PONSONBY NEWS - DECEMBER'13

+ PUBLISHED 6 DECEMBER, 2013

Established: OCTOBER 1989 – CELEBRATING 24 YEARS OF PUBLISHING HISTORY!

ponsonbynews.co.nz

DECEMBER 2013

BUMPER CHRISTMAS ISSUE 180 PAGES OF SUMMER HOLIDAY READING!

THE SCREAMING RAPTURE INSTALLATION DELIGHTED ALL AGES AT ‘ART IN THE DARK’ IN WESTERN PARK

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WHAT’S INSIDE THIS MONTH

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P44: There are two opportunities to see Santa…he’ll be on Ponsonby Road for Market Day. He’s also down at ASB Santa’s Bach in the Wynyard Quarter; P60: Last month’s ‘Art in the Dark’ in Western Park; P120: The Swim Bus is a mobile swim school that brings the instructors and equipment to you when and where you want it.

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR FROM THE EDITOR DAVID HARTNELL: ONE MINUTE INTERVIEW SHALE CHAMBERS: WAITEMATA LOCAL BOARD NIKKI KAYE, AUCKLAND CENTRAL MP JOHN ELLIOTT: LOCAL NEWS MIKE LEE JACINDA ARDERN: LABOUR LIST MP AUCKLAND LANDMARK BUILDINGS PIPPA COOM: GREY LYNN 2030

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U3A PONSONBY ANGELA LASSIG: LETTERS FROM MAUDIE FASHION + STYLE ART IN THE DARK EAT, DRINK AND BE MERRY LAURAINE JACOBS: THE SEASONED PALATE PONSONBY NEWS READERS ARE EVERYWHERE LIVING, THINKING + BEING SHEENA SHUVANI: STARDUST ASTROLOGY HELENE RAVLICH: NATURAL BEAUTY

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JOHN APPLETON ON HEALTH PONSONBY PEOPLE & THEIR PETS SIDELINE WITH GEORGE BERRY FUTURE GENERATION LOOK WHO IS IN THE ZOO STREET NAMES HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS JAY PLATT: WE CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT ARTS + CULTURE PONSONBY PINK PAGES COVER PHOTOGRAPHY: Michael McClintock

PONSONBY NEWS+ is published monthly, excluding January by ALCHEMY MEDIA LIMITED, 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 Deputy Editor Operations Manager Contributing Fashion Editor Contributing Editor Contributing Editor Proof Readers Layout Designer Designer

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MARTIN LEACH; M: 021 771 147; E: martinleach@xtra.co.nz or martin@ponsonbynews.co.nz JO BARRETT; M: 021 324 510; E: joannebarrett@xtra.co.nz JAY PLATT; M: 021 771 146; E: jayplatt@xtra.co.nz or jay@ponsonbynews.co.nz GWYNNE DAVENPORT; M: 021 150 4095; E: ponsonbynews@xtra.co.nz JULIE ROULSTON; M: 027 211 7169; E: julie@ponsonbynews.co.nz DEIRDRE TOHILL; M: 021 261 8439; E: deir42@vodafone.co.nz JOHN ELLIOTT; M: 021 879 054; E: johnelliott@ihug.co.nz RICHARD GRAVENOR; JESSIE KOLLEN ARNA MARTIN; E: arna@cocodesign.co.nz MELISSA PAYNTER; E: melissapaynter@me.com

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Our archive is all online as a low resolution pdf or from august 2010, as a high resolution E-mag - visit www.ponsonbynews.co.nz The entire content of this publication is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means - electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise - without the prior permission, in writing, of the copyright owner. Colour transparencies and manuscripts submitted are sent at the owner’s risk; neither the publisher nor its agents accept any responsibility for loss or damage. Although every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this publication, the publisher can accept no liability for any inaccuracies that may occur.

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LETTERS + EMAILS

Views in Ponsonby News reflect the author’s, and not those of Alchemy Media.

www.twitter.com/Ponsonby_News

PLEASE SEND LETTERS TO info@ponsonbynews.co.nz Andiamo in Herne Bay showed real community spirit during the America’s Cup It was great to see Andiamo in Herne Bay showing real community spirit during the America’s Cup racing. They opened up and arranged a big screen for locals and passers by alike, to congregate as a community to watch the racing together. They even went as far as supplying free breakfasts to locals and tradies alike whilst watching. They did this with no expectations of thanks or recompense. It confirmed we had made the right choice moving back into the greater Ponsonby area, which still retains that village feel we noticed 18 years ago when we first arrived. I also note Andiamo has supported the local Ponsonby school fundraiser over the years and the food they supply (at no charge) is usually gulped down pretty quick!

DAVE FERMAH, by email Population growth pushing planet to limit I found John Elliot’s article, November issue discussing Sir John Sulston’s recent lecture on global population growth, consumption and sustainability very informative. However it left me thinking that here we have yet another report, full of dire warnings, but still nothing ever seems to change. In fact, year by year these problems grow steadily worse. Deforestation, drought and pollution increases, poverty grows, and the planet’s climate continues to heat up. Despite all the evidence, and all the rhetoric from politicians, there has not been any meaningful response to these serious issues from the world’s leaders. Instead it’s business as usual.

While there is regular news coverage about what is happening to our planet there is never any discussion in the mainstream media as to why we continue to pursue economic policies that clearly create so much poverty and environmental damage.

The reality today is that after 30 years of neo liberal free market economics, with its deregulation and privatisation agenda, most governments are now serving the narrow economic interests of big business, rather than the broader interests of society and the environment. In the words of Joseph Stiglitz, former chief economist at the World Bank, and Nobel prize winner, “The economic elites have pushed for a framework that benefits them at the expense of the rest”.

For those who still hope that governments and corporations will fix the world’s problems, as Naomi Klien points out in her insightful book “The Shock Doctrine”, today’s disaster capitalists see war, destruction, environmental degredation and climate change not as a threat to the fabric of a civilised society, but as an economic opportunity to literally profit from planned misery.

Yet we all share responsibility in helping to perpetuate this dysfunctional system. We allow ourselves to be seduced by the trappings of consumerism, dumbed down by the corporate owned media, and distracted by sports, entertainment and trivia, while the really important things remain ignored.

Until the masses awake from their television induced inertia and demand accountability from our leaders the status quo will remain. It’s time to rediscover people power.

SEAN JENNER, by email A truly remarkable life - correction from Deirdre Tohill OOOPS! Jenny Wheeler has pointed out that she was never the Auckland Star editor, only its features editor. Quote; “the very capable Judy McGregor was editor of the Auckland Star, who did a fantastic job in a very difficult situation, and Jenny would hate it to be thought she was trying to steal her thunder. Jenny was the second woman to hold such a position but it was after Judy (who had been editor of the Sunday News before she became editor of the Auckland Star), a truly outstanding and pioneering journalist”.

My apologies to Jenny for this unfortunate error. DEIRDRE TOHILL

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

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Arch Hill Residents outraged at Auckland Council Decision Auckland Council decided to grant consent following the hearing for a Resource Consent

by Bunnings Limited to establish a Bunnings Building Improvement Centre at 272-276, 300 & 302 Great North Road, Arch Hill, 1021. The residents of Arch Hill and the wider community are outraged and hugely disappointed by the decision of the planning commissioners to grant the consent to Bunnings. Without spending a lot of time digesting all 68 pages at this early stage, it is patently obvious that zero weight was placed on the evidence from 50 submissions opposing the development made by or on behalf of notified parties.

Sue Lyons, committee member of the Arch Hill Residents commented “for all the time, effort, and money raised and now spent, there is nothing in the decision that gives us comfort - in fact you would have to wonder whether the commissioners paid any attention to the community interest in this matter at all. We went into this knowing full well that we were up against big business, a flawed planning process and a legacy mind-set within Auckland Council. We knew we had the support of the community, the Waitemata local board, our Super City councillor Mike Lee and both Minister Nikki Kaye and MP Jacinda Ardern.

Missing in action throughout this process was our mayor, Len Brown. His vision is for Auckland to be the world’s most liveable compact city. Mr Brown twice discussed this development with members of our community and our vision for Arch Hill as a blend of residential and mixed use zoning and the intensification of the Great North Road transport corridor which all fits neatly into the draft unitary plan.

Yet throughout the election campaign and at a key debate, Mr Brown steadfastly refused to support our campaign or any strategic initiatives proposed by council to limit the intrusion of ‘Big Box’ developments along the Grey Lynn ridge. It appears that Mr Brown has failed to read the mood of his constituency at all levels”. Anita Aggrey, long time Dean Street resident noted “there appears to be a massive void between Len’s vision and the refusal of the commissioners and council planners to look past the commercial imperatives of large corporates. Declining consent for this development would have sent a loud and clear message that recognition of existing amenity value and population intensification hand in hand with an integrated transport strategy is the preferred outcome instead of the generation of another 2,000 cars and trucks per day travelling into already crowded inner city residential streets.” As a community it is only proper that we regroup and consult before any decision to appeal which has to be made within 15 days of the release of this appalling outcome.

DAVID BATTEN, Arch Hill BUNNINGS - one truck EVERY 15 minutes By now most people will know that the commissioners at the Auckland Council granted Bunnings the right to build the big box that no one (except Bunnings) wanted, and although they said it is with concessions, you have to read many of the 16 pages before you find that the ONLY concession is limiting the 24 trucks to a certain time period. For the people who live on Dean and King Streets... it is still one truck every 15 minutes down King, past the kindy on the corner, to the end of Dean street, off loading and leaving again.

Who will police these “conditions”? Not council. What happens if the retaining wall, given consent some time ago by council, collapses onto the childcare centre? Nothing! It is Kindercare’s problem apparently. And it will be the neighbourhood’s job to ensure that the “condition” is adhered to. Welcome to the world of lodging complaints with council…

Welcome to a neighbourhood where it is untenable for people to live and welcome to a traffic nightmare. All the Arch Hill submitters expertise was ignored by commissioners.

One has to ask why. Did council, despite all the compelling evidence, WAGER our rates in order to avoid going to environment court against a large, well resourced Aussie corporation? You bet they did. Democracy was paid lip service to - experienced and well respected professionals were ignored. Unless we can fight this in the Environment Court (which both Bunnings and council are betting we won’t have the funds for)... Great North Road becomes open slather for the DIY warehouse wars.

Why would Council limit it to only Bunnings? It wouldn’t be fair would it? So if you love Lincoln Road Boulevard in Henderson, you’re going to love the new look Arch Hill.

Want to stop it? archhillcommunity@gmail.com SUE LYONS, Arch Hill

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RFROM THE EDITOR

JAY PLATT, JACK, JO BARRETT, MARTIN LEACH, JULIE ROULSTON + GWYNNE DAVENPORT

IT SEEMS THE YEARS GO BY A LITTLE BIT FASTER THE OLDER WE GET. 2013 HAS fair sped us by and as we go to press at 180 pages, this issue is our biggest since December 2011. There is plenty of summer holiday reading this month; including 12 pages of fashion, 20 pages on food and wine, 24 pages of health and beauty and 44 pages on home and real estate - we know you’ll enjoy this bumper issue as much as we have in producing it. We don’t publish in January, which gives the team a rest from our monthly deadline.

There are a number of diary dates we’re looking forward to. We, like the organisers, are looking forward to decent weather for the annual Grey Lynn Park Festival, which is over by the time this issue is produced. That event is closely followed by the Franklin Road Christmas lights switch-on. On Sunday, 8 December, don’t miss Carols by Candlelight in Western Park.

As we went to press, we had some business card advertising space to allocate and this year, we’ve gifted that space to some of the charities we like to support which include Body Positive, Cartier Trust, City Mission, Fred Hollows, Mercy Hospice, Safe NZ, Shine, Sustainable Coastlines and Youthline.

The final Ponsonby Market Day is being held tomorrow, Saturday 7 December and starts from 11am onwards. Santa will be on the strip from midday. There will be bands, carol singers, Christmas bargains, food, entertainment and market stalls.

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

In this issue we’ve included Christmas gift suggestions along with some hair and beauty ideas for easy summer living. This Christmas we pledge to shop small, spend LOCAL, eat LOCAL and enjoy LOCAL... we love to support the local businesses that support us and this community.

We haven’t met a single person who is pleased with the outcome of the Bunnings plan for a big box development on Great North Road. There were 51 submissions, of which 50 opposed and one was neutral. So much for democracy, and we are disappointed that the Council’s talk of population intensification is just talk! Letting this development through disgusts us and it looks as if Arch Hill locals will need to take their concerns to the Environment Court.

Happy 17th Birthday to Bambina Café, who have just been named best café in Auckland in the 2013 New Zealand Café of the Year awards.

Our next issue will not be published until Friday 7 February. Our features will focus on Jervois Road, planning for retirement, maintaining good health, Valentine’s Day and the sales. Email joannebarrett@xtra.co.nz to secure your space.

We wish all our readers and our lovely advertisers a very Merry Christmas and wish everyone a wonderful New Year. The office is closed from Wednesday 11 December and reopens on Monday 14 January 2014. (MARTIN LEACH) F PN

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photography: kloser and Michael McClintock

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DAVID HARTNELL’S: ONE MINUTE INTERVIEW

Herne Bay resident Phillip Mills needs no introduction, he’s the CEO of Les Mills Fitness.

What was your childhood like?

Until I was seven we lived in Dickens Street, above Grey Lynn Park, which was at that time New Zealand’s premier athletics track. I remember watching Peter Snell race Kip Keino from our back yard. My parents ran home appliance shops and shoe shops in Grey Lynn, Point Chev, Mt Albert, Avondale, New Lynn and Henderson, so they were busy, but growing up on Grey Lynn Park at that time was idyllic. We attended Grey Lynn school. When I was seven we moved to California, so that my father could pursue his athletic career. We lived for a year in the San Francisco area of Sunnyvale. At the time it was all fruit orchards, but now it is part of Silicon Valley. We then moved to downtown LA, where I attended 32nd Street School until I was 10. A very different experience to Grey Lynn Park.

Would you ever consider having Botox?

No - I have largely come to terms with being old and ugly.

How would you like to be remembered?

For having contributed to the world’s individual and environmental health.

What do you love most about your age?

1. I have made so many mistakes that I tend to make better decisions, though I still manage to screw up fairly well from time to time. 2. Watching our (Jackie and my) children grow into their careers. 3. Our grandson.

Which greatest hits would you take to a desert island?

Tough choice. Springsteen for his soul and his poetry I guess. Hard to leave Kanye and U2 behind though.

Do you have a party trick?

I used to be able to do a standing jump onto any bar or reception desk. One of the 30 year skills I would like back please.

The last time you turned off your cell phone?

1995.

Something that you really disapprove of?

Politicians and businesspeople who care only for their own power or profit.

What’s your comfort food?

A pretty wide range of traditional and ethnic dishes. Lots of stuff from Harvest in Richmond Road. But no sugar -based junk food!

Do you believe in ghosts? Or angels?

Or vampires?

No, but I know people who come close.

Best movie you’ve ever seen?

Every Christmas we put on “Love Actually” and the whole family loves it, except my brother-in-law Peter Phillips, who is a grumpy old man.

When is the last time you cried?

The funeral of my brother-in-law Dave McArtney, earlier this year.

Give your teenaged self some advice?

You are loved and valued, and tomorrow is another day.

Your favourite book?

Anything by John Updike, Walter Moseley, William Gibson, Michael Ondaatje. Best read of the past few years was ‘Wolf Hall’ by Hillary Mantell.

Is there anything you’re insecure about?

Magazine interviews that ask questions like that. Aside from that, all the usual.

Tell us something very few people know about you?

My first fulltime job was as a postie in Mt Albert and Western Springs. Took it to help my athletics training.

Change one thing about yourself what would it be?

30 years younger would do!

Your greatest fear?

Aside from my own mortality, that we will destroy our environment before humanity has the chance to fulfill its potential; that the world will be a worse place for our children and grandchildren.

Which talent would you most like to have?

The ones I had 30 years ago - minus the mistakes.

Your life motto?

Too many to bore you with. I’m painfully driven.

Any acting aspirations?

What old guy hasn’t dreamt of being Brando or Pacino or Nicholson? As a business manager I am always trying to get into character as my true self.

What can’t you live without?

My iPhone.

Your dream guest list for a dinner party?

Quick random selection - Einstein, Gandhi, Updike, Obama, Jobs, Elizabeth (1st), Shakespeare, Hepburn (Katherine), Cromwell (Thomas), Bill Bryson, Tim Flannery, Jared Diamond, My late brother-in-law Dave McArtney, my partner Jackie Mills.

How do you take your coffee?

I love the smell, but can’t drink it. I am part of the population that doesn’t have a gene to digest caffeine.

One cup and I’m awake for days.

Are Kiwi men really grumpy old men?

I can only speak for myself. Since I stopped eating sugar five years ago, grumpiness is one of the many undesirable things that have largely disappeared from my life. Note that I said largely.

What do you think on gay marriage?

Strongly in favour. (DAVID HARTNELL) F PN

PONSONBY HISTORY… DID YOU KNOW? In 1954 St Mary’s College for Catechists on the North Shore is transferred to Ponsonby, St. Marys School for Boys and a Seminary are built on five acres (20,000 m2) of Crown Grant land at the end of Waitemata Street.

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SHALE CHAMBERS: WAITEMATA LOCAL BOARD REPORT THE FRANKLIN ROAD CHRISTMAS LIGHTS ARE TWINKLING AND ONCE again delighting Aucklanders who use the longer evenings to enjoy a free street event every night until Christmas and the holiday season begins in earnest. Pat yourselves on the back the brilliant community minded Franklin Road folk who are so generous with their street, their front yards and their Christmas spirit.

At the Waitemata Local Board we are ready and rearing to begin this term of office. We relish the opportunity to work with the mayor of Auckland, Len Brown, as we advance towards Auckland as the world’s most liveable city. The mayor’s vision for Auckland cannot be realised without this being delivered within the Waitemata area, where many of Auckland’s priority projects are located or clustered. This vision and these projects are the shared vision and local or regional priorities of your local board.

In this next three year term of council just begun, it is this local board’s wish to see:

• A Waitemata heritage and character assessment of Grey Lynn and Westmere completed; and

• construction of the City Rail Link commenced; • the Parnell railway station, set in its rail heritage precinct opened; • SkyPath, the Harbour Bridge walking and cycling pathway opened; • The trams returned to the Wynyard Quarter, and light rail to Britomart as a confirmed, planned project; • Waterfront Auckland’s Westhaven walking and cycling boardwalk opened; • Auckland Transport commit to greater delivery of completion of the Auckland Cycle Network and the on-road component of local boards’ Greenways’ plans; At the local board level, we wish, amongst many other projects, to see: • The redeveloped Ellen Melville/Pioneer Women’s Hall opened as a vibrant community hub;

• A Waitemata Local Area Plan, to build on the Unitary Plan, completed in full consultation with the community.

The Waitemata Local Board is committed to local and community assets and facilities remaining in community ownership and do not wish to see service cuts. In an intensified city, the need for the best use of our open spaces and parks, balancing competing public and private demands, is ever more important.

One of the major areas of work-in-progress this term of council is the still evolving and varied relationship local boards have with the seven Council Controlled Organisations that provide the city with a range of essential services, including transport and water.

There remains a fundamental challenge for local boards as your local representatives wishing to see the purpose statement in the Local Government Act of local democratic decision making become a reality under present practices.

The mayor has pledged to review the CCOs this term, and to strengthen their relationship with local boards, and that has our board’s full support.

• The significant upgrade of Myers Park completed in time for its centenary in 2015; • The Mayoral Drive underpass redeveloped as a safe open space entrance to Myers Park; • A multi-board community-led local resource recovery centre opened for business; • The 1.4km Weona-Westmere coastal walkway constructed; • The Pt Resolution Reserve and headland developed as part of a Taurarua/ Pt Resolution Master Plan.

• A village square or park in Ponsonby Road opened as part of the Ponsonby Road Master Plan.

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Getting genuine community engagement right is to be one of the top priorities for this board this term of council. The Super City is a large and potentially alienating organisation, as perhaps the recent election turnout indicates, but we aim to see your local board come into its own this term, to keep it local, working in strong partnership with our communities.

Yes, we will be taking our summer break with our loved ones and families like all the Ponsonby News readers, but rest assured we are committed to making your and our neighbourhoods great places to be. Auckland is a wonderful place to be over the long summer… have a good Christmas and Happy New Year and play and drive safely.

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

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LOCAL NEWS VINEGAR LANE COMES TO LIFE Work has officially started on Progressive Enterprises’ Ponsonby retail development, Vinegar Lane, located on the corner of Pollen Street and Williamson Avenue.

Last month Auckland Central MP, Hon Nikki Kaye, was marking the start of the initial site works and subdivisions for the Vinegar Lane retail development, which includes individual site lots which will then be developed by each lot owner.

Progressive’s Cider Building, which will be the second stage of the project will comprise a supermarket, five levels of basement parking and three levels of offices.

Adrian Walker, general manager for Property at Progressive Enterprises, says the company is delighted to have reached the first major milestone of the project, and expects some initial infrastructure works to be underway before the year is out.

“We’ve worked very hard to design a development that is befitting of this iconic part of Auckland, and have worked closely with the council and local community to put our consent and design plans together. We truly believe it’s the beginning of a very positive transformation for a site that has been empty for some years,” says Adrian.

The new generation Countdown supermarket planned will provide a full service offer for customers, and is a central feature of the development that will cater for this growing community in central Auckland.

The project will be one of the largest retail developments underway in Auckland with the total investment for the development expected to exceed $200 million, with $100 million of this specific to Progressive Enterprises investment in the project.

Office leasing for the Cider Building has started with CBRE appointed to lease approximately 7500 sqm of office space on top of the supermarket, and car park sales which are underway.

Leasing for the Vinegar Lane speciality retail spaces is also in progress with five leases secured and designs in place, and five still to be secured.

“We’re excited to see the creative and high quality design plans start to come to life, and can’t wait to bring a new supermarket and retail development to this special part of Auckland,” says Adrian.

The site works and subdivision for Vinegar Lane is being undertaken by construction company Vuksich & Borich. Work on the Cider Building is expected to start in the first quarter of 2014. For more information visit www.vinegarlane.co.nz. Renders PN available on request. F

Dave Chambers, Managing Director, Progressive Enterprises, Auckland Central MP, Hon Nikki Kaye and Adrian Walker, Progressive Enterprises General Manager for property

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MATURE TREES ABOUT TO BE REMOVED ON CRUMMER ROAD Last month, it was noticed that the mature trees at the top of Crummer Road outside the Vinegar Lane development are to be cut down, because they are not the right species.

The trees were dressed up by someone who drew our attention to the fact that we are about to lose them. They would make a good picture as they are at present.

The community has not been consulted about this and we are not happy about this.

Asking around at the top of the road it does seem that there are many people there who are unhappy with Progressive, Countdown, and one lady told me that they no longer respond to their emails.

As you may know many of the trees down Crummer Road are the same species as those at the top. So we are concerned that there may be a wider policy to cut the other trees down too, as being the wrong species. We now know that climate change is man-made and New Zealand has a very bad footprint it therefore seems crazy that the council is following a policy like this. Surely if they must change the trees it would be sensible to plant the trees they want next to the old ones and allow them to grow to become mature, mature trees are the best carbon sequesters, before cutting down the old trees, if they must.

However, above all, we pay huge rates in our area, and surely it is fair for us to expect that the council would consult with us about this policy before they go ahead and do something as radical as this? Of course there may be another reason for cutting down the trees but I tried unsuccessfully twice today to get through to the council officer concerned. I have sent him an email and am waiting to hear.

WENDY GRAY, by email Adrian Walker, general manager for property, Progressive Enterprises replies: We believe the Vinegar Lane development is the beginning of a very positive transformation for a site that has been an empty eyesore in Ponsonby for some years, and we’ve worked hard to design a development that befits this special part of Auckland.

As you’ll be aware, the original Soho development gained resource consent many years ago. The decision to remove the trees was part of that original consent. When Countdown purchased the failed Soho development land, some of the original consents were provided as part of our purchase, including the removal of all trees around the site. As part of our planning and consenting process for Vinegar Lane over the past two years, we confirmed that we needed to remove five trees for road widening, and the council also requested the removal of an additional five trees.

We spoke with our immediate neighbours to get feedback and three neighbours expressed concern about the removal of some of the 10 trees. We passed this feedback to the council through the consent process as required. Auckland Council’s development standards specify where services can be located in the ground. As part of the Vinegar Lane subdivision, new services are required to be laid underground, including the current overhead power lines, the location of which conflicts with the trees and their root bowls.

We’d like to assure the community that the current trees will be replaced with mature trees - the largest size possible. Council has requested that native species are planted and provided a choice of three specimens. We are happy to consult with neighbours to choose the replacement specimens. Auckland Council has notified neighbours about the removal of the trees which they are carrying out directly with their own contractors.

We’ve also touched base with our neighbours over the last week to let them know that work is beginning, and to make sure they have contact details if there are any concerns or questions. We appreciate that this site has been empty for a long time however we’re committed to developing the site in a way that complements the area. If any reader has a concern, please get in touch with us: feedback@countdown.co.nz.

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NIKKI KAYE: AUCKLAND CENTRAL MP

Delivering for Aucklanders The countdown to Christmas is on, and I am looking forward to spending time with friends and family over the holidays.

2013 has been a very busy year for Auckland Central - from the return of the Pride Festival, to the green light being given for the City Rail Link and a second harbour crossing, it’s great to see these significant projects being given the green light for Auckland, and our local community. These projects have been in the pipelines for decades and I am proud to have been part of making them happen.

Public consultation on my proposal for a Conservation Park on Great Barrier Island is underway, and I am really hopeful the park will be approved by the Minister of Conservation and in place by mid-2014. A conservation park on Great Barrier Island will be a huge asset for the Hauraki Gulf, and will attract even more visitors during the summer months.

I’ve also been really proud to help open new classrooms and school facilities across our community, which recognises the huge population growth we are seeing.

This includes the $2.1 million development of seven new classrooms at Ponsonby Primary School, and a $2.4 million block of classrooms at Grey Lynn School. Grey Lynn School will have four additional new classrooms and a multi-purpose hall space open to students in early 2015. Freemans Bay School is also undergoing a $10 million redevelopment, which will ensure its students are in modern learning environments for years to come.

A number of schools in our community, including Richmond Road School, are also now eligible for additional roll-growth funding to help accommodate the growing number of

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out-of-zone students attending special progammes at the schools. This funding will help provide new classrooms.

We have also made significant steps toward making housing more accessible, with the first special housing areas announced as part of the Auckland Housing Accord. 6,000 homes will be built across Auckland, which is a significant step towards our target of consenting 39,000 new homes over three years.

It has also been great to see the changing face of our waterfront space. It’s becoming a focal point for the city and the development of both the Wynyard Quarter and Innovation Precinct are benefiting local communities and businesses alike.

Earlier this year I visited the new ASB building that was built using green materials, and I hope in 2014 to see more businesses make the most of development opportunities on the waterfront.

Keep an eye out for my 2013 update, which will be delivered to homes across Auckland Central before Christmas. I think it is important to keep you up-to-date with the promises I have delivered on as your MP, and what we have achieved for Auckland Central.

Finally, I want to take this opportunity to thank you all for your support over the last year, and wish you a Merry Christmas. I look forward to serving you in 2014, and working hard PN to make Auckland an even better place to live. (NIKKI KAYE) F HON NIKKI KAYE, MP for Auckland Central www.nikkikaye.co.nz

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JOHN ELLIOTT: LOCAL NEWS

The Election of Mayor of Auckland Super City WHAT A FIASCO THE RECENT ELECTION OF MAYOR TURNED OUT TO BE. THE INCUMBENT, Len Brown, emerged triumphant, against an unknown right winger, only to be exposed as an adulterer - a centre left candidate with character flaws.

Friends on the North Shore were among the 100,000 or so who voted for the little known John Palino. I asked them if they knew him. No, they did not. I asked them if they liked his policies. They didn’t really know his policies, except that he was right wing, and so were they.

So, over 100,000 voted for an unknown American, simply based on billboard rhetoric or trivia, and little else. What did he really know about Auckland and Aucklanders and what we want? Now I’m not just saying this because he was the standard bearer of the political right. I’m saying it because it seems stupid to elect someone we know so little about - left or right.

VICTORIA PARK MARKET GARDEN VOLUNTEERS WANTED I live and work in the Ponsonby area and a few months ago I noticed that the gardens at Victoria Park Markets were not being maintained. I got together with two friends and we have weeded and replanted the whole area with herbs, veges and flowers.

We have set it up as a community garden with people helping themselves to herbs and veges and leaving a donation in a box we have there. Ecostore, iVillage and Bird Cage have all helped with donations for the garden. We now have a hose to water the main bed, gardening gloves, trowels, etc to work on the garden. We have recently been trying to get more helpers for watering and weeding and would love to find some volunteers. If anyone would like to volunteer, I’d love to hear from them.

ANDREW MACKENZIE, Ponsonby M: 021 022 43149

As it turned out there is a lot about Len Brown we didn’t know too, so perhaps we should consider doing away with the election of mayor at large, and having the 20 councillors elect their chairperson, who thereby becomes the mayor.

It is hideously expensive to campaign across the whole of our new Super City, so candidates of modest means are automatically excluded. It is also difficult to assess candidates who do stand, based on a few meetings which nobody attends, and skimpy information on policy on key issues.

Better perhaps for the elected councillors, who know many of their experienced colleagues well, to make the selection. Many Northlanders who know Penny Webster quite well as a long time local body person, or Westies who trust Penny Hulse, may feel those two are better qualified to choose the mayor than succumb to the random choice of 35% of Aucklanders. I would trust my councillor, Mike Lee to make the decision for me.

And then we come to Len Brown. What should happen to him? Should we just let the sordid story fade away, as people get titillated by the latest sex scandal, or is further action needed? I think he should have stood down and submitted himself to a new election to prove he had the mandate to be mayor again.

We are all fallible, and people in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones and all that, but most of us are not public servants spending ratepayers money, making social, moral and financial decisions on our behalf. We don’t have to pass a character test to live in a certain street, although we certainly need the financial where-with-all to live anywhere Central City.

Len Brown should have to pass a reasonable character test, but he has failed it. How can he look his Christian Polynesian South Aucklanders, for example, in the eye, and persuade them he passes their version of family integrity?

Luigi Wewege, the Ngatiwhatua room, the text nude pics, all the graphic details will take a long time to be forgotten by a lot of Aucklanders. He is likely to become a lame duck mayor.

And if all is forgiven, what does it say about politicians? What does it say to young women who have a father who falls from grace but is exonerated? How should they expect men to treat them? I like Len Brown. I spent over an hour with him, interviewing him for an article in the Ponsonby News before the election. I voted for him, as I did in the first election when I much preferred him to John Banks, but he’s let me down, not as much of course as he’s let his wife and family down, and I think he should resign.

Finally, it is surely an indictment of the system that over 6,000 people who voted in the election left the mayoral vote blank. Perhaps they were the wise ones. No candidate appealed to them.

We won’t get young people to engage in the democratic process while this shenanigans goes on. And what do you think Luigi Wewege’s real name is, and who is he conning now we are well rid of him. It seems a number of young Nat women were not sorry to see him go. We have too many endangered species in New Zealand to harbour predators like him.

PN Shades of the fall of the Roman Empire anyone? (JOHN ELLIOTT) F

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REMEMBRANCE TREES PONSONBY HOSPICE SHOP 03-24 DECEMBER Each year, two weeks before Christmas, a very special Christmas tree arrives at various Auckland malls, the Mercy Hospice foyer and a virtual Christmas tree online on the Mercy Hospice website.

New for 2013 will be the addition of a Christmas Remembrance Tree in the Ponsonby Hospice shop (300 on Ponsonby). These trees, as beautiful as any other Christmas tree, hold a special place in many Aucklanders’ hearts.

The Remembrance Christmas trees provide an opportunity to honour and remember your loved ones who unfortunately will not be around for Christmas this year, with your very own handwritten Christmas bauble.

Many volunteers generously donate their time to help man the trees and collect donations for Mercy Hospice Auckland. The money raised from this event helps Mercy Hospice to continue to provide free palliative care to those in Auckland City with life -limiting illnesses.

The Ponsonby Hospice Shop Remembrance Christmas tree will go up on 03 December, just in time for the 04 December Hospice Christmas Sale leading into the Ponsonby Market Day on 7 December, through to 24 December. www.mercyhospice.org.nz F PN PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

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MIKE LEE

Facing up to history 2013 and the year of anniversaries As the year 2013 hurries to its close it is worth noting how many important historic anniversaries occurred this year.

It is also interesting to note that we chose to ignore most of them. But does this amnesia help foster national maturity? Our current attitude to history brings to mind the words of the Roman Cicero - “to live in ignorance of the transactions of the past - is to always live as a child”.

Perhaps the most significant anniversary was that of the New Zealand Wars invasion of the Waikato 150 years ago. On 12 July 1863 the British General Duncan Cameron leading his troops south from Auckland crossed the Mangatawhiri River into the lands of the Maori King. On 20 November the first major battle in the war began at Rangiriri with heavy casualties on both sides. The rows of graves of many of the fallen are still there within earshot of the traffic on State Highway 1. The invasion was followed by the confiscation of some 12,000 km² of Maori land. In 1995 the New Zealand government as part of a Treaty of Waitangi settlement signed by the Queen conceded that the 1863 invasion was wrong, apologised for its actions and committed to paying compensation.

Given those sensitivities it is understandable (but probably not healthy) that the government chose not to commemorate this event. If the New Zealand Wars were in some ways the New Zealand equivalent of the American Civil War (which was taking place at the same time) there were other resonances.

This year also saw the 150th anniversary of the abolition of slavery in New Zealand. The proclamation of manumission by the New Zealand government in 1863 freeing all slaves was aimed at Maori tribes then considered to be in rebellion against the Crown. The signing of the Treaty of Waitangi had theoretically outlawed slavery in 1840 - but slavery had persisted, especially amongst the Taranaki tribes which had invaded the Chathams in the 1830s. This anniversary of this little-known historical event not surprisingly also passed without acknowledgement.

November was also the 100th anniversary of the outbreak of the Great Maritime Strike - a social upheaval which came close to civil war - this time a civil war between Pakeha.

In 1913 the newly-elected conservative Reform government led by a hardline Ulsterman William Massey set out to crack down on the unions - especially those associated with the militant “red” Federation of Labour. In Waihi industrial unrest in 1912 had led to violence in which a unionist had been beaten to death. In 1913 the sacking of miners at Huntly provoked a wave of sympathy strikes. The government, in response, recruited thousands of mounted ‘special constables’ mainly from the countryside (South Auckland and the Waikato in Auckland’s case) to suppress the strikers. On 8 November 800 mounted specials armed with batons and revolvers - dubbed by the strikers ‘Massey’s Cossacks’ - invaded the working class suburbs of inner Auckland, cleared Quay Street of picketers and seized control of the wharves. Similar events took place in Wellington, Lyttelton and Dunedin. This triggered a nationwide general strike. Royal navy warships

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appeared in Auckland and Wellington harbours. Bluejackets drilled with fixed bayonets.

Machine guns were set up.

In Auckland 7,000 unionists downed tools, trams stopped running, hotel staff walked out - even jockeys and paper boys struck. When the word got out that the specials had been issued with revolvers - the gunsmith shops in Auckland and Wellington were emptied (firearms not being licensed in those days). Rather than being intimidated, residents from the working class suburbs of Ponsonby and Freemans Bay fought pitched street battles with farmers from the Waikato. There was a great deal of violence, including shooting from both sides. While there were many woundings and broken bones - miraculously no one was killed. In Wellington while the trams did not go on strike, nevertheless specials were thrown off trams if they tried to board. Tram drivers if they saw mounted horsemen anywhere near the tracks charged, bells clanging. Council workers refused to clean the mounting piles of horse droppings from the street. One of the special’s horses dropped dead and when the Cossacks thoughtfully donated it to the zoo to feed the lions - zoo workers refused to handle it. Inevitably the government prevailed. But as Barry Gustafson wrote in Michael King’s History of New Zealand the use of and the brutality of the special constables “poisoned relations between town and country and helped polarise New Zealand politics for a generation”. That being said two of the Auckland strike leaders Michael Joseph Savage of O’Neill Street, Ponsonby and Peter Frazer across Freemans Bay in Hobson Street rose to become Labour prime ministers of New Zealand.

While Wellington commemorated the Great Maritime Strike with balance and objectivity - and a certain amount of flare (there were re-enacted street battles between ‘cossacks’ and ‘red feds’) Auckland chose to ignore it. That is save for a one-sided dumbed -down tribute to Massey’s Cossacks’ (on Queens Wharf of all places!) headed ‘Who loves a scrap?’. I am now working with Waterfront Auckland, the Maritime Museum and Trade Union historian Dean Parker to achieve a more balanced and considered interpretation.

Ironically it was the outbreak of the Great War in July 1914 that helped bring the country back together again. But at what cost? Next year will see the centenary of the beginning of the Great War. Thankfully preparations are well in train at both central government and local government level including service organisations like the RSA to ensure these events, which were so important to New Zealand and for so many New Zealand familes, will be properly commemorated. In doing this I am confident only good can come of it. And to commemorate another anniversary, the assassination of President John F. Kennedy 50 years ago see: www.mikelee.co.nz/2013/11/november-in-dallas-farewell PN -to-the-20th-century-mike-lee-concludes-his-1999-political-travelogue. (MIKE LEE) F Councillor for Waitemata & Gulf www.mikelee.co.nz

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JACINDA ARDERN: LABOUR LIST MP AUCKLAND

Parliament – the people’s (raucous) place Raise your hand if you have ever watched question time on Parliament TV? It’s a question I ask folk from time to time.

Predictably the number of people who throw their arm up to that question is, well, small… Most people will have inadvertently watched Parliament TV though. It’s the time of day (roughly 2-3pm) when journalists come down to the House with note pad in hand and camera in tow, in order to watch one hour of what can only be described as raucous behaviour, and is usually the source of the one snippet that ends up on the news. As the name suggests, question time is when the opposition asks the Government questions, the Government ask themselves questions, and everyone interjects on one another.

As much as the convention of “question time” (aptly named because it is certainly more focused on questions than answers) can seem like a bizarre thing to watch, it does serve a purpose. It gives the opposition the opportunity to hold the Government to account on behalf of the public - one of our crucial roles and one we take very seriously.

But there has always been something about question time that bothers me and that is the perception it gives of Parliament. Anyone who watches it would be left with the impression that our only interaction with one another is to yell and heckle.

That’s probably why I am often asked how I put up with the negativity of politics. It’s a fair question, but one I know is built around the view that in politics that we rarely do anything constructive - the perception that we never work together, we never pool ideas or support a good initiative simply because of politics. But that is simply not the case.

Don’t get me wrong, there is plenty we disagree on. Plenty. When it comes to things like poverty and inequality issues, housing, spying and the GCSB, or asset sales, the suggestion that we can reach agreement on issues like these just isn’t feasible because we are poles apart. We belong to different parties because we fundamentally have different values and very different visions for New Zealand. But that doesn’t preclude us from being constructive.

TAMAKI SPORTS ACADEMY - FREE METAL COLLECTION TAMAKI SPORTS ACADEMY OFFERS MENTORING, COACHING, AND WORK EXPERIENCE to South Auckland youth who have dropped out of the mainstream school system but show some sporting talent. A major fundraiser for the academy, and an excellent source of work experience for our members, is the free metal collection service we offer. We will pick up any old metal - computers, whiteware, roofing iron, metal piping, venetian blinds, batteries, car panels, cars, metal shelving, filing cabinets, machinery, lawnmowers, engines, and so on. If you do have any metal rubbish to get rid of, we are keen to pick it up for you. It is a win-win for both of us. Thank you to everyone in advance, and to those PN who have donated metal to us previously. M: 027 510 5890, or T: 09 276 0328 F www.facebook.com/#!/TamakiSportsAcademy

Perhaps the most recent and best example of the kind of joint work that does happen in Parliament was the report released by the Health Select Committee titled “Improving Children’s Health Outcomes and Preventing Child Abuse”. The committee that wrote that report was made up of MPs from across Parliament and is an excellent piece of work.

Dr Paul Hutchison, who chaired the committee, is leaving Parliament next year, but it is my hope that parties on all sides will adopt recommendations from this report because this work has the chance of making a significant difference in improving lives and is completely aligned with Labour Party policy and values.

But this kind of work frequently occurs in Parliament, something that we clearly don’t talk about nearly enough. Almost every single piece of proposed law from the Government goes before a collection of MPs from across the House. Labour will often oppose these bills, but when it comes to select committee, we have a duty to try and make the best of what we often consider bad law. And that’s what we do. That’s why I am pleased that we are currently trialling a system that will allow people to get a glimpse of what goes on in our select committees via live web streaming. It’s one small thing we can do to open up Parliament.

