PONSONBY NEWS - SEPTEMBER'16

+ PUBLISHED FRIDAY 2 SEPTEMBER 2016

Established: OCTOBER 1989 – CELEBRATING 26 YEARS OF PUBLISHING HISTORY!

THE A-Z OF LOCAL BARS IN & AROUND PONSONBY

ponsonbynews.co.nz

SEPTEMBER 2016

Despite the winter chill, you will be sure of a warm welcome at any of our local watering holes - P44

NEW OWNER & CHEF @ BOY & BIRD Locally trained chef Aari Puri is the new owner of Boy & Bird on Ponsonby Road.

Danny Poulter is his new chef - P64

Experience the Gaggenau difference.

Enjoy your complimentary Gaggenau Dishwasher available with purchases $20,000 and over* from the 400 Series Gaggenau range.

Offer valid 1 July – 30 September 2016. *Terms & Conditions apply Experience the difference at Kitchen Things Newmarket located at 25 Kent Street, Newmarket, Auckland. Phone: 09 522 8375

www.kitchenthings.co.nz

DAW S O N & C O .

WHAT’S INSIDE THIS MONTH

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P44: The A-Z of local bars in and around Ponsonby - showing Mr Toms; P62: Grey Lynn gets its own dedicated vegan shop.

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

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LOCAL PONSONBY A-Z OF BARS EAT, DRINK AND BE MERRY COVER STORY - BOY & BIRD VEG FRIENDLY: GARY STEEL PONSONBY NEWS READERS ARE EVERYWHERE FASHION + STYLE ANGELA LASSIG: LETTERS FROM MAUDIE HELENE RAVLICH: LOCAL FASHION LOVE

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

LIVING, THINKING & BEING JOHN APPLETON ON HEALTH FRONT COVER: Martin Leach

PONSONBY NEWS+ is published monthly, excluding January by ALCHEMYY MEDIA LIMITED, L 11/386 RICHMOND ROAD, GREY LYNN POSTAL: P.O. BOX 47-282 Ponsonby, Auckland 1144. www.ponsonbynews.co.nz T: 09 378 8553 or 09 361 3356 Editor/Publisher Associate Publisher & Ad Manager Distribution Manager Advertising Sales Operations Manager Contributing Fashion Editor Contributing Music Editor Contributing Editor Contributing Editor Proof Readers Layout Designer Designer

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4 PONSONBY NEWS+ September 2016

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

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LETTERS + EMAILS We'd like to acknowledge the terrific support given by the Waitemata Local Board over the past two years With local body elections coming up it’s timely to acknowledge the terrific support given by the Waitemata Local Board over the past two years to the campaign against the development proposed for the former site of the The Little Grocer.

Chairman Shale Chambers presented in support of the Grey Lynn and Westmere Residents’ Inc. Soc’s position at the council hearing last year. Shale noted at the time to the commissioners that the board does not often do this. And both Pippa Coom and Deborah Yates have made time to attend both the council hearing and the Environment Court hearing held two months ago. Our community is grateful to them for their close interest in this issue and their tangible support for the community’s position and concerns. The area is being very well served by these board members.

Mattie Wall, Grey Lynn Correction and apology to Bob Hawkeswood: In an article in our August issue (Cancer Society calls for 2016 Daffodil Day Volunteers) we referred to Bob Hawkeswood as the late. We apologise to Bob, who is very much alive.

Thank you Ponsonby News for your always excellent coverage of local issues It must be coming up to local board election time because my letterbox is already getting crammed with glossy pamphlets. I am putting my hand up as an independent for the Waitemata Local Board this year and have taken three months off work to campaign.

Views in Ponsonby News reflect the authors’ and not those of Alchemy Media. staff costs. Decked out in matching blue suits and lipsticks, their thrust is principally about the ‘business’ of the council. But is this the role of local boards? Isn’t the local board about being the eyes and ears of the local community, assisting and directing and supporting issues raised by the community and looking out for the community?

They do manage budgets and put up priorities, but cutting debt and reducing council staff? The nuts and bolts of local board work is more likely to be about park signage, supporting and directing residents around a development that may affect their residential amenity, pushing forward a case for funding vermin baits in parks or suggesting a change in chemicals used for weed spraying. They rubber stamp a lot of work already done by council, and sadly for the politicians amongst them, take the credit for it. It is about knowing local issues, being a bridge and bringing heart and humanity to the interface between council and community.

My impassioned plea for voters is to study profiles well, don’t get fooled by glossy pamphlets, personally addressed letters and big campaigns. Remember us independents; with our miserly budgets, single colour cards and hand-written signage. We may be independent, but we are not dependant on, nor silenced by central party politics.

When you hear the big central party political themes associated with local boards and campaigners whose tired faces never seem to leave the billboards election in, election out; check out the independents. We are the real foxes in the chicken coop able to ruffle feathers by our constant questions and passionate concern when community is put second. We put the local in local politics and believe me, we will sound just like you at the local board meetings.

Russell Hoban, Ponsonby

It is important that new and independent candidates seek election on Auckland local boards to bring fresh and back-to-basics voices to the slick political table. Local government politics and in particular local boards as the interface between the council and the community are at their best when the likes of me bring their gardening boots and poor computer skills to the boardroom table. The politically naïve and inexperienced local board member is, after all, representing the ‘us’.

The issues I would like to raise for readers and voters is the bane of democracy itself; money and power and ego. The American election merry-go-round makes the point well.

As background, the 14th amendment is the backbone of the Constitution of the United States. It defines some of the fundamentals of a citizen's rights, including the right to vote. In fact, it defines what a citizen is. After much legal arguing, corporate ‘personhood’ was included in this 14th amendment.

The ramifications for this is that if corporations are people, then the use of funds from a company's bank account within the election system is a constitutionally-protected right to free speech. This comes with no limitations on the amount of funds being sunk into selected campaigns. The result is that the election system is corrupted by agenda and democracy is managed by privilege. When democracy meets money, it is democracy that goes on sale.

The election process is dominated by budgets that no individual can compete with. The implication for Auckland’s local boards is that independents without political or business affiliation struggle to be heard. Fundamental to democracy is the need for systems that allow open and equal representation. Our local board elections should not be a ‘battle of the thrones’ between party-affiliated professionals, lawyers and petty politicians but rather an opportunity for community to elect ‘itself’ on the journey to correct checks and care offering the very best in local governance.

A question needs to be asked: why is party politics so enmeshed in the election of Auckland Council local board representatives? I note one well-funded ‘group of professionals’, as they call themselves, with clear central party affiliations is putting up seven candidates; three lawyers and four businessmen. Their extremely wellfunded platform is essentially financial: keeping rates low, cutting debt, reducing

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FROM THE EDITOR THIS MONTH WE FEATURE THREE EDITORIALS ON THE RECENTLY released Unitary Plan. One by Councillor Mike Lee, another

by Chair of the Local Waitemata Board Shale Chambers and an article by our contributing editor, John Elliott. A theme of these is that all three bemoan the removal of the pre-1944 demolition control, which will make it easier for developers to bowl over our unique world-rating heritage wooden villas.

Like many locals, Ponsonby News is concerned at the low turn out of voters at previous local body elections. Democracy suffers when only a third of voters bother to go to the poll. Voting opens on 16 September and closes midday on 8 October. Please vote!

photography: Helene Ravlich

They also were unanimously critical of a lack of quality design standards in the document. Another common thread was concern about infrastructure requirements to accompany the plan, including transport and sewage. Mike Lee went so far as to say that “leave it to the market” tenor of the plan would encourage an overly developer-friendly city. Both Lee and Elliott were concerned about loss of amenity values whereas Chambers (who played an active role in the development of the plan from day one) seems more optimistic that they have got the plan right.

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

Subsequent to John Elliott’s editorial on state housing, a TV news report confirmed that waiting lists for a state house in Auckland far exceeds availability. Placing our most vulnerable citizens in state houses will help ease the housing affordability that bedevils Auckland.

Don’t forget dear old Dad on Sunday 4 September for Father’s Day. This year is the first one since I lost my wonderful father and I will be thinking of him with great love and fondness.

Foodies will note that Michael Van de Elzen and Marie Colosimo have recently sold Boy & Bird, the free-range chicken eatery on Ponsonby Road. We welcome our cover stars new owner, Aari Puri and chef Danny Poulter. The pair has promised to keep all customer’s favourite dishes but will be introducing new ideas.

Auckland Zoo has a campaign calling for the mandatory labelling of palm oil on all food products and soaps. The campaign will promote the saving of wildlife and their forest homes.

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

On page 89, we welcome the very experienced headmaster Kieran Fouhy, who has taken over at St Paul’s College on Richmond Road.

As we go to print with this issue, NZ Fashion Week is in full swing and local designers, Harman Grubiša, whose retail PN store is in Jervois Road wowed the crowd with their runway show. (MARTIN LEACH) F

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Lives lived behind high walls? That’s not for us. We cherish the conversations that come with the closeness around here. Like they say, love thy neighbour – or at least feed their cat while they’re away on holiday. Now that’s a community. Share our discoveries – keithandsandy.co.nz

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This could easily be your ‘forever home’.

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DAVID HARTNELL’S ONE MINUTE INTERVIEW Alistair Wilkinson started in 1996 as a TV3 reporter.

After three years at Australian public broadcaster SBS, he began a nine-year stint back at TV3.

Working variously as reporter, newsreader and producer, he presents 60 Minutes and co-presented breaking coverage of the Christchurch quakes. In my humble opinion, I think that Alistair is one of the best TV presenters on our screen.

The best thing about where you live?

We live in Piha. The best thing about it is its raw and splendid isolation. The second best thing is the coffee at the Piha Store.

What was your childhood like?

I was a shy and rather solitary child. I was very close to my mother, who was a shy and rather solitary woman.

Complete the sentence: I will die happy if...

My son is thriving.

photography: Russ Flatt

Where would your dream holiday internationally be?

This month we took our boy overseas for the first time, to Sydney. During that trip I realised that when you're with a child, any international destination is a dream destination, because they make you see everything with fresh eyes. It has been a long time since I was excited about crossing Sydney Harbour Bridge, but this month, I was!

What's on your bucket list?

India. Greece. South Africa.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

At our boy's 21st birthday celebration, wondering where the last decade went.

You married your partner Russ Flatt in March and have a 10 year old son.

How has that changed your life?

I grew up in the 80s; in a world where neither marriage nor fatherhood seemed ever possible for a boy like me. So, the life I'm living now is proof that profound social change is possible and love wins in the end.

How would you like to be remembered?

As a good husband, a good dad, and someone who cared about people who are vulnerable.

What do you love most about your age?

I'm too old for excuses and that helps drive me forward every day.

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

Rum and raisin.

What is something that you really disapprove of?

The Block NZ. Your biggest disappointment?

The demise of 3 News.

Give your teenaged self some advice?

Be a little kinder to yourself young man, that will make you kinder to other people too.

Listen to your gut, not the voices in your head.

How do you chill out?

There is a point on the Piha Road where a breathtaking expanse of ocean comes into view.

That is the moment the worries of the day tend to evaporate.

Which item of clothing can't you live without?

My Loake brogues. They are a homage to my dad, who was a pipe smoking, corduroy -jacket wearing wide-boy from Newcastle on Tyne.

Favourite time of the day?

Do I need to choose one? Sunrise with the dogs on the beach. Sunset with Russ on the deck at home. Story time with my boy is pretty special too.

Tell us about your home...

Our place won't feature in a design magazine any time soon, but it's filled with light, laughter, love and creativity. So I reckon it qualifies as a dream home.

What super power would you like?

Mind-reading. I'm working on convincing my child it is a super power I do in fact possess.

Which talent would you most like to have?

I would love to master the art of frequent and obsessive exercise.

If you won a million dollars?

The boring truth is that I'd pay off the mortgage. What happened next would hopefully be far more exciting.

What gizmo can you not live without?

What, just one? My embarrassing collection of Apple devices.

Your comfort food?

So many. Mac and cheese is a family favourite. Feijoa anything feeds my soul.

Your greatest weakness is?

Licorice. I hide it from everyone else in the house, just like my father did!

What motivates you?

Changing hearts and minds

Handshake or a hug kind of person?

Hugs every time, which can be awkward.

What happens when we die?

We live on in the people we touch throughout our lives.

Do you travel light or heavy?

Depends on the weather. In summer, I try to be a 'seat only' kind of guy.

What's your favourite movie?

Behind the Candelabra, the biopic on Liberace comes to mind. Funny and sad and poignant and brilliant in every way.

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

Adoption laws need overhauling, urgently.

(DAVID HARTNELL, MNZM) F PN

14 PONSONBY NEWS+ September 2016

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

Thinking Real Estate?

Think Chris Batchelor.

With an extraordinary reputation built on his commitment to getting the job done, Chris has long been a

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Chris Batchelor Phone. +64 21 217 7026 Email. chris.batchelor@bayleys.co.nz

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SHALE CHAMBERS: WAITEMATA LOCAL BOARD REPORT

We have a Unitary Plan Last month, the governing body passed the Unitary Plan following a mammoth five-year process to unify the former regional and all district council plans into one.

This is something both to celebrate and to reflect on, as it is clear our city in the years to come will change significantly. We must now work to deliver on the promise and potential of a unified plan for Auckland.

Your local board has been involved from the beginning - I was one of four local board chairs on a working party to develop the high level concepts of the draft - supportive of good process, quality design, the compact city and appropriate intensification, and building a liveable city, all whilst endeavouring to protect our built and natural heritage, and working to secure affordable housing. It has not been an easy task. Views still differ on the imperatives driving the need for the plan to go so far. Meanwhile as the housing and affordability crisis deepened, the need to address the supply of housing became greater. We all want to see our children and grandchildren housed.

The plan enabled a doubling from the draft of available housing supply to 422,000, and the plan is now a little bit more than a little bit out and a little bit up. It focuses on increasing the quantity of dwellings rather than the quality and design. Supporters argue this now provides more affordable housing choice, including within areas closer to the centre, and transport routes, whilst others argue it is a deregulation of planning rules, overly focused on development, rather than sustainability of our built and natural heritage. Both are right.

The full zoning recommendations were adopted. These provide for more homes to be built in the existing urban area of two to three stories, and up to six stories close to town centres and transport hubs. With the historic heritage values of the inner city centre fringe mostly recognised, and existing development, the plan has less impact on the inner city communities than elsewhere in Auckland. Your Councillor Mike Lee gained a commitment to a plan change early in 2017 to address technical errors and property anomalies that this blanket approach to zoning inevitably raises.

We were disappointed to see the precautionary pre-1944 demolition overlay Councillor Mike Lee and the board worked hard for abandoned, but the continuation of the historic character overlays to areas zoned Residential 1 and 2 (now Isthmus A and B) were retained. Protection for heritage in the remaining pre-1944 areas in Grey Lynn around Grey Lynn Park and central Westmere still zoned Single House but with no character overlay will now be achieved through plan change.

Minimum apartment sizes and the requirement for resource consent for more than 2 dwellings were retained. Parking minimums for town centres, apartments, and mixed use zones were removed. This is a significant decision that will improve housing affordability.

In Ponsonby, a small area of apartment (THAB) zone replaced residential suburban (MHS) at Ponsonby Terrace. Mixed Use zone replaced THAB at Jervois Road and Curran

Street Mixed Use zone replaced THAB for St Marys School, and residential urban (MHU) replaced Single House (SH) around Emmett and Sarsfield Streets.

In Grey Lynn, MHU zone and some THAB zone replaced MHS zone around Turangi Road and MHU zone replaced MHS zone around Ivanhoe Road. MHU zone replaced MHS and SH zone around Sherwood and Wellpark Avenue, Stanmore Road, and Tawariki Street. MHS zone replaced SH zone on Sackville Street, and some pockets of MHU zone replaced SH zone around Allen Road, Dryden Street and Dickens Street.

In Westmere, there is a general increase in MHS zone from SH zone, around Westmere Park Avenue and Rawene Avenue. There is an increase of MHU zone on streets to the west of Garnet Road and Westmere Crescent and the Edgars Road, Weber Street and Livingstone Street block.

With the Unitary Plan now finalised, the Government can no longer blame Auckland’s rulebook for the housing crisis. It now needs to play its part.

The nominations are in and candidates for the upcoming local body elections known. For local board, seven City Vision candidates, who have maintained majority support on the board the past six years are vying with seven Auckland Future candidates and seven Independent candidates for your support to take the local board forward for the next three years.

When your ballot papers arrive this month, two names who are current members of Waitemata Local board will not be there. City Vision members Christopher Dempsey, a long-time effective public servant, expert planner, Deborah Yates community advocate and Christopher Dempsey friend of Parnell since 2010, and community board member from 2004, and Deborah Yates, elected in 2013, and an invaluable social change and environmental advocate, are both standing down. We will miss them both, we thank them for their considerable respective contributions to their PN community and wish them well in their future endeavours. (SHALE CHAMBERS) F Contact me: shale.chambers@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

‘ROCOCO' CHARMS FASHION WEEK FULL HOUSE Harman Grubiša’s 'opulent and modern' autumn/winter 2017 collection Rococo opened New Zealand Fashion Week on Monday 22 August.

photography: Olivia Hemus for Mac Cosmetics

Of the Herne Bay brand’s opportunity to open the event in its capacity as 'Mercedes-Benz Presents’ designer, Madeleine Harman said, “It has been an incredibly humbling opportunity for our young label.

photography: Caitlan Mitchell

“Jessica (Grubiša) and I design for a modern, independent, successful woman and, for us, Rococo truly embodies the essence of Harman Grubiša.” Ponsonby News particularly loved three-tiered fine pleating and a dramatic textured black/lame combo which closed the show to robust applause and cheers from the designers’ many fans and supporters. F PN

16 PONSONBY NEWS+ September 2016

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

JOHN ELLIOTT: LOCAL NEWS

The Unitary Plan - now, in 2025, in 2035 in 2045 It’s always wise to plan ahead. Too many politicians measure progress in three-year bites; that is, from one election to the next.

And so it’s very satisfying that we now have, or almost have, a 30-year plan for Auckland. And yet it appears fatigue set in with councillors pushing it through to get it out of the way. It may have been 98% there - but the final 2% was put in the too-hard basket. There will be regrets, especially with regard to heritage protection, I predict.

In order to jam in up to another million people, a radical cramming in of high-rise apartments and terrace housing has been planned. As well, the rural-urban boundary (RUB) will be flexible, and expanded when deemed necessary. However, there are suggestions that the extra million people mooted might be quite an exaggeration.

Immigration could, and perhaps should, slow down, and if the economy of Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States improves, expats may not come home in such great numbers. The Government might also make some requirement on immigrants to spend time in the provinces rather than all squashing like sardines into Auckland.

I have always supported population intensification to prevent too much urban sprawl, with its implications for loss of good rural land, and its dependence on new infrastructure. As Professor Tim Hazledine of Auckland University has said, “The MUL (Metropolitan Urban Limit) has been around for 50 years and has done a great job with little fuss.” Hazledine says to compare land prices inside and outside the MUL is too simplistic. Urban land is surveyed, subdivided and serviced. It is close to roads, shops, public transport, schools. For the price of

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

the house building lot you get thrown in for free, parks, reserves, footpaths, verges, school grounds. Housing land costs more than farmland because it has a heap of value added to it. So the whole exercise, according to Hazledine, is more complicated than just moving the MUL. I do predict that the proposed proliferation of three, four, five and seven-storey apartments in amongst early 20th Century villas in Mt Eden, Glendowie, and around the city fringe, will fuel some almighty arguments in coming years. The abandonment of the pre-1944 demolition control in the Unitary Plan will compound the problem and result in the loss of important heritage houses.

Every wooden villa in the parts of Grey Lynn designated ‘mixed housing suburban’ is potentially threatened with a villa being replaced by three-storey apartments.

I think it’s time to put to bed the wild throwing around of the term NIMBYism. Most of the objection to high-rise apartments, especially in inner city suburbs, is about loss of valued amenity, and not primarily about ‘not in my backyard’. If Auckland is to continue aspiring to be one of the world’s most liveable cities, then residents should make it clear to city fathers and mothers, what it is they value about living in Auckland, and what amenities and built environment they demand be retained and enhanced.

Every home owner in the Greater Ponsonby area should sit down with their family and friends and draw up a list of amenity values they want to retain. These may include: trees, bird life, harbour views, views of natural features

like volcanic cones and the Waitakeres, the sunlight, quiet, especially from traffic noise, few burglaries, no unnecessary party noise, clean streets, heritage retention.

If a number of the qualities which residents value are diminished, Auckland will not be anything like the world’s most liveable city, however much Len Brown or his successor crows about it. And why should those who have had those amenities for 10, 20, sometimes 50 years, lose them?

While public transport does remain an important priority for Auckland Council, until there is quick easy rapid transit, not only to work, but also to the gym after work, to family in other parts of Auckland, and to sporting activities, Auckland will need to provide rapid transit for cars too. It’s all too easy to say walk or cycle, but for many, including the elderly, that is not an option. While driving a car remains legal, provision for cars must continue to be made.

Like many other commentators, I would make a plea for quality developments as well as quantity. I know this is quite subjective, but as just one example, how inhumane, how socially undesirable is it, to have no minimum unit size? It would also be a travesty to take any park land for housing. We need every inch of it, for the sake of the quality of our lives, and our sanity. Council and councillors must listen carefully and note what residents PN want, providing it wherever possible. (JOHN ELLIOTT) F

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MIKE LEE: COUNCILLOR FOR WAITEMATA & GULF

Unitary Plan needs to unite - not divide Aucklanders The deregulatory hurricane called the Unitary Plan swept over Auckland last month and it is fair to say the place will never be the same again.

Goaded on by threats from government ministers, in four and half days the council approved the plan (with a few exceptions) as presented by the government-appointed Independent Unitary Plan Hearing Panel.

Fortunately the historic townscapes of Ponsonby and Grey Lynn etc have largely been spared the plan’s worst impacts. Still, a few of people in this ward were dismayed to suddenly discover their homes and immediate neighbourhood zoned for three or more storey buildings.

The Unitary Plan is the final and critical element of the Super City amalgamation project, which like the Super City itself, has been imposed on Auckland. While the plan has grown to have a life of its own - a key part of the government’s housing policy, legallyspeaking it is the combining and updating of the former ARC Regional Policy Statement and the legacy council district plans. These were of course instruments of the Resource Management Act, the purpose of which, we should remember is ‘to promote the sustainable management of natural and physical resources.’ But environmental sustainability is notably absent from the Unitary Plan.

What the Independent Hearing Panel has carried out is actually a radical 1980s-style deregulation of Auckland’s planning rules. The stated objective is to enable more houses - a lot more houses, 420,000, about double the 212,000 extra houses projected as needed in the original council plan of 2013. As the government no longer actively builds houses (the country built more homes in 1974), the idea is to encourage a developer -friendly market. This to be achieved in two ways: First, by expanding the rural urban boundary (RUB) by 30% (abolishing it entirely around coastal settlements) and enabling it to be even further extended by developer-initiated plan changes. This unprecedented urban sprawl into the rural greenbelt, including over prime horticultural soils, has not stopped the council and the Independent Hearing Panel talking about a ‘compact city’.

Secondly, by intensification. 42.6% of single houses on the central isthmus have been upzoned for intensification. This will mean major changes to how Auckland looks and feels. The pre-1944 building demolition control overlay has itself been demolished, meaning hundreds of quality 19th and 20th century houses across the isthmus, having been upzoned are now incentivised for demolition. Along with this, requirements for quality design standards for new intensified developments have been thrown out.

Some good things came out of the process, councillors cheered on by the public pushed back against the recommendation to urbanise the largely pristine Okura Peninsula north of Long Bay. The councillors also reversed the Independent Panel’s removal of minimum apartment sizes, forestalling the return of shoebox apartments. I also managed to

18 PONSONBY NEWS+ September 2016

get the art deco Housing New Zealand apartment building on Symonds Street put back into the heritage schedule after the Panel had taken it out. Incidentally, when I went to take a picture of the building, I found it closed and fenced-off with razor wire, a shameful waste of an ideal inner city accommodation. On this point, given the housing crisis, I was also dismayed to see previous requirements for a quota of ‘affordable homes’ thrown out by the panel, disappointingly with the endorsement of the council.

What the Unitary Plan ‘blue print for growth and development for Auckland for the next 30 years’ didn’t and couldn’t deal with was the infrastructure needed to cater for the extra growth it encourages - and how will this be paid for. Even now overloaded sewerage systems are regularly spilling into the harbour and despite a massive investment in transport over the last 10 years, there is increasing traffic congestion. Despite this, the government’s continues to bring more and more people into Auckland, making us the second highest immigration city in the OECD. Wouldn’t it make more sense to lower immigration rates until we get our housing and infrastructure problems sorted?

Despite its deregulatory radicalism the Unitary Plan’s provision for inner-city housing is actually quite conservative and unimaginative. A large swathe of Great North Road and Grafton, for instance, is still dedicated to business use and office buildings much of which should go to the CBD or moved further out.

‘Intensification well done’, will not be achieved with a hands-off ‘leave it to the market’ approach. The past should teach us that. It also needs to have the support of the community. It is unacceptable that Aucklanders learn after-the-fact that the amenity of their homes and their neighbourhoods have been compromised and their rights of appeal removed by special legislation. At my request, the council has agreed to initiate another plan change early in 2017 to deal with some of the more bizarre and unfair property anomalies that inevitably occurred in the rush to meet the government deadline.

Which brings me to another concern about the Unitary Plan. While the big property interests are understandably exultant, their allies and supporters, apparently taking a lead from the regularly red-in-the-face-angry Nick Smith, young (and old enough to know better) bloggers and denizens of Twittersphere have been vituperatively targeting anyone who challenges the official narrative - especially older people. It is rather sad and unfair that the generation of Aucklanders who bought run-down villas and bungalows in Grey Lynn, Ponsonby and Westmere etc, and lovingly did them up, often with their own hands, are now meant to feel guilty. Auckland and Aucklanders deserve PN better than this. (MIKE LEE) F Mike Lee is the Auckland councillor for Waitemata & Gulf ward.www.mikelee.co.nz

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

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JOHN ELLIOTT: LOCAL NEWS

Why are grapefruit going to waste?

When I was a boy living in Whangarei we had several poorman orange trees in our backyard.

Almost everyone I knew had a tree. Over at my grandmother’s house there was a large grapefruit tree. You don’t see those old grapefruit trees much these days, although you can still sometimes buy large juicy ‘real’ grapefruit at a fruit shop or in the supermarket.

The New Zealand climate is too cold, even in Northland, for ‘real’ grapefruit to flourish.

Since my childhood the humble poorman orange (the most common variety was ‘Morrison seedless’) has been renamed ‘New Zealand grapefruit’ and laden trees are everywhere when they are in season. But you can’t give them away.

Rich in vitamins, juicy, lovely sprinkled with brown sugar and cooled overnight in the fridge, grapefruit make a tasty breakfast. But fewer and fewer people eat them any more. Why on earth is that? Postings on Grey Lynn Neighbourly offering them free receive no takers.

It’s all because of statins! Yes, those ubiquitous cholesterol lowerers have taken over thousands of people’s lives, and one of the instructions on every packet is "Do not eat grapefruit".

A search of Dr Google will confirm that indeed you should not eat grapefruit if you are taking statins. Scientific studies have shown that a group of compounds found in grapefruit known as furanocoumarins inhibit our metabolism of medications. But I just wondered if poorman oranges (according to experts, they are most likely to be tangelo or pomelo originally from Australia or China.) had the same problem enzyme as ‘real’ grapefruit, so that maybe doctors were selling us short on a juicy New Zealand treat. For many of us over 50, that means the rest of our natural life without grapefruit, because even if your cholesterol has fallen, you can be sure the drug companies will revise the danger levels down to ensure you still use a statin and line their pockets forever.

However, the news was not good for poorman orange eaters. They too, contain furanocoumarins, and should be avoided if you take statins. Even grapefruit marmalade on toast is not recommended, because even small amounts of marmalade have been shown to interact with medications.

The safest bet is to avoid all grapefruit and grapefruit products.

So, New Zealand grapefruit lie rotting on the ground, while we swallow pills by the bucket load.

It may well be, that New Zealanders are overusing statins. I have been enjoying grapefruit this season because I stopped taking statins a year ago, and my cholesterol levels have hardly altered. I have regular blood tests to check it out.

But, before you make any changes to your pill regime, don’t follow my suggestions, PN check with your medical professional first. (JOHN ELLIOTT) F

20 PONSONBY NEWS+ September 2016

Jonathan Good

TIME FOR A FRESH APPROACH Jonathan Good, Auckland Future Candidate for Waitemata Local Board.

We are lucky to live in one of the most beautiful places in the world. Auckland has amazing beaches and plenty of parks and green spaces, and great communities. There’s just one aspect on which Auckland doesn’t measure up - our council. It’s unwieldy, expensive and just doesn’t seem to be able to deliver.

Auckland Council recently polled residents to discover that only 15% are satisfied with the council. The reality of using an expensive market research firm to find this out with no plan to improve is exactly what’s wrong with the council.

It’s the same story with the Waitemata Local Board. The same old team have been running the board for the last six years but not enough has been achieved. There have been lots of workshops and feasibility studies, but now it’s time to focus on getting things done.

It’s time for a change. The Auckland Future ticket brings together a group of local professionals who are passionate about our ward. Most of us are standing for the first time, because we want to see Auckland Council with less waste and more focus on the things that matter.

We are a team that wants to make real changes to support our growing communities.

Whether it’s fiscal management, planting native trees through the ward or supporting a mix of transport options, we are a team with experience at getting things done. It’s time for a fresh approach to help Auckland live up to its incredible potential.

(JONATHAN GOOD) F PN

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

VOTE FOR AUCKLAND FUTURE Waitemata Local Board For the last 25 years our area has been dominated by the Labour, Alliance and Green party team. It’s time to change this with your vote. Your Auckland Future Waitemata Local Board will promote the following; • Point Erin Pool redevelopment creating an indoor swimming pool alongside the existing “Lido Pool”.

• Develop a New Zealand native urban forest at Western Springs creating a safe environment for our native flora and fauna for all of us to enjoy.

• Protect parks and recreational spaces across the ward.

• A balanced approach to traffic congestion on our inner city streets.

• Preservation of local heritage.

• Preserve and promote the unique café culture in our inner city shopping precincts.

PLEASE GIVE US YOUR VOTE FOR REAL CHANGE IN OCTOBER

Judith Claire Bassett

Jonathan Good

Stella Chan

Alasdair Long

Greg Moyle

Mark Davey

Chris Severne

www.aucklandfuture.co.nz https://www.facebook.com/aklfuture Authorised by B O’Loughlin, 1/466 Parnell Rd

RACHAEL TE AOTONGA: LEYS INSTITUTE LIBRARY NEWS September kicks off two not-to-be missed festivities at Leys Institute Library: The annual Heritage Festival and springtime school holidays.

Visit us during September and pick up your copy of the 2016 Heritage Festival guide.

Ponsonby and its surrounding areas have many stories to tell - here is your chance to enjoy them in all their glory. Celebrate the festival here with us at the library by attending some captivating lectures and guided tours.

The line-up of free events for the next school holidays is outstanding - there’s something to please everyone. So don’t be shy - keep little hands and minds occupied by joining us for some steampunk fun!

HERITAGE FESTIVAL EVENTS AT LEYS INSTITUTE LIBRARY

engaging presentation with local historian Edward Bennett.

Wednesday 5 October, 6.30pm - 7.30pm

Guided tour of Leys Institute Building and photo exhibition The Leys Institute is an impressive building and has played a significant role in Ponsonby's history. Join us on a guided tour and discover more about its history. The tour covers the lecture hall, library, gymnasium and the basement area. Friday 30 September and Wednesday 5 October, 2pm - 3pm

20th-Century gardens Local historian Edward Bennett gives an illustrated talk on post-Victorian gardens. Thursday 6 October, 6.30pm - 7.30pm SPECIAL EVENT IN THE LEYS INSTITUTE LECTURE ROOM - UPSTAIRS FROM THE LIBRARY

Inside the Victorian villa Participate in this fascinating photo lecture on Victorian domestic architecture and interior decoration. Presented

by Edward Bennett. Wednesday 28 September, 6.30pm - 7.30pm

Memories of Auckland past The 1950s and 1960s were exciting decades in the transformation of Auckland City. Filmmaker Everall Deans presents his video about life in Auckland in the 1950s and 1960s. The video captures personal stories and memories of people who grew up in the city during these decades.

Design of Victorian houses Discover more about the design of Victorian houses through this fascinating illustrated lecture. Presented by Edward Bennett. Thursday 29 September, 6.30pm - 7.30pm

The screening is combined with a compilation of archival films from the period, presented by Nga Taonga Sound & Vision. It is hoped that some participants from the video will be in the audience. Come along and reminisce with them after the screening.

Victorian gardens Learn more about Victorian domestic gardens through this

Tuesday 27 September, 6.30pm - 8pm and Saturday 8 October, 1pm - 2.30pm. Koha entry

STEAMPUNK SCHOOL HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES Code cracking cuffs We’ll show you how to make a code cracking cuff, but it will be up to you to decipher the secret message and complete the mission! Tuesday 27 September 10.30am - 12 noon Steampunk photo booth Create a steampunk inspired hat, add some accessories and then strike a pose. We’ll photo-booth you and send a copy your way! Thursday 29 September 10.30am - 12 noon Shadow portraits Capture your shadow in a lasting image to decorate and take home. Tuesday 4 October 10.30am - 12 noon Steampunk robots Armed with only clay, cogs, wire and plenty of imagination, we’ll be creating steampunk-inspired robot pendants or badges. Thursday 6 October 10.30am - 12 noon For more information, visit the Auckland Libraries website or our Facebook page. (RACHAEL TE AOTONGA) F PN LEYS INSTITUTE, 20 St Marys Road, T: 09 374 1315, www.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz

JOHN ELLIOTT: LOCAL NEWS

Government state house policy in a spin Housing New Zealand did come back to us eventually about the state houses on Chinaman’s Hill, but not in time for last month's Ponsonby News.

Glenn Conway, Manager, Communications and Stakeholder Relationships (that’s a moniker and a half isn’t it?) told us that the property at 702 Great North Road will shortly undergo earthquake strengthening which should be completed later in the year and available to relet. Conway said there are no plans to demolish any properties at the addresses we provided. Does that mean they have plans to demolish others?

