LOCAL NEWS
DAVID HARTNELL:
ONE MINUTE INTERVIEW WITH SUNIL KUMAR Sunil and his wife Bhawna are both directors and pharmacists of the Unichem chemist in Grey Lynn and have both been fixtures in Grey Lynn’s Surrey Crescent area for the past 28 years. What do you like the most about working in Grey Lynn? The range of people I get to meet, the friendliness and vibrant culture, plus the fact that it's centrally located. How have you survived the pandemic & has it changed your life? We had to survive – we had no choice as we were an essential service provider. It has changed my life significantly as I had to adapt and make changes like operating in contactless ways. I have never seen anything like this ever. The terrible impact it has on so many livelihoods, health etc. What was your childhood like? Happy, playful and maybe naughty at times - only parents know this. Complete the sentence: I will die happy if... I have no debts. What is your favorite TV series? Disney’s Mandalorian. Where would your dream overseas holiday be? Europe – Turkey, Italy, France, Spain. What’s on your bucket list? A European holiday. Visiting relatives overseas - Canada, USA, London etc. What is the most Kiwi thing about you? I go out of my way to help others no matter the consequences. Where do you see yourself in 10 years? Still working and contributing to New Zealand. What job would you do other than your own and why? I would really like to do some volunteer work for the Red Cross or Auckland City Mission. Helping less unfortunate people would give some satisfaction in life. If they were to make a movie about your life, who would you like to play you? Captain Kirk of Star Trek Enterprise. Beam me up Scotty. What do you most dislike about your appearance? Being a little short – I could have been taller. How would you like to be remembered? For the professional services I provide. What's something that you really disapprove of? Lies. If you were reincarnated, what would you be? A tiger. Tigers have grace, strength, agility and enormous power – virtues which I admire.
If you won a million dollars what is the first thing you would do? Donate some, pay off the mortgage, help any family or friends in financial strife and keep some for a rainy day. What is something that motivates you? Being successful starts with hard work and being organised – good time management. What do you think happens when we die? Family background tells me to say reincarnation, but in reality I think nothing happens. We become part of the cosmos. What's the best movie you've ever seen and why? I have two. The Shawshank Redemption and Forrest Gump – great quotes and just mesmerising to watch. Give your teenaged self some advice? Don’t be shy. I was afraid to talk to a huge audience initially and had to gain some guts to do it. How do you chill out? Whiskey with soda water on the rocks. Which item of clothing can't you live without? Underpants. Favorite time of the day? After work – 7pm in the evening.
What do you love most about your age? Experience. I have learned a lot over the years especially from GPs so am aware of many medical conditions and treatments.
If you could change one law or policy in New Zealand for New Zealanders, what would it be? The Cannabis Reform Bill – allow easy access for doctors to prescribe and patients to obtain assorted cannabis products for pain relief.
Your biggest disappointment? The only regret I have was not being able to meet my uncle and aunty who passed away in an accident in Toronto, Canada.
Pharmacy Act – allow community pharmacies like in Australia some protection in location to total number of pharmacies allowed within certain km. (DAVID HARTNELL, MNZM) PN
12 PONSONBY NEWS+ September 2021
PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)
