishes its 2018 concert season on a mellow note with oboist Bede Hanley who is recognised for his ‘gorgeous tone and buoyant phrasing’, and the graceful young conductor Tianyi Lu. Bede Hanley joined the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra as Section Principal Oboe in 2013. Previously he was Principal Oboe of the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra in Canada and a member of Spain’s Orquesta Sinfonica de Galicia.

Bede Hanley has performed with many symphony orchestras and opera companies across New Zealand, Canada, the US, Europe and South America. Active in chamber music around the world, Hanley performs in New Zealand with his APO colleagues in the APOboes! and the Koru and Trapeze Quintets.

@ OREXART

This Land - the promise of landscape art 7 - 24 November Opening: 7 November 5.30-7.30pm The positive function of a landscape painting is that by looking at it we are, in effect, looking through the artist’s eyes, entering in to a concretised instance of the artist’s gaze. We are looking at an interpretation of looking. We cannot help analysing and comparing. Is it real, does it feel real? Does it confirm or expand our opinions about art and its ability to depict place? Is it a bridge between the real and the imagined that once crossed becomes actual?

The artists in this show take an interpretive gaze; they make something real out of something imagined. Works by Richard McWhannell, Tony Lane, John Madden, Peter James Smith, Richard Adams, Paul Jackson, Wes Fieldhouse and Kathy Barber. F PN Please contact rex@orexart.co.nz for details.

OREXART, 15 Putiki Street, Arch Hill, T: 09 378 0588, www.orexart.co.nz

Tianyi Lu is already making a name for herself internationally as assistant conductor of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, a Dudamel Fellow with the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra and Principal Conductor of the St. Woolos Sinfonia in the UK. She has collaborated with the Hallé Orchestra, Dallas Opera Orchestra, Welsh National Youth Opera, Royal Welsh College of Music Symphony Orchestra, Bristol Metropolitan Orchestra and the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra Summer School.

Born in Shanghai, Lu subsequently moved to New Zealand with her family, where she completed her Bachelor of Music with First Class Honours at the University of Auckland with Uwe Grodd and Karen Grylls. She followed this with study at the University of Melbourne with John Hopkins before completing her Master of Music in Orchestral Conducting with Distinction at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, where she studied with David Jones.

Wes Fieldhouse: Broken Bush 2

St Matthew’s Chamber Orchestra is an accomplished orchestra performing a wide repertoire of music. Gillian Ansell (NZ String Quartet) says “I always look forward to working with St Matthew’s Chamber Orchestra. The players' high quality music-making bring their audiences much joy.”

TICKETS: Eventfinda or door sales cash only. Adults $25, Concessions $20 children under 12 free.

ST MATTHEW-IN-THE-CITY CHURCH corner Wellesley and Hobson Streets, www.smco.org.nz

Richard McWhannell: Pararaha 2013

7 - 24 November

15 putiki street, arch hill open tue-sat, 09 3780588 The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

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ARTS + CULTURE RED BULL FRESH PRODUCE - STRAIGHT FROM THE STUDIO @ Red Bull HQ, 24 - 25 November, Free entry

New Zealand art appreciators will be presented with a one-time, weekend-only, opportunity to purchase work sourced direct from artists studios’ around the country this November.

Artists’ studios are typically private and often magical spaces. Most of us are not privy to what takes place in the workshops, studios, foundries and sheds that run up and down the country. Red Bull Fresh Produce gives artists a chance to clear out their studios so that art fans can access the paintings, prints, drawings and other creations stored within.

Organised by producers Shea O’Neill (Sideroom.com) and Ross Liew (Cut Collective), who have been involved in the making, sourcing and presenting of art for nearly 20 years. Red Bull Fresh Produce draws on the networks of artists they have worked with over this time to assemble a massive collection of work by more than 100 of their most popular and talented friends. F PN RED BULL HQ, 27 Mackelvie Street, Grey Lynn

FOR SALE. An original painting by renowned artist RODNEY FUMPSTON of Auckland 1984.

Size 1835mm x 1240mm. $2500 ono. Contact Gordon 021 667 181

@ ALAN GOULD

Art Show, 7 Dorset Street, Westmere, 27 November, Open 2 - 5pm Al Gould is an artist whose practice has long been inspired by the decaying beauty that occurs in the natural aging process and it is this that triggered Al Gould to paint.

“Observing these 'perfect' imperfections, whether they be natural or man made, was never enough. I needed to captivate them in my work, not to emulate them." Alan Gould

His works are not just paintings, they become part of the overall space - they belong.

They are about contrast. Weathered beauty standing alongside minimal, sharp contemporary lines. This seeming paradox makes the work unique and invariably invites intrigue. Beautiful wrongness.

ALAN GOULD - ARTIST, M: 021 239 4494, al@alangould.co.nz, www.alangould.co.nz

Predominantly large-scale abstract paintings on canvas, his works have an almost industrial destructive nature where he introduces texture, using a variety of materials. This process brings the works more in line with the natural, eliminating human intervention.

104 PONSONBY NEWS+ November 2018

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

photography: Marlaina Key

ARTS + CULTURE

Collecting Contemporary Art panel, Tim Melville Gallery

UPTOWN ART SCENE Artweek Auckland saw thousands of people engage with the visual arts in over 100 venues across Auckland last month.