The property at 708 Great North Road has been undergoing methamphetamine decontamination and work is continuing to reinstate this property. There was no obvious sign of work when Ponsonby News went past the site a number of times this month. The remediation, like Mainland cheese, does take time! There was apparently no strengthening needed for other blocks in the vicinity, despite the fact they are of similar construction.

Conway then went on to give us a lecture about the dangers of P and how responsible HNZ are being. It sounds like a beat up to me.

Ponsonby News hopes HNZ will hurry up with this remedial work, because according to some reports there are 2500 empty state homes right now. As part of the Government’s neo-liberal principle of shrinking government, they are reducing the state housing stock.

22 PONSONBY NEWS+ September 2016

As we reported in the August Ponsonby News they are virtually throwing state houses at anyone who will take them over. State houses are public property and the responsibility of government, social housing is private housing, often run by charities, but sometimes for profit.

If the Government would stop its ideological sell-off of state houses, build some more, and rent them at a sliding scale depending on ability to pay, with an opportunity to rent to buy, a decent part of the home shortage in Auckland and the problem of affordable housing would go away. Public housing provided by the government and the council is the cheapest, fairest, most effective form of affordable accommodation. So, instead of flogging off state houses, sometimes below valuation, Government should boost the stock by building more.

That would be the most humane and just way to assist thousands who have suffered under the right wing neo-liberalism of successive governments in New Zealand over the past 30 years, with the inevitable rise of some of the highest levels of inequality in the Western world. Both National and Labour are guilty of this subterfuge against ordinary New Zealanders, although the 1% have continued to prosper. Research has shown that greater equality is best for everybody, including the 1%. (JOHN ELLIOTT) F PN PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

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PONSONBY U3A: AUGUST 2016 After a busy and productive two years, Annie Webster passed her presidential mantle to Collene Roche at the August AGM of Ponsonby U3A. She handed over a group in great heart, with an expanded list of special interest groups and a burgeoning membership, which has entailed a recent move from Leys Institute to the Herne Bay Petanque Club rooms. "We all loved the atmosphere of the Leys Institute and we thought long and hard about making the move," she said. "But in the end we had outgrown the space and have been fortunate in finding an accommodating new home at the Petanque Club in Salisbury Street."

During her term as president, Annie developed the Ponsonby U3A website and was appointed to the committee of U3A Online, based in Australia.

Collene's first task as president was to welcome the August guest speaker Richard Northey, known to most of us through one or more of the hats he has worn over the years, from Parliament to local body politics and community organisations, in particular the Auckland Community Housing Trust, which he has chaired for the past 10 years. His talk was entitled 'Solving Auckland's Housing Crisis' - with emphasis on three areas: homeless people, home ownership and rented accommodation. He pointed out that homelessness is on the rise and is a serious social issue for our city, combining shortage of affordable accommodation, 'unfair' policies and attitudes, people with inadequate life skills and financial abilities. Children from these situations struggle to make sense of their lives, he said. For the three areas identified, he gave 15 suggested answers, noting that the solution lies with all of us, "particularly government" and organisations such as the Auckland Community Housing Trust. Lively discussion followed his presentation.

Ponsonby U3A meets monthly on the second Friday morning of the month at the Herne Bay Petanque Club. As well as an invited guest speaker and a 10 minute speaker from within U3A, there are now 18 special interest groups reporting their activities to the meeting. The groups, considered the lifeblood of U3A, follow the intent of the founders of U3A of lifelong learning for older people. The groups meet mainly in members' homes.

Three new groups are Poetry, Science and Concert Going, added to existing Antiques and Collectables, Armchair Travellers, Art History, Classical Studies, Current Events, Dining

Out, Gallery Visits, Genealogy, Green Fingers, Music Appreciation, New Zealand History, Petanque, Ramblers, Scrabble and the Garnet Station Tiny Theatre supporters group.

Collene says: "Each U3A has its own character. Ours is of a size that gives a wonderful opportunity for members to get to know each other well and to have friendships grow through the monthly meetings and the special interest groups. It is not planned to increase membership to the point that we lose the character we value so much."

Guest speaker Richard Northey Visitors are welcome to attend Ponsonby U3A president Collene Roche a meeting, but are requested to telephone Annie Webster (T: 09 376 2902) prior to the meeting.

Speaker for the next meeting will be Andrew Gordon, Audience Engagement Coordinator, PN NZ Opera. (PHILIPPA TAIT) F NEXT MEETING: 9.45am, Friday 9 September, Herne Bay Petanque Club, Salisbury Street Reserve, Herne Bay. ENQUIRIES: Annie Webster, T: 09 376 2902, www.u3aponsonby.org.nz

A WELCOLMING KIND OF NETWORKING Training? Breakfast? Drinks? Speaker?

The Grey Lynn Business Association’s vision is to build a stimulating and resilient community, and networking, socialising and learning are great ways to support this.

GLBA offers a variety of events to suit different needs. Some people like to turn up at the end of the day and enjoy a relaxed conversation with like-minded people. Others prefer a breakfast event. Some like an informal structure, others prefer something more educational; for example, a speaker.

At GLBA, we make sure we provide options to address the wishes of our vibrant local community. We recently completed one of our signature programmes, the Winter Series, featuring experts on a variety of invaluable topics, from how to deal with harrassment in the workplace, to how to get leads via your website. This series of early morning seminars aims to give practical and useful strategies to small-business owners.

Feedback is very important to us, and we make sure that attendees get the opportunity to let us know what they thought of each session. The response to this series has been very positive, which is why the GLBA runs these sessions each year.

Sue Lyons, Pippa Coomb, David Stoddard, Jennifer Northover and Suzanne Guerrin all events are as welcoming as GLBA’s. If you are hosting or attending an event, here are some tips to make them seem less awkward.

If you are more interested in events at the other end of the day, the upcoming evening with Paul Spain is a perfect option. Paul is a very successful podcaster and attracts a hefty international audience through his NZ Business Podcast series. This will be a fascinating evening, kicking off at 5.30pm, where Paul will provide insights into how technology can help you and your business stand out from the crowd. It’s 21 September at the Surrey Hotel; free to members and only $30 for non members, so check out our website for more details.

1. Adopt a host mentality: Focus on others in the room, make it about them, not you (many people feel uncomfortable at events).

Networking that works The GLBA prides itself on hosting safe and welcoming networking events, where the conversation flows easefully. This is exactly what happened at our recent networking drinks hosted by the very hospitable team at 300 Richmond/Storage King. However, not

GLBA welcomes non-members to our networking drinks. Why don’t you give us a go, PN focus on being local and come see what we are talking about? F

24 PONSONBY NEWS+ September 2016

2. Become the connector: Look for people who you can introduce to each other.

3. Go for quality rather than quantity: Three to five good contacts (that you follow up!) are a way better result than a bunch of cards of people you only met briefly.

Contact info@GLBA.co.nz

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

NIKKI KAYE: AUCKLAND CENTRAL MP

Progress in education in Auckland Central The date 3 August was an incredible and historic day for Waiheke Island and a real highlight of this last month. Minister of Education, Hon Hekia Parata announced a $40 million investment for the rebuild of Te Huruhi School and a redevelopment of Waiheke High School.

Twenty-three million dollars is being made available at Te Huruhi to build 22 flexible new learning spaces, a new library and an administration area. The school’s hall will also be upgraded.

At Waiheke High School, $17 million is being used for extensive rebuild works. These projects include new teaching spaces, a new performing arts space and replacing storm and wastewater infrastructure which will benefit both schools. It was fantastic to be there when Minister Parata made this announcement to the local school community.

This is one of the largest infrastructure investments to ever be made in Waiheke, and I am very proud to see this delivered as the local MP. I would like to acknowledge all of the board representatives as well as the two principals for their hard work on this project. This announcement is crucial for the future of education on the Island.

In my capacity as the local MP, I have recently sought an update regarding the status of the Richmond Road School redevelopment. I have been informed that the Ministry of Education is currently finalising the costs of stage one of the project, including the five year property funding (5YA) contribution, with the principal and board.

The design of the new six teaching spaces, linkway and upgrade of four adjacent teaching spaces has been completed. Subsequently, the project is out to tender, and this process closed on Friday 19 August. Due to the roll growth that the school has experienced, the smoke-damaged staffroom is being repaired, and the relocatable building that was used as a temporary staffroom is being converted back into a teaching space.

Funding is currently going through an approval process for stage two of the project, and this stage of work is expected to begin in March 2017.

This follows on from infrastructure investment in various other schools in the Western Bays area including a $19 million redevelopment at Freemans Bay School, the $12 million development at Bayfield School, $9.9 million at Westmere School and the $79 million investment in Western Springs College.

Progress on housing Recently, the Auckland Council passed the Unitary Plan, and it is a welcome improvement on the cumbersome and outdated plans that were inherited from the previous councils.

The plan means that Auckland now has a single set of planning rules to manage future growth. It will see the provision of 420,000 new dwellings in Auckland over the next 24 years to meet the demands of population growth. We have always been clear that in order to combat the city’s housing challenges, we need more land freed up and houses built faster to meet a supply shortfall which has built up over many years, and this plan is at the heart of a long-term solution.

As Central Government, we have put in a number of measures in our comprehensive housing plan to support Auckland. They include Resource Management Act reforms, Special Housing Areas, the National Policy Statement on Urban Development, consideration of independent Urban Development Authorities and a new $1 billion Housing Infrastructure Fund.

We are working on ensuring a smooth transition from the Special Housing Area mechanism to the new Unitary Plan. We will be working alongside the council to maintain the strong housing construction momentum to ensure that Auckland can meet the demands of its growing population and economy.

Youth Parliament As Minister of Youth Affairs, I recently hosted Youth Parliament in Wellington. Youth Parliament was originally developed in 1994, to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the change in voting age to 18 years. It was so successful that cabinet asked for it to continue, and it now takes place every three years.

It both ensures that young New Zealanders understand politics and the democratic process, as well as inspiring our next generation of politicians and political journalists.

One hundred and twenty-one young New Zealanders were appointed as Youth MPs, and 17 others acted as Youth Press Gallery members for the two-day event. The Youth MPs took part in mock debates, a caucus session and select committees, meanwhile the Youth Press Gallery reported on the activities. There was also a session when the Youth MPs got to ask questions of actual Ministers including myself, along with Ministers Joyce, Smith and Woodhouse.

My youth MP was Nina Santos, who is a Year 13 student at Auckland Girls Grammar School. Nina is an outstanding young woman who proudly represented Auckland Central at this year’s Youth Parliament. Nina was elected as the Chairperson of the Local Government and Environment Select Committee.

I would like to thank all of the Youth Parliamentarians and Youth Press Gallery representatives who took part in our 8th Youth Parliament. Additionally, I would like to acknowledge the work done by the Cross Party Steering Committee to organise Youth Parliament, in particular the Chair Louisa Wall.

I also recently put out a survey to the electorate seeking constituent’s views on the issues that are important to them. I have had a huge response, with thousands of constituents providing me with feedback on various issues including transport, education, health, and the environment. Thank you to everyone who took the time to provide their views, as this information is critical in enabling me to do my job and advocate for Auckland Central.

PN (NIKKI KAYE) F Hon Nikki Kaye is the MP for Auckland Central. www.nikkikaye.co.nz

26 PONSONBY NEWS+ September 2016

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

Selling Ponsonby in September?

Blooming easy.

I don’t know about you, but I’m never more pleased to be a Ponsonby local than in springtime. The streets are at their leafy best and there’s a buzz that summer is just around the corner. Even if you believe the ‘click-bait’ media reports of a market slow-down – which Þ > Þ ÃÌ }à > ` Ã> ià y>Ì Þ V ÌÀ>` VÌ q I can assure you, there’s simply no better time of year get top dollar for your property.

If you’re thinking about listing your home, > i i Ì i wÀÃÌ Õ LiÀ Þ Õ V> °

Matt O’Brien 021 687 866 Business is blooming.

578436 5/18 Arthur Street, Freeman’s Bay. Auction.

574569 2/183 Jervois Road, Herne Bay. Negotiation.

48 Sentinel Road, Herne Bay. Auction.

575523

578396 1/7 Sprott Road, Kohimarama. Auction.

45A Morningside Drive, 578523 Mt Albert. Auction.

1C/250 Richmond Rd, 577972 Grey Lynn. Negotiation.

35 Schofield Street, Grey Lynn. Negotiation.

575582

2A Oxton Road, Sandringham. Auction.

577447

DEIRDRE ROELANTS: LANDMARK BUILDINGS

Grey Lynn Library Grey Lynn Library turned 90 on 13 December 2014. This milestone was celebrated with a lively programme of entertainment and activities the whole family.

The building has an Historic Places Trust category 2 listing, but what makes it special is that William Gummer the notable architect who designed the building, still has a strong family connection to the library after so many decades. His granddaughter, Claire Gummer is a staff member and his grandniece, Anne Gummer is a member along with her children, Olive and Francis. Apparently a community group had lobbied for a free library since 1912 and finally they were successful.

Naturally there was disagreement among councillors as to where it should be sited. The Public Services Committee and the Library Committee recommended a property near the old Chinese market gardens, but some contended that it was too far from the centre of population. The Mayor stepped into the fray opining that the site was very desirable plus a member of the Library Committee claimed Mr T W Leys had endorsed the proposed site. Perhaps the clincher was the site’s proximity to the end of the 2D tram section.

Whatever, the suburb now had a reading room, a lending department, a lecture hall and a committee room. Community library manager, Aola Robertson says the opening was held on a Saturday afternoon so the hard-working "industrial public" of Grey Lynn could attend. The neo-Georgian building was opened in 1924 by the then mayor, Sir James Gunson. It continues as a public library and community hall to this day. The exterior is is painted in heritage colours and inside is home to a series of murals painted by Murray Grimsdale.

Architect William Henry Gummer was born in Auckland 7 December 1884. After attending Mt Eden School he was articled to Auckland architect, W A Holman. Eight years later, he travelled to England and studied at the Royal Academy of Arts where Beaux -Arts classicism was the predominant subject, then in 1910 he became an associate of the Royal Institute of British Architecture. Working for Edwin Lutyens in 1911, whom he assisted with the design of Castle Drogo, the last of Lutyen’s romantic country houses had a profound influence on the young architect. During his travels back to New Zealand via the United States he worked briefly for D H Burnham and Company in Chicago then once back home entered a partnership with Hoggard and Prouse and became a Fellow of the New Zealand Institute of Architects in 1914. He was recognised as the partnership’s principal designer till he decided to move on in 1921.

Jen Bainbridge and Clarke Gayford

Lulu Wilcox, Anna Jobsz and Nicky Gadsdon

Two years later, Gummer went into partnership with Charles Reginald Ford. Between the two World Wars they they dominated the Auckland scene and were regarded as the best architectural firm of the the first half of the 20th Century. Their 40 years of practice spanned New Zealand’s transition from colonial dependence to full nationhood.

Gummer’s time in Chicago was invaluable as it exposed him to the latest structural ideas for commercial developments. The 1935 Dingwall Building was a test case, leading to the development of multi-storey construction in this country. As a Beaux Arts architect, Gummer was capable of working in a number of styles which led to local what local historian, Bruce Petry has described as "moderate modernism".

Eighteen of the company’s buildings have been registered as significant historic places by the New Zealand Historic Places Trust. In 2006 an exhibition of their work was held at the University of Auckland’s Gus Fisher Gallery and in 2007 the firm was described as ‘the best architectural practice of all time in New Zealand’. They had complementary skills and personalities which was the secret of their success. Ford concentrated primarily on managing the practice and dealing with clients while Gummer was responsible for all of the firm’s iconic buildings and Ford was influential in, the establishment of earthquake safety standards in New Zealand after the 1931 Hawkes Bay earthquake.

(DEIRDRE ROELANTS) F PN

Lisa and Tony Veitch

Jamie Burrows and Julie Roulston

Amie Tribe, Brodie Kane, Mike Puru and Anton Chartier

Cara Allan and Fran King

'THE KITCHEN' BISTRO BY MR TOMS OPENING, WEDNESDAY 17 AUGUST - PONSONBY

28 PONSONBY NEWS+ September 2016

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

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*Terms & Conditions: discount is taken off the full retail price and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Excludes clearance, seconds items and noodist club discounts. Furniture and large accessory items are not kept in stock in store, orders can be placed for such items and home delivery or a hub pick up fee will apply to these items. Delivery times and fees will vary, ask a staff member for more details. Stock may vary from store to store. Some products may require assembly. While stocks last, orders can be taken on some of our stock items. Offer ends 25 September 2016

LOCAL NEWS OUR PLACE AT 254 PONSONBY ROAD At its heart, community led design (CLD) is about keeping everyone involved.

In August, the CLD Facilitation group updated the Waitemata Local Board on its progress. Following the presentation the board congratulated our team on the work and achievements to date. Here’s an overview of our presentation.

A brief history: After their consultation with the community, the Waitemata Local Board chose to create a CLD initiative that empowers the community to design the whole of site “urban public space” at 254 Ponsonby Road. The board shoulder-tapped stakeholders and formed the interim steering group to begin the community-led design process. This group analysed the information from the board’s consultation and, via a public meeting, brought together community representatives to form the facilitation group.

We, the facilitation group, are now well underway with our work to achieve the design for the whole-site open space via a CLD process. This is our latest update.

The need for the whole-site open space at 254 Ponsonby Road continues to grow, as evidenced by the increasing population density within the city centre and inner suburbs of Auckland.

Since the inception of the Facilitation group on 6 April 2016, we have been working hard on the initial phase by: • Conducting our first survey asking the community what they would like for 254 Ponsonby Road • Analysing those survey results • Returning those results to the community (see our article in the August Ponsonby News) Since last month we have:

A COMMUNITY BARBECUE ON FRANKLIN ROAD Auckland Transport distributed leaflets to Franklin Road residents, inviting them to a barbecue on Sunday 14 August to celebrate the commencement of the Franklin Road upgrade and to meet the contractor, Brian Perry and the associated sub-contractors.

Fortunately the sun shone but a cold wind must have kept invitees at home because the attendance wasn’t huge when taking into account the number of people who live on the road. The event was a sausage sizzle rather than a full-on barbecue, which was a sensible option because who can resist the combination of a sausage wrapped in a slice of white bread along with fried onions and tomato sauce? The celebration that took place on the ‘pocket park’ on the corner of Wellington Street and Franklin Road was organised by Auckland Transport, the project partners from Watercare and the Auckland Council. The contractors ‘manned’ the barbecues and did all the cooking on the day.

The long-awaited stage 1 construction works are scheduled to take place from 1 September starting between Wellington Street and Victoria Street East. AT will circulate a newsletter to residents on progress but for more information about where the project is at right now, go to https://at.govt.nz/projects-roadworks/franklin-road/ Members of the Waitemata Board were there in full force as was Roscoe Thorby and councillor aspirant, Bill Ralston. Sandra and Doug Stockwell who have embarked on refurbishing the road’s last eyesore on the corner of England Street also attended.

Residents will no doubt take a collective sigh of relief that finally the project is underway and put up with with the disruption ahead that could well last for a considerable time. After all, they’ve been lobbying for improvements for simply ages! Another thought - will we have a reprieve from the Christmas Lights extravaganza this year? (DEIRDRE ROELANTS) F PN

• Created an initial design brief to guide our designers • Approached tertiary institutions and professional designers to contribute draft designs using our initial design brief • Held two meetings with 23 third-year Bachelor of Architecture students from Auckland University who are working on their design ideas • Met with fourth-year Bachelor of Landscape students from Unitec also working on design ideas • Engaged with Panuku Developments (the council organisation managing the site) about the site and our community-led design work • Engaged with Mana Whenua In the upcoming two months, our next tranche of work is to: • Host an event to discuss the survey results with the community • Plan an exhibition of the Auckland University, Bachelor of Architecture students work • Coordinate the Bachelor of Landscape design students work into our CLD process and platforms • Create a physical presence on or near the site for our community-led design work (being a community noticeboard and suggestion box) The dominant and important theme arising from your feedback so far is the need and enthusiasm for both “resting” and the “social dimension”. A significant number of respondents highlighted their desire for a place that would encourage and foster social connections.

Thanks to everyone for your feedback and input so far!

With renewed enthusiasm, we continue our work to create the whole-site open space at 254 Ponsonby Road. Let’s make it a true hub for our community.

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

30 PONSONBY NEWS+ September 2016

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

PONSONBY NEWS+ September 2016

31

JACINDA ARDERN: LABOUR LIST MP AUCKLAND

Saving an endangered species There is no doubt that we are incredibly lucky to live in a country with so much natural beauty - stunning harbours, rugged coastlines, amazing scenery and a whole array of flora and fauna.

We know how precious all of this is, which is perhaps why, in 1987, the Department of Conservation was established.

About 30% of New Zealand’s land area is under DOC’s control is protected for either conservation, ecological, scenic, scientific, historic or cultural reasons and for recreation. That’s a lot of work DOC has to do, and I have been lucky enough to see some of it firsthand.

A few years ago I found myself the champion of a bird - the black petrel, to be precise. It was for the annual Bird of the Year competition, and it was my job to muster as many votes as I could for this beautiful at-risk sea bird.

The black petrel is just one of the many species where we have a distinct guardianship role. We are the only place in the world this bird chooses to breed, even though it travels as far as Ecuador. But threats such as feral cats have meant that the black petrel can now only be found breeding on Little and Great Barrier Islands, and with the help of some dodgy fishing practices, breeding numbers have dwindled at such a devastating rate that this bird is now classified as "nationally vulnerable."

There's nothing quite like seeing a "nationally vulnerable" bird in the flesh to bring meaning to a classification like that. I was fishing out on the Hauraki Gulf when I saw my first black petrel. I almost dropped my rod with excitement. I gained an even greater appreciation of not only this sea bird, but also of our Department of Conservation, when I got the chance to climb up into the ridge lines of Great Barrier Island to see the tagging work being done.

DOC is a national treasure, but we've been treating them and what they do like rubbish.

Since 2009 they have had a cut to their budget in real terms, and cuts to staffing numbers. That doesn't mean fewer desk jobs, that means fewer rangers out in the field.

We're down more than 160 and that includes in places like Great Barrier, where more than 60% of the island is DOC-managed land.

32 PONSONBY NEWS+ September 2016

That obviously has consequences and it's hardly surprising that DOCs annual report showed it had failed on five of the 10 performance measures on pest and weed control last year. Plans around the eradication of goats and possums were scaled back too, and they haven't hit the targets they set themselves on maintaining 75 pest-free islands.

Inevitable given the circumstances, and not DOC's fault.

That's why the announcement from Conservation Minister Maggie Barry a few weeks ago that she wanted to make New Zealand predator-free was so astounding.

Yes, absolutely, a predator-free country is exactly what we should be aiming for. But we're already sliding backwards. In fact, the $28 million the Government has put up for this goal is not even to eradicate one single pest, it's to set up a public-private partnership with the expectation that councils and business carry the load, while the Government thinks about whether its assistance will go any further than that. Add to that the goal's end date of 2050 and it seems like the minister is just having a laugh.

We need to get serious about protecting these vulnerable species, and the millions of native birds who are killed by predators every year. But a press statement doesn't do that, and nor does slashing away at one of the groups who is consistently at the forefront of this work. If we want to preserve our national treasures, we should start PN with DOC. (JACINDA ARDERN) F JACINDA ARDERN, Labour List MP based in Auckland Central. www.jacinda.co.nz

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

crane-brothers.com

LOCAL NEWS

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

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

Landscape project The children at Ponsy Kids Community Preschool have been taking an interest in what’s been happening over the fence with our landscape project and footpath renewal in Tole Park Reserve. Both projects have caused a lot of excitement and curious questions from the children as they watched the trucks, diggers, and steam rollers in action.

Being a community-based preschool, we utilise the world outside the walls of the preschool as a learning resource for our children. Our teachers believe in a holistic approach to teaching and learning, and work to create learning opportunities from each child’s interest. The children are very excited to test out the brand new footpath on their scooters, bikes and skateboards.

Work is progressing well with our landscape project, the design includes a climbing wall, a 'rolling' slope and a mural wall with viewing windows to Tole Park Reserve and creates additional outdoor space for our preschool children.

foods. We'll also cover how to make your own cleaning products and how to store and manage them. Julie Craig from Oak and Thistle (Urban Farming) will be your tutor. Julie is horticulturally trained and experienced tutor with a passion for heritage gardening.

Ponsy Kids is a non-profit community preschool which operates out of the Ponsonby Community Centre. We have a range of sessions available for children aged two to four years.

Date: Sunday 11 September - 1pm to 3pm at Freda Stark Hall, Ponsonby Community Centre. Cost $30 per person. Registration: email: info@ponsonbycommunity.org.nz

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

Venue for hire If you are looking for a room to hold your next classes, workshops or meetings, then contact the office for assistance.

PONSONBY COMMUNITY CENTRE PROGRAMMES: Social and Friendship Skills for Adolescents (12 years plus) Child Autism Foundation will be running an informative and interactive workshop for parents on feelings and emotions, making friends, keeping friends, problem solving and overcoming challenges your child may encounter at school and in the community.

Ponsonby Community Centre (spaces available) • Freda Stark Hall - Monday, Wednesday and Thursday after school (3.30pm to 5.45pm) • Johnny Mitchell Hall - Monday to Friday 3.30pm to 6pm and Sundays (all day) • Gluepot Room - Monday, Wednesday to Friday (9am to 3pm) and Thurs evenings • Kitchen hire - Monday, Saturday and Sunday for groups looking for a licensed premises to prepare their food for sale at school galas, local markets, etc.

Date: 20 September - 7.20pm to 9.30pm at Johnny Mitchell Hall, Ponsonby Community Centre. Cost $10 per family member and $20/professional. Enquiries/Registration, Email enquiry@autism.org.nz

Leys Institute Gymnasium Hall (spaces available) Main Hall - Thursday and Friday mornings and early afternoons 8am to 2.30pm

Frugal Living Workshop This Frugal Living workshop will give you the skills that you need to make nutrient-dense and delicious foods your family will love - including gluten and grain-free and dairy-free

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

NICK VON K ‘STEP UP TO SHINE’ RELEASE THURSDAY 4 AUGUST @ NVK STUDIO, KARANGAHAPE ROAD

Nick Von K and Carolyn Enting

34 PONSONBY NEWS+ September 2016

Mike Holland and James Soloman PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

Your next Auckland Council needs

Greater Accountability.

Tighter Control on Spending.

Clear Thinking.

For more about what I have to oer visit www.ralston2016.co.nz or

fb.com/BillRalstonforWaitemata

Centre Right Independent for Waitemata & Gulf Councillor

Authorised by Bill Ralston, 5 Franklin Rd, Freemans Bay

DEIRDRE THURSTON: ON MY MIND

Snifters Foiled at rounding up a very young person or finding an older one willing to admit they really did want to see a children’s animated movie, I decided to go it alone. 98% on Rotten Tomatoes - has to be a blockbuster.

The rancid odour of popcorn greeted me as I purchased my ticket.

“Anything else?” ticket guy with surfie streaks and spots asked, indicating ice creams, chips, sweets. The carpet had me feeling slightly nauseous so food was out.

Firstly, I want to say: never, under any circumstances at all, go to a 1.30pm screening of a kids’ movie on a wet Sunday. Ever!

Secondly: seriously, don’t. Because every child in the entire world who slurps fizzy drink, drops ice cream, crunches popcorn and crackles chip packets will be there. And they will be there with their friends, and siblings who, by the looks, should be at home in a cot clutching a blanky.

Another thing: all these children will have colds and coughs. They wipe their streaming snot onto the arms of their hoodies and sweatshirts and down jean legs. Which they then press against you. Then wave sodden arms around as if they are practising the Macarena so germs fly deftly up your nose and lodge in your throat. The kid beside me did things a little differently. His dad: “Stop wiping your snot on my arm, wipe it on your own.” Decisive parenting.

Looking around at the other movie goers, I felt like a fish out of water, a childless pariah.

Run, run I urged myself. Cash in your ticket - now. I'm stubborn so I took no heed of myself.

The movie begins and on cue, so does the crying of the younger ones who are already bored and sugared-up to the dummy they have just spat on the grimy carpet. No one can hear the cute screen characters over the rustling, wailing and shhhshing. There is also the constant pinging of mobile phones.

Is it an automatic and immediate pardon if you throttle the kid behind you kicking the back of your chair?

What happened to silently sucking a Snifter or two watching the big screen? Seated sedately in your best shoes and little, white, lacy ankle socks? Had I landed on another planet? The child next to me must have been exhausted by the end of the flick. He jiggled and kicked and scratched and sniffed and sniffed. And sniffed some more. He loudly burped salt and vinegar chips and sickly sweet lollies while spilling lemonade on his snot-crusted arm.

I was fascinated in a bizarre way. I don’t remember cinemas being like this when my son was little. The few adults in the audience had a kind of resigned haunted expression in their eyes as they shovelled whatever piece of confectionery the kids spat out into their own mouths. A constant line of children raced up the aisle to the loos. I knew where they were headed because they announced loudly to no-one in particular, “I’m going to the toilet.” Who cares one wonders.

On return - and you just knew those little hands hadn’t seen soap and water - they either demanded to know what had happened or got on mobiles and jumped around on seats whispering loudly about Pokemons.

Anyway, the blue fish got lost and then it got found and there were shells and seals and a weird octopus. Should movies aimed at kids have subtitles so at least if you can’t hear anything over the din you get the gist of the story?

Back home I swallowed vitamin C and olive leaf extract. Drank loads of water and had a long, hot shower.

Thinking about the experience, I decided that the children seemed happy and chilled in their own peculiar jiggly, loud way - apart from the littlies in tears throughout over the lack of their various blue teddies and cuddlies. And safe. These lucky children had no fears unlike so many children in other countries. On leaving the cinema, I noticed parents collecting their precious darlings to take them home to bounce off the walls until the sugar left their systems. There would be “not hungry” arguments over dinner and soggy clothes would be tossed in the washing machine before bedtime.

One other thing I decided: never again a Sunday afternoon kids’ movie. Ever. Seriously.

(DEIRDRE THURSTON) F PN

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JOHN ELLIOTT: LOCAL NEWS

Auckland Council elections in October The triennial local body elections will be held in October. In the Ponsonby News catchment we will be electing a new mayor, one Waitemata Ward councillor, and seven Waitemata Local Board members.

Ponsonby News urges everyone to front up and vote. In 2013 only about 30% bothered.

Remember, if you don’t vote, you can’t complain about council not doing want you want with your rates money. It’s worth mentioning too, that renters pay more when landlords’ rates go up. So we’re all in it together.

An increasing trend in local elections is for major political parties to put up slates of candidates. If one party secures a majority of the seats, they can then win every argument and every vote at the council table. This means the group must all tow the party line, when many local issues are neither politically right nor left.

our assets, public transport, a review of CCOs to ensure maximum accountability and transparency. They promise to be financially prudent, keeping rates low and fair. We might ask if that is specific enough. What is ‘low’ and what is ‘fair’?

Reading between the lines City Vision, using words like democratic, diverse, caring, social justice, places more importance on efforts to bolster a sense of community, and indicates that the council’s job is about more than just money. It is also about ensuring equality.

Would it be unfair to suggest City Vision cares about the 99% as much as the 1%?

In order to help you vote, Ponsonby News here presents the major policy planks of the two major political parties contesting the election and we comment on a couple of independents.

The centre-right candidates are known as Auckland Future, and are closely affiliated with the National Party. They have endorsed Vic Crone for Mayor and Bill Ralston for council.

Their major policy philosophy is “core service delivery.”

Their four major policy planks are: 1. Capping rates increases to 2% 2. Cutting waste ($500 million) 3. Reducing council staff costs and numbers 4. Paying down debt

And then there are the independents. They face a more difficult job, to get known. They cannot share the cost of pamphlets like the other two, who are advertising their seven candidates on one flyer. And yet, here we often have interesting individuals with important policy ideas to benefit Auckland. One independent already on the Waitemata Local Board is Rob Thomas. Another candidate who wrote to Ponsonby News is Russell Hoban, who said, among other things, “The seeping intrusion of partisan politics into Auckland local boards represents a hijacking of a local democratic process and free and accessible community representation.” He was critical of “safe ‘professional’ petty politicians who say nothing, articulate no vision and repeat tired mantras.” Hoban went on to say “we (independents) are the real foxes in the chicken coop able to ruffle feathers by our constant questions and passionate concern when community is put second.”

Isn’t that rates by another name?

Russell Hoban’s policy planks include "less business suits-more overalls," and he is against "throwing the keys of our unique city to developers." He would also seek to place the CCOs directly under council control, and would protect local amenity values - noise, parking, safety, sustainable development.

This is the problem with political parties, they wrap up their policies so carefully that they often finish up being platitudes which mean very little. So, for Auckland Future we should be asking what "waste" they will cut. Do they mean music in parks, free computers in libraries, free art gallery visits, increased costs to go to the zoo, less footpath maintenance?

Another independent candidate for the Board is Allan Matson, a heritage expert and critic of the Unitary Plan’s omission of heritage protection, especially for our stock of wooden villas. He told Ponsonby News that “The local board’s ability to deal with challenges and opportunities is best served by including people based on their skills and sensibilities rather than their political persuasions.”

Perhaps it comes down to asking the centre-right candidates what they regard as ‘core services’.

Allan Matson had a decade of merchant banking which gave him a sense of financial literacy and commercial reality, while his architectural retraining and specialisation in heritage, is reflected in the importance Matson places on our environment. Matson has governance experience. He is currently a member of the Auckland Council’s Heritage Advisory panel.

“The Waitemata Local Board has a modest budget,” Matson pointed out, “so it needs to spend that prudently and creatively as an expression of local community aspirations.

They also pledge to introduce more user pays.

Would it be unfair to suggest that Auckland Future will be more helpful to the 1% than the 99%?

The centre-left is City Vision (read Labour and the Greens), and they have endorsed Phil Goff for Mayor, and Mike Lee for Waitemata Councillor.

Their mantra is “a dynamic, democratic, diverse, inclusive and caring region.” They talk a lot about social justice, economic fairness, environmental protection, keeping

So Ponsonby News advice would be check out each candidate's policies, and don’t just vote according to your political persuasion.

Even Phil Goff, a red labour MP for ever, is using blue billboards for his mayoral campaign.

