PONSONBY NEWS - OCTOBER '24

PICTURED:

EUROPEAN ANTIQUES

M.M LINEN NEW BOUTIQUE

HOMEWARES

HAVEN IN PONSONBY

In the heart of Ponsonby, nestled charmingly on Richmond Road, a new sanctuary of luxury and sophistication has emerged.

M.M Linen, a brand synonymous with exquisite taste and impeccable quality, is proud to unveil its Ponsonby boutique bedding and homewares store.

The store is not just a place to shop, stepping inside you will find a curated interiors experience designed to transport customers into a world of botanicals, beauty and comfort. This beautifully designed space is light and airy with high ceilings and an abundance of natural light, providing you with that classic villa feel.

Walking through the door, you are greeted by sensory home fragrances from Italy and the UK complementing the botanical handwriting of their brand. The heart of this new boutique is their seasonal artistic bed linen collection. Renowned for their ability to blend classic plains and textures with the charm of striking unique panel designs, the new store is a testament to the artistry and craftsmanship that defines M.M Linen. From sumptuous throws and decorative cushions to table linens and a kitchen collection, every item is chosen to complement their core collections providing many options to add a touch of personalized flair to your living spaces. Their homewares are designed to work harmoniously with their bedding, allowing you to create a cohesive look that reflects your personal taste.

Each piece of M.M Linen's signature collection features vibrant hues that evoke a sense of timeless beauty. Their unique bed linen is not just an addition to your bedroom but a statement of elegance, a way to transform your home into a haven of tranquillity.

Texture is as crucial as design when it comes to creating the perfect atmosphere in your home. Whether you’re looking for the crisp, cool feel of high thread-count cotton, pure linen in an array of subtle colours for summer nights, or the plush warmth of New Zealand wool sheepskins and bean bags, the store has something to cater to every preference and need. Each texture is selected not only for its aesthetic appeal, but also for its colour, durability and comfort.

With a focus on sustainability using the best materials wherever possible, every M.M Linen branded product is proudly Scope 3 Carbon Neutral, 'seed to store', which means one hundred percent of the carbon emitted in manufacturing their product has been offset with investment in clean energy.

Founded by Kerry Jackson 11 years ago, M.M Linen has successfully grown to be sold in over 700 retailers in six countries and has a committed following.

On a personal note, the M.M Linen team is thrilled to invite you into the new boutique home linen destination store, where experienced staff meets personalised service. Whether you’re redecorating a room or simply looking for that perfect finishing touch, their consultants are pleased to help bring your vision to life. M.M Linen Ponsonby is open seven - days and located between Flowers of Franklin and Trelise Cooper on Richmond Road.

M.M Linen Ponsonby... the fabric of beautiful living.

www.mmlinen.com

004 COVER STORY: M.M LINEN

008 LETTERS & EMAILS

013 DESLEY SIMPSON: DEPUTY MAYOR OF AUCKLAND

020 ALLA PROSSIMA

022 DAVID HARTNELL: ONE MINUTE INTERVIEW

024 WAYNE BROWN: MAYOR OF AUCKLAND

028 HERNE BAY RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION

029 CHLÖE SWARBRICK: CO-LEADER GREEN PARTY

030 GAEL BALDOCK: COMMUNITY ADVOCATE

032 MIKE LEE: AUCKLAND COUNCILLOR

033 PUNEET OF PONSONBY

037 MELISSA LEE: NATIONAL LIST MP – MT ALBERT

038 LISA PRAGER: COMMUNITY ADVOCATE

039 HELEN WHITE: MP FOR MT ALBERT

040 PONSONBY CIVIC SPACE

042 FUTURE GENERATION

046 PONSONBY PROFESSIONALS

048 EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY

050 FACES AT GREY LYNN FARMERS MARKET

055 WORLD TRAVEL

058 LIVING, THINKING & BEING

060 SARISA NASINPROM: THAI MASSAGE

064 FASHION & STYLE

066 HELENE RAVLICH: EMBRACING THE SUSTAINABLE

069 HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS

073 ARTS & CULTURE

080 THE PONSONBY PINK PAGES

082 HOROSCOPES

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P20 - Gabriele Marangoni prepares tagliatelle at Alla Prossima.

Photography & Production:

Fraser

Clements & Hayley Brown

CIRCUMSTANCES THAT CAN NULLIFY YOUR WILL

Thanks to Tammy McLeod for the Davenports Law article regarding the complexities of family wills.

I have had personal experience of the complexities of inheritance law, as an only child. My mother divorced my father when I was 17 and took on a new partner who she married soon after.

Around 20 years later, my biological father died and I gained a moderate inheritance from his estate. Over many years my stepfather and I had a very good relationship and I finally helped him nurse my mother at home for six months until she died of cancer in 2007.

Unexpectedly, he moved from Auckland to the South Island to be closer to his brother and extended family. We kept in touch and I made a point of flying down to visit him every year. Then, for some reason that I can’t fathom, in his later years he became estranged and cut me out of his will, leaving his total inheritance to his brother’s children. He even blocked me from installing a plaque at my mother’s burial plot at my own expense, because he legally owned the plot. As a stepson I have no legal rights to the estate of my stepfather and no recourse to the law as it stands.

Phil Parker, Pt Chevalier

THE CONTINUING SAGA OF K' ROAD

Since the last time I wrote, Auckland Transport did a U turn from the crazy 24-hour bus lanes and returned our car parks to our community and our precinct has returned to some normality. So, for that, I am grateful and it was a massive sigh of relief for the businesses. Now, it appears we have another battle with Mercury Lane and non existent toilets.

Who in their right mind would close off vehicles entering Mercury Lane but have traffic go in the opposite direction – uphill!

Mercury Lane for as long as I can remember – well, at least for the last 47 years – has always been accessible from Pitt Street and either direction of Karangahape Road. Soon you will not be able to go straight from Pitt Street down Mercury Lane and into the parking building. Instead you will have to loop around K' Road, down Upper Queen Street and right into Cross Street. Deliveries to George Court residents or Ubers for tourists to BK hostel shouldn’t have to do that silly loop I just mentioned. Does AT really believe we will have hundreds of thousands of commuters pouring out of the station so that Mercury Lane needs to be closed off? Particularly when we have another train station just a stone's throw away at the top of the hill on Beresford?

This is another example of AT dictating how our city will function when it was functioning perfectly fine before someone thought they know best from an office desk from goodness knows where. Mayor Brown, as a local resident and straight shooter, can I ask you to step in here and sort this nonsensical desk decision-making out?

Another annoying issue, not entirely AT’s fault, but our precinct has been without a functioning public toilet. One that can actually flush! Since CRL ripped out the one we had on Pitt Street when they started building the train station four years ago we haven’t one! After much pleading from the precinct to reinstate a toilet for our community, AT wants to put a toilet in the middle of Mercury Lane! $100k has been allocated for this ‘beautiful’ toilet that can be accessible only to fully abled people. Another example of money going down the drain.

After meeting with AT and stating the obvious which is to open the CRL toilets that are pretty much finished at the Beresford

station without wasting money on the ‘flash’ one on Mercury Lane (which by the way has been opposed by many) has fallen on deaf ears.

I can only plead to City Rail Link, Auckland Transport and Auckland Council. Stop wasting ratepayers' money and do the logical thing and open the toilets on Beresford Station. Enough is enough, our community has suffered so, so much. Please give some goodwill and faith back to us with proper functioning toilets, so that customers visiting our precinct have a proper place stop to relieve themselves instead of the ‘charming’ porta-loos that we have had to put up with for the last four years.

Please, please, please… don’t prove I am right – that money is going down the drain.

Please, please, please... don’t embarrass us – when tourists visiting us have to use port-a-loos.

Please, please, please... just do the right thing and open the toilets at Beresford Station.

Please, please, please… keep Mercury Lane the way it has always been.

‘MF please please please’ (Sabrina Carpenter) Concerned business owner on K' Road.

RECENT EVENTS AT PONSONBY COMMUNITY PRESCHOOL

We’d like to share our thoughts on recent events at Ponsonby Community Preschool. Many readers will no doubt still think of the daycare at 20 Ponsonby Terrace as Ponsy Kids, a feature of the Ponsonby landscape since 1998.

The preschool has had a number of iterations over the last 26 years. This year a new iteration is needed. The declining roll is not sustainable and the hours of operation do not match the needs of the majority of the community. It has been said that we have not had any clear reasons for the change and that we have modified our reasoning to enhance our image – we have not.

We said from the start of the process that we were making a change so that the hours would more closely align to those required by the majority of fulltime working caregivers. The end goal being an increase in the number of children being enrolled. We have been clear on this. We have not said it is because we can’t afford to run the preschool with a declining roll – though the reality is we currently break even and, without change, project that by November we will be running at a loss.

We acknowledge that the teaching staff, some of whom have been with the centre for many years, have been integral to the success of the preschool. An increase in hours is needed though, and whilst we fully respect any team member’s choice to not agree with the change, the board has needed to act.

The backlash from some parents has been swift and ferocious. It has focused solely on the board’s decision to not back down on any change to operating hours. Ponsonby Community Centre is a business and must run as such; at times we must make decisions that meet resistance.

This October we want to look at our overall business and ask the wider community for their thoughts on what they’d like to see happening in their community centre. Please get involved, let us have your feedback via our website ponsonbycommunity.org.nz

Members of the Ponsonby Community Centre Board

Our cover star this month is M.M Linen, who have just relocated to Richmond Road. You may find founder Kerry Jackson in her new store located between Flowers on Franklin and Trelise Cooper’s store.

Regular readers will know that we started a Give a Little page to help us pay our print bills and funds to develop our website. There is still time to make a donation if you feel like supporting us — givealittle.co.nz search for Ponsonby News. We are ever so grateful to the 115 generous donors so far but we still have $8200 to go to reach our target.

We are cracking open a bottle of bubbles today, to celebrate our 35th birthday. We launched way back in 1989 just as the Berlin Wall was coming down. So much has happened and so much has changed but the one thing which will never change is our allowing contributors to have freedom of speech. We love getting letters as we thrive from the feedback in our letters' pages.

In this month’s issue, Helene Ravlich says, "If you’ve been meaning to make some changes to your shopping habits when it comes to a greater effort in terms of sustainability, read on for some brands and practices making the transition that little bit easier.

Farewell to Liz Wheadon who has worked as general manager at Glengarry for decades – she is off to take on a new role. We wish her our best – Glengarry has been advertising with us since we started 35 years ago.

Covert Theatre, Massive Theatre and Tim Bray are three local little theatres putting on some great shows with good talent. Like all our businesses they all need our support.

Photography: Connor Crawford

The world is a village. So do remember our mantra –Shop Local – Think Global. (MARTIN LEACH & JAY PLATT)

WESTMERE BUTCHERY PARKING – THE SOLUTION

My suggested solution for all Ponsonby News locals, to help all those businesses being permanently disadvantaged by Auckland Transport's idiot destruction of our local businesses is simple.

When needing to shop from any of the impacted businesses in Pt Chevalier Road, Garnet Road and West End Road, etc, leave someone in your car while you shop and park ON THE CYCLE WAYS!

No cyclists will be disadvantaged, as there simply are so few of them and, guess what, a cycle can just ride around a car, very easily and with much less disruption to their lives than is being inflicted on the rest of the community (ie, the other 99%.

With a passenger still in the car, it cannot safely be towed and I strongly suggest that if the community as a whole just refuses to pay any parking fines imposed, council will simply have to give up and back down!

They can't prosecute 40,000 local residents or ratepayers.

It's time for community outrage to manifest itself and civil disobedience will be the most effective device to bring these idiots at AT to heel.

Roger Hawkins, Herne Bay

A RESPONSE LETTER TO KATHRYN AVENELL

Kathryn Avenell writes in the Sept issue about how the CBD is no place for rearing families. Thanks, Kathryn, as the pure ignorance expressed in the content gave us all a real giggle.

We have lived in a CBD apartment off Queen St since 2002 and have raised two now adult children. City living is very much a practical and wonderful way of living. We have our front yard courtesy of Albert Park literally one street away and we spend a lot of time in this magnificent green space. A few minutes walk away in the City Art Gallery, Freyburg Square, Q Theatre and the transformed Myers Park is but five minutes away by foot. Victoria Park is a 10-minute walk and many a game of touch rugby we have played there.

Our kids are used to city life and can easily navigate their way around and have done so since they were littlies. We have trains and buses (and soon the CRL) close by and we haven’t needed a car for about 10 years (what a saving!). The kids can jump on the regular NX service to Albany and be there in wide open spaces shopping in 20 minutes using the dedicated bus lane services.

Granted we have lived in larger cities where CDB apartment living is pretty normal but if you occupy a decent apartment then you indeed are part of an inner city eco system and yes –one very suitable for families. Come on into the CBD Kathryn – we don’t bite.

W. Beverley

ARTERIAL ROADS HAVE BEEN GIVEN A NEW ROLE?

While listening to the online Waitematā Local Body Workshop last week, we were told by Auckland Transport that Ponsonby residents, according to the last census information, had indicated that they would be more likely than other districts to use bicycles.

Further, there is a plan for Ponsonby Road to receive the ‘arterial road makeover’ and of course we know that lots of cycle paths will feature in all their glory. Cyclists will get what they asked for. But there are wider repercussions.

In the past, arterial routes were used to efficiently carry a flow of traffic from A to B, or to a motorway. Arterial routes were a great way to keep traffic out of quiet suburban streets where we might find children and bicycles. (Ref Gael Baldock, Ponsonby News July.)

Recent traffic planners have turned that story around. They are now choosing to congest the arterials instead.

We have seen queues of cars when double lane roads are narrowed to one lane. We have seen queues behind buses stopped in single lane traffic. We have seen traffic bumps, raised crossings. Arterial routes are no longer the easy A to B that they used to be. That is causing frustrated traffic to escape the now cluttered arterials by diving down quiet side streets. Oh dear.

Further, we usually find collections of small retailers scattered along arterial routes. They need the curb space outside their premises for quick stop parking. It’s proved vital for business.

But curb space in these ‘upgraded’ streets is also needed for cycle paths, loading zones, disabled parking and bus stops. How will retailers cope with the inevitable loss of car parking spaces?

Looking at other examples, like K' Road and West Lynn, we know that the changes AT is proposing will take a toll on these already struggling businesses. You would think commonsense would apply.

Brian Clayton

IT’S A SEXUALIZED WORLD

In the early evening of 26 July, I scrolled through some TV2 options and came across an episode of Neighbours in full swing. In those short few moments, the screen suddenly filled with a closeup of the heads of two young women going to town; explicitly kissing each other at length. This was a 5.30pm show in kids' TV time. It didn’t feel right, so for the first time in my life, I wrote to the TV Complaints Committee.

But it turns out it’s all just fine! The show was G rated and actually aimed at teenagers. It wasn’t offensive because the girls were clothed and all the past complaints about similar material were also, one by one, proven groundless. They also told me that the French kissing cartoons that others had complained about were also found to be quite acceptable.

I feel so sorry for today’s parents. It must be so hard to keep your children on the straight and narrow when there are people in our communities intent on normalising adult sexual material in young minds.

I don’t care if it’s gay or straight, there are common sense standards which we should surely uphold for children. We all need to help parents, not make it harder for them, but the TV world doesn’t care about that it seems. No breach of standard they say, everything is just fine.

It takes a village to raise a child they tell us, but I’m not sure that our village is doing its job.

Kathryn Avenell

35 YEARS OF PUBLISHING – MORE THAN A LIFETIME

Congratulations, Martin! What an amazing achievement reaching 35 years of publishing and still offering such great content for the local Ponsonby community.

Luci Marshall,Northcote

THE BILL TO ‘DISESTABLISH' AUCKLAND TRANSPORT (AT) IS LONG OVERDUE

The move by NZ First and Winston Peters to introduce the bill to ‘disestablish' Auckland Transport (AT) is long overdue, but very much welcomed by the majority of clear-thinking Aucklanders.

For absolute proof as to the sheer arrogance, indifference to the public and obtuse stupidity of AT Board, management and staff, a visit to Point Chevalier Road and Meola Road will instantly prove that Auckland Transport has completely lost the plot.

Over $77,000,000 has been wasted and will be wasted by AT on, in their words, “improving” these two vital thoroughfares and the planned “improvements” to Great North Road in Grey Lynn.

Meola Road only needed a wider thoroughfare, a white line painted down the middle of the already existing wide footpath/ cycleway on the eastern side, more parking for the sports fields and dog walks and bus stops set off the thoroughfare.

Instead, AT, in their group think madness, built an extraordinarily expensive new unnecessary cycleway, narrowed the lanes, introduced multiple speed humps, pedestrian crossings and extended curb lines, built the bus stops out into the thoroughfares, attempted to destroy the roundabout that has worked perfectly for over 100 years and removed multiple vital car parks from Westmere shops.

What a hideous waste of our hard-earned money. The sad reality is, that when AT finally finishes ruining that part of our neighbourhood, it will immediately start on ruining Great North Road. Once again, a very expensive improvement that is not needed or even justified in any way.

Great North Road is still working perfectly well, as it has for as long as I can remember – which so far is 60+ years.

AT fully deserves to be disestablished, staff reduced by at least 60%, salaries reduced to the public sector rates and all remaining staff required to travel to and from work (and for work related purposes) on public transport, as AT is attempting to force upon the long-suffering public.

Through “global search for improvements,” AT has introduced offshore solutions to Auckland that in no way enhance traffic flows, the city, the environment or, to use their latest ‘excuse' for such grossly excessive spending of our money, safety!

One obvious example of AT madness – placing huge planters in the parking spaces needed for car parks in the CBD – what on earth is that supposed to achieve that is of value to CBD visitors?

Winston has once again hit the nail on the head, and ACT and National must support the earliest possible adoption of this new bill that will finally free Aucklanders and Auckland from the collective insanity that is Auckland Transport.

Roger Hawkins, Herne Bay

MEOLA HARBOUR BRIDGE PLAN

What's the 'brilliant' Meola Harbour Bridge plan Mayor Brown? (NZ Herald 12 September)

This sounds as wacky as the weak greywacke stone under the reef: You're heading for a new four lane bridge stuck in traffic on Pt Chevalier Road, recently narrowed to a single lane.

You then play dodgems with kids at Coyle Park playground before driving straight off a cliff onto Meola Reef – a geologically protected lava flow on unstable sedimentary

rock. Then, in a wild twist of fate, your car leaps above sailboats from one reserve to another before landing in Kauri Point Centennial Park.

Is the plan less ridiculous by this route? You turn right off skinny Pt Chevalier Road onto the even narrower Meola Road, where you get stuck behind buses at inline bus stops.

Turning into the dog park, disrupting cyclists on the pristine bike path, you’re unleashed on destroyed trees and reserve ecology.

The adventure ends at Chelsea Sugar Factory, sweet! Or, maybe instead of a bridge for cars, buses and trucks, it’s a recipe for another overly expensive, soon-to-be abandoned bike bridge that will cost $150 million just to think about!

Bella Black

READY TO PAY FOR A PEDESTRIANISED HIGH STREET?

Watching the weekly Waitematā Local Board ‘open' workshop online as a member of the public on Tuesday, 10 September, the Chief Operating Officer of Eke Panuku Development seemed unable to provide a solid reason for spending millions unnecessarily on a proposed remodelling of High Street in the CBD.

This ‘minor' detail was dutifully fleshed out by local board elected member Alan Matson (C&R). Notably, the City Vision component of the politically divided local board rarely applies similar questioning when it comes to discussions involving its beloved Central City Master Plan. So, which side is really working to reduce rates bills?

The C.O.O. from Eke Panuku, who was in attendance, could only say, “There’s a desire to see what a revitalised High Street could look like.” But I ask, whose desire are we talking about? As Matson articulated, residents want their rates reduced! While Eke Panuku resorted to, “The budget has been approved and we have the funding, so we’re going ahead.” Discussion closed.

Matson pointed out that only the wooden boardwalk and some pieces of footpath need repairs, not a complete street makeover. So, to be clear, only thousands need to be spent, not millions. Not to mention how business owners could be spared a protracted period of disruption with no guarantee of commercial survival.

Ask any business owner in the CBD whether converting the city into a pedestrian precinct is improving life for them and you’ll get an angry earful. Many are relocating or folding.

So why does council keep funnelling colossal amounts of public debt to private sector construction companies for projects that are purely ‘aspirational', unnecessary and killing business?