As the year draws to a close, I certainly can’t promise that there will be joint carol singing in the debating chamber (mercifully) or even a polite final question time, but I can assure you of this - most MPs in this place are here because they genuinely want to make a difference. We might have different ideas of what that looks like, but showing people what this place is like is just one of the things we need to do to truly make Parliament the people’s place. Till then, I hope you all have a wonderful holiday season!

PN (JACINDA ARDERN) F JACINDA ARDERN, Labour List MP based in Auckland Central www.jacinda.co.nz

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MONIQUE NATHU: LEYS INSTITUTE LIBRARY NEWS I AM THE NEW CHILDREN’S AND YOUTH LIBRARIAN AT LEYS INSTITUTE Library and I am excited about being part of the Ponsonby community.

I am a qualified early childhood teacher and have previously worked as a teacher and at Panmure Community Library where I was heavily involved with the children and youth programme there. I look forward to reaching out and connecting with the community through the Leys Institute Library’s new children’s and youth programmes that will start up in the New Year.

The team here at Leys and I are looking forward to bringing you a number of children’s events over this summer.

Dare to Explore - Summer Reading Programme Auckland Libraries is once again having its Summer Reading Programme, “Dare to Explore III” for children aged 5-13, which runs from 9 December to 19 January 2014.This is a fun interactive summer reading programme that is held throughout all 55 libraries.

This year’s theme is “Dare to Explore the World” and Leys Institute Library will be having numerous fun-filled events and activities such as scavenger hunts, cookie decorating and much more throughout December and January for children.

The summer reading programme and challenge sets can also be completed while away on holiday, children would just need to register and pick up their Dare to Explore III pack from Leys Institute Library.

Four challenges need to be completed in order to receive a certificate of completion and an invite to the fun party that will be held at Leys Institute Library on Tuesday 21 January 2014.

For more information about this programme, feel free to contact us here at Leys Institute Library or check out the information on the Auckland Libraries website www.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz Storytimes We will be having special Saturday summer story time sessions for the whole family during the months of December and January. The storytimes will be held on Saturdays at 10:30am.

DESIGNER CHRISTMAS GIFTS OR SUMMER HOME DECOR IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR ORIGINAL CHRISTMAS GIFTS WITH A DESIGN EDGE THEN MAKE sure you visit Paper Room on Jervois Road, located opposite Taylor Boutique and along from Letham Cottage. Just arrived they have fresh new stock including the very reasonably priced Seletti Italian home-ware range and the beautiful Italian UASHMAMA collection of washable bags made from paper; perfect to display plants or your Christmas tree and ideal as Santa Sacks.

Always a favourite is the brilliant MoMA kids range from New York, and the wide range of Orla Kiely home-wares is perfect for summer entertaining. If it is books you want to give this Christmas or simply want to buy yourself something special, then their fabulous range of design books are bound to inspire and make for great Christmas holiday reading.

Are you thinking of decorating this summer? Paper Room have hundreds of amazing international designer wallpapers in store. There is a design or colour way to suit a wide range of interior decor styles and they can assist you with your interior design needs big or small, to fit your budget. At Paper Room you’ll be able to find reasonably priced gifts to suit everyone! Open: Monday - Friday 9.30am - 2.30pm and Saturday 10.30am PN - 2.30pm. Also visit online. F PAPER ROOM, 25 Jervois Road, T: 09 376 5675 www.paperroom.co.nz Facebook: PaperRoomNZ

Our last weekday story time for the year, which will be a special Christmas story time, will be on Tuesday 17 December at 10:30am. Weekday storytimes will start back up on 28 January 2014.

Wriggle and Rhyme Our Christmas Wriggle and Rhyme, and last session for the year, will be held on Thursday 19 December at 10:30am. We will start back up next year on Thursday 30 January 2014.

There is so much going on we recommend checking out our Facebook page, Leys Institute Library Ponsonby, where we will be updating you on new events, display and other exciting things happening at Leys and in Auckland libraries. (MONIQUE NATHU) F PN LEYS INSTITUTE LIBRARY, 20 St Mary’s Road T: 09 374 1315 www.facebook.com/LeysInstituteLibraryPonsonby

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27

DEIRDRE TOHILL: LANDMARK BUILDINGS >

St Mary’s Old Convent Chapel

The Sisters of Mercy was an apostolic order founded in Dublin in 1839 dedicated to caring for children, the sick and the poor, as well as providing refuge for exploited servant girls.

Bishop Jean Baptiste Pompallier recruited a number of Sisters to serve in Auckland’s newly created Roman Catholic Diocese. From 1850 they first occupied a small convent on the present St Patrick’s Cathedral site in Wyndham Street and were soon running schools, orphanages and later, hospitals. In 1853 Bishop Pompallier purchased a 45 acre property in Ponsonby as headquarters for the Auckland Diocese. New Street was formed in 1859 and 18 acres on the eastern side of the boundary were formally handed over to the Sisters.

By this time the St Patrick’s Convent had become overcrowded so in 1861 the foundation stone for a large convent building was laid, one of the earliest purpose-built structures of its kind in New Zealand. St Mary’s was constructed on an elevated site overlooking Freemans Bay and accommodated 60 Sisters. St Mary’s College was added three years later and at the same time work commenced on a chapel, the first to be erected by the Sisters of Mercy in New Zealand. The building’s architect, Edward Mahoney, had designed the convent block and was responsible for the chapel’s construction work.

Like the Sisters, Edward came from Ireland and when young, was apprenticed to his uncle John Mahony, an architect and builder in County Cork which had attracted a number of prominent Gothic Revivalists. Disillusioned by the dearth of opportunities for Catholic architects, and the hardship caused by the famine and plague, he emigrated with his wife and two children, first to Australia then a year later to Auckland where he set up in business as a builder and timber merchant. To avoid confusion with a solicitor named Edmund Mahony, he changed the spelling of his own name to Mahoney.

By 1861 he was a practicing architect and designed the St Mary’s Convent chapel in a pared back gothic style. In 1880 he was a founding member of the Auckland Institute of Architects and its president in 1883 prospering to such an extent he was able to build a large house in Harbour Street, staffed with servants, and a coachman to look after his horses and carriage.

The chapel’s interior layout was designed for convent attendance rather than parish services, with two rows of stalls facing across the nave and is notable for its simplicity and airy spaciousness. It’s valued as one of the two earliest surviving ecclesiastical buildings

Mahoney designed, the other being The Church of St John the Baptist in Parnell. The timber chapel is cruciform shaped with a central spire and incorporates pointed arches, lancet windows, ornamental timber buttresses, and has a steeply pitched roof. A simple rose window is centrally placed in the gable end of the building. Painted Stations of the Cross hang on the walls behind the stalls and the altar is located well forward, leaving space for two sacristies, one for the Sisters of Mercy and and the other as a robing room for priests.

Following its official opening 5 August 1866, the chapel was the centre of convent life. It held formal religious ceremonies, liturgical worship and private devotions. Bishop Pompallier offered Mass there twice a week, heard Confessions and preached at conferences. It also served as a parish church for Ponsonby from 1870 until 1886, with baptisms and marriages taking place till 1887. Mother Cecilia Maher, superior general of the order for 22 years, died 25 November 1878 and was laid to rest in a small cemetery behind the convent. Another sister, Mother Mary Bernard Dickson who nursed in the Crimean War with Florence Nightingale is also buried in the same cemetery.

The building is associated with sacred music and teachers such as Dame Sister Mary Leo. It has high social and spiritual significance as the Sisters of Mercy’s place of worship, and reflects important aspects of New Zealand history, particularly the development of the Roman Catholic Church and the establishment of women’s religious orders in a settler society. As an extremely well-preserved building of the 1860s it provides information about colonial craftsmanship PN (DEIRDRE TOHILL) F

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SEASON’S GREETINGS The official Jerry Clayton BMW release of the all new BMW X5 and 4 Series Coupé was held at the exclusive Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron on 7 November.

The event was a huge success with over 200 attending on the evening. Guests enjoyed the chance to view two exciting new models which form part of a new model launch strategy

by BMW. This strategy will see the release of 25 new group models between 2012 and 2014. Such dedication to new product activity has seen BMW’s popularity increase the world over, not least of which here in New Zealand, where BMW is on track to retain number one position as the country’s most popular premium new car brand for the second year running.

With 2013 rapidly drawing to an end, it is encouraging when we look back on the year and see how our sales volumes have progressively increased throughout this period.

On behalf of Jerry Clayton BMW, may I wish you an enjoyable summer and safe motoring throughout the holiday season.

Kind Regards, STEVE HILSON, Dealer Principal

The BMW X5

BMW 4 Series Coupé

THE ALL NEW BMW X5

THE ALL NEW BMW 4 SERIES COUPÉ

When launched in 1999, the BMW X5 set the benchmark in the all-wheel drive market.

It was the quintessential ‘Swiss army knife’ of the automotive world. The new model raises the bar even higher. The all-new X5 is bigger, faster, more powerful - but also more fuel efficient to the tune of 16%, thanks to BMW Efficient Dynamics technologies.

The new addition to the BMW range of Ultimate Driving Machines, the BMW 4 Series Coupé is Sleek, sophisticated and very sporty

To end the year, Jerry Clayton BMW has two BMW X5 models available, specifically the X5 30d and X5 M50d. We are pleased to reveal the following features are all standard on this model: • Head-Up display • rear-view camera with surround view, • eight-speed sport automatic transmission, • bi-xenon adaptive headlights • automatic tailgate Further models, including a new X5 25d and X5 40d, will be added to the range early next year. The third generation X5 also introduces two bespoke interior and exterior design schemes, Pure Experience and Pure Excellence, both available from launch in addition to the optional M Sport package, allowing further individualisation of your vehicle.

New BMW Connected Drive driver assistance systems and mobility services add further best-in-class accolades to the X5’s list, including the new Driving Assistant safety package which consists of Lane Departure Warning and Collision Warning System with Braking Function as standard on the 30d.

The X5 M50d has Driving Assistant Plus as standard, which includes Driving Assistant and Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function.

Additional cutting-edge standard equipment includes freestanding 10.25-inch Control Display for iDrive operating system, Touch Controller with touch-sensitive surface, extended storage areas and Internet functionality.

New notable options comprise of BMW Night Vision with Pedestrian Recognition and Dynamic Light Spot, and the new rear-seat entertainment system with two displays.

The all-new BMW X5 exemplifies unbelievable value, class-leading driving dynamics, efficiency and space, also making it the ultimate outdoor sports activity vehicle for New Zealanders this summer.

The new BMW 4 Series embodies the sporty nature of this segment in every aspect of its design, performance and dynamics.

So - why the need for a new model number? The “4” in the model designation signals the outstanding dynamic styling and elegant design of the new model.

It sets itself apart from its predecessor in every aspect, sporting a clearly more dynamic and muscular design language, substantial technical differentiation and a host of innovative new features.

The new BMW 4 Series Coupé’s more muscular and purposeful design highlights its dynamic abilities.

Exterior features have been designed to highlight the vehicle’s sporty pedigree, starting with a large, wide air-intake in the front apron which accentuates the vehicle’s increased width.

The BMW 4 Series Coupé’s gently sloping roofline displays a typically elegant silhouette.

Powered by the latest in engine technology, the new BMW 4 Series Coupé models are all equipped with BMW TwinPower turbo engines boasting exhilarating power and torque figures, yet still returning impressive fuel economy.

The highest level of safety is ensured with the full array of BMW Dynamic Stability Control systems, six airbags covering all seating positions, Active protection which initiates protective measures if an accident situation is imminent and a powerful braking system with front and rear inner vented discs.

Additional features such as the inclusion of a standard M Sport package - which comprises19-inch M double-spoke alloy wheels, M aerodynamics package, M leather steering wheel and a host of exclusive M Sports package trim features such as kidney grille with nine bars in high-gloss black, BMW individual roof-liner in anthracite and sun protection glazing - serves to further reflect the sporty pedigree and dynamic nature of this 435i Coupé.

445 Lake Road Takapuna, Phone 09 488 2000 www.jcbmw.co.nz

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TALKING TRASH IS A HIGH PRIORITY FOR GREY LYNN 2030. REDUCING waste is a key part of greening a community so right from our inception Wasteaway, a Grey Lynn 2030 sub-group, has been actively involved in all aspects of waste minimisation in our area - from holding an e-waste collection to sorting recycling at festivals.

It was with this in mind that Grey Lynn 2030 sent Trustee Charlotte Gordon to the Community Recycling Network hui in Wellington in November. The three day hui was held at the beautiful Tapu Te Ranga marae in Island Bay, which was itself built out of recycled materials.

The hui included representatives of recycling projects from all over the country, such as Cbec in Kaitaia, Xtreme Waste in Raglan, Trash Palace in Porirua right down to Wanaka Wastebusters and many more in between. Small towns are leading the way in exciting waste initiatives, but also cities such as Wellington and Christchurch have resource recovery centres that minimise the waste sent to landfill. These resource recovery centres are not rubbish transfer stations. They are places to drop off unwanted goods, receive larger recyclables and on-sell them to others looking for a bargain. The centres can also act as hubs for waste education and business development and in the case of Cbec in Kaitaia, work to reduce unemployment in the community. Many centres are also playing a key role in the collection of e-waste and initiatives such as the TV take-back scheme.

PONSONBY U3A: NOVEMBER 2013 CHAIRMAN OF WATERFRONT Auckland, Sir Robert (Bob) Harvey brought Ponsonby U3A members up to date with the continued development of the Auckland Waterfront and some future plans for what is undoubtedly one of the most exciting developments Auckland has seen. He talked about upcoming projects such as the park to replace the Tank Farm with a beautiful building at its end; his dream to create U3A guest speaker Sir Robert (Bob) Harvey with a beach at Teal Park; U3A member Gerald Lynch stunning new apartments planned to cover three city blocks back to Victoria Park, complete with school, kindergarden and “lots of trees” and the new $9 million walkway and cycleway.

And it is now Auckland’s time to step up to the opportunities arising from community -led initiatives, as Auckland Council overhauls the way waste is dealt with in our city. The traditional system of biannual inorganic collections, while a popular event for scavengers, is no longer working in the way it was intended. As the council looks at more efficient and environmentally sound ways of managing the waste, they are keen that community groups with an interest in waste, like Grey Lynn 2030, are part of the conversation.

Sir Robert’s talk was entitled “Leadership and the Auckland Waterfront.” He recalled early influences on his life, being raised by his grandparents in Ponsonby. The upstairs room at the Leys Institute room where the U3A meeting was held brought back memories from those days when his grandparents brought him to meetings of the Rationalists and the Fabian Society held there. “At the age of 15 I thought the Fabians were fabulous and a lot of my socialist thinking when I became a mayor came out of those meetings.” He also recalled his fascination with the model of HMS Orpheus at the Leys Institute, which is now housed in the Auckland Maritime Museum.

At the heart of the new initiatives for Auckland’s waste is the possibility of a new era of community based recycling depots. They can potentially include workshops to “upcycle” goods, an educational role teaching schools and other groups about environmental issues and a second hand shop. The aim is for a network of resource recovery centres to be developed across the Auckland region.

Sir Robert touched on his life and career leading to his current role as chairman of Waterfront Auckland. His connection with the waterfront also goes back to his childhood.

“My father worked on trawlers. The catch was unloaded by being thrown onto the wharf for sorting. I spent a lot of time there with my father and it was a wonderful young life on the waterfront in the 40s and 50s.”

It’s an exciting time to be talking trash in Auckland, as we define how our city will grow sustainably and look to reap the rewards of re-thinking waste as a valuable resource.

Most importantly the community, working together with council, has a central role to play. (PIPPA COOM) F PN

There were “great years” spent in advertising eventually leading to the mayoralty of Waitakere City and the ground breaking ‘eco city’ he created. His greatest mentor and hero was “Robbie” - Sir Dove Myer Robinson. “He was an extraordinarily visioned man and for me much in leadership has been taken from examples from my mentors.

For example, the idea of an environmental city I got from Robbie,” he said “Rudyard Kipling, when he visited Auckland in 1891, described it as ‘last, loneliest, loveliest…’

He was struck by the beauty of the Auckland Harbour as he arrived. The waterfront on the Auckland Harbour that I am involved with stretches from the Harbour Bridge to Princes Wharf and Teal Park.” Sir Robert clearly relishes leading Waterfront Auckland and Aucklanders are fortunate to have him heading this wonderful project.

Grey Lynn 2030 Christmas lunch and AGM Join us for an end of year celebration. We will be reporting on the year, sharing plans for 2014 and giving thanks to Grey Lynn 2030’s friends and supporters.

At the Wilton Street Community Garden, Wednesday 18 December, 12.30pm. RSVP to greylynn2030@gmail.com for catering purposes, www.greylynn2030.co.nz

The U3A member 10 minute speaker Alex Lanning continued a talk he started earlier this year on the building of the Benmore Dam. As a young engineer he came from working on power stations in the UK to work on the largest dam within the Waitaki power scheme.

The theme of his talks has been the creating of assets in New Zealand.

There will be no speakers at the December meeting, which will be the annual Christmas party. The first meeting for 2014 will be in February.

Ponsonby U3A welcomes new members and invites potential members to come along as a visitor to get an idea of what U3A is all about. U3A (formerly known as the University of the Third Age) is an international organization which aims to educate and stimulate retired members of the community. Ponsonby U3A holds monthly meetings with two speakers.

The lifeblood of U3A are the special interest groups which meet between meetings in members’ homes or other venues, depending on the activity. Ponsonby U3A has 13 special interest groups providing an interest, or two, for everyone from music appreciation to PN Petanque, dining out to the classics, and many more. (PHILIPPA TAIT) F NEXT MEETING: 9.45am - Friday 13 December 2013 First Floor, Leys Institute, St Marys Bay Road ENQUIRIES:

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Jane Jones, President Ponsonby U3A Tel: 09 378 7628

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photography: Philippa Tait

PIPPA COOM: GREY LYNN 2030 NEWS

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LOCAL NEWS HOURIGAN INTERNATIONAL APPOINTS NZ MANAGING PARTNER Hourigan International has appointed Mark Jenner as its New Zealand Managing Partner, based in Fitzroy Street, Ponsonby.

Hourigan International partners with companies all over the world in coaching and mentoring, new talent acquisition and talent development, organisational design and development.

Jenner is supported by the NZ Chairman of Hourigan International, Roger MacDonnell, who was a founding partner of Colenso BBDO.

The company was established in Sydney in 2002 by Anthony Hourigan and Monique D’Arcy-Irvine. Since then Hourigan International has placed senior leadership roles in key international markets including Auckland, partnering with companies of all sizes across all sectors, including the likes of News Limited, Telstra, Virgin, McDonald’s, NAB Wealth, NBN Co, Frucor, Diageo, Carlton United Breweries, Network Ten, Tourism Australia, Sydney Opera House, Colenso, DDB, Whybin TBWA, Saatchi & Saatchi and OMD to name a few.

Prior to joining Hourigan, Jenner was head of digital at Telecom, former marketing director at Guinness Anchor in Kuala Lumpur, Business development manager with Heineken in Amsterdam and marketing manager at DB Breweries. In his early career, he held a variety of roles at GSK (UK) and Unilever (NZ).

Jenner, who is based in Hourigan’s new Ponsonby office, will represent senior local talent, with a focus on the marketing, digital, design, sales, innovation, creative and media disciplines. He will also assist New Zealand-based businesses seeking candidates with proven track records of transforming businesses through ‘creative leadership’.

Hourigan International Managing Director, Anthony Hourigan, says his company is excited to have someone with Jenner’s commercial track record, marketing skills and senior leadership experience on-board to drive the business in New Zealand and meet the growing demand for “creative leaders” in the local business and advertising communities. F PN

Hourigan International NZ Managing Partner, Mark Jenner

THE ARTIST’S DINNER AT GOLDEN DAWN The Artist's Dinner took place at Golden Dawn on 21 November, and saw “superstar female lineup” Misery, Hye Rim Lee, Karen Inderbitzen-Waller, Paris Kirby and Greta Anderson (curated by Aimee Ralfini and sponsored by fine art printer The Biz Dojo) selling exclusively commissioned, limited edition signed prints for $40, alongside other sketches, paintings and photographs.

The event was inspired by tales from turn of the century Paris - where artists paid for their dinners by sketching on table napkins - with an aim of re-integrating fine art back into the “daily cultural fix” of local society. Producer Libby McFadden told Ponsonby News the event was hugely successful, with a stellar turnout and most artists selling out of their prints.

photography: Sam Lee

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1. Misery 2. Rebecca Wadey, Karen Inderbitzen-Waller and Rachael Jackman 3. Kate Barnett, Kingy Hau and Briar Vivian 4. Hannah-Lee Turner and Paris Kirby.

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LOCAL NEWS AUCKLAND CITY MISSION FILMED ‘BECOME SOMEONE’S ANGEL’ ON FRANKLIN ROAD Director Mike Reihana and producer Liz Garneau filmed the Auckland City Mission “Become Someone’s Angel” Christmas Appeal 2013 TVC on iconic Franklin Road late into the night on Wednesday 23 October. Supported by a blessed crew and a stellar cast.

The production team would like to thank many Ponsonby film friendly businesses for their assistance. Metro Film, Brown Street. Studios, Hollywood Props, and especially SPQR for feeding us such delicious pizza. You are all angels! F PN

HOLIDAY SEASON FUN AT MOTAT Celebrate the magic of Christmas from 13-22 December; with ‘MOTAT Nights, Christmas Lights’ every Friday, Saturday and Sunday plus 23 December and Christmas Eve, 8 -11pm.

A must-see on everyone’s Christmas Light trail with sparkling lights, live entertainment, night tram rides, Christmas displays and Christmas treats like mulled wine available to purchase. Entry is $2 per person. Visitors can continue to celebrate the spirit of Christmas, when they visit MOTAT during the day (10am-5pm), by purchasing a children’s gift for charity from the MOTAT shop in return for FREE* admission, to explore the wonderful collection at MOTAT. All donated gifts will be given to the Auckland City Mission and Variety - the Children’s Charity to help out families in need this Christmas.

Families will also love learning and playing with MOTAT’s amazing new travelling exhibition “Rescue” which is here for a limited time only. With 17 hands-on exhibits, “Rescue” offers visitors a chance to explore and learn about various rescue scenarios. Plus enjoy extra PN activities in their new January Holiday Experience from 4 January - 2 February. F *1-24 December 2013, some conditions apply. To find out more about all the summer holiday events at MOTAT go to their website.

MOTAT, 805 Great North Road and Meola Road, Western Springs www.motat.org.nz

PONSONBY HISTORY… DID YOU KNOW?

1862

In the Convent is completed. The new order of the Holy Family takes over teaching at the school.

The order now consists of Maori as well as French Sisters.

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LOCAL NEWS CHANGING TIMES Partnership between Freeman’s Bay historians produces ambitious history of New Zealand.

Freeman’s Bay residents and professional historians Jenny Carlyon and Diana Morrow continue their publishing partnership with their third - and by far their most ambitious - history yet.

Changing Times: New Zealand Since 1945, published by Auckland University Press and in stores this week, is the result of two-and-a-half years of research and writing by this dynamic duo, who bring complementary strengths to their projects.

Diana Morrow says, “This is our third book together and we have what I think is a pretty rare working partnership, in which we each contribute our particular strengths - I never cease, for example, to admire Jenny’s forthright energy and enthusiasm, and her awe -inspiring ability to cold-call just about anyone on the planet. We make a good team.”

Jenny Carlyon replies, “As Di said, this is the third book we have done together and once again I say a silent prayer of thanks to the person who introduced us all those years ago.

None of our books would have seen the light of day without that introduction.

“I have been so lucky to have such a partner. I am in awe of her writing skills and dedication to the task and have often felt guilty as I have gone off on long weekends or holiday leaving her glued to her computer.

“It has been such a harmonious relationship, in fact, I can only remember one major disagreement - I wanted to cut huge chunks from the introduction and conclusion, which Di sweated blood over for many days. She made her thoughts very clear about my pruning efforts so late in the day. We got over that small hiccup and Changing Times was back on track. I could never have done any of the projects, let alone this, on my own and I hope there will be many other projects for us to tackle together.”

WE’AR OPENS IN PONSONBY Yoga and lifestyle brand We’ar opened their flagship Ponsonby Road store on Friday 15 November.

This is the third stand-alone store for the brand, already found on Waiheke and in Ubud, Bali. The label’s new collection is called “Forever Paradise” and was inspired by the languid beauty of an endless summer. Ponsonby News can vouch for the comfort, style and quality of We’ar clothing, designed to take you from the mat to the street, and back again without compromising your sartorial style or higher principles.

“Organic where possible and always ethical.” F PN WE’AR, 122 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 358 0030, wearyogaclothing.com

POWERHOOP CLASSES NOW AVAILABLE IN HERNE BAY Shake your way to a slimmer waist and stronger core!

Personal trainer Donna-Marie Brunt recently introduced Powerhoop to Herne Bay - classes focused on increasing fitness, strengthening and toning the entire body using a specially designed weighted Powerhoop. Sessions are low impact, high calorie burning, and fun! You can either hire the patented weighted and padded fitness hoop required, or buy your own Powerhoop from Donna-Marie. All body types, fitness level and ages are welcome - there’s even a weekly Mums and Bubs session - but bookings are essential as class sizes are limited. F PN POWERHOOP, www.bookwhen.com/Ain2G, T: 021 552-519

The history of post-war New Zealand usually appears just in a concluding chapter of our general histories and Jenny and Diana determined to go deeper.

It’s been almost 70 years since World War II was over, almost 40 years since Norman Kirk died and 30 years since the Rainbow Warrior was sunk. Surely now, they thought, we can treat the recent past as past and tell its story.

In Changing Times, they lead readers through Springbok Tours and suburban sprawl, Polynesian migration and feminist rebellion, kohanga reo and carless days, to an understanding of the big forces affecting our lives - globalisation, technological change, the end of big government.

In doing so, Jenny and Diana answer a fundamental question about New Zealand: how did a country famous for cradle to grave welfare, ethnically homogenous and socially conservative, still devoted to the Mother Country, transform itself into one of the most globalised, ethnically, economically, and socially diverse nations on earth?

They explore how we got from Nagasaki to nuclear-free; why Kiwis gave up state control and embraced small-state, free-market ideology with such passion; and what led us to abandon the six o’clock swill and become a land of lattes.

Changing Times is a dramatic account of the transformation of New Zealand life - a resonant reminder for all who lived through these turbulent times and essential PN reading for a younger generation, who did not. F

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

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LOCAL NEWS PUTTING YOU ON THE RIGHT BIKE Ponsonby’s local bike shop, CYCO, turned 20 this year and Ponsonby resident and owner, Chris Auld, reflects on those years with some satisfaction.

Cycling as a leisure pursuit has undergone massive growth in New Zealand, but perhaps the most pleasing change, is the growth in the every day round town use of a bike as transport. This points to a sea change in the general attitude of New Zealanders towards cycling. The signs of increased consideration and provision of cycling facilities are clear and a desire to make cycling around Auckland, and particularly Ponsonby, safer are encouraging.

L to R: Miriama Smith and We’ar founder Jyoti Morningstar

CYCO has always had great support from the locals emphasising great product selection and knowledgeable staff. CYCO’s excellent reputation for servicing bikes of any type draws customers from all over Auckland. The combination of Trek Bikes, Pedego Electric Bikes and Micro Scooters means having the very best of what is available.

This translates into a great riding experience because CYCO are experts in putting you on the most suitable bike for your purpose. At this time of year, CYCO emphasise the importance of putting children on great quality bikes. A well designed bike, the right size, will encourage the child and they will love riding and be a cyclist for life.

More than just a store, CYCO sponsor a few local cyclists and triathletes, run bunch rides and “Winter Windtrainer” classes and has become a bit of a drop in meeting place for like minded people.

CYCO are open seven days and have recently launched their online store meaning access PN to their products all day, every day. F CYCO, 228 Ponsonby Road T: 09 376 4447 www.cyco.co.nz

CYCO owner Chris Auld with Logan Griffin, Darren Murray and Aaron Coutts

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LOCAL NEWS Greetings Ponsonby News readers Do not clean your glasses or rub your eyes too much; you are indeed reading a letter from someone who quite frequently is cited as “non-existent.” Yet come 1 December, down at my ASB Santa’s Bach (formerly known as Silo 7) at the Wynyard Christmas Quarter, you and your family will be able to come and visit me, Santa Claus.

But why have I decided, a mere few weeks before the busiest day of the year for me, to come to Auckland? Especially with a temporary waterfront property rather than my humble homestead in the North Pole? There is, of course, the fact that an Auckland summer is particularly pleasant and that I’ll get the chance to visit beaches as beautiful as those of Piha and Muriwai (Santa’s going to get his first tan!). But I’ve also heard many good things about the eateries along this cultural hot spot known as ‘Ponsonby Rd’ - so I’m looking forward to grabbing a bite (or three) while I’m here.

Although the waistline won’t appreciate it I’m sure (or Mrs Claus).

Beaches and food aside, there are two primary reasons for my stay in Auckland.

The first is a completely logistical reason; your part of the world is one of the first to celebrate Christmas (the first to see the light!) meaning I can start my busy evening of work from a very healthy starting point rather than have to schedule everything around different time zones.

(Just quietly, it also means Rudolph and the gang get a bit more shut eye... which will benefit all. No one likes a sleep deprived reindeer... believe me.)

However one of the most important aspects of me moving to Auckland for a short while is to make sure everyone has a Merry Christmas and that no one of Auckland goes without this year - which is why I’ve invited families to come into my workshop not only to see me and my elves but to donate a present of their own which I will take to the Auckland City Mission. Christmas should be for everyone, and I plan on making sure no one in New Zealand goes without in 2013!

I had better be off (to check my list again) but I look forward seeing everyone at the Wynyard Christmas Quarter this festive season.

Regards,

S. Claus.

Santa Claus will be residing at the ASB Santa’s Bach, as part of the free festivities taking place at Wynyard Christmas Quarter from the 1 December until Christmas Eve. For more info visit www.yourwaterfront.co.nz/christmas

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LOCAL NEWS LATER START TIME FOR AUCKLAND PRIDE PARADE 2014 The Auckland Pride Festival Trust is pleased to announce the official route and new start time for next year’s Auckland Pride Parade 2014.

The Auckland Pride Parade 2014 will start at the later time of 7pm on Saturday 22 February. The parade will begin at Western Park and will travel the length of Ponsonby Road to finish at Three Lamps.

The Auckland Pride Festival’s massive closing party will commence immediately after the parade at an iconic inner city venue. “We are really excited about the later start of next year’s Auckland Pride Parade,” says David Coltman, Auckland Pride Festival Trust co-chair.

“We listened to feedback from this year’s participants, feedback from the hugely supportive Ponsonby businesses along the parade route - and with the support of Auckland City have been able to confirm a later start for the Auckland Pride Parade 2014. This means the parade will flow into the closing party to create an incredible night for all our community and our supporters to remember. It will be the big finish to a fantastic Auckland Pride Festival!”

Auckland Pride Parade Director Richard Taki has been connecting with stakeholders and the community for the last two months to gain the approvals required for a 7pm start.

“The 2014 Parade will be moving into twilight - that time when magical and wondrous imaginings happen!” says Taki. “The 7pm start allows us to take full advantage of the last embers of daylight in showcasing our rainbow community. You’ll see colour, movement, culture, satire and commemoration.”

The theme for the Auckland Pride Parade 2014 is TIME. New Zealand’s rainbow community is the product of our collective histories, which we need to understand, honour and celebrate in order to move forward. Where did we come from? What did we feel and want? When and why were our community organisations founded? Where are they headed in 2014 and beyond? Who are we now and what do we want to become?

“I want us to think about our past, present and especially our future - and these are the dimensions I’d like to see in the Parade,” says Taki. “I also wish to showcase the Pacific Rim and make this our point of difference from other pride parades around the world.”

Registration forms now online for Auckland Pride 2014 New Zealand’s biggest and best programme of events for and by the rainbow community (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, takatapui, intersex and fa’afafine), the Auckland Pride Festival 2014 will run for two weeks and three weekends, commencing on Friday 7 February and concluding on Sunday 23 February.

Registration forms for festival events and activities are now available on the Auckland Pride Festival website. Event registrations will close on Monday 23 December 2013.

Please contact Festival Director Julian Cook to discuss your event or activity before completing the registration form: festival@aucklandpridefestival.org.nz Registration forms for parade entrants are also available on the website. Parade registrations will close on Friday 17 January 2014 - if not earlier, as space is limited. Over half of the 2013 parade participants have already confirmed interest in the 2014 parade!

To ensure your group or organisation does not miss out, please contact Parade Director Richard Taki at your earliest convenience: parade@aucklandpridefestival.org.nz The Auckland Pride Festival 2014 will officially open with the Auckland Pride Gala at Q Theatre on Friday 7 February. The 2014 festival also features the ever-popular LYC Big Gay Out at Coyle Park on Sunday 9 February, as well as the internationally renowned Bear New Zealand Week 2014, running from Sunday 9 to Sunday 16 February.

Kicking off an unmissable final weekend in world class style, Pam Ann will be landing her new show at the Aotea Centre on Friday 21 February, the evening before the Auckland Pride Parade and party!

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photography: Michael McClintock

“The later start time has more risks and costs associated with it than a daytime parade.

I’ve met with all the key stakeholders, including the Ponsonby Business Association, ATEED (Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development), New Zealand Police and Auckland Transport - as well as our own key suppliers for traffic management, security, health and safety - in order to ensure the event is held safely and with a minimal amount of disruption to residents, business owners and the public, whilst maintaining the integrity and vision of the parade.”

Call out for Pride Volunteers!

The Auckland Pride Festival and parade is now looking for enthusiastic, welcoming and thoughtful volunteers from all backgrounds with a broad variety of skills. There are many roles available in which you can apply your expertise, make new friends and enjoy the Auckland Pride experience! The parade director is currently seeking volunteers for a variety of parade marshal positions. These positions have the best view of the parade!

The parade crew is a supportive, community-focused team. Parade marshals will be required to attend several training sessions, including health and safety briefings.

To express interest in these vital parade support positions, please complete the Auckland Pride Parade Volunteer Registration Form, now available on the Auckland Pride Festival website, or email Volunteer Coordinator, Trevor Hynes: trevorhynes@gmail.com The festival director is currently seeking a couple of smart and dedicated marketing interns to assist with various aspects of the campaign, from photo shoots and publicity appearances to social networking, internal communications, database development and programme distribution. To express interest in festival marketing positions, please email Festival Director, Julian Cook: festival@aucklandpridefestival.org.nz Auckland Pride Festival Contacts To get involved in the Auckland Pride Festival 2014, please contact Festival Director, Julian Cook: festival@aucklandpridefestival.org.nz To participate in the Auckland Pride Parade 2014, please contact Parade Director, Richard Taki: parade@aucklandpridefestival.org.nz Keep watching the Auckland Pride Festival website and follow us on Facebook and Twitter for news and updates as the Auckland Pride Festival 2014 continues to develop! www.aucklandpridefestival.org.nz F PN PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

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LOCAL NEWS BEVERLEY MORRIS: A 90TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION

THE MILFORD CENTRE - A SIGHT TO BEHOLD AT CHRISTMAS

Reaching 90 could be a good reason to settle back and live a quiet life, but not for Herne Bay resident Beverley Morris.

Her birthday was celebrated the way she has always lived her life - full of activity and action. First there was a morning tea and celebratory cake from her friends at the Herne Bay Petanque Club, where Beverley is a playing member - and right up there with the good players. She is usually first to arrive on a club day, setting up for morning tea before playing at least two games and invariably helping her team to victory.

The Petanque Club featured again two days later when a large group of Beverley’s family, friends and former colleagues gathered to honour her life and achievements with a party - and another cake. Speeches from family, friends and the Playcentre Federation painted a picture of an extraordinary woman who has made a huge contribution to the children of New Zealand and their mothers.

Beverley Morris was born in Wellington. She spent her primary school years in Samoa and attended Wellington East Girls College. She says her parents made sacrifices to keep her at school so she could go on to further education.

At teachers training college her ability was quickly recognized and she was encouraged to undertake simultaneous university study. Six years later, by then teaching part time, Beverley was awarded an MA. The same year she had the first of four children with husband Peter, who had served overseas during the war. Multitasking while achieving could have become Beverley’s mantra. She stopped teaching for a few years, but returned to relieving when her first two children were one and three years old. In 1951 she had become involved with the playcentre movement and found it an outlet for her teaching skills. She eventually wrote part of the course for the parents’ training scheme for the National Supervisors Certificate, which was established in 1965. When her family was still young she was appointed to the Department of Adult Education at Victoria University, developing programmes in human development and human relations, as well as keeping up her interest in early childhood education. The area covered by the department stretched from New Plymouth and Gisborne in the north and Nelson and Blenheim in the south. Courses were taught in those centres and Beverley says it was only possible for her to travel to teach because of her ‘wonderful’ husband Peter. He was a liaison officer at Victoria University and was always deeply involved with their family.

In 1961 the family moved to England for a year, where Beverley’s contribution helped change the face of preschool education in that country. She spotted a letter in the Guardian bemoaning the fact that there weren’t enough nursery schools and responded suggesting it could be done the New Zealand way - co-operatively, by setting up play groups. Beverley and the letter writer got together and Beverley wrote a supervisors’ guide for the new playgroups. She was also involved in establishing a playgroup at Crystal Palace. In 2011, the Preschool Learning Alliance in England turned 50. It was marked by the publication of a book which features Beverley’s role in the establishment of playgroups in England.

Beverley wrote two books, which are still sought many years after publication.

“Understanding Children” covered the normal range of behaviours from birth to teens. “Living with Children” is a compilation of articles Beverley had written for the Parents Centre Bulletin. She was awarded a QSO and is an honorary life member of the Playcentre Federation.

She retains her interest in child-centred organisations, such as Child Poverty Action Group and Playcentre. As well as the Petanque Club and U3A, Beverley belongs to a writing group and a walking group. She enjoys harbour swimming, gardening, films and PN reading. (PHILIPPA TAIT) F

photography: Philippa Tait

Enjoy ample free undercover parking while you browse through the likes of Storm, Moochi, Mischief Shoes, Decjuba, Witchery, Veronika Maine, Kimberleys, Identity, TS14+, Blue Illusion, Bettie Monroe and Ecco - to name but a few of our exquisite fashion brands.

Herne Bay resident Beverley Morris, who recently turned 90, has made a huge contribution to New Zealand families.

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The Milford Centre is an exquisite shopping centre where you’re invited to shop in style. Just 12 minutes from Ponsonby, surrounded by the gorgeous Lake Pupuke and Milford Beach, the Milford Centre is an intimate shopping experience.

Platina Jewellery will make any lady smile with an exquisite range which includes Thomas Sabo, Karen Walker, Nanis and Ole Lynggaard.

The Milford Centre also has an array of home and giftware stores offering stunning pieces from brands such as French Country, Willow Tree, Scan Pan, Villeroy & Boch, Enchante, Bodum and Kitchenaid.

Complementary to their retail offer are a range of services and eateries at the Milford Centre. With Christmas parties and summer soirees in full swing, treat yourself to some pamper and relax time, meet friends for a coffee or be more practical and get your fridge stocked with fresh, seasonal produce from Greens.

The Milford Centre is a sight to behold at Christmas and this is complemented with The Homestore bringing in the Christmas Heirloom Company. For the children there is a unique offer with Mamma Mia, Feet First and Nature’s Window and Santa is there daily from 14 December between 10am - 3pm. Also book in for their renowned Santa Breakfasts with the jolly man himself. For relaxed and pleasant shopping, come and visit Auckland’s best kept shopping secret. F PN MILFORD CENTRE, 24 Milford Road T: 09 486 1559 www.milfordcentre.co.nz Follow us on Facebook or Pinterest.

EVENT STYLING TO GIVE YOU GOOSEBUMPS Herne Bay residents Bridgette Roe and Hannah Suvalko recently launched “Styled” - their business specialising in event styling, production and design.

Styled tackles events from PR launches to weddings, birthdays, baby showers - anything that requires a celebration.

Styled also does in-store styling and are proud makers of fabulous jumbo garland balloons. Bridgette and Hannah come from a brand background and understand design, strategy, customer service and creating seamless and memorable experiences. “We get that life is too short for boring. So we are big about creativity and pushing outside of the box. Being different, getting cut-through and creating goose bumps”.

Bridgette and Hannah recently moved their just one-year-old business to a shared creative space in Surrey Crescent. Recent projects include Sunglass Hut’s “All that Glitters”, Wella Illumina and Neutrogena Naturals media launches as well as many joyful weddings and baby showers. F PN STYLED, T: 021 126 7446, www.stylednz.com PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

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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 15 DECEMBER 1925

Dear Vera, Talking about the show has made me very anxious ... I think I’ll feel a lot better if I try and get as much completed as I can today, even if it means staying up very late. I think I need to go and make a cup of tea actually....