Go figure! (JOHN ELLIOTT) F PN

Experts fear heritage loss Ponsonby News has talked a lot about loss of amenity values under the new Unitary Plan but heritage experts are very concerned about the loss of heritage buildings from the inner city.

Graeme Burgess, a heritage architect and Grey Lynn resident told us that “the quality and character of the inner city suburbs is based on their historical development. If we allow that to be continually eroded we may eventually lose it.”

Heritage expert Allan Matson, who is also an independent candidate for the Waitemata Local Board, agrees. He says, “Grey Lynn has one of the finest collections of colonial timber houses in the world. The Unitary Plan has largely failed to provide adequate protection to prevent the loss of collective heritage value of streets in that suburb.”

42 PONSONBY NEWS+ September 2016

Matson adds, “There is a need for council to properly identify our built heritage, providing incentives for the custodians of that heritage to maintain it for our collective benefit today and into the future." We must take these concerns seriously, and listen to experts like Matson and Burgess, to prevent wholesale demolition of heritage homes right on our doorstep.

The Unitary Plan may be a step in the right direction but the authors did not get everything right. We must be vigilant, and not allow council to ruin our community. Ask candidates for office for their policies on these crucial issues. (JOHN ELLIOTT) F PN PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

Luke Crockford Living local, helping locals.

24 Hakanoa Street, Grey Lynn SOLD

Harcourts Ponsonby lukecrockford.harcourts.co.nz 021 277 8565

LOCAL PONSONBY A-Z OF BARS It’s comforting to know that many of the familiar bars in our neighbourhood are still going strong and there are a few that have changed owners or been renovated. We say drink well and responsibly while you enjoy yourself.

BARRIO, 44 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 376 8147 A popular local featuring a rotating cast of DJs including Roger Perry, Manuel Bundy, Murray Cammick, Greg Harper, T.D.K and more. Coopers Pale Ale is on tap. Open Wednesday - Friday from 4pm, Saturday from 6pm, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday by arrangement.

BEDFORD SODA & LIQUOR, Ponsonby Central, 5 Richmond Road, T: 09 378 7362, www.bedfordsodaliquor.co.nz Bedford Soda & Liquor is a New York-inspired neighbourhood bar named after Bedford Avenue in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. It serves handmade sodas, cocktails, floats, shakes, meatballs and sundaes. Open 12 noon - 12am, seven days, with an eclectic mix of DJs playing from 6pm Thursday - Saturday.

BONITA, 242 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 376 5670, www.bonitabar.co.nz Bonita is a wine and tapas bar with an excellent wine list and cocktail credentials. Bonita’s relaxed atmosphere is the perfect place for a casual drink or tapas indulgence. Happy hour runs from 4pm - 6pm daily. Open Tuesday - Sunday 4pm - late.

BROTHERS BEER, City Works Depot, Shed 3D, 90 Wellesley Street West, T: 09 366 6100, www.brothersbeer.co.nz Brewery, retail store and tasting lounge with more than 200 beers - 18 of these on tap.

Brothers is Auckland’s home for lovers of beer. It offers a range of beers brewed on site and an ever-changing selection of the world’s best craft beers from New Zealand, Australia, Japan, Europe and the United States. Enjoy a tasting paddle of five beers and try the thin-crust pizza. Brother's hosts regular events such as live music, tap takeovers and special releases. Open seven days.

CALUZZI BAR AND CABARET, 461 Karangahape Road, T: 09 357 0778, www.caluzzi.co.nz Legendary Caluzzi Bar and Cabaret offers an unforgettable dining experience with entertainment by New Zealand’s most awarded drag artistes. It’s an interactive cabaret show with fabulous food, dazzling costumes, DJs and disco and is a great place to have a social get together. Bookings are essential.

BEDFORD SODA & LIQUOR

CHAPEL BAR & BISTRO, 147 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 360 4528, www.chapel.co.nz A Ponsonby institution, Chapel embodies the spirit of Auckland’s most iconic and sociable boulevard. It is the perfect place for drinks with friends after work, for dinner, a snack or a night out. Well worth the visit to sample delicious and very affordable fare such as the crispy Italian-style pizzas. Open Monday - Wednesday, 3pm - late and Thursday - Sunday, 12 noon - late.

CHOP CHOP NOODLE HOUSE & WHISKEY BAR, Ponsonby Central, 140 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 360 0708, www.ponsonbychopchop.co.nz A punk ramen bar with The Eagles on the radio, lip-smacking pork buns, fried chicken - and a damn fine selection of whisky. Expect handsome descriptions, like their peaty 10-year Ardberg, hailed as “a long and glorious mix of sea-salted caramel and beach bonfire smoke.” They’ll even spike your choice of milkshake with a slug of bourbon.

Chop Chop’s where tasty Asian street food gets hooked up with great whisky and killer cocktails. Open seven days, 12 noon - late.

MR TOMS

44 PONSONBY NEWS+ September 2016

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

LOCAL PONSONBY A-Z OF BARS CONCH KITCHEN & BAR, 115A Ponsonby Road, T: 09 360 1999, www.conch.co.nz The Conch Kitchen & Bar is part of the entertainment scene day and night, serving South American-inspired food, New Zealand organic wines, fresh sugar cane cocktails and local craft beers. Open Monday - Thursday 4pm - late, Friday - Sunday 8am - late (winter hours).

CORK GIN & WHISKEY BAR, 65A Mackelvie Street, T: 09 360 1260 Small, intimate and classy, unlike its big brother Grand Central. Specialising in gin and whiskey, with one of Auckland’s largest selection of Irish whiskeys (and from around the world) and also over 65 different gins. Open Wednesday - Thursday 3pm till late and Friday - Saturday till 4am with its legendary happy hour Wednesday - Friday 3-7pm.

CUBA LIBRE, 171A Ponsonby Road, T: 09 361 6170, www.cubalibre.co.nz A Cuban-inspired bar specialising in rum, cocktails and Cuban sandwiches and street food. With an emphasis on quality, ingredients and fresh local produce - it's all available in the Ponsonby strip.

DIDA’S WINE LOUNGE & TAPAS, 54 Jervois Road, T: 09 376 2813, www.didas.co.nz Join us Dida’s Wine Lounge to experience our comprehensive wine list and the everchanging, always-innovative tapas menu. The talented kitchen team works hard to pair traditional tapas with the multiple by-the-glass options of local and imported and hardto-find wines, craft beers and an impressive range of single malts. It’s a perfect spot to lose a few hours in while broadening your hedonistic horizons. Open seven days, 12 noon-late.

ELBOW ROOM, 198 Jervois Road, T: 09 376 2613, www.elbowroom.co.nz The Elbow Room is a favourite neighbourhood bar with a discerning wine list, a wide range of beers including Peroni, Sapporo and Emersons 1812 on tap, as well as an extensive cocktail selection. The bar can be booked for private functions, either exclusively or shared use. Open seven nights Monday - Tuesday 3.30pm - late and Wednesday - Sunday 3pm - late.

FREEMAN & GREY, 43 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 378 6496, www.freemanandgrey.co.nz Freeman & Grey is a great sunny spot with a laid-back atmosphere, great sharing plates menu and a heap of fun to be had. It’s the perfect location for that special event, birthday, corporate event or Christmas. They’ll take the stress out of your next function, offering a wide range of food and beverage options, and can sort audio visual details for you. Open from 12 noon Monday - Sunday.

HARRY FREIDA MARGOLIS, 440 Richmond Road, T: 09 378 6625 You’ll find Freida Margolis on the corner of Richmond Road and Hakanoa Street tucked away in 113 years of Grey Lynn history. Ask for a Garage Project Craft Brew or a French pomegranate punch, as well as fine wine, bottled beer and sliders.

photography: Sean Thornton @VisualChocolate

GABLES KITCHEN & BAR, 248 Jervois Road, T: 09 376 4994, www.gables.kitchen Gables Kitchen & Bar is a great well-known local, offering functions in a cool,

JERVOIS RD WINE BAR & KITCHEN

46 PONSONBY NEWS+ September 2016

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

LOCAL PONSONBY A-Z OF BARS

PONSONBY POOL HALL contemporary setting. It has friendly, knowledgeable staff who will ensure that your event runs smoothly. It offers gorgeous canapés, mouth-watering buffets, elegant set menus from spit roast or barbeque. Choose from a beautifully crafted wine list, fantastic range of tap and bottle beers and the great selection of spirits, organic juices and lots more.

GRAND CENTRAL, 126 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 360 1260, www.grandcentral.net.nz The oldest and best-loved bar on the strip and still going strong after 17 years. Famous for its live music and late nights of dancing and good times. Huge range of craft beers now available (six on tap). Live music seven nights, great outdoor smoking areas, two function areas available. Open seven nights until 3 or 4am. Ponsonby’s longest-running happy hour, 4pm to 7pm.

GREY LYNN RSC, 1 Francis Street T: 09 376 2909, www.greylynnrsc.org.nz The Grey Lynn RSC is a city fringe club with bar, bistro and restaurant. Located in Francis Street, Grey Lynn in the West Lynn Shopping Centre. The RSC now has Jimmy the Cook creating delicious fresh seafood meals and more in their downstairs bistro. The bistro is open Wednesday - Saturday from 6pm. The RSC is open 365 days of the year, a unique gem in the middle of Grey Lynn. The upstairs function rooms are available for private events. Visitors and new members are most welcome. Quality live music on Fridays.

GREY LYNN TAVERN, 521 - 523 Great North Road, T: 09 376 6521 The Grey Lynn Tavern is a friendly neighbourhood place to have a drink, dance, sing or watch the game on the big screen. TAB facilities and pokie machines are also available and the bar can be hired for private functions. Open seven days 11am - late.

GYPSY TEA ROOM, 455 Richmond Road, T: 09 361 6970, www.gypsytearoom.co.nz Gypsy Tea Room has been attracting people from far and wide for the past 14 years.

There is a smaller private room for up to 30 people, a tasty bar snack menu, thoughtful wine list, beer including Peroni, Sapporo and Pilsner Urquell on tap and cocktails for the discerning. This is a great place to meet friends old and new. Open seven days Monday Thursday 4pm - 11.30pm, Friday and Saturday 3pm - 2am and Sunday 3pm - 11.30pm.

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

HARRY, 155 Ponsonby Road, T: 0800 766 644, www.thethreebrothers.co.nz Harry is your new little local. He has all the elegance you need without the fuss. Pop in for a cheeky glass of wine and feel at home. Private hire available. Venture further out the back to discover their little secret bar, fast becoming a hit with the Ponsonby locals.

Open Tuesday - Sunday 3pm - late.

JERVOIS RD WINE BAR & KITCHEN, 170 Jervois Road, T: 09 376 5367, www.jervoisrd.co.nz Jervois Rd Wine Bar & Kitchen offers the opportunity to taste the unexpected and be transported to a faraway place with Coravin: a 21st Century wine technology that allows you to enjoy luxurious and rare wines by the glass (75ml/150ml) without pulling the cork in a relaxed, local bar environment. Think 99/01/06 Ascheri Barolo, 08 Grand Cru Burgundy, 09 Chateaux la Pointe, 13 Palladius White Blend, Chateaux la Nerthe Blanc, 2008 Tissot Vin Jaune with Comte, of course. Open six days of the week from 3pm till late, closed Monday.

LA ZEPPA, 33 Drake Street, T: 09 379 8167, www.lazeppa.co.nz One of Auckland’s favourite rooftop bars with impressive views over Victoria Park and to the Sky Tower. La Zeppa offers delicious hot and cold tapas to enjoy with friends and a glass of wine, and is the perfect venue for social functions from two to two hundred.

Open Tuesday - Friday 4pm - late and Saturday - Sunday 2pm - late.

LIME BAR, 167 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 360 7167 Small but perfectly formed, Lime is a quintessential Ponsonby favourite and the perfect spot for a refreshing craft beer, celebratory Champagne or a really well made cocktail. It’s an easy vibe featuring their trademark tunes from Sinatra to Springfield and an older, more sophisticated late night crowd letting their hair down. Open Tuesday - Saturday 5pm - 2am.

LITTLE EASY, 198 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 360 0098, www.littleeasy.co.nz Little Easy delivers unpretentious fun and classic ‘pub-dom’ with great-tasting food and vibes to match. This is much more than the average pub fare. They run weekly food specials, happy hours everyday from 4-7pm and DJs jamming till late. The classic Kiwi pub menu is infused with American traits - their burgers are served on fresh brioche buns, and a range of chicken wings. Both not too be missed! Open Tuesday - Thursday 4pm - late, Friday - Sunday, 12 noon - late.

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LOCAL PONSONBY A-Z OF BARS LONGROOM, 114 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 360 8803, www.longroom.co.nz With a covered courtyard and north-facing sun deck, Longroom offers a unique, alfresco environment for drinking and dining any time of day. An inspiring new menu consists of small and large shared dishes, a grazing platter, individual dishes and a few sweet treats. Let’s not forget the great range of beverages available including a substantial cocktail offering. DJs play during the evening Thursday to Saturday, live music and DJs on Sundays. Open seven days during summer and open Tuesday - Sunday 10am - late during winter.

MALT PUBLIC HOUSE, Corner Richmond Road & Hakanoa Street, T: 09 360 9537, www.maltpublichouse.co.nz Previously known as Malt Bar, the corner site located on Hakanoa and Richmond Road, has new owners and has undergone an extensive renovation, re-emerging as Grey Lynn’s new local gastro pub, Malt Public House. The new bar and dining areas provide a relaxed and comfortable environment to catch up for drinks, brunch, lunch or dinner.

The chef uses premium local ingredients to deliver hearty pub staples with a tasty twist.

Open Monday - Friday, 11am - late, Saturday - Sunday, 10am - late.

MR TOMS, 151 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 360 9138, www.mrtoms.co.nz Alluring, powerful and flirty, Mr Toms is a combination of all things Ponsonby. With eloquently crafted cocktails, tasty small plates to share and their infamous rustic baked pizzas, Mr Toms does the simple things right.

POCKET BAR & KITCHEN, 592 Great North Road, T: 09 376 4309, www.pocketbarandkitchen.co.nz Once home to the ASB bank in Grey Lynn, the corner site is now a cool bar and eatery with a real local focus. There is an outdoor deck perfect for all Auckland weather and live music

photography: Michael McClintock

MEA CULPA, 3/175 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 376 4460 A bar for the serious cocktail drinker - whether it’s a classic or modern creation using seasonal produce - the drinks menu displays imagination and finesse. Passion and love go into every glass and it’s easy to see why they have won so many awards. Open Tuesday - Saturday 5pm - late.

SHANGHAI LIL'S every Sunday. Grab a beer on tap or ask for one of their delicious house cocktails made with fresh seasonal produce. If you're sharing, try the seaweed chips with dashi mayo and the green tahini hummus. If you aren't, go the North African spices lamb chops! If you're planning a party, make sure to ask about their new function space in the old ASB bank.

SPQR

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PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

PONSONBY FRIENDS LICENSED BAR, 106 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 376 0800 A fully licensed bar with a great selection of beer and wine at reasonable prices. Located at the centre of the Ponsonby International Foodcourt. You can also quench your thirst with freshly squeezed fruit or vegetable juice and soft drinks. Open seven days 10am - 10pm.

PONSONBY POOL HALL, 106 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 360 2356, www.ponsonbypoolhall.co.nz This is the longest running pool hall in Auckland, with 15 pool tables and a private snooker lounge featuring Rolling Stones memorabilia. There are more than 40 bottled beers to enjoy while you play and they’re open every day except Christmas Day. Available to hire for social functions, watch the video on Facebook. Open seven days 1pm - 1am.

PONSONBY SOCIAL CLUB, 152 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 361 2320, www.ponsonbysocialclub.co.nz Live music and DJs throughout the week, check the website for details. Open seven nights 5pm - late.

Buy six of our beautiful Italian wine glasses and you’ll get more than you bargained for.

BÕÞ > Þ ÃiÌ v È 6 ÌiµÕi } >ÃÃiÃ] }iÌ Ó vÀii cocktail glasses. Till Sept 30. Just mention this ad.

REVELRY, 106 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 376 8663, www.revelry.co.nz A luxurious bohemian-style parlour with hints of opium den chic, this venue boasts one of the best decks in Ponsonby, a warming double-sided fireplace and visual delights from lanterns to antique furniture. The delicious food menu includes a selection of Asian fusion sharing plates, platters and bar snacks. An extensive New Zealand and international wine list, classic and original cocktails with seasonal recipes, and craft beers will give you something new to try every visit. Open from early afternoon until late every night of the week. Brunch service is available Friday - Sunday.

ROJI BAR, 26 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 320 5292, www.azabuponsonby.co.nz/roji-bar Roji (translated - Alleyway) is tucked out the back of Azabu, with access via the restaurant or Maidstone Street. They offer sake and cocktails to be enjoyed in a vibrant space along with great tunes. Open Tuesday - Sunday, 5pm - late.

SHANGHAI LIL’S, 212 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 360 0396 This jazz cocktail bar provides a unique experience where you can relax in luxurious brocade and velvet chairs, surrounded by lush plants and decorative oriental pieces, all the while sipping on a sumptuous cocktail. You’ll be entertained most nights by resident pianist and co-owner Billy Farnell, as he performs the classics on a gleaming black baby grand piano. Open Wednesday - Sunday 5pm - late.

SPQR, 150 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 360 1710, www.spqrnz.co.nz A Ponsonby institution, SPQR has been a prominent fixture along the Ponsonby strip for 23 years. The lively atmosphere and friendly service gives SPQR an authentic, first-rate reputation. The pizza is great for an anytime snack and veal marsala is an old favourite.

Eat in or take-away. Open seven days, 12 noon - late.

SWEAT SHOP BREW, 7 Sale Street, T: 09 307 8148, www.sweatshopbrew.co.nz Sweat Shop Brew Kitchen in Freemans Bay is known for its succulent smoky barbecue meats and their exclusive beer range, which is hand-crafted in their very own craft brewery. Americana-spice rubbed meats with native New Zealand woodchips for an alarmingly delicious experience. It’s a great spot for a few brews as well, with regular DJs and live gigs taking place every weekend. Open seven days 11.30am until late.

THE BIRDCAGE RESTAURANT & BAR, 133 Franklin Road, T: 09 280 1690, www.birdcage.co.nz The Birdcage has been returned to her former glory with stained glass windows and original brick walls blended with more modern elements to give it a chic, metropolitan vibe. The north-facing courtyard bar is one of the biggest and sunniest in Auckland, a perfect inner city destination to gather with friends. The food is rustic in style. Open Sunday for lunch till 5pm. Closed Monday. Tuesday - Saturday 12 noon - late.

THE BOTANIST, City Works Depot, Shed 13, 90 Wellesley Street West, T: 09 309 9494, www.botanist.co.nz Cafe by day, wine bar at night. Florist seven days a week. A oasis of flora amidst the concrete and steel of City Works Depot. Award-winning chef Sara Simpson’s menu brings the best seasonal produce together in an innovative way. Included in Metro Top 50 Cafe 2014, Denizen’s Best New Cafe 2014, ReMix Best Saturday Brunch 2015. Resident florist Eden Hessell is Auckland’s leading floral artist and stocks a unique range of plants and flowers. Open seven days.

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

- Li>ÕÌ vÕ ] à Ì> > ] Ü i ëiV wV 6 ÌiµÕi glasses from Luigi Bormioli enhance the taste and the experience. They’re lead-free, high-tech, blown crystal glass, with titanium-reinforced stems. All this without breaking the bank either.

Serious cookware since 1983 PONSONBY: 273 Ponsonby Rd, Ph: (09) 376 1550, PARNELL: Level 1 165 The Strand, Ph: (09) 309 1690 ONLINE: www.millyskitchen.co.nz

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LOCAL PONSONBY A-Z OF BARS THE CAV, 68 College Hill, T: 09 376 4230, www.thecav.co.nz As per its gastro pub theme, The Cav offers bistro-quality food in a casual, friendly environment and is a great place to meet for a couple of relaxing beers or a glass of wine or two. They offer an extensive menu featuring succulent, modern cuisine with an ethos of providing great value for money. Open Monday - Saturday, 11am - 1am, Sunday 11am - 11pm.

THE DOG’S BOLLIX, 2 Newton Road, T: 09 378 1845, www.dogsbollix.co.nz A well-known Auckland live music venue, the Dog’s Bollix, has been all cleaned up and is ready to get down once more. Catch bands from across the spectrum of the local music scene performing live by checking the Facebook page or call them to book a table for a group. Tuesday - Thursday 5.30pm - 1am, Friday - Saturday 5.30pm - 3am.

THE GOLDEN DAWN, Corner Ponsonby and Richmond Roads, T: 09 376 9929, www.goldendawn.co.nz There is a green door and behind it is this must-visit bar with an array of weird and wonderful local and imported beers, and an all-natural wine list, cool tunes and super -styled service. Open Tuesday - Thursday 4pm - late and Friday - Sunday 3pm - late.

THE CAV

THE OAKROOM, 17 Drake Street, T: 09 300 6313, www.theoakroom.co.nz Situated in Victoria Park Market, one of Auckland’s most historic and treasured landmarks, The Oakroom is a beautiful space in an old part of town. Formerly a stable in the 1800s, The Oakroom has been carefully crafted in order to enhance a contemporary feel and maintain its natural and historic features. Open Tuesday - Friday 11am - late and Saturday 4pm - late.

THE STATION BAGELRY AND BAR, 2 Beresford Square, T: 09 300 5040, www.stationbar.co.nz The Station Bagelry and Bar serves New York-style bagels all day in sunny Beresford Square. At night it converts to serving all the best craft beers from around New Zealand, gourmet pizzas and is available for exclusive functions on weekends. With regular live music, DJs and events there is always something going on @TheStationAKL. Open weekdays 7.30am - late, weekends 8.30am - late.

THE SURREY HOTEL, 465 Great North Road, T: 09 378 9059, www.thesurreyhotel.co.nz This local pub has a cosy atmosphere, friendly service and food available all day. There is

GREY LYNN RSC a breakfast buffet, brunch, lunch and dinner menu as well as bar snacks and wood-fired pizza. Open seven days 7am - 9.30pm.

THE WHISKEY, 210 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 361 2666, www.thewhiskeybar.co.nz This hip bar plays classic rock and offers intimacy and action seven nights a week. There is a huge range of whiskey to suit all palates and wallets. A great spot to meet friends after work, relax in the surrounds and continue late into the night. Open seven nights 5pm - 3am.

TOM TOM BAR & EATERY, 27 Drake Street, T: 09 377 5737, www.tom-tom.co.nz Elevated above Victoria Park with north-facing views through the treetops across Auckland, Tom Tom Bar & Eatery is a great place to meet for drinks and experience their unique cuisine. Open Tuesday - Sunday 11.30am - late.

WAIWERA HOTEL - COCKTAIL LOUNGE & EATERY, 2 Drake Street, www.waiwerahotel.co.nz It's about to open soon and describes itself as “old-fashioned with a touch of Coltrane”.

Visit the Waiwera Hotel Facebook page for more details.

LONGROOM

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

50 PONSONBY NEWS+ September 2016

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY CELEBRATE DIFFERENCE, DIVERSITY AND EXPLORATION @ JERVOIS RD Jervois Rd Wine Bar & Kitchen concept is simple; a relaxed local place for epicureans to drop in and enjoy small plates and sharing platters with artisan wines, craft beers and tea-infused cocktails.

They are passionate about hospitality and excited about food and beverages and believe in offering fresh, quality and healthy food.

Owner and manager Benjamin McManus has a wealth of experience from his time at the Langham Hotel as an award-winning tea sommelier. Benjamin has also worked at various well-established Auckland restaurants. His knowledge of wine and its origins is outstanding. Ask him about a vineyard - it is well worth the chat. Jervois Rd chef Viranga is inspired by modern European cuisine in small plate tapas-style and committed to supporting local suppliers who offer only the freshest seasonal ingredients.

Benjamin says, “We choose drinks that we want to drink: we focus on local and international producers that most sympathetically reflect the place from which they originate and the personality of their creator. The vast majority of the wines on the wine list are organic, bio-dynamic or natural and several have little or no additions during wine making.�

Benjamin and his team give you the opportunity to taste the unexpected and be transported to a faraway place with just a sip: with Coravin, they are offering the luxury to taste some very special wines with half and whole glass pours. Think vertical Ascheri Barolo 1999/2001/2006, Corton Le Rognet Grand Cru, Chateaux la Nerthe Blanc, Palladius White Blend, Tissot Vin Jaune.

Above all, they celebrate difference, diversity, and exploration. Their list uses style categories to represent the wide world of wine and spirits available to them beyond the well known varieties and famous brands. F PN JERVOIS RD WINE BAR & KITCHEN, 170 Jervois Road, T: 09 376 5367, www.jervoisrd.co.nz

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

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LIZ WHEADON: WINE, GLORIOUS WINE

The state of New Zealand wines Of all the wine shows out there, there are just two that are owned

by New Zealand Winegrowers: the Air NZ Wine Awards and the lesser known little brother, the Bragato Wine Awards.

Historically left a little behind the Air NZ Wine Awards (likely due to the exposure opportunities the Air NZ sponsorship dollars bring), the Bragato Wine Awards play an important role.

Named after Romeo Bragato, the New Zealand Government Viticulturist from 1902 - 1909, the Bragato Wine Awards champion domain wines - where grapes are coming from owned vineyards and single vineyard sites. In addition, the lower minimum quantity requirement (than the Air NZ Awards) results in many smaller producers being able to enter. As the first show after new vintage releases start hitting the shelves, it’s also a good gauge of how the vintage is looking.

I had the opportunity to join the judging again this year, which took place in mid August.

Great to be able to see such a wide variety of wines and judge with such a talented team.

The results will be out by the time this is published and the award winning wines are well worth hunting out. The individual results are not what I wanted to share here, but the observations I walked away with from the judging and the colourful discussion.

An absolute highlight was the cabernet dominant class. We were blessed with the vintages on the table this year - 2013, 2014 and 2015. It’s been widely reported that 13 and 14 are exceptional vintages for Hawke’s Bay and Waiheke, being the two regions that cabernet-dominant wines love. The 2015 vintage, though, showed exceptionally well and is right up there with the preceding vintages; something very rare indeed, three excellent vintages in a row. I am guilty of not having tasted a lot of New Zealand cabernet of late, with my recent travels taking me to Bordeaux to taste new vintages there. I was super impressed with the overall quality, the results when out will highlight this further; do hunt out the award winners in-store, they are well worth taking a look at.

The pinot noir category as you can imagine was large and diverse, the quality unmistakable; there’s a reason the rest of the world are standing up and taking notice. The very best of the syrah flights were super and would leave many a Rhône producer speechless.

Within the white categories, sauvignon blanc (whilst not everyone’s favourite to judge, particularly at 8am) showed why New Zealand sauvignon is such a distinctive and unique style. Pinot gris was so much more consistent than I’ve seen it in the past, with a clearer sense of a New Zealand pinot gris style emerging. Chardonnay, as you would expect, created the most conversation amongst the judges, the differing faces of Chardonnay pushing boundaries, which I believe is a good thing.

All in all, two days of intense judging and it’s clear that the New Zealand wine industry is in good shape. Do taste for yourself though; this month at Glengarry we take a regional road trip around New Zealand and explore this great country of ours.

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

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PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY THE GREY LYNN RSC EXPERIENCE - FEEL THE DIFFERENCE The Grey Lynn RSC now boasts in its bistro, ‘Jimmy The Cook’, who once was Jimmy the Fish. Jimmy, well known around the Auckland food scene, still makes his signature fish pies and his fresh seafood dishes - and more.

The RSC is open 365 days a year. Welcoming new members, at a most reasonable joining fee for associates - being any community member.

Facilities include an old-style bar, a bistro open four nights a week, TAB, gaming machines, a full-size snooker table, pool tables and multiple large screen TVs. This is your local place to go and to watch the rugby, the league and we regularly show the big boxing bouts.

Quiz night is Thursday night 7.15pm. Friday nights see live bands, blues, rock, soul and more, from 8pm. We recently hosted Lisle Kinney’s induction into the NZ Music Hall of Fame, for Hello Sailor We support MAINZ music school for their music nights throughout the year.

Brush shoulders with a variety of local people, musicians, politicians, All Blacks and league stars, journalists, artists, poets, radio identities, TV personalities old and new. It is not an RSA it is an RSC, come in and see the difference, you will feel the difference. We have an ambience, we are Grey Lynn friendly.

The function room upstairs is our secret room. It has a restaurant, bar, large dance floor and is booked months in advance for weddings, birthdays and Christmas parties. Local community groups can use this facility, email your requirements. F PN www.greylynnrsc.org.nz

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

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EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY WRAP IT UP A student-run company established through the Young Enterprise Scheme.

Wrap it Up is a student-run company established through the Young Enterprise Scheme, with the support of Western Springs College. They produce beeswax wraps, creating an elegant, affordable alternative to plastic wrap - generating a sustainable future. Using plastic wrap to cover food may be convenient but it comes with significant environmental consequences.

There are now over 5.25 trillion pieces of plastic waste in our oceans. Wrap It Up offers its customers a simple, affordable and sustainable product. Their beeswax wraps can be used to and cover food and dishes, and last for at least three months, but up to a whole year!

They very easy to clean, and can simply be placed in a compost or general bin to decompose once they need replacing. The wraps have antibacterial properties because of the beeswax and jojoba oil infused into the fabric. From sandwiches to fruit and leftovers, their beeswax wraps will replace and surpass any single-use plastic alternative. As an added benefit they have a wonderful smell of honey.

The beeswax wraps are for families, professionals and anyone who needs to cover their food.

They are also perfect as gifts, with prices ranging from $4-$14 for small to extra large sizes.

They also have an option to produce uniquely customised wraps featuring designs and logos for other businesses who want to advertise in a sustainable way. The wraps can be purchased from the Western Springs College front office. For further information about who they are, our product and opportunities for businesses go to www.wrapit-up.co.nz. F PN

KITCHEN LOVERS WILL LOVE LEICHT KITCHENS @ AVANTGARDE After six years of successful business in Broadway Newmarket, Avantgarde has now moved to Symonds Street, Eden Terrace where German-made Leicht Kitchens are showcased in a bright and modern showroom.

LEICHT Kitchens is awarded the No.1 Best Sold Premium Kitchen in Germany in 2015/2016 and has been awarded the internationally recognised Red Dot Design Award on several occasions as well as many national awards. Avantgarde is the exclusive importer of the LEICHT kitchen brand in New Zealand.

Avantgarde opened its first showroom in Auckland in 2008, and has since been designing and installing many beautiful LEICHT kitchens in Auckland and across New Zealand. The showroom is run by owners Bruce and Claudia Messick who also lead and supervise in-house design and install.

Kitchen lovers will enjoy working with a LEICHT kitchen because the kitchens are not only focused on design but can also accommodate any feature a modern-day connoisseur desires. Bruce and Claudia will also ensure accommodation of any other client wish to make the new kitchen as personal as it can get.

54 PONSONBY NEWS+ September 2016

LEICHT kitchens are most enduring and built to handle everyday usage with ease. These kitchens are built to last, which is why they come with an owner-transferrable warranty that covers all hardware and carcass integrity at no extra cost. Avantgarde can also help with bathroom furniture, wardrobes and much more so just pop in with your plans and ideas for an initial chat.

Avantgarde has also put New Zealand on the global kitchen design map. Click the ‘News’ tab on their website and view ‘LEICHT’s Kitchen & Architecture Book Vol.3’ introduced at the Eurocucina 2016 in Milan. F PN AVANTGARDE GERMAN KITCHEN SOLUTIONS, 127 Symonds Street, Eden Terrace, T: 09 379 4800, www.avantgardedesign.co.nz

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY THE GOVERNOR: HERE’S TO HAPPY HOURS AND WARM EVENINGS Taking its name from the official title of an interesting character named William Jervois, Herne Bay cafe and bistro The Governor serves breakfast, lunch and dinner with a true focus on locality.

Just a few months after opening in the space formerly occupied by Zus & Zo, it is already a neighbourhood favourite and always open to suggestions from its regulars as to what they want from a true local.

After they saw a distinct gap in the local food offering for a casual eatery offering more than just your standard daytime cafe fare, the stylish yet relaxed spot extended its opening hours, a move that was a direct response to its customers’ needs. Now, instead of shutting its doors at 4pm like many cafes, The Governor stays open till 10pm, with an ever-evolving menu offering its clientele a brand new shared plates and dinner option starring fresh, seasonal ingredients.

From Tuesday until Saturday, The Governor serves up not just the modern day spin on classic cafe food that they have quickly become famous for, but also beautifully crafted winter dishes like braised beef short rib with celeriac puree and Brussels sprouts and roasted half chicken served with baby carrots, garlic dijonnaise and gremolata.

Locals have also fallen in love with the concept of dropping in for an early dinner with friends and family and being close enough to walk home, as opposed to further up the Ponsonby strip where there is more of an emphasis on late night dining and big nights out. Mid-winter nights have been known to be absolutely humming with folks who really can’t be bothered with the hassle of slaving over a stove at home, and feed off the buzzing vibe of the comfortably chic local. With white tablecloths, an impressive line up of cheese on display and attentive staff at your elbow before you even know you need their attention, you could be forgiven for thinking you’re dining in a small, European neighbourhood bistro, with the perfect wine list to match.

In another nod to meeting their regulars' needs, The Governor has recently introduced a happy hour between 4pm and 6.30pm, with a regularly updated line up of drinks specials and a beautifully curated bar snacks menu. The Governor’s cheese boards and charcuterie offering are already the stuff of local legend, but now small, cleverly crafted hot plates will also be on offer to complement the Herne Bay dining spot’s eclectic beverage list. The aim is to provide a warm, welcoming local bar with a twist, where customers can drop in for a wine and cheese after work, and then order from the bistro menu if the afternoon looks like it’s turning into an evening. With temperatures rising and sun streaming in, the front windows all afternoon long, The Governor is setting itself up to be the perfect spring and summer watering hole just a quick walk from home for many of its regulars.

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

Over the cooler months and during the weeks of Olympic Games' frenzy, the cafe’s light, spacious back room has been humming, with breakfast meetings held whilst watching the competition unfolding on TV. The space continues to grow in popularity as a private space too, and with good reason. With no hireage fee to pay, it is available to any groups looking to launch a product, celebrate a birthday or just watch the game with friends.