Though of course, the tour guides were well versed artists and art writers themselves, providing insights to exhibitions and introducing newbies to the neighbourhood’s vibrant art scene. It was thrilling to stroll between galleries with a K’Road soaked in carnival atmosphere - performers, dancers and musicians creating merry mayhem for this late-night event.

photography: Dyego Cortinas

During Thursday’s Electric Night, several walking tours took people along New Zealand’s Gallery Mile (there are around 16 galleries situated between Putiki Street and Upper Queen Street) to show the breadth of visual arts in our area. At some, walkers were fortunate to hear direct from the artist, as at Whitespace where Penny Howard talked about her show’s kaupapa (principles and philosophy).

photography: Evan Woodruffe

The eighth Artweek was perhaps its most dynamic yet, with late-night events in the central city and in K’Road, tours of public and private collections, walking tours of art galleries and street art, artists’ open studios, and more pop-ups than you could shake a stick at.

L to R: Artist Royalties panel at Cordis; Akepiro Street Studios

Artweek extended past galleries into the creative roots of Auckland too. At St Kevin’s Arcade, first-year students from Whitecliffe proudly set up their work for public view. Browne School of Art invited everyone to celebrate their fifth birthday with food, wine, a band, and an exhibition by tutor Anton Chapman in their BSA Gallery.

Akepiro Street Studios opened their doors to the public, with oneto-one interaction with all 13 artists in their workspaces. There were panel discussions on everything from Artist Royalties to Collecting Contemporary Art. Arty goodness wasn’t confined to our neighbourhood. Across Auckland, over 1000 artists once again created a spectacular series of events, across a diverse range of disciplines, all free to the people.

It showed how important the arts are to the health of a city, and how they should be supported by us all, all year round.

photography: Marlaina Key

Artweek Auckland is already planning the ninth iteration: 12 - 20 October 2019 - put it in the diary! (STUDIO ART SUPPLIES)

Artist Royalties panel at Cordis The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

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PONSONBY NEWS OUTLETS 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

FREEMANS BAY

NEWMARKET

Ecostore, 1 Scotland Street Glengarry, Corner Sale and Wellesley Streets New World, Victoria Park

Rugs Direct, 108 Carlton Gore Road

NORTH SHORE Rug Direct, Wairau Park Dawson’s Furniture, Mairangi Bay

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 Ripe, 172 Richmond Road Tapac, 100 Motions Road Vetcare, 408 Great North Road

PARNELL Jane Daniels, 2 Birdwood Crescent Parnell Community Centre, 545 Parnell Road

PONSONBY Askew, 2b Jervois Road Barfoot & Thompson, 184 Ponsonby Road Bayleys, 305 Ponsonby Road Countdown, 7 Williamson Avenue 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

HERNE BAY Herne Bay Post & Stationers, 240 Jervois Road Five Loaves, 206 Jervois Road Icing on the Cake, 188 Jervois Road Momentum, 182 Jervois Road

KINGSLAND Atomic, 420c New North Road

MT EDEN

WESTMERE

Citta Outlet Store, Corner Enfield & Normanby Road Sabato, 57 Normanby Road Studio Italia, 25 Nugent Street

Glengarry, 164 Garnet Road

LICENSED BUILDERS

ADDITIONS + RENOVATION SPECIALISTS

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We MANAGE and RENT Great property to Great people

Merrill Guttenbeil

Property & Rental Manager 021 37 47 57

merrill@executivepropertymanagement.co.nz

T: 378 9560 M: 0274 746 507 E: Phillipa@hotpropertyrentals.co.nz 1/1 Franklin Road, Ponsonby www.hotpropertyrentals.co.nz

“TAKE THE STRESS OUT OF BEING A LANDLORD – CALL US”

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YOUR LOCAL BUSINESS BROKER Thinking of selling or buying a business? Call me today.

garry lawrence

M 021 969 601 garrylawrence@live.com

over 25 years experience live locally

David Wells BA | Dip RE | AREINZ

GARRY LAWRENCE ROOFING LTD

027 436 1465

A CUT ABOVE THE REST Cooper & Co Real Estate Ltd Licensed REAA 2008

david.wells@naiharcourts.co.nz

558 Rosebank Road, Avondale Ph: 09 3691880 www

E: sales@systemscommercial.com www.systemscommercial.com

Concept ŏ Design ŏ Fitout ŏ Install

Call us Today!

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

PONSONBY NEWS+ November 2018

107

Outdoor Furniture Manufactured with A-Grade Teak, Reclaimed Teak, Wicker, Concrete, 316 Stainless Steel, Sunbrella®, Batyline®, and Aluminum

FONTANA SOFA & CLUB CHAIRS - SUNBRELLA® CUSHIONS ARE FREE WITH DEEP SEATING PURCHASES AS SHOWN ON OUR WEBSITE!

SHELLI & BECKI

IDA & OASIS

ORGAIN & POLLY

SUNBRELLA® CANTILEVER UMBRELLA RECLAIMED TEAK TRESTLE & SOPHIA

GRANADA

AMALFI

CABO

RAW CONCRETE DINING

BIANCA

New products have arrived for Summer 2019!

Stunningly curated outdoor furniture from Italy, Belgium, Indonesia, France, and the Philippines. Visit our showroom in Parnell to see the many styles of high quality outdoor furniture. Sunbrella® cushions are free with the purchase of our deep seating pieces as shown on site.

Everything is fully assembled, in stock, and available to take home today. www.designwarehouse.co.nz / 0800 111 112 / 137 - 147 The Strand, Parnell, Auckland / Open Daily 9:30 to 5:30