With only a week to go until the fashion parade I am nervous beyond belief ! I have so many little niggly bits to complete.

I don’t think that I’ve ever told you how this all came about have I? George’s mother is to blame! She’s a very active member of the Victoria League and about two months ago offered them the idea of a ‘Pageant of Fashion’ as a means of raising money for the Red Cross’s Christmas fund. First there is to be a parade of the history of fashion as it has been from the year 1840. Mrs George (as I like to call her) and her ‘Leaguers’ are sourcing most of the historic gowns from within their own ranks. The oldest dress is a wedding gown that Mrs G. is borrowing from an elderly friend in Franklin Road. Her friend’s mother wore it in 1845 at her wedding in Leeds and the silk is still in wonderful condition. Mrs. G thought I might be interested and kindly took me to meet her and view a trunk full of her mother’s old clothes. Her friend actually gave me two dresses that were more than a little worse for wear as she thought I might be able to salvage some of the trims for my own work. I have eyed them up at times but truthfully, I really can’t bear to cut into them.

After the pageant a light lunch will be served, after which the fashions of today will be shown, my gowns amongst them. I decided to be a bit adventurous and have made them all from black silk fabrics - georgettes, chiffons, satins and velvets - each very different from the other. I have chosen extreme simplicity for the first, to simply extreme for the last!

It’s being held in the Tudor Tea Rooms at Milne & Choyce, which will be decorated with garlands of summer flowers and floral arches for the mannequins to walk through. Most of the mannequins are professionals and will be familiar to you from the Ladies’ Mirror. At the parade, each mannequin will carry a number that corresponds to a description printed in a little programme that will be given to those that pay the entrance fee to see the show. Quite a novel idea don’t you agree? I wish I was watching rather than participating in it! There are bound to be photographs taken. I’ll order some extras and post them to you in the New Year.

The invitation to show was extended to only the most prominent Auckland dress designers of course. I am the only Ponsonby girl represented! I had the idea to butter up the owners of my favourite Ponsonby shops who have been very kind in lending me everything that I need to show the dresses - hats, gloves, stockings, shoes and even jewellery! This is all acknowledged in the programme so it’s really very good publicity for them too.

...Ahh! There’s nothing that a good cup of tea with a teaspoon of sugar can’t make seem better!

Golly my George has been acting very strangely of late, not that I don’t know what he’s up to!

I’m now positive that I shall be the happy owner of a swinging garden seat this Christmas! On the pretext of creating a pretty view for me from my workroom, George has been clearing a large rectangle of ground beneath my lovely old pohutukawa; in fact right under a bough that is the perfect height for suspending a swing! He’s created a charming border of large scallop shells and intends to fill the space with crushed shells from the beach.

He’s been bringing shells over by the bucketful for the past three weeks! He said this would be the perfect spot for us to take a chair and sit on warm summer evenings. Hmmm, sounds like a lot of work for such a temporary arrangement don’t you agree!

Have you bought all your Christmas presents yet or are you leaving it to the last minute like me? I can’t really get to the shops for another week and by then it is going to be so busy. I always seem to leave things until the last minute and swear that I’ll never do it again but then something always seems to come up to crush my plans. At least I have been accumulating little trifles as I saw them on sale but I need to get something substantial for mother. Do you have any ideas? George is easy... he’s getting home sewn presents from me. If we lived in another age I would have made him a fine white linen shirt with frills at the neck, but alas, he’s very much a 1920s lad! Actually George has done very well indeed!

He’s getting an ivory silk evening stole with a jacquard[i] checkerboard pattern.

I’ve also made him a dressing gown from the same fabric, but in a gorgeous deep cherry red. I did it properly with silk cord work binding the collar, the fronts, the sleeve edges and even the flaps of the pockets. This has taken me at least six months, working away in my spare time between commissions.

As a bit of fun I made him a Victorian smoking cap from matching silk velvet and embroidered it all over with New Zealand native flowers. On the crown I’ve placed a fuchsia, its stamens forming the tassel. It really is a dear. Perhaps I’ll make him keep it here and wear it when he comes over for tea so I can admire it!

Well my dear, my tea has finished and the anxiety is returning so I must close and get on with it. Please do write before Christmas if you can.

With much love,

[i] Jacquard is a fabric in which the design is incorporated into the weave instead of being printed or dyed on

+ December + NEWS 50 PONSONBY PONSONBY PARISH NEWS2013

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

illustration: Michael McClintock

Maudie xx

FASHION + STYLE A FRESH NEW LOOK AT KINGAN JONES PONSONBY As many of you have probably noticed when you have been walking down Ponsonby Road of late, the Kingan Jones flagship store has been closed for renovation.

It has been a much missed fashion store during this time, but they are very happy to announce that this month, Kingan Jones has reopened.

Word on the street is that the renovations have been extensive and that Kingan Jones has reopened with a fresh new look and a select range exclusive to their flagship store.

A well established women’s New Zealand fashion brand, and a favourite haunt of many fashionistas, Kingan Jones utilises beautiful fabrics, textures and exclusive prints which are worked together in interesting and unusual combinations to present a unique and directional boutique label.

A very wearable label, Kingan Jones presents a collection which ranges from casual wear through to formal cocktail dresses. Their range of casual pieces are easily worn on their own for weekends spent at the beach, and their dressier tops and party dresses are the perfect choice for a day at the races or a night out. But the real charm of the Kingan Jones range is the ability to mix and match their beautiful dresses back with their casual PN pieces to create a wardrobe that oozes effortless chic. F KINGAN JONES, 124 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 360 2684 E: ponsonby@kinganjones.co.nz www.kinganjones.co.nz

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FASHION + STYLE

SAY MERRY CHRISTMAS WITH SOMETHING SPECIAL IT’S CHRISTMAS TIME AGAIN AND IT SEEMS TO BE COMING AROUND FASTER EVERY year, so seventysixdesign has been busy creating some awesome jewellery that will fit the “stocking filler” title perfectly.

In store they have a wide range of fabulous jewellery pieces to choose from. One favourite is the Robot ring which now has a smaller buddy, skull stackers in silver and gold with black diamond eyes, earrings and cufflinks in blooms of roses, Mexican wrestling mask cufflinks, and the popular Rockabilly rings in wide bands and signet style.

Then for something a little more cultural the Samoan and Pacific styled rings are a must, plus there are chains galore with awesome pendants ranging from tiny cutlery to swallows and loads more... it really is time to pay a visit to seventysixdesign and buy something special to say Merry Christmas with. Open Tuesday to Friday from 10am till 6pm and on Saturdays from 10am till 4pm. F PN SEVENTYSIXDESIGN, 14 Jervois Road, T: 09 376 0676 www.seventysixdesign.co.nz www.facebook.com/SeventySixDesign

taylor at Audi’s

52 PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2013

BMW MD Nina Englert, Dan Gosling, Dame Pieter Stewart and Josh Emmett with the NZFW New Gen Designers PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

FASHION + STYLE

THE GOLDEN HOUR OF PHOTOGRAPHY There is one thing that can make or break any photograph and that’s lighting. You may have the most stunning bride, gorgeous scenery, wedding venue or location, but if the lighting isn’t right, you can be left with dull, flat and lacklustre photos.

Most couples are seeking a hazy, golden, sun flare look. It’s what photographers call “the golden hour”.

Below are some tips from Marie Richards of L’Daubeney Photography for ensuring you take advantage of this unique time of day on your big day.

What is Golden Hour?

Golden Hour is approximately the first hour of light after sunrise and the last hour of light before sunset and 20 minutes afterwards. During these times the sun is low in the sky, producing a soft, dimensional and diffused light, which is far more flattering than the harsh early afternoon sun that so many wedding photographers in New Zealand are used to shooting in. The golden hour simply produces magical imagery.

Things to consider Traditionally most New Zealand wedding ceremonies are held around mid afternoon - which means lots of sunshine, harsh lighting and shadows among bright greenery. People are often hot, flustered and sweaty, particularly grooms in full suit attire. Also, when the sunlight is too strong and bright, the tendency is for people to squint during photos. These are some very challenging elements for any photographer! This said, a professional wedding photographer will be more than apt

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to handle such conditions and will still produce stunning wedding photos.

Advantages of taking photos at Golden Hour Aside from stunning wedding photos, boasting a warm and romantic feel there are advantages to choosing golden hour for your wedding photos and if you’re wanting to capture this time of day, it’s important to communicate this early on with your photographer in order to prepare in advance.

Opting for a later ceremony will allow you more time to get ready and arrange any last minute details. At sunset the temperature starts to drop providing a more ambient and cooler temperature, which is often enough to make everyone in the ceremony (and guests) feel more comfortable.

Any wind that arises during the heat of the day will begin to settle down come the early evening, leaving your hair intact!

If you’re having an outdoor reception, the setting of the sun is one of the most romantic settings for a candlelit reception dinner, while allowing for stunning reception photos.

Some ideas: 1. Choose a mid-afternoon ceremony, followed by formal family photos and official wedding party photos. After your reception dinner has been served, your photographer can whisk you away before speeches for some romantic and quiet golden hour photos, or; 2. Choose a late afternoon or early evening ceremony, followed by formal family photos and have your entire official wedding party photos taken during golden hour. This warm and soft light will stream in through open windows as you are announced into your reception area.

In both cases perfect timing is critical as there’s only a small window to capture this beautiful golden light at sunset. You’ll have an hour before sunset and approximately 20 minutes after to capture these photos.

Ensure your photographer has researched the sunset scheduled on your wedding day and has scouted the best areas within your location in accordance with this lighting.

And then you’ll be sure to love the warm, breezy and PN romantic interlude known as the “golden hour”. F

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FASHION + STYLE LENNOX - FASHION THAT MAKES YOU FEEL BEAUTIFUL Come along and visit Ponsonby’s latest fashion store now open and located in the Three Lamps retail area.

Lennox was established in 2008 by Lisani Lennox who started her career in the textile industry - so for Lisani women’s fashion was a natural progression.

Since that time the Lennox label has gone from strength to strength. Wholesaling to many national and international retailers, Lennox is rapidly evolving to become one of New Zealand’s iconic clothing labels.

Lennox has a commitment to produce 100% New Zealand made high quality women’s fashion. It’s a sophisticated fashion forward range of mix and match individual pieces catering to all figure types and suitable for corporate, leisure and special occasions; all designed to make you feel beautiful, confident and comfortable.

AUT ROOKIE - FAB FUSION THIS YEAR’S AUT ROOKIE FASHION SHOW WAS a fusion of live models, a DJ and a film showcasing final year fashion students’ collections. Twenty-four collections were shown at the 14 November event at Shed 10, including four collaborations between fashion and textile students.

AUT Rookie is AUT University’s end-of-year showcase for its third year Bachelor of Design/Fashion Design students, with a select number of students chosen to show.

The film, which played throughout the show was made and produced by Exit Films. Hair - always a highlight - was once again directed by Danny Pato of D&M Hair Design. F PN

1

Join the Lennox team in their newly developed space on 10 December from 4pm to 7pm for their official store opening. Enjoy a glass of wine and canapes and check out their beautiful range, they will be more than happy to help you select a garment to suit. Make a purchase to enter the draw for a fabulous Lennox shopping spree. Every purchase made from now until Christmas guarantees you entry into the draw. You can PN also view and purchase their latest collections online. F photography: Sam Lee

LENNOX, 270 Ponsonby Road Three Lamps, T: 09 378 7113 Online store: www.lennox.co.nz 2

3

4 1. Ponsonby student Sacha Reinsfield’s design 2. Danny Pato backstage at Rookie 3. Francis Hooper and Kris Roberts 4. Jae Mills and Murray Bevan

54 PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2013

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

FASHION + STYLE

WESTMERE DESIGNER MAKES HEARTS RACE WESTMERE RESIDENT ABBY HOLLAND, 23, IS A RELATIVELY RECENT FASHION technology graduate who has not delayed in plying her trade. “One Fine Day” - the Summer Resort 2103 collection from Abby’s one-year-old label Make Hearts Race, has recently been launched in her online store and is the first out-sourced label on the racks at Jack and Trelise Cooper’s CO-OP in Takapuna. Describing the customer for her youthful, New Zealand-made garments, Abby says, “The Make Hearts Race wearer is the effortlessly cool girl, she can be cute, always kind and often unassuming. She loves clothing with a feminine touch and a playful aesthetic. She frolics around during the day before kicking up her heels at night”. F PN MAKE HEARTS RACE, T: 021 0295 4822 www.makeheartsrace.com

Shannon Ryan and Stan Walker at the Vodafone New Zealand Music Awards

THE JEWEL OF THE VNZMA’S Grey Lynn-based label RUBY once again strutted its stuff as the official fashion partner of the Vodafone New Zealand Music Awards in late November.

Co-host Shannon Ryan and the stage ushers were dressed in head-to-toe RUBY for the biggest night in New Zealand’s music calendar. Shannon wore three custom-made, ‘show stopper’ gowns during the evening, all designed by RUBY’s Deanna Didovich.

“Shannon has such an amazing presence which I really wanted to emphasise, so there was a lot of colour and embellishment in her VNZMA RUBY outfits this year,” says Didovich.

Of streetwear origins, Ruby has matured rapidly under the design direction of Didovich to become one of New Zealand’s most dynamic fashion brands. RUBY opened its first flagship location in Auckland’s High Street in 2002 and now has seven self-titled boutiques, including one on Ponsonby Road.

In addition to seasonal womenswear collections, RUBY has a dedicated footwear line, and has recently begun extending their jewellery and accessory lines - all perfect fodder for those in the music industry.

RUBY, 95 Ponsonby Road T: 09 376 8674 www.rubynz.com

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FASHION + STYLE COVET CONSIGNMENT - A GREAT PLACE FOR CHRISTMAS SHOPPING What is Covet?

Covet sells an eclectic mix of new, pre-loved and vintage clothing, shoes, jewellery, accessories, ceramics furniture and art.

Designer pieces from New Zealand and overseas are mixed with unique vintage items such as silk kimonos, recycled gold-fill jewellery and art deco silver bracelets. Because I sell on behalf of my consigners, I never know what’s going to turn up each day! It’s like Christmas sometimes when we see what someone has brought in. I handpick everything and only stock things that I like and that I think will appeal to my customers. Covet owner Brigit Timpson in her I really try to create a place Richmond Road store, near Ripe Deli that has something for everyone - we often see three generations of the same family finding something here.

Having a wide range of stock seems to work well - you can always find a gift here for just about anyone as well!

Do you just sell vintage?

I like a mix of vintage, not-so-vintage and new, because everyone is looking for something different. Some people only like vintage, some people only want new, and some people don’t know what they want until they see it. I am a big recycler though, and have only bought second-hand for most of my life. I just like the fact that things have had a previous life and that they’ll go on to have another one with the next person.

I especially like recycled vintage furniture, jewellery and bits and pieces. They can be so beautiful and the craftsmanship and history is fascinating to me.

Who are your favourite customers?

I love it when people who really know what they like come in, because their ability to zero in on the exact things that thrill them is really impressive. Some people have a very good sense of what suits them in terms of colour and style, and they know exactly the type of thing they want. They aren’t afraid to search through the whole store to make sure they haven’t missed anything either. These customers love recycling shops because they know the hidden gems in these stores are going to become their favourite treasures. F PN COVET, 168 Richmond Road T: 09 378 8688

GETTING DRESSED WITH THE CUPBOARD’S DIANE BURKHARDT DIANE BURKHARDT HAS BEEN SPENDING HER DAYS IN HER BEAUTIFUL ST MARY’S BAY workroom since The Cupboard opened there in July 2013. Ponsonby News asked the designer of 18 years (and pattern-maker, grader and retailer of more) to tell us about her own way of dressing and love of clothes.

I ‘dress’ seven days a week, because clothes are made to wear, not to save for a special occasion. The Cupboard clothes are made to last as well, so you can wear them for years and years, they’re timeless. I suppose if I am on holiday somewhere I might slip into something a little more casual like a kaftan - in Fiji or Rarotonga or at our place in Kuratau in Lake Taupo.

I’m passionate about clothing and fashion - it keeps me awake at night with all these ideas going through my head. I usually have a pencil and a pad by my bed and I will draw little sketches and think “that’s it, I can go to sleep now,” but then another idea comes...

I try to wear only things that we stock in the shop from our three designer lines - Diane Burkhardt, Colleen Behrens and Succhi Collection. I dress with the underlayer being all the same colour. If I am going to wear darker colours I would put a little singlet on and darker pants or shorts - I don’t normally wear skirts, I’m quite practical and they feel a bit too ladylike - I’ll wear them if they are a little bit quirky, though. I’d go all black or white or grey underneath, and then layer a different colour or a textured piece over the top. Keep your body layer quite close to the body and have your visual interest in the outer layer.

In winter there may be a coat or a long cardigan - we buy in Alistair Trung who does a lot of lovely, different cardi’s - the one I am wearing is one of his summer ones in linen.

I wear our New Zealand-made “Cat Baloo” bags - it’s a little leather cross-body that sculpts your clothes a bit. We also buy in some lovely chunky, unusual jewellery from Italy and Spain - I mainly wear necklaces. I seem to have forgotten earrings completely - I’m too busy! The piercings have probably closed over.

We buy in shoes - Django and Juliette. When I worked from home I worked barefoot because it was more comfortable, but now that I am here in the workroom and shop I wear a flat brogue type shoe. I choose the shoe after the clothing, it comes last. We stock, and I wear, mostly neutral shoes with a pop of colour. My sunglasses are these lovely Karen Walker filigree ones - even my daughter wants them.

For a special occasion I choose the shoes first, and I’d wear a high heel. I tend to wear black when I go out because it’s slimming, and usually a bit of bling in a necklace and a nice bracelet. Sometimes for a special occasion I wear my grandmother’s amethyst ring and bracelet - she was big on jewellery, she had rings on every finger and long fingernails. The most dressed up I have ever got, was to my wedding in 1990 - I made a white lambskin wedding dress with lace that cost me $250 a metre at the time.

My style advice to other women? Step out of your comfort zone. Don’t worry about what everyone else thinks - especially your husband. Men have what they think looks nice, but it’s not really what we feel comfortable in. Feel comfortable in your own PN skin, really. F THE CUPBOARD, 14 St Mary’s Road, T: 09 378 4770; www.thecupboard.co.nz

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PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

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FASHION + STYLE: JULIE ROULSTON

Greater Ponsonby Designers fare well in DHL Scholarship The Grey Lynn based designer and founder of fashion label Commoners was recently awarded the $10,000 DHL Express Fashion Export Scholarship for 2013, establishing the brand as New Zealand’s top emerging fashion exporter.

Designed to identify the country’s hottest up-and-coming fashion exporter and assist them in achieving international growth, the scholarship paves the way for Commoners to make a big impact on the global fashion scene.

“The DHL export scholarship is very important to us as we see it as an opportunity to connect internationally,” says designer Jae Mills. “We are currently focused on growing our brand in the Australian market, as we feel a strong connection with the culture and our brand has been received really well there over the past six months,” he says.

Mills believes that once the label has the right structure within their business in place they will look at expanding to Northern Hemisphere markets. The scholarship has been running for six years but new this year, DHL Express and Fashion Industry New Zealand (FINZ) introduced a sought-after meeting with international luxury online retailer my-wardrobe.com to the existing suite of prizes.

The team at my-wardrobe.com were so impressed with the calibre of the finalists they indicated interest in meeting with all three. In recognition of this, the judges awarded the other two finalists, BLAK and Meadowlark Jewellery - the first jewellery brand to make finalist in the scholarship’s six year history and Grey Lynn born to boot - second equal prizes of international DHL freight to the value of $1000.

Commoners founder Jae Mills and his wife Jaimee Clapham

Iconic fashion designer and scholarship judge Margi Robertson of NOM*D and Plume said the decision was a tough one. “Commoners are brave. They’ve stuck to their guns in terms of their design aesthetic, which takes a lot of guts,” she says. “They also have a strong, strategic marketing campaign which is very specific and reflects the clothes well.”

“They’ve chosen a tough category and they’ve got it right. It’s a beautiful range with strong potential,” said fellow judge, CEO of Max Fashions John Kelly. Mills grew the label from humble beginnings, working on it evenings and weekends after his day job, General Manager of the Black Box boutique stores. But for now it seems he will be taking a well -deserved break to enjoy the hot days ahead.

“I enjoy the beach and am a keen surfer so chasing waves with friends throughout the summer months is good fun,” he told The Department Store News. “The longer days are great and spending more time outdoors is the best thing about the New Zealand summer.”

Ponsonby hair salon Stephen Marr was the hair event partner for the scholarship’s Winner Announcement, which was held at Tom-Tom Bar & Eatery in Victoria Park Market on 12 November. Fellow event partner Red11 supplied the models. F PN www.commoners.co.nz www.blak.co.nz www.meadowlark.co.nz

Greg Fromont and Claire Hammon of Meadowlark with Red11 models

FLATTERING, COMFORTABLE JEANS? The question mark in the headline is deliberate - flattering, comfortable women’s jeans can be as elusive as the Holy Grail, and particularly post-babies or into middle age.

Recently Ponsonby News’ Fashion Editor Julie Roulston was invited to be fitted for a pair of new Revel by Levi’s. Revel have shaping technology which makes them a little like Spanx to wear, and they have cleverly been designed so that deliberate, subtle fading on the front thigh of the skinny leg is vertical, drawing the eye from waist to toe to create the illusion of the longest possible leg.

Retailing for $159.90, Revel have a lycra content so they are pretty comfortable as long as you are happy being somewhat vacuum-packed into the body section of the jean - certainly any excess flesh is kept decisively in place. But Julie tells, “What really made my Revels stand out is that they also offer Levi’s Curve ID technology, wherein you can get your size in one of three silhouettes - slight, demi- and bold curve. At my fitting Harriet from Beat Communications (the Grey Lynn-based publicists for Levi’s) said the magic words go down a size - made possible by selecting the most appropriate degree of curve.” Revel’s mid rise is not too low nor too Nana either. Seemingly miraculously Revel fits both waist and “a bit of a booty” as Harriet so nicely puts it - no dreaded waist gape. F PN www.levis.co.nz

58 PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2013

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

FASHION + STYLE Retail Superstar of the Month Roman Szymanik Described by Tatty’s owner Aimee as her “youngest and sweetest” full time retail salesperson, Roman Szymanik shares his thoughts on being a Retail Superstar with Ponsonby News.

I LOVE UGLY TO THE RESCUE Whether it’s December and you are looking for a gift, or January and you want to up your manly style stakes - I Love Ugly to the rescue.

Arriving in stores on 6 and 11 December respectively, are the Zespy Pant in floral denim ($135) and the I Love Ugly leather Wallet ($69) pictured above. Marketing manager Tom Lawson told Ponsonby News, “The Zespy Pant is the iconic I Love Ugly pant and has only been released in a patterned fabric once before as very limited quantity... We leaked one photo of the Zespy Pant in floral denim on Facebook and Instagram and they have created quite a lot of buzz! The wallet is also the first wallet by I Love Ugly, and it will be coming out in black leather and brown leather.”

Superette is the local I Love Ugly stockist, or you can shop in the I Love Ugly online store. F PN SUPERETTE, 282 Ponsonby Road, T: 360 2360, www.superette.co.nz www.iloveugly.net

NEW BALANCE AND SHOE CLINIC FOR CORPORATE WELLNESS FREEMANS BAY BASED NEW BALANCE AND PONSONBY ROAD'S SHOE CLINIC teamed up on 27 November, partnering the Auckland arm of the 2013 Fidelity Life Corporate Challenge - a five kilometre run, jog or walk organised exclusively for business and professional organisations and dedicated to the health, fitness and well-being of their employees. Companies enter as a team and all teams start together and run the same course at each venue, with events taking place in Wellington and Christchurch as well as Auckland.

Despite a very rainy evening nearly 1,000 participants braved the rain in the Domain, with Johan van Hoovels coming in first at 00:16:28, and Catherine Garvey first woman across the line at 00:19:34.

New Balance 574 Alpine white with orange and green $150

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How did you come to be a retail salesperson?

I decided after leaving the terrible first job that most teenagers experience, that I desperately wanted to work in an environment surrounded by clothes... most importantly, working with people who share the same perspective on clothes and fashion as I do. This is when I became determined to land a role in retail.

What brought you to Tatty’s?

My mother, who has very similar taste in clothes to me, suggested the store. From my first visit I found it brilliant.

What do you love about Tatty’s?

The variety Tatty’s has is probably the thing I love the most about the store. Tatty’s also makes having expensive taste a lot easier. The team I work with has also become like a second family, we are all very close.

What makes a standout retail salesperson?

Connecting with your customer is probably the most important element. It is crucial to find out what your client’s needs are. Being able to form relationships with returning customers makes for a great salesperson; there is a great feeling about walking into a store where the staff know you by name.

Tell us about a memorable sale you’ve made this year…

Just recently I sold a pair of stunning black leather Ann Demeulemeester sandals. The lady who purchased them suited them perfectly. Nothing makes me happier than selling pieces I’ve fallen in love with.

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

Grace Jones without a doubt, I would love to see what she’d pick out.

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

My very close friend Claudia lives up the road. I love it when she visits me at work, she always picks out brilliant pieces - her taste is impeccable.

Where do you enjoy shopping?

Zambesi for those extra special designer pieces; I also love Fabric and Scotties Boutique.

WORLD Beauty on Ponsonby Road always satisfies my candle and perfume addiction.

Name someone you think is a great greater Ponsonby brand/store/retail salesperson…

The team at Fred’s Cafe at the top of Franklin Road always know exactly how to prepare the perfect snack on my lunch breaks. They let me call before I leave for my break to place my order which is bloody fantastic. (JULIE ROULSTON) F PN TATTY’S, 159 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 376 2761, www.tattys.co.nz

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OUT + ABOUT

ART IN THE DARK, WESTERN PARK

photography: Michael McClintock

November 2013

60 PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2013

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

GET RESULTS FROM YOUR WEBSITE OR ONLINE STORE WORLDNZ ARE THE NEW IT KIDS ON THE BLOCK AND HAVE JUST MOVED IN TO COWAN Street. They are really excited to be in Ponsonby and have already met some great people.

WorldNZ is a full service IT company, providing the following services; web design and development, logo design and branding, web hosting, Google Apps, Office 365, consulting services, IT strategy, IT services, IT support including remote support, high speed broadband, VOIP, co-located servers, online backup, hardware repair support and upgrades, PC tune-ups.

They have been in business since 2004 and continue to provide quality services to their clients. They would love to get to know more people in Ponsonby, so drop by and say hello, they are always up for a coffee or two. They are running a special promotion exclusive to Ponsonby News readers only, for their web design services leading up to Christmas with two great offers valid until 20 December.

OFFER 1: $1000 off websites.

Their websites are professional, great looking, Google- friendly and can be managed by you the user with their easy to use content management system (CMS). This saves you money and time.

OFFER 2: $1500 off online/e-commerce stores.

Their online stores are powerful, fully featured sites that allow you to sell your products online and reach a wider audience than your physical store. It’s the cheapest sales rep you’ll ever have.

Call the team at WorldNZ today for a chat and see what they can help you with.

WORLDNZ, Suite 7, 1-3 Cowan Street, T: 09 529 5337 help@worldnz.co.nz www.worldnz.co.nz F PN

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

FASHION + STYLE FASHION ON THE MOVE New Zealand has its first fashion truck, a mobile boho beach boutique filled with home wear, accessories, and beach wear collected from the travels of Herne Bay’s Bex Riley and her husband.

Owners and creators of the label Tosca and Salome, Bex and her husband are hunters, collectors, designers and collaborators who usually stock their labels’ finds in stores around the country and the occasional funky pop up shop.

“My husband is a sailor and I have inherited the wanderlust gene from my father who was a pilot,” says Bex. “Our label was inspired by our globetrotting adventures, but on home ground!” However this summer they won’t be confining their wares to a shop floor - instead what started out life as a wee Mitsubishi Rosa school bus is now being converted into a chic walk in wardrobe on wheels. “Called the Tosca and Salome Wanderlust Boutique, we will be hitting hot spots around Auckland as well as festivals and beaches throughout the North Island,” says Bex. Filled with all sorts of treasures, the boutique will stock gorgeous products for the home, beach wear including a variety of kaftans and swimwear, a few favourites such as signature skull candles and carefully selected clothes and accessories to suit the stylish gypsy-style setter.

Find out where they will be via a calendar on their website, and follow them on Facebook or Instagram to see the Wanderlust Boutique being created with love from start to finish. F PN TOSCA AND SALOME WANDERLUST BOUTIQUE, www.toscaandsalome.co.nz

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GARY STEEL: VEG FRIENDLY

Seasonal gore fest REMEMBER THAT TIM BURTON FILM, THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS? WELL, spare a thought for vegetarians, who not only have a nightmare before Christmas, but also a nightmare during, and another afterwards, and on through the holiday season.

A recent informal radio survey in Auckland estimated that around 12 percent of us are vegetarians, yet when it comes to Christmas and New Year, and then into barbecue season, vegetarians are habitually ignored, while the other 78 percent chomp down on turkey, ham, and fly-blown charcoal specials.

For most of the year, vegetarians can go about their business, and organise their lives with minimal intrusion from the meat-loving world. They can whip up their treats at home, or eat from a wide variety of veg-friendly restaurants and cafes. But at Christmas, all this changes. Only the most stubbornly anti-social of vegetarians don’t get together with family and friends just like everyone else, and there’s the rub.

When I announced my vegetarianism “coming out” at the age of 18, I was lucky to have a mum who rose to the challenge of experimenting with vegetarian cuisine, and who was quite happy to banish the traditional turkey and ham from the Christmas table entirely. While dad was probably in some turmoil at losing his traditional dishes, he never grumbled, as long as there were still plenty of sweet treats on offer. And in fact, none of the frequent visitors to our family Christmas dinners grumbled about the numerous vegetarian feasts that tumbled out of mother’s oven and salad bowl.

I was lucky. Many parents, relatives and friends are less than supportive when young people choose a meat-free diet, and they are effectively bullied and ridiculed. It’s that “what ARE ya mate?” attitude that seems bred into New Zealand men, where vegetarians must be shamed on account of not being one of the gang. The inference is that if you don’t eat meat, you’re not a real man, you’re letting down the side, you’re a weakling and effeminate and probably a bit gay on the side.

Over the years, I learned to embrace the ridicule, even enjoy the “outsider” status, and to appreciate the difficulty other “minority” groups encounter. Interestingly, my gay friends never mocked my vegetarianism.

But back to our seasonal crisis. So, you make it through Christmas with the family, but then you’ve got to endure it all over again at New Year: the overpowering stench of freshly oven-roasted animal bodies, the insensitive clods who breathe the stink all over you while chewing and talking at you… and the miserable “salad” (a few lettuce leaves, cucumbers and tomatoes) that comprises your protein intake.

I’ve never met a vegetarian who doesn’t have horror tales to tell about the holiday season. There are those rare parties where some lovely person does provide vegetarian food, and what happens then? The carnivores swoop like vultures on all the vegetarian morsels, leaving nothing for the herbivores to munch on. And then there are the inevitable stories about the hosts with the most who buy tofu sausages for the barbecue, and cook them in with all the meat, thus rendering the whole exercise pointless.

Thankfully, there are signs that we are adapting to having a summer Christmas, and many families are substituting heavy saturated fats for more healthy, seasonally appropriate food options. But if you’re providing food for friends and family this holiday season, please think of your vegetarian (and vegan) friends. Most probably, those friends will bring a plate, but really, how hard can it be in this information-rich century to cater to those whose diet is, after all, more health and planet-health friendly?

LOCAL CHEF COOKS UP AWARD-WINNING BOOK CALL IT A RECIPE FOR SUCCESS A respected local chef has become an award-winning author thanks to the triumphs of her latest book, The New Zealand Chef.

Long-time Ponsonby resident Lesley Christensen-Yule has won the Chief Judge’s Special Award at the 2013 Culinary Quill Awards held by the NZ Guild of Food Writers. Now in its 3rd edition, The New Zealand Chef (Pearson, 2013) is recognised as the standard text for trainee chefs in New Zealand.

Co-authored by Lindsay Neill of AUT University, the book emphasises New Zealand produce within classical cuisine and within the context of New Zealand and Pacific food.

In bestowing the award, the judges described The New Zealand Chef as a “comprehensive reference book that is highly accessible and precise…[it] is not only an excellent textbook for students and practicing chefs but also a resource for all involved in the food production and development including home cooks”.

The Chief Judge’s Special Award has been quickly followed by another win last week, when The New Zealand Chef was named Best Higher Educational Text Award held

by Copyright Licensing NZ. As a result of the demand for The New Zealand Chef, Lesley also wrote The New Zealand Cook’s Bible (second edition, Penguin 2012) which adapts the textbook for the home cook.

Lesley worked for 20 years as a Senior Lecturer in the School of Hotel and Restaurant Studies at Auckland University of Technology where she specialised in culinary theory and chef training. She says the awards show that in New Zealand, cooking is recognised equally as a joy and a serious pursuit.

“It has been extremely gratifying that so many people in New Zealand, whether chefs -in-training or domestic gods and goddesses in their own homes, find these cookbooks helpful and easy to use,” says Lesley. We are fortunate to have a plethora of fresh and delicious ingredients at our fingertips and I hope these books continue to inspire PN readers to explore New Zealand’s culinary riches.” F

Email of the month comes from Tanya, who has lived in both Vancouver and London, and finds Auckland’s attitude towards vegetarians “a bit dated. It is assumed that everyone eats meat. A particular example of this is the ubiquitous sausage sizzle in primary schools. The assumption that every kid (and adult) is happy to eat fatty, processed sausage and that vegetarian alternatives are rarely, if ever, offered, is behind the times.” Couldn’t agree more.

So far, local venues have been slow to take up our vegetarian challenge. So don’t forget, let me know if you think your outfit does spectacularly well for vegetarians and vegans.

And we’d love to hear from consumers and their good and bad experiences in regards PN to veg-friendliness in Auckland restaurants and cafes. (GARY STEEL) F Gary Steel is an Auckland-based journalist who runs online vegetarian resource www.doctorfeelgood.co.nz. He can be contacted via beautmusic@gmail.com

62 PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2013

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY THOMSON TREATS Thomson Whisky has had a busy year spreading the word about their unique New Zealand whisky bottlings.

For Mathew and Rachael Thomson operating an up and coming whisky brand means work almost never stops. We caught up with them to see what they’re planning this festive season.

Are you taking some time out over Christmas?

“Yes definitely,” Rachael confirms. “We’re hosting Christmas this year so everyone will spend the day at our place. We’ve had a non-stop year, so it’s our way of thanking our family for putting up with us really.”

Can you share a family recipe with us? “This year we’ll serve salmon, which is dead easy when hot-smoked over oak or even manuka wood chip. The marinade is a mix of honey, salt and pepper, fresh thyme, garlic, and just before it goes in the smoker a dram of whisky goes over the fillet. It’s a tried and true Thomson special.”

And what about drinks? “Pre-dinner we’ll serve some bubbles and a lighter style whisky.

The Two Tone bottling offers beautiful smooth drinking and would work as an aperitif before a Christmas feast. I find Christmas foods like dried fruit, caramelised nuts, cheeses, and roast meats make the tasting notes in whisky hum. Whisky can handle those big flavours.

With dessert I’d personally look for a single malt with cacao, vanilla or spice notes - our family likes rich Christmas pudding so a decadent syrupy whisky will be the match.” What’s the best part of Christmas for you? “Definitely the quality time with family, but I also love to PN give special gifts. Needless to say it’s often interesting whisky.” F www.thomsonwhisky.com

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

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JULIE BONNER: NEWS FROM FROG POND FARM This last month in the vege garden has been brilliant, probably something to do with the array of seedlings which have made it into the soil. My salad bed is looking particularly good and I would say this is because of the preparation pre planting. Lots of composted horse poo, coffee grounds, wood ash all dumped onto the bed and then spread lovingly about (I get excited by this sort of stuff!) Lastly a good thick layer of mulch and hey presto.

The dwarf beans in this space, although midgets, are already sporting fine looking beans. The Vivian lettuce is looking very edible and is planted next to some heirloom beetroot. These two are great companion plants and grow well together. Zinnias, marigold, Shasta daisy, chamomile and lemon bergamot are also dotted about in this bed. Every salad needs cucumber, so I poked two of these further up the other end of the bed and they have just started to flower.

In another bed my heirloom toms made it into the soil on Labour weekend (a New Zealand tradition) and this space they are sharing with runner beans, lemon balm, rosemary, thyme, a couple of heirloom zucchinis, celery and a few more flowers for good luck and colour. Basil and parsley will also get popped in near the toms (great companion plants) and no doubt the usual calendula and nasturtium will raise their heads in due course. I’ve even started removing the tomato laterals, but make sure when you do, that there is no rain on the horizon and a slight breeze - lessens the likelihood of disease (well, we hope so!)

Those spuds I planted in the box are scrambling to get out and are covered in flowers.

I have even popped in another potato bed, with Desiree, Liseta and Red Rascal. Don’t know about you, but I like to plant mine in trenches about 15cm deep, which I then lay with comfrey leaves (high in nitrogen and potassium). The spuds are laid on top, “eyes up” with their nearest neighbour about 25cm away. To finish, cover with soil and then give them a really good soaking.

My gorgeous garlic is doing famously of course, with some plants starting to flower already. Good idea to snap these off so the plant spends its energy on growing a nice garlic bulb instead. Really important though to keep up the water to these brilliant alliums and likewise spray them with seaweed fertiliser when you remember.

The Egyptian walking onions are doing their thing. A couple of plants are even sporting bulblets, which look for the world like a flower. The weight of these bulblets, when they are developed, will bend the stem they are attached to and this will topple to the ground.

With a bit of luck and in the right conditions this will root and another plant will be formed.

Turban and crown pumpkins have both been planted in a garden that is miles away from the house (slight exaggeration), but just happens to be nestled next to native forest and our bananas. Nice microclimate in this spot and surprisingly given the lack of TLC the soil in this bed is amazing - loaded with worms and organic material.

Yes it has been a very interesting month. We even managed to squeeze in a journey with our good buddy Aussie photographer Dallas and his lovely wife Kathy driving from Auckland to Central Otago in the South Island. Why? Photos and footage for Toi Toi Wines of course!

Well there is something to be said about campervans. Not that they aren’t great modes of transport mind you, but when there are four adults, loads of photography equipment, props, boxes and boxes of wine (for photos of course) and a pooch named Dan, then things can get a tad cramped. And me, well I might live on a farm and wear gumboots, but there is something to be said for the comforts of home - I guess I’m not into sleeping on garage floors at vineyards nor waking up in the middle of the night and wondering where the “toot” might be. Was it an adventure? Absolutely - all in a week.

PN Happy summer gardening! (JULIE BONNER) www.frogpondfarm.co.nz F

64 PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2013

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY

ENJOY A DELICIOUS NO-FUSS FEAST THIS CHRISTMAS WITH FARRO FRESH New to Farro Fresh this Christmas are their succulent turkey breast roulade and carvery turkey legs, both stuffed with their delicious cranberry and orange stuffing.

The turkey roulade is completely boneless and made up of 100% turkey breast meat which is stuffed, rolled and then tied. These feed 10-12 people and are a great option for your Christmas feasts. The carvery turkey leg- a semi deboned and stuffed thigh and leg, is Farro’s smaller option this year. The carvery leg will feed two to three people, so is perfect for those with fewer mouths to feed at their Christmas gatherings.

Both options are SPCA certified free range and come frozen. Just thaw, roast and then enjoy with family and friends - giving you a no mess, no fuss Christmas celebration. These turkey roasts are exclusive to Farro Fresh and are a great way to enjoy turkey over the holiday season without the hassle of a traditional full-sized bird.

Also still available this year are their famous boneless turkey roasts, along with their ultimate Turducken - both stuffed with Ray McVinnie’s delicious stuffing recipe.

Ordering your Christmas meats couldn’t be easier this year with Farro Fresh. Simply fill out an order form in-store or go to their website and fill out an easy online order form.

Once ordered, your meats will be ready to collect at your nearest store on a date that is convenient for you. F PN $29.99 each for the carvery turkey leg, $32.99 per kilo for the turkey roulade.

FARRO FRESH, Westmoreland Street www.farrofresh.co.nz

PONSONBY HISTORY… DID YOU KNOW?

1880s

In the Vandeleur Road is called Ponsonby Road along its whole length, what will be Jervois Road is still called Ponsonby Road as well.

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EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY WHAT’S HAPPENING AT SANTOS? Santos Café (café con Espiritu) has undergone a refurbishment which has meant we now have a bigger kitchen to create your favourite Santos food.

Hannah Sim DeSouza has been adding her culinary and hospitality expertise into the family business and has created some fresh new dishes for the menu too. The shared courtyard is now fully covered with an impressive glass roof - no more dodging the rain!