The front of house team look at it as providing a much-needed service for their regulars, and welcome enquiries for bookings in the busy lead up to Christmas.

Equipped with seating for up to 20 guests and a big screen TV, it is also the perfect spot for local businesses just wanting to get out of the office when discussions need to be had - and having great coffee on site is an added bonus. In terms of catering, The Governor kitchen can supply small bites, a charcuterie plate, breakfast buffet or a set menu depending on what the group needs, and nothing is ever too much trouble for the talented team behind the scenes and front of house. F PN THE GOVERNOR, 228 Jervois Road, T: 09 361 5060, www.thegovernor.co.nz

DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

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EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY SPRING CHEESES HAVE SPRUNG INTO SABATO! New season kids and lambs have been born and the girls have returned from maternity leave.

The first seasonal New Zealand cheeses are in production and will be available this month at Sabato. Our resident cheesemonger, Calum Hodgson, is excited to have collaborated with some of New Zealand’s artisan cheese-makers to curate a range of seasonal cheeses exclusive to Sabato.

Kaikoura Cheese produces exceptionally good, complex soft goat’s cheeses. Available in -store is ‘Fromage Blanc’. A fresh whipped goat’s cheese so light and fluffy it’s like eating a cloud. Kaikoura Cheese, also makes ‘Tenara’, a veritable goats cheese to envy - white as snow, tangy and clean tasting with a nice funky finish.

Don’t miss the Kaikoura Cheese new release, ‘Pihanga’. According to Maori mythology, Pihanga was the female mountain whom Tongariro, Taranaki, Tauhara and Putauaki all fought over for affection. Like the mountain, Pihanga the cheese has a petit peak with a dusting of ash. Made from pasteurised goat’s milk, it has a delicate flavour that is sure to win the affections of all.

Arriving in October is the ‘Magic Shroom’, a pasteurised goat’s milk with an ash covered cap. Magic in taste it may be, but mushroom in flavour it is not. It’s fudgy and dense with a little creamy breakdown under the wrinkly rind. Eat with a sunny disposition and go for a walk. From Sentry Hill Organics in the Hawke’s Bay we have ‘Quark’, a pasteurised sheep’s milk cheese. Think fresh, soft and velvet smooth. So addictive you’ll want to scoop it into your mouth in big spoonfuls. Use in cheese cakes, baking or on rye bread as they do in Europe.

SABATO, 57 Normanby Road, T: 09 630 8751, www.sabato.co.nz

photography: Martin Leach

Enjoy our extensive selection of New Zealand cheeses with muscatel clusters, quince paste or fig and almond cake. Serve with a selection of crackers and chutney - Julie Le

Clerc Moroccan or Arabian Date are fabulous with cheese. Visit us in-store or online and PN discover the very best artisan New Zealand cheese on offer. F

Our Daffodil Day collectors - Niki Vernon & Phillipa Gordon outside Bhana Brothers, Ponsonby - Friday 26 August

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PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

JULIE BONNER: NEWS FROM FROG POND FARM I’m sitting here tapping away on my laptop.

The weather is just stunning, mild temps, bright blue skies with cloud puffs, spring flowers nodding in the breeze, birds are merrily chirping away and I’m sure I can see the grass growing. Winter is officially over... did I say it has been a damp one?

Do you mulch? I heard a gardener say that mulching in winter isn’t such a great idea and can cause an anaerobic environment. I guess if the garden drainage is poor this may well be the case, but rain on unprotected soil isn’t great either, washing away nutrients, organic material and exposing roots. Needless to say, I’m a mulching fan, can you tell?

I suspect that I have gloated one too many times though. While weeding my prize garlic recently, I saw, with horror, rust on some of the greenery. My alliums have had rust before but only at the end of the season, just before they are due to be hoisted from the dirt. I’m guessing that the mild start to winter and the volumes of rain we have had may be responsible. Whatever the reason, I’m not a happy camper. So with scissors and sterilising solution in hand, I snipped off offending leaves, and then sloshed about some seaweed fertiliser and an organic spray of thyme and rosemary. Did it work? No it didn’t, the rust is still alive and well in our garden at Frog Pond Farm.

So it’s time to get tough! I’m going to use some organic sulphur, something I haven’t used before. I’m sure the garlic won’t mind one bit and I have been assured by a good gardening friend of mine that this will work. Please keep those fingers crossed for me!

I’m going to start sowing some seed this weekend too. I have given up making my own seed growing mix, but now buy it instead and opt for the organic stuff. Fun times ahead.

I actually love the process of shuffling through the seed packs, deciding on what and when. A garden plan is the answer. Do you make one?

Spring is door knocking, which is a reminder that I must prune my apple, pear and quince trees. Which means that I need to sharpen secateurs and clean my pruning saw. I always sterilise tools between trees too - a good idea to avoid spreading disease.

My chooks are also enjoying this fine weather. They can be seen outdoors in groups scratching and squabbling and doing chicken things. They are hilarious to watch and huge time wasters. The bonus is they give us wonderful eggs and have laid for us through winter, not every day mind you, but I haven’t been spotted in the supermarket buying free-range eggs either. They are still devoid of a man in their lives and to be honest, I don’t think they mind one bit. I think I’m the only female around here that misses a rooster and that early morning crow.

I’m an avid fan of fishing but I’m not particularly good at it. Well, that’s not entirely true.

I can bait my hook; cast out and on a good day can remove the fish from the hook, when I land them. That’s on the proviso of course that the fish isn’t big or looks scary - I think you get my drift. We went fishing recently with a friend in Pauanui, it was another fine winter’s day and, yes, we enjoyed eating fresh snapper for a few days too.

Do you grow raspberries or strawberries? I have made a half-hearted effort at growing both for the past few years but to be honest, I’m going to haul then both out. The raspberries send out runners and keep popping up everywhere, while the strawberries have only ever done a fine job at feeding the wildlife; even when netted some sneaky four-legged critters used to beat me to those tasty treats. Hubby called me out onto the balcony last night. The frogs were croaking like mad. I wonder if they are happy that spring is here! Happy gardening. (JULIE BONNER) F PN If you are interested in more madness from our place, then check out my blog www.frogpondfarm.co.nz

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PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

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PHIL PARKER: WHOSE WINE IS IT ANYWAY?

What makes a wine writer?

It’s a funny thing being a wine writer. On one hand you get lots of cool stuff such as free wine samples for review and invitations to tastings and events.

The flipside is that everyone assumes that you’re an expert. I am not. But I have been freelance journalist for 30 years, done wine education and run wine and food tours for 16 years.

Yet, I do get to hang out with real experts, and sometimes I feel like a busker who gate-crashed a super group. Among my wine writing colleagues are masters of wine, winemakers, a master sommelier and people who have been in the trade for over 50 years. And these folks know wine inside out and could tell you heaps about the most rare grape varieties from very obscure regions all over the globe. But do you have to be an ‘expert’ to be a wine writer? Eg, do you need to be an All Black to be a rugby writer?

I like wine. I aim to have fun, not be pretentious and spread the joy of appreciating wine.

I hope that you enjoy reading my columns as much as I do writing them. Here’s some recent wines I have tasted.

Villa Maria Private Bin Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2016, $15 Private Bin, ironically, is Villa’s entry level label, but definitely bang for buck. Smells like lime and green capsicum. On the palate it has crisp acidity and flavours of passionfruit, melon and citrus. Nice aperitif style.

Fairhall Downs Single Vineyard Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2015, $23 Classic aromas of citrus and passionfruit with a nudge of minerality. It’s big and has intense flavours of green capsicum and passionfruit, a hint of stone fruit and a lengthy crisp finish. Great with seafood.

Allan Scott Generations Marlborough Chardonnay 2015, $31 From the Marlborough family winery, the label reflects the second generation - Allan’s three adult children who are taking over the reins. Toasty oak, crème brûlée and mandarin aromas. Elegant and ripe on the palate with flavours of mandarin, canned peach and buttery oak. Would match well with seafood or chicken.

Rockburn Central Otago Pinot Noir 2013, $36 Yum. Good old Central. Another ripper from the deep south. Complex savoury aromas of smoked meat with a hint of floral potpourri, plus black cherry and black olives. In the mouth, it opens with black berry fruit plus all of the above aroma notes translated into flavours. Silky tannins and lengthy savoury finish. Fab with venison.

Matawhero Church House Gisborne Malbec 2015, $26 Medium bodied with plummy spicy aromas. It’s all about berry fruit flavours. A generous and silky palate of ripe boysenberry and cherry with a gentle tannic finish. Would be great with tomato based Italian dishes.

Heron’s Flight Amphora Sangiovese 2015, $120 This one’s all about earthiness - the grapes were grown in Matakana’s orange clay, then fermented in an imported Italian terracotta amphora. The aromas are Black Doris plum, black cherry and wet clay. On the palate again - earthy truffle, beetroot, spice, cassis, slightly gamey, with medium tannins, savoury bacon and a hint of potpourri. I’d match this with an Italian tomato and mushroom dish - with molto parmesan!

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

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

FACES @ GREY LYNN FARMERS MARKET Baskervilles handmade goods for dogs (made by Zac & Helen) are new to the market and hopefully on site every week so watch glfm.co.nz and our Facebook page (fb.com/baskervillesnz) for information.

What products do you make and which are your favourites?

We make a range of tasty dog treats made from human-grade ingredients including sardines, oats, fennel, pumpkin seeds, parsley, coconut oil, peanut butter and much more! We use organic wherever possible and our treats have no additives, nasties and definitely no added salt, sugar or preservatives. At the moment our favourites are Sally's Sardine Scottie Dogs and Pluto's Peanut Butter and Parsley Bars.

How long have you been making Baskerville's Dog Treats?

We have been trialling and tweaking our recipes for a few months now, with a soft launch of online sales and lots of taste-testing and sampling. Now is the time to get out there to meet the dogs of Auckland in furry person.

Where did you grow up?

I (Helen) am from Bristol, and Zac is from Cornwall, so both south-west England.

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

To be honest, at this stage, getting into this as its a little out of the ordinary and does take a lot of time and thought all while we work full time at other things. We have few other things we will slowly add under Baskervilles umbrella, so maybe this will be the second biggest series of decisions.

What’s your favourite way to relax after work?

There's not much time for that at the moment between our day jobs and Baskervilles but when there's 10 minutes to spare a glass of wine or a cup of tea in the afternoon spring sun is always a winner.

Where is your favourite New Zealand holiday spot?

We have a pop top camper and love going to the regional parks, especially Awhitu. We have a secretish spot in the Coromandel north of Whitinga which is great, it has no phone signal, is surrounded by rivers and bush and is only a short drive to Kuaotunu, another lovely place. There are too many spots to list!

What do you enjoy most about coming to the Grey Lynn Farmers Market?

We are very new to it but it is so friendly and enthusiastic. We have a lot of people we know come by and say hello, which is really nice. We love the pies, and Griff's massages and all the stalls sell something we want to pick up and take home (or potentially use in our treats!). It's a great place to spend a morning. F PN www.glfm.co.nz, www.baskervilles.co.nz

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PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

TINA PLUNKETT: PONSONBY CENTRAL

It’s a date!

The enjoyable part of dating is coming up with some cute ideas of where to go...

First Tinder Date Tea and toast at Little Bread and Butter, you can work out if they are a double down on the toaster to get the perfect shade and whether they are a Marmite or Vegemite lover, if everything is going well, grab some smoothies from Ceres and go for a wander.

Netflix and cheese, a date night in Flowers, a beautiful French red and and cheese from the Produce Market, a pizza from Dantes and a bit of Patrick Swayze in Dirty Dancing on the screen.

Perfection is often simple.

Seven-year itch date with your best side kick Who says the seven-year itch can’t be with your one?

Book the kids/pets in on sleepovers, perch at the counter for some fast and hot Chop Chop noodles and then wander to Bedford & Soda for a fiery cocktail or three. Late brunch and hot coffee back at Bird on a Wire will fix everything.

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Good excuse date Grab your favourite mini human; a daughter, a nephew a grandchild... and work the menu backwards. Start with ice cream sandwiches from the Dairy, skip past the healthy food section and head straight to the crepes and finish with the vegetables... a bowl of hot fries to share at Burger Burger. You can, of course, do this with a favourite big human too.

The 23 years on and still going strong date Without doubt a corner table at Blue Breeze Inn, wine by the bottle and sharing all their delectable food, course by course.

Start with the pork buns, finish on the dessert and a beautiful whiskey.

DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

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GARY STEEL: VEG FRIENDLY

Say cheese!

Grey Lynn gets its own dedicated vegan shop.

What’s that awful squawking sound? Oh, that’s me, crowing about Grey Lynn’s continuing - and swift - evolution into the best place in the country for vegans and vegetarians of all persuasions. As if we didn’t already have Little Bird up the road in Ponsonby, now Grey Lynn’s cranking Kokako cafe and tempting Tart bakery (with its exquisite vegan treats) is joined by The Vegan Shop.

Never heard of it? Well, let me tell you a story. About 10 years ago, animal rights organisation SAFE started The Cruelty Free Shop in Karangahape Road’s historic St Kevin’s Arcade, a tiny outlet for vegan goods of all stripes, from vegan footwear to vegan ‘cheese’.

Possibly sensing that it was best to pour their resources into dissemination of information about animal cruelty and education about veganism, five years ago they sold The Cruelty Free Shop to Jill Peterson and her two adult children, Hannah and Nathan Creek, all of whom are SAFE supporters with a keen interest in animal welfare and veganism.

Over the next five years, they concentrated on making available (which often meant importation) many vegan products that simply weren’t available in New Zealand, and developing the website as a go-to for a vast range of goods for otherwise deprived vegans around the country.

Then, they hit a wall. Jill explains that while the inner city location was great for attracting international visitors, their experience with the new owners of St Kevin’s forced them to rethink. “The new owner alienated a lot of the long-standing businesses,” says Jill. “We stuck it out for nearly a year, but it wasn’t a happy experience for us or our customers.

The move to Grey Lynn was sudden and spontaneous, but we absolutely love it. The Grey Lynn community have really made us welcome. And we’re just around the corner from the famous Tart bakery!”

While some vegan brands (Angel Foods stands out in this category) don’t play on the explicit vegan angle, by changing the name of their shop from The Cruelty Free Shop to The Vegan Shop, Jill is going straight for the jugular.

Christmas) that aren’t available in supermarkets. And vegans love knowing that for once, they don’t have to scrutinise food labels for those horrid animal products.

While the Grey Lynn Village hosts the shop front, the website and warehouse (based in Morningside) has a much more extensive range of wares, dictated simply by floor space.

Which doesn’t, of course, mean that The Vegan Shop is lacking in variety. “We have the biggest range of vegan dairy goods, butters and cheeses in New Zealand,” says Jill.

“People often say that giving up cheese was the hardest thing for them, so we have made a point of filling that gap.”

“We have a very powerful farming industry here who work hard to encourage New Zealanders to believe in the benefits of meat and dairy,” says Jill, “but people are starting to wake up to the realities of farming cruelty, as well as how detrimental animal products can be to their health.” (GARY STEEL) F PN

She says that a good percentage of their customers aren’t vegan, but have children with allergies, and love the fact that they can get treats for their kids (especially at Easter and

Gary Steel is an Auckland-based journalist who runs online vegetarian resource www.doctorfeelgood.co.nz He can be contacted via beautmusic@gmail.com

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The Vegan Shop can be found at 143 Williamson Avenue, Grey Lynn.

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY

GIUSTO BAR-EATERY SERVING GOOD FOOD FOR GOOD PEOPLE Living in an age where artificially flavoured, deep fried food is available on every corner, it's easy to assume the alternative is being 'on a diet'.

Not so, at Giusto they don't believe in the social construct of 'dieting'. They say that good, locally seasonal, fresh and sustainable foods can be available on every corner.

Tucked away in the vicinity of Sale Street is one of Auckland's newest local bistros, and it's packed with good and flavoursome options, ideal for sustaining busy lives.

Their chef has developed close relationships with many of their suppliers so they can access, super-fresh raw ingredients, and quality local beverages at prices that are affordable for all.

They believe Giusto is something that every community deserves and needs.

The Giusto food style is contemporary comfort food with a twist... such a twist that Jesse Mulligan rated them a huge 8.5 stars in Viva magazine.

Our kitchen is completely open to the floor and there's no deep fryer so as you can see - quality and transparency are our priorities. The closest things you can get to fries are our simple duck-fat roast potatoes, but don't worry, our cabinet is full of yummy guiltfree treats and because we're quality-control freaks we roast our own 'The Immigrants Son Espresso' coffee in house.

“So what are we about at Giusto? Balance, lifestyle, goodness and of course you, our deserving customers, we serve good food for good people.” F PN GIUSTO, 68 Sale Street, www.giusto.co.nz

THE GIMBLETT GRAVELS RANGE

“…some of Hawkes Bay’s most powerful, concentrated and long-lived Reds…”

Michael Cooper, Wine Writer AVAILABLE: • Farro Fresh stores • Caros Wines • Liquor King Ponsonby • Herne Bay Cellars www.squawkingmagpie.co.nz info@squawkingmagpie.co.nz The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

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photography: Martin Leach

EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY

NEW OWNER & CHEF @ BOY & BIRD Boy & Bird on Ponsonby Road has a new owner, Aari Puri, a qualified chef who trained locally. He was most recently based at Mollies Hotel in Herne Bay, where he gained front of house experience.

Aari tells Ponsonby News, “Don’t worry, we won’t be changing the menu as it is already appreciated my many locals, but we will add more flavours to it. My head chef Danny Poulter, (who came up from Wellington recently) and I share the same vision, which is a healthy comfort food dining experience."

Aari tells us his favourite dish is the kale salad with chicken. He explains that it showcases how much effort our kitchen puts into bringing this dish together. It has lots of different components, which are healthy and full of flavour.

Aari loves being surrounded by a really good team of really good people/hospitality professionals. “They inspire me to continue to learn and grow in the industry. We are here and we care! We are putting a lot of positive energy into the restaurant and want to look after our community by nourishing everyone who comes to Boy & Bird.

“Our aim is to provide healthy comfort food and to complement that with a brand new wine list highlighting well-priced New Zealand wines.

“On Sundays, we are starting the Laurent-Perrier brunch which has been designed using very simple, free-range, organic ingredients with good options for vegetarians, gluten and dairy free. This is only available on Sunday mornings from 8am until 11.30am. Our coffee supplier is Caffee L’affare and our tea is from Fine and Dandy. Both are organic as well." F PN BOY & BIRD, 222 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 361 3222, www.boyandbird.co.nz

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PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY @ NOOD Spring sale with up to 50% off ends 25 September 2016

Hans range from $14.99 each and serve ware from $29.99 each

Rosie serving board - 3pc $39.99, Lily serving bowl - 6pc $29.99, Ruby serving board - 4pc $39.99 www.nood.co.nz

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DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

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ROSS THORBY: SEA FEVER Aaaah, San Francisco. The city of free love, hippies and cable cars and where it was once said that if you remembered the 60s, you weren’t there.

Our ship had entered the port at 3.30pm and not in the customary wee small hours of early morning because we’d been delayed by stormy weather. The result was that our visit would be cut short in order to keep to our rigorous schedule.

There seemed to be a mysterious cloud floating above the alcoves, bars and restaurants along the waterfront where we berthed. It hovered over the streets even invading, I discovered, public transport. A silent gaseous cloud, that one immediately realised, should not be inhaled too deeply, or the sickly sweet aroma could result in your drifting into a dreamy oblivious state.

Although 'pot' is not legal under United States Federal Law, it is now legal under State Law and now the fetid smell follows you everywhere you go in the city.

To take advantage of the few hours of daylight left, I fled the ship hurriedly and slipped quickly through the dazed crowds in search of a taxi, or a train, or a cable car, or even (I was getting desperate) a Segway. Traversing the streets of Chinatown, a cab driver heading in the opposite direction saw me flagging frantically and made a handbrake turn that would have been the envy of any Queen Street hoon on a Friday night.

The reason for his extraordinary driving skills would soon become apparent when I innocently hopped into the back seat to suddenly catch the now familiar, but unmistakable, pungent aromatic smoke curling up from the ashtray beside him.

As we drove haphazardly through the city’s gridlocked streets, 'Ziggy', my dishevelled 'driver du jour' ranted on about the unfairness of the Israeli/Palestinian occupation, the unalienable rights of the Irish and, of all things, the pros and cons of the Reagan administration. Even though it had long since passed, I would suggest that Reagan was the last time this vociferous junkie was conscious of anything other than where his next hit was coming from.

In fits and starts, the erratic traffic seeming to encourage him to spout even more babble, we negotiated through the streets until an accident ahead brought us to a halt, just minutes from the Castro. The Castro, so close - and yet - so far...

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Fortunately mere traffic conditions and accidents weren’t going to deter my driver who careened along the footpath past the obstruction, and back again onto the safer road surface. Breathing a sigh of relief, I was eventually dropped off in front of one of Castro’s finest bars. But wait. Was I hallucinating? On one side of the entrance a punk rock couple were loudly arguing and on the other stood a completely naked man.

Starkers. Full Monty frontal even. The bouncers in the doorway were engrossed in their phones seemingly oblivious to the bizarre drama unfolding in front of them.

Stark, bollocky naked, he stood proudly on the sidewalk, flauntingly displayed, daring you to take a look, just, well... daring. Unhappily for him, however, the passing parade completely ignored him, being far too engrossed in the warring couple on the other side of the entrance to show the faintest interest. Minutes later (I swear I wasn’t looking for that long) four police vehicles screamed to a halt, a posse of officers threw the arguing man to the ground, handcuffed the woman and threw them both into the back of their paddy wagon before screaming off into the night. Again the nude guy was completely ignored.

I felt it was time to move on.

The other streets of San Francisco seem to be just as outlandish. Inhabited by a collection of colourful characters that appear to have stepped straight out of comic books, cartoons and 1970s TV police dramas and hippies young and old (the kind that drop in and drop out) which add to an atmosphere of a city still clinging firmly to its vestiges of individuality in a country trending in gentrification and sameness.

And God help us - Trump. But I will take San Francisco’s distinctive character any time.

With time ticking by and our 10pm departure looming, I opted for a quick burger in a burger bar and a beer in a Bear bar before I faced the risk of another taxi ride back to port.

Uber this time, I thought. I remember the 60s, because I wasn’t there.

(ROSS THORBY) F PN

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

TRAVEL BREAKS: THE NEW THERAPY!

WILD ABOUT CANADA

by Sue Barnaby, Travel Designer at World Journeys

I am a regular visitor to Canada and I rate the wildlife as exciting as anything you might encounter on safari in Africa.

Whales, deer and wolves aside, you can’t ignore the impressive stature and variety of Canada’s bears.

As they hibernate in winter, summer is obviously the time to go.

Aloof and charismatic, fiercely territorial, the grizzly bear is at times frustratingly hard to find. Fortunately, they are guided by their stomachs and during the annual salmon run it is possible to see them gather in large numbers on the Pacific coast.

Black bears are common throughout Canada, and tend to like the solitude of the forest but are at times lured into the towns by the prospect of an easy meal - aren’t we all!

British Columbia’s Great Bear Rainforest and Alberta’s Rocky Mountains provide the best sightings between May and October.

Kermode, or ‘spirit’ bears are the rarest of all North American bears. Revered by First Nations people, they can only be found in a small corner of British Columbia’s Great Bear Rainforest. Although white, they are actually black bears with a double recessive gene that gives them their lighter colouring.

You may be lucky and see a bear by the roadside or railway track, but a stay at a wilderness lodge offers your best chance - here are a few of our favourites.

AFLOAT IN THE WILDERNESS Floating lodges in remote wilderness are the way to go! Knight Inlet is a 100 km long fjord carved by glaciers in the coastal mountains of British Columbia. This pristine wilderness is the native habitat of the grizzly bear. Every spring the bears come out of hibernation to gather on the banks of Glendale Cove eating sedge grasses, mussels and barnacles. Accessible by float-plane, Knight Inlet Lodge enjoys one of

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

the few protected anchorages and is the perfect place to stay for bear viewing. Also in Knight Inlet is the cosy and intimate Bones Bay Lodge. With only four rooms, Bones Bay Lodge is great for small groups or families.

The Great Bear Rainforest is one of the best places in the world to observe grizzly bears along with black bears, grey wolves and bald eagles. From May to June, the bears come down from the mountains to graze on estuary grasslands, then from mid-August they gorge themselves on salmon pre-hibernation. Great Bear Nature Lodge is perfectly set in the heart of it all.

FIRST NATIONS LODGES If you like to connect with the locals, Spirit Bear Lodge is a highly successful communitybased ecotourism venture owned and operated by the local First Nation people. Here you can spot the very rare Kermode, or spirit bear.

A TOUCH OF LUXURY Go ‘glamping’ at Clayoquot Wilderness Resort Deluxe Tent Outpost by the Bedwell River. With indulgent luxury and untamed wilderness, this enclave of white canvas suite tents, complete with antique furniture, never fails to delight. For a great mix of adventure and luxury, Nimmo Bay Resort offers helicopter excursions to remote hiking and fishing locations. Sonora Resort is simply gorgeous, and all about indulging in gourmet cuisine and its wellness spa in between your fly-fishing, wildlife and wilderness excursions.

Seeing bears in the pristine Canadian wilderness is an experience of which I will never tire.

DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

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PONSONBY NEWS READERS ARE EVERYWHERE

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Dear readers please keep sending us your holiday snaps reading your favourite magazine, we love getting them! Photos need to be in high resolution (300dpi), so please email them to info@ponsonbynews.co.nz without reducing the size.

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

PONSONBY NEWS READERS ARE EVERYWHERE

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1. Mark and Margaret Jenkins from Herne Bay enjoy the Ponsonby News walking with New Zealand company Southern Exposure Tours in SWITZERLAND, AUSTRIA and NORTHERN ITALY.

at the Jean Wach Estate, Andlau FRANCE. 3 + 4. Salu Laurenson pictured outside The Louvre, PARIS. In the second image, this local resident is also photographed outside St Jerónimos Monastry, Belem, LISBON.

2. Freeman’s Bay resident Wong Liu Shueng and Rawene, Hokianga resident Peter Elsbury take time out to read Ponsonby News while watching the bottling of Champagne

5. Local resident and Ponsonby News web master Michael McClintock with his niece Izzy in Kitsilano, Vancouver, CANADA.

TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE CHANGES Jackie HUI - MEdL, Bed(T chg), Dip Tchg (ECE), Independent Candidate for Waitemata Local Board, Responsible - Reliable - Reasonable.

Jackie Hui came to New Zealand in 1997, having been brought up in the fast-developing compact city of Hong Kong.

She arrived with an education and a nursing background. Here she has further completed Bachelor and Master degrees and gained the nomination certification for the National Excellence in Leadership awards. Jackie has also built and developed two award-winning early childhood centres from scratch.

Jackie has been an executive of the New Zealand Chinese Youth Trust since 2006, she is also an active member of Rotary. Jackie is one of the elected executive committee of Auckland CBD Residents Advisory Group and a member of Auckland Ratepayers' Alliance.

Her academic, commercial, and volunteer achievements have required diligence, good communication and leadership as building blocks.

“I have lived within the heart of the city for 12 years, says Jackie. “I have passion for it and support diversity, growth and a vibrant community.

"My main concerns are: Traffic Congestion and Transport, housing and the homeless, security, and promoting tourism and events. I shall bring to Waitemata Local Board, fresh modern thinking and new energy with balanced views. Together we can make changes.”

PN Please feel free to contact JACKIE HUI JP for Waitemata at waitemata@jackie.co.nz F

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FASHION + STYLE: JULIE ROULSTON

Spring’16 in-store in Ponsonby Texture. Prints. Textured prints! Jumpsuits, unpredictable pinks, neutrals newly executed...

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WHERE TO BUY IN GREATER PONSONBY 1. Deadly Ponies bag $625 www.deadlyponies.com 2. Lonely singlet $99 www.lonelylabel.com

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3. Juliette Hogan jumpsuit $699 www.juliettehogan.com 4. twenty-seven names dress $740 www.twentysevennames.co.nz 5. Kate Sylvester dress $599 www.katesylvester.com 6. Repertoire top $289.90 www.repertoire.co.nz 7. taylor pant suit $497 www.taylorboutique.co.nz 8. Lonely jumpsuit $280 www.lonelylabel.com 9. Moochi heel $399 www.moochi.co.nz 10. Taylor jumpsuit $547 www.taylorboutique.co.nz 11. Workshop denim tee $279 and skirt, $249 www.workshop.co.nz 12. We’are onesie $110 www.we-ar.it 13. Taylor top $467 and pant $427 www.taylorboutique.co.nz 14. Ruby runner $249 www.rubynz.com 15. Juliette Hogan jacket $569 www.juliettehogan.com

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MORE MAGIC FROM KAREN WALKER The latest additions to the Karen Walker Jewellery line have been launched with a new creative collaboration with LA-based ‘Advanced Style’ photographer Ari Seth Cohen.

‘Magic Hands’ comes courtesy of pianist, fashion designer, yoga fanatic and former star of the Ballets Russes, 93-year-old Phyllis Sues, and infamous party girl, stylist, 1960s Broadway hoofer (including half a decade as a Shark in West Side Story) and great-grandmother, 78-year-old Roberta Haze.

Both women wear their own compilations of new Karen Walker Jewellery pieces alongside classics including arrow rings and ligree bands.

PN “Hands can be every bit as expressive as faces,” says Walker. “These Magic Hands speak of a life well-lived and they absolutely have their own stories to tell.” F

KAREN WALKER, 128A Ponsonby Road T: 09 361 6723, www.karenwalker.com The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

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

VERMONT STREET, PONSONBY 15 SEPTEMBER 1925

Dearest Nellie, I’m in such a cheerful mood! I have this morning ventured out in the sunshine after two weeks of self-imposed imprisonment to complete a suite of bridal clothes for a very sweet but frustratingly dithery young thing. The experience had quite wrung me out and, at one point (I confess it was well after midnight), I had to stop myself gathering up the whole lot, stomping on it, tossing it out my workroom door and throwing a match after it! Nellie, I must confess that contemplating the execution of such an extreme act was most therapeutic!

If ever you are faced with finishing the hems of 10 layers of spiderweb fine silk tulle with a very narrow silk bias binding at two in the morning, I highly recommend it. Happily, for me, this particular epic has finally come to an end.

Everyone seems delighted with their gowns and my bride is to be married tomorrow afternoon.

gorgeous colours. I also bought a selection of large mottled celluloid buttons that will be just the thing for light summer boleros and capelets. Did I tell you that George has made me a divine little cabinet with nine small drawers, each with nine dividers, in which to keep my buttons? He’s already working on a second cabinet which I’m going to use to store my belt buckles and all the different fasteners I use in my dressmaking work. I tell you it’s going to change my life! I plan to have everything sorted by colour and size and already am finding that it’s so much easier to find what I’m looking for. In pre-cabinet days, my buttons would be kept in the paper bag they were purchased in and tossed in a big wicker basket on a shelf under my cutting table. Buttons were not the only thing tossed in there and it sometimes took an age to find what I wanted.

Anyway, back to me. As a reward for all my hard work, I have just treated myself to a shopping expedition along Ponsonby Road. I visited all the second hand shops and found two lovely pieces of old glass to put on the window sill of my sitting room. The first piece I found is a very beautiful heavy glass paperweight which is filled with tiny flowers - I can see primroses, pansies and clematis - and it makes me very happy when I look at it. The other piece is a tall, very delicate ornament in the form of a lady’s wrist and hand, and the hand is holding a vase. It’s so unusual and very pretty. At the shop where I found this[i], I also came across 20 very old, very small, faceted pink glass buttons which will look quite lovely on a silk blouse that I am thinking of making for myself.

Of all the lovely things I bought today, I must say that the most exciting were three of the very latest French fashion journals. I’ve already thumbed through one of them - Le Jardin des Modes - and am saving the other two for the afternoon. Already I feel so full of inspiration and even excitement at the anticipation of designing and making a whole new season’s fashions. Yes, I know I could be accused of being fickle. One minute I’m so fatigued and fed up that I’m about to burn a £100 worth of wedding dress in the front garden - which would probably ruin my reputation - the next minute I’ve bought a new magazine and can’t wait to get back into my workroom.

I continued down the street, stopping here and there to buy lavender scented soap and talc[iii], a new box of writing paper (do you like it?) and some fine paintbrushes for my watercolour box. Then of course there were the drapery shops… With great restraint, I managed to restrict myself to three. Shanlys[iv] had just put out a new shipment of summer fabrics including some fascinating border prints. I fell in love with one in particular, a rich cream coloured silk and cotton fabric with a subtle zig zag woven into it which contrasted so well with the deep blue and black modern-looking geometric print that formed the border. I can see this made up in so many striking ways. My first thought was to design an ensemble comprising a long sleeveless tunic that would be worn over a pleated skirt, both featuring the same border print. And perhaps a long stole of the same fabric with the border print at end? Très chic don’t you think?

What else... Oh yes, I bought quite a lot of novelty Czech glass buttons which will be fun to use on summer blouses. Some favourites include black Scottie dogs (how could I resist?), red and navy stars and lots of fancy floral shapes in

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Gosh I’m hungry. It’s a wonder you can’t you hear my stomach rumbling.

I didn’t have lunch as it’s not that long since I ate the biggest slice of chocolate cake in Mrs. Gavin’s Tea Rooms[v] after finishing my shopping! Actually I bought another piece home for afternoon tea - that might have to be my lunch instead.

Wishing you as much joy and happiness as I feel today on this lovely spring day,

Maudie xx [i] Henry Collis, General Dealer, 260 Ponsonby Road [ii] Ah Wong & Son (Fruiterer & Greengrocer), 192 Ponsonby Road [iii] Miss May Diamond, Fancy Goods Dealer, 145 Ponsonby Road [iv] Shanlys Ltd, Drapers, Ponsonby Buildings, Ponsonby Road [v] Mrs E. F. Gavin, Tea Rooms, 18 Jervois Road, Ponsonby

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

illustration: Michael McClintock

Ah Wong’s[ii] always has a nice display of pot plants for sale as a sideline to the fruit and vegetables which are the main fare. I’ve been meaning to get more ferns for the front verandah and was very pleased to find two very good-sized and perfectly matched maidenhairs which of course I had to buy. Happily, Mr Wong asked his son to deliver them to me at home this afternoon which was very kind, as I would have had to make two separate trips and possibly soiled my dress which would have really spoilt my excellent mood.