If I were really cynical, I’d say these blowout projects, without penalties or deadlines, effectively amount to laundering mountains of unchecked money to private sector contractors. While the public is left with the collateral damage.

The most commonly pronounced word in western governance worldwide, is ‘sustainable'. However, there is nothing ‘sustainable' about the loose way they run their budgets and your rates bill is testament to this. Be prepared to see your rates bill continue to rise unless you, property owner, speak up! There’s power in numbers.

Grant Mountjoy

CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

Opinions expressed in Ponsonby News are not always the opinion of Alchemy Media Limited & Ponsonby News.

WESTMERE VILLAGE CYCLEWAY UPDATE

Led by Westmere Butchery, nine of the 13 Westmere Village retailers have signed a petition against the cycleway that they were never formally consulted on by Auckland Transport.

Initially, the cycleway was designed to stop before the village. AT wrongly believes that traffic are ‘Rat Runners’, so the design is to stop commuters using this route.

Garnet/Meola roundabout’s two lanes are critical to allow commuters on this arterial route to turn right into Meola Road while local traffic has a lane to continue up Garnet Road. I was assured by AT that the roundabout was being redesigned to remove the zebra crossing to allow for these two lanes.

Pharmacist Sam Tibshraeny and I meet with AT at the roundabout pointing out how seven cars stacked in each of the two lanes was the equivalent of 14 in one lane, therefore taking twice the road space. Glen Mckendry, Westmere Butchery manager, accompanied me to the AT Board public meeting asking them to stop this narrowing of the roundabout. This position is also held by Councillor Mike Lee and Waitematā Local Board Deputy Chair Greg Moyle.

I met with Mayor Wayne Brown on Sunday 8 September at Westmere Village and he expressed his support of the two lanes in the Sunday Star Times 15 September, “A quick chat to a relatively open-minded AT manager has resulted in a minor change to let drivers go straight through to continue their journey on Garnet Road."

Yet AT has gone against the Mayor’s directive and are continuing with the narrowing, maintaining that there is no benefit to the two lanes and claiming “many people support the project.” Surely they do not get to overrule the Mayor!

After recent rains, the project already has ponding in the gutter. There is nowhere else for the rain to go with a raised crossing at one end and a raised cycleway at the other. This is reminiscent of West Lynn Village cycleway’s poor drainage design.

This area has just had a stormwater upgrade.

Gael Baldock

SEEING THE STREETS OF WESTMERE CHANGE

I've lived here 17 years and seeing the streets of Westmere change gets me all emotional.

I really don't want to be a stick in the mud, a NIMBY or a luddite but I don't want a cycleway to rip up Garnet Road. It's a weird feeling because I consider myself to be liberal, progressive, a greenie and a cyclist! But I'm also a business owner and a creative who hates the fact the bike paths are a black bitumen eyesore. Garnet road and its footpaths are wide enough to accommodate everyone. I love the way it is and I hate all the extra concrete warming up the environment, the absurdity of inline bus stops and the curbless corners that encourage scooters to speed even faster than they already do. Twice I've almost been taken out by a scooter as I stepped out of my gate and shop. It is possible to cycle without a designated pathway, let's use what we've got instead of wasting all this money. I strongly believe motorists should give way to pedestrians and that walking and talking is what is important, the preservation of community, not just accessibility for those passing through.

Verity George, Westmere

35 YEARS IS A LONG TIME – A LIFETIME!

A small but hugely sincere note to say THANK YOU and CONGRATULATIONS on delivering the Ponsonby News to the community in and around Ponsonby. 35 years is a long time and your dedication to the magazine delivering and informing high-quality content is greatly appreciated by many. All the best for the future as the Ponsonby News is definitely much loved.

Desley Simpson, Deputy Mayor, Auckland.

Opinions expressed in Ponsonby News are not always the opinion of Alchemy Media Limited & Ponsonby News.

HAURAKI PROPERTY SERVICES

If you’d like to know how to start a business with a $30 investment, here’s our story!

We returned to New Zealand in the middle of 2019, and who would have known what the year 2020 would bring to the world? My partner was offered a job in Auckland, and I used to say I’d never return to New Zealand — definitely not Auckland. You might as well kill me if you ever see me at the end of the brush. And here we are, in Auckland, pursuing her dreams while I’m about to buy a $30 brush for a painting job I got offered through a friend.

When we created Hauraki Property Services, we always knew we wanted to grow it. I discovered a huge passion for business and business processes. In the first year, everything we earned was reinvested into the business. We were fortunate that my partner at the time had a full-time job, which allowed her to support us during the growth period. I still remember the moment we hired our first staff member! Fast forward down the track and we now have two of the most

incredible staff members with excellent craftsmanship skills, as well as a couple of talented teams who support us when we need to tackle big jobs.

Our main values are showing immense respect and appreciation to our staff, providing professional services with great client communication and never compromising on quality. We take pride in what we do. We are always on time and stick to the schedule; in fact, we often find ourselves chasing builders rather than them chasing us. Building companies love working with us because they always know what to expect, including impeccable communication.

(MORGAN PAYNE FROM HAURAKI PROPERTY SERVICES)

Further information: 020 4 TRADES (872 337) info@propertyservices.net.nz www.propertyservices.net.nz

DESLEY SIMPSON:

GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE AT THE FOREFRONT

Insights from the 11th World Green Infrastructure Congress

2023 was a year to remember. It was marked by unprecedented weather events, with a year’s worth of rain in just a few months, causing tragic loss of lives, homes and infrastructure. These events were a stark reminder of the impact of climate change.

As a city we learnt some hard lessons:

Some of our existing infrastructure is based on old weather patterns and is no longer fit for purpose

· We need to give water not just a place to rest but the space to move around the city

· We need to protect our urban forests and coastlines

We need to take the opportunity to think differently

· We need to work at pace by prioritising and funding initiatives which will ultimately make Auckland a better place

In short, we need to go greener faster

Auckland hosted the 11th World Green Infrastructure Congress, 3-5 September. It covered critical themes to drive sustainable urban development. Nature-based solutions and green infrastructure were at the heart of the discussions. How we manage flooding, protect coastlines and reimagine infrastructure to protect ourselves for the future were all discussed.

Auckland Council has been proactive in adopting green infrastructure. Initiatives like water-sensitive urban design in Wynyard Quarter. The greening of the city’s waterfront with rain gardens and native trees showcase efforts to mitigate flooding and reduce heat while enhancing biodiversity. The Oakley Creek Park restoration in central Auckland, which transformed a concrete channel into a naturalised stream,

significantly reducing flooding risk. As well as our Shoreline Adaptation Plans to protect our 3500km of coastline and Urban Ngahere (Forest) Strategy aiming to increase tree canopy cover, especially in areas vulnerable to high temperatures, all contribute to this aim.

Auckland's commitment to green infrastructure is also evident in its Making Space for Water programme, which aims to improve flood intelligence and stormwater management. Key projects in South Auckland are already underway. However, this is a timely reminder. If your residential property was badly affected by the Auckland Anniversary floods in January 2023 or Cyclone Gabrielle in February 2023 there is a 30 September 2024 deadline to register for a free risk assessment. Just over 40% of more than 7000 properties impacted across Auckland have signed up. I strongly encourage you to get in touch. If you’re not in the programme by 30 September, you will not be eligible for additional support. If you or someone you know could benefit from this programme assessment, please share the information and deadline date.

To find out more and register, visit tinyurl.com deadlineapproaching or call our Recovery Office team on T: 09 884 2070.

DESLEY SIMPSON, Deputy Mayor of Auckland www.desleysimpson.co.nz

Your diary should make for good reading

Summerset St Johns Open Day, Sunday 20 October

One for the diary

Situated right in the heart of the Eastern Suburbs, Summerset St Johns takes retirement living to a new level with luxuriously appointed apartments, serviced apartments, care suites, an exquisite village centre with a bar and bistro, enviable resort-style facilities and services, and breathtaking views.

There are a range of independent apartments starting from $1,350,000,* and to make it even easier, you can move in this year with a 25% deposit and then have up to six months to pay the balance # – including two years of no weekly fees following receipt of the balance.

There’s never been a better time to escape to this luxurious haven. But don’t take our word for it, make our very first Open Day one for the diary. Love the life you choose.

IT’S A TEAM EFFORT...

WE COULDN’T DO IT WITHOUT OUR CONTRIBUTORS

CHLÖE SWARBRICK

Chlöe Swarbrick is the MP for and the biggest fan of Auckland Central - she is Co-Leader of the Green Party of Aotearoa NZ.

CONNOR CRAWFORD

I am a working artist and photographer with a colourful and rhythmic perspective. I enjoy shooting the front covers of Ponsonby News.

DAVID HARTNELL - MNZM

For the last 53 years I’ve been a freelance entertainment journalist and author. I’ve lived in the Grey Lynn area for over three decades; I have met and interviewed some amazing people.

DESLEY SIMPSON

I am a dedicated and approachable Deputy Mayor of Auckland, with a handson approach and genuine commitment to improving local communities and solving issues in Auckland.

GAEL BALDOCK

We each follow our moral compass shaped by training. Mine is sculpting, architecture, sociology, anthropology and betterment of our shared world by community advocacy… and saving trees.

HELENE RAVLICH

A freelance writer and copywriter for almost 20 years, I have written for publications all over the world and couldn’t imagine myself in any other job.

KEN RING

My yearly NZ Weather Almanacs began in 1999. During the tragic 2011 Christchurch earthquakes, my work created international interest. I currently live in Ponsonby.

LISA PRAGER

A life long advocate for community issues, I am passionate about protecting and enhancing our natural environment and built heritage.

MELISSA LEE

I have been a National List MP based in Mt Albert for the last 15 years, working hard to deliver outcomes for our community. I am also the Minister for Economic Development, Minister for Ethnic Communities, and Associate Minister for ACC.

MIKE LEE

I am the councillor for Waitematā & Gulf. A former seafarer, former chair of the ARC, conservationist, PT advocate, and author. I have represented the Ponsonby area since 1992.

PHIL PARKER

Journalist and published author, I have had a career involving both wine writing and hosting boutique wine tours in the Auckland region.

PUNEET DHALL

I am an Aucklander of Indian origin, Punjabi and Sikh. I have a keen interest in food, wine and politics.

SARITA SOLVIG BLANKENBURG

I am a passionate Ayurveda practitioner based in Ponsonby for the last 15 years. Inspiring others to live a healthy and fulfilled life is my higher purpose.

SARISA NASINPROM

Born in Thailand. Aotearoa is now my home. I believe we have but one body, one being, and a duty to care for it and to help others to care for theirs.

SARAH TROTMAN, ONZM

She has been rated the most effective Governor on the Waitematā Local Board. However, we rate her as the most effective community advocate, who led the C&R team from her sole voice on the Board to the majority at the last election, until...

ROSS THORBY - QSM

I have had a wanderlust for travel ever since I was old enough to own a passport. Since I discovered cruising, I have become unstoppable.

TWO DECADES OF LOCAL SUCCESS

John Wills: Proven Local Expertise

John Wills is a proven and trusted name when it comes to residential real estate on the western city-fringe.

He brings over two decades of local sales experience to the table for his clients.

There are positive green shoots appearing in our local marketplace, but the current environment certainly calls for specialist knowledge, strong negotiation skills, work ethic and perseverance.

If you are planning a property move in 2024, please feel free to get in touch in complete confidence. John

EAST DAY SPA

The ultimate self-care destination, no long haul flight required.

Aotearoa’s premium destination for luxury facial experiences, transformative massage, full body relaxation and more, East Day Spa is an urban sanctuary that invites you to retreat from the demands of everyday life, with a range of treatments and treats available to indulge in year round.

Boasting a series of carefully curated spaces in which clients can find rest and rejuvenation on a whole other level, the spa’s recent design-forward transformation invites you to immerse yourself in an oasis of calm right in the heart of New Zealand’s busiest city. Curved accents and luxurious, imported materials mix together to create a spa destination like no other, with state-of-the-art facilities such as a Tepidarium sporting Italian stone-heated loungers and a designated sauna space in which to unwind pre-treatment.

Popular treatments include the Augustinus Bader Methode Facial, a sense-stirring experience that harnesses the awardwinning, science-backed global brand’s hero formulas to refresh and restore. Available exclusively in New Zealand at East Day Spa and Spring Spa, it uses Augustinus Bader’s pioneering luxury product line along with customised fascia massage to stimulate cell rejuvenation and bring a glow like no other.

Popular massage options include signature Shanti, Balinese and Veda, as well as Hot Stone and Traditional Eastern Reflexology for those keen to experience the transformative powers of the centuries-old practice under the magical hands of the talented team of East Day Spa therapists. Add on a session in one of the spa’s infrared saunas or the chic Tepidarium for the ultimate indulgence, leaving you more than ready to tackle the demands of modern life head-on.

For those keen to escape the madness midweek, East Day Spa also offers a selection of weekday wellbeing treatments that allow clients to experience an urban spa-cation from Monday to Thursday, at special weekday-friendly prices. Whether your escape of choice is a traditional Indian Kady Vasty massage followed by acupressure to the eyes or a CODAGE Paris facial plus sweet treat for your feet, the

exclusive Weekday Serenity Retreat packages at East Day Spa are expressly designed to refresh, restore and soothe the senses.

With free parking available at SkyCity carpark until the end of October and an array of inspired options on their extensive menu, East Day Spa is ready to welcome you into their world – no flights required.

eastdayspa.com springspa.com

INTERVIEW WITH GABRIELE MARANGONI, EXECUTIVE CHEF AT ALLA PROSSIMA

It’s now been three months since Alla Prossima opened in Abstract Hotel in Upper Queen Street.

Ponsonby News sat down with Executive Chef Gabriele Marangoni to learn of his plans and to get the inside story about his take on tiramisu.

Alla Prossima is a destination restaurant that specialises in Emiliano Romagnola cuisine. It’s also a restaurant inside a hotel. How is that different and what are the challenges?

As always, it’s about my relationship with the customers who eat the food I prepare.

The relationship I have with hotel guests is a little different from the one I have in a stand-alone restaurant. It’s a more gregarious, more familial environment. Hotel guests exhibit a sense of belonging – it’s their restaurant. I may see them more than once in a day and can greet and acknowledge them. They chat a little more easily, so I get to listen to their stories. They quickly find a favourite place.

At the same time, it’s more rewarding. Abstract Hotel is surrounded by some very good K’ Road restaurants, so if someone staying chooses to dine in-house several times during their stay, I feel a sense of pride. They have a world of choice on their doorstep, yet they choose to come back to the same place, maybe even to order the same dish.

Alla Prossima means 'until next time’. Our promise is that you will enjoy your meal so much, you’ll want to return soon, and with hotel guests we get to see that promise materialise. It’s very rewarding.

But don’t you have to cater to a broader audience in an in-house restaurant?

You’re right. We specialise in regional cuisine. People who choose Alla Prossima as a destination often understand that, but hotel guests may think, “Italian. Where’s the pizza?” That’s part of the challenge – catering to all expectations.

I want people to have a particular experience of Italian cuisine. Bringing that to the breakfast menu requires great care. One step at a time. I’m introducing scrambled eggs carbonara: we’ll see how that goes.

How do you make a connection with your customers?

A lot of that has to do with seeing and being seen. Dining is not just about fuelling the body. Every time I cook for someone, I feel a connection. If I’m shut in a kitchen, any feedback comes via the wait staff. No matter how observant and diligent they are, my connection with customers is once removed. With an open kitchen I can see how each customer responds to my dishes – what surprises them, what delights them. I learn from them. It’s a more intimate relationship.

And because they can see me preparing their food, they have a greater sense of involvement in the meal. They can see my passion, the care and attention that goes into each dish. It’s not just something that materialises in front of them.

I don’t think I could go back to a closed kitchen.

Gabriele Marangoni and Nigel McKenna

Photography & Production: Fraser Clements & Hayley Brown

DAVID HARTNELL: ONE MINUTE INTERVIEW WITH EVAN WOODRUFFE

Evan Woodruffe is the Product Specialist at Gordon Harris, the parent company to Studio Art Supplies, which his family sold to the Harris family in 2007.

Working at Studio Art Supplies, do you paint?

When I first started in 1986, I was a musician, but by the mid1990s, the lure of all the gorgeous colours overwhelmed me, so I swapped out my guitar for a paint brush. I exhibited with OREXART from 2003 until 2015, all the while managing the store. In 2015, I stepped off the shop floor, reduced my hours and concentrated on painting in my studio. Since then, I have exhibited nationally and across the Asia-Pacific region for Paul Nache Gallery.

How did you survive the pandemic?

With a surprising amount of art, cocktails and Ottolengi cookbooks. My partner and I were fortunate to have a good friend who lives by themselves be part of our cluster, and our block only has four apartments, all with good-sized balconies, so there was a lot of drink waving and gallows humour. I don’t feel my body has fully recovered from having the ‘plague' in 2022, and the pandemic sent many art plans down the gurgler. However, we live with a new reality and every day above ground is a good one.

What was your childhood like?

Idyllic for a while, then nasty. Thankfully, my parents filled it with art, music, literature, theatre and dance, which I’ve found most useful for dealing with life after childhood.

Which TV series would you never miss?

The brutal and hilarious interactions between horrible people made Succession a great way to end the day, though it’s tied equally with White Lotus. I watch these on my laptop rather than a TV screen, as the walls are reserved for art.

Your dream holiday internationally?

I’m in the happy situation of travelling regularly for my art practice, and these are my favourite experiences abroad. I don’t like lounging on a beach. I get bored. I much prefer to be involved with local art communities so I have a deeper connection to the place. Art invariably involves great people, food and drink, often in exclusive spaces. I went back to Germany in February, where I’m Brand Ambassador for Schmincke Artist Colours and da Vinci Artist Brushes, so perhaps if they included a nice studio in Düsseldorf for a few months, that would be living the dream.

Bucket list?

Painting a masterpiece, paying the mortgage, eating my way around Japan.

The best day of your life to-date?

Every day is the best day, as I’m still alive. No matter the daily challenges, just being here is a privilege.

If they made a movie about your life, who would play you?

Steve Coogan is the same age and about as silly, so that would be a good fit.

The last thing you bought that you regretted?

A manual coffee grinder. Do you know how long it takes to grind beans for a cup of coffee?

What do you most dislike about your appearance?

That in these tough economic times, I can’t afford as many Strangely Normal shirts as I once could.

What is a project you are looking forward to?

I have a solo show with Paul Nache at Sydney Contemporary, held in the historic Carriageworks, with 30,000 visitors over four days. It’s the most significant gallery event in Australasia, and the best opportunity to reach new audiences. Following several weeks in NYC at the start of this year, I have developed a new series of paintings that I’m very excited by, and they will be launched at Sydney Contemporary. I’m amped to be back there, measuring my work alongside 500 contemporary artists from around the world.

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

As an artist who was generous and supportive with their knowledge. I’ve always supported visual artists, first by setting up awards in the 1990s through Studio Art Supplies, buying art (the best way to support an artist, from a gallery and not from auction), teaching and informing on art materials through workshops, one-on-one sessions, and blogs for Gordon Harris, working with disadvantaged groups, arts advocacy, and with Akepiro Street Studios, home to 11 artists since 2008.

Last year, Studio Art Supplies celebrated its 50th anniversary, which my 92-year-old father attended. Far from just being a shop, the store has introduced many innovative materials and art making processes to artists here, and that culture of sharing information is key to a thriving creative sector.

(DAVID HARTNELL, MNZM)  PN

GREY LYNN'S HOTTEST NEW BBQ JOINT

This month we chat with co-owners Anu and Varun of Smoking Shack – the one and only low and slow barbecue experience in central Auckland.

Tell us a little bit about yourselves.

Two years ago, we began with nothing more than a gazebo and our barbecue smoker at Botany night market. We met at culinary school and our dream had always been to start a BBQ food business together. Fast forward to today, and we’ve expanded to not one, but three food trucks and completed over 250 events just last summer. The incredible support and love from our community inspired us to take the leap into opening our own restaurant. It's been a whirlwind journey full of challenges, but every step has brought us closer to sharing our passion for barbecue with even more people.

What’s the secret to achieving that signature smoky barbecue flavour?