As well as being able to enjoy a great coffee from our much loved barista Jim you will soon be able to have a refreshing drink at Santos. We are getting our liquor licence this summer and of course we are staying with our Brazilian vibe with a small selection of South American wines and some fresh fruit Caipirinha cocktails. Margarita Vovna is developing our very own cachaca infusions to make sure the cocktails are magnifica!

Tell us about your art wall?

Santos has always been a great champion of local artists and our art wall has been part of the vibe at our buzz since 1996. Many young aspiring artists have become a household name since they exhibited on Santos’ art wall.

The Santos art wall now has an official name - Arte Na Favela. In December make sure you check out PEAP TARR (Auckland, New Zealand & Phnom Penh, Cambodia) and LISA MAM (Cambodia’s first Khmer female Urban Street Artist) exhibition.

We are also adding some permanent artworks into the café paying homage to Saints and icons of South America designed by Margarita Vovna.

To get all the updates follow Santos Café on Facebook or listen to Kate Barnett on PN Base FM. F

FESTIVE TRUFFLES It takes only five ingredients to make these no-cook delectable treats so give ‘em a go. They make a great edible gift, too.

Makes 30 Time to make 15 minutes 1 cup chopped pitted dates 1 cup peanut butter 1 cup cocoa 1/3 cup liquid honey 70g (1 small packet) ground almonds Step 1 Use a stick blender or a food processor to blend dates, peanut butter, cocoa and honey.

Step 2 Gather 1 heaped teaspoon of the mixture and shape into a ball with your fingers.

Step 3 Spread almonds on a plate and roll balls in almonds until not sticky.

Step 4 Store in the fridge until ready to give as a gift.

NOTE: To make gluten-free truffles, check cocoa is gluten-free Nutrition No dairy.

Recipe: Yvonne Walus Photography: Carolyn Robertson Styling: Sarah Swain Recipe reprinted from Healthy Food Guide magazine with permission from Healthy Life Media Ltd. Find more Christmas-inspired fare in the December 2013 issue of Healthy Food Guide magazine ($5.90), on sale in supermarkets and bookstores or subscribe at www.healthyfood.co.nz. F PN

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66 PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2013

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EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY YOU SCREAM, I SCREAM, WE ALL SCREAM FOR ICE CREAM The Lion Foundation Young Enterprise Scheme or YES is a programme that has been delivered through schools for 30 years.

It’s aimed at producing leaders in industry, or entrepreneurship that has proved highly successful. Thousands of senior secondary students participate each year with the help of their teachers and local business mentors. They form a company, create a product or service to market and sell which gains them NCEA credits. It’s also a valuable opportunity to learn about the real business world and gives YES companies the option to enter regional and national competitions, which result in the announcement of the Lion Foundation Young Enterprise Company of the Year National Award.

When four budding entrepreneurs from St Mary’s College in Ponsonby decided to enter the scheme their first thought was to aim for a corporate partnership with a food manufacturer in order to help raise funds for the Child Cancer Foundation. Their immediate thought was that ice cream has universal appeal for children. With health in mind they also wanted an organic food product so Kezia Lynch, Hope Gibson, Maddy Price and Bella Kofoed decided to approach OOB because they enjoy their ice cream and it appealed to them as a New Zealand company with a positive image. OOB founder, Shannon Auton was more than receptive to the girl’s approach. “This is a group of motivated teenagers wanting the opportunity to learn, and there’s a synergy with our business, so we were really motivated to help.”

Having a good idea is all very well but making it come to fruition is no walk in the park.

Running their company was virtually a full time job while still having to achieve good grades at school. They are all doing business studies so it’s fortunate there’s a cross over to their school work as well. The project may not qualify for the National Awards as these are based on profit, which the girls aren’t able to gauge at this stage given theirs was launched only two months ago. This is of no great concern because their main focus was to raise money for the Child Cancer Foundation and produce a food product that would appeal to children in hospital. Well, as always, proof is in the pudding. They held a “Sundae Station” event in the Foundation’s Family Room recently where their ice cream was on offer, which the children loved. Hope, Bella, Kezia and Maddy were on scooping duty and had a great time watching the children have fun constructing some crazy PN sundaes. An award enough in itself! www.oob.co.nz (DEIRDRE TOHILL) F

The next hurdle was to come up with a good recipe. They asked around among their peers to find out what flavour appealed the most, and orange chocolate chip was a clear winner. During the production process they learned about the science of ice -cream manufacturing with OOB’s Operation Manager, Murray Taylor. They were in on a bench trial at the factory to fine-tune the recipe with flakes of luxurious organic Belgian dark chocolate and decided to add a carefully calculated amount of carrot juice to create an enticing orangey colour. The girls also helped design the label and worked alongside Shannon to sell their ice cream into supermarkets and other stockists.

When the product was finally ready for distribution they made a presentation to Foodstuffs. The girls found this challenge a bit scary because all the work they’d done was riding on its success. And it worked, big time! Their retro-nostalgic ice cream is now available at New World, PAK’nSAVE, Nosh, Farro Fresh, and Four Square outlets.

Fifty cents from the sale of each 850ml pot and 30 cents from each 320 pottle will be donated to the Child Cancer Foundation. Right at the beginning of their undertaking, they had to make another daunting presentation to the YES programme’s version of the “Dragon’s Den”, which highlights the art of pitching a business idea to investors. They had only five minutes to outline their plan to a panel of corporate bosses who didn’t think their idea would go far because they hadn’t yet secured an ice cream company. This had them really worried, then a couple of days later they received the good news from OOB, their fears were allayed and they set about proving they had a viable business.

68 PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2013

Ooob’s Operation Manager, Murray Taylor with the team

PONSONBY HISTORY… DID YOU KNOW?

1873

In a contest for the design of City Park (now known as Western Park) is held. Sir George Grey and Judge Thomas Gillies donate specimen trees.

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

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

DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2013

69

EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY BHANA BROTHERS AND THE GANDHI CONNECTION Most of the Indians, perhaps 80%, who came to New Zealand early last century came from Gujarat State.

In fact, the Bhana Brothers, famous for their fruit and vegetable shop on Ponsonby Road, came from a small village in Gujarat called Karadi. It was here, in Karadi, that Mahatma Gandhi, India’s famously ascetic independence leader, stopped for 21 days during his salt march against colonial oppression from the British.

There is a memorial in the village to commemorate that stopover, and to remember Gandhi and his followers. Fakir Chhiba, the grandfather of the four Bhana Brothers who now run the iconic shop (Harivadan, known as Harry, Narendra, known as Nan, Arvind and Pravin), came to New Zealand about 1906. He went to Christchurch. Two of his sons, Bhana Fakir and Mani Fakir bought an existing fruit shop at 129 Ponsonby Road, and established Bhana Brothers 75 years ago, the year I was born.

Mani had no children. Bhana Fakir died in 1981 and his sons took over the shop. His wife, Kuver Bhana Fakir is now in her 90s.

But after World War II, Bhana Fakir’s brothers returned to Gujarat to support the independence movement. Ghandi spearheaded a non-violent campaign against the British Raj that finally saw India gain its freedom from colonial rule in 1947. Bhana Fakir’s brothers fought alongside Gandhi, and returned to New Zealand after independence.

Bhana Fakir too, returned to India for a time after independence, married, produced Harry in India, and returned to New Zealand where the other three sons were born.

At one time Bhanas had a second shop, at 101 Ponsonby Rd where Shoe Clinic is now located. Mother Kuver ran that shop but eventually the two were amalgamated at 129, and the rest is history.

For the last several years Bhana Brothers have sponsored the Cancer Society’s Daffodil Day. They bring in thousands of daffodils from the South Island, supply them free of charge, and volunteers sell them on Ponsonby Road. It is an extraordinarily generous gesture, and I have had the privilege of helping to sell the daffodils in front of their shop.

Harry is the outgoing one of the boys, joining me in watching the passing parade of beautiful Ponsonby people. Arvind is the back room boy, probably does the books, and is friendly but more serious. Pravin is the baby, chubby still, and ever cheerful. Nan is the new boy, not so well known as the other three because he worked for Gilmours for years, and has only recently returned to 129. He is charming and friendly too, and lent me a couple of books on the history of the Indian migration to New Zealand.

New Zealand was probably not a main destination for Indians like Fiji and Africa were. It was “on the way” and many Indians decided to chance their arm and stay here. Most have done well. A good number went market gardening in Pukekohe. In fact, Bhana Fakir used to travel every week from Auckland to Pukekohe to coach the Indian hockey team.

One old photo shows a handsome young Harry as Club Captain!

Bhanas stocks certified organic fruit and vegetables, a lovely array of fresh flowers, and some artisan food goodies, including free range eggs, dried fruits, nuts, seeds and spices.

L to R: The Bhana brothers; Harry, Pravin, Arvin and Nan

ALL GOOD BANANA FARMER VISITS CERES IN PONSONBY CENTRAL TO TELL THE REAL FAIRTRADE STORY From the rainforests of Ecuador to Ponsonby, Wilson Sanchez, a Fairtrade producer, and his daughter Kelly were here to tell the story first hand of how Kiwis buying Fairtrade bananas has changed their lives.

Wilson Sanchez and his family live on a small agricultural forest farm high in the Ecuadorean Andes, producing delicious, healthy 100 percent organic bananas and other fruits destined for New Zealand fruit bowls. Being a Fairtrade producer means Wilson has a direct and fair relationship with the people buying his bananas, a relationship built on trust and respect which benefits not only his family but the entire local Andean community.

Wilson has made it his mission to bring the land back from mono-culture, (the first owner of his farm destroyed the mountain growing only cocoa for 40 years), to create a sustainable farm and regenerate the environment. He has introduced organic intercropping methods and grows a range of produce - citrus fruits, avocados, trees for wood, flowers and of course, bananas.

In the past, Wilson packed his products for big export companies. They would take the fruit and pay Wilson every 15 days yet there was never any guarantee nor stability in payments. It was a struggle to live from week to week - to pay for food, to pay staff, to support their children’s studies and plan for the future. Many producers had to leave their farms to search for work in other areas - other banana farms, shrimp farms, gold mines or even out of the country.

Fairtrade has changed that. It has helped Wilson to gain his independence, to take control of his farm, his future and the future of his children. Before this trip Wilson and his daughter had never left Ecuador, let alone fly over 12,500 kms away to a tiny country in the South Pacific.

Simon Coley of All Good Organics says, “buying Fairtrade makes a big difference to the lives of people all over the world. This is how we can change the world,” Simon added, PN “one bunch of bananas at a time.” F

Over the years Bhanas have won many ‘best of’ awards, including Metro Magazine ones, and are remembered for their place in the iconic Robin Morrison calendar of the 1970s.

The four brother stalwarts are still the same cheerful souls who have been serving Ponsonby and surrounds for so long, and show no signs of easing off. When Ponsonby News called in on Friday morning their huge truck was unloading produce from the morning market, and Arvind was directing operations, carrying huge boxes himself.

Long may this historic Ponsonby family, the Bhanas, keep looking to our produce needs, PN with dedication and a strong commitment to excellence and to community. F (JOHN ELLIOTT)

70 PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2013

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EXCITING NEW THINGS HAPPENING AT NOSH FOUR MONTHS ON FROM A CHANGE IN THE SHAREHOLDING OF NOSH FOOD MARKET sees all hands on deck for Paul and Tina Lucas, the new majority shareholders in the eight store food market. It’s very much a family team at Nosh, Paul is executive director, son-in-law Hayden Syers is CEO, daughter Kate, dietician, son Mathew logistics and purchasing, daughter-in-law Toni, baker at the Nosh cafes.

Tina Lucas grew up in Ponsonby, her mother June Shalfoon lived on John Street for 50 years. Tina has fond memories of growing up in the Ponsonby of old. “June, a Ponsonby icon, was an amazing cook and she would be getting a real kick out of the fact that our family are now involved in food and Nosh Food Market.” For Tina, Nosh brings about two of her three main passions, family and food. Tina is working on new product development at Nosh. Having been involved with Weight Watchers New Zealand for seven years, she is very aware of how essential it is to eat fresh healthy food. Her other passions include her six grandchildren and golf.

“At Nosh, blossoming artisan food companies can come to us and know we will listen and try to accommodate their products within our stores.” Tina adds, “We have eight stores at present with more to come. Our promise is to provide a real shopping experience, good old-fashioned service, wonderful fresh food and specialty products.”

Nosh is where the traditional market values are combined with modern systems to offer a big, bright and boisterous environment inspired by sights, sounds and aromas of the great fresh food markets of the world. The company has been trading since 2006 and has had a store in Ponsonby since December 2007. The store was fully refurbished in February 2010. To say thanks to Ponsonby, Tina would like to offer a free Nosh shopping bag on all purchases over $50.00 for the month of December at Nosh PN Ponsonby, while stocks last. F NOSH, 254 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 360 5557 www.noshfoodmarket.co.nz

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LAURAINE JACOBS: THE SEASONED PALATE

Café Viet What a joy to see a small, humble and independent restaurant open and enjoy immediate success at a time when Aucklanders are reeling from trying to keep up with the mega-spending on new glitzy palaces of eating with starry chefs at the helm.

Café Viet in Grey Lynn has been welcomed by many, with diners flocking in nearby and afar. It’s the first foray into the hospitality scene for Darryn Bell and his partner Joni Hong Hoang and they’ve struck a chord that has quickly developed into a happy song. When I mentioned to one foodie friend who lives nearby I’d “found” somewhere wonderful, she told me she and her husband had already been there about eight times. In six weeks? Now that’s some recommendation.

Sally Swedlund and Chrissa Pearce

Joni came from Vietnam to study and work in New Zealand 10 years ago and has abandoned Joni Hong Hoang and her desk bound career for cooking some of the Darryn Bell most delicious food from her homeland that I have encountered here. Her mother is often in the kitchen at her side and when you see that you just know the food is authentic and prepared with love. (As an aside, if you’re headed to Wellington don’t miss Nam, just off Willis Street in a little courtyard where Nikki Chung also has her mum in the kitchen making fresh Vietnamese food that is well worth checking out too.)

I was stunned by the bright flavours and textures of the starter we munched on, cha gio tom thit, otherwise known as Café Viet spring rolls; three crisp spring rolls filled with tasty pork and prawn mince deepfried and then wrapped together with a crisp iceberg lettuce cup and shredded carrot, bean curd threads and Vietnamese herbs in soft translucent rice paper. At $10 a plate this may be one of the best bargains in the city when you consider the loving care that’s poured into every one of these treasures.

The other item on the excellent “small plates” section of the menu that is a must for me is the Bang Bang Prawns. Crunchy crumbs cloak delicious fat prawns and the accompanying coconut lemongrass sauce is light, fresh and oh so delicious. I even took a portion home. For lovers of delicate food the selection of other starters will delight for there are several wonderful variations on fresh spring rolls, some fried battered squid, rice cakes and lovely mussels with coconut lemongrass dressing.

When it comes to mains, the caramelised pork hotpot reached absolute perfection and had me swooning; tender slow and long braised chunks of pork belly that were rich and sweet, served in a salty sweet broth with a deep fried hard boiled egg and accompanied by rice and a shredded salad. The crisp rice flour crepe stuffed with braised pork, prawns, sprouts and fresh herbs might be the most perfect lunch in the city and grilled lemongrass chicken with two little curry puffs on the side is well worth ordering.

Here’s the thing about authentic Vietnamese food; there must be an abundance of herbs. Pho, the clear beef broth that is the essence of Vietnam, was fragrant and filling but the generous portion of herbs atop the bowl are what made it truly wondrous eating.

Lots of coriander, Vietnamese mint, and other pungent greens on every dish give this cuisine a unique and authentic perspective. Café Viet serves everything with a profusion of crisp fresh herbs and salad, so it gets a major tick from me.

The restaurant interior is charming. Hand-painted walls and a variety of furniture make this a comfortable, colourful and casual place, despite the fishbowl like front windows that overlook the street. Children are welcome, and sensibly the locals seem to bring them in at 5.30pm so they’re hopefully out by 7pm. The one jarring note is the very limited wine selection but host Darren is working on that.

photography: William Chen

Don’t miss the Café Viet coffee. To me this was an indulgence worth going out for. Drip coffee boosted by a very liberal serving of sweetened condensed milk - very Vietnamese I am told and very toothsome. I am going back, often! Open 6 days lunch and dinner.

PN Closed Tuesdays and the full menu available for takeouts. (LAURAINE JACOBS MNZM) F Café Viet, 2 Surrey Crescent T: 09 378 8738 www.laurainejacobs.co.nz

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WHAT’S HOT AT SABATO WHEN CHRISSA MET SALLY

Festive Gourmet Goodies & Gifts...

WHEN SALLY SWEDLUND PITCHED HER ‘WICKED’ THEMED CHOCOLATE-MINT FUDGE TO her bosses at The Edge, she had no idea that it would lead to the formation of a very unique work experience opportunity for Chrissa Pearce.

Christmas is well and truly upon us… our shelves are laden with fabulous festive fare and the smell of panettone and Christmas puddings fills the air.

Sally’s fudge-making Grey Lynn based business came about from the prompting of her 16-year-old niece Hannah, and together over time they developed a product they were happy to eat even if it didn’t sell. Sally is an Event Services Attendant at The Edge which led to an impromptu pitch to launch her business.

“I took a mock-up packet to my bosses at the Edge; they liked the concept and in the euphoria of a sugar rush ordered 200 packets on the spot,” enthuses Sally. “So I officially set up Loving Spoonfuls in the space of a month, delivering the first 200 packets for the opening.” After securing the commission from The Edge, Sally required a commercial kitchen to make and package the fudge. She required the kitchen to be close to home and affordable.

“I had been looking for a commercial kitchen in my neighbourhood and the St. Columba Community Centre had the perfect set-up, five minutes from my home. Luckily for me the kitchen is managed by the saintly staff at Recreate, who have their office across the hallway and they could not have been more receptive and supportive of my extremely loose business plan; ‘Make 200 packets of fudge and see what happens’”.

Both parties were thrust into a new arrangement; Sally and the fudge making business and Recreate to the kitchen managing business, but it was clear they both shared a spirit of enterprise and adventure, trust and goodwill, and as a result things flowed very smoothly.

A visit to Sabato is a must for the celebratory season with the showroom filled to the brim with elegant European Christmas delights. All the old favourites are back: Flamigni’s sweet, moist, flavour filled panettone - perfect for our summer Christmas; dangerously good rum chocolates from Cuba Venchi; Fiasconaro’s fabulous traditional panettone and artisan Sicilian nougat; El Lobo’s decadent artisan turrón with Marcona almonds; Masoni’s delectable chocolate panforte made to a secret family recipe and Bombons Cudié’s moreish sweet treats with their signature nut praline. We also have a brand new range instore from Vicens - artisan turrón that mixes traditional methods with innovative ideas… try the brittle turrón with almonds, pistachios and lemon - divine.

We also have a fabulous selection of gift hampers and ideas that will make your Christmas gift giving a breeze. With an array of options to suit any taste or budget, our ready-made hampers are beautifully presented and packed with enticing combinations of specially selected goods. Or create your own with the help of our friendly staff and the elves will wrap it ready to go under the tree!

All our gift hampers are available online or in our Mt. Eden showroom, along with many gourmet Christmas goodies to taste test. Don’t leave your Sabato Christmas shopping to the last minute - these goods fly off the shelves and we don’t want you to miss out!

PN Buon Natale! F SABATO Limited, 57 Normanby Road T: 09 630 8751 www.sabato.co.nz

Recreate NZ, a local charitable trust which provides programmes for youth with disabilities, has been managing the community hall for St Columba Anglican Church in Grey Lynn for the past year. It was quickly established that a great opportunity of valuable work experience could make a great fit for one of Recreate’s Life Skills graduates and for Sally.

“From time to time Hannah and I would be in the kitchen and some Recreate members would wander in to see what we were doing. I loved their enthusiastic curiosity and through these interactions I thought ‘this is good for all of us’, and the obvious next thought is ‘let's go a step further’... The fudge was selling really well, we had a very compatible relationship going with Recreate, so I suggested I could give a client of theirs some work experience. And along came Chrissa!”

Chrissa is living with the heart defect Tetralogy of the Fallot, and she has been associated with Recreate for the past two years. She has completed two life skills courses, where students complete self-directed objectives such as how to take public transport, how to live healthily and how to cook and bake amazing food among other things. She has also attended Unitec and has been working for New World at Freemans Bay. For Recreate, Chrissa seemed like the perfect fit as she could transfer many skills she learnt from the Recreate Life Skills Course and additionally she lives locally in St Marys Bay. Chrissa started on October 8th, about a month after Sally and Hannah had started in the kitchen, and immediately proved to be an asset. She quickly learned everything Sally had to show her and then even came up with ways to improve things. Chrissa is excited about this enterprise, and she expresses that she “enjoys learning new baking skills and being part of a team, and would ultimately like to gain full-time employment.”

Sally affirms that “Chrissa deserves to be a valued employee, and this is my next goal. She could give motivational talks on positivity! Her limitations are small and unremarkable, while her strengths are truly remarkable. She dove in with such enthusiasm, commitment and joy - I don't think I've seen her without a smile on her beautiful face. Anything that was a bit of a challenge she showed perseverance and determination to master.”

Sally and Chrissa have already been brainstorming new flavour ideas for next February as Sally is on hiatus until then. Loving Spoonfuls can be contacted currently via e-mail at sally.swedlund@gmail.com or by phoning T: 09 360 1119. You can see what Recreate NZ do at www.recreate.org.nz and like their “Recreate NZ” Facebook page for photos, videos and stories. F PN The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

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LIZ WHEADON: WINE, GLORIOUS WINE

Sparkling Wine - the differences There are lots of new Sparkling wines appearing on shelves; here’s a 101 on how they are all made, and a few of my top picks.

Sparkling wine is traditionally made the way they do in Champagne; the very basic version - the grapes are picked, then pressed, and the juice is fermented into wine. The wine is then put into bottles where a secondary fermentation occurs - as this occurs, the bubbles released during the process are trapped in the bottle. The bottles are then turned and slowly the dead yeast cells from the second fermentation collect in the neck of the bottle. The temporary closure that is used during the secondary fermentation is then removed, a little “dosage” added (a liquor to top the bottle up that, depending on the amount added, affects the final sweetness of the wine), then a cork closure is applied to hold the bubbles in the bottle. This process is referred to as méthode traditionelle.

Champagne is produced this way and can only be called Champagne as long as it’s from the Champagne Appellation (78,000 acres of vine in Champagne, France), bottle aged for 15 months minimum for NV, three years for vintage and made from permitted grape varieties. There are wines made the same way in other parts of the world, including Champagne, but unless they meet these requirements, they can’t be called Champagne, but they can be called méthode traditionelle.

Another method of production is the Charmat method, invented in 1907 by a Frenchman Eugene Charmat. In this process the second fermentation happens in large tanks and is then pumped under pressure into bottles and sealed. Examples of sparkling wine produced through this process include Prosecco and Asti.

There’s also the transfer method, which follows the méthode process but differs after the secondary fermentation, when the wine is transferred to another bottle, the pressure

maintained and then the wine sealed. So cutting out the process of turning the bottles and waiting for the sediment to settle.

When a wine is labelled non-vintage, it means that it is a blend of different base wines from a number of years. The blending occurs before the secondary fermentation. In Champagne, non-vintage champagne is considered the house style, it’s the wine that the house stands or falls on. Non-vintage wines are best purchased for drinking, as a general rule they don’t age.

A wine labelled with a vintage must contain wine from that particular vintage; vintage sparkling wines differ in style from year to year as they reflect the particular vintage they are from. Like good wines, vintage Champagne ages very well.

Here’s a few of my picks for this festive season: St Meyland Méthode Traditionelle; Made from the traditional varieties of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, this wine is made in France just outside the Champagne region, but is made in the same way. For under $20 it’s got to be one of the best value sparkling wines on the market.

Mionetto Prosecco; Mionetto was founded back in 1887 by Francesco Mionetto, in the small village of Valdobbiadene in Italy’s Veneto region. A frizzante-style Prosecco with a refreshing crispness, this is soft and gentle, but still lively, with hints of green apple and white peach dancing across the tongue. Superb value.

Drappier Carte Blanche Non-Vintage Champagne; One of my favourites, it’s well priced (under $45 this Christmas), made by the Drappier family; this has one of the lowest amounts of sulphur of all the Champagnes on the market, this is due to Michel Drappier’s allergy to sulphur, it’s also a lovely dry Champagne. (LIZ WHEADON) F PN

PONSONBY RESTAURANTS BACK ANNUAL FUNDRAISER Ponsonby restaurant and café owners are backing an annual charitable campaign designed to help hungry and homeless New Zealanders.

DineAid runs from November until New Year’s Eve and involves customers at selected restaurants and cafés nationwide donating their spare change to the cause. Since it launched in New Zealand five years ago, DineAid has raised almost $400,000. Every single cent goes to City Mission food banks in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, which distribute goods to 140 locations throughout the country.

TV personality, author and writer Nici Wickes is one of this year’s ambassadors. She says it’s tough to argue with just an extra couple of dollars added to a restaurant bill.

“I am eternally grateful that my job enables me to dine out so frequently. However, I am also acutely aware that for many in our communities it’s a financial struggle being able to get a decent meal on the table,” Nici says. “A small amount added to the bill at the end of an evening can make a big difference to someone else and that’s the beauty of DineAid - a little goes a long way.”

Ponsonby eateries participating in DineAid: Chapel, Cocoro, Jervois Steak House, Mexico Ponsonby, Ponsonby Road Bistro, Richmond Road Café, SIDART, Soto, Tin Soldier and Vinnies.

Diners have the option of adding $2 to their bill at the end of a restaurant meal or can drop $2 into collection boxes in any participating café. For more information on DineAid and a full list of participating restaurants and cafes head to www.dineaid.org.nz F PN

With more than 150 restaurants and 200 cafés involved in this year’s campaign, all palates and budgets are catered for, including those in Ponsonby where 10 eateries are taking part.

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www.glengarrywines.co.nz

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EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY ORIENTAL EXPERIENCE AT EMPRESS GARDEN RESTAURANT LOCATED IN A DELIGHTFUL VILLA AT THE WESTERN END OF JERVOIS ROAD, THE Empress Garden Restaurant has been at the fore of the Auckland dining scene for many years. The restaurant has won several accolades and awards and consistently delivers its signature dish of Peking Duck to fellow foodies who enjoy tucking into the crisp skin and wonderful tender flesh of this dish.

At Empress Garden you will feel as though you’re actually in Chinatown, with hanging red lanterns adorning the ceiling throughout the restaurant, minimalist and clean decor and the bright bursts of rich red and dark green leading up to the entrance of the villa; it has the feel of a true oriental experience.

The restaurant is divided into various sections and rooms, which makes for a personalised and intimate dining experience, almost as if you are dining at a friend’s or a relative’s home. The lunch menu has a comprehensive number of specials, ranging from chicken, pork, duck, fish and vegetarian dishes plus a selection of noodle and rice dishes and soup options, all at affordable prices.

The dinner menu, what a treat! Their famous Peking Duck dishes come in one, two or three course options. Then banquet dining, suitable for parties of four or more, includes a choice of entree’s soups and mains and comes with fresh fruits and tea. The standard menu offers a variety of entrees, mains, desserts and dim sims - in fact too many options to mention here, you really need to check this great restaurant out for yourself!

Empress Garden Restaurant has a Food Hygiene Grade A and is open seven days a week. F PN EMPRESS GARDEN RESTAURANT, 227 Jervois Road, T: 09 376 5550 www.empressgardenrestaurant.co.nz

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DESSERT DOJO - COLD STONE ICE CREAM - ICE CREAM, YOUR WAY Dessert Dojo is a family-owned business focused at providing innovative methods to serving top quality ice cream whilst maintaining an exciting and memorable experience for our customers.

The stone mixing technique is what separates us from the rest! A custom-engineered cold stone facilitates the innovative mixing of ice cream with a variety of top quality toppings (such as chocolate brownie, fruits and nuts, just to name a few!) to create divine tasting dessert right in front of your eyes!

Why Dessert Dojo?

What sets us apart from the rest? At Dessert Dojo we believe in providing an experience rather than just a product. From the moment you walk into our doors you will instantly feel the exciting and welcoming environment whilst enjoying the best ice cream ever known to human kind (and Yeti-kind). Oh, Yeti is our friendly logo by the way!

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I’m very excited! When and Where?

Our grand opening will take place on Saturday 14 December 2013. Be sure to come in for great specials, an amazing environment and of course ridiculously good ice cream!

We are conveniently located by the intersection of Richmond Road/Picton Street and Ponsonby Road at 95C Ponsonby Road. F PN Dessert Dojo, 95C Ponsonby Road M: 027 33 77 378 www.dessertdojo.co.nz www.facebook.com/dessertdojo

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EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY PONSONBY’S HOTTEST BASQUE-STYLE TAPAS BAR Pintxos (pronounced pinch-oss) is the very popular tapas bar located on MacKelvie Street and just a couple of doors along from Ponsonby Road.

The bar is aptly named after “pintxos” which are small savoury canapés originating in the Northern Basque region of Spain.

These small savoury canapés are presented in a myriad of colours, forms and flavour combinations. Commonly found “spiked” to a piece of fresh white bread. They are designed to be eaten as a small snack whilst hanging out with friends over a glass of wine or beer.

Pintxos operate on a self service system so you help yourself to the Pintxos available in the cabinet or from the hot trays. The selection changes with every tray so keep checking to see what is available. Simply collect your skewers and toothpicks and pay on leaving. Different colour toothpicks and skewers indicate different prices.

Table service is available in the front courtyard for drinks and coffee or you may order at the bar. They offer an extensive range of New Zealand and Spanish wine as well as New Zealand craft beer.

Enjoy your experience at Pintxos. F PN PINTXOS, 65A Mackelvie Street T: 09 360 1260

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THE CAKE STALL RETURNS TO ORIGINAL PONSONBY LOCATION The Cake Stall is a boutique bakery that has just opened their second store in Ponsonby!

A blast from the past, previously known as Brown Sugar Kitchen, The Cake Stall has returned to its original shop in Ponsonby Road, with their trademark brown sugar and cinnamon sticky buns, lamingtons, custard squares, specially made for Thursdays and lots more!

Serving Allpress Coffee, the coffee machine is up and running by 7am so it is a great place to grab a coffee and lunch on the way to work or to sit down with friends at any time of the day. The Cake Stall’s owner Dianne Fraser takes great pride in her quality old fashioned baking such as slices, tarts and pastries as well as more recently the Saturday special fresh cream Boston buns.

The café also has a delicious range of savouries including bacon and egg pie and great vegetarian pumpkin, courgette and feta tarts, as well as a range of traditional

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club sandwiches, baguettes and filled Turkish during the week. They can also organise fantastic cakes for celebrations from birthdays to weddings in a range of flavours and size, sold both in store and to order.

Christmas is a wonderful time at the Cake Stall with a great range of Christmas cakes, chocolate logs, mince pies and sugar spice biscuits in store. Take the stress out of Christmas shopping and design a beautifully packaged Christmas hamper full of goodies for family and friends and also perfect for corporate gifts.

PN Opening hours: Monday to Friday from 7am to 5pm Saturday 7am to 4.30pm. F

THE CAKE STALL, 267 Ponsonby Road T: 09 360 0593 or 754 Manukau Road T: 09 625 1232 www.thecakestall.co.nz

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EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY

The Taiwanese Pork Sausage with kombu salad available at Mandarin Dumpling Bar

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EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY BAKING IS EASY ONCE YOU KNOW HOW! How Alexa Johnston metamorphosed from being an art curator at Auckland Art Gallery for 19 years to writing cookbooks.

To discover how and why it’s necessary to go back to 2002 when she curated the “Sir Edmund Hillary: Everest and Beyond” exhibition for the Auckland Museum. This was to celebrate both the 50th anniversary of the famous climb and the Museum’s 150th and 50th. After going through hundreds of slides she put together a really good show that went to Washington DC and toured New Zealand. There wasn’t enough time to produce a catalogue so she had to make do with an information sheet, but when asked if there was a book coming out she thought well maybe we should put the exhibition between two covers.

Sir Ed loved the exhibition so Alexa approached him to ask what he thought of it being part of an illustrated biography. He approved of the idea and gave her the go-ahead.

This was an enormous honour to receive from New Zealand’s most famous man and how awful it would be to get it wrong, but she didn’t. This beautiful book, published

by Penguin, has a profuse number of photographs, letters, cards, diary pages and ephemera from his personal archive. Sir Ed was very happy with the finished product and it was a finalist in the Montana Book Awards. After an extraordinary year Alexa thought well okay, it’s back to curatorial work then Geoff Walker, editor of Penguin at the time, asked if she’d ever thought of doing a cookbook. She had baked him a very special cake for his 60th birthday which prompted his inquiry.

At first Alexa wondered who on earth would buy a cookbook by her as she was only known for her work in the art world and as Sir Ed’s biographer. She loves cooking, which had always been her hobby throughout her professional career so she mulled over the idea and finally decided she’d like to do a book on traditional baking. She’d been a baker from when she was only seven years old, using recipes from her mother’s little old community cookbooks sourced from the Country Women’s Institute, the League of Mothers, church groups and so on. With economy in mind her mother’s stipulation was “Cook what you like as long as you use only one egg”.

Alexa’s choice of title for her new book was “Ladies a Plate” because it epitomises the ethos of sharing food which in turn strengthens family bonds, forges friendships

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and helps build caring communities. Many of us still recall the time when each week our mothers filled cake tins with homemade biscuits, slices, fruit loaves and cakes. They also baked for suppers and afternoon teas at local events and when someone in the neighbourhood had a baby or suffered a bereavement it was normal to pop in with some home cooked food. Her idea was to reproduce recipes from those old community books but they were very short on instructions because it was assumed everyone knew how to bake. Alexa wanted to write a book so that someone who had never baked could follow a recipe and still get a good result.

She rewrote and tested all the recipes in her home kitchen and because books need pictures these days she decided not to employ a photographer, who would be underfoot, and simply photograph the baking herself. As a curator she knew what she wanted her recipes to look like. Well in spite of her initial misgivings the book took off and won several awards including the Publishers’ Association of NZ award for Best Illustrated Book of the year. Not bad for an amateur photographer! It was followed by A Second Helping in 2009, and What’s For Pudding in 2011 A hardback collectors’ edition of Ladies a Plate was published in 2012. In her latest book, Ladies, a Plate: Jams & Preserves she celebrates the time-honoured branch of cookery, making a case for bringing it back to the centre of kitchen activities.

Alexa hasn’t quite given up her curatorial activities and is one of three others who are curating the biannual Sculpture in the Gardens display at the Auckland Botanical gardens in Manukau. Several of our local artists are featured and the not to be missed exhibition runs till Sunday 16 February. (DEIRDRE TOHILL) F PN

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PHIL PARKER: WHOSE WINE IS IT ANYWAY?

Fox in the city Foxes Island’s New Ponsonby Cellar Door John Belsham, regarded as one of New Zealand’s top winemakers and wine critics founded Foxes Island in 1992. His focus is on hand made, regionally expressive wines - the philosophy that he absorbed in his time as a winemaker in France, where he lived in Bordeaux from 1977 to 1981.

Following his return to New Zealand he founded Rapaura Vintners - the first contract winemaking company in New Zealand. A year later, he established Foxes Island in Marlborough’s Awatere Valley where he focuses on premium single vineyard wines.

Notably recognised as a Pinot Noir producer, Belsham planted the Awatere Estate with its seven distinct terraces in 2000. The vineyard is planted primarily in Pinot Noir (70%) plus select blocks of Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling.

L to RL: Artist Ross Jones, winemaker John Belsham and Gallery owner Trent Rule of Momentum, Herne Bay

ROSS JONES EXHIBITION AT FOXES ISLAND

Wine business Foxes Island opened their cellar door about a year ago on Williamson Avenue. Last night they held an evening celebrating the beautiful work of artist Ross Jones. F PN

Just this year John opened his Cellar Door - not in Marlborough but at 15 Williamson Avenue. The central location and spacious show room/Cellar Door provides a tasting room with further options for weddings and corporate functions.

Tastings start at $20 per person for two wines with a small cheese platter, accompanied by a video tour of the Marlborough vineyard. Specialised group tastings are available by arrangement, including the option of a private guided tasting with winemaker John Belsham.

Company director Kelly Brown is often onsite. She has a sound science, viticulture and oenology background and has served on international wine judging panels. Cellar Door manager is Kirsten Heaps.

Here are some notes on a recent sampling.

Foxes Island Sauvignon Blanc 2011 $23 A softer style of Sauvignon without the over the top Marlborough acidity that can be off-putting. Grassy flavours with blackcurrant and gooseberry palate and a medium dry finish.

Foxes Island Chardonnay 2009 $40 Creamy, toasty and mellow with stone fruit characters and a long finish.

Fox Vineyard Selection Pinot Noir 2009 $23 Soft and silky, with spicy red berry fruit a hint of liquorice and a savoury earthiness.

Foxes Island Belsham Estate Pinot Noir 2008 $42 Elegant and savoury, with herbal and red berry fruit flavours. Beguilingly delicate at first, yet with a lengthy complex finish. (PHIL PARKER) F PN Open Monday to Friday 9.00am - 6.00pm Saturday 12.00 Noon - 5.00pm.

Foxes Island, 15 Williamson Avenue T: 09 378 1369 Web: www.foxes-island.co.nz Cellar Door & Events: cellar@foxes-island.co.nz Read Phil’s blog at nzwineblogger.blogspot.co.nz Phil Parker is a wine writer and operates Fine Wine & Food Tours in Auckland. www.insidertouring.co.nz

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Crowds enjoying the warm weather and delicious foods at Taste of Auckland on the weekend

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SUN SOAKED TASTE OF AUCKLAND FESTIVAL DRAWS HAPPY FOODIE CROWD The crowds thronged, chefs cooked, wine flowed and music played throughout the weekend as Taste of Auckland put on its best and most appetising event yet.

Festival organiser Rob Eliott says it was a spectacular four days in the sun, with fantastic numbers through the gates.

“We had more than 23,000 people attend from Thursday night through to Sunday afternoon - we’re five years strong now and the appetite for Taste of Auckland just keeps growing.”

“The beautiful weather really was the icing on the cake,” he says.

Nearly 70,000 dishes in total were served up over the four days of the festival.

Among the most popular was Depot Eatery & Oyster Bar which reported on their Facebook page that they sold 800 dozen oysters and 6,000 sliders over the four days.

Michael Dearth and Ben Bayly of Baduzzi and The Grove were also on the leader board serving up 11,000 meatballs and the meat of 25 goats. And between Mandarin Dumpling and Everybody’s Izakaya more than 13,600 delicious dumplings were sold.

Smeet Girish from iVillage at Victoria Park Market, the first Indian restaurant ever at Taste of Auckland, says visitors couldn’t get enough of their food, as they roasted more than 3,600 pieces of tandoori chicken in the tandoor oven.

“People don’t expect an Indian restaurant to be at a festival like Taste of Auckland so we’re really happy to be changing that perception,” he says.

“And they just kept coming back - they really loved our chicken tandoori trio,” he said.

Taste of Auckland’s official charity was Dine Aid, and it was a bumper year for the charity also, as more than $19,000 was raised with all proceeds going to the Auckland City Mission. Twenty-five hours of music curated by Peter Urlich was very well received with crowd favourites being the Gramophone Band, the Baby Shakes, the Jazz Age and the Peter Urlich DJ set.

Taste of Auckland was just as enjoyable for the international guests, as Australian wine expert and Plumm ambassador Matt Skinner flew out of the country he tweeted; “Home bound after 4 epic days in Auckland, amazing times with inspiring people in one of the most forward thinking and hospitable cities on the planet”.

Eliott says next year is going to be even better. “We spent a lot of time talking with people about new initiatives, stands and features for the festival and we look forward to bringing these to life next year,” he says. ‘Yes, Taste will be back and tastier than ever PN in 2014,” says Eliott. F

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2 1 - 2. Kentaro and Yuka Kurihara sent us several shots, “my wife and I went back to JAPAN last month. This photo was taken when we had our little wedding party at Yakitori bar (which my parents run) in Osaka. We got married last month. The second photo was taken at Osaka castle.”

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PONSONBY NEWS READERS ARE EVERYWHERE

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6 3. This is a first, no reader, to date has been seen reading PN in UZBEKISTAN! Pictured is fashion designer Jane Daniels reading Ponsonby News in the Shahi-i-Zinda in Samarkand, a necropolis in the northeastern part of SAMARKAND, UZBEKISTAN. 4. Pictured in the outskirts of an old riad near OUARZAZATE, MOROCCO is Ron Craig from the long - established Ponsonby legal firm ChambersCraigJarvis. The dates were in season - and delicious.