I’ve already seen something that I know you’ll love and which will look fabulous on you, Nellie. It’s a little jacket that has a deep scoop neck and lower sides that curve up at the centre front to echo the scoop of the neckline. The narrow section where they meet and cross over is secured with four little buttons. The sleeves are long and slim fitting and are trimmed with deep lace cuffs. It would look so good on you while showing off all those smart blouses that you own. I’ve enclosed a sketch and some samples of light crepe that would be perfect for this style. I think that the navy would suit you well. Let me know what you think.

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HELENE RAVLICH: LOCAL DESIGNER

Ingrid Starnes From the get go, local designer Ingrid Starnes has been one of my favourite New Zealand talents.

I pretty much love and covet everything she does, and in a perfect world each piece from her near-flawless collections would mysteriously magic its way into my wardrobe.

The mum of three established her eponymous label in 2009 and now has stores in Newmarket and on Ponsonby Road, the latter of which is one of the strip’s most beautiful locations. Designer Ingrid and her partner Simon Pound collaboratively designed the fit out of the brand's second store, and the still relatively new space stocks the brand's seasonal collections as well as their skincare and fragrance ranges, and complements the existing store on Teed Street in Newmarket. From the copper racks to the Xanthe White -designed hoop feature with hanging plants, it is as elegant and perfectly put together as Ingrid herself.

The label first came to Ponsonby in 2010, “very close to where we are now,” says Ingrid, “sharing with Kristine at Miss Crabb. We then partnered with Tessuti, opening the lovely Herne Bay store together August 2011.” Why Herne Bay, I ask? “Well, the building is gorgeous,” says the designer of the space on the corner of Jervois and Albany Roads, “and the people there have excellent taste. It's a real community and we were right next door to cafes we loved and the Melanie Roger Gallery. It was a place we loved to be, so felt right.”

When asked how opening her own store helped shape the trajectory of her label, Ingrid says that first and foremost, it allowed her to “meet women that loved the clothes, and learn from them. Having that direct relationship with really discerning, travelled and knowledgeable customers meant we could refine what we did and always keep learning.

It also allowed us to start making custom clothing for professional women, which keeps growing as a part of what we do.”

Their next store was in Newmarket, but the goal was always a return to the Ponsonby ‘hood. “We love Ponsonby, and we'd been looking to set up here for a while,” she tells me, but this time they were in search of “a site that would allow us to get the workroom out of home and also stay connected to the retail, and the perfect spot came up. We make all our samples, oversee our (all local) production and do our custom made all behind our Ponsonby shop.”

The Ponsonby store has quite a different vibe to Newmarket, and Ingrid says they are loving being part of the Williamson Avenue-meets-Ponsonby Road community which is also home to boutique-style stores like Curio Noir, Real Time and Flotsam & Jetsam. “It's such a nice welcoming space and we love to meet new people there,” she says. Because they have the workroom out back, “that is where we do our fittings and appointments for a lot of bridesmaid and custom pieces. It has lovely big changing rooms and private mirrors, so is very well suited to fittings. The fragrance range does well there too, with lots of people hitting Ponsonby to pick up a special gift.”

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Ingrid Starnes On the topic of the label’s foray into beauty and fragrance, Ingrid tells me that they have “loved the journey with the perfume. The latest pieces are an eau de parfum intense and also a large deluxe candle. We are working towards a few new things there also, it is such a fun place to be able to experiment, and make beautiful imagery.”

When I ask if the Ingrid Starnes', customer has changed from the one she was when the label first launched, Ingrid doesn’t hesitate in saying: “Yes, and as we grow we find that we are doing a lot more pieces that are great as an intelligent, considered feminine take on things to wear at work.” She is a strong believer in wearing “special things everyday, but we offer more pieces that pair well in the workplace now, and take you from day to night.” The Ingrid Starnes wearer is still a woman who cares about quality too, “how something is made, the fabric and not getting something throwaway.”

When we speak she is in the thick of sampling a new collection, putting in long hours and still trying to keep things together at home. What keeps the designer cool, calm and collected?

“My amazing team,” she says without hesitation. “We are all in it together so it makes the long, long days not feel so hard. Coffee, and getting up and going for a run in the morning help too!”

Lastly, she thanks her family, “Especially my partner Simon... he has to pick up a lot of the slack when I work these huge hours and I wouldn't be able to hold it together if it wasn't for him.” (HELENE RAVLICH) F PN www.ingridstarnes.com

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

THE RIGHT PROPOSAL FIT...

PLANNING A MARRIAGE PROPOSAL CAN BE QUITE A DAUNTING EXPERIENCE AS THERE are so many factors to consider and often people do not know where to start... What design will my partner like; what designs do I like; what if they don’t like the one I choose; do they like white gold; yellow gold or even rose gold; would they prefer a larger diamond/s or smaller but with high diamond grades; what finger size should the ring be; where, when and how shall I plan the proposal - so many questions to be answered.

One of the most difficult questions to answer is what finger size to make the ring. The proposal is usually a surprise so it’s impossible to have your partner’s finger sized prior to proposing. We spoke to Michelle from Diamonds On Richmond for a couple of tips to help you if you are in this situation. “We start by asking our clients if they think their partner has small, medium or large hands and we may compare hands in store to see if they feel like any of our hands are a similar size. Based on that, at the very least, we have a generic small, medium or large size to make the ring.

"Another good way is bringing in a ring that they wear, preferably knowing which finger they wear it on (as all of our fingers are different sizes). From this we have a way of working out the best size to make the ring. If this ring can’t leave the house, for obvious reasons, we suggest lying it flat on a ruler and taking a photo. This way we can see what the inside diameter is and work out the best finger size form there. Alternatively indenting some blue tack with the ring and bringing that in for us to measure.

"Some of our clients have also tried to measure their partner's finger with a piece of string while they are sleeping. This is not a very reliable method and also runs the risk of ruining the surprise or arousing suspicion, so not a method we recommend. And failing all of that we do offer a free re-size on all of our engagement rings, so you are totally covered if it is not quite right.”

Visit Diamonds On Richmond in store for more help with finger sizing or any of the considerations mentioned above. Diamonds On Richmond specialises in engagement rings and is helping clients in this situation every day. F PN DIAMONDS ON RICHMOND, 98 Richmond Road, T: 09 376 9045, www.diamondsonrichmond.co.nz

FASHION + STYLE RETAIL SUPERSTAR Rachel Satterthwaite - Goodness How did you come to be a retail salesperson?

I spotted an old school friend at Dalston in West Lynn and popped in to say hello, and have been there part time for five years.

I met Ange at Goodness walking past - I admired her window and took advantage of her dog bowl and she got in touch after we discussed my experience at Dalston. The shops share some of the same labels.

What do you love about your store?

New Zealand-made labels are really great to promote - Sabatini, Isaac + Lulu, etc, as are the many labels designed locally but ethically manufactured overseas.

I love Kowtow and am always reinforcing the child labour free advantage and ethical nature of this and others we sell.

Goodness is very colourful, a great corner spot with lots of sun. We have a good range of looks - luxurious, fun, comfortable knitwear, cool shoes, bags and scarves. I love our very approachable customers who come in with their own great stories and are warm and friendly - locals who are getting a coffee in the area and want to shop locally. Lots of people with dogs, who make a beeline for the treats behind the counter.

What makes a standout retail salesperson?

Friendly, friendly, friendly; cheerful but frank. Never say a look is great when it isn’t - always be honest. Get the lookbooks out often and look at the ranges together - what boots did the label put with that outfit, what Boyfriend jeans look great with that nineteen//46 sweater - that kind of thing. Make lots of suggestions based on what the designer suggests. Get to know your customers and don’t be shy to let them know a bit about you too. Put two sizes in the changing room every time - ladies are often convinced they are bigger than they actually are. If the item matches the hair and eyes it must be purchased!

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

A lovely lady from Westmere who was ‘out of her mind’ when she came in looking for organic, Fairtrade, loose-fit tops - I sold her three. Before she left I asked her to help me decide what pair of LBT jeans (the beautiful Turkish range we stock) I should buy and she was happy to oblige. I hope she comes in again - she will!

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

Kim Gordon of Sonic Youth. I would need to have had a delivery of Sabatini’s leather leggings for her. She is very leggy. We have the perfect white Maison Scotch shirt for Kim. She would not get out of Goodness in a hurry! If she could bring Carrie Brownstein of Portlandia with her that would be a huge bonus - something from Isaac + Lulu would be perfect for Carrie.

Where do you enjoy shopping?

Goodness, Dalston, Save Mart, Recycle Boutique, Hospice Shop, Jessica Aggrey online.

Name someone you think is a great greater Ponsonby retail salesperson...

Leanne Mercer at Dalston and Pearl - she can style anyone. F PN GOODNESS, 158 Jervois Road, T: 09 376 0461, www.goodness.co.nz

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HELENE RAVLICH: LOCAL BEAUTY

Let’s hear it for the boys: Father’s Day fragrances This month sees the Father’s Day celebration dominate the first Sunday of the month, but I reckon dads deserve a round of applause all year round.

In light of both of those statements I have rounded up my favourite men’s fragrance releases of late, which are as unique as the line up of dads out there.

First up, a cologne from one of my favourite brands - Jo Malone London. If you've ever been into a Jo Malone London fragrance boutique (and if you haven’t then I sincerely recommend that you do, and ASAP), then you'll have noticed that the much-loved company is keen not to label its fragrances by gender. The beautiful Wood Sage & Sea Salt is the lightest unisex fragrance in their collection, and was originally released as a limited edition cologne and added to their permanent line due to popular demand.

Composed of ambrette seed, sea salt and sage, along with red algae and grapefruit, Wood Sage & Sea Salt cologne is accompanied by matching perfumed body care and home collections. Master perfumer Christine Nagel, who was tasked with the job of bottling the smell of the English coastline for the company (even the social media hashtag is #englishcoast), thinks it smells of "the sea air, mixed with salty spray and the mineral texture of sand and rock.” Whilst I think it’s just divine.

Speaking about when she was first asked to dream up the beside-the-sea scent, Nagel said she knew "it was something unusual; another great challenge. I was given photographs of the English coast and old postcards to look at with rugged cliffs and moody skies. It was sepia photography and the colour was very emotive. When I looked at these pictures I instantly felt the sensation of sea spray, romantic but natural."

range of scents for men, it is reportedly inspired by the “impeccable excellence of a Giorgio Armani tuxedo” and the bottle even comes with its own metal tuxedo-style belt inspired by the Armani Tuxedo Cummerbund - one of the iconic elements of Armani’s style and a nod to the brand’s heritage. As far as a men’s fragrance goes, it smells pretty damn good to me. Alluring, powerful and fiery, it has the classic Code base of tonka bean but amplified by a sensual woody fragrance and notes of cardamom and a woody amber accord.

Another new release from a major fashion house, YSL’s L’Homme Ultime is beauty of a scent that has definitely been designed to make a statement. A flanker to 2006's L’Homme - which has been a bestseller ever since its release - the new eau de parfum was the work of perfumers Anne Flipo, Dominique Ropion and Juliette Karagueuzoglou.

Notes include ginger, cardamom, grapefruit, rose, geranium, clary sage, cedar and vetiver, making for quite the modern scent and surprisingly fresh (for an EDP) to boot.

Last up, Ralph Lauren has introduced a new intensity into the popular world of Polo fragrances with the arrival of Ralph Lauren Polo Blue Eau de Parfum. Another great pick for gifting, this was inspired by the classic Polo Blue fragrance but is longer lasting, more sophisticated and intense. The addition of bergamot in the top notes brings a fresh, uplifting and energising burst, whilst the heart notes are enhanced with Blue Orris Accord, a powerful aromatic scent that brings a sweet sensuality to proceedings.

Finally the base notes are intensified with notes of vetiver for an enveloping, sophisticated dry down. The new bottle is sleek, stylish and luxurious too, and inspired by a modern sterling hip flask with polished silver metal surrounding the bottle.

PN (HELENE RAVLICH) F

Another Jo Malone beauty that is suitable for both genders is the heady Black Cedarwood & Juniper, which is coincidentally another once-limited edition fragrance - from 2014’s Rain Collection - that has just been added to the main line. Designed to be evocative of “midnight rain”, it is spicy and seductive with what the brand calls the “carnal” touch of cumin and chilli leaves (I love that). The fragrance’s base note is Black Cedarwood, and it is Jo Malone at its most urban in my humble opinion.

I love that Jo Malone London fragrances can be layered up with bath and body products or another of the brand’s fragrances to create something a little more complex and unique to the wearer. Black Cedarwood & Juniper can be combined with Lime Basil & Mandarin to give it a fresher feel - it gives the dark wood a herby, citrus twist - and it can also be combined with Wood Sage & Sea Salt to give the heavy wood a really aromatic, just-blown-in-off-the-sea vibe.

Next up is a very new fragrance from Giorgio Armani, Armani Code PROFUMO. The latest addition to the Armani Code

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So, where to start? Rest easy, I think dads will love them all.

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

Feel up to 50% better about making a difference.

September sale, everything reduced.

September Sale. 20-50% off all stock at ecostore shop, 1 Scotland St, Freemans Bay Or Park visit www.ecostoredirect.co.nz (just by Victoria New World) or direct online at www.ecostoredirect.co.nz

Shop trading hours Monday to Friday 10-6pm Saturday to Sunday 10-5pm

CLARE CALDWELL: THE ART OF LIVING

The paradox of being human It is a state most of us grapple with as we swing from yearning to be in a state of grace and enlightenment to accepting a lot of the time we are immersed in the darkness of our shadow, our unconscious material and all the shades of grey in between.

Someone told me recently that Christ and Buddha had no division between their conscious and unconscious realities. That they were both fully integrated into a state of constant enlightenment. How enviable! Many esoteric and not so esoteric faiths would have us believe we have to concentrate on heading exclusively towards the light to achieve this enlightened state of being.

I believe we cannot achieve this until we have “worked our shadow” (Carl Jung).

Working these darker aspects of our being takes great courage but it is only by owning them, bringing them up into the light for scrutiny, hard work and absolution that we will transcend them so they cease to manipulate and control us quite so much. Very simplistically, understanding something gives you more power over it. We cannot sidestep these darker aspects of our being. By suppressing them we will lose our ability to ever become fully integrated.

Working as an artist, I see this swing between the two human realities - the darkness and the light - appearing again and again in my own work, which is a quality I choose to embrace rather than negate. Collins English Dictionary defines the word ‘paradox’ as: “something that seems absurd or self-contradictory but may be true.”

For centuries this paradox has been the subject of many works of art, literature, plays and music, giving colour, texture and tonal variation to the story lines and characters accordingly as they ‘act out’ the human condition on their various world stages. If all those artists, writers and musicians had portrayed us in merely one dimensional ways, history would have been the poorer.

Wearing my art therapist hat I get to see this paradox of the human condition even more immediately. It emerges with work I do with clients all the time. Art therapy as an intervention when people are trying to make sense of this seemingly absurd and self -contradictory aspect of their being can be a gentle and reflective way of examining this paradox that can keep us so stuck and confused.

SUPERCHARGE YOUR ABILITY TO HEAL YOURSELF The symptoms won’t go away, you feel exhausted, sick, controlled by stress or fear, often feel angry or unresolved trauma is causing havoc in your life.

People who experience BodyTalk create lasting energy shifts and report feeling calmer, mentally sharper, more confident and connected with themselves and others after a session.

Linda Shaw, Certified BodyTalk practitioner with a clinic at Harvest Natural Health Centre, Grey Lynn says: “BodyTalk is an international health and wellbeing modality that blends science and integrative body/mind medicine to awaken the body’s potential to heal itself.

Clients feel empowered in a BodyTalk session and are astounded by the complexity and breadth of the BodyTalk System.”

Learn more about BodyTalk at a free mini workshop on Sunday 2 October, where Linda will teach you a powerful BodyTalk technique to tune in to your BodyMind. The Cortices Technique balances both hemispheres of the brain to reduce stress, increase mind power and give you an energy boost.

“This simple technique is taught in kindergartens and schools, so children can learn easily and be more engaged in class. Teachers have found that after doing the 'Tap Tap Game', children with attention and behavioural issues are more calm and interactive,” Linda said. Linda Shaw is President of the NZ BodyTalk Association and is a practicing member of the International BodyTalk Association. Contact Linda to talk PN about supercharging your life. F BODYTALK, 407A Richmond Road, T: 09 376 0174 or M: 0220 546 320, E: linda@lindashaw.co.nz

It is unlikely any of us will achieve the singularly enlightened state of Buddha or Christ.

Maybe we should just aim to find an honest and achievable balance between the two states of darkness and light, celebrating these rich and diverse contradictions. Having a sense of humour and being able to laugh at ourselves would be a good start!

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

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

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PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

JOHN APPLETON: ON HEALTH

Hernia repair without mesh A year ago following an extensive renovation on my house, which involved a lot of lifting heavy weights, I ended up with an inguinal hernia.

A hernia is the result of tissue from inside the abdominal cavity pushing through the muscles of the wall of the abdomen. They tend to occur in body areas where there is a potential natural weakness - for example the groin and umbilical areas. Up to 75% of all abdominal hernias are inguinal hernias. Men are 90% more likely than women to develop an inguinal hernia.

Hernia repair involves surgery and, while it is considered to be a simple procedure, there can be complications.

There are several methods used to repair hernias and the most common procedure involves laparoscopic surgery which is done under general anaesthetic.

Open repairs from the outside can be done under local anaesthetic with sedation. Both procedures usually involve the use of surgical mesh which is sutured into place to cover the area of weakness.

It would be incorrect to say that these techniques are not generally successful but recently the widespread use of mesh is being questioned. Risk of infection, chronic pain, rejection and migration are post-surgery concerns that have been discussed widely in the media.

Mesh is not only used to repair hernias, it is used in women during hysterectomy surgery and during

surgery to rectify bladder weakness also in women. Due to the negative press and accounts from people who have experienced significant problems, I was reluctant to commit to surgery. I was thrilled, however, to discover that there is a widely acclaimed no mesh hernia repair technique which was pioneered by Indian surgeon Dr Mohan Desarda - www.desarda.com. Dr Desarda was invited to speak at the first world hernia conference in Milan in 2015. The conference was attended by 5000 surgeons from around the world.

The Desarda technique for inguinal hernia repair uses live muscle tissue adjacent to the hernia site to repair and reinforce the weakened area. I was excited to learn that there is virtually a zero percent recurrence rate with minimal or negligible post-operative early or late complications. The procedure is done under local anaesthetic with sedation and it takes approximately 90 minutes. I was even more surprised to learn that the price is a lot less than what one might pay for standard laparoscopic surgery.

Dr Gerald Young at City Med in Auckland has been at the forefront of hernia repair for many years and when he heard about the Desarda technique he wanted to

find out more. Dr Young now offers hernia repair using this innovative technique and after seeing how well a friend had done, I was keen to go down this path.

The day prior to my surgery I had 50g of IV vitamin C in addition to oral vitamin C. I had been taking extra vitamin D for two weeks prior and I had also increased my daily dose of zinc and curcumin.

On the morning of the surgery, I took six grams of oral vitamin C (prior to the nil by mouth period). I wasn’t sure what to expect when having surgery without general anaesthesia but the sedation put me in the twilight zone and I was hardly aware of anything. Immediately following the surgery I stepped off the operating table and was driven home. I took more oral vitamin C and drank a lot of water. When the local anaesthetic wore off I was quite sore but I didn’t feel that I needed any pain relief. The next day I had another 50g of IV vitamin C. I would describe the pain more as discomfort although coughing and sneezing was not a fun experience. Each day following there was noticeable improvement and three weeks later I am back out on my paddleboard and walking at my normal speed.

PN All in all an excellent outcome. (JOHN APPLETON) F

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

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CARING PROFESSIONAL David Toomey - Peak Pilates David Toomey is originally from Limerick in Ireland and has been in New Zealand for three and a half years.

David studied physiotherapy at University College Dublin where he went back to tutor before moving to Auckland, having been interviewed for a position over here.

How did you come to be a physiotherapist?

My mother is a midwife so I guess I saw her empathetic nature from a very young age and wanted to find a way to help people. I remember watching a game of rugby when I was maybe six or seven years old and seeing my favourite player go down like he had been shot! Then a strange man (physio) went onto the pitch moved his leg, strapped it and amazingly my favourite player was able to play again just like magic and I remember thinking..."I want to be that guy!"

What do you love about your job?

I love the variety of what I do. No two people are the same, which makes being a physiotherapist such a rewarding and challenging profession. Whether you are a world -class athlete with a torn hamstring or an elderly lady who is struggling to make a cup of tea, people have different beliefs, attitudes, motivation and social circumstances, all of which influence the treatment approach I will devise for them.

What do you find challenging?

In the modern age we live in people tend to put themselves last. We often prioritise work, family, money, 'success' above our own health and wellbeing and this can be a real barrier to people actually seeking help. We have adopted a mentality where we 'take our break at the finish line' but this is a model which facilitates living with pain, discomfort and suboptimal performance. The natural resting state for humans should be 'pain free' but so many of us harbour injuries, niggles, compensations and have come to take that as our norm. We need to become a little more selfish in looking after ourselves. For most people this is a major challenge.

How do you differ from other physiotherapists?

If you only have a hammer in your toolbox everything looks like a nail. As a physiotherapist

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who is also a Pilates instructor as well as a strength and conditioning coach, I look at people holistically and call upon various skills to provide a specific, tailor-made therapy that is as individual as the client themselves.

Can you share an anecdote about a case?

I learned that exact clarification is important to certain clients. I once gave a client a particular posture setting exercise to do on the hour every hour. The client came in the next session and had fantastic posture but looked absolutely shattered with big bags under his eyes! I realised that I should have said "on the hour every hour... while you are awake!" This particular client had been setting an alarm every hour throughout the night to do this exercise. Never make assumptions - lesson learned.

What do you do to care for yourself?

It is very important that I take care of myself in order to give the best version of myself to my clients. I feel there are too many physios who talk the talk but fail to walk the walk.

I exercise every day even if it is just something small. I feel it sets me right for the day and provides me with a clearer view on the world. Correct nutrition also plays a massive role for me and I feel I get the most out of myself when I have been eating and hydrating well. I am also learning, albeit slowly, to reinvest time in myself whether it be catching up with friends, popcorn and a movie or an occasional pint of Guinness.

What's your advice to people seeking physiotherapy treatment?

My advice is to make contact with a physiotherapist sooner rather than later. Prevention is better then a cure and pre-habilitation is much better then rehabilitation. Invest in PN yourself and make the most of your body and your life. F PEAK PILATES AND PHYSIOTHERAPY, 274 Richmond Road, T: 09 376 8343 www.peakpilatesgroup.co.nz

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LIVING, THINKING + BEING INVISALIGN: LOOKING TO IMPROVE YOUR SMILE Invisalign is an easy, modern dental technique to straighten teeth and you’ll be surprised how quick it is to get results.

Invisalign works through a series of clear, comfortable and removable aligners. Each aligner is slightly different, moving your teeth gradually into the desired position.

If you’ve been a bit wary of having braces at your age, then Invisalign could be your solution. No one will even notice you have them on. Invisalign is virtually invisible, hygienic and suits many lifestyles.

Lumino The Dentists Ponsonby are offering a free Invisalign consultation with Dr Steven Casci. Steven is one of our highly trained Invisalign specialists and was awarded Platinum status with Invisalign United Kingdom for the work he’s done. To date he has treated over 250 cases for Invisalign patients so you’ll be in expert hands. Steven graduated from the University of Otago in 2001 with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery. He has a wide range of experience in both the United Kingdom and New Zealand. Steven spent seven years working in an exclusive private practice in London’s Harley Street providing cosmetic and restorative dentistry.

Steven is focused on achieving great results with a conservative and minimally invasive approach as much as possible. He’s seen much success with Invisalign and can provide recommendations on how it could work for you. So have a chat with Steven to find out how to achieve your perfect smile. F PN LUMINO THE DENTISTS PONSONBY, Level 1, 114 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 361 2060, www.lumino.co.nz/ponsonby

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LIVING, THINKING + BEING News from Aroha Healing...

Arvigo technique of Maya Abdominal Therapies® are a strong and vital addition to the Aroha Healing menu of services and have supported so many on their fertility journeys to successful pregnancies as well as releasing abdominal and digestive tension and anxiety from the upper abdominal area.

Rosanna Marks is Aroha’s principal therapist and has just returned from a week-long -retreat in Murwillumbah, enhancing her skill set learning all about Arvigo pre-conception, including IVF support, Arvigo pregnancy massage and much needed post-partum care.

The Arvigo Techniques of Maya Abdominal Therapy® works on the power of being unrestricted at the core of your being. Abdominal therapy is a non-invasive hands -on healing technique for the uterus and surrounding structures. This almost-forgotten ancient remedy can assist the removal of restrictions in the abdomen including the organs and ligaments, circulatory, lymph, and nervous systems. These techniques have been passed down for thousands of years, from generations of midwives and holistic practitioners, to Dr Rosita Arvigo, DN (Rosanna’s teacher). Rosita’s teacher, the well -known Maya shaman Don Elijio, believed, “The uterus is a woman’s centre and if it is out of balance, she will be physically, emotionally and spiritually out of balance.”

Arvigo pregnancy massage Arvigo technique of Maya Abdominal Therapy® encourages optimal uterine position and ligament support, strengthens the uterus, facilitates nerve and lymph system function, and promotes blood supply to provide oxygen and nutrients and remove toxins.

This support often alleviates common discomforts of pregnancy such as leg discomfort, round ligament pain, frequent urination, varicose veins, backache, sacral pain, headaches and constipation. Arvigo technique of Maya Abdominal Therapies® increases a woman’s chance of an efficient labour and birth.

Arvigo post-partum treatment At six weeks post-partum, Arvigo technique of Maya Abdominal Therapies® can be performed with gentle work over the pelvis. At three months post-partum, the new mother can receive a full Arvigo technique of Maya Abdominal Therapies® treatment.

This is a wonderful way to encourage proper healing of the uterine ligaments, the uterus, and general pelvic region. Arvigo technique of Maya Abdominal Therapies® can aid in the healthy healing of Caesarean birth scars and can assist with gently closing the bones.

Arvigo abdominal therapy applied to the upper abdominals has numerous benefits to all organs, digestion, breathing, reproduction and well-being. Arvigo Abdominal therapy works specifically to bring well-being back through our five systems of flow.

To read more about Arvigo® therapies please go to the Aroha Healing website or email Rosanna directly. (ROSANNA MARKS) F PN AROHA HEALING, 3 Maidstone Street, M: 0273 866 587 or T: 0800 MINDBODY, E: info@arohahealing.co.nz, www.arohahealing.co.nz

Clothing Alterations

Alter Ego Roong T: 09 376 8689

M: 021 032 9128

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

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LIVIING, THINKING + BEING

ENVIRONMENTAL FOCUS FOR BEAUTY Shout Hair is thrilled to be announcing moving to Color.Me hair colour

by Kevin Murphy.

Shout has long been a stockist of Kevin Murphy home hair care, which, as well as being loaded with essential oils, are both paraben and sulphate free. Continuing Shout's commitment to providing caring services and products, introducing Color.Me seemed an obvious choice.

As one of only a few stockists in the central suburbs, it’s great to be able to offer something new. Color.Me has only been available for a year, and already it’s creating quite a buzz.

Shout owner Brett Martin is incredibly excited about the numerous benefits for his clients. The colour is ammonia and PPD free. With no free radicals it is less likely to irritate the scalp, and it is PETA approved and cruelty free. The colour also contains naturally derived ingredients including shea butter, honey and pomegranate. One of the most important qualities is that it is completely fume free. Having trialled and investigated Color.Me, the Shout team couldn’t wait to get its hands on it!

“New developments are happening all the time concerning health and environment in hair care,” says Brett, “and Kevin Murphy is at the forefront of these. I want the salon to be safe and non toxic for both my staff and my clients. We need to look at ways to improve the service we provide in our industry, and a big part of that is not putting ourselves or our clients in danger of being exposed to harsh products that compromise wellbeing. Of course the bottom line is beautiful hair, enhanced and exciting, without compromising condition.”

SHOUT HAIR, 166 Richmond Road, T: 09 376 6360, www.shouthair.co.nz

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LIVING, THINKING + BEING THE FUTURE OF CYCLING - ELECTRIC BIKES Flux is Auckland’s leading electric bike store located in ‘Uptown’ Eden Terrace.

Since 2013 Flux has focused on delivering you the latest and greatest in e-bike technology. This stems from Europe where nearly one third of bike sales are now electric.

So what’s an electric bike, and why ride one?

• Firstly, they are lots of fun. Nothing can put a smile on your face faster than charging up a big hill in half the time with less that half the effort required.

• Goodbye city parking problems.

• Say hello to the ‘no sweat commute’.

• An e bike has an electric motor and battery integrated into the frame. It’s designed to work only as you pedal making you feel like a well prepared Olympic athlete.

Not all e bikes are created equal so it makes sense to do your research and discover what you’re getting for your money. It’s a big investment but one that pays off quickly if you are renting a car park or spending a lot of time and money getting about town in a car or even public transport.

E bikes are designed for a variety of uses, not just commuting. Flux has cargo bikes for carrying loads and little people. Off road e bikes for rail trails, mountain bike parks and remote wilderness areas.

Visit our website www.e-bikeshop.co.nz to see our wide range or pop into see us at 8C Charlotte Street, Eden Terrace for some free advice on what type of e bike is right for you. F PN FLUX, 8C Charlotte Street, T: 09 303 4030, www.e-bikeshop.co.nz

STEPHEN MARR’S RUSSIAN THING Stephen Marr put together a special R+Co event on Saturday 6 August - an invite-only hair and fashion show at the Neuw Denim showroom on Ponsonby Road.

The Stephen Marr team showcased hair looks inspired by anti-establishment Russian punks in the late 1980s, live styling and finishing some very cool ‘brutalist’ short cuts.

Models were street-cast to bring extra grit to the event.

With Noelle McCarthy as MC, guests were able to see the R+Co styling range in action, talk trends and see strong, directional cutting and styling in the flesh. F PN STEPHEN MARR, 37 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 360 0588 www.stephenmarr.co.nz

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SARAH-JANE ATTIAS: HEALTHY LIVING

Living the good life lifestyle, sport and fitness Having operated my Living Osteopathy practice within the greater Western Bays area for almost 20 years, I can confirm that our community really does love ‘Living the Good Life!’

The zip, zing and pulse that drives our community is not confined to cafes, restaurants, galleries and shopping. One only needs to flick through Ponsonby News to know we have established five-star facilities, offering health, sport, fitness and lifestyle across many modalities Lucky you.

Spring has sprung, with the tears and joys of Rio, the tally of medals, that pure inspiration. Let’s seize the moment. Here are a few thoughts and health tips to get a little spring back into your step.

Warrant of Fitness for your body Osteopathic treatment is not just about treatment for acute pain - commonly called treating the client at ‘the bottom of the cliff’. Around 70% of our clients that come into our clinic are aware of the need to maintain and come every quarter for a ‘check in’ and a rebalance. That’s right across the spectrum - mums, children, athletes and especially into the ‘golden years’. Regularly we’ve noticed how recovery from injury is faster for those patients that observe this protocol. You wof your car, why not your body?

Treatment During the winter months you will notice a few more aches and joint stiffness but the regular use of hot and cold treatment packs, good quality linaments rubbed in every night, gentle stretching and mobility exercises advised by your practitioner will pinpoint those spots. Spring is the perfect opportunity to build new muscle and healthy tissue to support those areas. Along with warmer weather, this means less aches, heightened energy with more sunlight hours. Let your osteopath be your guide and create a safe regime specifically for your return back to full health.

We find that clients don’t realise that they have areas of tightness or restriction or, if they do, then they are sure it will just go away. If only that were true! As the spring days begin to lengthen, take a stroll, stretch, release off the winter hibernation and get those knots to a good practitioner.

Lifestyle - a composite of motivation, needs and wants influenced by culture, family, social and community groups In my field, I find more and more clients recognising the importance of time off; giving your mind and body a breather. Hanging out on your own or with family. We all know the ‘buzzwords’ mindfulness, juicing, reducing sugars and introducing good fats and oils.

Sport and fitness I’m lucky, I genuinely enjoy exercise and movement. I have a go go go body, my partner does not! It’s a funny old world; some of us are genetically ‘keyed’ to exercise and others have to really try. As you take your stroll, think about swinging your arms, lengthening your stride, squeeze your butt muscles, lift your head, deepen your breath, walk as though no one is watching.

A quote from the founder of osteopathy, Andrew Taylor Still: “The work of the osteopath is to adjust the abnormal to the normal, and health is the result of the normal condition.”

An update from ACC Following my August Ponsonby News article with regard to ACC, I received a very helpful update and clarification from Chelsea Blair, from ACC. • A person can seek treatment for an accident at any time. However, claims lodged over 12 months after the accident do go through a more rigorous cover process to ensure there is enough information to support a correlation between accident and injury.

• A person’s claim is active for as long as the injury remains, it does not stop at 12 months. Any questions simply call ACC or your ACC Health Care Provider.

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

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

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BILLY HARRIS: KIDS IN THE COMMUNITY

The two sides of a global citizen They don’t make many like Lena Trnski. Born in Australia by an Indian mother and Croatian father, she moved to New Zealand in 2007, and the French speaking 17-year-old has already crammed visits to India, Germany, Croatia, Italy, Austria, France, Borneo and Brunei into her tender years.

She doesn’t muck about in New Zealand either, immersing herself in pursuits of such contrast she’s like some kind of modern-day Jekyll and Hyde. With a football-mad father, and her global background, it’s no surprise Lena plays too. She’s played for Western Springs for over seven years, helping her 17th grade team win promotion to the premier division. She’s also represented Western Springs College for four years, including a final appearance in the Nationals, and a first-ever promotion to the premier division.

She loves surfing, classical studies and trashy TV, she occasionally sprints, and plays the guitar. So far, so good. It’s in talking to Lena about her other sporting passion that things get really interesting and, frankly, a little scary.

Why sportsfighting?

I am a naturally aggressive person. There was a women’s gym, Mania Sportsfighting, around the corner. I popped in 18 months ago and signed up.

Do you compete?

Not yet, but I’ve been selected for the Mania fighting team. I train four times a week, both skill sessions and practice fights.