It all starts with love – lots of it! From sourcing the best New Zealand-fed meats to lighting up our smokers at 5am, we’re dedicated to bringing out the boldest, juiciest flavours. Our process is rooted in the tradition of low and slow barbecue, ensuring every bite is melt-in-your-mouth delicious. It’s the kind of flavour that sticks with you, long after the meal is over.

What’s the most popular dish on your menu?

The crowd favourite has to be our 'Platter to Share’. It’s a feast that lets you sample a variety of our meats and condiments

Anu and Varun, Smoking Shack co-owners

all on one plate – perfect for sharing, because barbecue is always better when enjoyed together.

Do you take reservations?

Absolutely! You can easily book through our website and we also offer venue hire, drop-off menus, buffet catering and private events with our food truck at your doorstep. So come see us at 108 Surrey Crescent, Grey Lynn, or book through our website.

SMOKING SHACK, 108 Surrey Crescent, T: 09 883 5544, www.smokingshack.co.nz @smokingshack, www.facebook.com/SmokingShackBBQ

WAYNE BROWN:

MAYOR OF AUCKLAND

I can’t stand seeing money wasted – especially when it’s our taxes and rates that could be spent much more effectively.

‘Stop Wasting Money’ was one of the key platforms I campaigned on and I’m pleased to have delivered savings of $83 million from Auckland Council spending in 2023/24.

Another $140 million will follow over the next three years. The cross-harbour tunnel proposed by the major parties needs to be right at the top of the list in any discussion about waste.

They have already ploughed $37 million into this fantasy, with precisely zero to show for it.

Another $177 million is planned over the next three years, by which time over $210 million of public funds will have been squandered. There won’t even be a hole in the ground to show for it – this money is going into just thinking about a tunnel.

Someone is getting rich out of this and it isn’t you or me.

Any second harbour crossing needs to give the best value possible and achieve the maximum benefit for Aucklanders.

Recent experience with the City Rail Link (CRL) shows tunnels usually cost at least double the original estimate.

That puts the true cost of a tunnel in the vicinity of at least $34 billion (note: much bigger figures are being bandied about) or equivalent to more than a decade of national road spending on one project that actually achieves nothing.

A much better option is for a bridge further along from the existing one that goes across the next-shortest point. This diffuses traffic and takes demand away from the existing bridge.

A tunnel in the same location as the current bridge achieves nothing. The approach roads on either side will still be choked.

I’ve proposed Meola Reef as the site for a second crossing. There may well be other good ideas and I’m open to hearing them.

The Meola option has a fair bit going for it: the reef goes 80% of the way across the harbour and could allow a causeway to be built across those shallow waters at comparatively low cost, ramping up to match the topography on the North Shore side and allow boats to pass underneath.

Some Westmere locals may have reservations about the impact on their property values. But remember, the most expensive area in New Zealand is St Marys Bay – right in front of the bridge! I’ve seen various experts saying Meola could still cost hundreds of millions.

That is probably true but hundreds of millions are way less than thousands of millions.

Various people have raised possible concerns about environmental impacts and property values at Point Chevalier. People forget that most of our CBD is reclaimed and there’s no noise about that.

As Mayor, it’s my job to think about Auckland as a whole. We have to elevate the discussion. No matter which option we take for a second harbour crossing, there will be some localised impacts.

Don’t forget a tunnel would have massive impacts of its own – excavation, trucking rubble through the city to be dumped somewhere, building approach roads on both sides and the release of exhaust fumes.

We live here and love this city. We know best and should be having a discussion among ourselves about what we want.

I’m happy to see people poking and prodding the Meola Reef crossing option. At least we’re starting to have a debate on our own terms.

It would be good if we could quickly get to a point where, as a city, we kicked around a few options and then locked in around one. We showed we can do this with the CRL, now we need to come together again.

This would create the political pressure needed to get Wellington to stop wasting our money on a tunnel. They’ll keep going if we let them and we’ll have nothing to show for it at the end. (WAYNE BROWN)  PN

www.facebook.com/WayneBrownAuckland Mayor.Wayne.Brown@Aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

8A Ponsonby Road

C r e a t e t h e n e x t c h a tp e r

8 Ponsonby Road was originally built in 1884 as a branch for Auckland Savings Bank. This historic space offers a unique opportunity to make your mark. WIth 8A available for lease, you can bring your business to life and add your own chapter to its rich history.

Retail and Office spaces available for lease now:

PH 09 522 0039

SPRING COMES TO KELMARNA COMMUNITY FARM

A Grey Lynn local, Shanaya started volunteering at Kelmarna in the market garden two summers ago. She stopped for a bit and has now come back. "I come for the nature fix and the passive learning. Today I’m learning about putting down hay to suppress weeds in a prepared bed."

Shanaya says she is curious about how our food is grown and has come to appreciate what hard work it is to get from seed to actual food. "This is my fifth week back so five weeks ago we planted seeds and put them in the soil and now they are sprouting. It’s so fulfilling to see progression like this."

But the best part of volunteering for Shanaya is chatting with the other volunteers. "It’s a great community and I really like the people who work here."

Matt has been a volunteer at Kelmarna for the past two years for all sorts of reasons. "I need somewhere to be in nature and I also try to learn about horticulture and how things are grown here. It’s also the workplace you can come to every week and just slot in. It’s a great place for socialising with the other people who work here."

"Kelmarna Community Farm is made possible by volunteers," says General Manager Sarah McFadden. "And everyone has something to contribute."

The farm works with around 400 volunteers each year helping out with lots of different aspects of farm operations, one of

the main ones being gardening. All volunteers are trained in Kelmarna systems and methods and, over time, have the opportunity to learn hands-on all processes of organic food growing. This covers seed raising, sowing, planting, weed management, harvesting, composting and more.

Volunteers are not just learning about gardening and developing new skills, they are making new friends and connections and experiencing that indescribably great feeling of belonging. "Kelmarna volunteers tell us they feel they are part of something meaningful in their community." says Sarah.

Shared lunches with volunteers and staff are a welcome break in the middle of every day for connecting and socialising. Everyone gets to know each other over a plate of good food they have helped to grow, freshly harvested from the garden.

"We eat, we chat, we sit, we digest," says Sarah. "We believe this whole approach of sharing harvest and a cooked lunch together is vital to creating meaningful relationships both with each other and this land we farm."

If you’d like to volunteer to support Kelmarna, visit the website and look under ‘Volunteer’. Volunteer opportunities include working in the garden, soil factory, education, retail shop, farm hands programme, as a handy person or bringing any other skills you have outside of gardening. Thursday and Saturday drop-in volunteering sessions require no long term commitment.

KELMARNA COMMUNITY FARM, 12 Hukanui Crecent, T: 09 376 0472, www.kelmarna.co.nz

It’s a still, sunny Saturday morning and Shanaya is pulling out the last rogue weeds from the zucchini bed while Matt measures 80cms between the seedling holes he is prepping. A typical spring day at Kelmarna Community Farm. SAT 12TH OCT 9.30 — 12.30

Lovingly-raised organic seedlings for your summer garden!

Luxury Meets Location

The Foundation is without doubt, one of the most sought-after retirement locations in Auckland. The Nathan Residences are now complete and work is underway on the second building, Abbott Residences. This new development features a conservatory rooftop garden terrace with views overlooking the museum and harbour.

We are delighted to announce that appointments are now available to view the show apartment and plans for the Abbott Residences. Please arrange an appointment with Bev Dyson.

HERNE BAY RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION (HBRA) SAYS…

Watercare is ignoring the plight of many Herne Bay residents facing sewer blockages resulting from tree root intrusion into old clay pipes leading into their properties.

Many of these pipes, on public land, were put down more than a century ago and Watercare has no plans to replace them, or even maintain them unless there is a sewer blockage.

While trees can add beauty to a street, the combination of tree roots and old Watercare pipes can lead to constant sewer blockages and gully trap overflows. Most of these blockages occur between the main street sewer feed and the boundary of a private residence. Usually houses have plastic pipes and so tree roots are unlikely to penetrate the plastic, normally growing around the pipes rather than through them.

When this occurs, Watercare will visit and unblock the pipes. But Watercare doesn’t conduct regular maintenance of its pipes, leading to many residents having had multi-blockages over a number of years.

One Marine Parade resident, who is frustrated by sewer blockages, and wants Watercare to check his pipes regularly so it doesn’t happen again, got the following response to a request for regular checking of the sewer feeder pipes leading into his property:

“Unfortunately, unless another fault occurs, Watercare do not do maintenance checks.”

Herne Bay Road is a street where there have been regular repairs to street pipes because of constant sewer overflows. The trees bordering the properties give the street a certain appeal, but the roots are viciously rampant on Watercare underground pipes.

Michael and Caitlin Wright have lived in Herne Bay Road for more than 10 years and have had multiple visits from Watercare to address stormwater and sewage flooding events due to blocked pipes.

Says Michael: “Although Watercare has pumped and water blasted the pipes in order to clear them, the standard response is that the roots are too thick to cut through with their equipment.

“The clay pipes are so damaged that their equipment is at risk of getting damaged, therefore the pipes are never completely unblocked,” he says.

“We have had a couple of pipes leading from our boundary to the main sewer line repaired but not replaced. By Watercare’s own admission, until the pipes are replaced with a plastic/ polythene version, the problems will continue,“ he says.

Michael believes Watercare should be maintaining these pipes and ensuring they are blockage free.

“Watercare is not maintaining the pipes and delivering on the service they are being contracted to undertake.“

Watercare will often pay for repairs to blocked pipes on private property but only if it can be proven a sewage spill resulted from a leaky pipe on public land. This can only be achieved by sending a camera into the pipe to show the blockage is not on private land. But in the event of a blocked sewer overflowing through a gully trap all around a house, the resident hasn’t got the time to wait for Watercare to visit and check the location of the breakage.

So, they get a plumber to clear the pipes of roots and contact Watercare once the problem has been fixed.

Brian Coleman has lived in Herne Bay Road for 35 years and has experienced multiple issues with blocked drains.

“We have been told by Watercare that the main sewer that runs down the middle of Herne Bay Road has major problems,“ he said.

“Watercare also advised us that the root infiltrations are so extensive and large, that the utility cannot totally clear roots from either the main sewer or our connections, so all repairs are only partial and temporary," he said.

Like Brian, Jodi McAlpine, another Herne Bay Road resident has had five blocked pipes and sewer overflows from broken pipes on public land.

Our association believes that it is unacceptable for Herne Bay or any other Auckland resident to know for certain that their property will be continually subject to sewer spills and for Watercare not to be proactive and check pipes on public land.

Also, there must be a case for replacing all these ancient clay pipes as soon as practicable. The clay pipes servicing homes in Herne Bay are fully depreciated and must therefore be due for replacement.

There must come a time when the cost of repairs and compensation exceeds the cost of re-piping at least the feeder pipes from the main street sewer line to residents’ properties.  PN

www.hernebay1011.nz

CHLÖE

SWARBRICK:

CO-LEADER OF THE GREEN PARTY AND MP FOR AUCKLAND CENTRAL

Sometimes, good things do happen in politics, even if it takes quite a long time.

Back in February 2022, I first met ADHD NZ’s Darrin Bull at Open Cafe at the Ponsonby end of Karangahape Road. We discussed the immense barriers to diagnosis and treatment for New Zealanders with ADHD, and how, at worst, these can result in some of the most negative statistics in our society in the form of mental ill health, relationship breakdown, educational failure, employment challenges and interactions with the criminal justice system. Importantly, we also started tabling the solutions, which started to chart our two and a half year pathway to the huge changes Pharmac announced they were consulting on in September this year.

The first potential change is the removal of the ‘Special Authority’ process, which currently requires people with ADHD to go back to a psychiatrist every two years, at the cost of a minimum of hundreds of dollars, to prove that their brain hasn’t changed and that they’re therefore still able to get access to their medication. The second is the funding of lisdexamphetamine (often referred to by the brand-name Vyvanse), a medication largely understood to be less prone to potential abuse, opening up greater potential treatment options in more circumstances.

Consultation for these changes will be closed by the time this issue of Ponsonby News goes to print and the changes may be implemented by the first week of December.

They come on top of the changes we won back in June 2023 to extend prescription supplies from one month to three months at a time.

This didn’t just happen. From the point of that initial coffee with Darrin, we had coordinated two parliamentary hui with the engagement of GPs, psychiatrists, paediatricians, psychologists, nurse practitioners, Government officials and those with lived experience; wrote multiple letters to push the wheels of bureaucracy; got commitments from governments of both stripes; and sustained the work programme through my Chairing of the Cross Party Group on Mental Health and Addiction, driving cross-parliamentary consensus on the need for evidence-based reform.

Of course, there’s so much more to do, including removing costs and hurdles for those trying to get an initial diagnosis

Speaking at the Climate Change & Business Conference

and prescription. There’s work underway on that too, in the form of trying to get a micro-credential up for GPs and possibly even Nurse Practitioners to remove the bottleneck and reduce the demand on psychiatrists. In the meantime, it’s crucial to take stock of how we’ve got here and celebrate each positive step forward.

This coming month could also potentially be momentous in marking a new consensus on Climate Adaptation. As I write this, I am sworn to Parliamentary privilege as the issue is before our Finance and Expenditure Select Committee. However, I must say in reiterating what’s already out there in the public that it’s a long overdue piece of work which will herald important, tangible relief for those who remember the day the climate crisis washed up at our doorsteps.

A number of Auckland Central locals are still dealing with the consequences of Auckland Anniversary and Cyclone Gabrielle destruction, including financially and through insurance challenges. The point of the Climate Adaptation framework is to build cross-parliamentary agreement on a framework for prevention, planning, adaptation and potential retreat where necessary – with the all important question of who pays and when we start not left to whichever way the political wind blows.

As always, there’s so much more to say than could possibly fit into a short piece of writing, so if you ever have anything you want to know about or see me elaborate on, don’t hesitate to drop me a line via chloe.swarbrick@parliament.govt.nz, or to drop into our electorate office at 3/1 Cross Street. This month you’ll also find me, at the very least, at Karangahape Road’s First Thursdays on 3rd October and Uptown Branch Out Festival on 12 October. (CHLÖE SWARBRICK)  PN

CHLÖE SWARBRICK, T: 09 378 4810, E: chloe.swarbrick@parliament.govt.nz www.greens.org.nz/chloe_swarbrick

GAEL BALDOCK:

THROUGH TRAFFIC BRINGS PASSING TRADE

Ponsonby businesses are being wrongly convinced trade will increase if people ‘come to but not pass through’. Understandably, they’re afraid after recent iconic businesses closures but that advice will be a death sentence to retail.

Panuku and Auckland Transport want to reshape our town centres and villages that involves ‘innovating streets’ into one homogeneous, characterless look without the parking. That’s more likely to push customers to malls with plenty of parking. They are backed by Main Street Managers without design or behavioural science training. It’s based on urbanists’ belief that roads are real estate up for the picking, and on European cities with large populations.

We have all seen what happens to villages when a motorway bypasses them. They become ghost towns unless they have something very special to attract people to go out of their way. When was the last time you detoured to Pokeno for the biggest ice creams in the country or for bacon or Mercer for cheese?

The same applies to our shopping villages and town centres.

We are inherently lazy. We take the path of the least resistance. Even a simple step up into a shop can greatly reduce shoppers. Arcades and detours off the main path, people must be encouraged to go there, otherwise they are just in the 'too hard basket’. Shopping malls are designed to make passing sales at smaller stores as you pass by on your way to the supermarket, Farmers or K Mart. Malls' biggest ‘attractor’ is parking. The new airport mall has 600 car parks.

Supermarkets rely on passing trade by providing easy parking and placement of items to attract you to make other purchases while you’re there. The same applies to our villages and town centres – as you pass by, you shop, but only if you can stop.

It’s only as we drive through on the way home from a busy day that we remember to pick up a bottle of wine, a bunch of flowers, a bottle of milk or something for dinner. We used to stop for a newspaper but now are more likely to view news online or on television. Takeaways are also a good reason to stop, but now easy methods of delivery make that an easier choice.

An ‘attractor’ benefits sales in the whole village. Sales are from passersby and destination shoppers if people can find parking. Mt Eden was ‘recession’ resistant because of the butcher. When Ross retired, Pokeno Bacon took over. Now, especially with the increased length of bus stops, it

too is experiencing empty shops. Westmere Village has the Westmere Butchery and people stream there from far away, where they can find plenty of P30 parking in the extension of Garnet Road that stops commuters parking there all day. It’s not just a good butcher that attracts customers, West Lynn had Harvest until recently. There was never enough parking and the entrance to Warnock Street was often blocked. When Harvest lost the car parks outside the shop, the customers stopped, the business died. Ponsonby Road's ‘attractor’ is 'munch mile'.

Queen Street has suffered badly since it bought into the ‘to not through’ theory. There used to be a stream of commuters from Parnell making their way to the Harbour Bridge along Victoria Street and another group from Mission Bay along Quay Street. Narrowing those streets and Queen Street with either end blocked off with revenue traps along with reducing parking has killed a lot of retail. The Victoria Street ‘Linear Park’ on this steep street is another deterrent and now AT and Panuku are looking at pedestrianising High Street. This is also the ‘killer plan’ for steep Mercury Lane. As if K’ Road hasn’t suffered enough!

To shop, people need to be able to stop. These are car drivers with space for groceries and purchases. Whether petrol or electric they take the same road or parking space. Bus commuters don’t stop on the way past their destination. That is likely to be a village, or at least a dairy. Because people have to wait for buses, if you have the ‘right’ retail, then a bus stop can be a great asset. My friend Matt who owns Smoove in K' Road loves his bus stop. But. at the other end of the block, groups of people don’t wait for buses so they would be better served by quick-turn-around car parks.

Now, it isn’t all quite as simple as this as we are spoilt for choice with overseas purchases from online shopping and there’s a recession. Ponsonby Road retailers please ‘don’t drink the kool aid’, you need passing trade and they need somewhere to stop. So, at all costs, save your parking. Don’t create obstacles for commuters, they’re your bread and butter. (GAEL BALDOCK)  PN

GaelB@xtra.co.nz

IT’S BEEN A DECADE OF SERVICE AT ALL SAINTS EARLY LEARNING CENTRE

This year, All Saints Early Learning Centre (ELC) Ponsonby, is proud to celebrate a decade of service from Head Teacher, Rachel Hughes.

During this period, the ELC has evolved into a rich, creative, holistic, community-focused learning environment where children can flourish, says Rachel.

In addition to Rachel’s significant contribution to the ELC, Chairperson Garrick Wynne is thrilled to announce that Rachel has recently attained a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Education. Rachel’s PhD focused on the significant role that a loving early childhood teacher can make in fostering children’s flourishing in an ELC environment, in close partnership with parents and whānau. Rachel’s PhD beautifully aligns with the ELC’s core values and philosophy, says Garrick. Rachel’s accomplishment also reflects her commitment to lifelong learning and highlights the integral relationship between a loving teacher and a flourishing child.

On reflection of her 10 years with the ELC, Rachel says it has been a privilege to serve her local community in a not-forprofit ELC setting.

The ELC is also introducing exciting changes to their operational schedule in response to the growing needs of our community and whānau. The ELC is now open year-round with a short closure period over Christmas and New Year, says Garrick. The ELC is also applying to extend its daily operating hours to offer two new session times: 8.30am to 1.00pm, or 8.30am to 3.30pm.

To celebrate Rachel’s achievements, the ELC is hosting an open day on Saturday 19 October from 9.30 am to 12 noon, for past, present and prospective children of the ELC and their whānau.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank Rachel and her fellow teachers for their service to our community over the past 10 years and for making the ELC the special place it is.

ALL SAINTS EARLY LEARNING CENTRE, 264 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 376 0353, www.allsaintselc.co.nz

Monday to Friday 8.30am to 1pm or 3.30pm

Join us for a light morning tea, on Saturday 19 October from 9:30 am – 12:00 pm, at 284 Ponsonby Road

CHILDREN FROM 18 MONTHS TO 5 YEARS. 20 HOURS ECE AVAILABLE. Days & Times

We are extending our open weeks to better support families in our community. We are now offering 7-hour or half-day sessions.

With a capacity for just 20 children, we provide a nurturing Reggio-inspired environment with a higher teacher-to-child ratio within a community-driven, not-for-profit setting.

MIKE LEE:

COUNCIL’S REPRESENTATION REVIEW

Is our local political class putting its own interests before the public’s?