5. Never go to Morocco without your latest Ponsonby News. Ron Craig from long established (1996) Ponsonby legal firm ChambersCraigJarvis pictured astride a dromedary near ERFOUD, WESTERN SAHARA. The camel driver did a double-take on seeing the cover of Ponsonby News - the gent shown on the cover bears a strong resemblance to the King of Morocco.

6. Susan Owens from the Air New Zealand Holidays Ponsonby reading the Ponsonby News at the beautiful NANUYA LAILAI ISLAND private beach on board a Blue Lagoon Cruise in Fiji.

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7. Mya Shearer and Kate Johnston of Westmere enjoying a relaxing read by the pool in SAMOA.

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.

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photography: Tourism Eastland

TRAVEL BREAKS: THE NEW THERAPY!

GISBORNE; AN IDYLLIC SETTING OF SUN, SEA, SAND AND PARKS Renowned for its rural and coastal beauty, Gisborne is also world famous as the first city on Earth to see the sun rise each day.

The region is famed for its beautiful sandy beaches and world-class surf, and is fast becoming a popular summer resort.

The hospitable climate of the East Coast allows the market gardens and vineyards in the area to flourish. Hot springs and waterfalls are other great attractions. The major town in the East Cape area is Gisborne, the first city in the world to greet the sun each morning and site of the world’s first official millennium celebration.

Gisborne is an idyllic setting of sun, sea, sand and parks. As a prominent Maori town, Gisborne museum houses many fascinating, early Polynesian artifacts. Overlooking Gisborne, on Kaiti Hill is a statue of Captain Cook gazing out to the mouth of the Turanganui River. It was here on October 10, 1769, that Cook first stood on New Zealand soil.

Rhythm & Vines 29-31 December The internationally acclaimed three day music festival is the highlight of New Zealand’s festival calendar and showcases some of the best Kiwi and international musicians. Set in one of the most beautiful locations to welcome in the New Year, the Waiohika Estate Vineyard in Gisborne, Rhythm and Vines is New Zealand’s biggest music festival. www.rhythmandvines.co.nz (WENDY DOBSON) F PN THE ART OF TRAVEL, 17/386 Richmond Road T: 09 360 1456 www.artoftravel.co.nz

It has a unique and rich Maori culture both historically and today. It is of significant importance as the site of the first European landfall in New Zealand by the British Captain Cook in 1769. Maori were well established in this area at that time. A heritage project is under development to commemorate this event.

The Gisborne region is one of the warmest places in New Zealand with average temperatures in excess of 24 degrees Celsius and a yearly average of 2,200 hours of sunshine. This creates rich agricultural conditions for farming, forestry and horticulture making the region ideal for growing soft and sub-tropical fruits, including grapes, which has given rise to a number of award-winning boutique vineyards.

Every Saturday morning, the freshest and tastiest local produce can be found only at the Gisborne Farmers’ Market. Everything you find at the Gisborne Farmers’ Market is grown in sunny Gisborne.

A fabulous selection including vegetables, fruit, cheese, bread, sweet baking, free range eggs, meat, fish, pickles and sauces, you can even grab a bottle of wine for the weekend.

Decorate your dinner table with beautiful flowers or buy your own seedlings to grow in your garden. Come on down for the morning, grab yourself a coffee or juice and something to eat while listening to some of the local musicians. Open from 9.30am to 12.30pm every Saturday.

Bushmere Estate is also well worth a visit. 100% family owned they have been growing grapes for over 40 years. 17 hectares in the Central Valley Region of Gisborne District, growing mainly Chardonnay grapes, along with smaller plantings of Gewurztraminer, Viognier, Pinot Gris, Montepulciano and Sangiovese. The name Bushmere Estate was chosen as the area was referred to as ‘Bushmere’ on old maps of the district. During the summer Bushmere will be hosting an array of musical events. The newly opened Bond Room Cafe enjoys a sunlit vista through the vines to blue hills in the distance. This new refurbished and reinvented space is part of Bushmere’s ongoing development. Offering fresh local produce at its finest the cafe compliments the cellar door wine tastings.

Two fantastic events coming up in Gisborne are the BW Summer Festival and the infamous Rhythm & Vines.

BW Summer Festival 27-28 December.

Kicking off the ultimate New Year’s eve celebrations in style, is BW Summer Festival 2013/2014. The crème de la crop of local and international talent converge on Gisborne during summer, and this year will be no exception. www.bwsummerfestival.com

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TRAVEL BREAKS: THE NEW THERAPY!

A CANADIAN SUMMER

by Kim Houston, World Journeys Don’t let images of snow-capped peaks fool you into thinking Canada is all about skiing and snow-shoes; Canada is the best summer destination I know.

Each July my family and I escape the New Zealand winter and head somewhere warm. This July we headed to Canada, and sunshine every day. Having enjoyed tours before, this time we hired a Jeep Cherokee in Vancouver and hit the open road.

First stop, the mountain village of Whistler. We got our thrills on the spectacular Peak to Peak Gondola, and watching mama bear and her cubs casually strolling beneath us on the Blackcomb Mountain chairlift. Given that the wildest thing our daughters had ever experienced back home was a weta, the day was declared a huge success!

Across to Vancouver Island by car-ferry, we headed up to Campbell River, and a boat ride to the stunning Sonora Resort, tucked away in the wilderness of Sonora Island.

Wow. Beautiful rooms, delicious meals, all wines, snacks and amazingly, phone calls to anywhere in the world, are included! Much as the intention was to lounge about in luxury, I couldn’t help partaking in a spot of tennis while my husband and the 12 year old headed out fishing. Spotting an orca was as much a highlight as the salmon they caught - cooked for us that night in the resort’s restaurant. You’ve never tasted fresh like that! A great day ended with the parents in the spa and the kids in the movie theatre, complete with popcorn machine. The next day’s wildlife count included another black bear, as well as sea lions, bald eagles, and a young deer hanging around our lodge room!

As if all that wildlife wasn’t enough, we had a visit from a racoon in the middle of the night at our next stop, the West Coast Wilderness Lodge. Fresh water lake swimming, canoeing, and beautiful food completed the picture.

Stopping briefly for a spot of shoe shopping in Vancouver, it was on to Alberta. Travelling at our own pace, we stopped in at my favourite mountain town of Banff, stunning Moraine Lake and took a short hike to the teahouse at Lake Louise. The Icefields Parkway is the

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main road through this region, which offers the chance to get up close to and even walk on the Columbia Icefield.

More “wow” moments were had at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, set on a beautiful lake where elk roam freely around the property as if they own it. And yet more at Siwash Lake Guest Ranch, promptly declared “the best” by our horse mad 12 year old. “Glamping” in beautiful canvas tents, horse riding, hearty meals, outdoor activities and wonderful hospitality make this ranch-stay perfect for families. The Okanagan Wine Country offered a taste of the local wines, and then suddenly it was all over - 3,000 PN kilometres, one map, and countless memories. F

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ROSS THORBY: SEA FEVER SO THERE WE WERE, ISRAEL, THE LAND OF DAVID… AND LUKE AND John and Elijah and a few others.

At the bottom of the gangway stood our guide, Moses, ready to show us in two days, a land where they have turned every possible place that Jesus may have passed, touched, lived in, or blessed, into a shrine. So we hit the ground running. Nazareth, the Sea of Galilee, the Dead Sea, the Dead Sea Scrolls, the olive groves, the Land of Canaan, the City of Jericho, Byzantine ruins, Roman ruins, Persian ruins, lunch at a kibbutz, Moses’ grave, (the dead one not our guide) Bedouin camps, Palestinian camps, where Jesus preached the sermon on the mount, where Jesus turned the water into wine, where Jesus fed the 5,000, where Jesus preached, where Jesus was baptised then the city of holies, Jerusalem.

The new wall, the old wall, the Jaffa gate, the Lions gate, the Dung (!) gate, and after dinner, an hour spent in the area of the ultra orthodox Hassidic Jew. It wasn’t planned this way, but sometimes the traffic in Jerusalem stops, for no reason, it just stops and tonight it stopped and our busload was left peering curiously out at the locals peering curiously back. Eventually, we escaped the suburb of the long dreadlocks, long black coats and even longer faces and were taken to the Western, or Wailing Wall. Here thousands of Jews come for prayer and socialising and to push notes to the big fella in the cracks of the foundations of King Solomon’s temple. It was amazing to see at last after years of researching it in the media.

Our guide named Moses

I caused Moses, our guide, (not the real one) some consternation here, by announcing that I would make my own way back to the hotel. While he was protesting wildly, I scarpered and disappeared into the throng.

Photographs can’t do Jerusalem justice, markets, stalls, people playing checkers, nuns, priests, donkeys, pilgrims, tourists, just about every size and shape and colour of humanity you could imagine, all jammed into an area about one kilometre square.

There are no cars in the old city and I discovered a plaque marking the renovation of a pathway, recently discovered and dating back to the Roman era. The rest of the path continued off into the distance and was more recent, Byzantine. Suddenly you are reminded; this isn’t a movie set but still a working city actually several thousand years old.

Anyway, day two dawned with a visit to the Mount of Olives and the Garden of Gethsemane, (touch the rock Jesus prayed on while Judas betrayed him) and then we followed the Via Dolorosa, the way of the suffering and its 14 stations of the cross. The tour was topped by a visit to the church of the Holy Sepulcher, all built over the two hills, where they nailed Him up (here, put your hand through this golden circle and touch the ground where He died), and the churches holy crowning glory, the holy of holies, the cave where He was briefly interred, (touch the rock where they lay His head, feel the power of the rock!) …

I sound cynical, but you had to be there and you had to do it… who knows, one day it may come in useful.

A visit to Bethlehem, (and yes, touch the rock He was born on) and eventually after lunch and some delays crossing the border back into Jerusalem, we found ourselves at dusk, back at the Western Wall.

Touch the spot where Jesus died While the others made a last mad dash into one of the many souvenir shops, I sat on the stone ramparts looking down on the white walls of the oldest of old suburbs, cascading down the hill from the city walls. Phosphorescent in the setting sun and with the glow of the beautiful gold dome on the rock radiating out behind me, I could see why people are drawn to this place. It has a certain beguiling atmosphere and one I would like to revisit one day, (without a guide telling me to touch this and that) but have time to just wander and soak it all in. After a long trek back to the ship and well after dark when we arrived, the first thing I did, almost by habit after we exited the bus, and with the words of Moses PN still ringing in my ears, I reached out and touched the ship. (ROSS THORBY) F

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Jo Barrett on 021 324 510 or t: 09 361 3356 or 09 378 8553 e: joannebarrett@xtra.co.nz w: www.ponsonbynews.co.nz

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DO YOU WANT CHANGE - BUT ALSO FEAR IT? Local expert can help you make the changes you want in life!

You are not alone in making a wish list for the New Year and then despairing at feeling stuck or overwhelmed. Don’t let fear make you settle for less than you deserve.

Highly qualified and experienced, Jill Goldson of The Family Matters Centre in Westmere specialises in helping people successfully transition through all types of personal, relationship and career change. This includes positive changes that you want to achieve as well as how to better navigate your way through changes that have been forced upon you by circumstances beyond your control.

As a special offer for Ponsonby News readers, Jill is offering an extended initial session time of two hours for the same fee as a regular 60 minute consultation.

Jill addresses your specific personal and situational needs and helps you identify what you really want to achieve in life. She then tailors a specific plan for you to understand the elements of change in your particular transitional stage and ways to work through each challenge to help you reach your goals. F PN To find out more please contact Jill at jillgoldson@thefamilymatterscentre.co.nz.

Also visit Jill’s website at www.thefamilymatterscentre.co.nz

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LIVING, THINKING + BEING THAI KINGDOM MASSAGE RELOCATES TO PONSONBY Established in 2011 in Hillsborough, Thai Kingdom Massage recently relocated to Ponsonby offering a range of traditional Thai and therapeutic massages to take away all those aches and pains.

They also offer Thai Kingdom Massage gift vouchers which make an ideal gift for Christmas or any special occasion.

Onanong, [nicknamed “Oh”] owner of Thai Kingdom Massage is originally from Thailand and has been living in Auckland for almost 10 years. She studied the art of Thai Massage and many of the traditional massage techniques at the internationally renowned Wat Po Traditional Thai Medical School in Bangkok, and now has an established following of regular clients. Prior to starting Thai Kingdom Massage, Onanong worked at Ease Thai Foot Massage in Ponsonby.

Thai Kingdom Massage has relocated to Williamson Avenue, situated below the Mickey B Fitness Centre. There are three massage suites that can cater to a maximum of four clients at any one time with experienced Thai Massage Therapists who are able to cater to most massage requests.

Thai Kingdom Massage is open seven days a week and you can make an appointment in the evening to suit the busiest of schedules. Thai Kingdom Massage also has two saunas and a spa pool for clients to relax after their massage. Onanong and her team look forward to welcoming you for a relaxing authentic Thai massage. F PN THAI KINGDOM MASSAGE, 26B Williamson Avenue, M: 021 114 3903 E: Ohonanong@hotmail.com www.thaikingdommassage.com

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LIVING, THINKING + BEING SHAPE BEAUTY IN KINGSLAND TAKES ON A NEW LOOK Welcome to their newly renovated clinic! Tanya and Sarah have recently taken over Shape Beauty in Kingsland. They would love you to come and meet them and try their range of wonderful services.

They have introduced spray tans and a new range of cosmedical skincare (O Cosmetics) to the threading and waxing based clinic. All members of the staff are internationally qualified and very experienced so you can rest assured you are in great hands at Shape Beauty.

Tanya has owned businesses in the beauty industry for over 20 years and Sarah is a senior skin therapist with over seven years experience. They both absolutely believe in value for money and will give you the best professional service... without it costing you the Earth. All their products are of the highest quality and deliver proven results.

So whether you are a new client or an existing client Tanya and Sarah would love to meet you soon. Phone now, mention the Ponsonby News and enjoy one of the great specials as shown in their ad. F PN SHAPE BEAUTY, 434 New North Road T: 09 8492939 www.shapebeauty.co.nz

88 PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2013

PAMPERING WITH BENEFITS AT SO SPA IF THERE IS ONE THING BETTER than pampering, it’s a well-priced pampering. JUST THREE months old, from 1 December the So Spa at Sofitel is offering a 20 minute back massage with each 60 minute facial so that you can really nourish and pamper your summer body. The seasonal offer costs $150 - the price of the facial - and is subject to availability.

So Spa at Sofitel is the first of the world-wide luxury group to open in the Pacific. The So Spa by Sofitel concept combines ancient wellness traditions from around the world with the refinement and skills of modern French cosmetology. Specialty beauty products from famed French skincare lines include THÉMAÉ, with other lines from around the world also on offer such as the botanical and organic range from Plantogen.

For a local flavour, the Auckland So Spa menu also includes a Healing Manuka Honey Facial with New Zealand manuka honey, known for its natural antioxidant properties; a traditional Greenstone Massage using greenstone, believed to possess intuitive healing and harmonising properties; and the Maori-inspired Ataahua Beautiful Body Treatment.

Also from the beginning of December, So Spa releases an Express Menu covering Beauty Basics and Body Essentials with each treatment compressed into either 15, 20 or 30 PN minutes - just the answer for time deprived urban dwellers seeking instant revival. F SO SPA, Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour, T: 09 354 7440 www.sofitel-auckland.com

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LIVING, THINKING + BEING A CHIROPRACTOR WITH A DIFFERENCE: NIGEL PEEK When you meet the right doctor, massage therapist or even yoga teacher the feeling you get upon first spending time with them is that they “get” you, and a warm feeling of trust rolls over you immediately. You know that your gut is telling you that you’re in good hands, and that your fears, conditions or emotional concerns are safe with them.

I have suffered from a severely problematic back from a very early age, which I’d learnt to “live” with unless a particularly bad bout of pain hit and I ended up in bed. When this happened a couple of months back Nikki Ralston from Ponsonby’s Urban Ashram (the “right” massage therapist and yoga teacher for me) recommended Nigel Peek of Peek Practice immediately as the best man for the job. She emphasised his multidisciplinary, integrated approach to spine and neuromusculoskeletal disorder treatment and I was intrigued - and not long after up on my feet again and feeling all the better for having made a connection with him.

Born in Zimbabwe, Nigel has been in New Zealand for eight years, drawn here by genealogy - his grandfather was a Kiwi who fought with the ANZACs - and the fact that things in his home country were becoming more and more precarious every day. “The political atmosphere was incredibly unstable, and my mum had New Zealand citizenship so had decided to move here,” he says, and soon after he decided to follow when the thought of further turmoil became closer to a reality. After he graduated from Durban University of Technology in 2005 (completing a six year Masters Degree in Chiropractic), Nigel immigrated to New Zealand and passed the New Zealand Chiropractic Board exam.

In 2009 he completed a postgraduate certificate in Medical/Western Acupuncture at AUT in Auckland and further developed his unique approach to what can be a very traditional way of working with the spine.

The first practice he worked in was in Newton, followed by a lengthy stint at another Ponsonby clinic. In August of this year he decided to go out on his own, and Peek Practice was born when he first laid eyes on the spacious, light and airy premises he now works from on Brown Street. “I took one look at it and thought ‘this is amazing’,” he says with a smile, “and as a shell it was so perfect for what I needed.” He admits to falling in love with the greater Ponsonby area from the moment he arrived in New Zealand, “and the plan was always to stay and work here, I couldn’t imagine being anywhere else.”

His clients come to him for the service he provides, but also for the unique approach he takes to chiropractic work all round. Acupuncture plays a key role in his work, as well as a thorough delving into each client’s general health and wellbeing - including their diet.

“I try to get a feel for a new client’s big picture stuff,” he explains, “because the spine and the brain are closely linked, the spine is the primary lifeline to your body. I treat a lot of people under both psychological and physical stress, and look at every element that could be contributing to that and the resulting pain.”

He emphasises the fact that “the spine is an intricate, complex structure. So when things go wrong a unique, skilled set of expertise is mandatory to diagnose the many and varied conditions that result. Whilst pain is often the presenting complaint, there are a myriad of other symptoms that may accompany it.” More complex disorders of the nervous system such as migraine, irritable bowel syndrome and balance disorders are often interlaced in the presentation of back pain, an area that fascinates and challenges him. “I’m particularly interested in conditions like migraines,” he says, “because the problem is just so much more than a headache. When someone comes to me with back pain I like to look at why they have a predisposition for pain to start with, and not just back pain. We all express pain so differently.”

“I try not to take a mechanical approach off the cuff,” he says with a smile, “I want to make sure that when I deliver treatment it is comfortable for the patient and I’m not just cracking backs. Reassuring someone and asking the right questions can play an equally big role in the treatment process, when people understand their problems they have real PN power over them.” (HELENE RAVLICH) F www.peekpractice.co.nz

90 PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2013

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SHEENA SHUVANI STARDUST ASTROLOGY (November 23 – December 22) ♐ SAGITTARIUS Element of fire. Symbol: The Archer (Half centaur, half horse)

Quality: Mutable (flexibility) Motto: I seek.

Favourite Word: Can. Most Hated Word: Can’t.

Planetary Ruler Jupiter.

Character Born under the lucky sign and smiled upon by mighty Jupiter, you are naturally dynamic, optimistic, cheerful, jolly, friendly and a fun loving prankster. Free-willed, confident, generous, enthusiastic, feisty, sporty, outdoorsy, a big hearted, egoistic and street-wise swaggering adventurer! Sagittarians believe in themselves, think they know everything, will go in for righteous soap-box ranting, are stubborn, blundering, tactless, can’t keep secrets, over truthful, put their foot in their mouths, shoot barbed arrows that pierce the faint hearted, can dish it out but can’t take it (usually), love games and sports.

Career Sagittarians in the workplace non-conformist, full of energy, helpful, positive, mean well but are tactless, will criticise, challenge authority, compile a dossier on the boss to shoot them down and will bite the hand that feeds them! Self-employment suits and Sagittarians successfully turn hobbies into careers. Engages with many people, sales, professional, sports people, holiday camp management, owning backpackers, tour guides, singers, dancers outdoor work. Bounces back quickly from adversity, only temporarily deflated but blames others when they don’t do so well.

Love and Sexuality Flirtatious, spunky, will take a chance, chat you up and plunge into seduction. Lusty Sagittarians are good company, love parties, are generous and affectionate. Turned on by erotic massage, turned off by deep emotions which they can’t really comprehend (water sign?) or staid stay-at-home types who won’t give them space (earth signs?).

Suited to fellow fire signs who will share their wilderness adventurers or air signs who will stimulate their intellect, Sagittarians are short on compliments and romance but affectionate and generous. Sagittarians see themselves as kings and queens, so don’t rain on their parade!

LOSING YOUR HAIR AND YOUR CONFIDENCE? If you’re suffering from hair loss, you can do something about it.

The solution is right here in New Zealand at the Ashley and Martin medical hair loss clinic.

Ashley and Martin understand hair loss is a medical problem and we treat it that way.

Their specialist doctor will prescribe a treatment programme specific to your condition.

And if you act fast at the first signs of hair loss, they guarantee it works, or give your money back.

It’s your hair, your choice: with modern advances in medical science, you don’t have to accept thinning hair anymore. So you can continue to lose your hair and accept it, or you can visit Ashley & Martin - where they guarantee you a 98% chance of successfully re-growing your own hair.

Your complete service for hair loss Ashley & Martin provide an all-round service for your hair loss. After your first free consultation, they determine the specific type of your hair loss and prescribe a suitable treatment. They pride themselves as the leading Medical Hair Loss clinic in the Southern Hemisphere. In fact, 98% of their clients enjoy real results with real hair - that’s with their own hair growing back! The sooner you visit for your free consultation, the better the results will be. So call today and enjoy the confidence tomorrow.

For more information you can call or visit their website. You’re also welcome to drop by at their Queen Street clinic in the city. With the festive season upon us, now’s the time to spoil yourself and see a “new you” in the New Year. F PN ASHLEY & MARTIN, Level 6, 115 Queen Street CBD, T: 0800 58 68 78 www.ashleyandmartin.co.nz

Helpful Advice It’s not always about you! Let others be themselves. Also your barbed arrows of wit can wound the more sensitive.

Your Lucky Number According to Cheiro (the world’s most famous seer) the day of your birth is the luckiest of all numbers for you!

Featured Precious Stone(s) Diamonds, turquoise, topaz.

Favoured Metal(s) Gold.

Favoured Colour(s) Sky blue, orange, yellow.

(SHEENA SHUVANI) F PN

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LANI LOPEZ: HEALTHY LIVING

Natural Skincare Summer is great for health and well-being, but can be really tough on skin. As our biggest organ, skin has a huge effect on how we feel about ourselves. It also has a big job to do. This is the time of year to really consider skin health and go deeper than usual.

AHA Skin Food!

Alpha hydroxy Acids (AHAs) are natural acids found in foods. AHAs include malic acid (found in apples), tartaric acid (found in grapes), glycolic acid (sugar cane), citric acid (in citrus fruits), lactic acid (in milk).

AHAs are also used topically to treat a number of skin conditions from eczema to scarring. AHAs work by removing the top layers of dead skin cells. They can also increase the thickness of deeper layers of skin, promoting firmness.

Let’s look at healthy skin for summer, from the inside out. By working with our skin’s own processes we can have good health without spending a fortune on expensive creams and lotions.

GENTLY DOES IT If you’re supporting your skin health by eating right, skincare gets easier. It is important to work with your skin’s natural processes.

Scrubbing with a harsh exfoliator is too tough for most skin types. Summer is awash with fresh fruit which is rich in healthful AHAs (see break-out box). Rubbing the inside skin of a fresh mango, some mashed strawberry, or pineapple onto your face and leaving for a few minutes before rinsing off is an effective and skin-friendly exfoliator.

GET THE GOOD OIL Oil is good for your skin, not bad, both in your diet and your skincare regime.

Most expensive high-end beauty and skincare formulas contain natural skin protectant oils, for good reason, they work! Happily in recent years the availability and affordability has improved dramatically for good natural food-based oils for your skin.

Oils like almond, avocado, sesame, almond and coconut (to name a few) can be found now at the supermarket.

Personally I am a big fan of coconut oil and use it to keep my skin moisturised. It may feel odd when you first use oil but after a couple of times, you will notice that your skin - whether at first oily or dry - evens out and is more naturally moisturised. You don’t need to slather on oils, just add in small amounts and let the skin absorb it.

I am often asked what type of natural oil people should choose and I suggest you go by smell. If you find an oil that smells good to you, you are going to enjoy using and maybe even reduce perfume use, which means one less chemical on your skin and in your life.

Have a great Christmas. (LANI LOPEZ) F PN Lani Lopez BHSc, Adv.Dip.Nat is a naturopath, clinical nutritionist and top-selling author.

Founder of lanilopez.com find her and ask questions about your well-being on facebook.com/lanilopez.com or email Lani personally naturopath@lanilopez.com

PONSONBY HISTORY… DID YOU KNOW? In the 1860s many Roman Catholics bought land in the new subdivisions in order to be near the Catholic centre with its church, convent and schools. Names such as “Dublin” & “Green” reflect this development.

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HELENE RAVLICH: NATURAL BEAUTY

A Christmas beauty wonderland Christmas is most definitely a time for giving, and if you’ve got a beauty freak in your life then the possibilities are endless.

Some beauty companies “do” the festive season much better than others, so I’ve rounded up some of my picks for fail safe, yep-they’ll-love-it seasonal gifting.

Jo Malone is a company that has been synonymous with covetable, luxurious gifting since the moment that they first brought their famous scents to life, and each Christmas they truly excel. This year it’s a Blue Christmas for the modern British icon, with blue baubles and hints of blue fir putting emphasis on their light and bright new Blue Spruce scent - a riot of festive gorgeousness if ever there was one! It’s available as a Deluxe Candle for $395, a real investment but one that will keep on giving for months to come. There is also a truly decadent, carol-worthy Pine & Eucalyptus Luxury Candle available that is a whopping 2.5kg and comes with an RRP of $840, whilst the same festive scent also comes in the form of a home candle, Scent Surround Diffuser and Room Spray. If you’ve opted for a faux Christmas tree this year then this is for you - your home will be awash with the scent of pine but without the dropped needles, hayfever and messy disposal that are part and parcel of the real thing!

For sharing the festive spirit en masse I love Jo Malone’s Christmas crackers as the perfect stocking filler or luxe table setting, each containing Grapefruit body creme (15ml), Lime, Basil and Mandarin body and hand wash (15ml) and Blackberry & Bay cologne (9ml).

They have also created very cute Christmas tree “ornament” gifts containing English Pear & Fresia (15ml) body creme and Pomegranate Noir cologne (15ml). It goes without saying that the gift wrapping is done for you - major bonus! - with all Jo Malone goodies dispensed all wrapped up with the distinctive black and cream striped Jo Malone bows.

New Zealand-based fragrance specialists Ecoya are also masters of gifting, creating beautiful seasonal scents and lustworthy gifting options of their own each year. This Christmas, Ecoya’s Limited Edition Christmas Collection combines festive fragranced candles and iconic Ecoya scented gift boxes - both artfully crafted to create a luxurious blend of natural products that promise to “unleash sensual journeys to past memories and festive dreams”.

the aroma of freshly cut pine trees rounded by hints of citrus and rosewood. The other is the warm, luscious Caramelised Plum Pudding, a decadent riot of scent reminiscent of sweet, dried fruit, pudding and creamy caramel sauce - the perfect way to recreate the feel of a Northern Hemisphere Christmas and all of the cosiness that comes with it. They have also created large and small sized floral accented gift boxes that combine home fragrance and body care products with the iconic Ecoya scents of Lotus Flower and French Pear, wrapped in a snakeskin-inspired design that features the work of Philippines-based mixed media illustrator Daryl Feril.

Next up, for those that simply cannot be parted from their styling tools is the ghd Wonderland Collection. Inspired by the touches of iridescent detailing and holographic finishes hitting the international catwalks of late, the ghd Wonderland collection features a finish that is an electrical hair styling industry first. Designed to embody the magic of Christmas, the holographic collection shines in a spectrum of cool blue and lilac shades and changes colour in different lights and angles. The ghd Wonderland collection features three covetable options: a ghd V styler gift set, a ghd air hairdryer gift set (for the first time), and a ghd deluxe gift set comprising a ghd V Wonderland styler and matching Wonderland ghd air hairdryer.

Last but not least, New Zealand’s own Trilogy has come up with a treasure trove of natural skincare treats to make many a someone’s day this silly season. They have three gorgeous gift options in the form of a Trilogy Rosapene Day & Night Collection, Trilogy Hand Cream Trio and Trilogy Botanical Body Wash, all of which are packaged in gorgeous bright and colourful, limited edition reusable PN boxes. (HELENE RAVLICH) F

First up, I’d love to talk about the two luxurious Limited Edition Madison Jar Christmas candles that are available, which come housed in a silver-dipped glass jar with a mirrored lid. One is the truly traditional-with-a-twist Fresh Pine Needles, which is designed to evoke

96 PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2013

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

LIVING, THINKING + BEING SKIN EXPERTS URGE KIWIS TO GET PROPER SUN PROTECTION Summer is superb. Picnics on the beach, playing in the sea and a good old fashioned game of cricket.

However, the harsh realities of enjoying “the great outdoors”, especially in New Zealand where the sun emits extremely high levels of UV, can cause long-term damage and problems to your skin and health.

Formulated in New Zealand, Oasis Sun is one of the sunscreens of choice from the experts at Skin Institute. Dr Mark Gray from the Skin Institute, says: “Over the last 10 years alone, Skin Institute has treated over 20,000 patients with skin cancer. Using a sunscreen can help protect against UV damage - we recommend Oasis Sun.” “Everyone loves the summer. Looking after your skin, especially during the summer months when the sun’s rays are even stronger, should really play an essential part of everyone’s everyday skincare routine.”

“We want to see people of all ages taking precautionary measures to protect their skin from unnecessary damage and of course, skin cancer. New Zealanders may have turned their ears off to putting on sunscreen, but we couldn’t recommend it highly enough - we’d love to see the number of people affected by skin cancer reduce.”

“Kiwis who are concerned about their skin are urged to contact the Skin Institute as it provides full body skin checks as well as free spot checks (for 1 - 2 moles or lesions of concern). Early detection offers the best chance of cure.” F PN

WRAP YOURSELF IN A REVOLUTION

www.skininstitute.co.nz

CHRISTMAS IS ABOUT GIVING, not wrapping!

Celebrated UK designer Vivienne Westwood has designed a limited edition 100% organic cotton Climate Knot-Wrap this Christmas to be sold online only by Lush Cosmetics, with all profits going to support the Climate Revolution.

Inspired by the Japanese art of “furoshiki”, a knot-wrap can be used as a stylish alternative to gift wrap, worn as a headscarf or fetching neckerchief or framed as a piece of art. The Knot-Wraps are available in camel or light pink and are printed with two Climate Revolution images designed by Vivienne Westwood.

The black-eyed unsmiling face - the Face of War - is Westwood’s symbol for the fight against climate change and environmental degradation.

After unwrapping a gift the recipient passes this precious fabric on: to wrap another present, to wrap themselves in or - in the Japanese tradition - handing the Knot-Wrap back to the giver to be used again.

The Vivienne Westwood Knot-Wrap is one way you can help reduce the miles of Christmas paper thrown away each year (the wrapping waste produced in the UK alone is enough to go round the world nine times).

Retailing at $29.90, all profits will continue to raise awareness for the Climate Revolution and the many charities and NGO’s (non-governmental organisations) that work towards PN this cause. F LUSH COSMETICS, www.lush.co.nz CLIMATE REVOLUTION, www.climaterevolution.co.uk The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

Vivienne Westwood’s 10 point checklist for would-be Climate Revolutionaries 1. Money is a means to an end, not an end in itself, “I never waste money, I spend it,” - Oscar Wilde. Maybe you’ll give a donation to an NGO or charity. You can give your support in other ways. Just by following an NGO you will learn a lot, this is support.

2. Quality versus quantity.

3. Buy less, choose well, make it last (we don’t want the “latest thing” just for the sake of it).

4. Prepare and cook your own food.

5. Cut out plastic.

6. Inform yourselves.

7. Consider the responsibility of not having or having children. Chances of survival will be clear by next Olympics.

8. Take an active part in events of the revolution as it starts to build.

9. Engage in art and culture.

10. (Your own idea).

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HELENE RAVLICH: NATURAL BEAUTY

Let’s hear it for easy summer hair In a bid to pin down the perfect plan of attack for beautiful, easy hair this summer I spoke to three of my favourite personalities in the business - D&M’s Danny Pato, Dry & Tea’s Louise Pilkington and Stephen Marr’s Lauren Gunn.

every day, our sun is so strong that hair colour will fade. A deep rich colour during summer is really high maintenance, so even if a client is brunette I suggest that they add a few smudgy lighter pieces to keep things natural and in line with what their hair would do anyway. A bit of a change is nice too, then they can go warm and rich again when winter comes back.” She says that a lot of her clients still love longer hair, and that women shouldn’t be dictated to by age. “It’s all about how you look after your hair and whether you keep it polished and well maintained… even if you are totally grey it will look beautiful with a great cut, it’s a very Italian way of ageing gracefully.”

All had very different calls on what works for summer, so there is definitely a lot of choice out there… and the perfect answer for every mop.

When it comes to product recommendations for the summer months, Louise is all over Pureology’s Colour Fanatic for a great multi-tasker. “It is a heat protectant, anti-frizz, shine enhancer, sunscreen… it’s like a green smoothie for your hair! Take it to the beach and spray it in when you need it.”

Redken Quick Tease 15 Backcombing Finishing Spray is another pick for before a big night out when you need a little extra “oomph”.

Danny says that summer hair doesn’t have to mean long, beachy locks, saying that his team are doing more long-to-short cuts than they have in a long time. “It could be the influence of celebrities with great short cuts like Michelle Williams and Anne Hathaway,” he says, “as in the last week I’ve done about eight cuts with a similar feel. There is also the 90s trend coming through on the runway with bigger, bouncier hair but without the stiffness that used to come with it.”

Stephen Marr creative director Lauren Gunn says, “we’ve gone from last year’s rock n’ roll scruffy hair to more whimsical textures… it’s a seventies, brushed clean, not heavily producted look. If it’s got texture it’s due to cutting rather than loads of product, which makes it perfect for summer.” She says that fringes are also still super popular at any edge, “as even if they aren’t heavy they give a style an edge, and definitely give structure to long hair and make it feel more considered. I think everyone can have a fringe, it’s just cutting it to each individual’s style and hair texture.”

When asked for summer product recommendations Danny says that even shorter styles want to be a little more “casual and free, so minimal product is needed if you choose the right one.” He is a big fan of Davines’ This Is A Medium Hold Pliable Paste from the More Inside line, as it “means that hair won’t go too soft and shiny and look lank on hot days.” He says that his clients are moving away from traditional long lengths to a medium shoulder length, “which for me is the new long. It just looks more modern and has a better shape.”

Braids are also a top priority over the summer months, being easy to care for and easy to recreate at home when you have the required skill set nailed. “I don’t know if it’s the ‘Game Of Thrones’ influence or just because it’s so easy to wear,” he explains, “but braids are just so popular this year and were last summer too. I love seeing a bun or a braid that’s had a leave-in conditioner sprayed into it first, and you can even sleep with your hair like that and it will come out looking beautiful.”

Product-wise, she says a great choice for summer is opting for a very light detangler blow dried into the hair. “We’re moving totally away from the oils that we use during winter and into milks, which are a lot lighter and absorb into the hair a lot more. We have just got Davines OI All in One Milk in, and already it has overtaken all of our sales for oils, it is the most amazing product.” She adds that another winning pick for summer is O&M’s No Knott conditioning detangler, which can be blow dried in for a super sleek finish without any PN weight. (HELENE RAVLICH) F

Colour-wise, he says that D&M clients are option for shiny, block colour over balayage a lot more these days, “and we aren’t even doing many highlights. We’re doing a lot of colours using our Flamboyage technique, lots of rich blondes and rich brunettes.”

Dry & Tea specialise in great blow waves and dry styles, and owner Louise says that the party season is “the perfect excuse to do something fun with your hair, be it a hair up, braids or adding pretty accessories.” A lot of the salon’s clients choose to go blonder over the summer months for all sorts of reasons. “Eight out of ten of us spend our summers in the sun,” she explains, “and even if you’re not in direct sunlight all day,

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LIVING, THINKING + BEING

STEPHEN MARR LEADS INDUSTRY WITH SMARTER, CLEANER COLOUR SOLUTIONS Stephen Marr has recently partnered up with Original & Mineral (O&M), an Australian-based styling and colour company founded on the ideal of creating ammonia and PPD free colour.

Top salons like Stephen Marr have been departing from large suppliers and instead supporting brands that share their vision - to provide exceptional results for clients, without the use of harsh chemicals.

Quality driven, environmentally aware and customer focused, Stephen Marr is at the forefront of a sea change in the hairdressing industry.

O&M’s CCT (Clean Colour Technology) offers professional-grade permanent colour, free from ammonia, resorcinol and PPD. What O&M take out in the form of chemicals, they replace with natural extracts and active minerals.

“We’ve been looking for a partnership like this for a long time. O&M allow us to deliver quality, lasting colour to our clients, with much less chemical exposure to them, our stylists and the environment. It’s a good feeling,” says Stephen Marr.

PN To book an O&M colour, contact the team at the Stephen Marr Ponsonby salon. F

STEPHEN MARR, 37 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 360 0588 www.stephenmarr.co.nz ponsonby@stephenmarr.co.nz

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LIVING, THINKING + BEING CHRISTMAS GREETINGS AND STOCKING STUFFERS FROM MALONEY’S BARBER SHOP As 2013 draws to an end they farewell another great year at Maloney’s, in which they celebrated their 10th anniversary, welcomed two new staff members, Rory Warren and Jeff Whiting, and of course tended to hundreds of happy customers!

“We’d like to say a huge thanks to all our loyal clients and suppliers, old and new, as well as the readers of Ponsonby News, for your ongoing support.”

They were delighted to be an official Movember Rated Barber this year, which saw them trimming Mo’s, collecting donations and acting as ambassadors for the cause. They also had their own team, the “Maloney’s Barber Shop Gentlemen’s Whisker Society”, which raised well over $1,000. Thanks to all the Mo bros and sistas who took part.

With Christmas approaching, Maloney’s has a great range of stocking stuffers for the man in your life. Choose from quality hair products, combs and shaving gear from Triumph & Disaster, Layrite, J. S. Sloane and American Crew; or how about a Maloney’s gift voucher?

Their last day of business for the year is Monday 23 December, and they reopen on Monday 6 January. The team at Maloney’s Barber Shop wishes you a safe, happy and fun Christmas and New Year. F PN MALONEYS BARBER SHOP, 192 Victoria Street West T: 09 379 3060 www.maloneys.co.nz

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

L to R: Maloneys Team - Sue, Julian, Dan, Calab, Rory and Jeff.

GET RUNWAY INSPIRED HAIR THIS PARTY SEASON WITH TONI&GUY PONSONBY Don’t let boring hair ruin your work Christmas party or “selfies” this year. Let TONI&GUY Ponsonby sort out what’s happening on top with Style Fix, and work the party scene with confidence.

Style Fix was born out of a need for hot new hair looks for the party season, that don’t break the bank. It takes just 45 minutes to get high-fashion hair - giving you plenty of time to finish getting glammed up for your Christmas party or night out with the girls.

Style Fix enables you to grab a piece of fashion and instantly update your look, for only $50. With four fun hairstyles to choose from and inspire you, you’re guaranteed to find a runway look tailored to suit you and your hair.

The looks are inspired from past through to present; big sexy hair, soft retro waves or minimalist sleek. Think Brigitte Bardot, Audrey Hepburn and Kate Moss. You can’t go wrong with one of these babes as your style muse.

Come along and enjoy a drink at the newly refurbished TONI&GUY Ponsonby salon, and get your Style Fix. It takes on average three seconds to pose, but they say what goes on PN Instagram lasts forever - so leave the hair to the experts. F TONY&GUY, 48a Ponsonby Road, T: 09 378 8998 ponsonby@toniandguy.co.nz www.toniandguy.co.nz

100 PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2013

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CLARE CALDWELL: THE ART OF LIVING Wow, the Philippines... what an unmitigated tragedy for so many thousands of people.

Of all our politicians, Russell Norman was the only one to come out and speak of what our present Government wants to sidestep; the only politician to name this disaster for what it really is: a result of climate change.

In his latest email, Ricken Patel, CEO of the global online site Avaaz states: “The horror of what’s happened in the Philippines is unimaginable. Ten thousand people wiped away by a 25 foot wall of water driven by 300 km/h winds. A city of 200,000 people looks like a nuclear bomb hit it. It’s the worst storm on record but it’s just the beginning unless we act.”