Your strengths?

I’m incredibly competitive and will do anything to win. Cycling and football have given me strong legs, perfect for a scissors submission move. I’m compassionate, but in the ring you can let out your animal side, imagining you’re Lucy Liu in Charlie’s Angels, or Scarlett Johansen in Black Widow, where you can punch someone and not have to apologise.

the marine environment, greenhouse gases... I feel that many of the issues - refugees, poverty, disease, drought, etc - are caused by global warming.

What needs to happen?

We need to be global citizens. Global citizenship can work, such as the women’s suffrage movement, and boycotting the Springboks to help get apartheid abolished. We need to take conscious actions and be conscious consumers. We all live in the world together, and we don’t live for ourselves. I admit I’m no angel. But I’m aware, open to alternatives and trying to reduce my carbon footprint. We’ve all got to try to do that.

With Lena’s love of a scrap, who’s going to argue with her? (BILLY HARRIS) F PN

Does sportsfighting help you in daily life?

It helps me relax. After a few days without it, I feel antsy. In the gym you can leave the stress outside. It gives me confidence. I’m less paranoid walking down the street at night and more assured.

Also, I’ve learned not to judge people on first impressions. I see women of different ages, ethnicities, backgrounds and builds come into the gym.

And it’s taught me that mental strength is as important as physical strength. It doesn’t matter if you’re a body builder or ballerina because it’s about technique. If you get the right positions and angles, you can get a submission. It’s easy to get psyched out by a bigger opponent, so you need a level head.

So that’s the Mr Hyde side of this complex character. Lena, Warrior Princess, arse kicker.

But when the potion wears off, she’s Lena, Eco Warrior, defender of the environment.

Why? We build something, use it and just throw it away. We’re so complacent about the issues our world faces. I want to change people’s mindsets about the environment.

What groups are you involved in?

I’ve been part of WasteWise at school for four years. We do tree planting, creek and harbour clean ups, up-cycling, education and much more. I’ve attended events such as Make a Difference Marine to learn about the marine environment. I’m part of a business making beeswax wraps as an alternative to gladwrap. I’m organising an environmental political debate and I’m going to the United Nations youth declaration to learn about and input on governement policies.

What got you interested?

I was raised with a garden and compost bin. We produced at most two plastic bags (re-used) of rubbish each week. In year 8 we did a project and I found we produced the smallest amount by far. We all live with global warming. I have to do something.

Are we doomed?

Humans have such a negative impact on the environment. Deforestation, destruction of

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MEET THE TEACHER Kieran Fouhy Headmaster - St Paul’s College How did you come to be a secondary-school headmaster?

I have worked in secondary boys schools for 45 years (27 as headmaster). I have done every position and job one could do in a secondary school.

Where did you train?

Auckland University and Massey University; Marist Brother’s Teaching College; on the job, every day.

What brought you to your current school?

I taught at St Paul’s in the 70s. When asked to consider applying for St Paul’s college - I grabbed the opportunity.

What are your favourite things about being a headmaster?

To be able to influence the character, the opportunity and futures for young men over many years.

What has been a highlight of your teaching career?

There have been several peaks: • Bringing a project to fruition • Bring able to help parents deal with their adolescent, sometimes stroppy son • Teaching chemistry to high level • Being headmaster of a large catholic boys school for many years • Winning sports championships • Having adolescent boys understanding and appreciating music.

What has been low points of your teaching career?

There have been several troughs: • Managing conflict in the community • Managing personal (unwanted) criticism • Coping with imposed 'not thought out' change • Losing school sporting championships • Turning away good families and boys because of insufficient room.

How would your boss describe you?

An experienced head with lots of ideas. A follow through approach guy. A ‘get the job done’ pragmatic approach to education.

How would your teachers describe you?

A change agent with many ideas. Supportive of classroom practitioners so that they can do their job. A man with authority - because of the grey hair. The man with the best car in the school.

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How would your students describe you?

A hard guy - driven. A man who wants everyone to get ahead. Just saying it - about expectations required. A setter of boundaries for all.

If • • • • •

you could wave a magic wand at your school...

I would have every boy at St Paul’s playing a musical instrument Every boy playing a sport for the school Every boy gaining UE in year 13 Every boy doing 15-20 hours per year of service for his community Every boy understanding poetry and Christianity.

Five tips for mums and dads of secondary school boys: 1. Fathers being present at every school event, read every newsletter and know by name every teacher of his son.

2. Mothers not taking your son’s lunch into school when he forgets. Let him be hungry for a day. He will only do it once.

3. Fathers picking up your son at every occasion. Boys will talk more when moving in a car, a walk, etc.

4. Mothers inserting this phrase when disciplining your son: “I am not showing you disrespect when I confront your misbehaviour but...” Boys listen to the word ‘respect’ and take the punishment.

5. Fathers when talking with your son, allow yourself to be vulnerable and hence authentic. Speak from the heart (leave out the flash corporate lingo).

ST PAUL'S COLLEGE www.stpaulscollege.co.nz

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SIDELINE WITH GEORGE BERRY

Paralympians to keep an eye out for Alongside of Sophie Pascoe, Mary Fisher and Emma Foy the New Zealand Paralympic team has some real talent on show in Rio. They’re aiming to hit their target of 12 gold medals and double their haul in London four years ago where they returned with a total of 17 medals.

Some Auckland athletes to look out for are: Rebecca Dubber - swimming Currently ranked number one in the world in the women’s S7 Backstroke the 23 year old is one to watch out for in Rio. The London Paralympian, who finished fifth in both her events in 2012 is keen to put the past couple of years of injury frustrations behind her and bring home a medal. The AUT communications student will compete in the women’s 100 and 400 metre S7 freestyle and the 400 metre backstroke.

The meaning of the events classification are: Letter = represents the stroke, ie, SM = Individual Medley, S is Backstroke, Butterfly and Freestyle, SB is Breaststroke. Number represents the athletes activity limitation. Athletes with physical impairment are numbered 1-10. A lower number indicates a more severe activity limitation than a higher number.

Michael Johnson - shooting Michael's regarded as a bit of a veteran in the sport, having won the gold medal at the Athens Paralympics in 2004 in the 10 metre Air Rifle Prone discipline, he won back to back bronze at Beijing and London in the same event. He was also given the honour of leading New Zealand as the flag bearer at the London Games opening ceremony.

His goal for 2016 is to win a medal in both events the S1 and S2 10m Air Rifle. “Two medals would prove that I’m still capable of achieving good goals and gold will mean

we did all the right things.” The meanings of the events classification are: Para-shooting has two sport classes for athletes with an impairment of the lower limbs. The SH2 sport class is for rifle shooters with a more severe impairment including the upper limbs, and requires them to use a shooting stand. SH1 class shooters shoot with either a rifle or pistol and do not require a shooting stand.

Cameron Leslie - swimming Cameron’s the type of guy that just can’t get enough of sport. Had the New Zealand wheelchair rugby side qualified for Rio it would have been interesting to see what sport he might have chosen to compete in.

After claiming gold and setting a world record in Beijing the part-time sports journalist won gold again in London.

The 26 year old has a quadruple limb deficiency and will compete in the SM4/5 150 metre individual medley, 200m freestyle and the 50m backstroke.

New Zealand sailing crew Sailing won’t be at the Paralympic Games in Tokyo in 2020. So for our New Zealand sailors this is their last chance to secure a medal for New Zealand.

Andrew May, who grew up in Christchurch and now resides in Auckland, has already competed at two Paralympics Games - Atlanta in 1996 and Sydney in 2000; he qualified for Beijing but due to a lack of funding was unable to attend.

Andrew will compete alongside his two other teammates (below) in the Sonar (three-person keel boat).

Michael Johnson Richard Dodson needs little introduction. The multiple - time world champion and America's Cup sailor is heading to his first Paralympic Games and will also compete in the Sonar class.

Dodson was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis nearly 20 years ago, and whilst he took a little convincing that he could be just as competitive in Para sailing as he had in able bodied in the past, he’s quickly become an integral part of the New Zealand trio.

Chris Sharp is the least experienced of the three, but with a lifetime around ropes and pulleys as an arborist he’s another key cog in the team. Attending his first games will be an eye opener for the 58 year old.

However, one they’re all determined to do well at.

Things to know about Paralympic Sailing Para sailors are classified with a sport class from 1 to 7, with 7 indicating the least severe and 1 the most severe eligible impairment, to make sure that no crew has an advantage or disadvantage in competition due to impairment, each crew is only allowed a maximum of 14 pts. (GEORGE BERRY) F PN

Chasing Great I must admit it felt weird, even a little awkward, to find myself perched up in a small boutique cinema at a pre-screening of Chasing Great, a 90-minute movie about Richie McCaw. After all, I’ve known Richie McCaw for years, seen and talked to him most weeks of the year, some times more than once.

It felt weird because I’ve not only seen and talked to him, I’ve interviewed him perhaps a hundred times, and I’d had every chance to ask him whatever I like. I thought to myself what more could there be to know about Richie McCaw? He grew up on a farm near Kurow, went to Otago Boys, played rugby for Canterbury, the Crusaders, captained the All Blacks, played more tests that anyone else in the world, holds umpteen dozen rugby records, loves to fly, broke this bone and that, has a fiance called Gemma who plays hockey for New Zealand, a sister who played netball for Canterbury and so on. What more could there be to know about Richard Hugh McCaw? After 30-odd minutes of the storyline regurgitating McCaw's past in his traditional guarded and staccato-type way, all of a sudden the tone of his voice changed and the words and his narration started to flow. I suddenly realised he was no longer talking about rugby or even about himself. What Richie was talking about was winning. A feeling, a result and an emotion, winning was Richie McCaw's drug of choice and, right from a young age, just like any addict, he’d found ways to inject himself with it everywhere he went.

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At Otago Boys High School, Richie was Head Boy, he was then awarded a scholarship to study at Lincoln University, and was part of the World Cup wining U19 side in 1999.

In 2001 he was named the New Zealand under 21 player of the year as well as the NPC player of the year. He’d played just eight minutes of Super Rugby before being selected as an All Black, and was awarded man of the match on debut against Ireland.

In 2002 he was awarded the International Rugby Players Association newcomer of the year, and along with being the most capped rugby player of all time with 148 test caps, he holds the record for being awarded the International Rugby Board player of the year the most times (along with Dan Carter).

There were disappointments along the way, Richie never made the New Zealand secondary schools side and the loss to France in the 2007 World Cup quarter finals was no doubt the hardest thing for him and the New Zealand public to take.

But those two disappointments in particular clearly only served to ignite his addiction to winning and being better that anyone else. Chasing Great gives you an insight into the lengths McCaw went to to fulfil his addiction and how he continually changed to stay ahead of his opposition. I’m not a film critic, but the documentary is definitely worth PN a watch in my opinion. (GEORGE BERRY) F PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

SIDELINE WITH GEORGE BERRY

Talented youngsters create history Back to back to back has a nice ring to it doesn’t it!

After a visit from stand out All Black Beauden Barrett, the Bayfield primary school rugby side defended the inner city primary schools championship to create history by becoming the first side to win the coveted Bryan Williams trophy for the third time.

Coach James Graham said he “Was impressed at his side's ability to handle pressure and execute their game plan. It was great to see the players working hard for each other and they were very proud to represent their school."

After a hard fought 8-0 victory over Ponsonby in round one and then 6-1 over Pt Chevalier in the second round, Bayfield continued its dominance with a 7-0 victory over Westmere and 8-1 over Marist.

That set up a tough showdown with St Francis in the final, but thanks to spirited efforts from the likes of Maia Bennett (top tackler and only girl in the team, who having never played the game featured in her first rugby tournament), Alex Reid (captain and prop, great runs up the middle), Taylor Jordan (top try scorer) and Jack Saunders (ran the game well from first 5) helped retain the trophy with a nail biting 4-3 victory. The team also included: Max Johnson, Henry McPherson, Ben Blake-Howling, Joe Szusterman, Max De-Witte, Charlie Ashford, Ashton Smith, Sam Baird, Sasha Holloway, Jack Goldspink, Louis Parker-Campbell, Jamie Robertson Well done Bayfield and the 13 other schools that participated. Bayfield now goes on to play the three other best schools in Auckland in the champions of champions tournament. (GEORGE BERRY) F PN

SPECIAL PRIZES TO BE WON AT CLUB’S OPEN DAY Pompallier Lawn Tennis Club opens for its 51st season on Sunday September the 18th and everyone who comes to Open Day goes in the draw to win tickets to the women’s and men’s ASB Classic in January 2017.

Juniors start at 11am with some fun drills and activities. At 12 noon join us for a barbecue on the deck and enjoy sausages from Westmere Butchers washed down with wine and beer from our long-time sponsors Negociants NZ - importers of Champagne Bollinger.

Pompallier is believed to be the only tennis club in the Southern Hemisphere that is sponsored by Champagne Bollinger and everyone who comes along to open day gets a chance to win a bottle. After the barbecue, we have senior play from 1pm with organised games and an exhibition match from some of our top players.

Add some spring sunshine and you have the makings for a great Sunday family outing.

No matter what your tennis level is, we can accommodate you with lessons for all ages and stages, as well as regular social play on Wednesday evenings and Sunday afternoons.

Coach Tracey O’Connor will assess you and make sure you are matched with the right coach for your best tennis experience.

If you want to know more - go to our website or call our friendly club manager, Stacey, on 09 376 5689. We look forward to welcoming new members to the most desirable tennis club in Auckland City. F PN POMPALLIER LAWN TENNIS CLUB, 11 Green Street, T: 09 376 5689, www.pompalliertennis.co.nz The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

PONSONBY NEWS+ September 2016

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PONSONBY PEOPLE + THEIR PETS

Jan Hewitt and Jimi Jan Hewitt lives in Freemans Bay with her partner, Stuart, and until very recently she was retired.

Jan now works part time at Ponsonby News. She says, “We never thought of ourselves as animal lovers but love the dynamics that a pet brings to the household.”

How old is Jimi?

Jimi turned two on 29 August.

What breed is Jimi?

Jimi is a British Shorthair, but what makes him quite unusual is his colouring. He is a Blue Seal Point.

How long have you had Jimi?

We selected Jimi when he was four weeks old and then had to wait until he was nine weeks before we could bring him home.

How did you come to chose him?

We previously had two British Shorthair cats from the same breeder who died at 18 years. Around the time they died we chose to give Stu’s daughter a cat for her 30th birthday so went back to the same breeder. When collecting Julia’s cat the breeder introduced us to Jimi and it was all over - we fell in love.

How did Jimi get his name?

Stu named him after Jimi Hendrix. Besides being called Jimi he does get called many variations of this and having had Gus and Ping for so many years he is often called by their names - it is a wonder he doesn’t have a personality disorder.

What is your favourite thing to do together?

Hang out. Jimi loves company and will always appear wherever we are - inside or out in the garden. The breed are very dog like in their behaviour so he will simply follow us around the house as we go about our business. Also Jimi is very affectionate so we love our cuddles!

SPCA - HOT ROD DAY ‘Tyre’d’ of boring weekends?

Race along to SPCA Auckland’s Hot Rod Day on Sunday 25 September. It’ll be a fantastic day for the whole family. Gates open at 10am.

Cruise around more than 180 hot rods and classic cars displayed around the grounds by Renegade Rod & Custom Club and fuel up at the food-trucks, coffee vendors, and barbecue. There’s plenty for the kids as well with face-painting, colouring in, and candy floss to keep them entertained.

Charlotte

At midday make sure you park yourself at the massive charity auction where you’ll find a whole range of great products up for grabs from electronics, experience vouchers, and DIY essentials to beauty therapy and restaurant vouchers. Don’t hold back, you’re sure to wheel home a bargain and do your bit to help the animals.

And of course you must pull in and say hello to the animals while you’re here - we have lots of pets just waiting to be adopted and taken to their forever homes.

Hot Rod Day gets bigger and better each year and this year will be no different. We’ll be taking it up a gear so don’t miss out on what is sure to be a fun-filled day for all.

Date: Time: Address: Cost:

Sunday 25 September 10am SPCA Auckland Animal Village, 50 Westney Road, Mangere Entry by donation

Does Jimi have any friends?

Jimi has a best friend Badger (a ragdoll / seal point mix) who lives at the end of the street.

For a while they were inseparable until it became a bit of a problem, as Badger started to think our house was his and was eating all Jimi’s food. They are adorable together.

What does Jimi like to eat?

Unlike my previous cats who dined on whatever we ate, Jimi is extremely fussy and will only eat dry food. I try and tempt him with all sorts of delicious treats to no avail. F PN

92 PONSONBY NEWS+ September 2016

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

ANGELA BEER: PETS & PATS FOUNDER

PETS AND PATS LUXURY DOG DAYCARE AND FARMSTAYS Welcome to Dog Disneyland, a 20 acre farm, 18 minutes from Ponsonby, where your dogs can do as much or as little as they like, all in the safety of their own private, gated, secure country estate. We pick up and drop off to your home/office.

Pricing from $40.00. No obligation free trial to the value of $195.

DAYCARE: We look after a small, discerning number of local families. We are like the private school of dog daycare. We have the largest and best facility in the country with the smallest numbers of dogs, the largest indoor and outdoor spaces and lots of one on one individual attention with our highly skilled staff. Kids can swim, play, unwind in our play paddocks, bushwalks, tennis courts, pool and cinema lounge.

FARMSTAYS: We only have 8 VIP guests staying per night and they sleep inside our luxury farmhouse with all the creature comforts they enjoy at home. When looking for care for your beloved pet here are some questions I encourage parents to ask when interviewing potential places/services.

1. Ask how many dogs are in your facility/care? We pick up and drop off to your home/office.

2. Ask what is the staff to dog ratio and what qualifications do not/does your staff have?

So you can make sure our dog is getting quality one on one attention.

3. Ask what does my dog do in your care?

4. Ask what onsite care is available when my dog is with you?

5. If using a dog walking service, ask where do you walk my dog, is it safe, how many dogs do you take out at a time, how long is my dog travelling in a vehicle for, what happens if there is an accident?

At Pets and Pats, we understand dogs are our best friends and cherished members of our family, they deserve nothing but the best. If you would like to try the Pets and Pats experience, your meet and greet and first session is on us, so you can try us out, no obligation free trial. We look forward to welcoming you.

Dog HQ: Herne Bay; Country Estate: Dairy Flat. M: 021 539 699, angela@petsandpats.com facebook.com/petsandpats

SPCA ANIMALS LOOKING FOR HOMES

Chewbacca

Liza Minnelli and Shelley Long The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

Awesome Foursome

Sage

Dolche DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

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LOOK... WHO IS IN THE ZOO! Auckland Zoo, with our Australasian zoo colleagues and friends at Unmask Palm Oil are calling on you to join us in demanding mandatory labelling of palm oil on food products - to help save wildlife, their forest homes and, ultimately, ourselves!

Why? Palm oil is estimated to be in 50% of all supermarket products, and 80% of these are food products. Presently, under Food Standards Australia New Zealand’s (FSANZ) code of standards, palm oil only has to be labelled as vegetable oil. So you don’t know which oil it is, whether it suits your health requirements or whether it is deforestation-free.

“We want to be able to choose palm oil-free or sustainably grown palm oil products that don’t contribute to the destruction of rainforests and Sumatran tigers, elephants, rhino and thousands of other wildlife species that call these forests home,” says Auckland Zoo primate team leader Amy Robbins. “We’re sure you do too!”

Your opportunity to Ask for Choice On 25 November, NZ Food Safety Minister Jo Goodhew meets with nine other Australian ministers who represent FSANZ, to vote ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ to introducing mandatory labelling of vegetable oils, including palm oil.

Please join us and show Minister Jo Goodhew that as consumers, we want to be able to know and choose what’s in our food.

It’s easy Simply visit www.unmaskpalmoil.com and sign and send our template letter asking Minister Goodhew to vote ‘Yes’ to this mandatory labelling. If visiting Auckland Zoo, you can also stop by our ‘Ask for Choice’ community action station and sign and submit your letter via the station’s iPads. You can also learn more about ‘Ask for Choice’ and palm oil - watch our ‘Ask for Choice’ and palm oil videos, and discover more ways you can help at www.aucklandzoo.co.nz

“I have the right to know and choose what’s in the foods I buy - so I want labelling of palm oil in foods that it’s being used in. I’ll then have the ability to choose products with ingredients that haven’t contributed to deforestation and fuelling climate change. That’s a positive choice for wildlife, wild places and all of us who rely on healthy ecosystems to live.”

Carnivore keeper Nick Parashchak

Palm oil fast facts • The world’s most widely used vegetable oil, palm oil, comes from the West African oil palm plant

photography: Sylvia Wilkin

• It was introduced to Indonesia and Malaysia in the early 1900s, and today these two countries produce over 85% of the world’s palm oil • Destroying rainforests to grow oil palms is threatening the survival of orangutans, Sumatran tigers, rhinos, elephants and thousands of other wildlife species that make up these bio-diverse ecosystems • Destruction of Indonesian tropical peatland forests to grow oil palms contributes to climate change; these 'carbon sinks' store more carbon per unit area than any other ecosystem in the world!

• Good news! Palm oil can be produced without deforestation. Australasian zoos and Unmask Palm Oil support the use of Certified Sustainable Palm Oil (CSPO), which certifies palm oil plantations to ensure they are deforestation-free • Palm oil labelling helps drive sustainable practices: Labelling of palm oil is already compulsory in the United States and Europe. Subsequent to the introduction of mandatory labelling in Europe, demand for certified sustainable spiked by 65%!

94 PONSONBY NEWS+ September 2016

“As a keeper fortunate enough to work with Asian elephants, a species directly affected by the palm oil industry, I would love to see products containing palm oil labelled. This will give me the confidence that I’m making the right choice to help create a future for Asian elephants and other wildlife that share their environment.” Elephant keeper Odin Neil

“I want mandatory labelling of palm oil on food products because this will drive the uptake of sustainably produced palm oil. And most importantly, stop deforestation and help preserve what’s left of Indonesia’s rainforests and give the Critically Endangered orangutan and thousands of other rainforest species a fighting chance.”

“As an animal advocate, I’m asking for choice and calling for mandatory labelling of palm oil on products so that we can encourage sustainable, deforestation-free palm oil plantations and help preserve many species of South East Asian birds and reptiles. As a Kiwi, it’s important to me that I know what I’m eating, and know that by choosing sustainable palm oil I am making a positive difference in the world.”

Primate keeper Emma Thomas

Discovery & Learning keeper Hayley Paul PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

PONSONBY PROFESSIONALS: METROLAW GOT A LEGAL QUESTION? ASK MICHAEL@METROLAW.CO.NZ Email Michael with your question and include PONSONBY NEWS in the subject line. Michael Hemphill, a partner of the firm, will answer one topical question each month.

Q:

I am an aspiring photographer, I mainly specialise in photographing the Auckland music scene. Nearly all of my photos are available on my website which has become quite popular. I sell some of my photos and receive work through the website. Recently, I have seen my photos popping up on another website with no effort having been made to acknowledge that these are my works. My photos have been appearing with increasing regularity and it infuriates me to see their website rise in popularity. What are my rights in regards to this and how can I get them to stop?

A:

Copyright exists in every photograph from the moment it is taken until 50 years after the photographer’s death.

Under the Copyright Act 1994, unless commissioned or created in the course of employment, the creator of a work is considered the first owner of the copyright. There is no requirement that the work created even be artistic in nature. As the creator of the work you then possess the exclusive right to copy, show the work in public, alter the photo and licence another person to do the same.

There is no need to register copyright to protect your work. However, it is sensible to include a copyright notice on your work being the © symbol and the name of the copyright owner.

New Zealand photographs are protected by copyright in most other countries also.

Watermarks and deliberate imperfections within your photographs are a potential way of deterring unauthorised copying and ensuring your works are easily identifiable as your own.

Your copyright will have been infringed if someone performs one of the above mentioned restricted acts. There are limited exceptions such as ‘incidental copying’ and if the copying has been for the purpose of criticism or review.

By taking your original photographs from your website and ‘copying’ them onto another website without your permission, the person responsible for the ‘copying’ has infringed your copyright. Just because your work is on the internet does not mean that it is in the public domain.

In the interest of saving costs, you may be able to resolve the matter informally by directly contacting the infringing person and explaining to them your rights as the copyright owner, and what you want them to do to resolve the matter. It is possible that the infringement has been caused through ignorance and the other party will immediately remove the infringing material upon request.

It is worth considering what action you feel is appropriate to resolve the matter, would the removal of the infringing material be sufficient or do you wish to pursue the infringing party for a monetary award. Demonstrating that you have suffered financial loss or that the infringer has made financial gain can be difficult.

You mentioned that your photographs are for sale on your website, a potential method for securing payment for the unauthorised use of your work would be to issue an invoice to the infringing party based on what you would have charged had your permission been obtained or had the photographs been sold to the infringer.

Should the infringing party refuse to pay the invoice, you then have an avenue to pursue PN them through the disputes tribunal. (MICHAEL HEMPHILL) F Disclaimer - this article is for general information purposes only. If you have a legal problem you should seek advice from a lawyer. Metro Law does not accept any liability other than to its clients and then only when advice is sought on specific matters.

METRO LAW, Level 1, 169A Ponsonby Road, T: 09 929 0800, www.metrolaw.co.nz

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

PONSONBY NEWS+ September 2016

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HELENE RAVLICH: LOCAL AGENCIES

Talking to The Generalist PR’s Rebecca Purdy “Connectors are people in a community who know large numbers of people and who are in the habit of making introductions.

A connector is essentially the social equivalent of a computer network hub...” So says Malcolm Gladwell (author of The Tipping Point) in a great quote that you’ll find on the website of local agency, The Generalist PR. The company specialises in lifestyle products including beauty, homewares and food products, and is headed by long-time industry name Rebecca Purdy. The team proudly call themselves 'connectors' as per Gladwell’s quote, and their work is testament to how seriously they view that label.

Previously based in Herne Bay and now on Richmond Road in Grey Lynn, the agency is entering its fifth year. Rebecca herself has been in media and PR for more than 17 years and proudly states online “We know what works from a media point of view and what gives you the best bang for your buck. We are straight-talking PR people, who will get you the results you need to make your business grow,” and I believe her. “I see The Generalist as my last two businesses rolled into one,” she explains one afternoon over tea in her office, the first being product sampling company Product Placement, and the second eco-friendly PR company, Bare PR. Still in existence and now operated by Katie West, Ponsonby-based Bare PR was one of the first of its kind that I dealt with on a regular basis early on in my career, mainly because it had in its stable a line up of brands very much in line with my own philosophies when it comes to beauty, health and wellbeing. The company itself has been around since 2004, and was originally started due to the well worn but often very true cliché: that there was a gap in the market that needed to be filled. It was - and still is - deeply rooted in the eco-friendly space, and their current roster of clients is amongst the most enviable in the industry. Names like Trilogy, Weleda and GO Healthy grew up alongside Bare PR and there is much love, respect and trust on both sides.

The Generalist operates in a more open space, as opposed the Bare’s niche. “And The Generalist is mainly PR but we also do a lot of product sampling,” Rebecca tells me, adding the extra offering is “a direct reflection of how much the agency world is changing. Clients need you to be a one-stop shop these days and for some clients we do everything from co-ordinating their radio spots to bus backs, in-store sampling and straight PR mail outs.” They are also just beginning to make inroads into the film production and digital space, adding yet another few strings to their already considerable bow. The PR veteran goes on to talk further about how the nature of her industry is changing at the rate of knots, adding: “If you’re not keeping up with the times and offering more than one brand extension then you’re just not going to survive.

Evolution is crucial.”

Another way that The Generalist PR operates outside the norm is when it comes to team selection. Senior Account Manager Lee Plummer - who first worked with Rebecca at Bare PR - comes from a background in radio, working both as a creative director and on-air announcer. Food and beauty team member Rachel has been involved in all forms of

The Generalist's Rebecca Purdy media, predominately writing. She has experience copy writing, script writing, as a book reviewer and even as the author of her own book, whilst Promotions Officer Linda came from one of the largest product sampling companies in New Zealand. “I hire people for their individual strengths rather than direct PR experience,” says Rebecca, and thus far that has most definitely worked.

One of the agency’s most successful promotional activities of late was a project with washing powder manufacturer Cold Power, who had begun working with the Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic netball team as a key sponsor and wanted that relationship amplified in the public arena. “At every single Magic game in Hamilton, Taupo and Rotorua we had promo staff going to the event and taking photos with a social media app,” explains Rebecca, “plus we organised half time games featuring a massive laundry basket under the netball hoops. Promo staff were grabbing people out of the crowd to aim socks into it and it was a pretty fun night out, whilst raising awareness of the Cold Power name.”

The Generalist team also took the relationship they have with Schwarzkopf beyond traditional PR and sampling, buying an ambulance from St John’s and turning it into what became the Schwarzkopf Hair Emergency campaign, tripping around the Coromandel and music festivals over two summers. “That campaign was the perfect example of being asked to provide a creative solution for a client and really getting involved,” says PN Rebecca with a smile, “and that’s what gets us really excited.” (HELENE RAVLICH) F thegeneralistpr.co.nz+

GET A TASTE OF AUCKLAND FOR 2016 Taste of Auckland is back and promises to be better than ever this year, with a line-up at Western Springs set to tantalise the taste buds.

Taking place from 17-20 November at Western Springs, the biggest celebration of the very best in food and drink in the country will be led by culinary superstars like Gareth Stewart (Euro) and Andrew Mackle (Al Brown’s Depot Eatery). Among the Taste restaurant debuts will be Nick Honeyman’s Paris Butter. The Culpeper and FISH will also be joining the exciting line-up with more to be announced in the coming months.

For the first time this year, restaurant aficionados will have the chance to get up close and personal with some of New Zealand's top chefs at Electrolux Chefs' Secrets. Here, food lovers will have the opportunity to cook and dine with their favourite chefs and learn how to produce some of the PN country’s best dishes. F TASTE OF AUCKLAND www.tasteofauckland.co.nz

96 PONSONBY NEWS+ September 2016

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

PONSONBY PROFESSIONALS: LOGAN GRANGER

School donations - what is really deductible?

School donations are made regularly throughout our children’s school life. Some of these donations may be included in an annual donations rebate filed with the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) which entitles the recipient to a 33.33% claim back on the gross donations paid.

In this article we will review some of the basic principles to consider when claiming school donations for rebate purposes.

From a basic starting point any payment of $5 or more to a charity qualifies for a donations tax credit if it is a 'gift'. Most schools, but not all, are registered charities.

A payment of money is a 'gift' when it is: • made voluntarily; • made for no consideration; • the giver (or someone else) receives no benefit of a material character by way of return; and • the payment is made by way of benefaction where the charitable organisation suffers no countervailing material disadvantage.

You can claim a donation tax credit on donation payments made to: • state and state integrated schools, or • state run kindergartens, or • other schools who have been approved as donee organisations.

The donations must go to the general fund of the organisation and you’re required to provide proof of payment with a receipt including the word 'donation' written on it.

The tax principles are very clear that donations are to be made voluntarily, they are unconditional and there is a complete absence of exchange. There is a misconception that the following fees are considered as 'donations' and are entitled to a donation tax credit rebate: • attendance due fees • tuition fees, ie, where a separate fee is charged for any course of tuition • university, polytechnic or other tertiary education fees • private kindergarten or other early childcare fees.

IRD have been and will continue to conduct investigations into donation claims that include attendance fees and activity fees that have been disguised as donations.

IRD considers any resulting rebate claim to be a form of tax evasion by both: • the parent or relative, who is attempting to receive

an illicit and unintended gain from filing the rebate claim; and • the school, which is not paying any GST on receiving the donation.

It seems a little unfair that taxpayers should be held liable to such tax evasion accusations in situations where they genuinely believed that the payments were donations based on information communicated to them. With increasing political pressure building for IRD’s auditors to increase efforts towards preventing incorrect claims it is important to ensure the validity of claims.

If you require any advice regarding filing your donations rebate or are concerned that your donations may not qualify as a legal deduction, please contact us for advice.

We will make sure you are maximising your entitlement while ensuring that you avoid being swept up in an IRD tax PN evasion investigation. (LOGAN GRANGER) F Disclaimer - While all care has been take, Johnston Associates Chartered Accountants Ltd and its staff accept no liability for the content of this article; always see your professional advisor before taking any action that you are unsure about.

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

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

PONSONBY NEWS+ September 2016

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GARDENING WITH GRAHAM SHIEFF

Welcome spring!

Through the later part of August we were blessed with beautiful sun-filled days and now we can enjoy spring.

This is a busy time of the year for the home gardener. After a very wet winter it’s best to dig over your vege patch, add organic matter in the form of compost and peat moss and lime to sweeten the soil in readiness for planting.

as a sun-drenched location with shelter from wind. You can successfully grow rosemary in the garden or a container. Its light blue flowers attract bees, even during the winter.

There’s a host of great vegetable seedlings that one can plant during early spring - lettuce, broccoli, cauliflower, spinach and cabbage to name just a few.

Tomato seedlings can be planted out from late September. Make certain you support your tomato plants to protect them when the inevitable windy weather arrives.

'Sweet 100' is undoubtedly a favourite amongst inner city gardeners. Literally hundreds of small, sweet tomatoes are produced throughout summer, ideal for your fresh garden salad.

Now’s the time to plant spring/summer flowering annuals like pansies, antirrhinums, iceland poppy, allysum, lobelia and marigolds.

Herbs Who loves a tasty, nutritious homemade omelette or scrambled eggs with fresh parsley on the side? Parsley is a native to the central Mediterranean region and is so easy to grow either in the vege patch or in a container if you have minimum garden space.

Parsley is rich in anti-oxidants, vitamins, minerals and dietary fibre and can help in controlling blood cholesterol.

I fertilise my parsley plants with a general garden fertiliser or trace mineralised lime. Make certain the soil medium you use is free draining and free of clay.

Basil enjoys full sun and regular watering. It will grow indoors on a window sill - make certain it receives sufficient sunlight. Growing tips can be pinched off which will encourage bushy growth and prevent flowering. Basil can be planted out in spring but make sure you place your plant in a sheltered, warm position.

Rosemary is a very popular herb recognised for its health benefiting phyto-nutrients, anti-oxidants and essential acids. Rosemary enjoys a well-drained alkaline soil as well

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Prunus Shimidsu Sakura - Japanese cherry This wonderful deciduous specimen stays quite compact reaching a maximum height of 4m and 3m in diameter after 15 years. Its size makes it a popular choice as a specimen tree within a courtyard as it won’t take up too much space and forms a perfect umbrella.