In a recent article entitled ‘An age of discontent growing in New Zealand’, political scientist Bryce Edwards analysed public opinion surveys, revealing an increasing decline in public trust and respect for politicians and the political process.

It brought to mind the council’s current representation review. In the last review in 2018, council, despite widespread opposition, separated the boundaries of the Waitematā & Gulf Ward from that of the Waitematā Local Board. High profile Waitematā & Gulf is always an electoral battleground; the focus of intense political activity – from left and right. Declaration of interest: As an independent, I have represented the ward for four out of five terms, since its establishment in 2010.

The official reason for the change in 2018 was council’s concerns that the ward’s growing population was causing an ‘imbalance’ in representation, referring to the Local Electoral Act (2001) requirement that for fairness, populations within council wards must not vary by ± 10%. The conclusion was that this ward had ‘too many people’. As the sole ward councillor, I was told I was ‘under representing’. This was nonsense, of course, as I pointed out at the time: political decision-making in the ward is also undertaken by three local boards, AoteaGreat Barrier, Waiheke and Waitematā, comprising no less than 17 other politicians! Furthermore, given the roles of CCOs, especially Auckland Transport, key decisions are also made by some 25 non-elected directors, plus nine members of the Independent Māori Statutory Board.

However, despite a remarkable 88% of public submitters opposing changes to the boundaries, and my own submissions: www.mikelee.co.nz/waitemata-gulf-under-threat-fromauckland-council/, the Representation Review Joint Working Party, chaired by City Vision’s Richard Northey, recommended radical surgery, carving off Parnell, Newmarket and Grafton. Some 16,000, mainly blue, voters were moved to the Orakei Ward, which was expanded to extend from the Tāmaki Estuary to Symonds Street. Confusingly, these same areas stayed within the boundary of the Waitematā Local Board.

So much for the statutory requirement to maintain communities of interest. Not surprisingly, Mr Northey’s political colleague, then Mayor Phil Goff agreed, and the changes were duly rammed through the council’s Governing Body. A few weeks after the 2019 local elections, the 2018 census figures were finally released. Instead of the claimed 119,100 people living in the ward, it turned out there were 92,865. A difference of 26,135. In other words, the deeply unpopular separation of

the boundaries was justified on false premises – a population overestimate of 28%!

This had its consequences at the 2019 election. Voter participation fell from a respectable 42% to 35%, with the ratio of eligible voters-to-population falling below 50% (this due to the high numbers of ex-patriate workers and international students in this ward – the ratio across Auckland and the country is between 67-70%).

Council officers now to their credit admit the last review got it wrong. Moreover, the population in the ward has declined to an estimated 79,800. As part of the current review, officers proposed restoring the original boundaries, with Parnell, Newmarket and Grafton returned to the ward, just the way the Local Government Commission set it up in 2009, bringing the population back to 94,050. Unfortunately, despite 68% of 572 individual submissions supporting the officers’ proposal and only 8% opposing, the working party chaired by Cr Julie Fairey, with Waitematā Local Board member Northey still playing a prominent role, recommended that Parnell and Newmarket should remain in Orakei (but still in the Waitematā Local Board area) and that only Grafton be returned to Waitematā & Gulf, bringing the population up by 2830 to 82,630.

Given what looked suspiciously like a political gerrymander in 2018, I am firmly of the view that politicians with a direct political interest (including myself) should not be involved in making these recommendations, rather the Local Government Commission or an independent panel should undertake this work.

Once again, these politicians’ recommendations, overriding nearly 70% of public submitters, the formal position of the present Waitematā Local Board and of council staff, are unfortunately likely to be supported by the Governing Body. Sadly, the maritime Waitematā & Gulf Ward, in which for nine years Auckland’s city centre was balanced to the west and to the east by the two oldest suburbs in the country, still has a dysfunctional, non-legible eastern boundary. Once again, it’s a case of public ‘have your say’ but the politicians having their way. Sadly, coming back to Dr Edward’s article, trust in politicians and the political process is likely to take another hit.

(MIKE LEE)  PN

www.mikelee.co.nz

Waitematā & Gulf Ward city component, as established by the Local Government Commission – elegantly balanced –almost an island.

TEMPERO LATIN BISTRO & BAR – K’ ROAD

I walk into Tempero and chef/owner Fabio Bernardini greets me enthusiastically.

He jumps over to his record player and gently lays a needle on the disc. Mexican laid back beats fill the room. “I bought this today,” Fabio says beaming.

Fabio then fires up the kitchen and I sit with Tiffany Low, his partner. Tiffany tells me how she met Fabio in 2020 following a travelling stint of her own working in fashion in Australia, Milan and New York.

The conversation flows and we open a 2022 De Martino Estate Carmenere. This is De Martino’s best Estate Carmerere to date. The family is one of the greatest Chilean biodynamic producers, their ethos and wines win a litany of accreditation and glowing peer reviews. The carmenere is not too dissimilar to a merlot/cabernet, possibly a bit juicier and a bit smokier, with some lovely chocolate and light spice notes.

I swill down the wine – it's too good. Fabio brings out his first dish, a yellow corn tamal with shitake mushrooms, salsa roja and fried egg. On the side are yellow, cheesy cornflour dough balls – pão de queijo. The dish is just yummy, balanced, pleasing and authentic. Fabio tells me that this tamal is a Mexican-inspired dish. In fact, Fabio draws his inspirations for Tempero from all across the Latin world, including Central and South America and even Spain, Italy and Portugal. He uses cassava, a staple ingredient from Brazil, potatoes just as in Peru and corn as in Mexico, for example.

At Tempero you feel that authenticity with some adaptation from Chef’s skilled hands (trained at the famed Pujol of Mexico and D.O.M of Brazil). And it feels like a family affair, warm, close and welcoming. This aspect of the restaurant was very much inspired by a similar feeling when Fabio and Tiffany visited the famous Shirley’s in Coco Cabana, a restaurant passed through the generations, sitting on the beautiful beach and exposing strong family ethos and values.

And with that, Fabio rushes back to the kitchen and brings out the national dish of Mexico, Mole Negro. It takes three days to make and has 40-50 ingredients: nuts, herbs, spices, seasonal vegetables. It's both spicy and sweet and sensational.

The World’s Greatest Vineyards

Another swig of the carmenere and we are all now well on our way! The talk is free flowing, smiles and laughter. It feels so good to be light hearted and carefree after constant talk of recessions and global turmoil; talking about cassavas lifts the mood. Fabio tells me that the word restaurant stems from the French word meaning ‘to restore’. The restaurant is a place where you come to restore, a place of vitality and life. You may walk into a restaurant a little tired and weary, you must walk out feeling that life is most definitely worth it. For sure, Tempero makes you feel like this. Thank you, Tempero.

@puneetofponsonby

(PUNEET DHALL)  PN @demartinowines @dhallandnash

De Martino 2022 Estate Carmenere

Maipo Valley, Chile

De M From exper (Janc p fresh pepp envel softta

From “one of the most dynamic and enterprising among the experimental and entrepreneurial companies in Chile,” (Jancis Robinson) comes this Carmenere. Aromatics are fresh and intense with notes of ripe dark berry fruits, black pepper and spice. On the palate it is ripe with a soft and enveloping texture but always retaining a fresh acidity and soft tannins avoiding any hint of greenery.

SEPTEMBER

Trusts, Trust Law and Enduring Powers of Attorney

In September, Ponsonby U3A’s guest speaker, Tammy McLeod, presented a clear and much-appreciated exposition of the value or not of having a trust and the absolute need to appoint enduring powers of attorney whatever your age.

Tammy McLeod is the Managing Director at Davenports Law and leads the Trust Law and Wealth Protection team. A trust and asset structuring specialist with over 25 years of legal experience, Tammy specialises in the areas of personal asset planning, trust law and Property (Relationships) Act. She is a leader in her field.

New Zealand has the greatest number of trusts per capita in the world and recently, with changes to tax law, there has been questioning whether one needs a trust.

Tammy began by outlining the good reasons for a trust. Such reasons include creditor protection from liability (as for example for business owners); relationship property ringfencing which, despite recent claims against property in trusts, still provides effective protection; tax flexibility; estate planning (for example, structuring family affairs); and to enable long-term holding of assets such as family baches.

While there are lots of good reasons to have a trust, continued Tammy, the time may come when it is not needed and simplifying becomes more important – for example, when moving into a retirement village.

As well, 2019 changes to the Trusts Act charge trustees with more responsibility and require more accountability and transparency for beneficiaries over 18 years. Beneficiaries can get information on the trust deed, on assets and liabilities, on income and expenditure and on the administration of the trust. For this reason and others, such as increased liability for trustees, Tammy recommended having an independent trustee, preferably a professional. She also emphasised the importance of keeping records throughout the life of the trust and of having regular meetings to review the purpose and terms of the trust, who the trustees and beneficiaries are, and to ensure that costs are keeping pace with the market.

Tammy strongly contends that appointing appropriate people with Enduring Powers of Attorney (both for property and for personal care and welfare) is vitally important for adults

of all ages. While the associated documents number some 14 pages, not having them can occasion delays, costs and drama. You can pick a spouse, a partner, an adult child or a friend to act in this role and it would be wise to ensure there are consultative requirements.

Tammy’s presentation was a reminder to members that perhaps there is a need to tidy up their affairs. It was palpable that her advice was useful and timely. After her talk she was swamped with members wanting to talk personally to her and to get her details for further consultation.

Ponsonby U3A held its AGM prior to the arrival of the guest speaker. Members farewelled former President Ian Smith and elected a new committee and president. New President, Bronwyn Hughes has been a committee member for some time and has held Ponsonby U3A’s important role of responsibility for members, which she will continue to do. She is well-known to members and is a very popular choice.

Ponsonby U3A welcomes newcomers. You may be new to the area or come to a point when you are looking for new interests and stimulation. You may be lonely and, without doubt, Ponsonby U3A can bring sociability, friendships and the fun of new learning to your life. If you are interested in attending, first as a visitor, please call President Bronwyn Hughes on M: 021 549 093. (CHRISTINE HART).  PN

NEXT MEETING: Friday, 11 October 2024

GUEST SPEAKER: Terry Baucher: The Future of Tax

VENUE: Herne Bay Petanque Club, Salisbury Reserve, Salisbury Street, Herne Bay

ENQUIRIES: Ian Smith, President, Ponsonby U3A. M: 021 130 2330, www.u3a.nz

BRINGING CASUAL ITALIAN DINING TO THREE LAMPS

SIDART, Level 1, Three Lamps Plaza, 283 Ponsonby Road T: 09 360 2122 www.sidart.co.nz

photography: Alex McVinnie

UP CLOSE + PERSONAL WITH MARK KELLY

Mark Kelly is with the Templeton Group as marketing director and he is very proud of the Abstract Hotel, their latest development.

Describe yourself in one sentence?

Gatherer of experiences, confluencer of people and harbinger of good times.

Where do you live?

Birkenhead, Auckland.

Do you have any pets?

We have three cats. We had two cats then one died, so we got two more so the surviving cat wouldn’t be lonely. If you’re going to get a cat, get two. They will love each other and you’ll be totally entertained.

How do you keep fit?

Mountain biking, football and trying to keep up with my two boys aged nine and 12.

Your best friend would say of you?

I think they’d say I’m always up for doing something and I’m constantly looking for ways to bring people together in order to be entertained so that makes me an interesting person to be around…

Your mother would say of you?

She’d say I need to act my age.

Virtues?

Loyal, reliable, adventurous and always up for new experiences.

Vices?

Coffee, chocolate and motorcycles.

Secret passion?

Jamie Oliver recipes and online scrabble.

Where do you spend your holidays?

Anywhere new. Last year my wife and I and two boys did a nine month, 21 country trip through Asia, Middle East and Europe. The highlights? Albania and Sri Lanka. You’ve got to go.

Favourite Ponsonby Cafe? Little and Friday.

Favourite Ponsonby restaurant? Prego.

Favourite Ponsonby store?

The last store I visited in Ponsonby was Everyday Needs. It’s a great shop.

Favourite Ponsonby fashion label?

Fashion isn’t my strong point so I plead the fifth.

Your best kept Ponsonby secret?

KFC for dessert after Prego.

Your desert island distractions: song, movie and/or TV show/book?

Scrabble is all you need.

One thing you have learned about life is… Gratitude is happiness.

What were you going to be when you grew up?

A helicopter pilot, but I’m colour blind so it couldn’t happen. No idea if this is still an issue?

How did you get into the property development world?

I fell into it. My background is advertising and I went ‘client side’ as Marketing Manager at Smales Farm to improve my client service experience and I realised ‘client side’ was more my thing, and property marketing is pretty traditional and easily disrupted which is what I enjoy. I haven’t looked back.

NATIONAL LIST MP BASED IN MT ALBERT

As Economic Development Minister, I’m relentlessly focused on rebuilding our economy, and key to that is boosting our international trade.

It was a real privilege to be part of the Prime Minister’s trade mission to Malaysia and South Korea in September, taking a senior business delegation with us to explore opportunities in these key markets. Over a busy four-day programme, the delegation grew valuable connections and learnt all about accessing and operating in, and increasing trade with, this region.

This Government has set an ambitious target of doubling the value of our exports within 10 years, and trade missions play a key role in moving us towards that goal. South Korea and Malaysia are New Zealand’s sixth and ninth largest trading partners respectively. Attracting investment from these and other countries is how we get the capital to invest in critical services at home, like healthcare and infrastructure.

Speaking of services, the Government recently released its first quarterly report on progress against its nine public service targets. This showed promising results in some areas – a 34% reduction in the number of households in emergency housing, for example – while laying out the scale of the challenge in others.

One of the targets is around reducing violent crime – the increase in violent crime over the past two years shows exactly why this Government’s tough-on-crime approach to law and order is needed. The recent shooting in Grey Lynn, part of a spate of homicides in Auckland this year, was yet another stark reminder. That’s why this Government is continuing to take real action to restore law and order with sentencing reforms recently introduced to Parliament to ensure that criminals face real consequences for crime and that victims are prioritised.

There are promising signs that we’re going in the right direction. I was pleased to see figures last month showing a 22% reduction in serious assaults in the Auckland CBD. Businesses and residents in the CBD have long been suffering, and while the job isn’t done yet, this Government’s actions to tackle crime and antisocial behaviour are gaining traction.

We’ve been seeing tangible results in other areas too, such as in education. It was fantastic to read Mt Albert Grammar School Headmaster Patrick Drum’s comments on Newstalk ZB about the “significant culture shift” at his school following its cellphone ban. That has meant more students interacting at break times and more movement and sports games, to the extent that the school has had to install more handball courts to meet demand. A great local example of a simple change leading to big results!

It’s been a busy month on the ethnic celebrations front, and you would have seen plenty of colour on the streets of Auckland in recent weeks thanks to Mid-Autumn Festival and Onam, two massive celebrations for their respective communities. MidAutumn Festival (known as Chuseok in Korea) in particular has deep personal significance to me – it brings back memories of big family gatherings filled with food and staying up past midnight to make songpyeon, a Korean rice cake. And, of course, we have Diwali coming up. I’m incredibly excited to host Parliament’s Diwali celebration as Ethnic Communities

Minister and I hope to see you at some of the Diwali events I plan on attending around Auckland.

Lastly, by the time this issue of Ponsonby News goes to print, I would have just hosted another Seniors Morning Tea, this time with special guest Rima Nakhle, MP for Takanini. If you came along, thank you – I hope you enjoyed chatting with me and Rima – and if you missed this one, I hope to see you at my next community event.

Until next time, (HON MELISSA LEE)  PN National List MP based in Mt Albert Authorised by Melissa Lee, Parliament Buildings, Wellington M.Lee@Ministers.govt.nz

If you require any assistance

I and my office are always happy and ready to provide advice and support.

Please get in touch on 09 520 0538 or at MPLee@parliament.govt.nz to make an appointment

Melissa Lee

National List MP based in Auckland

MPLee@parliament.govt.nz melissalee.co.nz mpmelissalee

Authorised by Melissa Lee, Parliament Buildings, Wellington.

LISA PRAGER:

SWIMMING WITH SHARKS

Something snapped in me this month. Surveying the mess of cones and concrete in Westmere Village and Meola Road turned my sadness and depression to uncontrollable rage.

I spontaneously stormed down to the Local Board meeting held in the Edwardian council chambers in the old town hall on Queen Street.

I walked quickly, broke into a run and stumbled. I was worried I’d be late and miss Public Forum, that slim three minutes per person when the public can speak their truth to the elected members. No advanced warning needed, no explanation required, just fill in a simple form on the spot and say your piece.

As I entered the old chamber, an elegant room with stained glass windows and a vaulting ceiling, oak panelled and smelling of leather, I thought about the history of this space. A room that has seen more than we will ever know. Where big decisions were once made, like electrifying the city, ripping up the tram tracks in the 1950s and deciding not to have light rail in the 1970s. All that’s left of the Queen’s portrait is the scar on the wall where it once hung. It was a rowdy room in the 2000s when Penny Bright and the Water Pressure Group forced the council to reinvest $22 million back into the water supply instead of syphoning it off for vanity projects.

I swept into this room expecting to see the same four people sitting like ducks in a row witnessing the proceedings as a matter of formality. Instead, an army of 40-odd Aucklanders old and young filled the public seats, all looking glum. I stood, arms crossed, leaning against the entrance door suppressing my rising rage and wondering what was this crowd here for. A council officer offered me a seat. I did not feel like sitting, a passive spectator to the crumbling of our town. One after the other the entire group stood to plead for the Olympic pool in Newmarket not be closed down.

The Waitematā Local Board chair Genevieve Sage was nervous, fumbling with her papers, misreading the agenda, mumbling an apology then recovering her equilibrium. I met her stare and held it, reluctantly she called me to speak.

I sat and like a real rookie forgot to turn the microphone on. Anger made my blood boil and my heart was thumping. I am a seasoned council speaker but this time my message was harsh. I let them have both barrels that Dean Kimpton CEO of Auckland Transport had executed a Corporate Coup D’état upon Tamaki. I explained how Kimpton had seized executive power with the support of Auckland Council’s executive branch and co-opted the majority of unelected Auckland Transport Board members to approve his actions. Many elected councillors and the Mayor himself have demanded Auckland Transport come to heel, but no one has been able to stop Kimpton from disregarding public opposition.

By accepting fake and flawed consultation documents, massaged reports, inept designs and inflated budgets, the board of Auckland Transport has become complicit in a major fraud. The evidence is clear with mega congestion, retail shops abandoned, hospitality closures, with not a whiff of concern from the transport buffoons.

Only an intervention at the Parliamentary level will stop this. Will there be a politician brave enough to act and demand a fast track change to the Local Government (Auckland Council) Act 2009 Part 4 Transport management for Auckland?

Finally, have you seen the Entrust billboards with the shiny faces entreating you to vote for them? The Entrust Board is a private trust established in 1993 to act in the ‘interests’ of over 365,000 households and businesses. If you are considering voting for Pippa Coom and Patrick Reynolds then please resist the temptation. These are the same people that worked hand in hand with Auckland Transport to congest the city, terrified of free flowing roads, aiding and abetting the international global infrastructure conglomerate to suck out every cent of our available public funds. Voting is via postal vote from 10 to 25 October.  PN

LISA PRAGER, Community Advocate

HELEN WHITE: MP FOR MT ALBERT

It is well known that the Labour Party is taking time to listen at present.

I understand how crucial it is that we provide a strong response to the deeply troubling programme being implemented by this National-led Government. This includes cutting funding for school lunches, supporting cigarette companies and underfunding healthcare despite an ageing population. While Labour will continue to strongly oppose these reckless and shortsighted decisions that conflict with our values, we are also preparing to implement a significantly different programme when we earn the mandate to do so.

I am the Labour Party’s spokesperson for Small Business and Manufacturing, and in that role have been developing plans in collaboration with both the small business and manufacturing sectors. My commitment to a strong, resilient and sustainable manufacturing sector has been front of mind as I’ve observed the Government’s response to the crises at Winston Pulp International in Tangiwai and Oji Fibre Solutions in Penrose. Recently, both mills have announced that they are closing, leading to the losses of 230 and 75 jobs respectively.

Losing a job is often devastating, but having been born in Kawerau — a town that depended on its mill — I recognise the terrible disruption which occurs when a large manufacturer is closed in a town where there are few alternative employers. I’ve seen the social cost of major closures throughout my career as an employment lawyer.