Yeb Sano, chief climate negotiator for the Philippines has taken a brave stance. Standing alone and vulnerable, facing a roomful of the world’s most powerful and influential bureaucrats at the conference on global climate, he said: “I speak for the countless people who’re not able to speak for themselves. We can take action now to ensure that we prevent a future where super typhoons are a way of life. What my country is going through as a result of this extreme climate event is madness. We can stop this madness.

Right here in Warsaw.”

Climate change is killing people. So why are many of the rich and powerful corporations and bureaucrats who are in positions to make real changes all but ignoring it? Many of the answers can be found in the insightful online documentary “Thrive”. It looks at what’s causing climate change, who stands to lose position, power and immense wealth if we move to other more environmentally sustainable solutions and, most importantly, it also examines the 100 year suppression of the concept of free energy.

The truth is these corporates simply don’t care who suffers as a result of their strategies.

Their paradigm is profit and power before people.

Some celebrities are now throwing their weight behind these horrifying revelations, namely UK comedian Russell Brand, who I’d written off as a bit of a nutter! Now he’s clean he’s anything but. He’s a man on fire, using his impressive eloquence, insight and position to spread the wakeup call that we don’t have to take all this #*>* any more!

(Check out the Russell Brand Paxton interview on Youtube).

The Philippines disaster must act as a huge wakeup call to the entire world.

In closing, I would like to say that as we head towards the rampant consumerism and greed of Christmas, we should remember this is also a time to focus on other things, on real human values - on the message of gentleness, love, compassion for one another and enlightenment - also to be celebrated at this time. Now more than ever. Have a good PN one everyone! (CLARE CALDWELL) F Clare (Claudie) Caldwell is a creative arts therapist who runs a small private practice from home. She is voluntary leader of creative therapies at Mercy Hospice Auckland, College Hill, where she has worked for the last 10 years. She is also a freelance artist.

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

102 PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2013

FESTIVE GREETINGS FROM AROHA HEALING As we near the end of 2013 the need for self care is of utmost importance. This is a time when we should be focusing on winding down, with many of us tending to go full throttle, resulting in burnout and exhaustion.

Aroha Healing have an exciting array of Christmas voucher promotions and unique gifts for you and loved ones. Gift an organic coconut back scrub followed by an Aroha Healing signature massage or Hawaiian ka huna massage, organic facials with Reiki energy healing all designed to reconnect and slow the mind and body down to its natural rhythms. There are many combinations to choose from and an email to the Aroha Healing team for advice on your selection is welcomed.

The Aroha Healing duo has been busy creating some amazing, and highly addictive natural soy wax healing candles. Rosanna and Benton agree that their healing candles are about experimentation fused with energy and aroma (love). Their candles are chemistry, art, imagination, and magic rolled into one and each candle has its own unique story.

For a beautiful gift idea, Aroha Healing candles come in three sizes and are priced at $45 and under. You can choose from an array of interesting and decadent candle creations including the Aroha Healing Tu Kaha (grounding) candle for balance and feeling centred and strong with essences of deep orchid and berries or Aroha Healing Ahuareka (sensual candle) with essences of vanilla, pear and coconut. Aroha Healing Kia puawai te kaha (energy shifting) candle with essences of peach, frangipani and geranium is perfect for positively shifting the energy within your environment, thoughts and actions.

Aroha Healing have a candle selection for every intention that we wish to manifest in our lives - the perfect gift for everyone! Recycling is encouraged so you can bring your jar back to Aroha Healing for a refill of your favourite natural soy wax candle at a reduced price. To order candles or learn more about their products and services please visit the Aroha Healing website or contact the team directly.

Aroha Healing wishes Ponsonby News readers and clients a very safe and happy PN summer break. F AROHA HEALING, 3 Maidstone Street T: 0800mindbody info@arohahealing.co.nz www.arohahealing.co.nz

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

Research into advanced models of cancer growth and drug therapy will help to develop tools for designing new and more efficient treatments to kill cancer cells.

Oncology scientist, Dr Kevin Hicks is a senior research fellow in the world-renowned Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre at the University of Auckland.

He is the principal scientist in a team that has just won a $773,913 Marsden grant to research agent-based modelling of drug and radiation action in tumours.

Failure rates during clinical development of new anti-cancer agents are very high, leading to requests for more collaboration between computational scientists and biologists to develop mechanistic models of cancer growth and therapy, says Dr Hicks.

One reason for slow progress in anti-cancer drug development is the failure to take into account the three dimensional structure of tumours. Most drugs are tested in tissue culture using single cells or cell monolayers, but these do not represent critically important changes in cell physiology due to the position in the tumour.

Dr Hicks and his research team have already developed a model which explicitly incorporates drug transport and have demonstrated that they can predict anti -tumour activity of hypoxia activated prodrugs in tumours. (Hypoxia is very low oxygen concentrations; in this case, in some parts of the tumour).

“The Marsden grant will help us extend the modelling work that has already proved successful in guiding anti-cancer drug development,” says Dr Hicks. “In particular, it will be extended to include the time dependence of drug and radiation effects, and the consequences for tumour growth.”

To achieve this Dr Hicks and Professor Bill Wilson from the ACSRC have teamed up with senior scientist Dr Gib Bogle at the Auckland Bioengineering Institute, (that leads the world in developing computer models of organs such as the heart).

Together they will “develop a model of growth of multicellular tumour spheroids which are three dimensional cell cultures used for investigating drug and radiation effects,” says Dr Hicks.

Using agent-based modelling, “the effect of treatment on each individual cell can be simulated and individual cell fates followed as it responds probabilistically to its environment,” says Dr Bogle. “This is particularly important for modelling mixtures of PN sensitive and resistant cells, commonly found in tumours,” says Dr Hicks. F

TRANSFORM YOUR BODY - TAKE THE 30-DAY PALEO CHALLENGE To celebrate the expansion of the team at The Keri Ropati Weight Loss and Fitness Centre with the addition of Penny and Seamus, and the opening of their new centre in Parnell, they want to help you lose some of your “anticipated or accidental” holiday over indulgence! The Paleo Diet is eating food in line with our genetic heritage.

Complete the the 30-Day Challenge and the person who shows the most impressive body transformation which will include weight loss, fat loss and muscle gain will receive 10 x FREE FULL One Hour Personal Training sessions at the new Parnell centre, valued at $800. For Parnell registrations email seamus@keriropati.co.nz and for Ponsonby registrations email penny@keriropati.co.nz For more information on the benefits go to www.zonediet.co.nz or www.paleozonenutrition.com F PN KERI ROPATI WEIGHT LOSS AND FITNESS CENTRE, T: 09 378 1410 www.kerirpoati.co.nz The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

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LIVING, THINKING + BEING

SCIENTISTS INVESTIGATE MORE EFFECTIVE WAYS TO TREAT CANCER

JOHN APPLETON: ON HEALTH

A nutritional approach to heart failure could save lives RECENTLY I WATCHED A TELEVISION NEWS ITEM ABOUT a clinical trial (in New Zealand) for heart failure patients.

The trial involves the use of a procedure known as renal denervation which has in the past been used as a treatment for people who have “resistant hypertension” which cannot be controlled by drugs.

The procedure, which I understand costs up to $17,000, involves inserting a catheter with an electrode at its tip into the femoral artery. It is “fed” up to the renal artery where the electrode delivers a current which “burns” some renal nerves thus blocking signals from the kidneys to the brain that would otherwise raise blood pressure. Last year in the Czech Republic, results of the use of this procedure with heart failure patients were reported. The procedure produced a 10% improvement in contractile function of the left ventricle which means the heart was able to pump more blood with each beat.

To many in the field of research where high tech and very expensive interventions are the norm, the results were cause for considerable excitement. But to governments and taxpayers who may be asked to pay, surely they would want to know if indeed there are other less expensive, safer and equally, if not more, effective treatment options.

In an earlier article, I mentioned the case of a man who was dying of heart failure in a regional hospital.

This man was being referred to hospice and was given a life expectancy of just days, which may not have been sufficient time for family to arrive from overseas. Given the extent of the problem in New Zealand when it comes to heart failure and the many people that seemingly have nowhere to turn, I thought it might be helpful to provide an update on the patient mentioned above in the hope that it might help others.

Here was a patient (78 years) in hospital with an almost non-functioning heart. The man had an ejection fraction of less than 10%. Ejection fraction is a measure of the amount of blood pumped from left ventricle of heart into the arteries every time it beats. For a person with a healthy heart an ejection fraction is between 55% and 75% (mine is 70% at 64 years).

The patient was on every drug known to man; he was lying flat on his back and he could not sit up because he had no demonstrable blood pressure. I understand that the nurses had been told to stop doing any recordings, because they couldn’t measure any blood pressure on many occasions.

Although the odds were very heavily against survival - this patient desperately wanted to hang in there until his family arrived. He was a very fortunate man because a highly skilled nutritionally aware cardiologist who was visiting the hospital asked the patient if he would like to try a cocktail of nutrients known in nutritional medicine circles as the “awesome foursome” - coenzyme Q10 - D-ribose - L-carnitine - magnesium. These nutrients were provided as a simple powder that is mixed with water and consumed as a pleasant tasting drink.

The patient was keen to do anything that might help and although what happened was truly remarkable, it was not surprising to those who understand the role of nutritional interventions. Not only did the man not die as anticipated, he improved to the point where he could enjoy an extensive holiday travelling with his family.

Recently I received an email from the family to say that their dad had passed away in October, 308 days after he was expected to die. They say that the nutritional cocktail helped him not just physically but mentally, as it gave him hope. My father died of heart failure when he was 79. If

only I knew then what I know now I am very confident he could have lived well into his 80s.

The important lesson for ‘medicine’ is that whenever someone has shortness of breath a build-up of fluid in and around the lungs or in the legs and ankles - this happens because the heart is weak and thus its function is compromised. To put it very simply, it is energy starved and surely the first intervention that should be made for anyone who manifests with symptoms as above - is addressing the issue of bioenergetics (the field of biochemistry that concerns energy flow through living systems). Coenzyme Q10 - D-ribose - L-carnitine and magnesium should be called in every time. It’s not rocket science, just basic biochemistry that all doctors need to be aware of.

If simple nutritional interventions can be life-saving for someone at the end stage, what could they do when it comes to prevention, treatment at the time of diagnosis or reducing the need for hospital care later on? Many people have told me “my doctor doesn’t believe in this.” I was attending a medical conference in the US recently and a retired surgeon told me that “it is about time ‘medicine’ stopped being practiced as a belief system or like a religion and focused on pure science and biochemistry”. Sadly it has a lot to do with money.

Cheap, totally safe and effective nutritional interventions that could be easily dispensed in a pharmacy don’t make any money for those who benefit from maintaining the PN status quo. (JOHN APPLETON) F APPLETON ASSOCIATES, T: 09 489 9362 john@johnappleton.co.nz www.johnappleton.co.nz

PEACE CLINIC: BETTER HEALTH NATURALLY Osteopath and acupuncturist Elaine Bennett of Grey Lynn’s Peace Clinic can help you overcome your health issues and realise your full potential.

Elaine treats neck, back and joint pain, headaches and a variety of related complaints.

Osteopaths take a full case history and carry out a thorough physical examination. They look at both the condition itself and for possible underlying issues that are causing your pain. Often these are not obviously related to the presenting complaint.

Elaine trained in London, and after 15 years practice in the UK moved to New Zealand in 2003. She set up and runs clinics in both Grey Lynn and Albany. Elaine treats all ages from babies, children, mums-to-be, elite athletes to the elderly. Each case is carefully assessed and a detailed treatment plan worked out.

Elaine is currently completing a degree in nutrition and herbal medicine to add another string to her bow and help you get the most out of your body.

Elaine has also designed a range of products to help maintain circulation for good health. Peace Pillow Connect for better sleep posture, SitActive the active posture cushion and Ezeweights for stronger muscles and are available from the clinic or online.

Peace Clinic are ACC providers and referral by a GP is not necessary. All practitioners are fully insured. Located on Maidstone Street (between Crummer and Great North Roads) there is free onsite parking available.

PEACE CLINIC, 10 Maidstone Street, T: 09 376 6429 www.bodystore.co.nz

104 PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2013

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TRISHA MARTIN: INNER DEVELOPMENT & WELL-BEING The Bright New Dawn

by Louise Beker $35 Christmas and summer holidays are just around the corner and there’s nothing like a good book to help you unwind and relax into the holidays. We have a wide selection of Mind Body Spirit books, CDs and card sets that make perfect gifts providing hours of surprise, escape and discovery.

A must read for this summer is The Bright New Dawn by local author Louise Beker. This is a captivating story that follows the journey of a young woman who has given up on love and life. At her lowest point, a dramatic intervention and a series of “coincidental” encounters radically alter her path.

In a quest for faith, her spirit awakens and she embarks upon a mystical journey, capturing the intrigue of an ancient civilisation. From Ireland to London and a magical encounter with Egypt, Isadora’s adventure leads her not only to deep personal healing and love, but also a profound discovery.

The Bright New Dawn is a story of romance, friendship, adventure, mystery, with subtly interwoven pearls of wisdom. Beker’s talent for descriptive storytelling takes you on a journey and reminds us of the power we have to create our lives in an age of rapid change.

Louise Beker is a writer, bodywork practitioner and yoga instructor. She has spent over 20 years discovering, exploring, and experiencing core healing principles with gifted teachers and practitioners around the world. She currently resides in Pt Chevalier. www.louisebeker.com (TRISHA MARTIN) F PN PATHFINDER BOOKSHOP, 182 Jervois Road, T: 09 378 6269, www.pathfinder.co.nz

TAKING CONTROL OF YOUR HEALTH Every 90 minutes a New Zealander dies from coronary heart disease.

This shocking statistic and the fact that many of these deaths are premature and preventable has been the driving force behind MedScreen.co.nz, a new and innovative health screening website developed over the last 18 months by Ponsonby locals, Dr Rob Kofoed and his wife Gerry Kofoed.

Rob, a primary health care doctor of over 20 years, believes people need to know and understand their important “health numbers” and be actively encouraged to monitor and improve them.

“We wanted to not only make it easy for people to check important markers like their blood pressure, cholesterol and BMI (body mass index) but also give them easy access to their important personal health information,” says Rob. “The obvious answer was to use an online platform,” says Gerry. “We’re really excited about the MedScreen website and MedScreen App which we’ve designed to be user-friendly and most importantly, completely secure. Our bank accounts, travel arrangements, calendars and many other things we believe to be vital in our day to day lives are accessed online and on our smart phones - what’s more vital than your health and well-being!”

“Our aim is to make people aware of their current state of health and provide them with recommendations on how to improve it,” says Rob, it’s all about prevention and managing risk.”

MedScreen has only just “gone live” and Rob and Gerry are thrilled with the response they’ve had to their unique medical screening service. They’d like to encourage everyone to invest in their own health and sign up to MedScreen making the most of the PN special introductory launch offer. F MEDSCREEN, www.medscreen.co.nz

GREY LYNN’S ORLY NAIL GIRLS SHARE THEIR HOTTEST SHADES Nail colour and nail art has moved beyond the new and cool to become an integral part of the style-conscious’ look.

Asked about their top hot weather shades and looks, Orly Nail Girls’ Petrina Martin told Ponsonby News, “Crisp White is smart and striking - it's the perfect choice to adapt from corporate fashion wear to weekend brunch. French White offers a chic alternative to stark white.

Baby neon pastels are incredibly popular - hues of pastel orange, pink, mint green and lilac are the most requested.”

Petrina told us that nail art designs this summer include geometric shapes, black, glitter, and pastel ‘French,’ and neon chevron designs, all in a multitude of colours. Orly nail varnishes retail for $24.99. F PN ORLY NAIL GIRLS, 29 Crummer Road, Grey Lynn e-mail snp@gmail.com

106 PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2013

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

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HOROSCOPES: MISS PEARL NECLIS

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

Going solo is not an option for your well-being this month, as anything grand that you’re planning may not quite reach fruition. Getting help will have benefits for both sides, especially if you involve close friends.

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

You can be very impatient sometimes and this month you seem to have reached crisis point. If you can manage to avoid anyone who might get in your way, it would be best for all concerned.

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

Taking stock of what you have achieved recently will certainly help you decide on your next move up the metaphorical career ladder. Take a complete break and come back refreshed for your next move.

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

You feel compelled to spy on someone close to you this month and your nosiness could get you into serious trouble. Checking up on someone’s activities is never a good idea, especially if you don’t like what you find.

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

You’re raring to go as usual but there seems to be something blocking your way.

Communicating is usually a good place to begin, maybe vocalising when you’re about to proceed will be a start.

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

TRANX SAVING PEOPLE FROM OVER-SUBSCRIBING DOCTORS The 25th anniversary of the TRANX Drug and Alcohol Services took place recently at their Great North Road head office.

The dedication, good will, passion and support of the many helpers over 25 years was celebrated at this function.

The organisation was set up to counsel and detoxify people addicted to benzodiazepine. These are minor tranquillisers, and have been proven to be highly addictive, even when taken in the prescribed doses.

There is a plethora of names, depending on the manufacturer. These include Valium, Halcion, Lorzam, Insoma, Paxam, Xanax, Zoplicone.

Tranx helps people to get off these addictive medications in a controlled Tarsha Warin and Shaz Picard and carefully structured way. Sudden withdrawal can be dangerous. Withdrawal symptoms include anxiety, insomnia, shakes, sweats, depression, fear of going mad, irritability, panic attacks, agoraphobia and sensory sensitivity.

We know you’re working all hours that God has been sending recently and the last thing you would want to do is socialise, just be aware that by turning down all invitations after hours could mean you’re missing out on something special.

Specialist support is often needed during the reduction process, and Tranx has become expert at this. Tranx’s philosophy is that addiction to a substance inhibits a person’s ability to realise their potential and diminishes their quality of life.

♊

Reduction programmes are tailored to suit the individual. Recovery from addiction is a process, not an event.

Gemini (the Twins): 22 May - 21 June You have to divide your time between your partner and your friends and juggling both is proving hard, unfortunately you seem to be getting to the point where you’re neglecting both. You don’t have to choose between them but you do have to make some compromises.

♋

Cancer (the Crab): 22 June - 22 July For the first time in your life you seem to be hitting a brick wall where your relationship is concerned. You are becoming drained emotionally and this is beginning to show in your reclusiveness, as crazy as this sounds, it’s not you who needs the most help.

♌

Leo (the Lion): 23 July - 21 August After a long uphill struggle you are now beginning to get the idea of what’s going on in your immediate world. You need to realise that there has been some major damage caused by some of the things you have either said or done. You need to fix things ASAP.

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

Sometimes your friends could accuse you of being overbearing and full on and this has often led you to believe that they aren’t fully supportive of your ambition. We all work at different speeds in life and you seem to be going full throttle all the time.

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

You feel like you can’t really say what’s going on in your life to anyone as your desire to control what’s being said has made you unpopular with a lot of your friends. If you say what’s in your heart people might begin to listen.

♏

Scorpio (the Scorpion): 24 October - 22 November If you have been disheartened lately with all avenues seemingly closed to you, don’t be. It’s time to get knocking on those doors again as ears closed to you previously are ready to listen again.

108 PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2013

CEO Shaz Picard spoke eloquently about their service, and praised the work of staff over the 25 years. She emphasised that these are normal people, not those of a sub-culture.

Most are pakeha, and the majority are women. Many of Tranx staff are recovering addicts - 100 years of recovery time between them, says Shaz.

It seems criminal that most of these drugs are still being prescribed by doctors in their millions - two million prescriptions just last year. Doctors with little background knowledge about patients, some on a first 15 minute visit, are prescribing these drugs in huge quantities.

Why not put them in the water supply if they are so effective, a cynic might ask. It is true that minor tranquillisers can be relatively safe drugs when used for short periods of time, intermittently and in low doses. However, many are being taken in larger doses for a long period of time, and this is when addiction sets in. A huge worry is the side effects of most of these drugs. And over time many of these benzodiazepines may cause the very symptoms they were prescribed for. They are also dangerous in combination with alcohol or other medications.

Tranx stresses that people should not cease taking minor tranquillisers without seeking advice, and entering a gradual withdrawal programme. Some of the worst of the side effects or the withdrawal symptoms are scary, none more so than suicidal feelings.

The benzos that are sleeping pills prevent genuine deep sleep, and withdrawal inevitably causes insomnia for a period. One important cog in the Tranx wheel told me he didn’t sleep for two years after coming off zoplicone, and still has the odd sleepless night maybe once a week. He is, however, eternally grateful he found Tranx.

This community based boutique service is fulfilling an important role in our community, and deserves our support, but we must also address the problem of over subscribing PN which has led to much of this misery. (JOHN ELLIOTT) F www.tranx.org.nz PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

photography: Martin Leach

What your stars hold this month

UP CLOSE CARING AND PERSONAL PROFESSIONAL

Nutritionist and Naturopath Cliff Harvey Cliff Harvey is a naturopath and registered clinical nutritionist, lecturer, author and speaker. He spends his days either writing, in clinical practice, teaching sports nutrition at Wellpark College or researching ketogenesis and metabolic adaptations with the team at AUT. How did you come to be a nutritionist?

Originally I became interested in nutrition to put on muscle for rugby. Because of this, my initial interest was in sports nutrition and in the early years of my practice I was lucky enough to work with several of New Zealand’s top athletes. Over the years though, and mainly due to my being diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease and the subsequent battle to recover my own health, I became much more interested in integrated medicine. I went on to study naturopathy as well as several mind-body modalities. I now work (and have for many years) with a range of patients in a very holistic way and continue to work with many top athletes.

What do you love about your job?

I see all the goals we set as being ways for us to find greater happiness, and achieving success in any endeavour is providing a small part of what we see as being our perfect life of health and happiness. So helping someone make amazing life and health changes and seeing them achieve the goals they have set drives me, and in fact that aspect - of being of service - is what drives my life of passion and purpose.

What do you find challenging?

My greatest challenge is finding solutions when others have said there aren’t any.

Working with patients who have tried and tried again innumerable times to make changes (to their health, weight, performance) and failed, and then to be able to work with them to find the strategies that actually work for them is what challenges and drives me.

How do you differ from other nutritionists?

I think there are several ways. Many people are now becoming aware of lower carbohydrate and higher fat diets that promote a range of health benefits. Whilst previously regarded as fringe, these are now becoming more and more accepted due to the volumes of research supporting their application. I have been prescribing, researching and working with low carbohydrate, high fat diets since 1998 and there are few practitioners with this depth of experience in the field. I also take a pragmatic and holistic approach to my practice. One size certainly doesn’t fit all and any individual’s treatment plan will differ depending on their needs.

What do you do to stay at the top of your field?

I constantly research - reading several journal articles every day and also being involved actively in ongoing university research. I’m also fond of self-experimentation! I think The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

that you can’t truly apply something with a client unless you’ve had experience with doing it yourself!

Can you tell us about a standout case?

Recently there are several that spring to mind. One was an elite masters-level cyclist in pretty good physical shape and performing well. He felt that he could not only improve his performance on the bike, but also felt that he wasn’t quite as “on to it” as he could be. He also had high cholesterol levels and several abnormal blood profiles suggestive of pre-diabetes and an increased risk of cardiovascular problems. He had been told that due to his “good” diet and activity levels his cholesterol and blood profiles were most likely due to genetics.

After two months on a lower carbohydrate, higher fat diet he is now feeling better than ever, has stable energy, is leaner than he has been since his 20s and his cholesterol levels and blood lipid profiles have completely normalised!

What do you do to care for yourself?

I don’t think of my self as a health zealot. I merely do exactly what I tell my clients to do!

I try to get enough sleep, I eat a natural, whole, unprocessed, high fat, low carbohydrate diet and I lift weights and do submission wrestling. To keep some sort of “yin” balance I keep up a meditation practice (although not as constantly) that I have done since I was young and stay as self-reflective as possible. Pride comes before a fall after all!

What’s your advice to people seeking nutritional treatment?

I think it’s important to look at a practitioner’s 1) qualifications, 2) registrations and 3) practical experience working with clients AND their own personal experience in equal measure. For example, do they hold a degree or minimum diploma in nutrition? Are they a member of the Clinical Nutrition Association or a similar group? Have they worked with people and had success with your particular condition or state... and have they done it themselves? If they tick all the boxes for you then they will be the right fit. F PN Cliff Harvey ND Naturopath and Registered Clinical Nutritionist, T: 022 016 9831 www.holisticperformancenutrition.com

DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

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PONSONBY PEOPLE + THEIR PETS

FOSTER AN SPCA ANIMAL THESE HOLIDAYS

ANIMATES GREY LYNN - FOR THE LOVE OF ALL ANIMALS

Many of the animals that come into SPCA Auckland need just a little extra TLC before finding their new forever home. This is where foster parents play a vital role in the work of the SPCA. Every animal you foster is given a second chance at life - and the more animals you foster, the more lives you help save.

Animates, the pet-care experts, have opened a brand new store in Richmond Road and can’t wait to meet the locals and their furry friends.

Foster parents provide a temporary home for animals as they recover from surgery or illness, or if they simply need to gain some weight. Foster parents are especially important around the Christmas season, due to the huge numbers of kittens and puppies the SPCA receives.

The average foster stay is three to five weeks for cats, and six weeks for dogs. Once they are ready, the animals come back to SPCA Auckland and are put up for adoption - unless the foster family ends up adopting them!

How can I foster an animal?

Looking after an animal can be a big undertaking, so first time Foster Parents receive in-depth training and have our friendly Foster Team just a phone call away.

SPCA Auckland supplies quality food as well as litter, litter trays, bedding, bowls and toys to help animals feel comfortable while they are staying in your home. Our on-site vets provide medical care if required. Being a foster parent is a great experience that gives you the opportunity to help many wonderful animals waiting for their second chance.

“We’d love for all proud pet parents and their leashed pets to pop into our new store and see our wide product offering and services, which includes our fantastic DIY Dog Wash centre,” says Grey Lynn Animates store manager Justin Peters “At Animates we know that pets are a much loved part of the family and because of this we searched hard for expert and caring team members for your new Grey Lynn store who can provide advice and help answer your questions about pets,” says Justin.

Animates has grown to become New Zealand’s leading pet supplies retailer, offering everything for pets of all shapes and sizes - from dogs, cats, fish and birds, through to rabbits and guinea pigs.

In addition to its product offering, Animates Grey Lynn also works with the SPCA to help rescue kittens and cats find their forever-home. Since 2010, 5,514 animals have been rescued by Animates customers and more than $200,000 has been raised for the SPCA through Animates stores.

Animates Grey Lynn is now open from 8am-7pm on Monday to Fridays, 8am to 6pm on Saturdays and 9am-5.30pm on Sundays and public holidays. Call in to see the team at PN Animates Grey Lynn or for more information visit their website. F ANIMATES GREY LYNN, 316 Richmond Road T: 09 358 2087 www.animates.co.nz

Talk to SPCA Auckland’s Foster Team today on T: 09 256 7303 to discuss fostering an animal over the holiday season. www.spca.org.nz F PN

110 PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2013

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

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PONSONBY PEOPLE + THEIR PETS

THE STRAND VETERINARIAN FIVE TOP PET TIPS FOR SUMMER SURVIVAL We all know how to prepare for the Christmas holidays - buy food, presents, refreshments and pack the car ready to go, right? But what about our four legged family members? Here’s a check list to help ensure a great summer holiday for everyone.

1. Make sure microchips are A) reading and B) the information on the national database is current and up-to-date. This isn’t the case in a staggering eight out of 10 pets.

How the system works is the microchip inserted needs to be checked via a scanner (we normally do this at their annual wellness check) and then current owner details checked and updated. If your pet is not chipped, a collar should be fitted two fingers tight with name tags and phone number attached.

2. Christmas day is all about spreading the cheer… something you may regret if feeding left overs to your four legged companions. Bouts of post-ham-bone diarrhoea, and even more serious pancreatitis, can put paid to your celebrations with a trip to the Animal Emergency Centre. If your pet is off to kennels or cattery, help them adjust by not changing their diet. Stress combined with a change in diet can create all sorts of health issues.

3. Vaccinations aren’t magic-they need time to work. Make sure vaccinations are given at least two weeks prior to pet boarding for optimal immunity. Consider lysine supplements (Flumax or Enisyl) if your cat gets stressed, is elderly or has previously had cat flu. Plug in a Feliway pheromone diffuser for cats staying at home as a change in routine, like a cat sitter, upsets them. They will be more likely to eat well and stay out of trouble if they are less stressed.

THE ANIMAL EMERGENCY CENTRE WISHES YOU A SAFE AND RELAXING SUMMER! SUMMER IS HERE! BEFORE YOU TAKE OFF TO YOUR BACH WITH YOUR PETS TO ENJOY boating, swimming and barbeques in the sun, have a look at these pointers. You don’t want your relaxing time to turn into a stressful time, visiting the emergency vet!

Summer Pet Checklist • Is the property secure or can your cheeky little terrier sneak under the gate and your nosy Burmese cat jump the fence?

• Have your local veterinary nurse check that microchips are in working order or ensure your pets wear a collar tag with your holiday contact details.

• Are there any poisonous plants in the garden, such as lilies? Peek over the fence to make sure the neighbour hasn’t put out any slug, snail or rat bait over the winter period.

• Be aware that the temperature in your car will rise rapidly when you leave your pooch while you stand in queue at the ice cream shop. Heat stress can kill!

• Your pets will love a good barbeque, but those leftover cooked bones won’t do them any good. Fatty food such as sausages may also cause problems.

• Christmas is an exciting time and wrapping paper, ribbons, ornaments and chocolate are notorious for causing havoc when eaten by pets.

• Keep the details of the local vet at your holiday destination in your phone. Check out their opening hours.

PN For all your pet emergencies in Auckland, call us at the Animal Emergency Centre. F

ANIMAL EMERGENCY CENTRE, 97 Carrington Road, Mt Albert, T: 09 849 2121 www.animalemergency.co.nz

4. Remember the weather. It’s finally summer and “Slip, Slop, Slap” applies to our pets too. Apply pet suntan lotion on ears and noses of light coloured pets, make sure you have plenty of well ventilated shade for pocket pets (especially if left at home with a carer) and remember parasite protection is essential for dogs, cats and rabbits.

Clip their coat short, especially around the bottom, to help prevent life-threatening fly strike. Heatstroke is a summer killer for dogs. Consider cooler travel times and have plenty of water in the car using moistened towels to cool them down if they are overheating (remember they don’t sweat like we do). For elderly cats make sure they have unrestricted access to clean water. If on the verge of kidney issues, dehydration can occur very quickly.

5. Pack the meds. By getting to know your animal companions well, we can make sure you have what you need to get them through the holiday period. Like an expert travel doctor we like to make sure you are well prepared for a trip. You may be travelling afar but we’re only a phone call away and could save an unnecessary trip back to town if PN you have the right medical kit and pet advice. F THE STRAND VETERINARIAN, 114 The Strand, Parnell, T: 09 377 6667 www.thestrandvet.co.nz

112 PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2013

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

PONSONBY PEOPLE + THEIR PETS ASK ALEX Each month Dr Alex Melrose answers readers’ pet related issues. email yours to: alex@vetcare.net.nz

Q:

I have booked Anna with you for taking a blood sample, and I’ll bring a urine sample as well. Your receptionists have promised that to reduce her stress I can wait for Anna to take her home, rather than leave her with you.

There has been a slight improvement in her kidney disease since last week. She has somewhat better appetite (but she has already lost a lot of weight in the previous few weeks, and is again eating her cat litter). She is showing less lethargy and is less unsteady on her legs, she’s wanting to go out, and even going down the stairs on her own again out to the front yard. So she has a little bit better mobility and less knuckling over on her paws, she is also doing more grooming of herself, enjoying brushing, and is purring a lot again after three months off. I’m hoping we help her even further. Kind regards, Anna’s mum, Grey Lynn.

A:

Hi Anna & Anna’s mum. Thank you for booking a progress visit with us, despite Anna not enjoying the trip, as is the case with many cats, the car ride usually being the worst bit, (we are pretty gentle when they get here).

The blood and urine samples will tell us a tonne about the progress of her renal disease, and help us narrow down treatment options. Especially with your great effort in gathering a urine sample for us I can assure you of a brief 20 minutes or so here before getting her safely back home.

The urine will be checked for infections and the concentrating ability of her kidneys.

The bloods show how high the kidney toxins may be, a lack of key electrolytes, and the presence of any anaemia from long standing illness. I think nibbling on the kitty litter is her trying to gain some roughage, especially with limited access to eating grass lately.

It sounds like the Gabbapentin is helping with blocking ascending nerve pain from arthritis and helping Anna get around better. The laurabolin steroid may also being helping with her feeling sprightly by assisting with her anaemia.

PONSONBY HISTORY… DID YOU KNOW?

1879

In Western Park opens. However work on the project continues for several decades.

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

We’ll keep trying to get her interested in her kidney diet, it adds hugely to renal patient’s lifespan. Depending on her blood picture, it may also be time add in an ace inhibitor and increase blood flow to the remaining kidney tissue, reducing protein loss through her urine.

Working together with you we really do have some great options to assist Anna with the quality and length of her life, despite her condition, and we can certainly work around her anxieties. (DR ALEX MELROSE BVSC, MRVS) VETCARE GREY LYNN, 408 Great North Road T: 09 361 3500 PN www.vetcare.net.nz F

DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

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SIDELINE WITH GEORGE BERRY

What-SUP-ing?

Forget the name - play the game

Stand up paddle boarding, or SUP as it’s often referred to, continues to morph into a water sport beast, competing with kayaking and surfing. It is even beginning to encroach on windsurfing's previously held monopoly on the country’s water arenas.

While it’s been around since Adam was a cowboy in Australia, predominantly in Melbourne and Perth, Aussie Rules or AFL’s push into other parts of Australia has also seen it spill into parts of New Zealand.

The sport, which originated in the Hawaiian Islands, has quickly become entrenched as one of the many options available off our shores.

Over the last couple of years we’ve seen AFL clubs train and play matches in New Zealand and now it’s setting up shop right here in central Auckland, and offering the chance to participate to anyone and everyone. It was always going to happen, Rugby League has known the secret of Kiwi Kid’s athletic abilities for years, the NRL is now littered with New Zealand-born players and the AFL wants a slice of that pie. And while is seems somewhat unpatriotic to play a sport with Australia in its name, the fact is it’s really quite fun and great for all sorts of reasons including hand eye coordination, fitness and improving your kicking skills.

Given all the fuss, about it I jumped at the opportunity to try it out a few weeks back.

This was down in the Coromandel, where I received a taste of easy to paddle, tranquil waters in an inlet before heading out into the open surf where the level of difficulty increased tenfold.

Once I was used to the sensation of the board bobbing about and switching the paddle from side to side I really started to enjoy it, so as soon as I was back in Auckland I went and tracked down a few spots closer to home to make it a more regular gig.

With the help of Auckland Stand Up Paddle, who hire boards and offer lessons in Pt Chevalier, Takapuna and Mission Bay, I quickly found it easy to shift my SUP-ing to another level, where open surf was something I could enjoy rather than feeling challenged from all corners.

Pete, who is the main man at Auckland SUP suggested starting out with a board 9.5 to 11.5 feet in length with a volume of 180-230 litres, the whole volume thing still doesn’t mean to much to me, but the bigger the board the more stable it should be, making your first few experiences on the board more enjoyable, as you’re on the board rather than in the drink.

He also suggested starting with an adjustable paddle. You should feel comfortable with the reach; once you’re on the board and paddling this becomes quite apparent, if it’s too big or long it won’t be all that easy to pull you through the water and if it’s too short you’ll find yourself off balance and struggling to stay on top of the board.

When you’ve played around in different conditions with different paddles you'll see that a shorter paddle is easier to use in the surf and a longer one will help if you’re looking to get involved in races where a little more power is required.

Try to avoid days that are too rough at first, if it’s really windy and the water is choppy it’s going to be that much more difficult. There’s loads of spots close to Ponsonby that offer sheltered coves to practice in, so give them a go before diving into the open water.

Water depth is a personal preference really when starting out; I found it easier to be out where the water was deeper. It gave me the confidence to actually fall off and not worry about hitting the bottom, but others feel more at home when they can hop back on the board from a standing start.

Don’t be afraid to start paddling on your knees to get a feel for the board, the paddle and the water, it's often a good place to get your balance before standing upright. Once up, make sure you stand with both feet facing forward, one either side of the board in a parallel stance, bend your knees slightly as you pull the paddle through the water then change hands with the paddle (unless you want to head in circles like a one legged duck that is).

Hiring a board a couple of times is a good idea to begin with in order to get a feel for it and decide whether it’s for you or not. The kit can be expensive to set yourself up, but PN I’m sure if you use it often it will be worth the money! (GEORGE BERRY) F

Every Tuesday afternoon at St Pauls College on Richmond Road you can find a group of guys running clinics and teaching people of all ages to play the sport. From kicking, punting, a little tackling, bouncing and most of all passing, all the skills needed to be successful in AFL, but also skills that transfer from one sport to another. Nowadays there seems to be a greater number of athletes transferring from one sport to another at the professional level and I’m sure that trend will continue.

The afternoon sessions kick off with primary school age training called AFL KiwiKick (ages 5-12) from 3.30 to 4.30. It looks like a whole lot of fun and already has 30-40 boys and girls playing, many of whom are from Bayfield Primary and St Joseph’s School. There are also St Paul’s College intermediate students involved in the trainings.

Following these sessions the training is opened up to the next generation. Teenagers and adults alike playing AFL 9s where they train, continue to teach the basic skills, and play a game or two. Play AFL clubs are now extending themselves around the country, there are four in Auckland already. If you can’t get to the local one on a Tuesday perhaps try the North Shore on Thursday afternoons at Onepoto Domain, Waitakere on Wednesdays at the Trusts Arena, and further south at the Papatoetoe Sports Centre on Wednesdays.

The game is already being played at a level that an interschool competition for junior and senior secondary school students is under way. Teams who compete in regional Hawks Cup competitions can participate in the AFL Junior Secondary School North Island Championships; St Paul’s College was one school that entered this competition.

The Central Auckland Play AFL Club will take a break over Christmas, before starting again in January so for more information on session times check out www.aflnz.co.nz PN and get along - it’s free for the first time to try for yourself. (GEORGE BERRY) F

KEEPING AUCKLAND WATERS SAFE FOR SWIMMERS THIS SUMMER Auckland Council’s water quality monitoring programme “Safeswim” has started for the summer season.

The Safeswim programme runs until March 2014 at 69 of the region’s most popular beaches and freshwater spots including the Hauraki Gulf Islands of Waiheke and Great Barrier. Weekly water samples are collected using equipment lowered by helicopter, and measure the levels of bacteria in the water that may have the potential to cause harm.

Mervyn Chetty, manager of environmental health, says Auckland Council is committed to on-going water quality improvements and maintaining safe standards around Auckland’s popular recreational sites. “99 percent of the time our beaches are clean, safe and great for swimming but sometimes stormwater and sewage overflows, caused by occasional heavy rain, can cause higher levels of bacteria. We recommended people do not swim for 48 hours after heavy rainfall and avoid swimming in high risk areas such as stormwater outfalls,” says Mr Chetty. Before taking the plunge this summer, you can check out the results at your chosen beach by calling 0800 SAFESWIM (0800 723 379) or visiting www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/safeswim where you can sign up to weekly emails to have monitoring results delivered directly to your inbox. F PN

114 PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2013

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

SIDELINE WITH GEORGE BERRY

PACIFIC BUSINESS TRUST AWARD CATEGORY PROMOTES OFF-FIELD LEADERSHIP AMONG WINNERS LIKE VALERIE ADAMS, JOSEPH PARKER AND THE WORLD CHAMPION Black Sox, Dain Guttenbeil represented the importance of off-field leadership at this year’s New Zealand Pacific Island Sports Awards.

Time for a spring clean?

Brace yourself but is anyone else annoyed, outraged, or just plain disappointed with New Zealand football?

Dain Guttenbeil was named Sports Administrator of the Year at the 2013 New Zealand Pacific Island Sports Awards held in Auckland on November 23, with the category sponsored by the Pacific Business Trust.

Not because we didn’t qualify for the football World Cup, but because we were made to actually look like, in the words of Mexican football icon Hugo Sanchez, “a team that is no more than a group of buddies who were rejected because they couldn’t play rugby in New Zealand and had to switch to soccer.” That may be a hugely unfair statement regarding the players, but to be honest there could well be a similar version for the games administration in this country.

Dain is the general manager of Football and Community Development at New Zealand Rugby League, a position which PBT chief executive Peter Cordtz held previously.

We’ve gone from being one of the most respected teams at the last World Cup to football laughing stock in less than three years.

“I owe a lot to Peter for me being here as he encouraged me to follow his path into sports administration,” says Dain, who is of Tongan descent.

We’ve failed to go to back to back World Cups for the second time in a row.

PBT has proudly sponsored the category since the inaugural bi-annual NZPISA event in 2011, when general manager of the Warriors Don Mann took home the award. Peter Cordtz says the Trust’s continued involvement in the category is in line with its aim to recognise the behind the scenes work that is important to any sports organisation.