The Japanese cherry blooms between October and November creating a spectacular display when many spring flowering specimen trees have finished flowering. Flowers are double pink aging to white and form clusters which hang from its smaller branches.

This variety, like other ornamentals, thrives in a slightly moist, well drained, organically rich soil medium. Adding sulphate of potash to the soil beneath the tree’s outer limbs will enhance flower quality and abundance.

Chinese jasmine - Trachelospermum jasminoides This attractive evergreen which hails from Asia can be grown as a low shrub, groundcover or encouraged to hide an unsightly fence or wall. It produces highly fragrant, small star -shaped flowers in autumn, spring and summer. If you wish to have it cover a fence or wall it’s best to provide wire support. For optimum results feed with slow release fertiliser and a sprinkling of magnesium sulphate.

Chinese jasmine will flourish in an open sun-drenched location and also in garden areas with minimum sunlight. I recommend you plant this little beauty within your patio area or in a pot on your deck so you can enjoy the sweetly scented fragrance its flowers produce PN several times a year. (GRAHAM SHIEFF) F HAPPY GARDENING! M: 021 997 743, www.gardenhelp.co.nz

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS

NEW AND PRE-LOVED DESIGNER PIECES @ CONSIGNMENT Iconic New Zealand-made designer furniture brand Apartmento is back, sitting side-by-side with Consignment, a stylish and affordable selection of gently loved furnishings and homeware.

“We came up with Consignment because we know, as people, we constantly like to redesign our spaces so it seemed like a no-brainer to offer a space to on-sell investment pieces at competitive prices. We’re a first port of call for interior designers, people with a keen eye for style, those looking to down-size, upscale, or simply wanting that unique designer piece to add the finishing touch.”

When it comes to offices, shared space is nothing particularly new, but we don’t often hear of it in terms of retail. However, walking in the doors of Consignment/Apartmento in Newmarket proves it to be an alluring way of showcasing gems for our homes. The spacious store seamlessly marries the much-loved quality and uber-style of Apartmento with the timelessness and luxury of new and pre-loved designer pieces from Consignment.

It’s an inviting treasure trove of art, homeware, furniture, and - oh - did we mention the coffee? Orca, the in-store espresso bar is an important section of the showroom as the goal is to not only to be a showroom/gallery, but to act as a social hub too.

The showroom is a great venue for business meetings as well as pop up installations, exhibitions and special events.

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

You are all warmly invited to stop by for a visit, stay a while, and enjoy the finest espresso courtesy of the team at Consignment/Apartmento/Orca. F PN CONSIGNMENT, 2A Railway Street, Newmarket, T: 09 524 0084, www.consignmentfurniture.co.nz

DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

PONSONBY NEWS+ September 2016

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MY FAVOURITE ROOM Hamish Pinkham - Rhythm and Vines Hamish Pinkham is founder/director of Rhythm and Vines Music Festival, which is held over the last three days of December each year - the first festival in the world to celebrate the new year.

Hamish tells Ponsonby News: “Although our event takes place in Gisborne I have based myself in Auckland on and off for the past nine years. I focus on the promotion and creative aspects of our festival and business - booking the bands, building the brand, selling the dream - that sort of thing. We have a competent events team who deliver the festival so I can get to enjoy it.

I am also an aspiring musician and entrepreneur. I’ve recently set up a business networking group ‘the Ponsonby Strollers’ which I am getting off the ground, along with my own bands and solo music projects.

I live by myself right at the top of Lincoln Street in a two-bedroom apartment. It is a stone’s throw from Ponsonby Central where I am often found having lunch, and various watering holes nearby which include Mr Toms, Mea Culpa and Little Easy.

I've lived on and off in Greater Ponsonby for the past nine years. I spent my first two years in Auckland on Sentinel Road in Herne Bay; since then I've been at various flats off Ponsonby Road, generally around the Franklin Road area.

My favourite room is The Bunker - it is my man cave/office/music room/creative space.

It’s my favourite because it is pure escapism. It is where a lot of my inspiration takes place. It is a place where dreams are conceived, believed and then actioned. It is where I work on my business, my music or catching up on admin. It is where you will find me most mornings and late at night. I like working here Saturday afternoons too, to catch up on the week with no one disturbing me. Sundays are for brunching, strolling down to Westhaven and then drinking in the sun somewhere.

My vintage American flag print - reminds me of my love of the United States and ambition to be successful there one day.

My photo with my niece Beth - I had taken her to Auckland Zoo for a weekend to give my sister some time out! She has moved to Hawkes Bay now and I miss her being around.”

RHYTHM AND VINES www.rhythmandvines.co.nz

My favourite things in The Bunker are: my R&V 10-year anniversary poster - it was signed by all the artists that year including Tame Impala, Mark Ronson and Netsky.

My Ivan Clarke 'Lonely Dog' painting - I bought it as a gift to myself after the festival one year. This one depicts the lead character of the series performing at his own music festival. That's me! I'm looking forward to when the movie comes out - Warner Brothers have bought the rights.

My guitars - I love my timeless Maton acoustic guitar and my Fender Telecaster.

Sometimes I play them loud during during the day when the neighbours are out.

100 PONSONBY NEWS+ September 2016

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AUCKLAND TAKES ANOTHER @ NEO DESIGN STEP UP IN THE LIVEABILITY STAKES

1. Sumptuous materials add class; 2. Clean and contemporary for bungalow reno

Auckland has another bouquet as it chases the title of the world’s most liveable city.

The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) has just published its annual index of global liveability and Auckland moves up a spot to number eight from ninth last year and 10th in 2014.

Melbourne is rated top followed by Vienna, Vancouver, Toronto, Calgary, Adelaide and Perth.

Among the top 10 cities Auckland rates first equal for education, third for environment and culture, fourth equal for stability, eighth equal for infrastructure and 10th for healthcare.

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Mayor Len Brown says: “The improved ranking shows the work being put in to turn Auckland into a great international city is paying off and we can expect further boosts in our ranking once major infrastructure projects such as City Rail Link are completed.”

In the other main index, the Mercer Quality of Living Index, Auckland has held the third spot for the past four years. F PN

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NEO DESIGN, 96 Hillside Road, Glenfield, T: 09 443 4461, www.neodesign.co.nz

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MILLY NOLAN: DESIGNER GIFTS

Soft accents With the new season comes a new colour palette. Add softness and light to your most beloved space - the bedroom - with hues of dusty pink, white and grey. Mix soft furnishings in lambswool, cotton velvet and linen with marble, copper and gold to beautifully accessorise the space. Here’s our pick of this spring’s must haves.

1. Mini Grandi Artist Linear Escape Print - from $30 Inspired by the idyllic Wanaka scenery, this watercolour print will bring a sense of calm and beauty to any room in the home.

2. Aura Quatro Throw - $210 The quatro throw is a mix of tonal colours and a pop of pastel - soft on the eye and as well as to touch thanks to its knitted cotton composition.

3. Bianca Lorenne New Zealand Long-wool Sheepskin Rug $269 This dusty pink, long-wool sheepskin is luxuriously soft - perfect for underfoot or thrown over a chair.

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4. Citta Design Washed Velvet Quilted Throw - $159 Deliciously soft and velvety smooth, this light-weight, washed velvet, quilted throw is a spring must have.

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5. Robert Gordon Wire Basket Set - $199 This wire basket set is not only good looking with an elegant copper finish, but entirely functional, whether you use them for storage or display.

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6. Menu Marble Wall Clock - $679 As much a piece of art for your wall as it is practical, this stunning marble clock is both uncomplicated and striking with its high-quality marble base and lacquered brass hands.

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7. Marble Basics Marble Baby Canister - $95 Handcrafted from white and grey marble, this canister is a stylish home accessory and can be used as a vase for small flowers, for your make-up tools, as a pencil holder or anything else your imagination allows.

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8. Thread Design Two Toned Linen Duvet Cover - from $280 This luxurious duvet cover is made in New Zealand from 100% natural linen. The two-tone design offers a soft accent to the bedroom and a fresh feel for spring.

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9. General Eclectic Nova Table Lamp - $350 Sophisticated in its materials, yet different in its design, this lamp will keep things interesting either on your bedside table or in your study. (MILLY NOLAN) F PN All products available at www.mildredandco.com

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EUROPEAN CERAMICS - A REPUTATION FOR EXCELLENCE

AFFORDABLE QUALITY AND LUXURY LINEN WITH A CONTEMPORARY EDGE

European Ceramics (EC) are specialists in stone, porcelain, ceramic, limestone, marble and granite tiles.

Redesigning our most precious spaces often begins with the one room that provides a restorative sanctuary, the opportunity to rest, rejuvenate and re-inspire ourselves while living busy lives.

A remarkable brand with a reputation for excellence has been in the flooring industry for more than 25 years. European Ceramics continues to define the cutting edge in porcelain possibilities and natural stone surfaces.

Known as ‘the source’ for hard floor and wall finishes, the EC network of suppliers and partners stretch across the globe. The dedicated team at EC have created an unparalleled boutique design studio in Newmarket to service a discerning clientele.

EC has great satisfaction being part of the most prestigious projects built in New Zealand, from hotels to shopping malls, retirement villages and restaurants. EC also provides upmarket housing supply for many subdivisions through elite housing groups, as well as designer and architect inspired residential projects.

EC’s mission statement is “we morph, adapt, change and evolve.” EC offers a wealth of expertise and maintains a superior level of customer service. Offering exclusive and superior product ranges, EC are thin slab specialists and keep their finger on the pulse of new design trends. F PN Visit EUROPEAN CERAMICS at The Foundation Building, 8 George Street, Parnell, or view their website www.euroceramics.co.nz

At The Linen Store they provide inspiration to elevate the everyday that delivers not just desirable aesthetics but very real benefits in comfort, quality and style.

The Linen Store began two years ago in the refurbished Victoria Market but was relocated to its present location a year ago and to celebrate they are offering Ponsonby News readers 10% off on their next purchase during September. Just mention the advertisement!

“We had so many customers coming in looking for contemporary styling in bed linen, furniture and accessories at our sister store Harrowset Hall in Nuffield Street says owner Ingrid Memelink, “that we really wanted to take care of the evolving needs of clients with apartments, beach houses or to cater for the increasing trend of setting up the spare room as an opportunity to make extra income. Guests are often very discerning and expect the best, and your friends and family can enjoy a touch of the same luxury when they come to visit also!

“We have a great team who love working closely with our customers to bring together exactly the right elements from our large selection across both the stores,” says Ingrid who is already well known to many loyal Herne Bay locals who once shopped at Harrowset Hall on Jervois Road. An unbeatable selection of choice in affordable quality and luxury with a contemporary edge is what you will find at The Linen Store. Visit The Linen Store and Harrowset Hall for the very best in choice and inspiration for your home.

The Linen Store, 25 Broadway, Newmarket, T: 09 522 6555, www.thelinenstore.co.nz

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Trust, turning a house into a smart home. e.

Wireless Home Automation Smart Home Technology can improve safety, security, convenience, comfort ĂŶĚ ĂĚĚ ǀĂůƵĞ ŶŽƚ ƚŽ ŵĞŶƟŽŶ ƉĞĂĐĞ ŽĨ ŵŝŶĚ ŝŶ ĂŶĚ ĂƌŽƵŶĚ LJŽƵƌ ŚŽŵĞ͘ Low cost wireless Trust products can be added into any home, no rewiring required!

Easy as 1,2,3! The Trust Smart Home system is divided into three simple steps.

Step one: ƐŬ LJŽƵƌƐĞůĨ ͚tŚĂƚ ĚŽ / ǁĂŶƚ ƚŽ ĐŽŶƚƌŽů͍͛ &ůŽŽƌ ůĂŵƉƐ͕ ĐĞŝůŝŶŐ ůŝŐŚƚƐ͕ ďůŝŶĚƐ͕ ŐĂƚĞƐ͕ ƐŚƵƩĞƌƐ Žƌ ĞůĞĐƚƌŝĐĂů ĚĞǀŝĐĞƐ͍ Step two: Choose a dƌĂŶƐŵŝƩĞƌ ‘How do I want to control?’ Via remote ĐŽŶƚƌŽů͕ ŵŽƟŽŶ ƐĞŶƐŽƌ͕ ǁĂůů ƐǁŝƚĐŚ͕ ǀŝĂ ƉƉ ǁŝƚŚ ^ŵĂƌƚ ƉŚŽŶĞ͍ Step Three: Ž LJŽƵ ƐŝŵƉůLJ ǁĂŶƚ ƚŽ ƚƵƌŶ ůŝŐŚƚƐ ŽŶͬŽī Žƌ Ěŝŵ͍ ŚŽŽƐĞ ƚŚĞ right Receiver ĨŽƌ ƚŚĞ ũŽď ǁŚĞƚŚĞƌ ŝƚ ďĞ Ă ƉůƵŐ ĂŶĚ ƉůĂLJ ŽƉƟŽŶ Žƌ ďƵŝůƚ ŝŶ͘

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Expand the system: The (ICS-2000) Internet control ƐƚĂƟŽŶ ŝƐ ƚŚĞ ,h ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ƐLJƐƚĞŵ͘ The ICS allows remote access via ƚŚĞ &ƌĞĞ ƉƉ ŽŶ LJŽƵƌ ^ŵĂƌƚ ƉŚŽŶĞ or tablet; allowing you to control your Trust Smart Home system from ĂŶLJǁŚĞƌĞ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ǁŽƌůĚ͘ ĚĚŝƟŽŶĂů ƉƌŽĚƵĐƚƐ ĂǀĂŝůĂďůĞ͘ sŝƐŝƚ www.trustsmarthome.com for ŵŽƌĞ ŝŶĨŽƌŵĂƟŽŶ͘

= ANY RECEIVER

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Voila! EŽǁ LJŽƵ ŚĂǀĞ ƚŚĞ ďĞŐŝŶŶŝŶŐƐ ŽĨ LJŽƵƌ ŽǁŶ ǁŝƌĞůĞƐƐ ƐLJƐƚĞŵ͘ zŽƵ ǁŝůů ĂůǁĂLJƐ ŶĞĞĚ Ăƚ ůĞĂƐƚ ϭ dƌĂŶƐŵŝƩĞƌ ĂŶĚ ϭ ZĞĐĞŝǀĞƌ ĨŽƌ ǁŝƌĞůĞƐƐ ĐŽŶƚƌŽů͕ ƚŚĞ ĐŽŵďŝŶĂƟŽŶƐ ĂƌĞ ĞŶĚůĞƐƐ͊ AFFORDABLE

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/SmartHomeNZ

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Ph: 09 579 1990

ENDLESS COMBINATIONS

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THE DIFFERENCE IS GAGGENAU From Germany’s Black Forest to New Zealand’s finest kitchens: 333 years of Gaggenau.

There aren’t many brands today which can point to a history of over three centuries - but Gaggenau can. As the premium kitchenware manufacturer marks its 333rd anniversary, Newmarket retailer Kitchen Things says this heritage means any home which features these exclusive appliances immediately marks itself as a premium residence.

Remarkably, the company traces its roots to an ironworks in the town of Gaggenau in the depths of the Black Forest and the year 1683. Back then, the products from the foundry were unsophisticated; however, as time went by, the foundry produced agricultural machinery then moved on to bicycles and enamel signage.

Demonstrating the value of heritage, the enamelling skills learned in this period gave Gaggenau the edge and the enamel oven was created. By 1956, Georg von Blanquet, of the family that owned the company, had a vision of the value of a custom-designed, fitted kitchen with technically perfected, user-friendly appliances. Thus was born Gaggenau’s pedigree as the world’s first brand of built-in appliances.

A constant feature of its products is their functional aesthetic character, which since the 1950s has put them at the forefront of the fitted kitchen evolution. The design

of these appliances embodies a sense of timeless beauty and elegance and a commitment to both high precision craftsmanship and pioneering innovation. This design ethos remains today, helping to construct Gaggenau’s distinctive identity and attitude.

The constant over the 333 years in the brand’s making is the consistency of its values: since 1683, an ongoing quest for authenticity and uncompromising quality has shaped the Gaggenau identity. As the specialist in European cooking appliances, Kitchen Things says Gaggenau is at the pinnacle of its luxury brand offerings, appealing to those who demand only the very best in their homes.

The premium range incorporates innovation in design and technology, with the assurance of the quality associated with precision German manufacturing. New Zealanders with an appreciation for the finer things in life can experience the full range of internationally acclaimed products at KITCHEN THINGS NEWMARKET or online at www.gaggenau.com/nz

STORAGE ISN’T A FAD, IT’S A FEATURE Storage is a key feature to look for and plan for when renovating or buying a new home.

Lundia is strong, durable, aesthetically pleasing and sustainable.

Using a natural timber base, Lundia designs and develops beautiful storage solutions for living spaces, bedrooms, home office, kitchens, wardrobes, libraries and kids' spaces.

Upsizers choose homes which can cater for a new direction or accommodate growing families. Lundia work with you or your architects to deliver an optimised floor plan ensuring you have the storage you need now and the space you will need later.

Renovators will squeeze every last efficiency from their plans.

Builders often recommend ‘staying within the envelope’ for overall economies, so Lundia will work with you to design and deliver a range of storage options, which maximise your space by using attractive, functional and smartly designed storage.

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Downsizers love Lundia. With space optimisation at a premium, you don’t need to start throwing things away, you just need to carefully plan your needs around your lifestyle!

Homebuyers seek out the perfect new home, but does it have the ability to store all your precious belongings efficiently?

Lundia products are so versatile; you can have a daytime library, which provides a home office, or a set of storage boxes, which double as a room divider. The choices are almost infinite, so if you are planning or renovating a home, get in touch and we’ll talk through your plans to give you what you need. F PN LUNDIA, 71 Felton Mathew Avenue, Glenn Innes, T: 0800 860 460, www.lundia.co.nz

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SCANDINAVIAN FLAT-WEAVE RUGS - EXCLUSIVE TO ARTISAN FLOORING Artisan has a beautiful new collection of Scandinavian rugs that are perfect for creating that spring/summer vibe.

While flat-woven rugs are not always associated with Scandinavia they have in fact been handmade in Sweden for centuries and were directly influenced by oriental rugs from the Ottoman Empire.

Rug-making is now firmly established as an important Swedish cultural tradition.

In the early Twentieth Century, many serious artists and acclaimed designers throughout Sweden were beginning to work in the field of decorative rugs, suddenly elevating the craft from traditional folk-art to a serious international phenomenon.

Swedish rugs are often infused with design themes and motifs with features that are consistent with the artistic and cultural heritage of Sweden, and as a result they are an important expression of their folk art traditions.

Available exclusively at Artisan Flooring, the rugs are constructed from wool, bamboo, silk, cotton and linen the texture is beautifully soft and subtle. In soft neutral tones these rugs are a very sophisticated option for the home.

Artisan is a New Zealand-owned company run by innovative design enthusiasts servicing the needs of home owners, interior designers and architect. It offers a complete service and will project-manage your jobs from sourcing product through to complete installation.

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Artisan has exclusive relationships with an incredible selection of international brands, including Florence Broadhurst and Jan Kath, in addition to collaborations with a number of designers and artists. No matter the project, Artisan can help. F PN ARTISAN FLOORING, 31a Normanby Road, Mt Eden, T: 0508 ARTISAN www.artisancollective.co.nz

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NEW EICHHOLTZ LIGHTING @ TRENZSEATER 1. Kensington Table Lamp - One of the latest table lamp designs from Eichholtz, the Kensington table lamp is quite a large lamp made from crystal glass, with a grey shade with black trim. $1499.

2. Branquinho Chandelier - The Branquinho Chandelier is one of the latest lighting designs from Eichholtz which features agate stone pieces suspended on rods in a gold finish to create an orb shape. For more information on this and the rest of the Eichholtz lighting please visit one of our Trenzseater stores today. This chandelier is 85cm diameter and priced at $6578.

3. Boivin Chandelier - It features steel rods in a brass finish sticking out of a central orb to great a starburst effect, paired with globe filament bulbs to really bring out the warmth of the brass. This light is 90cm diameter and 60cm high, priced at $3475. For more information on this and the rest of the Eichholtz lighting range please visit one of our Trenzseater stores today.

4. Antares Chandelier - The Antares chandelier features clear glass globes suspended at the end of steel rods, available in either a gold or nickel finish. Pictured is the large size which is 75cm diameter and priced at $4495, also available in a smaller size.

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TRENZSEATER, 80 Parnell Road, T: 09 303 4151, www.trenzseater.com

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DESIGN FURN IT U RE

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New Zealand furniture, designed & made exclusively for you

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TRENZSEATERChristchurch Christchurch I 121 Blenheim Riccarton, Christchurch (03) 343 0876 TRENZSEATER | 121 Blenheim Rd, Rd, Riccarton, Christchurch 8041. 8041.

T. (03) T. 343 0876 TRENZSEATER Auckland I 80 Parnell Parnell, Auckland 1052.

T.303 (09)4151 303 4151 TRENZSEATER Auckland | 80 Parnell Rd,Rd, Parnell, Auckland 1052.

T. (09) The World7Belongs OPEN DAYSto the Dissatisfied

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HEIDI PADAIN: ENTERTAINMENT IN YOUR GARDEN We've all heard a great deal lately about how best to make room, and share what we have with others.

There's a similar process taking place in the avian world. This first came to my attention when the cafe clean up crew made an appearance in the pohutukawa tree. That's right; the humble sparrow has soared to new heights.

It was hard to tell how many there were in the tree because they never seemed to sit still, and they were very noisy, but in a delightful kind of way. I think they had an expansion plan. The more excitable they appeared, the more attractive the prospect might be for new members to join them. They're very good at communal living. Over a period of a few weeks, they had morphed into an all singing, all dancing, feathery cult!

Our other neighbours, a pair of myna birds, were not so chipper.

They had taken up residence in the phoenix palm. This is the penthouse arrangement. Personally I think these trees look like mutant pineapples, and coincidentally they are classed as a weed in New Zealand.

Have you ever listened to the sound that the myna bird makes? It's a lot like a cash register ka'ching, ka'ching, ka'ching. Then there's the infernal screeching...

And yes, when dining out, I'm one of those annoying people who like to share my crumbs with the cafe clean up crew. (HEIDI PADAIN) F PN

Having observing these myna birds, I now have a fair idea why they screech the way they do. They don't like communal living, and they don't like to share, and here's something I find quite remarkable; they like to steal from one another.

To see some of Heidi’s other photographic work go to www.flickr.com and type Heidi Padain into the search box or you can contact Heidi by email hidihi@xtra.co.nz

I was observing these birds flying in and out of the tree with nesting material. Yes, and out. I was puzzled. Why would they be dismantling their nest? I then discovered another pair of myna birds on a neighbouring property, and that's when I finally realised what was happening. They were literally robbing one another. It's difficult to imagine how myna birds ever get their nests built with this kind of carry on, but they clearly do. In no time at all, the range of noises emitting from the penthouse expanded somewhat.

The moving mass in the pohutukawa tree had grown out of proportion, and the myna birds could bear it no longer. They worked collaboratively with their neighbours, and launched a full scale attack. I wondered if they had bartered nesting material. Anyway, the myna birds cleared the sparrows out in the most horrific manner. It wasn't pretty.

The good news is that a small number of sparrows survived the attack, and while I don't like to feed or encourage our introduced species, I do accept that they're here, and they're here to stay, so I would never wish them any harm. Admittedly, when I saw the cutest myna bird chick peering down at me from the penthouse, my heart just melted.

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HAPPY 10TH BIRTHDAY - FIREFLY LIGHT & DESIGN After 10 years in the industry Firefly Light & Design know a thing or two about serving the north shore.

A decade working in the local community, while constantly refining their product range, has built strong reputation for expertise and quality, and delivered hundreds of satisfied customers.

As the market has changed Firefly has responded by sourcing lighting products direct from manufacturers in Europe. This includes ranges from Scandinavia and Belgium, as well as building relationships with American and Italian suppliers. “It is satisfying seeing design tastes evolve, and being able to respond to that with new products we have sourced from around the world,” says Firefly manager and lighting designer Jake Henderson.

A few other things have changed since Firefly opened its doors; The rapid transition to LED lighting from traditional lighting technology has been a significant development.

“There was an over-night change from traditional halogen / incandescent lighting in mid -2013, the point where the benefits of LED finally outweighed the cost, and LED lighting technology has continued to get better and better since,” says Jake. Where LED lighting used to be just available as strip or plain downlights a new generation of quality light fittings of all types are now available in LED and as prices fall everyone can reap the benefits of more efficient and durable light fittings.

New Zealand lighting designers have continued to carve out a share of the market with David Trubridge leading the charge. New Zealand-made lighting often has a craft element; designers utilise natural timber and blown glass, possibly because the scale of production is relatively small, and this unique point of difference is starting to become a recognisable trend in the Firefly showroom. In addition to these striking designer pieces, there are new technology companies such as Switch Lighting producing high -grade LED lighting here in New Zealand.

Firefly’s success in providing a range of window treatments has added another branch to the business, "Our individual, customised approach, with the benefit of an in house interior designer to guide customers has been very effective,” says Chris Sharpe. “When one person handles the measure, quote and installation you can be sure the process is a smooth one."

L to R: Anne Hocking, Chris Sharpe and Jake Henderson

Over 10 years in business Firefly has seen shutters grow in popularity, and the curtain trends have evolved from taffeta to more natural textiles like linen. The biggest bump in the road has been the global financial crisis which changed the way people shop.

Decisions are made with a little more care, and customers demand value. The global financial crisis also had a dramatic impact on fabric mills around the globe, with many failing to survive. This has meant that the established and reputable textile brands (such as Sanderson, Mokum and Designers Guild), with high design values and superior weaving quality, have survived as the less reliable producers have faltered. It is proof that a good brand endures.

With their expertise and quality product offering, Firefly Light & Design is already looking forward to turning 20. F PN FIREFLY LIGHT & DESIGN, 22 Wynyard Street, Devonport, T: 09 446 0934, www.fireflynz.com

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CUSTOM RESIDENTIAL - HUMBLE BEGINNINGS TO ESTABLISHED BRAND From humble beginnings as a local start up to a firmly established brand of choice, Custom Residential Real Estate, the local start up brand that opened its doors in the 2008 global financial crisis, turns eight years old next month.

Time certainly flies in the competitive and fast paced world of residential real estate, and the team at Custom has now become a proven and established local brand on the western city fringe.

Custom Residential’s one-office operation has quickly become a big part of the local real estate landscape with strong community connections and significant market share. The team is proud to announce that it is rapidly approaching 850 successful sales. This is a little milestone that Custom are very happy to have achieved from a standing start in 2008.

In addition to services in property sales, Custom has built up a strong but small property management division that looks after a select portfolio of property, predominantly in the $750 to $1500 per week bracket.

Company owners, John Wills and Sandy and Keith Dowdle put the company’s success down to developing and refining very customer focused processes and having a smaller and more customer focused team. The company's ethos is all about low volume and high care. It is not a numbers focused, template model - which appears to have really resonated with local buyers and sellers.

The team at Custom clearly loves working in this community and would like to take the opportunity to say a big thank you to all of those who have supported the brand over the last eight years.

If you are looking for an alternative to the traditional corporate or franchise model, PN please feel free to talk to Custom, who will be happy to help. F CUSTOM RESIDENTIAL, 39/332 Great North Road, (Corner Great North Road and Bond Street), T: 09 360 4860, www.customresidential.co.nz

Custom Residential owners, Keith and Sandy Dowdle and John Wills

HOUSEHOLD LINENS IS SYNONYMOUS WITH QUALITY LINEN HouseHold Linens is a New Zealand-owned company that continues to deliver simple, classic and luxurious linen, duvet covers, towels, pillows, nightwear and accessories that will last the distance.

Ask your friends. They have been selling linen locally, nationally and globally for 48 years now, so hopefully they can tempt you with some bed indulgence soon.

Did you know they also make-to-order, facilitate home visits (to suit you) and supply fabric samples for customers, that you can keep?

And the other really important thing to know is that Avis Nelson - the original owner - is back managing the brand to ensure simple, classic and quality linen is manufactured to high standard for your long-lasting enjoyment.

HouseHold Linens only sell 100% cotton or Egyptian cotton product in stores or online - the 'real' thing. So now you know you are making the right choice, when you buy. Common sense, right?

Their stores are located in Ponsonby and Newmarket; they also have an outlet store in Hillcrest.

They are open seven days, Monday - Friday 9.30-5.30pm, Saturday 9.30-5pm and Sunday 11-4pm.

HOUSEHOLD LINENS, Hillcrest, 3/76 Porana Road, T: 09 443 1183; Ponsonby, 264 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 378 9310; Newmarket,13-15B Teed Street, T: 09 523 3630, www.household-linens.com

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RAPIDLY APPROACHING 8 YEARS AND 850 SALES. Your established and proven performer on the Western City Fringe.

Talk to Custom.

LOW VOLUME, HIGH CARE

Custom Residential Real Estate Sales & Property Management Corner of Great North Road & Bond Street, Grey Lynn PH

(09) 360 4860

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customresidential.co.nz

EST. 2008

CUSTOM RESIDENTIAL LTD - LICENSED REAA 2008

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@ DAWSON & CO

@ CORSO DE' FIORI

Available in New Zealand for the first time, from renowned Bosnia and Herzegovian designer Salih Teskeredzic for Dawson & Co Studio, is his collection of solid oak furniture including the Dedo lazy chair, Fawn sideboard and Fawn dining table.

Kubu Egg Chair - from Belgian design house Sempre, this beautifully proportioned cane chair is sandblasted to create an elegantly weathered finish. $929

Bulldog Soup Plate - handmade in Paris from black terracotta clay with signature glossy white glaze, by French artisan brand Astier de Villatte, 24cm diameter. $179.90 View this stunning new collection exclusively at DAWSON & CO, 38 Constellation Drive, North Shore, T: 09 476 1121 or 115 The Strand, Parnell, www.dawsonandco.nz

CORSO DE’ FIORI, The Foundation, 8 George Street, Newmarket, T: 09 307 9166, www.corso.co.nz

@ DESIGN WAREHOUSE

@ FREEDOM FURNITURE

1. Brentwood Relaxing Chairs - the Brentwood Relaxing Chairs have a unique design that mixes earthy charm, innovative materials and sophisticated good looks.

1. Freedom Furniture Desert Cactus Print 113 x 88cm, RRP $349 Warm hued with a retro vibe, the Desert Cactus print cleverly brings a subtle pop of colour to a pared-back interior palette.

2. Elly Hurricane Candle Set - Create a beautiful and glowing ambiance indoors or out with the four piece Elly Hurricane Candle Set.

2. Freedom Furniture Dahlia 3 Seat Sofa in Austria Shell, RRP $2099 The Dahlia Sofa’s neutral linen-blend fabric marries with the classic timber splayed legs for the ultimate in timeless style, practicality and comfort.

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DESIGN WAREHOUSE, 137/147 The Strand, Parnell, T: 09 377 7710, www.designwarehouse.co.nz

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www.freedomfurniture.co.nz PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

REAL ESTATE UPDATE: KAREN SPIRES

Ponsonby and surrounds outperforming Auckland While the Ponsonby and surrounds (Freemans Bay, St Mary's Bay, Herne Bay, Westmere, Pt Chevalier and Grey Lynn) market trends generally follow that of the wider market, quarterly figures are more volatile reflecting the make up of sales in any given period.

In the March quarter, for example, apartments, townhouses and units, which normally comprise approximately 33% of sales, accounted for over 40% of transactions. Given that these properties are generally more affordable than stand alone houses.

The quarterly median actually fell by 9.6% compared with the final quarter of 2015.

The June quarter, however, has seen the 'product mix' returning to the longer-term norm resulting in a sharp rise in values. The local median reached a new record of $1,477,500 an increase of $277,500 or, 23%, over the March quarter figures. Over the opening half of 2016 therefore the total increase in the local median has been 11.3% outpacing the regional rise of 10.1%.

While sales volumes eased across the Auckland region as a whole in the June Quarter, down 18.3% compared with the same period in 2015, activity in the local market remained stable. Although down in the March quarter, the June quarter saw 226 transactions being completed up 15.3% on the opening period of the year.

The Ponsonby and surrounding suburbs have always been a desirable location for home buyers with a real mix of historical homes through to the classical and ultra modern, coupled with a real village feel, and super close proximity to the Auckland CBD, continually drawing people to invest or live in the area. As a result, the premium between the Ponsonby area and wider Auckland region has constantly widened. The divergence in median prices become more apparent when the long-run historical price movements of stand alone houses are analysed, as this limits the impacts of changes in the sizes of transacted properties over the analysis period, allowing for a better comparison.

Consent Numbers Signal Change Changes in the annual building consents in the Waitemata and Gulf Ward, which encompasses Ponsonby and surrounding suburbs, clearly show that there is a move towards higher intensity developments. As shown in the graph below, the number of consents issued for stand alone houses have remained steady over recent years while there has been a significant increase in plans for multi unit development. With local and central government aiming to alleviate the supply shortage of homes in the Auckland region, one approach is greater intensification for developments. The ramifications of this policy are gradually becoming apparent in the Ponsonby and surrounds market, as illustrated by the increasing market share which multi unit properties, townhouses, apartments and units, command. In the first half of 2016, for example, such properties comprised 37% of sales up from the 2015 annual average of 31%. This trend is clearly going to accelerate as the number of apartment and townhouse development increase.

The impact of surging prices and the increasing share of apartments and townhouse sales within the Ponsonby and surrounds market are also apparent when the value distribution of sales is analysed. The general uplift in values is well illustrated by the fact that over just two quarters, the share of sales falling within the $1.5 - $2m and $2m plus value bands has increased from 39% to 49% of total sales. The increase was due to the large fall in the share of the $1-1.5m band suggesting that price increases resulted in more properties falling into higher price brackets. At the other end, the increase in the share of properties selling between $400,000 and $1m, despite the rapid surge in prices, pinpoints the lift in the number of apartment and townhouse sales which are generally more affordable properties. (KAREN SPIRES) F PN

Source Bayleys Realty Group, REINZ, StatNZ

Karen Spires is a Bayleys Real Estate ‘Top Achiever’ - placing her sales data among the top five percent of salespeople within the company.