The Government’s response to these crises has highlighted a major difference in how the Labour Party views its role in government as opposed to the current coalition. The Sixth Labour Government led the development of an Industry Transformation Plan (ITP) for the manufacturing sector in collaboration with businesses, unions, workers and other stakeholders. This plan intended to improve productivity and grow and support our manufacturing sector into the future.

This ITP was scrapped by the National-led Government early in its term, leaving the market to its own devices. It leaves behind a vacuum that I believe is simply unacceptable. Governments should support the development of a healthy New Zealand economy that serves its people, and Labour Governments prioritise this.

I am incredibly disappointed to see the consequences of this Government’s approach coming to fruition, such as the loss of jobs. It will lead to families being forced to move or break apart and have social, well-being and mental health consequences. We need more than platitudes on mental health awareness, we need to support great jobs and healthy communities. I intend to develop my plan for manufacturing on that basis.

I thoroughly enjoy, and learn plenty from, my regular meetings with individuals and organisations across the Mt Albert electorate. A recent highlight was taking Labour’s Education Spokesperson, Hon Jan Tinetti, to visit Edendale Primary School in Sandringham, which is New Zealand’s first ‘solarZero' school. In this way, they are contributing to our nationwide effort against climate change.

Climate expert Saul Griffith’s recent report, 'The Electrification Opportunity’, makes the case for electrifying our households and businesses in New Zealand, citing the major economic benefits and the costs of not reducing fossil fuel consumption. The effort being made by the likes of Edendale will make a

difference. Electrification will play a major role in the future of our small business sector and manufacturing sector, and I’m excited to continue working in this space.

As always, please get in touch with me or my office if I can be of any assistance to you, your business or your community.

(HELEN

WHITE)  PN

helen.white@parliament.govt.nz www.labour.org.nz/HelenWhite

Helen White is pictured at Edendale

PONSONBY CIVIC SPACE:

THE NEW CIVIC SPACE – OCTOBER 2024 UPDATE

Significant work is happening on-site at the new civic space at 254 Ponsonby Road with Stage 2, the construction, now underway.

BRAVO!

It has been a long, long time coming for the development of this community amenity. The need was first identified by a Boffa-Miskell report in 2000, with the site at 254 Ponsonby Road purchased in 2006 to remedy the shortfall of open space in the area.

In April 2015, due to the high level of community interest and budget constraints, the Waitematā Local Board resolved to set up a ‘Community-Led Design Group’ (CLDG). The directive was to develop a design and an indicative budget for the site, using Community-Led Design principles. And so our CLDG work began.

Now, nearly 10 years later, it is almost there with the LandLAB-designed new civic space under construction. We are delighted.

The completion of the new civic space is now scheduled for April 2025.

Meanwhile, improvements for:

the O’Neill Street roadway safety crossing the footpath

· and the associated on-street parking

have all been consulted on and approval has been obtained from the AT (Auckland Transport) design review panel. The O’Neill Street work is scheduled for November-December 2024 and the Ponsonby Road footpath renewal is scheduled for March 2025.

So come on down to 254 Ponsonby Road to have a look at this brilliant community amenity that is being created from what was, for decades, an ugly car park and liquor outlet. It’s already transformational with the view through the site to the Waitakere Ranges in the west and eastwards to the

magnificent St John’s church. And check out the beautiful hoarding mural, designed with the input of students from three local schools and realised by the talented Ross Liew (aka MrOscarLow).

Viewing portals for both adults and smaller people makes for easy viewing of the work in progress. As the weather improves and with daylight saving starting soon, the new civic space is the perfect destination for a stroll along the strip to check out the historic construction of what will soon be the much-loved heart of Ponsonby.

Brilliant.

For more information or to contact the CLDG, see our website: 254ponsonbyrd.org.nz or our Facebook pages: Ponsonby Park, or 254 Ponsonby Road.

In memory of Bryan David Bates, 18 October 1956-2022 August 2024. (Pictured above second left)

Bryan was a founding member of the Community-Led Design Group. We are deeply saddened by Bryan’s passing and that he will no longer get to see or experience the beautiful civic space that he worked so long and hard to create.

Arohanui dear friend.

(JENNIFER WARD)  PN

TAYLOR CENTRE COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH CENTRE IS MOVING

The Taylor Centre has provided mental health services from 308 Ponsonby Road (next to the ANZ Bank at Three Lamps) for many years.

The Taylor Centre is moving on Friday 27 September and will be closed for routine or non-urgent clinical services on that day.

The service will re-open on Monday 30 September at 50 Grafton Road (in Grafton Mews, near the Auckland Bowling Club). There are no changes to contact phone numbers or email addresses.

In response to the move, Dame Rangimarie Naida Glavish, Chief Tikanga Advisor for Te Toka Tumai, gifted the Taylor Centre with a new name – Ihi Ora: a service rich in care, welcoming in its heart and connected to the energy of its communities. The service at 50 Grafton Road will be known as Ihi Ora from 30 September.

TAYLOR CENTRE, T: 0800 376 105

AUCKLAND WEATHER DIARY, OCTOBER 2024

The rain may be above average for the region but expect more than normal sunshine. Temperatures may be around average. After a sunny first week of high pressures, the second and third weeks may be the wettest and may bring some heavy rain with the chance of flooding. The third week may have the lowest pressures. The fourth week may be the cloudiest. The best weekend for outdoor activities may be the 5th/6th. The barometer may average around 1020mbs.

For fishermen, the highest tide is on the 18th. The best fishing bite times in the east may be around dusk of the 1st-3rd, and 16th-18th. Bite chances are also good around lunchtimes of the 9th-11th, and 23rd-26th.

For gardeners, planting is best on the 4th-10th (waxing moon ascending), and pruning is best on the 18th-22nd (waning moon descending). For preserving and longer shelf-life, harvest crops or flowers around the neap tides of the 12th and 25th. (Allow 24-hour error for all forecasting) (KEN RING)  PN

For future weather for any date, and the 2024 and 2025 NZ Weather Almanacs, see www.predictweather.com

Opinions expressed in Ponsonby News are not always the opinion of Alchemy Media Limited & Ponsonby News.

Welcome Brian

Joining Sibuns as the new manager, Brian brings a wealth of experience to the business.

Starting out as a Professional Cricketer and then Coach, Brian spent 10 years playing County Cricket in England for Worcestershire and representing New Zealand in the 80’s.

He then moved into the corporate world ending up at Fletcher Building, where he held various management roles. Kept busy with twin daughters, Brian made the move into Real Estate servicing the wider Pukekohe area for 15 years, before selling to one of the larger Corporates.

In early 2023 he decided on a complete change of direction and joined the team at Purewa Cemetery which was very rewarding and led him to his current role. He firmly believes in the term “we are only as good as our people”, therefore places a strong emphasis on training and supporting the Sibuns team. He is looking forward to carrying on the wonderful traditions of Sibuns.

To speak to any of the Sibuns team phone 09 520 3119 or visit www.sibuns.co.nz

WHY CHOOSE A GIRLS’ SCHOOL?

Single-sex schools deliver strong academic results.

NCEA and scholarship results show that students in both boys’ and girls’ single-sex schools consistently achieve higher academic results than their peers in a co-ed environment. At Diocesan School for Girls, students also consistently achieve higher than average when compared to the national NCEA results and are a cut above their co-educated peers nationally in decile 10 schools when it comes to achieving NCEA Excellence.

Principal Heather McRae credits single-sex education as one of the key ingredients for our girls’ consistently high academic achievement and says results are in line with statistics from across the Tasman and in the UK. This difference in results does not mean that girls do not learn in co-ed schools; it means that the opportunities that are provided by girls’ schools enable girls to achieve their full potential.

“In a learning environment that is free from gender discrimination, girls achieve greater academic success, are more confident and assertive and are more likely to study science, technology and mathematics (STEM) subjects and participate in physical education. Post-school, they are more likely to pursue tertiary study and careers in STEM, hold leadership positions and earn higher wages.”

The fact that girls attending girls’ schools are more likely to take advanced mathematics, physics and chemistry than girls at co-educational schools, speaks to the different environment

that exists in girls’ schools. Gender stereotypes are less prevalent, and students are encouraged to take academically challenging, technologies and physical science subjects to gain entry to tertiary courses and pursue male-dominated but more highly paid careers in STEM fields.

Indeed, academic outcomes are only one measure of a wellrounded education. Girls fill every single leadership position for every activity in every year level of girls’ schools, from the Head Prefect to Heads of House, Council Heads, Tutor Representatives, to the most junior of sports teams. Girls also play all instruments in the orchestra, stage band or jazz band, from the bassoon and tuba to the drums and electric bass guitar. In a girls’ school, girls lead and participate more freely in discussions, they feel empowered to behave more competitively and to take more healthy risks, such as trying new activities.

The most important factor for classroom learning that distinguishes girls’ schools, however, is that there are no boys in the classroom to distract girls, and nor are teachers trying to teach two groups who have differing needs and interests. Overall, the differences highlight that while girls learn in other schools, girls’ schools provide greater opportunity to enable girls to achieve their potential.

We acknowledge input from the Australian Alliance of Girls Schools and their eBrief Report on the Advantages of Girls’ Schools. www.diocesan.school.nz

BE MORE THAN YOU EVER IMAGINED

Imogen

Future Commodore of the Royal NZ Navy

How will your daughter make her mark?

The world is changing, and the role of women is changing even faster. Meet the people and explore the place that will encourage, challenge, and inspire your daughter to be more than she ever imagined.

Join us at our Open Day and experience the world-class opportunities awaiting your daughter at Dio.

Thurs 24 October, 9am – 11am

Register at diocesan.school.nz

DAVENPORTS LAW:

WHEN LIFE CHANGES, SO SHOULD YOUR WILL

Joy and her late husband, Eric, hadn’t been able to have children much to their regret.

However, they were very close to their God children, acting as surrogate aunt and uncle to the four children. Sadly, 10 years ago, Eric died suddenly after a massive heart attack. He and Joy had completed their wills a couple of years before he died, leaving everything to each other and then if they both died to a mixture of family members and charities.

After Eric’s death, Joy decided to update her will. In her current will, the executor of her will would be Eric’s older brother. That was no longer appropriate as he was in his late 70s and would quite possibly die before Joy. She also wanted to reallocate the gifts under will as this was something that she and Eric had discussed before his death.

Joy’s main asset was the family home which was now worth a substantial sum. She also had some cash in the bank which supplemented her pension. She decided that she would leave the house to her God children on the basis that that was the lion’s share of her estate, and the balance would be divided between the three charities she and Eric had agreed upon. This meant that even if she spent all her cash, the God children would receive the proceeds of the family home after it was sold. Joy also appointed her lawyer to act as the executor of her estate. She thought it was good to have someone neutral in the role, and as her lawyer would need to be involved if she died anyway, it just made sense.

After three years Joy decided that she wanted to move to a retirement village. She was struggling to keep up with the grounds and the housework in her larger house. She had lots of friends who had moved into villages, and she was also feeling quite lonely without Eric and thought it would be great to have more company. One of her God daughters took her to several retirement villages and she settled on one that she

really loved. It had great facilities and the people were very warm and friendly.

When Joy went to the lawyer to sign the papers for the sale of her home and the purchase of the occupation right to the apartment in the village, the lawyer suggested she review her will. Joy remembered the rough proportions between her God children and the charities and said that she might look at it to make sure it was still okay. Now that the cost of buying in the village was less than her home, she would have more cash, but needed time to think it over.

Joy didn’t go back to the lawyer about updating her will as she was having too much fun with her new life in the village and her lawyer never followed up with her. Two years after moving into the village, Joy had a stroke and ended up passing away with pneumonia in hospital a few days later.

Her God children were sad but pleased for Joy that she had been able to enjoy her last few years even though it was without Eric. They were surprised, however, when they read Joy’s will.

The will specifically left them Joy and Eric’s family home. That had been sold when Joy had moved into the retirement village, but the wording remained the same – it didn’t relate to the sale proceeds of the home. The lawyer told them that as that asset no longer was in Joy’s estate, they would receive nothing under her will and her entire estate would go to charity.

Joy’s God children were not the greedy type, but this did not seem fair and they didn’t think it would have been what Joy wanted. They decided to take their own legal advice. The lawyer they saw said that the best thing to do would be to try and negotiate with the charities, but that there was no guaranteed chance of success.

This story illustrates the importance of reviewing your will as well as getting good advice around the way that it’s drafted. People often think wills are simple documents, and they can be, but more often than not, they are being drafted to take into account complex situations and there is much thought and time that goes into the drafting process. Ensure that your will is up to date and says what you want to happen so that you don’t leave an expensive headache for your family.

Do You Have A Valid Will?

It is recommended to review your will every five years, or whenever your circumstances change.

When you make a will you are creating a lasting legacy for your loved ones, with the opportunity to have your say.

Significant milestones such as marriage, separation, death, a change in your assets, or expanding your family can affect your assets being distributed in the way you want them to be.

Ensure your final wishes are respected and get advice that reflects your personal situation. Contact our Trust and Wealth Protection team to review your will.

JOHNSTON ASSOCIATES: THE IMPACT OF AI ON PROFESSIONALS:

Transforming the Workforce

Artificial intelligence (AI) is dramatically reshaping industries and professional roles, offering both challenges and opportunities.

Its capabilities are enhancing efficiency, automating tasks and redefining work, while creating concerns about job displacement. However, the transformation brought by AI also opens new opportunities for innovation, creativity and valueadded work across sectors like healthcare, finance and law.

Increased Efficiency and Productivity

One of the most significant benefits of AI is its ability to increase efficiency and productivity. AI-powered tools can analyse vast datasets, perform complex calculations and automate repetitive tasks traditionally requiring human effort. In industries like law and accounting, AI-driven platforms can sift through documents, predict case outcomes, automate data entry and flag compliance risks. As a result, professionals can focus on higher-value work such as decision making, client engagement and problem-solving. This enables them to be more productive, offering deeper insights and better outcomes for clients and businesses.

Enhanced Decision Making with Data-Driven Insights

AI also supports better decision making by providing datadriven insights. In healthcare, finance, and marketing, AI analyses patterns within massive datasets, offering predictions and recommendations that improve decision making. For example, AI in healthcare can detect early signs of disease, suggest treatments and predict patient outcomes more accurately than traditional methods. Similarly, in finance, AI analyses market trends in real time, offering insights that would take professionals hours to uncover manually. This augmentation of decision-making processes allows professionals to work more efficiently, accurately and deliver superior results in less time.

Creation of New Roles and Opportunities

While AI automates certain tasks, it is also creating new roles and opportunities. There is increasing demand for professionals skilled in AI development, data analysis and machine learning. In addition to tech roles, industries are seeing the emergence of positions focused on integrating and optimizing AI solutions, such as AI ethics specialists, AI trainers, and customer service professionals using AI tools. As AI's influence grows, professionals will need to develop new

skills and adapt to its evolving applications, making upskilling and reskilling key to staying relevant.

Challenges and Ethical Considerations

Despite its benefits, AI presents challenges, particularly the fear of job displacement. Roles involving repetitive tasks, such as data entry or basic legal research, are at risk of being replaced. However, many experts argue that AI will lead to job transformation rather than wholesale elimination, with professionals working alongside AI systems. Another challenge is addressing ethical concerns such as bias, accountability and transparency in AI systems. Ensuring that AI is used ethically is critical, particularly in fields like law, healthcare and finance, where decisions could have significant impacts on individuals.

The Future of Work with AI

As AI evolves, professionals across all sectors will likely work more closely with AI, not only for efficiency but also for innovation. AI will transform the traditional professional-client relationship by delivering personalized services. As AI takes over tasks previously requiring human intelligence, professionals will need to focus on skills like empathy, creativity and critical thinking, where human qualities remain indispensable.

Conclusion

AI is transforming the professional landscape, offering both challenges and opportunities. While concerns about job displacement and ethics persist, AI can enhance productivity, improve decision making and enable more meaningful work. By embracing AI and adapting to its impact, professionals can thrive in the age of intelligent technology

Disclaimer – While all care has been taken, 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.

Behind Finbase: Meet the founders driving success for high net worth investors

Directors Pernell and Hayden open up about the journey that led to the creation of Finbase, a company focused on providing smart investment opportunities for high net worth individuals.

The beginnings of Finbase:

We’ve both been involved in real estate and property investment for a long time, and that’s how we first crossed paths. We would buy homes that were run down, renovate them and then sell them on for a profit. Since traditional banks don’t typically fund shortterm projects like these, we’d approach private investors for the necessary capital.

After a while, we realised that instead of relying on others, we could become the financiers ourselves. That was the seed that eventually grew into Finbase.

What does Finbase do?

We focus on providing short-term loans to commercial borrowers who are working on property projects. This could involve anything from renovating and reselling a home to financing larger projects like subdivisions or new builds, Finbase is there to support these ventures. Having been through these projects ourselves, we know the importance of securing each loan with a first mortgage. This helps protect both Finbase and our investors in case of a default.

Where does Finbase source its capital?

We use a combination of our own capital and funds from highnet-worth individuals who are looking for consistent, dependable returns. These investors can rest easy knowing that their funds are secured by first mortgages on the properties we lend against. To date, Finbase has successfully delivered full interest payments to all of our investors on time, and without any capital losses.

Handling borrower defaults:

If a borrower defaults on their principal or interest repayments, we take immediate steps to recover funds. This involves keeping in close communication with the borrower during the period of default, and in rare instances, managing the mortgagee sale process. This involves selling the asset which the loan is secured against, to recover the principal amount owing plus any interest due.

What’s next for Finbase?

We’re focused on steady, sustainable growth. With growing demand from borrowers, we plan to continue selecting the right projects that align with our expertise, ensuring success for both Finbase and our investors.

Single investment

PHIL

PARKER: OCTOBER ROCKERS

Here we go, folks – let’s rock October with some ab fab wines to share with your besties as the weather warms up. Cheers!

Grasshopper Rock Central Otago Pinot Noir 2022 - $49

Soft and silky, with black cherry, lapsang souchong smokiness, red liquorice and spiced plum compote. Available: Dhall & Nash grasshopperrock.co.nz

Pegasus Bay North Canterbury ‘Fortissimo’ fortified Muscat 2023 - $45

5 stars! Glorious dessert style, at 15% ABV. Floral jasmine and honeysuckle, with orange marmalade, lemon squash citrus and a hint of limoncello. Available: pegasusbay.com

De La Terre Hawkes Bay Chardonnay 2023 - $40

Lightly oaked and slightly funky. Creamy palate with lemon citrus, smoky minerality, tangy yeasty brioche and an elegant soft finish. Available: Dhall & Nash delaterre.co.nz

Columbia Crest Grand Estates Washington USA

Chardonnay 2020 - $28

Subtle and medium bodied, with spicy vanilla American oak, mango, rock melon, stone fruit and mandarin citrus. A hint of spiced cashew and buttered popcorn. Available: Dhall & Nash blackmarket.co.nz

Pegasus Bay North Canterbury Muscat 2019 - $30

Just off dry and 14.9% ABV. Floral honeysuckle, beeswax, orange marmalade and poached pear. A hint of sherry and makrut lime, with a dry lengthy finish.

Available: pegasusbay.com

Pegasus Bay North Canterbury ‘Prima Donna’ Pinot Noir 2020 - $105

Slightly funky, with tart cherry, smoky stewed plum, baking spices, savoury umami grilled mushroom and a lengthy dry palate. Available: Caro’s pegasusbay.com vinofino.co.nz

Pegasus Bay North Canterbury Riesling 2023 - $30

5 stars! Outstanding riesling. Medium sweet and crisp, made with late picked grapes and a portion of ‘noble rot’ affected fruit. Mandarin citrus, clover honey, sultanas, honeysuckle and muscatel raisins. Lengthy finish.

Available: Glengarry, Caro’s pegasusbay.com

Mont’ Albano Bardolino Chiaretto Friuli Rosé (organic) 2021 - $24

Vinted from a blend of indigenous grapes. Light and delicate at a deceptive 12.5% ABV. Red cherry, strawberries and cream, soft acids and a gentle palate.

Available: Dhall & Nash winecentral.co.nz

De La Terre Hawkes Bay Syrah 2021 - $40

Rich and complex at 14% ABV, with stewed plum, black pepper, vanillin oak, savoury grilled mushroom, a tad of liquorice and a dry firm finish.