“Our reasons for wanting to be associated with the sports administration category are the same now as they were at the inaugural event,” he says.

“It’s important to have more Pacific perspectives in off leadership-field roles, and we want to make that off-field leadership more aspirational.

“Pacific athletes make a significant contribution to the commercial value of professional sport in New Zealand and the wider Pacific. So having more Pacific people in those decision making roles in and around the business of sport is important.”

Peter was involved in recruiting Dain to NZRL and was pleased to see him do well at the Awards.

“The thing about Dain, like Don Mann, is they both have brothers with illustrious on -field careers (legendary Kiwi internationals Duane Mann and Awen Guttenbeil), yet they have made their own significant contribution to the code through their leadership roles,” says Peter.

Dain views sport as a vehicle for uplifting communities. He has helped to make Rugby League safer at grassroots level through the NZRL Injury Prevention programme, and regularly supports young talent through the Australasian NZ Representation Pathways initiative as well as the Pasifika Development Council.

“Dain is in a senior leadership role in a high profile sport and he is making a significant impact. But with this he brings a Pacific perspective, which is one of the reasons PBT is particularly keen to be associated with this category,” says Cordtz.

“He’s a good bloke, he’s driven and I think he’ll go on to bigger and better things. So PN being able to recognise him on the way through is great for PBT.” F

I know it was against Mexico who are ranked 24th in the world, and that no one really believed we could have beaten them to reach the Cup, but help me lord, what a sad state of affairs we now find ourselves in.

Given there were plenty of people who played in the World Cup in 1982 involved with this latest campaign in one way or another, then surely someone had a better plan than this?

Talk about not learning from your mistakes!

When you need to win to qualify you hardly start a team with a defensive strategy like they did in Mexico. Potentially that was Ricki Herbert’s biggest issue of the lot, but surely there was someone prepared to make a change when they were 2-0 down. It was never going to be about stopping the bleeding, more about having an actual crack, just like what we saw in the later parts of the game in Wellington. But why oh why did we have to wait to try an attacking formation out? Surely we weren’t in the best position to start with.

This latest issue is one which requires that fingers be pointed in all sorts of directions.

And when a sport is in that much trouble it’s hard to know where to begin, but surely someone must take this bull by the horns and wrestle it back into shape.

We’ve seen it with both swimming and cricket in the past and now we must be desperate to have the same happen with football. Clear the decks, start again, and get people involved with some ability to affect positive change. Gareth Morgan’s already told us that NZF don’t work closely with the only professional team in the country, the Wellington Phoenix, and if he’s to be believed then this surely is a fine place to start. This isn’t about money but a rudderless organisation going backwards in a hurry. At this rate it will be another 20 plus years before we see New Zealand reach another football World Cup. Ricki Herbert has now stood down as coach, paving the way for some fresh ideas, so let’s couple that opportunity with some support in order to drive the game in a positive direction. We have more players playing in top level competitions around the world than ever before, most of them young, so now is the time to make some serious decisions and make broad changes.

Let’s not find ourselves sitting in the same seats in another four years time trying to PN qualify for a football World Cup, only to find we’ve gone nowhere. (GEORGE BERRY) F

For the full list of winners visit www.spasifikmag.com/hpsportleisure/Pacificislandawards

PONSONBY HISTORY… DID YOU KNOW?

1886-1887

In the Catholic Church of the Sacred Heart was built on the corner of O’Neill Street and Ponsonby Road. This takes over the role of Parish Church from St Mary’s Chapel.

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

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BILLY HARRIS: KIDS IN THE COMMUNITY

Zoe Dawson is doing all she can Science has yet to figure out how you can be in two places at once, but when someone comes up with the answer, the first one in the queue for a dose of ART (Atom ReplicationTreatment), will be Zoe Dawson.

In fact, she’ll need a double zapping because very often the hyper 11 year old needs to be in FOUR places at once! A couple of Sundays ago for instance, Zoe’s commitments converged in a perfect storm of chaos, with her required to be at the Auckland Junior Invitational swim champs in Henderson, the Kohimarama Yacht Club races, the Netball North Harbour year 6 development squad and a Dio new girls’ BBQ. In case that gives you the impression Zozo, as she’s known to her friends, isn’t very busy, she’s a house captain and has represented her school Ponsonby Primary at swimming, netball, athletics, cross country, Australian Maths Competition, kapa haka, National Young Leader’s Days, performance marimba band and art.

She’s also a keen surfer and skiier, plays the guitar and is accomplished in jazz ballet, so if she could do only one activity, which would it be? Horse riding! They say you can’t do everything, but Zoe certainly appears to be giving it a go. Anyway, she feels that at such a young age, it’s better to be an all rounder than to specialise in one area. It’s swimming, though, that takes up most of her time, with a schedule of four training sessions a week which for any person with a normal amount of energy would be gruelling.

But as she explains: “I don’t mind getting up at 5am to go swimming - I just set my alarm, get dressed, have breakfast and Mum or Dad drop me off at Central City swim club. We start training with dive sprints so that wakes you up quite quickly. I have some really good friends at swimming, we all go to different schools so we like going to swimming to see each other. We also do swim camps in the holidays. While I’m swimming lengths I sometimes play a song in my head to get a good stroke rhythm. At the end of each morning session my coach Sandra (Trent Bray’s mum) always gives us a handful of jelly beans to get our energy levels up. That motivates me to work hard right till the end!”

A change is as good as a rest, so most Sundays Zoe is on top of the water rather than in it. “My brother and I sail Optimists at Kohimarama Yacht Club. That’s where my dad learned to sail when he was a kid. I’m in Green Fleet, competing this season in regattas like the Sir Peter Blake Regatta and the Auckland Champs. My Optimist is called Hero and it’s a McConaghy. I named it after my dad because he saved the life of the man who designed my boat - in a shipwreck in South America! Last year I won a silver cup. Lots of the trophies at Kohi yacht club are really old and have the names of famous sailors engraved on them. Like Olivia Powrie and Jo Aleh - they let me hold their Olympic gold medals.”

For a complete change of scenery, Zoe likes nothing more than to be on the mountain.

“My favourite place to go skiing is Roundhill at Tekapo, you can see Mt Cook and Lake Tekapo from the top of the t-bar and they have amazing pies from the Fairlie Bakehouse.

Lola (my Spanish friend who I met when her family lived here while her dad sailed), my brother Blake and I all tried snowboarding this year. We really loved it but I hurt my knee and wasn’t allowed to do breaststroke at training for a couple of months. My coach Sandra wasn’t very impressed about that because breaststroke is my best stroke.

My best events are probably 100m or 200m breaststroke, 200m medley and 100m butterfly at the moment but it changes so you have to keep doing them all.”

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

Zoe not only plays goal attack on the netball court, but she’s also a big netball fan.

She met Casey Kopua and Maria Tutaia and has a photo with them. She also collects autographs of the Northern Mystics, and went to every home game this year to cheer them on. Her idols are Maria Tutaia, Casey Kopua and Kayla Cullen.

But it’s horse riding that holds the most special place in Zoe’s heart. She sometimes goes riding in the school holidays, and describes as one of her best days ever the day when she visited her second cousin’s Clydesdale high country station in Erewhon (which is “nowhere” spelt backwards, more or less). There she met four Clydesdale foals, a meeting which sealed her love of horses.

Next year sees a big change in Zoe’s life when she goes to Dio. She’s looking forward to catching the bus to and from school, and also to trying hockey. Her mother wonders how she’ll fit another sport into her schedule, but knowing Zoe, she’ll find a way.

PN (BILLY HARRIS) F

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FUTURE GENERATION ST PAUL’S COLLEGE PRIZEGIVING 2013 WHAT HAVE WE DONE? SAID PRINCIPAL MARK RICE at the beginning of the St Paul’s College recent prize giving. This was a self deprecatory expression followed by an exposition of the school’s continued progress throughout 2013. Ponsonby News experienced the moving ceremony, which took part in the school chapel.

Principal Rice told of the 12% roll increase, the continuing academic success, the pastoral goals achieved (5% attendance up), and the building resurgence, encouraged by the newly appointed old boys group, led by Rick Johnston. New board chairman, Denis Wood, has brought energy and expertise to the Board of Trustees.

Rice praised his staff, especially his senior team, and thanked the old boys for their involvement. He also paid tribute to the women closely involved with the school.

There are 256 men at St Paul’s and only 19 women. Rice called all of those women present forward to receive the thanks and love of the whole school community. It was very touching to hear the moving song and see the gift of flowers to the women of St Paul’s - representing Mary and all our mothers. St Paul’s has a new strategic plan near completion, for implementation next year.

Denis Wood called on students to fight the good fight, to set goals, take the opportunities and face the challenges ahead. Nothing is gained without graft he believes. As Saint Paul said, keep true to yourself. Respect and honour your parents.

This was an emotional ceremony, with beautiful singing and genuine prayer. There was a lovely tone about the whole prize giving, and prize recipients were suitably deferential and humble.

A highlight - the MC-ing of Charismata Vili. He read out winners of the Samoan Group Leadership and the last was his own name, described by him as “and me.” Touching, with no hint of arrogance.

There were too many prizes to list here, so Ponsonby News presents just a selection.

Dux - Kala Makata; Proximae Accessit - Semisi Havili; Head Prefect - Semisi Havili; School Spirit - Charismata Vili; Best All Rounder - Semisi Havili.

The head prefect Semisi Havili stood out for his collection of awards and honours.

He has had an outstanding career at St Paul’s. His awards include - Head Prefect, best all rounder, rugby league player of the year, rugby player of the year, outstanding sportsman of the year. Won’t he be in demand by the scouts of top sports teams in the years ahead? But just remember, he was runner up to the dux of the school as well.

A brilliant all rounder whose St Paul’s education has surely prepared him well for the rough and tumble of the world ahead.

Great all rounders - prepared with care and respect by dedicated and God fearing staff, led by the self effacing but confident and impressive Mark Rice. No wonder old boys are rallying round to support their school. That prize giving was a warm and uplifting PN ceremony. (JOHN ELLIOTT) F

Semisi Havili, current Head Boy 2013 and Kalo Makata

KIDSHINE SERVICE CELEBRATES 10 YEARS IN AUCKLAND KIDshine, the rapid response service for children traumatised from exposure to violence in their homes, celebrated its 10th anniversary last October.

It is a unique support service provided for free by Shine (Safer Homes In New Zealand Everyday) to families in Auckland.

Since 2002, KIDshine have assisted thousands of children to be safe and to understand that they have the right to be protected from violence. Qualified child advocates provide brief, structured interventions for these children as well as provide information to their mums on how best to support their children. Sadly, we cannot always prevent future violence from occurring, but we can help these children be prepared and know what to do when it does. KIDshine advocates also work together with these children and their mothers to put together an age appropriate safety plan for each child that is unique to their circumstances, should another incident occur.

On 16th October, a formal KIDshine 10th anniversary celebration was held at the Giltrap Audi showroom on Great North Rd. At the celebration both clients and staff spoke about how KIDshine has a hugely beneficial impact on very distressed children.

One of the KIDshine client mothers said: “KIDshine really made a difference … at a time when our whole world had fallen apart.

Irka (KIDshine Advocate) enabled my daughter to disclose abuse I knew nothing about.

I am so grateful to KIDshine for helping my daughter unburden herself in a safe environment. After KIDshine visits, (my) children were happier, less confused, less worried and increasingly less shut down.”

Shine wants to give every frightened little child the chance to get the help they need to be safer, wherever they live. Our goal is to make KIDshine available across the country within the next 10 years.

Find more about the KIDshine 10 year celebration at Giltrap Audi, including photos from PN the event here: www.2shine.org.nz/celebrating-kidshine-10-years F

PONSONBY HISTORY… DID YOU KNOW? In The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

1871 Dedwood Post office was opened.

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FUTURE GENERATION THE GIFT OF READING 2013 With all the kids hooked into technology these days, a book makes the perfect alternative festive gift. We’re blessed with at least five book stores selling children’s books in Greater Ponsonby, so book shopping is easy shopping. Here is a guide to some of the best - for littlies through to teens - out now.

PRESCHOOLERS+ BUSY BEES CHRISTMAS

by Christina Goodings (Lion Hudson/New Holland, $12.99) A lovely get-in-the-mood-for Christmas book to keep the littlies busy with craft, games, colouring, puzzles and stickers. The activities can be done alone or with an adult, and are simple enough to allow everyone to get a great result while exploring their creativity.

DEMON DENTIST

by David Williams (Harper Collins, $24.99) This author was described by The Times as “a new Roald Dahl”, and one can see the parallels in this and his previous titles. Fantastic for kids who like reading about creepy crawlies, people who stink, international jewel thieving grannies and nose picking stepmothers. Demon Dentist is about evil taking over the Tooth Fairy, and is a perfect path into reading for children who like The Twits.

PINOCCHIO BY PINOCCHIO

by Michael Morpurgo (Harper Collins, $19.99) The tale of Pinocchio as told by the boy himself. Along with stunning illustrations, the classic tale comes to life in a manner reminiscent of Badjelly. A great book to read with your child.

MY GUARDIAN ANGEL

by Sophie Piper (Lion Hudson/New Holland, $12.99) The cutest little book of prayers for pre-schoolers, this collection of devoted ditties helps children ask for love and protection through the day and night. It has a padded cover and dedication page so it can remain a favourite for years to come.

TWEEN/YOUNG ADULT

NZ BUGS AND CRITTERS

by Dave Gunson (New Holland, $12.99) Dave Gunson is a prolific writer and illustrator of children’s books about the equally prolific and interesting wildlife of New Zealand. This board book encourages kids to explore their everyday environment, uncovering insects you could find in your backyard. English and Maori names are included for each creature. Look out for NZ BIRDS by the same author, too.

THE PRINCESS AND THE FOAL

by Stacey Gregg (Harper Collins, $24.99) Westmere based Gregg’s titles have been hugely successful all over the world, making her the hero of girls across the planet. Inspired by the real story of Olympic equestrienne Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein, this is an epic story about the unbreakable bond between a girl and her horse. Set to be another hit.

MY LOOK AND POINT NOAH STICK A STORY

by Christina Goodings (Lion Hudson/New Holland, $8.99) An interactive and engaging retelling of the story of Noah from the award-winning Look and Point Bible series, this sticker book features five double page spreads of activities and spaces to be filled in. Especially good for children who love animals.

RUBY REDFORT 3 - CATCH YOUR DEATH

by Lauren Child (Harper Collins, $19.99) Child is the author of the Charlie and Lola books, but got so many requests to write another story about her quirky, codecracking, intrepid schoolgirl detective Ruby Redfort that she produced this third tale about her 13 year old genius. A cracking adventure for the tween of 2013.

FIVE YEARS+

THE PARADISE WAR

by Stephen Lawhead (Lion Hudson/New Holland, $21.99 This is the first of the Albion Trilogy, with protagonist Lewis drawn “from the gleaming spires of Oxford to the misty moors and glens of Scotland.” Lawhead is described as a phenomenal author, with this title promising a fast-moving narrative, chilling suspense and an awesome climax with a large dose of Celtic mythology. Adults may want to borrow from teen readers this summer.

THE STORY OF CHRISTMAS

by Mary Joslin (Lion Hudson/New Holland, $16.99) This richly coloured book with gorgeous pastel illustrations adds a sense of humour in its retelling of the Christmas story.

Our favourite bit is when Joseph discovers Mary is pregnant, and laments that “her baby isn’t my baby”. For modern kids who crave a modern take on the age old tale.

STRONG PRIMARY SCHOOL READERS+ HOW TO BETRAY A DRAGON’S HERO

by Cressida Cowell (Hachette, $19.99) The stakes have never been higher for Hiccup the Viking in this penultimate instalment from the bestselling How to Train your Dragon series, as he faces a personal dilemma against the backdrop of an impending battle and possible destruction of all he knows. Cowell has been writing books since she was nine, making this series a great way to inspire kids to become storytellers as well as readers.

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FUTURE GENERATION THE READING PROGRAMME AT GREY LYNN SCHOOL

Greg Versalko, National Contact Centre Manager

CHILD, YOUTH AND FAMILY: RECEIVING THE NATION’S CALLS FROM GREY LYNN While the residents of Grey Lynn sleep, the lights glow at 490 Richmond Road as the social workers and staff at Child, Youth and Family’s National Contact Centre are busy at work.

Based in the heart of Grey Lynn the National Contact Centre receive calls from the far north down to Invercargill from teachers, police, doctors, neighbours and family who are worried about a child or young person they know.

At Child, Youth and Family we believe that together we can all make sure our children are safe and thriving as part of their family; and for many families the National Contact Centre is where this begins.

On an average day the Customer Service Team will receive 2,500 inbound calls. These can be anything from a mum calling to find out what age you can leave a child home alone to a very distressed family member reporting abuse towards an eight year old child.

The calls which require professional risk analysis or expert advice get passed on to the Intake Social Worker team. They receive an average of 250 in every 24 hours and will assessing around 160 reports of concern.

Based on the information provided during this call as well as checking the system for previous history, the intake social worker will assess the situation.

A call from a teacher saying a child at school has disclosed being hit by a parent, would require a social worker from the local office to visit the child that day and start an assessment immediately.

A call from a neighbour saying they saw the children next door being hit by an auntie last week when she was visiting would require a social worker to visit sometime over the next week and find out more about what’s going on for this family.

The intake social worker could also receive a call from a mum who is struggling with her 13 year old son. As this is not likely to meet Child, Youth and Family’s threshold the social worker will refer the mum to a local community agency to get the help she needs.

Child, Youth and Family team up with many different groups and people so that families have the support they need to help their children thrive.

Many years ago a group of local residents responded to a request for volunteers to help with a reading programme at Grey Lynn School - and they have never left, such is the pleasure and interest they have gained from being involved in the development of the reading and conversation skills of their young charges.

Deputy principal Sepora Mauigoa talks about the benefits to the children from the one -on-one contact the programme provides and the opportunity for people with an interest in children and reading, who can give an hour or so a week to be involved. Volunteers find it a pleasant and rewarding part of their week. There are about a dozen volunteers, one of whom travels from the North Shore. They are mostly retired, from a variety of occupations. Some are grandparents, but not all.

Grey Lynn School is a friendly and welcoming place and it’s growing at a fast rate. A new block of eight classrooms was opened in October and already the school has received funding for a further four classrooms to be finished in early 2015. Fifteen years ago when Bill Barker took over as principal the roll was 85. It now stands at around 360 and is on the move.

With growth has come increased demand for the school’s two volunteer reading programmes - Rocket Reading for years 4 - 6 and the HPP programme for younger children. Rocket Reading is for children who need some extra reading mileage, vocabulary development and enriched conversation in a one-on-one setting. The HPP programme for younger children is aimed at enriching oral language, through reading to the children and discussing the stories. HPP - Hei Awhiawhi Tamariki kite Panui Pukapuka - means supporting children’s oral language development within English-medium storybook reading contexts. For some of the children English is a second language and the individual sessions help gain confidence in conversation and reading skills.

Sepora says, “We are fortunate in parent volunteers for activities such as fundraising and the Parent Net Group, which helps in the classroom, but in order to get people consistently available to help in our reading programmes our volunteers tend to be older.

As the school roll increases we would welcome new members to the volunteer team and invite anyone interested to make contact and come in and meet with us.”

More recently a numeracy programme was introduced. Staff from a local bank helped and some parents were involved. “However, with many mothers working, it is again the older members of our community who can consistently offer time and we are looking to hopefully get this programme off the ground again,” says assistant principal Otalani Kiata.

If you would like to be involved with either the reading or the numeracy programmes next year, now would be a good time to put your name forward and meet the people running PN the programmes. (PHILIPPA TAIT) F Rocket Reading and HPP programmes: Liesel Morley, Learning Support Numeracy: Otalani Kiata, Assistant Principal GREY LYNN SCHOOL - T: 09 376 3255

Child, Youth and Family believe all children belong in families that will love and nurture them.

When Child, Youth and Family does become involved the social worker will work together with the family to help them grow stronger and find their own solutions to any problems.

Remember, it’s everyone’s job to keep children safe. Children cannot always speak up for themselves, and there are many reasons why the people closest to them might find it too hard to ask for help. Together we can help our children be safe, strong and thrive Call 0508 FAMILY (0508 326 459) or visit our website for more information PN www.cyf.govt.nz (MICHELLE NEIL) F The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

photography: Philippa Tait

If you are worried that children you know are not safe or being well cared for, you might feel unsure about whether to let someone know. At Child, Youth and Family we are here to talk through any worries you have. Our social workers are trained to work out what kinds of problems a family might be having, and find the best ways to help them get back on track.

Liesel Morley (learning support), Sepora Mauigoa (deputy principal) and Otalani Kiata (assistant principal) Grey Lynn School DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

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FUTURE GENERATION PONSONBY INTERMEDIATE DISTRIBUTIVE LEADERSHIP IN ACTION Wim Boxen has been at Ponsonby Intermediate 19 years, the last 12 as Principal. He has an understated, collaborative style of leadership which is producing outstanding results for their students.

Wim told Ponsonby News he favours “distributive leadership”, which is not hierarchical, and allows even the most junior staff members to have their say on policy and the development of the Ponsonby Intermediate ethos. “We work together as a team,” says Wim, “with energy and enthusiasm.” Wim Boxen has completed post graduate studies in leadership and management.

It is well known that Ponsonby Intermediate dodged a bullet in the mid-90s, when the roll dropped to under 100, and local families avoided the school like the plague. Ian Taylor came in as new Principal, with Wim Boxen as his deputy. Their task was to save the school from closure. The local community was lobbied hard, and asked what they wanted in a local intermediate school.

Many responded positively, and the roll quickly increased. There are still, however, many local families who choose to send their children out of the area to private schools. This number is more than compensated for, by the number of out of zone kids who wish to come to Ponsonby. The last few years have seen 50 or more on the waiting list.

Very early on, Ponsonby Intermediate decided to use more specialist teachers than most intermediates do. As Wim Boxen points out, even the best primary school teachers are not experts in every subject, and many are happy to have a great music teacher like Paul Curtis, for example, taking their music classes. This happens in all curriculum areas at Ponsonby Intermediate.

Wim Boxen is physically huge, as you will see in the accompanying photo, where he dwarves his year 7 and 8 students. He is of Dutch/Australian ancestry. His father was a Dutch marine, who came to New Zealand and met the Australian woman who became Wim’s mother at Parnell Baths.

Ponsonby Intermediate under Wim Boxen has achieved outstanding ERO reports with comments like “continue robust review systems”.

Despite the specialisations at Ponsonby, all teachers do recovery, enrichment and extension. Wim is proud to now call all his teachers “my teachers.” By that he means that all staff have been employed by him and that he has recruited like-minded teachers.

A walk around the school with the principal, shows clearly how proud Wim Boxen is of his school, his staff and his students. “Kids are the best advocates for a school,” he enthuses. This year we had a ballot for 160 out of zone places, and 50 were left on the waiting list. The warm, busy and engaged students set a beautiful tone as we wandered around the school, looking at the new gym/assembly hall, the library with well-equipped IT hub, and the clean and tidy grounds.

LEARN TO SWIM WITHOUT LEAVING HOME Learn to swim or improve your swimming technique in the comfort of your own pool this summer. The Swim Bus is a mobile swim school that brings the instructors and equipment to you when and where you want it.

Owned and operated by Tanya and Janene, who between them have 30 plus years experience in teaching and coaching swimming, The Swim Bus offers a range of lessons that caters for all ages (yes, adults too), abilities and learning styles. You can have a one-on-one lesson or get a group of friends together and have a private group lesson.

Take a one-off lesson to get you to the next level are available or book a series of lessons. Their coaches are experienced and love teaching swimming and survival skills.

An emphasis on sound technique is key to their (and your) success. The areas they work in are Auckland City, North Shore and Rodney district.

Swim Bus has a team of dedicated passionate instructors who love teaching swimming.

All their instructors are police checked, have intensive in-house training and have a Swim -ed or Austswim Qualification.

When they select instructors they choose people with great personalities that can relate and bring out the best in any learner no matter what their ability or learning style and some of instructors are current New Zealand representative swimmers. To make an PN appointment call Tanya or for more information go their website. F THE SWIM BUS, T: 09 480 8914 www.theswimbus.co.nz

All teachers are expected to be at school until 4pm at least (most stay much later), and are charged with, in Wim’s words, “adding value” to students’ growth and development.

There are new building proposals on the books, “constant improvement” being another of Wim Boxen’s mantras. “We aim to keep ahead of the play.”

The “student voice”, where students make evaluating comments about courses, has earned the praise of ERO. This is a school all about students and their progress and success. As Wim Boxen told us quite seriously, “no school would exist without the kids.”

And Ponsonby News could add, “no school will succeed without inspirational leaders like PN Wim Boxen, and his dedicated staff.” www.ponsonbyintermediate.school.nz F (JOHN ELLIOTT) A proud Wim Boxen with children gathered around the computer hub in the library

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FUTURE GENERATION CHILDREN’S BOOK REVIEW ‘How Tom beat Captain Najork and his hired sportsman’ by Russell Hoban, illustrated by Quenton Blake. New edition 2013, Walker Books.

Tom likes fooling around and is rather good at it, much to the annoyance of his Aunt Fidget Wonkham-Strong. So one day this fearsome lady decides to teach Tom a lesson and summons Captain Najork and his hired sportsmen to play womble, muck and sneedball. Can it possibly end well for all concerned? However it turns out not to be Tom who gets taught a lesson. First published in 1974 this new edition by Walker Books is a welcome return of this classic picture book that will amuse and delight another generation of children who love to fool around! F PN DOROTHY BUTLER CHILDREN’S BOOKSHOP, 1 Jervois Road T: 09 376 7283 www.childrensbookshop.co.nz

LIMITED OPENINGS FOR 2014 INTERMEDIATE ENROLMENTS Kadimah is a state integrated school with a special Jewish character and is committed to providing educational excellence from pre-school to year 8. The small class sizes and specialist teaching ensures each child’s individual needs are met and they develop to their full potential.

With a values-based approach, delivered in modern classrooms overlooking Myers Park, Kadimah’s convenient CBD location and 8.10am start time make it an appealing option for parents looking for an intermediate education that best prepares their children for the next phase in their schooling.

The strong multi-dimensional programme including sports, music, arts, drama, culture and religion, plus Kadimah’s proximity to a raft of inner city cultural resources, results in well-rounded children with a true love of learning.

Children graduating from Kadimah leave with an excellent well recognised education and alumni have for four decades excelled in Auckland’s top schools. They embrace Kadimah students and many have gone on to be head boys and head girls, dux, senior sports captains and much more.

Parents wishing to arrange an appointment to tour the school and discuss how Kadimah can enhance the education of their child can call T: 09 373 3072 or email the principal, Robert Minahan, office@kadimah.school.nz F PN

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

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FUTURE GENERATION GREY LYNN SCHOOL GARDEN CLUB THE FIRST “BATCH” OF YOUNG GARDENERS FROM GREY LYNN SCHOOL GARDEN CLUB at Grey Lynn Community Gardens celebrated their first five weeks of gardening with a radish (planted from seed) each to eat, their own hand-painted tin “flower pot” planted with a mini tomato plant and sunflower seedlings to take home. F PN

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD MORE THAN 430 UNDERPRIVILEGED CHILDREN IN SAMOA AND FIJI HAVE RECEIVED A very special Christmas gift thanks to the generosity of the Kristin community.

For the ninth consecutive year, Kristin has taken part in Operation Christmas Child, an international collection drive that asks families to fill a special shoebox full of goodies for children who would otherwise have little reason to smile during the festive season.

Simple gifts such as toys, clothing, pencils and tennis balls were crammed into the Christmas boxes, which were piled high at the front of the Kristin Chapel.

This Christmas’ collection of 432 boxes is one of the most successful in recent years.

As the first school in New Zealand to take part in Operation Christmas Child, Kristin has a long-standing relationship with the charitable organisation and in 2007 the school organised a trip to Fiji for a group of Year 12 students who volunteered with Operation Christmas Child.

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In recent years, the collection of gifts has been greatly supported by all areas of the school, with donations coming from junior, middle and senior school families who each PN recognise the importance of such a special global initiative. F www.kristin.school.nz www.facebook.com/kristin.school.nz

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PONSONBY PROFESSIONALS: METROLAW GOT A LEGAL QUESTION? ASK MICHAEL@METROLAW.CO.NZ

Email Michael with your question and include PONSONBY NEWS in the subject line. Michael Hemphill, a partner of the firm will answer one topical question each month.

Q: A: DON’T MISS THE FEBRUARY PONSONBY NEWS+ DEADLINE COPY DEADLINE: Monday, 20 January PUBLISHED: Friday, 7 February

FEBRUARY SPECIAL FEATURES

+ JERVOIS ROAD + MAINTAINING GOOD HEALTH + VALENTINE’S DAY + THE SALES + PLANNING FOR RETIREMENT

Jo Barrett on 021 324 510 or t: 09 361 3356 or 09 378 8553 e: joannebarrett@xtra.co.nz w: www.ponsonbynews.co.nz

I’m looking for my first home but I do not have a 20% deposit for the properties that I am looking at, are there any ways around this or do you have any other advice for me?

There are a number of options that may help you into a new home if you do not have 20% for the property in your savings.

First, you may get some assistance from Kiwisaver: • There is a KiwiSaver first home deposit subsidy. You can apply for this subsidy if you have belonged and regularly contributed to a KiwiSaver scheme for at least three years. The subsidy is $1,000 for each year of your contribution to the scheme up to a maximum of $5,000.

• You may qualify for the KiwiSaver first-home savings withdrawal after a minimum of three years membership of a KiwiSaver scheme. This allows you to withdraw your savings, employer contributions and all returns (interest etc). You are not able to withdraw any government contributions, including the initial $1000 kick-start contribution. Not all complying superannuation funds permit withdrawals for this purpose so check with your provider.

Housing New Zealand has a Welcome Home Loan initiative that enables customers that will live in the property to borrow up to 90% of the value of the property in certain circumstances. There are a number of restrictions relating to the annual income of the borrower(s) and there is a house price cap.

Housing New Zealand has another home ownership initiative called FirstHome.

FirstHome gives eligible buyers preferential access to selected properties across the country that Housing New Zealand is selling. These homes are available for a period of three months before they are placed on the open market. FirstHome properties are mainly in provincial areas and will not be in main centres. To help with the deposit, eligible buyers will receive a grant of 10 percent of the purchase price of the property, capped at $20,000.

Your solicitor will be able to help you if you want to know more about these initiatives or want to know whether you are eligible. You do need to be aware that it can take some time to access your Kiwisaver contributions so you need to make sure that this will be available in time for settlement.

Your family may be able to help you either by gifting or lending you funds or by providing a guarantee. In this way they can increase the amount of equity available to the bank to satisfy the bank’s loan to value ratio. It is important to get advice early on in structuring any such arrangement to limit your family’s potential exposure and to ensure that they get proper independent advice. This option has been made easier by some lenders having specific loan packages for this.

The banks have a limited discretion to lend over 80% of the value of the property, but there are more stringent requirements for servicing these loans. This is usually a 150% service requirement over a short term.

Increasingly, friends are combining their savings in order to meet the 20% deposit requirements and then purchasing property together. In these circumstances we would PN recommend entering into a property sharing agreement. (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.

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PONSONBY PROFESSIONALS: LOGAN GRANGER

Xero - What’s all the hype about?

XERO, HAS BEEN DUBBED THE “SHAREMARKET DARLING”, THE “APPLE OF ACCOUNTING software”.... so what is all the hype about and why are people investing so much in this product, and why are Kiwis switching to it from other platforms?

Fundamentally, it is because small and medium sized business owners at the transactional and data entry coal face seem to love it, it is easy to use, you can collaborate with your team and your accountant on the same data in real time and you know exactly where your cash flow is at any point. In essence, it allows groups of people to collaborate easily on financial information and work.

We have clients telling us that Xero has changed their lives and they actually enjoy doing their accounts now, and it’s not often clients get excited about accounting! One example is a client who said she can be sitting at the kid’s swimming lessons or on the bus to work and log in to the mobile app and reconcile all her bank transactions and send invoices to her customers. This means she keeps on top of her finances on a weekly or even daily basis meaning her evenings and weekends and now admin free, she actually understands her cashflow and GST panic is now non-existent.

It also allows us as accountants to give you real time, accurate advice. Previously, our clients would have had to bring in their laptop with their accounting software or send us a file before a meeting to get financial advice or worse yet, wait until six months after the end of year to find out how their business performed last year. Now, they can call us up and we can see exactly the same data they can, meaning we can give much better timely advice on what they need to do to improve the performance of their business, address a particular area or problem, improve cashflow, etc.

As a business owner you also have the ability to give your staff access to different parts of Xero but not others, for example the business owner could have full access to see all financial records, reconcile bank accounts and run P&L reports, and other staff may only have access to create invoices. What’s generated this fundamental shift is that your accounts and accounting information is held not on your computer or laptop, but via the Internet in “the cloud”. We hear a lot about “the cloud”, but what is it? It’s a way

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of holding the same data set on servers in multiple super high security data centres in different geographical locations around the world that you can access via the Internet.

This is what ‘in the cloud’ means. It means that the software and the data is not located or hosted on the desktop or laptop computer you are working from.

The benefit is that you can log in anywhere on any computer or device with an Internet connection. Therefore if you don’t have access to your computer or your office floods or there is disaster, you can just purchase a new laptop or log in from home or elsewhere to your Xero file and all your data is still there... and you don’t ever have to back up your financial data again.

Is your data secure? Yes. The data centres that Xero stores your data on has the same level of security as the all the major New Zealand banks that you do your internet banking with.

What does it cost? Xero charges a monthly subscription ranging from $29 to 64 per month plus GST, cost depends on your size and transaction volume. There is no up front software purchase cost and no need to do or buy upgrades to your software; this is all incorporated in the monthly subscription. See www.xero.com/nz/pricing for further information.

Over the next few editions of Ponsonby News, we will be doing a series of case studies of business owners who are using Xero and how it has changed their business and we also a cover few tricks for current Xero users.

If you want to find out more about how Xero can help your business, or you want an expert to help you enhance the use of the product or swap over from another product then please contact us. Two of the team here at JACAL that can help you in the first instance are. Joel Ram T: 09 361 6813 or email jram@jacal.co.nz; Jarred Agnew T: 09 361 2765 or email jagnew@jacal.co.nz; If you have any further questions or would like to discuss the matter please do not hesitate to contact me at lgranger@jacal.co.nz or on 09 361-2762.

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

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

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LOOK... WHO IS IN THE ZOO!

SUMMER OF SUN WORSHIPPING For summer sunbathing tips, look no further than Auckland Zoo’s ring-tailed lemurs as they demonstrate the art of “sun worshipping”.

This peculiar pose resembles a cross between upright sunbathing, meditation and outright joy.

Endemic to the world’s fourth largest island, Madagascar - which lies off the east coast of Africa - these chilled-out sun-lovers belong to the Prosimian family, which means they’re considered to have characteristics more primitive than those of monkeys and apes.

Their long, striped tail is not prehensile (able to grasp) like spider monkeys, so instead of swinging through the trees, they leap using their back legs as springboards. However, they do use their tails to balance, or as a flag when walking through the forest.

Most importantly, the males use their tails to compete for females! Both females and males have scent glands, but the males have wrist spurs near their wrist glands so they can add wrist gland perfume to their tail to attract receptive females for mating.

They compete for the female by wafting their tails at each other. This act is called stink -fighting and there is great urgency to it, as females are only sexually receptive for 24 hours or less each year.

To keep up-to-date with Auckland Zoo, go to www.aucklandzoo.co.nz and sign up for the monthly newsletter or connect through facebook, twitter and instagram.

Meet the Lemurs As a thank you for your support, Auckland Zoo is offering 25% off behind-the-scenes lemur experiences bookings made prior to 31 January. Valued at $75, all you have to do is use the code “Madagascar” when booking. Primate keeper Vanessa Johnston says that when people are feeding them, they are “always surprised at how soft their fingers are and how engaging they are.” For more information and to book your experience, T: 09 360 4700 or email experiences@aucklandzoo.co.nz. F PN

Little lemurs Gestation is usually five months and surprisingly, the infants are born with blue eyes that change to golden orange as they get older.

Girls who run the world In the ring-tailed lemur world, girls really do run the show. They choose their mate, defend the territory and there is always a dominance hierarchy within females of the troop. Auckland Zoo has five females and one male, and the male (Maarten) must always eat after the females.

How you can help These inquisitive characters are “near threatened” due to the loss of their natural habitat. A striking 90% of Madagascar’s forests have been destroyed. Ring-tailed lemurs are the most adaptable lemur species, which is probably why they are of least concern, but many other species of lemur are critically endangered.

If you are travelling this summer, consider supporting eco-tourism - where your tourist dollar supports local people and the wildlife and encourages them to see that their wildlife does have value.

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THE HISTORICAL BOROUGH OF PONSONBY AND GREY LYNN: STREET NAMES

CHAMBERLAIN STREET Joseph Chamberlain was a British Statesman who has been called a socialist, republican, extreme radical, Gladstonian, protectionist, food taxer and fire eating jingoist!

He had a gift of inspiring and antagonising his contemporaries in equal measure. He was born in 1836 in London, the son of Joseph senior who had a wholesale boot and shoe business that had been in the family for 120 years. His two years at University College School were marked by considerable academic achievements but his singleminded determination to take the lead in anything going on did not endear him to his school fellows.

The Chamberlain family were fervent Unitarians, which is why Joseph’s father, despite his son’s honours, refused to send him to Oxford or Cambridge, both of which did not give credence to Nonconformists. In later years when visiting renowned theologian, Benjamin Jowett, an influential tutor at Oxford, he exclaimed, “Ah how I wish I could have had training in this place.”

John Sutton Nettlefold who had married Joseph’s paternal aunt, manufactured wood screw in Birmingham by the old method. When he bought the patent for a new wood screw, Joseph’s father decided to invest capital in the venture and sent his son to represent the Chamberlain family.

In 1854, young Joseph, aged only 18, boarded the train to Birmingham where industry thrived, its factories vibrating energy and their furnaces belching forth flames.

Nettlefold’s company prospered within a few years of Joseph’s arrival, much of the success due to his management of the sales side. There were markets everywhere and by the time he retired in 1874 the business was exporting screws to countries in every part of the globe. His notebooks demonstrate the salesman was as clear minded, forceful, competent and masterful as was the politician.

In 1874, at age 38 he retired with a substantial fortune. He had become involved in civic affairs and been elected Mayor of Birmingham a year earlier. His work in educational reform, slum clearance, improved housing and municipalisation of public utilities gained him national prominence and the “gas-and-water Socialist” became one of the most successful men in England. In 1876 he was elected to Parliament where his radical speeches, delivered with the utmost confidence, frightened the Conservatives, but his middle-class industrial constituency in Birmingham adored him and gained big Liberal votes in the Midlands. He became Gladstone’s lieutenant in the House of Commons and was a leader of the Radicals with his calls for land and housing reform plus higher taxes on the rich.

During the 1880s, Irish demands for land reform caused a deep rift in the Liberal Party.

Chamberlain was in favour and opposed the use of force in quashing Irish agitation, but as an imperialist he resigned from cabinet when Gladstone committed to Home Rule for Ireland. This action helped bring down the Liberal Government and Chamberlain joined other dissidents, became leader of the Liberal Unionists and formed an alliance with the Conservative Party. He was given the post of Colonial Secretary, consequently making him primarily responsible for British policy during the Boer War. He began to abandon his radicalism and turned to imperialistic rhetoric that was popular with the jingoist population.

Winner of the Christy Towel promotion run by LAHOOD in last months issue was Ailene Frear

Donations are always welcome… www.cartiertrust.org.nz

After the Boer War, world opinion regarded Great Britain as a bully, bringing home to Chamberlain that it was militarily vulnerable and diplomatically isolated in Europe. He resigned office so he could advocate tariff reform and transform the British Empire into a united trading block. Preferential treatment would be given to colonial imports and the home market given protection from cheap foreign goods. In typically bombastic fashion he set out to convert his party to the scheme. This split the Conservative Party and the current Prime Minister, Arthur Balfour refused to commit himself to protectionism because it was a political bombshell. Chamberlain resigned from his cabinet post and conducted a private campaign exhorting his listeners to “think imperially”.

In the general elections of 1906 the Liberal Party that supported free trade had a landslide victory. Despite the turn of events, Chamberlain was re-elected in Birmingham by an overwhelming majority. It was his final victory because in July the same year he suffered a stroke that left him paralysed for the rest of his life. It’s fitting we have a street named after this redoubtable man because New Zealand once imported his PN wood screws! (DEIRDRE TOHILL) F

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HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS AUCKLAND RENT INCREASES LAG BEHIND PROPERTY PRICE INCREASES

AUCKLANDERS ENCOURAGED TO RECYCLE MORE

The rise in Auckland property values in the past 12 months is not resulting in a similar increase in property rents.