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UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL Michelle Buchanan Numerologist and author Michelle Buchanan uses Greek mathematician Pythagoras’ numerology to help others improve their lives.

She is the only New Zealander to receive an international publishing contract with Hay House Publishing - the largest mind/body/spirit publisher in the world.

Where do you live?

Eight steps from Ponsonby Intermediate which is extremely convenient for my son.

Who is your partner?

I haven’t met him yet but he’ll eventually cross my path.

What does he do?

No idea but I’m sure he’s good at it.

Do you have any children?

12-year-old Ben who looks (and acts) 16 and nine-year-old Ava who has a heart of gold.

Do you have any pets?

I have a cute and cheeky Cairn terrier called 'Ted' who won an award for the naughtiest dog.

If you weren’t a numerologist you’d be?

A psychologist, life coach, personal trainer or comedian.

Which is your favourite Ponsonby cafe?

Didas and Ripe. The best salad selections in town.

How do you keep fit?

Fitness is vital to my physical and mental wellbeing so I do weight training and cardio 5-6 mornings a week at Les Mills.

Which is your favourite Ponsonby restaurant?

A dear friend once took me to Sidart for the most delicious meal of my life.

Your best friend would say of you...

I’m funny, wise, compassionate and kind.

Your favourite Ponsonby store?

Lululemon.

Your mother would say of you...

I’m stubborn, hardworking and resilient and have been an outstanding single mum for the past seven years.

And your best kept Ponsonby secret?

The ocean view and small area of native bush at the back of Pt Erin pools brings a little bit of Kiwi nature to the suburban jungle. I go there every day to walk Ted and reconnect with nature.

What are your virtues?

I’m optimistic, caring, forgiving and fun.

And your vices?

I’m impatient and a perfectionist. BurgerFuel, and mint carob Banjo Bears from Harvest Wholefoods are my downfall.

Who's your ultimate rock icon?

Debbie Harry hands down! Working for her record company and meeting her in 1990 was a dream come true.

What’s your secret passion?

Singing and writing songs on my guitar.

What's your secret talent?

I’m a bad ass gangsta rapper in the shower.

Where do you spend your holidays?

The entire family - cousins, grandparents and all - fly to Sydney to board a cruise ship through the Pacific Islands.

What's your perfect Sunday?

No work, no gym and no alarm. Tucked up in bed on a cold, rainy winter’s morning with a cup of tea and good book.

What were you going to be when you grew up?

A rock star. I even moved to Los Angeles when I was 21, but life had other plans for me.

How did you come to be a numerologist?

While living in Los Angeles, a numerology reading helped me turn my life around after my rock star dreams were shattered. Because it had such a positive impact on me, I wanted to do the same for others so I began studying numerology independently. That was 26 years ago.

What has inspired you recently?

The quote: “What’s meant for you won’t pass you by and what passes you by wasn’t meant for you.”

What would be your desert island distraction?

Online classes with Caroline Myss - one of the greatest teachers/authors of our time.

The house is on fire and your family is safe - what do you save?

Nothing - it’s just material 'stuff'. I’d rather help put out the fire.

“I'd be lost without my...”

Two best friends Miriam Roberts and Nicola Vitasovich-Gregg. They share my wacky sense of humour and enjoy deep and meaningful conversation as much as I do.

One thing you have learned about life is?

Regardless of how positive, successful, spiritual or good a person you are, life will always present challenges. The sooner you accept this, the happier you’ll be. It’s essential to forgive the injustices, losses and betrayals of the past because bitterness, self-pity, the need for revenge or inability to move on only attracts illness, unhappiness and greater misfortune.

Your advice to Ponsonby people trying to improve themselves and their lives?

In order to attract something better you need to first of all make peace with your current situation, regardless of how unfortunate or frustrating it may be. If you acknowledge and appreciate what you already have (however insignificant or small), you’ll raise the magnetic vibration around you and things will start to improve.

Your advice to young Ponsonby people aspiring to follow their dreams...

Understand the power of the human mind and know that your thoughts (and beliefs) influence the people, opportunities and experiences you’ll attract into your life. Read John Kehoe’s ‘Mind Power’ and start visualising your life as you’d like it to be. F PN MICHELLE BUCHANAN www.michellebuchanan.co.nz

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HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS

@ FORMA 1. Rose gold jugs $55 to $65; 2. Kobo pure soy candles $60

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FORMA, 51 - 53 The Strand, Parnell, T: 09 368 7694, www.forma.co.nz, www.facebook.com/formafurniturenz

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STREET NAMES: THE HISTORICAL BOROUGH OF PONSONBY AND GREY LYNN

Bannerman Road Sir Henry Campbell Bannerman was born September, 1836 in Glasgow to Sir James Campbell and his wife, Janet Bannerman.

His father had started work at a young age in the clothing trade before going into partnership with his brother to found a business that expanded into a retail drapery business. When Henry inherited Hunton Court in Kent from his maternal uncle the will required him to use Bannerman as his surname. He was educated at Glasgow High School and later studied at Trinity College where he received a degree in classics. After graduating he joined the family business and became a partner following his marriage to Sarah Bruce. Apparently the couple were prodigious eaters and in their later years each weighed about 130kgs.

Campbell Bannerman as he was now known had a desire to pursue a career in politics.

At the age of 31 he stood as the Liberal candidate for Stirling Burghs a constituency he won and represented for almost 40 years. He rose quickly through the ministerial ranks becoming the Liberal government’s spokesman on defence matters. He continued in this role under Gladstone’s second government and served as Parliamentary Financial Secretary to the Admiralty before being promoted to the cabinet as Chief Secretary for Ireland. During Gladstone’s third and fourth governments he served as Secretary of State for War. During his tenure in this office he persuaded The Duke of Cambridge, the Queen’s cousin to resign from his post as Commander-in-Chief of the British Armed Forces for which achievement he earned a knighthood.

In 1899 CB as he liked to be called, succeeded Sir William Harcourt as leader of the badly divided Liberal Party caused by the Boer War. He at first pursued a middle course between the imperialists and the antiwar ‘pro Boers’ but in 1901 he provoked further disunity by condemning the British concentration camps as ‘methods of barbarism in South Africa’. By the end of the war tensions eased helped by CB’s ‘step by step’ approach to the problematic subject of Irish Home Rule. When the Conservative Prime Minister, Arthur James Balfour resigned in 1905, Edward V11, a friend of CB’s, asked him to form a minority government.

Earlier in 1903 the Liberal Party’s Chief Whip, Herbert Gladstone negotiated a pact with Ramsey MacDonald of the Labour Party to undermine the Conservatives which proved very successful. CB got on well with the Labour leaders, saying “we are keenly in sympathy with the representatives of Labour . We have too few of them in the House of Commons.” Despite this comment he was not a socialist but as one biographer wrote, "He was deeply and genuinely concerned about the plight of the poor." In his first public speech as Prime Minister, CB launched the traditional Liberal election campaign of “peace, retrenchment and reform."

The Liberals won by an enormous majority, gaining 216 seats and CB would be the last ever Liberal to lead his party to an absolute majority in the House of Commons. He was also given official use of the title ‘Prime Minister’ and because of being the only MP with the longest continuous service he achieved the honour of becoming the Father of the House, the only British PM to do so. His cabinet included two future prime ministers, Herbert Henry Asquith and David Lloyd George. He also included, John Eliot Burns, the first working-class person to attain cabinet rank in Great Britain.

His government, supported by 29 Labour Party MPs, crafted the People’s Budget, and introduced a great deal of social legislation, such as old age pensions and unemployment insurance for a significant part of the working population. Equally groundbreaking was the Parliament Act which removed the law-making veto enjoyed by the House of Lords making it constitutionally expedient to run any future government from the House of Commons. This mean’t that the Lords could continue to enjoy purely ornamental ancient privileges but be deprived of all real legislative power. CB maintained that the House of Commons predominance must prevail. His Trades Disputes Act of 1906 gave labour unions considerable freedom to strike and self-government for the Transvaal and the Orange River Colony was ceded.

In 1907 CB suffered a series of heart attacks and fearing he wouldn’t be able to survive till the end of his term he resigned and was succeeded by Asquith. Before he had time to relocate he passed away, the only former PM to die at 10 Downing Street. Many tributes followed and an emotional Asquith declared "he had the admiration and affection of all parties and creeds." His bronze bust sculpted by Montford is in Westminster.

PN (DEIRDRE ROELANTS) F

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BIRD OF THE MONTH Paradise Shelduck One of the most recognisable waterfowl in New Zealand has to be the paradise shelduck.

It is found across farmland, wetlands and grasslands, in both rural and urban areas and there is no other duck that it could possibly be mistaken for. Unlike almost every other bird species in New Zealand the paradise shelduck actually benefited from human modification and the destruction of natural landscapes. Since human arrival in the country and, more specifically, European arrival, the paradise shelduck population has skyrocketed.

@ DEPOT ARTSPACE

Escape Artists 3 - 21 September Opening: 3 September, 2pm to 3.30pm Auction in support of Suicide Prevention Publication: Saturday 3 September, 2.45pm What do ad men do when they escape? A group exhibition of paintings and multimedia works by local artists who have worked in the advertising industry, featuring works by David MacGregor, Alistair Guthrie, Josh Lancaster, Roy Meares, Tony McNeight, Scott Wilson, Fraser Williamson, Brian Harrison, Peter Burt and Grant Alexander.

Many of these artists have escaped the advertising and design-related businesses completely. Others remain in a low orbit, still attracted by the gravitational pull exerted by their love of the craft and new opportunities to contribute their skill and talent. All seek an escape in their art practice, enjoying the freedom to express their ideas, experiment, perfect technique and to restlessly create stuff - because it’s innate... even when the only reward is the work itself. F PN http:depotartspace.co.nz/suicide-prevention-publication-art-auctionfundraiser-saturday-3-september/

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

Shelduck suffered from extensive over-hunting for a large portion of the Nineteenth Century, but their numbers have bounced back due to hunting regulations and they are now the second most common waterfowl, after the mallard, in New Zealand. Hunting restrictions, which include bag limits and seasonal permits, are based on the bird’s movement and breeding success and vary across the country. The conversion of native forest has actually helped the paradise shelduck, making it one of a very tiny number of our species to benefit from this change. The creation of stock ponds and manmade water areas in cities has also aided in buffing their numbers.

They are herbivorous, feeding on anything from grass to crops of peas or grain. This is one of the reasons they are considered pests by farmers, due to their extended stays on pasture. This has led to large, legal culls taking place, sometimes in excess of 200,000 birds being shot annually. Despite this, numbers are still increasing.

Identifying paradise shelducks is relatively easy, especially as they spend a large portion of their time in pairs. They have contrasting plumage, for male and female, and in a slightly unexpected twist, the males are drabber than the females. This does occur elsewhere in the bird world but the opposite is more common. Male shelducks are dark grey, while females are a light chestnut with a white head. They first breed in their second or third year and pairs stay together for life, and they are very territorial. Hence why you will often see a pair of paradise shelducks in the farm over the fence every year for many years. (FINN MCLENNAN-ELLIOTT) F PN

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FINN MCLENNAN-ELLIOTT

Tattletale Saints - making a home in Nashville Tattletale Saints are back with their second album, after up and leaving New Zealand about two and a half years ago to start a life in the centre of country music, Nashville.

Their new album, self-titled and released on 2 September, sees them explore new territory, try out new sounds and bring to life new ideas and inspirations.

The new album has them bring the electric guitar to the fore, as they still remain true to their unique style of Americana. In keeping with their beautiful first album, How Red Is The Blood, their songs are driven by harmonies, upright bass and jazz influences. Their first album, which won the New Zealand Music Award for Best Folk Album in 2014, was their launching pad into the alt.country and folk world. This came at a time when they felt Nashville was the place to go and the place they needed to be, so they moved across the water and found themselves in its creative and thrilling world. I spoke with Cy Winstanley, songwriter and guitarist for the Tattletale Saints.

“The trucks are so big, the wheels are so big, I am a bit obsessed with trucks,” Winstanley tells me as we discuss what it was like starting almost from scratch in Nashville, and the differences between the United States and home. One thing is for certain, as a touring musician, you see an awful lot of trucks. “I miss New Zealand so much, I love the outdoors and running, and it’s not quite as easy or the same here. Nothing’s like New Zealand. The people here in Nashville are fantastic, but there’s something to be said for growing up in a country and how you’re shaped by those things. There are still significant cultural differences to the United States, even though it’s a western English speaking country.”

Since he and McGowan moved to Nashville they’ve found themselves in numerous other bands. “The bulk of my touring has been with this country artist Aubrey Sellers. Her voice and songwriting are country, but there’s a grungy, rocky guitar and band instrumentation to it. We tour hard. The last six months have been intense, and include massive drives, all across everywhere. We’re going to the West Coast next week. Thankfully we’re not driving there, although we’ve done that twice already! That’s a serious drive, we’d often play one gig and then drive for a whole day or two whole days - 10-16 hours a day of driving.

“Tattletale Saints recorded at the beginning of this year, and because our touring schedules with other artists are intense, our shows with the Saints have been pushed

back a bit. We kind of took a break from touring because we were selling and touring this old album, which was fantastic, but we were doing acoustic shows when the direction of the band was going in an electric direction.” This is often an interesting position for a band to be in and they found themselves having a break while they focused on being session musicians and the new album. Winstanley has spent this time writing and seeing where the new direction will take them. This includes adjusting to moving to a new country and working out what his place is there. “Music is so based on people that you know, and connections that you form through friends and other musicians. So, moving to a new place, it takes a good while to build up those connections.”

Now they have, they find themselves in a position where the Tattletale Saints are no longer always a duo. “This is a full band album, but we have tried to keep it somewhat contained and as if it could be played live. We didn’t like the idea of augmenting the production with layers of other instruments that couldn’t be reproduced live.” Winstanley and McGowan have been playing alongside a drummer for a while and due to the nature of musicians in Nashville, everyone plays in multiple bands, they have a couple on call to perform with the Saints.

For Winstanley, his biggest decision in the next period of life in Nashville will be balancing his touring with other artists with his own songwriting and performing. “I’m torn because I love playing guitar and playing guitar for other people, but I also love being a songwriter and performer playing in my own band. I’m focusing more on songwriting at the moment.

I’m not a hugely prolific songwriter, so most of them go towards Saints.” He’s the main songwriter for Tattletale Saints but he will often look for advice and suggestions from McGowan. “I come with the songs and we arrange them together. She’s got a great creative and analytical ear, so she will often help with a song that’s not quite finished.”

Tattletale Saints are returning to New Zealand to tour in support of their new album, Tattletale Saints, in January next year. They will be finishing the tour at The Tuning Fork in Auckland on Saturday 11 February 2017 and you will be able to find all the details about PN this on their website later in the year. (FINN MCLENNAN-ELLIOTT) F If you’d like to find their new self-titled album, head to www.tattletalesaints.com.

Finn McLennan-Elliott has a Bachelor of Science Honours degree specialising in human geography at Auckland University. In his spare time, Finn plays clarinet and guitar in an orchestra and a folk music group. He is hosting ‘Folk at the Old Folks’ on the first Sunday of every month at the Auckland Old Folks Association Hall, an intimate afternoon concert of folk music.

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ARTS + CULTURE FUN FOR FREE @ GARNET STATION SHOWING @ WHITESPACE Meet Mayoral Candidate Penny Bright, 8 and 15 September, 7pm Ballot papers for the local body elections will be in the mail between 16 and 21 September so this is an opportunity to get more informed about who to vote for, and why.

Bright Beyond Belief, a Tiny Theatre Production written and performed by Lisa Prager and Verity George to a sold out season last month, will be screened prior to Ms George interviewing Mayoral Candidate Penny Bright. Free event.

Jill Sorensen: Perfect World Until 18 September

In the upcoming painting exhibition Perfect World, Sorensen extends her investigation into nature/culture, bringing together an array of idealisations of the natural world.

Iconic Twentieth Century textile patterns, hippie-era dresses and idyllic farm yard scenes produced by toy companies are woven together into an unconventional take on floral and landscape painting.

The result is a series of playful paintings that exuberantly celebrates the rich histories of western floral pattern and nature painting, delighting in our species' spectacularly egocentric imagination of our companion life forms. On a more serious note, in celebrating the artifice of these genres the artist also draws attention to the ideological and ecological risks of actually projecting this human-centric idealisation onto the actual non humans we cohabit with.

Born in Thames, Jill Sorensen completed her Post-Graduate Diploma at Auckland University's Elam School of Fine Arts in 1995, after gaining a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of New South Wales. In 2002, she received a Master of Fine Arts with First Class Honours from Elam. F PN WHITESPACE, 12 Crummer Road, T: 09 361 6331, www.whitespace.co.nz

Believe It or Not Quiz Nights, 9 and 17 September, 7.30pm This traditional quiz night format has been running secretly at Garnet Station since April and now we are offering up the fun for everyone. Your hostess Severity George promises to enunciate exceptionally clearly in between sips of chardonnay!

The Tiny Theatre fits four teams of six masterminds per table. If a fun friendly quiz is your thing either find six fellow brain boxers to compete with, or let us know you are keen and we will put a table together. Dinner beforehand is highly encouraged as there is no charge for the quiz

Above: I should have; Below: I will wear that hippie dress and dance in the sun

The Deaf Rainbow Celebration! 25 September, 1pm. Free Event The Deaf Rainbow GLBT International Week of the Deaf Celebration at Garnet Station for Deaf GLBT Pride! Theme: ‘I am equal’.

Presentations from gay community organisations with NZSL (New Zealand Sign Language) Interpreters, plus an invitation to have fun learning a little bit of NZSL and test out some useful everyday vocab and meet people from the Deaf Rainbow community.

Hand waves! (deaf applause.) For information contact Marketing@auckland-deafd.org.nz F PN GARNET STATION TINY THEATRE, 85 Garnet Road, Book online at www.garnetstation.co.nz or T: 09 360 3397

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ARTS + CULTURE NEW WORKS @ THE FRAME WORKSHOP The Frame Workshop gallery currently has available the fantastic new works by Cristina Beth.

The mesmerising original work ‘Pulsating Fantasy’ is a testament to her talent and patience as each line is individually painted to resemble thread lines as in fabric.

SHOWING @ OREXART Dylan Lind 6-24 September

Dylan Lind’s work suggests layers of connection and disconnection with his cultural surroundings and, one could say, his cultural roots. There is a sense that things aren't easily pigeon holed or identified. With a love of American abstraction (Jasper Johns) and a desire to create his own visual language, Lind makes images that draw on both his family connections and his formal artistic signifiers and motivating influences.

Lind says, “I have a European and Cook Island background and my work sits nervously in between these worlds.”

PN Please contact rex@orexart.co.nz for details. F OREXART, 15 Putiki Street, Arch Hill, T: 09 378 0588 www.orexart.co.nz

Christina’s images have a touch of nostalgia as patterns and colours are inspired by abandoned mattresses found in inorganic piles.

There are three limited edition prints of this series framed and ready to add a blast of colour to your home. F PN THE FRAME WORKSHOP & GALLERY, 1/182 Jervois Road, T: 09 376 4749, www.frameworkshop.co.nz Next comes the litigation, 2016

Tapa-TPPA, 2016

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ARTS + CULTURE

SPECIAL EVENT @ GREY LYNN RSC LAST MONTH Lisle Kinney the original bass player for Hello Sailor was inducted into the NZ Music Hall of Fame recently at the Grey Lynn RSC. A ceremony with about 250 guests and friends including the remaining band members of Hello Sailor and guests Jordan Luck and Dave Dobbyn (who sang a few numbers with Lisle and Rick Ball). www.greylynnrsc.co.nz

photography: Mark Roach

Ant Healey(APRA) and Lisle Kinney

Lisle Kinney, Harry Lyon, Rick Poole and Rick Ball The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

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ARTS + CULTURE MURDER, POLITICAL INTRIGUE, BENT COPS AND THE FATE OF A NATION It’s Auckland 1951. In a world on fire with paranoia about the spread of communism, workers and the government are heading for a bloody confrontation - and the waterfront is the frontline.

New Zealand’s wealthy business leaders and politicians are desperate to break the dispute before it begins and to crush the radical Waterfront Workers Union in the process.

Jonothan Cullinane’s brilliant new thriller, Red Herring, plunges the reader into the murky centre of the conflict. It cleverly mixes historical fact and real-life characters with fiction.

There’s Johnny Molloy, a left-leaning veteran of the Spanish Civil War and WW2, now a private detective hired to investigate possible insurance fraud by one of the watersiders.

There’s Fintan Patrick Walsh, the Federation of Labour big shot - and ruthless killer.

There’s the cold-hearted Communist Party boss, V. G. Parker. There’s Frank O’Flynn, an IRA bomber on the run. There’s Sunny Day, a Maori Battalion veteran and all-round hard man. There’s the Kelly Gang, a group of conservative businessman attempting to run affairs of state from their deep leather armchairs in the Northern Club. And, there’s the

feisty young Auckland Star reporter, Caitlin O’Carolan, following up on a few conspiracy theories of her own.

Red Herring takes the reader on a roller-coaster ride through the back streets and dockland markets of Auckland where nothing is as it seems. Glimpses at the familiar landscapes of Grey Lynn and Ponsonby will delight, but all the while the reader is left wondering - did this really happen or is it just a great novel?

"I’ve always enjoyed hard-boiled fiction and thought it would be interesting to set a story in post-war New Zealand," says Jonothan Cullinane. "The waterfront dispute, which happened at the outbreak of the Korean War and the Cold War, had enormous economic repercussions and seemed a natural setting. Fintan Patrick Walsh is the perfect villain."

Jonothan Cullinane has worked as a barman and proof reader in New York, on oil rigs in Canada and the North Sea, and in film and television in New Zealand. He lives in Grey Lynn. F PN RED HERRING (HarperCollins New Zealand) by Jonothan Cullinane. RRP $36.99

THE ANNUAL GREAT ART SALE! @ LAKE HOUSE ARTS 31 August - 2 October

The Lake House Arts annual art sale is back! Now going for over 12 years, the Great Art Sale is a must see exhibition on every art lover's calendar.

It is an opportunity for artists from all over the country to sell their works on a no commission basis - all proceeds go to the artist! F PN For more information please check their website www.lakehousearts.org.nz LAKE HOUSE ARTS, 37 Fred Thomas Drive, Takapuna, Open 7 days.

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SHOWING @ TOI ORA GALLERY

ARTS + CULTURE PERFORMING WITH ST MATTHEW’S CHAMBER ORCHESTRA

Adam Hoven was born in the United Kingdom and immigrated to New Zealand when he was eight years old. He is passionate about his paintings and is known for his attention to detail in his portraiture, New Zealand landscapes and alternative worlds.

Exciting and versatile pianist Stephen De Pledge and dynamic conductor Jose Aparicio, 18 September, 2.30pm

‘Selected Works’- Adam Hoven and Simon Willis Opening: 8 September, 12 noon to 1.30pm

Auckland artist Simon Willis remains dedicated to exploring the portrait and abstraction, with his faith as the main theme throughout his work and life.

Open Monday to Friday, 9am - 4pm. F PN TOI ORA GALLERY, 6 Putiki Street, T: 09 360 4171, info@toiora.org.nz, www.toiora.org.nz

New Zealand pianist Stephen De Pledge is one of the most exciting and versatile musicians of his generation. A pianist of ‘immense intelligence’ he intends to improvise the cadenzas for the Mozart Concerto (no 20 K466) at this concert. In Mozart’s time it was normal for the soloist to spontaneously improvise in the moments before the end of the first and third movements to this concerto.

Stephen de Pledge’s career was launched after winning the Gold Medal from the Guildhall and the NFMS Young Concert Artists’ Award. He has since maintained a diverse and wide-ranging performing schedule, as soloist, chamber musician and song accompanist.

Stephen’s solo performances have taken him throughout the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, Italy, France, Singapore, Japan, Australia and the United States. Concerto appearances include the Philharmonia (London) and Bournemouth Symphony Orchestras, and performances in the Barbican and Fairfield Halls.

As a chamber musician, Stephen has collaborated with groups such as Chamber Domaine, the Berlin Philharmonic Wind Quintet, the English Chamber Orchestra Ensemble and the Scottish Ensemble. Stephen has always been an advocate for contemporary music and he has given the world premiere performances of many works in addition to his solo recordings. He has broadcast for Radio 3 and Classic FM in the United Kingdom and also on radio in United States, Australia, New Zealand and Sweden and for BBC Television.

Stephen de Pledge is currently the Senior Lecturer in Piano at the University of Auckland - a position he combines with performing in the United Kingdom and internationally.

Adam Hoven - Pyramid and space

St Matthew’s Chamber Orchestra who will accompany Stephen de Pledge produces the kind of music that is magic; excellence is their only option. Highly recommended - their concerts play to full houses. Make sure you get there early. TICKETS Door sales cash or cheque. Adults $25. Concessions $20. Children under 12 free. F PN ST MATTHEW-IN-THE-CITY CHURCH corner Wellesley and Hobson Streets, www.smco.org.nz

Simon Willis - Man Interrupted

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Pianist Steven De Pledge

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ARTS + CULTURE ALL SAINTS ANGLICAN CHURCH -150 YEARS AT THE HEART OF PONSONBY 150 years after Bishop Selwyn met with local Anglicans under the Pohutukawa tree in 1866, All Saints Ponsonby is still in good heart.

The current Richard Toy designed church built in 1958 replaced the original wooden church which opened on the site on 21 December 1866.

While the buildings, the bells and the organ are all important, it is the people of Ponsonby and around who have created what All Saints Ponsonby is today. We are a church made up of people of all ages and where all are welcome.

There are five worship services each week as well as a programme for children and young people. The church hall and lounge is used by many different community groups and the All Saints Community Creche operates each weekday between 8.30am and 1pm.

A newly rebuilt playground has added to the facilities used by the children and their teachers.

The clergy and church community offer support to many people in Ponsonby, Herne Bay and beyond, as well as projects supporting a school in East Auckland and a tree nursery in Uganda.

The congregation and clergy hope that you will find time to join in celebrating the 150 year history of All Saints by attending the celebratory Service at 10am on Sunday 30 October or coming along to the community barbecue on Saturday 29 October from 5pm.

The Vicar, Rev Diana Rattray, says, “We are delighted to celebrate our history and to continue to serve Ponsonby into the future.� F PN ALL SAINTS ANGLICAN CHURCH, 284 Ponsonby Road, www.allsaintsponsonby.org.nz

TAPA AND TIARE - A CONTEMPORARY PACIFIC ART EXHIBITION 6-10 October. Opening Thursday 6 October from 5pm to 8.30pm.

Food, beverages and music by Soulahula.

Tapa and Tiare brings together the work of sculptor Tui Hobson and bespoke furniture maker Sam Ford. The exhibition, at the warehouse pop up space in Grey Lynn, will be a visual treat and allow not only intimate pieces but also large-scale works to be displayed. Both Tui and Sam use recycled timbers and strong pacific designs lie at the heart of their work.

Well-known Ponsonby identity, Sam Ford, of Ngai Tukairangi and European descent, has recently returned from 17 years working in London at the Tate and National Gallery where his work there in restoration led him in a new direction, designing and constructing fine furniture. His skills in marquetry and fine joinery take his furniture to a new level with sophisticated but immediately recognisable pacific influences. Sam has set up a workshop in Auckland to take commissions for his high-end furniture.

Of Cook Island Maori and European descent, Tui Hobson has been sculpting for over 20 years and her strong abstract forms and fine finishing bring out the natural beauty of the New Zealand native woods and in particular swamp kauri that she uses for her sculptures.

Her works are held in both public and private collections in New Zealand and overseas.

POP UP SPACE, 3 Grosvenor Street, Grey Lynn

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ARTS + CULTURE

UPTOWN ART SCENE At the opening of her latest exhibition Isometria at Whitespace in Crummer Road, we asked Kathryn Stevens about her work and working in the uptown area.

“I’ve had a studio in Queen Street for about 15 years and prior to that, one in Great North Road. I’ve exhibited at Whitespace since 2010, so uptown feels like my art-making home. In that time the uptown art community has intensified with more galleries moving into the area and the art events now happening there, such as White Nights and First Thursdays.

"As the area has become more gentrified, the pressure on spaces for artists and the creative community is becoming more challenging.

"My work has always been about the tension between the surface and space of a painting. As part of my drawing process I make temporary constructions based on architectural concepts or ideas. Until last year these constructions were three dimensional and employed the idea of the grid as a way to visualise, or ‘make’, the space.

Kathryn Stevens, Pleat, oil & flashe acrylic on canvas, 900 x 1150mm

"So the shift in the paintings has been led by the approach to the constructions which are now based on the architectural concept of folding a flat surface in order to create space. It is the generative process of folding that creates the planes and suggests space. The images for the current paintings are drawn from the folds when they are flat; they still the hold the possibility that they can be unfolded generating volume.

"Working with 3D installation is a different way of approaching the same ideas.

My recent installations have described a drawn line in real space or used a plane to inhabit space. My most recent installation ‘reach’ can be seen as a kind of architectural interference, as it inhabits the wall and activates the space where a painting might hang and disrupts it.”

(WILL PAYNT STUDIO ARTS SUPPLIES) F PN

ART ASSOCIATES With a vast collection of contemporary artworks, we make the process of leasing or purchasing art easy and accessible. Contact us to find out more.

37 Scanlan Street, Ponsonby, T: 09 376 4308, www.artassociates.co.nz

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OUT + ABOUT

West End Lawn Tennis Club - front facade

West End Lawn Tennis Club players on the court

Justin Mackenzie, head coach with Blair O'Brien

West End Lawn Tennis Club - side facade

Mary Leonard with Luigi & Dawn Rocca

Phil, Judith and Mitch Day of Water4U (sponsor)

Al Monro, Club President of the West End Lawn Tennis Club

Shale Chambers - Chair of the Waitemata Local Board

Shale Chambers, Miranda Burdon, Al Monro & Dawn Rocca

Middle: Isabella Vesty, Anna Russell & Charlotte Catherwood; Front: Emma Anderson, Stanley Yugor & Jamie Mackenzie

Waitemata Local Board members, Pippa Coom, Greg Moyle, Shale Chambers, Deborah Yates, Rob Thomas & Christopher Dempsey with Al Monro & Miranda Burdon of the West End Lawn Tennis Club (back and front centre)

Natalie MacGregor of Auckland City BMW (sponsor) & Rob Thomas

Miranda Burdon committee member and project leader with Shale Chambers

photography: Gwynne Davenport

Back: Jess Swney, Justin Mackenzie, Liam Briggs, Blair O'Brien, Nick Varley & Troy Bannan;

OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE NEW CLUBROOMS @ WEST END LAWN TENNIS CLUB - SUNDAY 31 JULY Special guests, members and the public gathered for the official opening of the new clubrooms at the West End Lawn Tennis Club.

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OUT + ABOUT

Guests at the official opening

Hon Paul Swain, Board Chairman, New Zealand Fire Service

Hon Peter Dunne, Minister of Internal Affairs

Pippa Coom and Shale Chambers

Kerry Gregory, Regional Commander

Roger Callister, Mark Deoki and Geoff Purcell

Nga Tauira Maori from University of Auckland

Richard Twomey, Area Commander

Roger Callister and Jonathan Lu

Jonathan Lu and Piki Thomas

Kowhai tree planting performance by Nga Tauira Maori

Plaque, official opening of the Grey Lynn Fire Station

Vivienne Rosenberg and Felicity O'Driscoll

photography: Gwynne Davenport

Grey Lynn Fire Station

OFFICIAL OPENING @ GREY LYNN FIRE STATION - FRIDAY 12 AUGUST The official opening of the Grey Lynn Fire Station by Hon Paul Swain, Board Chairman, New Zealand Fire Service. This was followed by a Kowhai tree planting ceremony. The $5.1m station build was completed in April 2016, with crews moving in on 2 May 2016. Grey Lynn replaces the old Ponsonby station, positioning it at the interface of Auckland's CBD with its ever-growing number of high-rise structures, and densely populated areas of Grey Lynn, Balmoral and Pt Chevalier. Roger Callister asked us to remind the community to please adhere to the KEEP CLEAR FIRE EXIT road markings, to allow the fire engines to exit onto Williamson Avenue.

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PONSONBY NEWS OUTLETS FREEMANS BAY

NEWMARKET

Ecostore, 1 Scotland Street Glengarry, Corner Sale and Wellesley Streets Kellands Real Estate, 4 Drake Street New World, Victoria Park

Planet Ayurveda, 41 Gillies Avenue Taylor Boutique, 1 Teed Street

GREY LYNN Barfoot & Thompson, 533 Great North Road Barkley Manor, 400 - 402 Great North Road Grey Lynn Community Centre, 520 Richmond Road Grey Lynn Community Library, 474 Great North Road Raw Essentials, 401B Richmond Road Ripe, 172 Richmond Road Tapac, 100 Motions Road Vetcare, 408 Great North Road

HERNE BAY Herne Bay Post & Stationers, 240 Jervois Road Five Loaves, 206 Jervois Road Icing on the Cake, 188 Jervois Road Momentum, 182 Jervois Road

KINGSLAND Atomic, 420c New North Road

MT EDEN Citta Outlet Store, Corner Enfield & Normanby Road Sabato, 57 Normanby Road Studio Italia, 25 Nugent Street

130 PONSONBY NEWS+ September 2016

NORTH SHORE Rug Direct, Wairau Park Dawson’s Furniture, Mairangi Bay

Ponsonby News is published on the first Friday of each month excluding January.

Copies go quickly so be quick to collect yours from any of the following outlets.

The issue is also published on our website www.ponsonbynews.co.nz

PARNELL Jane Daniels, 2 Birdwood Crescent Parnell Community Centre, 545 Parnell Road

PONSONBY Askew, 2b Jervois Road Bayleys, 305 Ponsonby Road Countdown, 7 Williamson Avenue Harcourts, 89 Ponsonby Road Leys Institute, 20 St Mary’s Road The Longroom, 114 Ponsonby Road Mag Nation, 123 Ponsonby Road Paper Plus, 332 Ponsonby Road Ponsonby Community Centre, 20 Ponsonby Terrace Servilles, Corner Jervois & Ponsonby Road Studio One, 1 Ponsonby Road Whitespace, 12 Crummer Road

WESTMERE Glengarry, 164 Garnet Road

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

THE PONSONBY PINK PAGES

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