Available: Dhall & Nash blackmarket.co.nz

Columbia Crest Grand Estates Washington USA Merlot - $28

5 stars! Fab and generous. Soft and ripe, with sweet dark berry fruit and stewed plum, Christmas cake, dark chocolate and savoury umami mushroom. Smooth, lengthy finish.

Available: Dhall & Nash blackmarket.co.nz

Pegasus Bay North Canterbury Sauvignon Blanc 2023 - $28

A portion of the fruit was whole bunch pressed and rested on the skins for 200 days, adding extra complexity and texture. Also, a small amount of barrel-aged semillon was added. Grassy, with lime citrus, kaffir lime, gooseberry, passionfruit and a lengthy tangy finish.

Available: pegasusbay.com vinofino.co.nz

(PHIL PARKER)

Your host, Phil Parker, wine writer

· Boutique tours to Waiheke Island & Kumeu

· Bespoke Fun Wine quizzes by arrangement

www.finewinetours.co.nz, phil.parker@xtra.co.nz

@ HERNE BAY CELLARS

Many amazing companies supply Herne Bay Cellars with delicious products. Here are three with their interesting stories...

Coal Pit Wines: Family-owned Coal Pit from Gibbston in Central Otago is committed to producing world class wines from their BioGro organically certified vineyard and winery. The Coal Pit name is derived from the historical area in the nearby mountain ranges which provided the early pioneers, musterers and gold miners with coal. The flagship pinot noir ‘Tiwha’ pays tribute to the owner's late father. All the iconic labels are created by acclaimed artist and family friend, Chris Heaphy.

Inter-generational sustainability is a driving force, so to increase biodiversity, the team has recently established a native planting programme at the vineyard. Coal Pit is also a member of the Porto Protocol – a global wine community dedicated to sharing knowledge and solutions to bring climate action to life.

Come and taste the aged release International Wine Challenge Trophy winner 2019 Tiwha Pinot Noir in-store Friday 18 October 4 - 6pm.

Bariletto: In 2016, Negroni enthusiast Al White discovered a New York bar specialising in barrel-aged Negronis. This prompted him to consider making his own version back home.

Years later and after being gifted a small oak barrel, Al started testing various combinations of gin, sweet vermouth and Campari. The optimal blend of ingredients for the ageing process was settled on and sourcing the perfect barrels began. Handmade barrels by expert coopers in eastern Europe were selected.

Throughout the development journey, the priority was to produce a drink that was instantly recognisable as a Negroni, and which retained a traditional flavour profile. The barrel-aging process does this and brings much to the Negroni’s already powerful nature, offering a rich, opulent quality that adds to the cocktail’s depth. It gives it a subtle smokiness, makes it slightly sweeter and is much smoother on the palate.

In 2022, Al and wife Lisa formed Bariletto, a Ponsonby-based company specialising in small batch, barrel-aged Negronis.

Black Sands Brewing Company: Good mates, Ian Hebblethwaite, David Holden and Peter Osborne who shared an interest and passion for craft beer, wanted to produce a beer they could enjoy. In October 2013, they produced their first brew as Black Sands Brewing Company. It has been nonstop since.

Ian, who still runs the business today, started brewing when he was much younger and at boarding school. His fellow classmates were more than happy to drink his special pineapple brew until an angry headmaster brought the fledgling enterprise to a crashing halt.

Ian’s son Craig joined the team in 2022 and eventually took over the brewery, allowing Ian to take a less hands-on role in the business. David’s son Matt joined the team in 2023 and brought his genius technical brewing skills to the table.

Nestled in the foothills of the Waitakere Ranges, Black Sands hand brew craft beer using the finest local ingredients. Their beers are never filtered, pasteurised or adulterated in any way.

Come in and try their newly released SH16 American Pale Ale or our favourite, the Corrido Mango & Chilli Sour.

Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Sunday 10am - 8pm. Thursday/Friday 10am - 9pm. Closed Mondays.

hernebaycellars.co.nz

We love discovering hidden gems, both winemakers and their exceptional wines.

Small but mighty, we offer a curated selection that’s always changing. Support your local wine shop and savour something new.

FACES AT GREY LYNN FARMERS MARKET

Longtime stall holder Carl Ebbers sells his Nature’s Corner Free Range Eggs at Grey Lynn Farmers Market on Sunday mornings.

Where did you grow up?

On a farm in the Bay of Plenty. Dad started on a dairy farm then moved to a chicken farm and he also grew around 200 avocado trees.

Were you always going to be a farmer?

Not really. I did a Master’s Degree in Business at the University of Waikato before working as a commercial analyst at Waikato Link. It was super interesting because I got to work with some high-profile investors and entrepreneurs, including a project for a free-range egg company where I learned a lot about the egg industry. Setting up my own farm was a natural next step.

Where did you set up your farm?

My first farm was in Patumahoe, on the outskirts of Pukekohe. Over the years, the area became more urbanised with new ‘townie' neighbours who didn’t appreciate the noisy and busy reality of living near a working poultry farm. Moving back to a rural environment became inevitable.

We hear a lot about cost of living, how is the cost of business?

Tough – rising grain and electricity costs are just some of the ongoing challenges facing our business. Establishing the new farm had lots of resource consenting hurdles. It took a long time because the council couldn’t always visit during Covid. Building costs skyrocketed and it was hard to find contractors – especially specialist poultry engineers.

And you had a scare a few weeks ago in a big storm?

I have never experienced anything like that before. The storm was fierce, lightning was flashing through the house at the same time as the thunder rumbled through. Appliances were fried and we needed an electrician to straighten everything out again. Luckily, not one of our animals was physically harmed.

How did your hens react?

Hens can be sensitive to changes and that storm has rattled them. Hopefully, they will settle down soon and resume their usual laying routine.

Your hens are free range?

Yes – I designed the barn to give them lots of ways in and out and I chose a breed that I get on well with. They are good at

ranging with an instinct for foraging, good at exploring and finding their way home. Like kids, spending their day running around outside tires them out so they sleep well. I often bring vegetable scraps back from the market and they love picking through those. Boredom is bad for chickens.

What other animals do you have on the farm?

I graze Wiltshire sheep with the chickens. They work well together because the sheep keep the grass down and create a dense pasture. I also have dogs with the chickens to protect them from hawks, roaming dogs and possible intruders.

Does the free-range lifestyle make a difference to the eggs?

Definitely – customers tell me that our eggs are the best quality, with rich yolks. Many of my customers want to poach their eggs and our super fresh eggs are perfect for that. They are usually laid within a day or two of arriving at the market.

What do you enjoy about coming to the market?

The people. Over the years many of the customers and stallholders have become good friends and I love catching up on all their stories. And, of course, I love trying all the new and tasty foods there.  PN

www.greylynnfarmersmarket.co.nz

BARKER’S FOODSTORE & EATERY CELEBRATES FIRST BIRTHDAY

And just like that on the 20th of September we celebrated our first birthday and what a year it has been!

The support that we have received in the past 12 months has been amazing. Whether it’s a daily coffee hit, lunchtime meal and yarn or meeting your mates and family for brunch in the weekend, we couldn’t have done it without the support of our local community and wider. We have loved meeting new people daily and building great relationships with our regulars.

Our mission was to bring a taste of Geraldine to Ponsonby, and that’s exactly what we have done. For those that haven’t stumbled across us yet, we can’t wait to invite you in.

Barker’s Foodstore & Eatery is tucked away behind Ponsonby Central, overlooking the greenery of Brown Street Reserve. Barker’s of Geraldine, established in 1969, is a favourite in many Kiwi households and we still produce all our products on the corner of the original family farm to this day.

Our venue is like no other, as we feature our very own Barker's of Geraldine products throughout all our food and beverages, as well as many other delicious ingredients produced in our hometown. Whether it’s a traditional South Island cheese roll, a beef brisket pie or a sweet treat, our talented chefs have crafted our much-loved Barker’s products into the entire menu.

Quench your thirst or add a dollop of something on the side of your dish from our complementary tasting station. We encourage you to feel, taste and connect with our products that will add that finishing deliciousness to your meal. With a retail selection in-store, you can take home your new favourite sauce, chutney or syrup to savour at home, or even a gift box for Christmas or special occasion. We have also just launched a catering service, so reach out to the team and we can discuss your requirements for your next team meeting or event.

Taking your dog out for a coffee date? We are very much a dog friendly venue. We make our own dog treats in-house for your special four-legged friends, so please feel free to bring them along and we will even snap a photo of them for our BARKer’s Wall of Fame.

Next time you’re in Ponsonby, drop in and have a coffee or some brunch and a chat with our friendly team, we love getting to know everyone in our neighbourhood.

aucklandteam@barkersfoodstore.nz www.barkersfoodstore.nz

GLENGARRY: A PROUD LEGACY OF FAMILY & COMMUNITY & A FRESH PERSPECTIVE

Glengarry has long been a part of the Ponsonby landscape, since the early 1940s in fact, and as we near our 80th anniversary, it’s a great time to reflect on our journey to date as we also look ahead to an exciting future.

My name is Aroha Jakicevich and I’m privileged to lead Glengarry in my role as the fourth generation of our family to do so. While I embrace the tradition we’ve created over the years, I’m also intent on introducing a fresh perspective to what comes next.

Our story began with my great-grandfather, Joseph Jakicevich, who was granted a licence in 1945 to open one of the country’s first wine shops at 54 Jervois Road, Herne Bay. Back then, the rules were strict – only New Zealand wines were sold and you had to buy at least two gallons at a time. We’ve certainly come a long way since those days! That shop still stands today, a testament to our family’s perseverance and our dedication to our customers. It was eventually joined by its sister store at 139 Ponsonby Road.

In the 1970s, Glengarry became a pioneer, hosting New Zealand’s first consumer wine tastings in the Jervois Road store. Back then, customers mostly asked, "red or white?" Today, we’re proud of our role in shaping New Zealand’s

wine culture, introducing new tastes to the community and extending the boundaries of wine knowledge. From our superb Kiwi offerings to the finest selections from around the globe, Glengarry has always been about sharing a passion for great beverages with our customers.

As I step into a new leadership role, I’m committed to both honouring our history and shaking things up a bit. We’ve always believed that life’s too short to drink bad wine and that philosophy will continue to drive us as we push the boundaries and keep things exciting, with Glengarry as a place where customers can feel connected not just to the products they really enjoy, but to the people and the stories behind them.

Supporting local family businesses is more important than ever and we’re incredibly grateful to be part of this supremely interesting and vibrant community. Here’s to many more years of shared experiences, great stories and perhaps a few surprises along the way. (AROHA JAKICEVICH)  PN

www.glengarrywines.co.nz

Photography: Babiche Martens

Photography: Babiche Martens

FREYA – THE PONSONBY NEWS CAT

Freya, our beloved feline companion, has always had a curious and adventurous spirit.

With her striking green eyes and soft, fluffy tortoiseshellcoloured coat, she has a way of capturing the hearts of everyone who meets her although she is very shy. However, one morning, our house was thrown into a whirlwind of worry when Freya went missing for eight long hours.

It all began on a typical Tuesday. The sun shone one minute and then it was raining and windy the next. Birds were chirping outside, creating a perfect backdrop for Freya’s explorations. Although she’s not really a bird fancier – they are completely ignored most of the time unless they fly directly into her line of sight and then she runs away. I am pleased she is not.

She loves to lounge in the sun that streams through the windows, but she also has a penchant for venturing outside into the garden and the cold. We have always been cautious, making sure that she was okay during her outdoor escapades, always whistling a sigh of relief on her return. On this particular day, however, the door was opened for her as usual and Freya was out and off before she could say "see you later alligator."

At first, we didn’t realise she had disappeared. We were busy getting on with the day. It wasn’t until we sat down to eat lunch that we noticed her absence. “Where’s Freya?” I asked, glancing around the room. My partner shrugged, and a sense of unease began to settle in. She hadn’t been in to eat anything yet and calling her name was futile. I was hoping to hear her familiar purring or the soft patter of her paws, but there was only silence.

We looked where her food bowls sat and they were still full of food that hadn’t been touched since the morning. I’m a worrier and Martin is not.

Panic set in as I rushed to the back door, calling out for her. I searched the garden, peering behind bushes and under the deck but there was no sign of our little explorer. The minutes

turned into hours, and with each passing moment, my worry deepened. Freya was not just a pet, she was part of our family and the thought of her being lost filled me with dread. We were going to print flyers if she didn’t turn up soon so I searched on my phone for a photo. I realised out of the hundreds I have, they are mostly of her not looking at the camera.

As the hours dragged on, Martin was confident that she would be okay. Deep down I had a feeling that she would be. The sun was starting to set, and it was getting dark quickly. Just as my panic was reaching fever pitch, I heard a faint meow coming from the front of the house. I knew it was her. I rushed to open the front door, in she walked quite nonchalantly as if she had just been out for five minutes and didn’t know what all the fuss was about.

Relief washed over me that she was back.

We do have a cat flap at the back of the house so she is free to come and go as she pleases but, of course, she insists on me opening the front door.

Freya may have gone missing for eight hours, but she returned home with memories of her own and we were grateful to have her back where she belonged – until next time. (JAY PLATT)  PN

NEWS FROM LEYS LITTLE LIBRARY

Kia ora Ponsonby

As I write this on a wet day in September with the wind howling down Redmond Street, I hope this newsletter finds us all enjoying warmer weather in October.

Whatever the weather, it’s always good to have some book recommendations. So, here are four books that our Bookchat group has really enjoyed.

The Golden Mole Katherine Rundell

This is a beautifully written account of extraordinary and near extinct animals. The Golden Mole has won many prizes and been described by Bill Bryson as a 'Rare and magical book'.

Go As A River Shelley Read

Set in Colardo, 1948, an epic tale of a woman’s determination to save her family farm. If you enjoyed Where the Crawdad’s Sing, you will love this book!

Moon Road Sarah Leipciger

After years of separation, a couple reconnect on a Canadian road trip, in a quest to understand the mystery of what happened to their daughter nineteen years ago.

Lego Club

We have a new activity for primary school kids – it’s a Lego club. We provide the Lego, and kids can build whatever they fancy, and display their magnificent creations around the library (If they like). The club meets every Friday afternoon at 3.30-4.30, during the school term.

Bookshop Day

The mighty Dorothy Butler Children’s Bookshop is hosting a Book Fest, on Saturday 12 October. I promise it will be a wonderful day with activities, prizes, and amazing authors Stacy Gregg, and Kate Talbot who is launching her brandnew book, How to Draw a Dragon. Leys Little Library will also be there. At 10am we will be hosting a a Storytime session with songs and stories for younger tamariki.

Staff changes

If you have visited us lately, you may have noticed a few changes. Chloe our manager has moved onto to another position at Central Library, as has Ronnie, the Children’s Librarian. So, who you may ask is writing this newsletter? I’m Ronnie’s replacement, Sarahjane and I look forward to meeting you all.

SARAHJANE ROWLAND, Librarian Children and Youth Leys Institute Little Library, 14 Jervois Road, :T 09 377 0209, www.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz

LUXURY IN THE WILD

Luxury is about more than five-star hotels, butler service and gourmet cuisine, especially in Africa.

True luxury can be having an incredible landscape all to yourself. It can be the luxury of time, the time to sit back, relax and absorb your surroundings. To sip a G&T after a thrilling day on safari against the backdrop of just another spectacular African sunset, the faint roar of lions in the distance is pure luxury.

Travelling the vast, untamed landscapes of Africa, encountering wildlife in their natural habitats, witnessing traditional cultures and gazing in awe at impossibly starry night skies. This is the Africa that inspires boutique travel company World Journeys. Experts in tailor-made travel, luxury African safaris are their speciality.

Being in the right place at the right time to witness the Great Migration of plains' game through the Serengeti, staying in a luxury lodge right in the heart of the Okavango Delta or tracking endangered rhino in the vast deserts of Namibia are just some examples of when an intimate knowledge of these incredible destinations is invaluable.

HOW TO SAFARI:

· Under-canvas safaris offer that nostalgic Out of Africa atmosphere, with billowing curtains and tall tales around the firepit at night.

Walking safaris with expert guides allow an immersive experience where all your senses are alive and the smaller wonders are revealed.

Mobile safaris see the camp moved seasonally to where the wildlife will be.

Luxury rail journeys with Rovos Rail include safaris, golf and more.

Fly-in safaris take you directly into remote and pristine wilderness areas, allowing more time on safari and less time on dusty roads.

Importantly, all of World Journeys' safari options are with operators who have conservation at their core. Contact your travel agent, or World Journeys on 0800 117 311, www.worldjourneys.co.nz

FLY AROUND EAST AFRICA

Experience Kenya & Tanzania on a 7-day luxury fly-in safari in the Masai Mara, the Serengeti and Lake Manyara, staying in luxury safari camps.

Contact your travel agent, or World Journeys worldjourneys.co.nz

ROSS THORBY:

CRUISING WITH ROSS THORBY

Looking like a scene straight out of Gilligan's Island – only without the Professor or Ginger.

I had always wanted to visit the islands of the Philippines and during this year's World Cruise, I was lucky enough to visit two of them.

With a population of 115.6 million living across an archipelago of 7600 islands and an interesting political history, the Philippines have been occupied by the Spanish, the Portuguese, the Dutch and the Americans. Infamous most recently for a particular dictator and his wife with her large collection of shoes.

Ships throughout the world are staffed by her citizens known for their politeness and dedication to service; their country has always intrigued me and I somehow knew that I wasn’t going to be disappointed by my visit.

Our first stop was to be Porta Princessa, a coastal city on Palawan Island in the west of the Philippines.

One of Palawan's selling points is Honda Bay situated on the western side and its 18 'floating Islands'. Fine, white sandy atolls that are flooded by the incoming tides, then exposed again when the tide drops to provide numerous opportunities for swimming, diving and fishing. The locals have built day huts, bars and restaurants on the atolls and a boat ride will give you access and permission to visit at least three of them during an afternoon’s excursion.

Hooking up with ‘Emanuelle’, the ship’s pianist who, it turned out, was part Filipino and spoke the language fluently. (I’m not silly in my choice of companions on these ‘off-boat' excursions.) The first hurdle we found, after getting off the ship and avoiding the raft of touts and guides at the gate, was how to avoid the high cost of an excursion to the bay –advertised on board the ship for over $150 US per person – so how to get there as quickly and cheaply as possible.

When the Americans left the Philippines after WW2, they left behind their jeeps which the Philippinos repurposed to now provide the islands with a popular form of transport by way of the ‘Jeepney’, a curious redesign of the vehicle into a bus-like contraption, some more colourful than others, but available if you are prepared to cram in together and happy to share the experience with the populace and a menagerie of animals, usually on their way to market, but sometimes just out for a ride with their owners.

The cost of our journey to the other side of the island was only $5 US, which turned out to be quite the bargain.

Here the roads are pretty basic and the potholes appear to have their own postcodes. Woe betide the suspension let alone the axle if the driver, who also acts as guide and ticket collector, is distracted long enough and fails to avoid one.

Finally, deposited at Honda Bay, we were confronted by a cacophony of noise and distractions as we negotiated our way through the language, souvenir barriers and queues to gain access to one of the many speed boats that would be our transport for the afternoon.

First of our islands would be 'Star Fish', a long sandspit with white sand, a bar at one end and a fish restaurant at the other and numerous beach umbrellas sheltering whole families of screaming children populating the middle. Quickly getting back on our boat, we proceeded to the second island, ‘Luli', reaching it only minutes before the thin white sandspit was swallowed up by the rising tide.

It proved to be third time lucky for us at the next port of call – ‘Cowrie' Island. Here we were greeted by a multitude of facilities, a barbecue restaurant and various bars all cobbled together out of palm tree logs and fronds, looking like a scene straight out of Gilligan's Island – only without the Professor or Ginger.

This was truly a paradise that would rival any resort in Fiji and after being handed something rather alcoholic in a coconut, Emanuelle and I slapped on some sunscreen and climbed into hammocks from where we could watch the colourful fish swimming at arm's reach and contemplate just how lucky we were to be here.

Later in the afternoon with the sea creeping closer to our hammocks and the last of our atoll sinking further into the bay, we took our ‘Banca' back to the mainland for another hairraising Jeepney journey through gridlocked traffic to our ship. Nicely sunburnt and relaxed from far too many coconut drinks and amongst much singing and dancing from the residents waving us goodbye, it was time for our departure for several days cruising before Manilla 805km to the north.

(ROSS THORBY)  PN

MEET THE OWNER OF HELLOWORLD TRAVEL PONSONBY

From Hisar to Ponsonby: My journey of passion and adventure.

From a small agricultural town in Hisar, India, to the vibrant neighbourhood of Ponsonby, my journey has been nothing short of an exciting adventure.

Growing up, I was fortunate to have English as my primary language in school, which opened up a world of opportunities. At 17, I packed my bags and moved to Chandigarh to attend Hotel School. It wasn’t my first choice, but with limited options in tourism, I opted for a degree in Hospitality and Hotel Administration. My heart, however, was always set on travel and tourism – I wanted to inspire people to explore and experience new places.

In 2017, I pursued a Masters in Tourism at the University of Otago in New Zealand. After graduating, I landed my dream role as a travel consultant in Marlborough Sounds, where I loved every aspect of travel planning. But as the pandemic reshaped the world, I had to pivot to restaurant and event management, which allowed me to hone my business skills. By early 2021, I was managing a customer service team for seven hotels in Wellington Central —a role as challenging as it was exhilarating.

With the return of travel in late 2022, I embraced my true calling by joining Helloworld Travel Westgate as a Travel Consultant. It felt like a homecoming, allowing me to craft unforgettable journeys for clients. From European river cruises to Alaskan adventures, each trip has been a testament to the magic of travel. I’ve even had clients book multiple trips in a single year, which stands out as a highlight of my career. Recently, I had the chance to explore Southeast Asia, the Middle East and the South Pacific, with the Intrepid Vietnam tour being a standout.

Mid-2024 marked a new chapter for me as I launched my own travel venture in Ponsonby. This year has been exceptional, with accolades such as the Helloworld Diamond Sales Achiever and Rookie of the Year awards. I’m also thrilled to be heading to the Maldives this October as one of the top 15 sales achievers.

At our cosy Helloworld office in Ponsonby, my small but dynamic team and I are dedicated to delivering exceptional service and crafting personalized itineraries. I’m excited to bring my passion for travel to our community and help you plan your next unforgettable adventure. Here’s to sharing more travel tales and creating extraordinary experiences for you!

HELLOWORLD TRAVEL, 54 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 276 6758, ponsonby@travel.helloworld.co.nz

SIGN UP to receive our latest travel deals and you’ll be in the draw to win! Our Prize for two includes:

• Return Economy ‘The Works’ flights from Auckland to the Gold Coast flying Air New Zealand

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• Daily Breakfast

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SARITA SOLVIG BLANKENBURG: AYURVEDA SPRING CLEANSE RETREAT

Ayurveda New Zealand is hosting its next Spring Cleanse Retreat at beautiful Parohe on Kawau island from 14-17 November 2024.

Sarita and her team are taking a small group of guests back to Parohe on Kawau Island for an authentic Ayurvedic experience in a stunning setting. Only an hour's drive north from Auckland and a 20-minute ferry ride from Matakana, you arrive at an island paradise leaving all your stress and worries behind.

Parohe offers a range of boutique accommodation options in various settings with bush and water views available.

An individual Ayurvedic consultation is scheduled prior to the retreat as part of the package. The consultation gives guests the opportunity to address any health concerns and receive a customised retreat programme which incorporates a personalised treatment plan, Ayurvedic medicine, and a dosha-specific diet.

Catering is managed by reputed Little Bird chef Gawain Cowley who prepares delicious Ayurvedic plant-based meals. We also offer an inspiring Ayurvedic cooking class demonstrating the principles of dosha-specific food preparation.

Every guest will receive two Ayurvedic treatments as part of the package. The retreat programme also includes a workshop about Panchakarma, inspired by Sarita’s recent trip to India, during which we will practise Ayurvedic cleansing techniques.

Every morning and evening we have a yoga practice with a restorative asana flow, pranayama and meditation. Parohe offers a variety of tranquil venues for our yoga classes.

Here is what retreat guest Anna Porter, mother of three, had to say:

"I was fortunate enough to be able to attend Sarita’s amazing Ayurvedic Retreat. I grabbed this fantastic opportunity to get away from the craziness of life and get some well needed restoration. Staying in gorgeous Scandinavian-inspired cabins,surroundedbybushandseaonKawauislandwasjust wonderful. To be able to wake up and attend a yoga session on the wharf with sounds of gentle waves and chirping birds and to then jump into the sea for a refreshing swim was a real highlight. It was so nourishing for the soul!

"I find it incredibly uplifting meeting new and like-minded individuals and we all got on so well – many laughs, deep and interesting chats and just a good all round feeling of connectedness. But you also had plenty of time to just be by yourself, enjoying the surroundings including the sauna, a soak in the outdoor bath or a walk on one of the many nature tracks.

"Sarita and her lovely team looked after us so well. We had daily yoga sessions, rejuvenating Ayurvedic treatments, evening programmes with warm turmeric lattes and, of course, the three amazing meals daily. I have to highlight the food because it was absolutely outstanding. One tends to go on a retreat to heal, to cleanse, to relax, to essentially nourish the body and mind. I felt this retreat did exactly that and would highly recommend it to anyone wanting time out for themselves. I would go again in a heartbeat."

(SARITA SOLVIG BLANKENBURG)  PN

NZ-MADE CRYSTAL PENDANT NECKLACES

The latest selection of bespoke crystal pendant necklaces are in-store at ASH&STONE.

Hand-crafted using authentic ethically sourced raw crystals, no two pendants are the same. The selection changes daily in-store as each individual pendant is made.

Drop by ASH&STONE at 3 Redmond Street, Ponsonby to view, or visit ashandstone.online

Pink amethyst crystal cluster pendant

Clear quartz crystal point pendant

Morganite crystal pendant

Golden topaz crystal pendant

SARISA NASINPROM:

A TREAT FOR EVERY SENSE

Everyone who has enjoyed a Thai massage at a five-star spa understands the healing power of touch. But touch is only one of the senses that is working to make you feel wonderful.

In fact, it’s the last one that comes into play.

Your other senses set up your body to get the maximum benefit from your massage. They let you know that good things lie ahead from the moment you set foot inside the spa.

Smell

Your sense of smell is in the vanguard as the receptors in your nose come alive. They take in the diffused essential oils and aromatherapeutic fragrances. Time slows down as you move towards a calm, peaceful relaxed state, where stress, anxiety and fatigue are reduced and you begin to experience a general sense of well being.

Hearing

Your ears are next. The soft soothing music and gentle rhythms help slow down your heart rate and breathing. Quality acoustics in the walls and soft materials of carpets and drapes minimise the impact of echoes and external noise, creating a world apart, a cocoon of stillness. You become more aware of your own body and the way you breathe and move.

Taste

Do not overlook your welcome drink. It’s a subtle refreshment that serves multiple purposes. It helps create an immediate sense of care and hospitality. It gently stimulates your taste buds, helping you relax. And it hydrates you, beginning the process of physical rejuvenation, supporting the body’s detoxification process and preparing it for the treatment that will follow.

Sight

Your eyes have a part to play too. From lighting to layout, everything you see when you walk into your spa makes an impression. The warm, natural tones of the colour palette, the smooth flowing lines of the wallpaper, when combined with soft and gentle lighting, help create a serene environment, countering the excessive visual stimulation of the world outside and helping to reduce anxiety and lower your heart rate. Inside your treatment room the lighting is carefully directed at the massage table, focusing your attention on your needs and your experience. Soothing lighting supports mindfulness and helps you achieve a meditative state.

Touch

And now we come to the central core of Thai massage: the healing power of touch. Physical touch, delivered through therapeutic massage techniques, has immeasurable benefits. It helps reduce cortisol, the hormone responsible for stress. When your cortisol is lowered, your body enters a state of relaxation, diminishing feelings of anxiety. As cat lovers everywhere will tell you, gentle comforting touch triggers the release of serotonin and dopamine, neurotransmitters that enhance mood, boost feelings of well-being and create a sense of happiness and calm. Touch also stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the body’s 'rest and digest' response. And because massage works directly on your muscles, it increases circulation, helps oxygenate tissues and flushes out toxins, reducing pain and stiffness.

SA-NI MASSAGE AND WELLNESS CENTRE, 8 Upper Queen Street, T: 09 320 1742, www.sa-ni.co.nz

Sarisa Nasinprom

Breathe in

Inhale relaxation and luxury, a new sensory experience.

Breathe out Unwind.

Breathe in

A sophisticated luxury spa and legendary Thai massage experience.

Breathe out

Let everything slip away.

Breathe in

This is that Sa-Ni feeling. Try the full effect for yourself.

SUSTAINABLE GARDENING

TIPS FOR SPRING

Spring is a great time to make sure your garden works as hard towards your sustainability credentials as your indoor space. Here are four tips to make sure your garden is glowing with greenness.

Tip 1: Let your garden munch on your food waste

There are many ways you can turn your food waste into fertiliser. While many people are put off by the rat-attraction factor, a compost bin is a great solution. Or you could consider a worm farm. They’re easy to establish and you can buy Tiger Worms from hardware stores or online. If space is an issue, consider Bokashi composting. This method uses a smaller, sealed container and rather than aerating the food waste, deprive it of oxygen for faster decomposition.

Tip 2: Start growing your own

Spring is the perfect time to dust off the trowel and sow a seed or two. The best vegetables to plant now are asparagus, beans, bok choy, cabbage, capsicum, carrots, courgettes, kumara, spinach, sweetcorn and tomatoes. While most central Auckland gardens don’t have space for an orchard, you could plant raspberries, citrus trees in pots and a passionfruit vine. And don’t forget wildflowers. Not only do they look beautiful, the bees love them and you’ll have a never-ending supply of cut flowers for your home.

Tip 3: Use greywater on your garden

As the drier months approach, why not think about a sustainable way to water your garden? Getting a greywater unit fitted into your household plumbing system means that the water from your sinks, showers, washing machine and dishwasher will be filtered and made available for use in the garden. Just remember not to use this water on any fruits or vegetables and also make sure to use greywater systemfriendly products like ecostore’s laundry, dish and personal care range.

Tip 4: Stock up on eco-garden essentials

There are many garden tools, gizmos and gadgets that can help your fingers stay properly green. Niwashi garden tools are crafted from wood and the finest Japanese steel. And Zing Bokashi is a local company who makes a range of products to get your small-scale composting facility humming.

ECOSTORE, 1 Scotland Street, Freemans Bay, T: 09 360 8477, www.ecostore.co.nz

PROTEIN POWER

Protein is our body’s building block. It's also essential for immunity, growth and repair and a thousand other functions.

The recommended dietary intake (RDI) of protein is 0.8g per kg of bodyweight per day. So, for a 75kg person, that’s 60g of protein/day. This rather modest target might be enough to prevent protein deficiency but it’s hardly optimal. Most of us know the importance of protein intake to increase (with resistance exercise) skeletal muscle, but from your forties, it's essential to increase intake due to naturally declining muscle mass. Protein intake is also important for weight management via a number of mechanisms, including improved satiety and blood sugar control.

Increasingly, researchers are advocating for the RDI to be doubled – the exact amount may vary depending on such things as life stage and exercise output. Certainly, it’s something I emphasise when talking to clients, who are targeting weight loss, perimenopause, ageing well and supporting exercise. I usually don’t have too much trouble convincing men to up their protein, so ladies this is especially for you: Review how much protein you are consuming per day, as it's likely you will need to eat more! While the exact amount will vary from person to person, try to consume a minimum of 100g daily. NB: This is not the same as 100g of a protein source. For example, 100g cooked chicken contains about 30g of protein. Spread that protein out over the dayfor this example, aim for 30g+ of protein in each main meal.

Luckily, protein is in a lot of food sources – both animal and plant derived, so with planning and a little knowledge, this is achievable. Great protein sources include eggs, seafood, meat, dairy, tofu, other meat alternatives and legumes.

Many other plant sources contain protein. Consider nuts, seeds, veggies and cereals such as wheat and rice. Animal sources are complete – they contain all essential amino acids (EAAs) and tend to be highly digestible. Plant sources are mostly incomplete (there are exceptions including quinoa and soy) and tend to be less digestible. Ideally, consume a combination of plant and animal proteins to hit protein targets. If plant based is more your thing, again, easily done, but aim for a variety of sources to get all your EAAs.

(DR SARAH MITCHELL WESTON)

TO CONSUME 100G PROTEIN IN A DAY: Breakfast: 3 egg omelette, 2 slices whole grain toast

Snack: 150g high protein yoghurt

Lunch: Wrap containing 100g cooked chicken, salad, hummus

Dinner: Stir fry containing 100g tofu, veggies, ½ cup quinoa

BELLE EPOQUE NUTRITION, L1, 36 Pollen Street, M: 021 451 771, www.benutrition.co.nz

HOW

NATURE'S TREATS NATURALLY

Nestled in the heart of Hokianga in the Far North, is the quaint township of Rawene.

With its brightly painted heritage buildings, Rawene boasts several businesses to include, cafes, an art gallery, and a car ferry service that takes you to the north side of the harbour. Rawene is also home to The Station Boutique.

The Station Boutique owner, Tina Lalande, says she had been working in retail for over 30 years when an opportunity came along to open her own store – something she had been pondering for a long time. In 2021, Tina opened The Station Boutique in a building that was originally built in 1957 for the Rawene Voluntary Fire Brigade. She says it seemed right to call the store The Station Boutique.

For Tina, the focus is stocking natural products and garments made with natural fabrics. She believes it’s a better choice for one’s health and for the health of the planet. With a range of skin/body care products by Nude Kiwi in Nelson and Nudi Point in Kaitaia, all are natural and a couple are organic. The range covers skin care for all ages and skin types from medicinal oils to moisturising body butters. Testers are available.

The all-natural clothing range includes labels MaryKate from Sydney, with lovely vintage silk and cotton garments and Australia-based VeraMay fashions whose entire range is designed and made in Italy, with fabrics milled in Italy. Also, Namaskar Wearable Arts whose garments are made in India, but the textiles are sourced from New Zealand, Australia, India and Nepal. The fabric prints are designed by artists, so the runs are limited.

Tina has her own label, ElenaPia, named after her mother.

Tina says, “It can take me a week to complete one garment and I only work with natural fabrics, sourced from New Zealand suppliers and fabrics from Europe. I sew for the plus size as it is difficult to purchase plus sizes in beautiful fabrics

at a reasonable price. Each piece is one off. I love fabric and I love colour and flowers.”

There is something different in every corner of the boutique from jewellery to stunning pieces of true vintage fashion, menswear and shoes, cushions and glassware and amazing pots and plants.

Tina says, “The store is a peaceful space to be in, surrounded by bright colour and amazing aromas. Customers come in for that reason and, once inside, they’re in awe with the prettiness and unique style of the boutique. It’s a place to talk, to laugh and smile, to feel sad and then smile, to feel at ease to try products and always welcome to buy.”

When in Rawene take advantage of the 20% off coupon instore or shop online with Code: SAVE20 www.inatthestation.co.nz

1. Bikini Top & Swim Pant in Chelona

2. Solana Top in Ocean

3. Marlow Dress in Meadow

Claire Dress in Tangelo

LOCAL FASHION AND BEAUTY:

EMBRACING THE SUSTAINABLE

If you’ve been meaning to make some changes to your shopping habits when it comes to a greater effort in terms of sustainability, read on for some brands and practises making the transition that little bit easier.

BEAUTY WITH A CONSCIENCE

When luxury brand Hèrmes announced it was entering the beauty sphere several years ago with a beyond chic lipstick collection, the news of its packaging garnered more attention than the actual makeup itself. That’s because the stylish cylinders — designed by the fashion house’s fashion and jewellery creative director, Pierre Hardy, were not only one of the chicest items to ever grace your bathroom cabinet or dresser, they also happened to be refillable. The idea was that the lipstick tube was an iconic item, meant to be collected and cherished as one would a piece of fine jewellery or pricey clutch.

There has never been a better time to sit back, reflect and, most importantly, act when it comes to the amount of waste we generate as human beings. Yes, out there in the seas there are rugby fields’ worth of water bottles, milk cartons, plastic bags and takeout containers. But also: shampoo bottles, lipstick tubes, shadow palettes, powder compacts, lotion pumps and fancy packaging that once held creams that we hoped would be that elusive 'Miracle in a Jar'. The United Nations has declared the current environmental trajectory as a ‘planetary crisis’, and the cosmetic industry is a gargantuan contributor. The majority of the beauty industry is anything but beautiful and it’s imperative that leaders within the economy start driving positive environmental change. Currently, the global cosmetic industry produces 120 billion units of packaging

every year. The main source of emissions in the industry comes from this packaging, with only a small percentage accepted by local kerbside recycling programmes. Distressingly, the majority of this enormous figure is destined for landfill every year. If this level of consumption continues, there will be 12 billion tonnes of plastic in landfills or scattered through our ecosystems by 2050 – that’s the equivalent of 35,000 Empire State Buildings – which makes for some pretty grim stats. Changes require a little extra effort from us all, but a shift in routine is getting that little easier by the day thanks to constantly innovating brands.

Locally, scientifically backed, 100 percent natural skincare brand Emma Lewisham has been committed to finding carbon positive and circular solutions to address the beauty industry’s waste and pollution problems since its inception in 2019 and shows no signs of slowing down. The brand’s journey to becoming a circular, carbon positive business model has been a lot of work, when they could have easily just sat back on their laurels and enjoyed what has become global success story. And while many businesses have measured their Corporate Carbon Footprint (CCF), very few have dedicated the time and resources to measuring the Product Carbon Footprint (CPF). The detailed research, audited by the notoriously stringent Toitū Envirocare, established that Emma Lewisham’s refillable product vessels have up to a 74 per cent smaller carbon footprint than that of the original

packaging, further empowering customers to understand how they can reduce their impact by choosing to partake in Emma Lewisham’s Beauty Circle. Measuring its emissions at a product level has allowed the team at Emma Lewisham to assign a carbon number to each product – showing exactly how many kilograms of carbon (kgCO2e) is emitted to make each individual product. In addition, all of Emma Lewisham’s products are manufactured using 100 per cent renewable energy, and all without sacrificing a truly luxurious feel and delivering impressive results for fans of the brand.

Another local beauty name embracing the circular is Kumo, a bioactive and natural skincare line designed to harmoniously support reactive skin. Meticulously crafted in their Ponsonby sanctuary of the same name by facialist Kate Michelmore, Kumo is dedicated to treating sensitive skin, with a strong emphasis on sustainability. All Kumo products are safe for pregnancy and breastfeeding, oncology friendly, nut free, fragrance free and entirely allergen free. And, even when bottling the first-ever formulations, waste was a serious consideration for the inspiring formulator. To Kate, the idea of encasing a container in an outer carton, when this is not a legal requirement, seemed at best an excess of effort and at worst 'a contribution to environmental degradation'.

All Kumo formulations are housed in premium biphotonic glass, which preserves the potency and shelf life of organic botanical products and is also indefinitely recyclable. In addition, Kate and her team use glass bottles and jars with a peel-off label so that the bottles and jars can be easily repurposed and/or returned to the clinic for re-use. Each month they locally produce only products that have been prescribed and ordered by their loyal clientele, further minimising waste.

Emma Lewisham

Emma Lewisham Circularity

Kumo's Kate Michelmore at work

THE ULTIMATE IN SUSTAINABLE WARDROBE CHOICES – PRE-LOVED

A true statement in sustainable style, buying pre-loved, secondhand and vintage clothing has never been more attractive. Whether it’s the thrill of the hunt or to save a bit of money, shopping at op shops, specialty vintage stores and online for pre-worn designer bargains is the perfect way to indulge in a little retail therapy when the mood calls and without the guilt. If you’re one of the lucky ones, you’ll be in a position to splurge on a brand new designer piece, but finding one at a resale shop is much more cost effective and can be just so satisfying!

Secondhand style experts often say that you should be prepared to spend a bit more time when you’re shopping for pre-worn gems and it’s essential that you scrutinise the condition of any potential buys carefully, as you don’t want to just inherit someone else’s tat. You want to check well every part of the clothing over, even the inside where there can often be hidden damage such as ripped lining, and woollens for pilling under the arms or elsewhere.

It's also interesting to see what brands are on offer in your local pre-loved store. Fast-fashion retailers largely design

on-trend pieces to only last a season or two, whereas others produce clothing to stand the test of time. Well known names – New Zealand and international – help ensure quality, so look for labels that you already know and have had a good experience with.

Try exploring some of the neighbourhood’s top destinations for great pre-loved fashion. (HELENE RAVLICH)

Tatty’s: 161 Ponsonby Road

Sempre: 299 Ponsonby

Search and Destroy: 80 Ponsonby Road

Moral Fibre: 63 Ponsonby Road

Scottie’s Recycle: 2 Blake Street

Encore Designer Fashion Recycle: 305 Ponsonby Road

Boutique for SPCA: 27 Ponsonby Road

COME FOR THE PRIME LOCATION . STAY FOR THE PERMANENT VACATION .

Experience the next level of retirement living. Whether you’re after a central spot you can lock up and leave, or somewhere you’ll never want to, here’s your central oasis for both convenience and comfort.

Take a tour of the state-of-the-art apartments and amenities that put The Helier in a league of its own.

To book a private consultation, call Debbie Little on 09 356 1806. thehelier.co.nz

28 Waimarie Street, St Heliers, Auckland

SALES SUCCESSES CREATE A CHALLENGE

For one of the city’s top performing real estate agents.

Notching up an impressive catalogue of multimilliondollar house sales in the Ponsonby, Herne Bay, Grey Lynn, Westmere, St Marys Bay and Freemans Bay suburbs over the past decade has created an interesting career challenge for one of Auckland’s leading real estate agents.

High profile Bayleys Ponsonby salesperson Blair Haddow said that numerous deals he has brokered in the $3 million - $7 million price bracket have, for some people, somewhat pigeonholed him as being a ‘specialist’ in that sector.

Blair recently caught up with a woman whose home he sold several years ago, but had just relisted her dwelling for sale with another real estate agency. When Blair questioned the vendor on why she chose another agency aside from Bayleys, he was surprised by her response… that she thought Blair now only focused on uber-luxury homes worth considerably more than her humble abode.

However, Blair Haddow is keen to point out that the reality is far different from the perception when it came to his proven residential property sales skills and resulting reputation carved out over 15 years.

“I don’t want to be known for only selling high-end homes. I’m just as committed to selling an $800,000 apartment in Grey Lynn or a modernised two-bedroom ex-state house in Westmere as I am to selling a designer $7 million executive level residence in St Marys Bay,” confides Blair.

“For me, it’s not solely about what price bracket a listing falls into, it’s about achieving the best result for the vendors or my clients, no matter how much their home is worth – whether that’s a six-figure sum, a seven-figure sum, or in some cases even an eight-figure sum.

“The same commitment and enthusiasm are allocated to marketing and selling any and all of my listings, no matter how much they are worth – using the proven and trusted sales programmes and methodologies which Bayleys has honed over some many years in the business.

“My specialty, if you could call it that, is more geographically based rather than price tied. While I have sold homes on the North Shore and Eastern suburbs, my real forte and knowledge is the Auckland Inner-West suburbs of Ponsonby, Herne Bay, Grey Lynn, Westmere and St Marys Bay and Freemans Bay.”

Local knowledge, combined with a data-rich database of potential buyers, has enabled Blair Haddow to successfully conclude two sales with other real estate agencies in the past few weeks.

A husband-and-wife couple whom Blair sold a Herne Bay home to recently, were in the Bayleys auction room supporting their daughter who was bidding to buy an InnerWest Auckland home. When the daughter’s top bid failed to secure the dwelling, Blair chipped in and brought to the trio’s attention a two-bedroom unit listed for sale with another real estate agency.

Unaware of that opportunity elsewhere in their preferred locale, the parents and daughter trusted Blair to organise a viewing ahead of a fast-looming deadline sale. Realising time was of the essence, Blair immediately swung into action, facilitated a viewing within hours and subsequently helped formulate an offer which was duly successful.

Similarly, Blair recently stitched together another successful deal involving yet another competing real estate agency, where he introduced one of his database to the opportunity of purchasing a three-bedroom home in Grey Lynn.

After taking his client through the home in the morning, Blair Haddow put forward an offer in the afternoon on behalf of the client, and the deal was subsequently concluded by the close of business.

“It’s about doing the best thing for your customers. I’m not too precious as to ‘ring fence’ my database,” says Blair. “I spend hours and hours every week studying and noting what properties are on offer with all agencies in my Auckland Inner West ‘patch’.

“So, if there’s nothing I’m currently selling which appeals to those buyers on my personal database, then I can focus on filling their needs in other ways and suggest other options which they may not be aware of,” he said.

As Auckland rolls steadily through towards spring, Blair Haddow and his Bayleys Ponsonby team are preparing the promotional and advertising material for a rush of new listings set to come onto the market in October and through into early November – with vendors confident of selling their Auckland Inner-West homes at auction in advance of Christmas.

(BLAIR HADDOW)  PN

www.facebook.com/BlairHaddowResidential

SHOP AT CENTRAL LANDSCAPES AVONDALE

THIS OCTOBER AND BE IN TO WIN

Win a $2000 Air NZ Mystery Break – make any purchase online or in-store at their Avondale yard during October to enter the draw.

Central Landscapes Avondale is offering its in-store and online customers the chance to win a fabulous Air NZ mystery getaway when making a purchase during October.

So grab some garden mix, top up the veggie garden beds and be in to win. The prize includes Air NZ domestic flights, Avis rental car, two nights accommodation with breakfast and a $300 Visa Prezzy Card.

Garden mix, premium topsoil and mulches are proving very popular at Central Landscapes Avondale as Aucklanders prepare their gardens for the warmer months ahead. So why not pop in for some garden supplies or order online and go in the draw for this great prize.

CENTRAL LANDSCAPES AVONDALE & EASTERN BAYS, 419 Rosebank Road, T: 09 828 5533, www.centrallandscapes.co.nz

Win a $2,000Mystery Break

Including AirNZ Domestic Flights, Avis Rental Car, Two Nights Accommodation with Breakfast and a $300 Visa Prezzy Card!

@ MELUKA

MONMOUTH

GLASS STUDIO

Monmouth Glass Studio creates quality handmade items that are well designed, well made and will stand the test of time.

Artist’s statement: Monmouth Glass Studio is a traditional glass blowing studio, established in 2012 in Tamaki Makaurau by artists Stephen Bradbourne and Isaac Katzoff.

The furnace holds 200 kilos of glass and is kept molten at a temperature of 1100 degrees Celsius 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Each piece is gathered from the furnace then hand shaped and blown using time-honoured glassblowing techniques.

With a strong focus on creating decorative yet functional pieces, the studio splits its time between its core offering of handblown lighting and glassware for the home and frequent custom collaborations with architects and designers to create one of a kind bespoke pieces.

Both Bradbourne and Katzoff believe that with molten glass, the possibilities of form and colour are infinite. This belief guides the studio and can be seen throughout each piece they create.

In 2021, with the intention of minimising the studio’s environmental impact, Monmouth Glass Studio started collecting glass waste produced at the workshop and melting it down for re-use; a second act for glass that otherwise would be sent to landfill.

The resulting batches of recycled glass produce a subtle, bluey-green hue from the mixing and melting of various coloured glass from the studio waste. Monmouth Glass Studio proudly now produces collections of pendants, homewares and objects using this recycled glass.

MONMOUTH GALLERY, 5 Great North Road, Grey Lynn Production Studio, A4/35 Keeling Road, Henderson, info@monmouth.glass www.monmouth.glass IG@monmouthglassstudio

Monmouth Glass Studio crafts a range of hand blown glass homewares and pendant lighting from 100% recycled waste glass.

@monmouthglassstudio www.monmouth.glass 5 Great North Road, Grey Lynn, Auckland

Isaac Katzoff and Stephen Bradbourne

STUDIO ART SUPPLIES, 35 Crummer Road, Grey Lynn, T: 09 360 1238

Email: info@studioart.co.nz, www.studioart.co.nz

George Haijan book collages at Grey

Andrew McLeod's Claire with a rose at Ivan Anthony

ART IN A BLANKET

Sustainability has long been an issue we have considered as a business, and we are pleased to say that careful resource use has become instinctive in the day-to-day running of The Poi Room.

Having said that, we constantly do our best to improve on the practices that are part of our kaupapa.

Wherever possible, we re-use packaging and clean bubble wrap from our suppliers. We collect up sustainable packaging peanuts and cardboard to provide cushioning during despatch and the courier company we use daily supplies compostable bags.

The blankets we use to wrap paintings and large fragile items for transport are made from textile waste. We ask people to bring them back for further use. Often, artists will build boxes to transport their artwork and these are returned for the next delivery.

"Some of our artists have wonderful ideas for creating new pieces out of old and giving them longevity. What someone else has discarded is made new by another person and that’s wonderful," says Creative Director Melanie-Jane.

The Poi Room Director, Clayton Smith, adds, "Being an avid surfer, a clean plastic-free environment is super important to me. I want to surf with jellyfish, not plastic bags!"

OPENING HOURS

9:30am - 5:30pm Weekdays 9:30am - 5pm Saturday 10am - 4pm Sunday

THE POI ROOM, 37 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 378 4364, and 17 Osborne Street, Newmarket T: 09 520 0399 www.thepoiroom.co.nz Follow us @thepoiroom

Clockwise from top: Reclaimed wood ‘Kauri Niho’ by Shannon Turuwhenua, upcycled hot water cylinder ‘Copper Tūī Feather’ by Mat Scott, salvaged timbers ‘Whakangungu’ by Mike Paora and Michele Irving’s 3D creatures made using fabric scraps

ST MATTHEW’S CHAMBER ORCHESTRA LIVE

Soloist Ingrid Bauer

Conductor Michael Joel

– a little pastoral serenade Sunday 20 October 2.30pm

St Matthew’s Chamber Orchestra is delighted to bring you another outstanding concert which showcases the talented and highly sought after harpist, Ingrid Bauer.

Acclaimed Wellington-born harpist Ingrid Bauer holds the position of Principal Harp with the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra. Ingrid was described as a “fantastic new find” by Musica Viva Australia’s artistic director Carl Vine (AO). Her teacher from Victoria University, Ms Giles, ranks her as “undoubtedly one of the best harpists of her generation in Australasia.”

As a soloist, Ingrid has performed with the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra and has taken part in international competitions. She has also given solo recitals across Australasia, and has a solo CD, Dreambird, on the Master Performers label. Ingrid has performed in all of New Zealand’s professional orchestras, including as Acting Principal Harp with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra. She has also worked extensively in Australian orchestras.

She is a keen Chamber musician who has toured for Chamber Music New Zealand with her trio Toru, and she also enjoys a less common musical partnership in the trombone/harp duo Parp! Ingrid has a commitment to showcasing work by New Zealand composers and holds a master’s degree in philosophy.

Michael Joel is the current Musical Director of SMCO and has had a range of musical/ conducting experience including working on the staff at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London.

St Matthew’s Chamber Orchestra is an accomplished orchestra performing a wide repertoire of music specifically providing performance opportunities for New Zealand musicians, composers and conductors.

TICKET Eventfinda or Door sales. EFTPOS or Cash Adults

$30, Concessions $25, Children under 12 free. Student Rush on the day $15.

ST MATTHEW-IN-THE-CITY corner Wellesley and Hobson Streets. www.smco.org.nz The Covert Theatre in Mackelvie Street, Ponsonby is NZ’s homeofimprovisedcomedy. With workshops and shows every night of the week there is something for everyone. Be sure to check out www.coverttheatre.com

Ingrid Bauer

SATELLITE2 PRESENTS

Brett a'Court - Kings, Saints and Prophets – Kingi, Hunga Tapu me nga Poropiti

Opening Saturday 19 October 12 – 3pm

Exhibition: 19 October – 3 November

Gallery Hours: Wednesday to Sunday 10am – 2pm

Brett a’Court’s portraits of the Maori prophets are exquisitely articulated entry points to their inner lives, informed by traditional and Christian principles and their service to others in the name of peace, love and reconciliation.

Brett says, “Over the past five years, I have been working on woollen blankets stretched on canvas supports. The blankets are the connection and metaphor between colonisation, Christianity and the Maori prophets. Prophecy was part of traditional Māori society. It was practised by tohunga and matakite (seers).

“As Christianity took hold in the 19th Century, Maori prophets combined Māori and Christian traditions, creating syncretic religions. The example of Christ's words to love your enemies and to put down your sword was often taken to heart and practised by these Maori prophets and other Maori leaders who often sought peaceful resolutions over land issues, tribal conflicts and injustices with the government.”

satellite2, 61a Victoria Road, Devonport. www.satellite2.co.nz

Nurse Ann and the Healing of Titokowaru

The One Whose Eyes Blazed with Fire (with Love in His Heart)

Te Whiti (Imitation of Christ)

CELEBRATE THANKSGIVING WITH ORCHESTRA HOEDOWN

Auckland Philharmonia is serving up a symphonic ‘Cosmopolitan with a Twist’ for American Thanksgiving at its upcoming concert, The New Zealand Herald Series: City Lights on 28 November.

Featuring music from West Side Story, alongside a concerto that combines jazz fusion with a raucous hoedown, and an American’s musical reflection of Paris, this will be a night to remember.

As jazz aficionados will know, Wynton Marsalis is not only a legendary trumpeter, but one of the most multifaceted musicians around. He has also written many orchestral works, such as his Violin Concerto, which will be performed for the first time in New Zealand at Auckland Phil’s City Lights concert. This thrilling concerto blends blues and jazz together with more contemporary orchestral approaches.

Acclaimed violinist Andrew Beer (the orchestra’s Concertmaster) is the soloist performing this challenging but hugely entertaining piece alongside the Auckland Phil. Both Beer and the orchestra will need to step outside the square to perform this concerto, as it includes moments of clapping, stomping and movement.

The conductor for this concert, Giordano Bellincampi, will also lead the orchestra in two pieces by American genrehopping composers, Bernstein and Gershwin.

Nothing transports you to the streets of 1950s New York quite like West Side Story. The music for this Broadway hit, and later film adaptation, was written by Leonard Bernstein, whose Symphonic Dances from West Side Story combines nine movements from the musical including the hits ‘Somewhere’ and ‘Mambo’. If Bernstein’s name sounds familiar, the 2023 film Maestro, starring Bradley Cooper, was focused on his life.

Those who have lived abroad will relate to that combined feeling of excitement about living in a new city and missing home. Gershwin’s American in Paris uses the medium of music to poetically capture the American composer’s experience

during a visit to Paris in the 1920s. Through this piece we can feel his elation as he soaks up the atmosphere of a Parisan café, his homesickness for New York and the inspiration he draws from a walk through the streets of Paris.

Swing to aucklandphil.nz/city-lights to book your tickets.

The New Zealand Herald Premier Series: City Lights 7.30pm, Thursday 28 November Auckland Town Hall

Conductor: Giordano Bellincampi

Violin: Andrew Beer

Wynton Marsalis: Violin Concerto

Bernstein: Symphonic Dances from West Side Story

Gershwin: An American in Paris

TIM BRAY YOUTH THEATRE

TERM 4 DRAMA

CLASSES

Term 4 Drama Classes for ages 5-16 begin the week starting Monday 14 October at TAPAC in Western Springs.

There are still a few spaces available for keen kids. We specialise in developing our students’ creative expression. Term 4 will end with an interactive open class for parents.

"My daughter has thoroughly enjoyed herself this year, so thank you for all that you and the teachers do for the kids. She has learnt so much and I'm so happy that this kind of opportunity even exists for her." – Claire E., parent

Classes are also offered on the North Shore in Takapuna and Browns Bay.

And, looking ahead to January 2025, keep your eye out for their popular 5-day Holiday Programme, Hit the Stage! (28 January – 1 February) for ages 8-12 at Pitt Street Theatre. Under the direction of the Tim Bray Youth Theatre creative team, students will have the opportunity to explore their performance skills, build confidence and create a special one-off piece of theatre, ready to ‘Hit the Stage!’ at the end of the week for an audience of family and friends.

For more information: www.timbray.org.nz/youth-theatre T: 09 486 2261 E: Youth.theatre@timbray.org.nz

Tim Bray Youth Theatre Hit the Stage! Holiday Programme

Tim Bray Youth Theatre Weekly Drama Class at TAPAC

HOROSCOPES: MISS PEARL NECLIS – what your stars hold for October

Aquarius (the Water Carrier)

21 January - 19 February

You might find today or even the next a few weeks a bit challenging. No worries though, you are always able to rise above anything that presents itself. Keep a checklist and cross off anything that gets accomplished.

Pisces (the Fishes)

20 February - 20 March

Opening yourself up to better communication will help you in the long run. It's not great being on your own as you get older, but knowing that there is someone always at the end of a telephone line helps immensely.

Taurus (the Bull)

21 April - 21 May

There are all sorts of activities planned for you this month and it’s not even your birthday. Don’t shy away from being spoiled. It’s about time you enjoyed yourself a bit more.

Leo (the Lion)

23 July - 21 August

Sometimes in life working behind the scenes is a lot better than in the front. You’ve had a lot happen in your life in the last three months, and at some point you will need to take a step back. The main issue you might have though is when and how.

Gemini (the Twins)

22 May - 21 June

A conversation that you might overhear this week could be beneficial if you take a bit of notice. If you’re going to get rid of some of those old possessions, now might be about the right time. If you’re looking at ways of making a little money, now could also be the right time.

Aries (the Ram)

21 March - 20 April

You have all the tools in front of you and are ready to work. And you’re willing to get stuck into anything you can. Decide what’s important first and just go for it.

Scorpio (the Scorpion)

24 October - 22 November

Be open to sudden possibilities that could come your way this month. And, as intriguing as they are, you need to be selective. Whatever you decide on will ultimately be the right choice.

Virgo (the Virgin)

22 August - 23 September

It seems that you are a very popular person without you knowing it. Everyone wants a piece of you. And you have only very little to give around. Give what you must to those who deserve it but make sure you’re okay.

Cancer (the Crab)

22 June - 22 July

You’re walking around in a bit of a daze at the moment and on the surface all appears calm, but you’re thrashing about like a mad thing inside. You seem to be at a crossroads with no path clearer than the other. Wait for some kind of signal and keep going. You will get through this.

Sagittarius (the Archer)

23 November - 22 December

You might find yourself having an interesting conversation with relatives abroad this morning. There have been some passings of some old relatives you were once close to in the UK. You might be in for a windfall if all goes well.

Libra (the Scales)

24 September - 23 October

You might feel that your motivation is flagging. One way to remedy this is to try getting out there with close friends. Laughing is the best remedy in the world.

Capricorn (the Goat)

23 December - 20 January

You feel invigorated this month and you know that there is nothing you couldn’t accomplish. Go ahead and finish any projects you might have. That feeling of empowerment when you finish something is intoxicating. It will fuel you on to do more.

Earn a fixed return of 11%p.a. with interest paid monthly secured by first mortgage

Minimum investment of $100,000 Wholesale investors only No costs or fees deducted Returns are pre-tax

Recently funded investments:

Finbase provides private investors, family offices and high net worth individuals who meet relevant wholesale investor criteria an investment backed by First Mortgage Security.

Investor security:

Funds are utilised to provide First ranking mortgages to commercial borrowers for the purposes of short term property projects, maximum 12 month term of any loan.

Maximum lending of 60% of property value.

Purchase price: $725,000

Interest rate: 11%p.a. paid monthly in arrears

Purpose of funds: Settle the purchase of the property

Exit strategy: Borrower will obtain consent to subdivide, then refinance out to a

Security description: Two bedroom brick and tile home, located on a freehold section of circa 560m²

iValuation: $1,190,000

Interest rate: 11%p.a. paid monthly in arrears

Purpose of funds: Refinance existing lender plus an equity release for business working capital

Finbase is proud to have never missed an investor interest payment nor suffered a single loss of investor capital.

Security description: Four bedroom home built in 2021, located on 4.56ha of freehold land

Sale price: $1,450,000

Interest rate: 11%p.a. paid monthly in arrears

Purpose of funds: Bridging finance to settle a purchase of another property

Exit strategy: Settlement of the property

We will cover your legal and accounting fees of up to $2,500 to discuss this investment opportunity with your professional advisors, with no obligation for you to invest after doing so.*

Pernell Callaghan

Hayden Thompson

Jordan Evans

Waihi

Mount Albert, Auckland

Saint Albans, Christchurch