Auckland takes a step closer to achieving its 2040 zero waste target with new rules for household waste coming into effect.

Figures released by Barfoot & Thompson show that the average rent “in force”* for a three bedroom property in Auckland in September was $455 a week.

The changes to the Auckland Council Solid Waste Bylaw are designed to encourage Auckland householders to recycle and compost more by providing new region-wide restrictions around the disposal of garden waste and recyclable materials.

The average rent in force in May for a three bedroom home was $446 a week.

“The rise of only two percent in the six months will come as a surprise to many,” said Kiri Barfoot, a director of Barfoot & Thompson. “The prevailing belief is that property investors are simply passing on higher property costs to tenants, but this is not showing up in the figures.

“Rents are increasing, but the rate of increase is lagging well behind house price rises.

It suggests landlords are placing great store in retaining quality tenants, taking a long -term view of the return they can achieve on their investment.”

The data shows that the in force rent for three bedroom homes has seen the largest increase in the six month period. The rent for four bedroom homes has increased in the six months by one percent to $577, while that for one, two and five bedrooms has increased by 1.6 percent.

The highest location in which to rent a three bedroom home is the Eastern Suburbs, where the average rent is now $541 while the least expensive location is Franklin and rural Manukau, where the average rental cost is $354. *The average in force rental is the sum of all rentals for three bedroom homes. It is not the rent for new contracts signed in September. In September Barfoot & Thompson was PN managing 4,452 three bedroom homes on behalf of landlords. F

The bylaw lays the groundwork and guidelines for the planned organic collection service due to commence in 2015.

The bylaw sets a consistent and region-wide approach to rubbish, recycling and the yet -to-be introduced urban organic service, so we can divert more waste from landfill - and get serious about using it as a resource.

As well as establishing requirements around garden and recyclable waste, it introduces a limit of no more than five percent recyclables in householders’ bags and bins for non-recyclables. The council will provide guidance and education on how householders can achieve this.

“Most Aucklanders have a good understanding of what is recyclable, but we could recycle even more. Around 15 percent of waste in our rubbish bins and bags consists of material that could have been recycled,” says Solid Waste manager Ian Stupple.

“Making sure we recycle everything we can from the kitchen, bathroom and laundry will get residents off to a good start. Recycling right will also help people keep their bills down when it comes time to introduce disposer-pays for rubbish collections.”

Green waste accounts for another 10 percent of what is in our bins, while organic waste accounts for 40 percent. As an alternative, organic and garden waste could be composted or residents can pay for a private garden bin collection service, as many people already do across the region.

It is thought around 65 percent of the material in our rubbish bins and bags can be turned into resources such as recycled glass or plastic, or if it is organic waste, nutrients for the soil.

Stupple says the council will focus on community education in coming months, to raise awareness and encouraging people to change their behaviour.

The council will also adopt a common sense approach to enforcement of the new rules, similar to that already in place when incorrect items are found in recycling.

The council currently uses tags or stickers to advise householders and businesses of incorrect items found, so they can get it right next time or call the council for advice.

The bylaw also states how bins should be positioned on the footpath - close to the kerb and not blocking traffic - and maximum weights and volumes of rubbish.

Tips on how to recycle correctly can be found in “Get your rubbish sorted” - a guide to rubbish and recycling in Auckland. This helpful booklet, and other information on reducing waste, is available on www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz, or alternatively you PN can call 09 301 0101 to have one sent to you. F

PONSONBY HISTORY… DID YOU KNOW?

1858

In the Church of the Immaculate Conception was built (it was demolished in 1869 - 70, the site is now the Pompallier Tennis Club).

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HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS

INTERIOR DESIGNER YVETTE JAY: What’s the one thing you are going to do to update your home this summer?

Creating a top outdoor room is my main priority for summer. The balcony in my loft apartment still bears the minimalist rigour of its original warehouse design. Its concrete block walls, solid plaster finishes and steel needed softening.

Seating and side tables were major considerations as space is tight. Bean bags provided a comfortable solution, with cushions and exotic Nepalese throws for warding off late night chills. Carved details on Indian wooden tables enrich the simplicity of the balcony’s design elements.

Plants are a must - but only a few as space is limited. Lush sculptural foliage seems to work with smaller fragrant herbs in pots. It’s all about maximising my arable land!

It’s a little sun trap during the day - perfect for lounging with a wine. Or at night I can close the cedar shutters and light the candles for a more intimate outdoor enclosure. F PN YVETTE JAY INTERIOR DESIGN, T: 09 376 9323, www.marthaofthesouthpacific.wordpress.com

PONSONBY HISTORY… DID YOU KNOW? In 1863 the Bishop sells more land, retaining the four acres (16,000 m2) with the Bishop’s House, The Church of the Holy Family and the Convent of the Holy Family. The Nazareth Institute for Maori and Half-Caste Girls is founded.

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ASK AN ARCHITECT: PAUL LEUSCHKE Each month Grey Lynn resident and architect Paul Leuschke of Leuschke Kahn answers readers’ property related questions.

Email yours to jane@leuschkekahn.co.nz

Q: A:

I have just purchased a house and look straight at the neighbour’s gas push through hot water system on their second floor wall. Have you any advice about hiding it?

This is my pet hate. It used to be gas and electrical metre boards at the front door and external toilet pipes. Now it is tradesmen or installers who locate service equipment for best results or what is easiest for them, but not with the best aesthetic. As home owners we need to take the time to think about what our neighbours have to look at. A second floor wall mounted hot water system is best positioned as close as possible to the bathroom, but as a neighbour I don’t want to look at it, nor do I want you see your heat pump fan unit or its piping. Personally I think it lessens the value of your house.

So let’s be good neighbours and think for a moment of the other neighbours, because your unused south side could be your neighbour’s north side and living area.

Let’s not hang our undies on the line for the neighbour’s enjoyment, or place a tree house or trampoline up against the common boundary. I endured a start stop conversation with the neighbour’s children as their heads popped up over the fence, bouncing on their trampoline. I now have a higher fence.

Other things to consider, sheds aren’t always a thing of beauty. Outdoor sensor lights if placed too high can be become search lights for your neighbours. Lastly, if undertaking a renovation consider window placement in relation to your neighbour’s privacy. Maybe a skylight instead of a window could be your answer.

Last weekend I went to the Auckland Garden Design Festival and enjoyed the way landscape designers screen for privacy, screen clothes lines, vegetable gardens and their associated sheds and compost bins. In many cases the screening becomes a focal point. My advice is to plant a tree!

(PAUL LEUSCHKE) www.leuschkekahn.co.nz F PN

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

CUSTOM RECIPE PAINTINGS, A NEW VENTURE BY LOCAL ARTISTS Helen Stringfellow is a British artist who has been living in Arch Hill for 12 months with her husband and two children.

Helen and her husband, Danish artist Lars Jerlach, work collaboratively making art under the name tectonic industries. As she told Ponsonby News, “We moved to Auckland so that Lars could take up his position as head of the Visual Art Department at AUT. We are installation artists but have recently begun a more commercial venture producing custom stripe recipe paintings.

“As installation artists, we’re fascinated by the idea of self-improvement, especially by proxy. There are endless promises that if you watch the right programmes and buy the right items then you too can lead a richer, better, more fulfilling life. We became intrigued

by The Food Network in the US, in particular Rachael Ray, a self-taught cook who now has her own media empire of talk shows, magazines and product lines.

Initially we decided to film people cooking along to her programme ‘30 Minute Meals’ to see if the average person really could make a delicious and nutritious meal in the time it takes to watch the programme. Watching people cook in their own kitchens is oddly fascinating, and more dramatic than you would imagine. The experience is a million miles away from the sanitised, made-for-TV experience that we are all so used to.

“Following on from that, we decided to cook one meal a day from Rachael Ray’s recipe book, ‘365 Meals: No Repeats A Year of Deliciously Different Dinners’. We photographed our meals and blogged the experience every night of 2007, even when having baby number two, moving house, renovating the house, having no kitchen and cooking outside. That was an interesting year.

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“Finally, we decided to take each recipe and turn it into a visual. We created a system where every ingredient used in the book was assigned a representative colour. We then translated each recipe into a stripe image, with each colour representing an ingredient and each stripe width representing the proportion of the ingredient used relative to all the other components in the recipe. We decided to paint each of these images, mixing all of the paints by hand from the primary colours.

“The stripe paintings are really striking, they’re big, bright conversation pieces.

We are painting one version of each of the 366 recipes from the book, so they are strictly limited in edition. All of the above projects can be found on our website, www.therachaelrayproject, where people can purchase recipe paintings online and they will be painted to order.

“We have set up a complementary website, www.therecipepaintingproject.com where people can order custom stripe paintings from their own recipes. Everyone has a special meal, whether it is their grandmother’s soup or their favourite comfort food. We have assigned a colour from a Pantone chart to each of almost 2,000 ingredients. When a recipe is submitted, we find the correct colour for each ingredient, create the layout so that the ingredients are represented in proportion to each other, then we mix the colours by hand and paint in acrylics on canvas. The resulting custom painting is a completely unique representation of a meaningful meal. Available to order in four sizes, the recipe PN paintings make the perfect gift for the arty foodie.” F www.tectonic-industries.com

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HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS

RISING LIKE A PHOENIX FROM THE ASHES The Commercial Hotel was constructed in 1841, destroyed by fire in 1858 and replaced with a brick structure which in turn was destroyed by fire in the late 1920s before being rebuilt in 1925.

Dominion Breweries gave the art deco hotel an extensive makeover in 1959 with 1950s interior features and renamed it Hotel DeBrett. The hotel was given another makeover in 1984 by new owners and was a popular gathering place throughout the 80s.The Historic Places Trust has recommended the reinforced concrete building be recommended for a Category 11 registration as a place of historical and cultural heritage significance because of its 140 history of trading on the site. Throughout its long existence, the hotel has adapted to changing drinking habits and social customs.

Sadly, some years later, the hotel fell into a decline and eventually ended up as a backpackers’ lodge. Enter St Mary’s Bay residents, Michelle Deery and John Courtney who have restored the iconic landmark to its former glory. Michelle was an art teacher who did the mandatory OE, studied interior design in London where she met John whose career was investment banking. They eventually returned to New Zealand in 2002 and began building a commercial property portfolio. By this time DeBretts had deteriorated further and the backpackers were no longer staying there. The building, which Michelle and John had always admired as a potential boutique hotel kept coming up for sale.

It was promoted to them as a potential office development which didn’t appeal. Their modus operandi is buying and renovating, not developing.

In the end they decided it would be really cool to have a small boutique hotel in the middle of Auckland’s CBD. They took the plunge, bought the building and then started on the onerous task of planning, gaining resource consent and overcoming all the other hurdles that go with refurbishing an historic building. Michelle had never designed a hotel before and was a bit daunted at the prospect, so to get her head around it she just thought of it as a house with 25 bedrooms. Well it certainly was an inspired approach because Michelle’s dedication to the task has pulled off an outstanding result. art deco bones are still there and very evident in the stainless steel lift with its mirrored interior. The amazing striped carpet Michelle designed in shades of burgundy, black, blue and yellow runs through the halls, up the staircase and into the bedrooms. It’s been woven in India with 100 percent New Zealand wool and laid over cork, so one’s feet literally sink into its downy softness.

Upstairs the wooden floors in the restaurant, bar and guests’ drawing room are strewn with patchwork rugs imported from Turkey. Every bedroom is individually designed and enhanced with custom made retro style furniture, and New Zealand art. During daytime the dining area is flooded with light from a glass roofed atrium but when night falls, Judy Darragh’s hand spun copper chandeliers cast a soft glow on the rough brick walls while lighted candles on the tables create a different mood. Michelle’s says they are not fine dining but want to be accessible and approachable. Throughout the hotel they endeavour to celebrate New Zealand produce so the wine list is 100 percent New Zealand and they try to keep the food on the menu as local as possible. DeBretts Kitchen has the distinction of being the only hotel in Metro’s Top 50 restaurants of the year awards 2013. The magazine also describes it as “a hidden gem in this city, but it shouldn’t be”.

Michelle Deery and John Courtney of Debretts Hotel From the time Michelle and John bought the building in March 2007, it was two years before they opened in February 2009. It was actually finished in October but then months passed before they were granted a license to open, which was terribly frustrating. They spent the time usefully however, putting on great fun dinner parties for friends who all stayed for sleepovers. This was an opportunity to iron out any problems they may have overlooked. For instance, the tilers had left grout in one of the shower plug holes resulting in a flood they wouldn’t have known about before taking bookings. With its home away from home ambience Michelle has established a tradition that looks set to continue well into the future. (DEIRDRE TOHILL) F PN

CHRISTMAS AT REPUBLIC Ahoy Trader - The Ahoy Trader collection of wall art by Australian artist Jai Vasicek is bold and beautiful take on religious symbolism and iconic imagery.

Available in a range of colours and sizes, these crosses and tiles are inspired by love, travel, people and religion, giving any space an instant injection of colour and culture.

Mateus - The Mateus range mixes contemporary Swedish design with the earthy craftsmanship of experienced artisans who make and paint these pieces by hand in Portugal. Each individual piece is truly unique and has patterns, shapes and colors influenced by the world of fashion. F PN REPUBLIC, 3 Pompallier Terrace, Clearance Outlet, 25 Nugent Street, Eden Terrace T: 09 361 1137 www.republichome.com

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LOCAL BOOKS MAKE GORGEOUS GIFTS Recommended by Carole Beu from The Women’s Bookshop - your local bookstore

The Life and Art of Lynley Dodd - Finlay Macdonald $50 This glorious book, by Grey Lynn journalist and broadcaster Finlay Macdonald, is a fitting tribute to Dame Lynley (aka Arabella Slapcabbage) who has brought joy to millions of children worldwide. Finlay gives us wonderful insights into her life and creative world and his words are lavishly illustrated with Lynley’s vibrant paintings and sketches. Hairy Mclary, Slinky Malinki and other beloved characters peek at us from these gorgeous pages.

The Last Days of the National Costume - Anne Kennedy $37 This witty and original novel, from an award-winning poet who lives in Arch Hill, is set in Auckland during the 1998 electricity blackout. With subtle humour it explores what goes on in the dark! Gogo Sligo, academic turned seamstress, is drawn into delicious illicit relationships as she mends an Irish national dancing costume. It’s crucial that the mending she does is invisible! With gorgeous language and a very “Auckland feel”, this is a stunning New Zealand novel.

The Fall of Light - Sarah Laing $38 In another outstanding novel with a strong sense of Auckland, Rudy appears to be a very successful architect but his personal life is crumbling and his artistic drive thwarted. A Vespa accident, when he is driving home late to his architecturally-designed West Coast home, changes everything. Exploring the creative process, this is a mix of superb storytelling and striking illustrations drawn by Sarah herself. She is a talented graphic artist and has a full-page cartoon each month in Metro magazine.

Modern: New Zealand Homes from 1938 to 1977 Edited by Jeremy Hansen $75 Speaking of architecture - Aucklander Jeremy Hansen edits the architectural magazine Home and has produced previous books such as Villa. The 24 homes in this stunning new volume tell the story of modernism’s arrival in New Zealand and the ingenious ways local architects tailored this international style - to entice us out of our villas and cottages into a sleek, open-plan vision of the future. Fascinating information and fabulous photos!

Ladies, a Plate: Jams & Preserves - Alexa Johnston $47 ‘Tis the season to get bottling! From fruit cheeses to liqueurs, with jams, chutneys, pickles, and sauces, this is another gem from Grey Lynn historian, art curator and cook Alexa Johnston. These delicious, foolproof recipes have clear instructions and are accompanied by fabulous photographs Alexa has taken herself, along with her fascinating historical notes and tantalizing tales. Yum! Open Late on Thursdays and Fridays 10am until 8pm THE WOMEN’S BOOKSHOP, Award Winning Independent Bookseller, 105 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 376 4399 E: books@womensbookshop.co.nz Online shop www.womensbookshop.co.nz F PN

WHAT’S NEW AT TRENZSEATER Mercury Armchair - the Mercury Armchair is a unique and generous armchair design from Andrew Martin covered in a ribbed velvet, available exclusively from Trenzseater. F PN TRENZSEATER, 80 Parnell Road T: 09 303 4151 www.trenzseater.com

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JAY PLATT: WE CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT...

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CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT 1 Metal House made in Japan authentic reproduction Tin Robots Silver $245 Blue $345 @ Bob and Friends www.bobandfriends.co.nz; 2 Lurch green press juicer $145.95 @ Millys Kitchen www.millyskitchen.co.nz; 3 Coil of Rope bowl by Harry Allen for Areaware $178 @ Simon James Concept Store www.store.simonjamesdesign.com; 4 Soapsmith Body lotion $28 each and Soapsmith bathsoak $28 each (all made in London) @ Bob and Friends www.bobandfriends.co.nz; 5 Zute bamboo pitcher $39.95 @ Millys Kitchen www.millyskitcen.co.nz; 6 Crevasse Vase by Zaha Hadid for Alessi $494 @ Simon James Concept Store www.store.simonjamesdesign.com; 7 Rhinocerous bookends $129 a pair @ Republic www.republichome.com; 8 Lego ‘The Joker’ desk lamp $85 @ Askew www.askew.co.nz; 9 ‘Dada’ hand made dolls from Tanzania $45 each @ Indice www.indice.co.nz; 10 L’OBJET Limoges Porcelain candles ‘Leopard’ and ‘Crocodile’ $215 each @ Design 55 www.design55.co.nz

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1 Marble spice grinder by Tom Dixon $195 @ Simon James Concept Store www.store.simonjamesdesign.com; 2 Elk Fedora Fe hat $69 @ Askew www.askew.co.nz; 3 Crystal candle holder’s small $229, Medium $309 & Large $350 @ RRepublic bli www.republichome.com; bli h 4 Glass Gl drinking bottles $3.50 each @ Millys Kitchen www.millyskitchen.co.nz; 5 Extra large Palm Beach candle ‘Lemongrass’ $148 and Medium Palm Beach candle ‘Vintage Gardenia’ $49.90 @ Askew www.askew.co.nz; 6 Enamel Jugs (small) $117 each @ Flotsam and Jetsam www.flotsamandjetsam.co.nz; 7 Lego ‘Santa’ keyring $19.90 @ Askew www.askew.co.nz; 8 Silver ‘Swallow’ ring $380 & Silver ‘Swallow’ pendant $110 @ Seventy Six Design www.seventysixdesign.co.nz; 9 ‘Soapsmith’ Handmade soap (made in London) $14.50 each @ Bob & Friends www.bobandfriends.co.nz F PN STYLING: Jay Platt PHOTOGRAPHY: Danilo Santana David, Fisher Santana.

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IS YOUR LAUNDRY BASKET FULL? JUST PASS IT TO LAUNDRYCORP AFTER A WHOLE DAY’S WORK, YOUR TIME IS TOO PRECIOUS TO BE SPENT DOING THE laundry. Whether it is ironing your shirt and pants for that important presentation, or hand washing a precious garment, you want to pass it to the professionals.

Easy: Laundrycorp takes the daunting tasking of laundry from your business or home.

They make it as convenient as possible for you, all you have to do is schedule your pickup and set your laundry outside. Within 48 hours, your laundry will be back - clean, folded and smelling fresh.

Quality: Laundrycorp takes pride in the quality of their work and are dedicated to deliver commercial and domestic laundry services that meet your needs. From the first contact, they will go beyond our duties to give you the highest level of customer service to deliver your laundry on time.

PAULA WALLACE - WALLACE COTTON What’s the one thing you are going to do, to update your home this summer?

We have spent much of this year renovating and it’s almost time to sit back and enjoy the fruits of our labour... This summer I’m most looking forward to finishing our new bathroom. I’ve sourced some gorgeous mermaid tiles in sea tones of green and blue.

The scallop pattern is beautiful and now I can’t wait to add the finishing touches the new Wallace Cotton Boathouse towels in blue and white stripe are going to look amazing. F PN WALLACE COTTON, Ponsonby Central, 138-146 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 360 6133, www.wallacecotton.com

Time: Their impeccable pick-up and delivery service means you can be doing something you love with your free time.

With years of experience, Laundrycorp gives you a complete, high quality laundry service. They follow a strict code of conduct and you can rest assured all their washing machines and dryers are thoroughly cleaned and sanitised daily. Their expert staff will stain treat, hand-wash, cold wash, delicate wash, air dry or tumble dry according to the manufacturers’ instructions.

Laundrycorp use their own formulated quality detergent and pre-wash stain removing agents. As market leaders, they constantly trial new laundering treatments and have established standards for removing even the most difficult stains. Go to their website or call for a quote and to see how they can help you take the hassle of laundry from your day. F PN LAUNDRYCORP, 158 Beach Road Parnell, M: 0274 758 674 www.laundrycorp.co.nz

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REAL ESTATE UPDATE: KAREN SPIRES

GOVERNMENT GUTTING RESOURCE MANAGEMENT ACT The National Government has already had a go at weakening environmental matters in the RMA. These include reduced opportunities to protect stands of native trees.

Now they are at it again, with further amendments proposed.

The proposed changes cut across local democracy, put economic development ahead of the environment, and make it more difficult for the public to have a say.

It is fast becoming the Resource Development Act, encouraging urban sprawl, loss of the natural character of the coast, and endangering the intrinsic values of ecosystems.

“We need to improve our environmental performance not reduce it," says Green Party spokesperson, Eugenie Sage.

The Environmental Defence Society, & Forest and Bird, have described the proposals as “deeply troubling” and potentially lowering environmental standards in New Zealand.

Environment Minister Amy Adams labelled these criticisms "out of touch" and "scaremongering", a very cheap shot against respected environmental organisations.

As Eugenie Sage comments, “removing the five environmental principles which are central to the Act’s sustainable management purpose shows a pro-development, anti -environment bias.” She further adds, “this Government’s agenda is to weaken the RMA to advance its dig it, drill it, mine it, irrigate it agenda for resource exploitation."

What we need to remember is that the Resource Management Act was the brainchild of former Labour Prime Minister, Geoffrey Palmer, put together and promoted in the following Government by highly regarded National minister Simon Upton.

This is an Act of Parliament which should not be tinkered about with for political reasons.

It is the basis of how we look after nature and the places we live. Major decisions are made under the RMA about what happens to our neighbourhoods, including whether new development should occur and how this might impact on the places we love.

If this issue interests you, and it should, check the www.beehive.govt.nz website, and make a submission on the proposed Bill to decimate this important Act. F PN (JOHN ELLIOTT)

Life in one of the world’s best cities IT’S OFFICIAL. WE LIVE IN ONE OF THE BEST CITIES IN THE WORLD. RECENT STUDIES by travel guide book publisher Lonely Planet found what we already knew, Auckland ranks among the top cities in the world. The company named our Super City as among the top 10 places in the world to live for its revitalised waterfront, shopping and dining precincts, scenery and culture. The result comes after judging by more than 500 authors and staff of Lonely Planet.

Our city attracts 1.8 million international visitors a year, and its latest ranking places it alongside cities such as Paris, Zurich, Shanghai and Vancouver.

Auckland's many festivals and events, including the hugely popular Grey Lynn Park Festival, vibrant Maori and Pacific culture and impressive line-up of major sporting events also got a mention by the judges.

The features Lonely Planet highlights about our city are exactly the same aspects that we love about living in Herne Bay - its proximity to the water, fantastic café and restaurant culture, green spaces, in addition to our strong sense of community. It ticks off so many boxes in the stereotypical home buyer’s wish list.

As the festive season ramps up, so too does interest from buyers wanting to purchase in Herne Bay. Following traditional seasonal trends, buyer activity is expected to increase over the coming summer months.

The latest figures from state valuer Quotable Value showed nationwide residential property values for October have increased 8.9 percent in the past year. In Auckland, the increase was almost double that, driven by a shortage of houses outmatched by high demand.

So if you are interested in selling your property in the near future, take heart, it’s a great time to sell, in this buoyant market where buyers are looking for quality properties in sought-after locations. And you can also take heart in the fact your chosen home remains one of the best cities in the world.

Merry Christmas and have a safe and happy New Year.

Karen Spires is a Bayleys Real Estate Top Achiever - placing her sales data among the PN top five percent of salespeople within the company. (KAREN SPIRES) F

VALERIA CARBONARO-LAWS, STUDIO ITALIA: What’s the one thing you are going to do, to update your home this summer?

The one think I really would like to do to update my house is to create an outdoor room. When the good weather arrives I just love to sit outside; having lunch and dinner at our outdoor table is something I do often with friends and family. Now I would like to add a sofa and armchairs so we can relax and enjoy the fantastic Auckland views. The Maia range designed by Patricia Urquiola is comfortable and different. I love its lightness and organic forms. Now I just have to order it! F PN STUDIO ITALIA, 98E Carlton Gore Road, Newmarket T: 09 523 2105, www.studioitalia.co.nz

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UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL

LAUREN HARE As an Elam fine arts graduate and an established art director in the advertising realm, Lauren Hare launched Hare Interiors four years ago. From the Wiliamson Ave premises she creates bespoke designs for a range of briefs, from beachside bach-style retreats, to small-scale commercial projects. She lives with her partner Ricky as well as Ike the French bulldog and Buster the Chihuahua in Turakina Street in Grey Lynn.

How did you come to be an interior designer?

I studied at Elam school of fine arts, did a post graduate in creative advertising and after working as an art director for several years I decided to start my own interior design business.

What were you going to be when you grew up?

I have always had a propensity for all things interior. As a child I can remember arranging… and re arranging… everything! Everything had to be aesthetically pleasing.

What’s your secret talent?

I have a sixth sense for when someone’s making a mess even when I’m not in the same room.

Your best friend would say of you...

I’m impossible to get hold of!

Your mother would say of you...

“Lauren, I wish you would do some yoga.”

How do you keep fit?

I have a three year-old Hanoverian horse called Pandora. She keeps me on my toes in every way, shape and form. There is never a dull moment.

Where do you spend your holidays?

My hometown, Mount Maunganui.

What are your virtues?

I’m a perfectionist.

What are your vices?

I’m a perfectionist.

What’s inspired you recently?

Wolf of Wall Street, bring back the 80s! Well some of it.

If you weren’t an interior designer you’d be...

I would ride dressage full time or dabble with the idea of returning to painting.

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What’s your favourite Ponsonby Cafe?

Dizengoff, because they make the best coffee and scrambled eggs on Ponsonby Road.

What’s your favourite Ponsonby restaurant?

Oh that is too hard a commitment to make, I love the variety of places to eat on Ponsonby Road. I had an outstanding meal at Orphans’ Kitchen last week, but I’d have to say...

A Shaman Shanks - Cure All and a peanut butter choc pot at the Blue Breeze Inn is my favorite (odd combination I know).

What’s your favourite Ponsonby store?

World Beauty.

And your favourite Ponsonby fashion label?

Workshop - Alexander Wang, Chloe, Isabel Marant…

Your best kept Ponsonby secret?

Ariki Store - very cute.

What websites do you bookmark?

1st Dibs, it’s a problem.

What’s your perfect Sunday?

Friends, Food, Fun. The house is on fire and your family is safe - what do you save?

My Saint Laurent handbag (it has my life in it) and I’d probably stop for my two 1970 (human sized) brass lamps - it would be a tough call.

“I’d be lost without my...”

This is terrible... my phone One thing you have learned about life is..?

Be grateful.

HARE INTERIORS, 97 Williamson Avenue T: 09 550 4763 www.wearehare.com F PN PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

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THE GREAT PONSONBY DOES IT AGAIN The Great Ponsonby Arthotel has once again been awarded Qualmark’s Enviro-Gold award which it has consistently achieved since its inception in 2009.

Qualmark’s Enviro awards were set up to promote sustainability in the tourism industry because of pressure from the international market. There are only two B & Bs with an Enviro Gold in the Auckland area and there are no accommodation providers at all in the Ponsonby/Grey Lynn area that are even Qualmarked.

Sally James said that a problem they still have is with battery disposal and they have a bucket full. “German guests have been asking for years how to get rid of their dead batteries but there is no simple solution. Nobody is going to drive to the hazmobile with a couple of torch batteries. It could be made much simpler by having a dropoff bin at every chemist shop.”

Owners Sally James and Gerard Hill say the 11 individually designed guestrooms include recycled timber and windows and the 1890s heritage villa walls are filled with natural wool insulation while the curtains and paint work are fire-rated. The courtyard, a favourite recreational site, has been created with bricks from the villa’s original fireplaces.

However, it is not just the buildings that are sustainable and environmentally friendly, responsible behaviour is also important. The Great Ponsonby uses a local butcher for free range bacon and sausages and local suppliers for fresh fruit and vegetables. The worm farm and compost deal with what is left. All the cleaning and bathroom products are from ecostore. F PN For further information please contact Sally James and Gerard Hill, The Great Ponsonby Arthotel, 30 Ponsonby Terrace, Ponsonby on 0800 766 792 www.greatpons.co.nz

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L to R: Jackie Jardine (Armadillo & Co) and Annie Loveridge (the Ivy House)

THE IVY HOUSE LAUNCH IN HERNE BAY IT’S ALWAYS GREAT TO SEE LOCAL BUSINESSES EMBRACING FAIR TRADE IN THEIR products, which is why we were delighted to attend the launch of The Ivy House on Jervois Road. This new business is stocking Armadillo Rugs, a Melbourne based supplier who have their rugs hand woven in India (using Fair Trade principles), some of which are made using New Zealand wool. www.theivyhouse.co.nz F PN

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SMART, WORRY FREE STORAGE OPTIONS Now there’s an easy way to tidy up your home and make extra space without having to sell or give away anything - Smartbox mobile self-storage.

Unlike other forms of off-site storage, Smartbox storage comes to you. The Smartbox, which is big enough to hold the full contents of an average two-bedroom home, is delivered inside a fully enclosed trailer. You have one day to pack it, then it’s towed away to the Smartbox secure storage facility where it is stored for as long as you require.

When you need to take something out of storage you can either visit the Smartbox storage facility or have your Smartbox delivered back to you.

Smartbox storage is also an easy solution for businesses that are drowning in archived customer records. One Smartbox can hold up to 100 full standard-size archive boxes.

Some businesses even use a Smartbox as an off-site warehouse to store surplus merchandise and excess furniture. A recent study worked out that the process of using traditional self-storage (where you hire a trailer, pack and then unpack) takes nearly

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10 hours, whereas the process involved with using Smartbox mobile storage units takes just over two hours.

Smartbox storage costs just a few dollars a day. The cost includes drop off, pick up, storage, access to your Smartbox at the facility and redelivery of your Smartbox to you when you require your belongings back. For short, medium or long-term storage, Smartbox will take away your moving hassles with no double-handing of furniture, no towing and no worries. F PN SMARTBOX, T: 0800 22 55 76 www.smartbox.co.nz

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IKO IKO - THE BEST LITTLE GIFT SHOP IN THE WORLD Iko Iko located in Karangahape Road has something for everyone, from new born babies to grandmothers.

The store is packed with products to feast your eyes on, and landed just in time for Christmas is a range of beautiful and quirky gifts direct from Mexico. These include exquisite, one-of-a-kind, Talavera bulls heads. Talavera is style of traditional Mexican pottery, decorated in colourful patterns. They’ll liven up any lounge. Andale, andale!

Another delight from Mexico are the “retablos”, displaying miniature clay skeletons in small boxes. Handcrafted by Mexican artisans, the scenes feature Frida Kahlo holding a monkey, skeletons playing guitars and wedding ceremonies.

Also, exclusive to Iko Iko are cushions in the style of Day of the Dead sugar skulls.

These are gorgeously embroidered in two colour-ways on natural cotton. The image

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of Mexico’s most famous “artista” Frida Kahlo also features on many products in store - from the practical (HOLY) water bottle to dress up fridge magnets and colouring books.

Iko Iko prides itself on catering to all budgets, from loose change upwards. Along with the Mexican wares, you’ll find pretty things for your house, cool books on design, amusing things to make you laugh, and nostalgic bits of Kiwiana for those who like to reminisce.

Also located in Cuba Street, Wellington, both stores are open 7 days a week with PN extended hours for the festive season or you can shop online. F IKO IKO, 195 Karangahape Road, T: 09 358 0220 www.ikoiko.co.nz

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HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS photography: Matt Hunt

CELEBRITY SEATING Television personality Carly Flynn has launched Everybody’s Stool - an old time favourite modernised and revitalised for today’s living in five colourways.

The stools come in two ranges, Classic (The Bob and The Nan, both $379) and Limited Edition (The Shel ($419), The Stag and The Susie (both $399). A small number of each design and colourway is available.

EVERYBODY’S STOOL, www.carlyflynn.com

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MILLY NOLAN: DESIGNER GIFTS

Summer entertaining Whether it’s a picnic at the beach, a backyard barbeque or an al fresco dinner party, summer entertaining is something that comes naturally to us Kiwis. No matter what the occasion may be, here’s our pick of the perfect party pieces.

Citta Hades Round Board, $89 Far too good-looking to stay in the kitchen, this round board is both rustic yet modern thanks to its white painted handle. Use it for serving a delectable summer antipasti.

Seletti The Bottle, $60 Part of Seletti’s Estetico Quotidiano collection of porcelain and glass kitchenware, this handy bottle is perfect for housing balsamic vinegar or olive oil.

Ego Salad Bowl and Servers, $280 This large porcelain china salad bowl has a raised surface in the middle, which not only helps present your salad beautifully, but also ensures the bamboo salad servers don’t slip and slide.

Avanti Barbeque Pizza Stone, $60 Designed specifically for the barbeque (although can be used in the oven) this pizza stone turns out perfectly cooked pizzas with crispy crusts every time.

Normann Copenhagen Cristal Carafe, $130 Ideal for summer entertaining at home or the beach, this glass carafe comes with five different coloured plastic cups, which makes sharing easy.

Royal Doulton Mode Salad Servers, $40 Crafted of limed wood, these lovely salad servers are minimalist in design and will perfectly complement any modern dinnerware.

Citta Diamond Cut Tumbler Set, $120 Hand-pressed in Portugal, these fabulous diamond cut glasses are perfect for serving your favourite tipple on a hot summer’s day.

T&G Copenhagen Beech Grinder Pair, $260 Made of European beech these elegant grinders can be used for salt and pepper or, if you prefer, for grinding your herbs and spices.

All products are available from www.mildredandco.com (MILLY NOLAN) F PN

COAST ISLA CHAIR The new COAST Isla chair is covered with Sunbrella Heritage ash fabrics.

Made in New Zealand and guaranteed outdoors for five years.

COAST NEW ZEALAND, 104 Quay Street, Britomart, T: 09 354 4552 www.coastnewzealand.com

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DI CASA – NEW DESIGN STORE OPENS IN AUCKLAND A new furniture store with exclusive European styled designs opens on Jervois Road this November. Di Casa specialises in mid-century and Danish designs with contemporary indoor and outdoor homeware.

The store is the brainchild of English born Nick Carter who moved to Auckland from the South East of England four years ago. An avid collector, and with a passion for European design, Carter struggled to find unique and interesting furniture this side of the globe. Keen to change that, Carter has teamed up with some brilliant designers and producers of mid-century and Danish style furniture to bring Kiwis the latest offerings in modern designs.

Di Casa will stock a mix of oak and teak designs with a contemporary, solid yet sleek appeal; these are complemented with lighting and furnishings all at reasonable prices.

Carter’s eye is catering for the aesthetic of beautiful homes that have been completely modernised and are in need of some really interesting pieces of furniture. In a previous life Carter ran an event business producing large scale sporting events such as the Volvo Ocean Race Stopover and Nike Run and football events in central London, so it’s no surprise he has teamed up with the local wine merchant and art dealer to bring some great deals on furniture, imported wines and art to the local residents in November. F PN DI CASA, The Arcade, 5/182 Jervois Road, T: 09 378 8245 www.dicasa.co.nz Find us on facebook.

ARCH HILL CLEAN UP Members of the Grey Lynn Business Association joined local Arch Hill residents on a working bee last month.

Together, around 30 people helped tidy up the empty and unkempt section of council land on the corner of Keppell and Kirk Streets.

The Grey Lynn Working Bee volunteers included a number of local Arch Hill residents (Sue Lyons and David Batten), ANZ Bank staff, Andrew Cosgrave and his colleagues from Barfoot & Thompson Grey Lynn, GLBA members and Avon from Neighbourhood Support Auckland Central. The ANZ Bank in Grey Lynn provided coffee/tea and TART Bakery provided cakes and muffins to nourish the hungry workers.

Photography: Martin Leach

In the name of friendships, they planted a fruit tree to symbolise what a community can do when it comes together - this is now our own community garden! Well done everyone. F PN

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SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT...

People like to live in suburbs like Ponsonby and Takapuna because of the lifestyle that comes with them. But what if your mortgage was hundreds of dollars less per week and you could still get a trim flat white next door? (Think of the travel you could afford!)

And what if you lived next to a park, in a brand new house designed by New Zealand’s hottest architects with a ferry service to zoom you into town during rush hour? And what if your Saturdays were spent, not on maintenance or renovating your do-up, but on taking the kids/dog around the coastal walk and buying lunch at the farmer’s market?

Jalcon Homes has 54 homes built or in the pipeline at the new community of Hobsonville Point. The reason we’re so committed to building here is that it’s a great place to live. The amenities going in are the best of any development in the country and it’s an amazing location by the water, served by two motorways plus buses and its own commuter ferry service. Squadron Lane, which is a Stevens Lawson Architects designed group of homes around a central lane, is selling off the plans. The one, two, three and four bedroom homes come in a variety of styles - terraced townhouses, vertical apartment-style living and traditional standalone dwellings.

All of the homes are double-glazed and are insulated to above building code standard.

They have retention tanks for collection of roof water and hot water cylinders that run off a heat pump. If you’ve been living in an older house, you won’t believe how much you’ll save on power and water.

Hobsonville Point will grow to become the size of Devonport. It already has a fabulous new primary school and the secondary school will open in 2014. A waterfront village is planned with shops and cafes a 10-minute stroll from Squadron Lane. At Westgate, which is a five-minute drive away, construction is about to start on the largest Westfield in the Southern Hemisphere.

To find out more take a look at these two websites: www.hobsonvillepoint.co.nz www.jalcon-hobsonvillepoint.co.nz Then come and see what’s happening here for yourself. You will find the Jalcon Homes display home at 15 Station Street (off Buckley Avenue). We can tell you much more about Hobsonville Point and what makes the homes being built by Jalcon Homes a great investment. (Clue: it has to do with great design and quality construction).

Melanie Tracy M: 021 886 816 Jacob Aitken T: 0800 00 11 40 www.squadronlane.co.nz

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MARRAKECH COMES TO PONSONBY! IT’S YOUR MONEY; YOU’RE IN THE DRIVER’S SEAT JOY STOCKWELL LIVES ON A SMALL SHEEP FARM IN Northland where she is building an eco retreat/human growth potential centre. But she is taking time out to open her pop up shop Treasures of Marrakesh in the Three Lamps Plaza from 12 December; complete with mint tea and Moroccan nibbles.

A lifelong environmentalist, as well as actress, photographer, ceramic artist and designer, she began her love affair with the magical Kingdom of Morocco at the age of 19. “There were no tourists back then, it was a very exciting time,” says Joy, “when those of us who travelled there were wanderers and explorers.”

Starting in Tangier, she was “adopted” by a Moroccan family; becoming a teenaged member of the “bohemian crowd”! She moved to Casablanca in the 70s where she designed clothing and was the only European model in town.

She travelled from the Atlas Mountains to the Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts, and the Sahara desert. “Usually by bus, clothed in a djellaba, to blend in,” she muses. The Place Djemma el Fna was the crossroads of the Sahara, a trading post for a thousand years, where storytellers, acrobats, snake charmers, barbers, dentists and shamans traded with locals. Joy became an expert on the tribal carpets by venturing into the mountain villages and immersing herself in the Berber culture. Her “exhibition/sale” will include tribal carpets, antique doors and a range of new hand crafted items plus many exotic items never before seen in New Zealand; such as exquisite one-off fossil tables and wash basins from the Sahara desert (embedded with 360 million year old fossils), colourful hand-made tiles, and one, totally luxurious copper bathtub! F PN TREASURES OF MARRAKECH, 283 Ponsonby Road, Three Lamps Plaza M: 021 179 1707 E: mogador2004@hotmail.com

Even those on good incomes can find themselves struggling to get ahead and juggling debt.

The trick to savvy money management isn’t just about the incoming and outgoing dollars and cents; it’s just as much about how we feel about our money and what we want it to do for our lives.

That’s the first step toward really making your money work for you - not only focussing on the numbers, but also defining what your income needs to do to deliver the life you want. And that’s also why we developed Manage my Money in an entirely different way from your usual budgeting services.

The end of a year and beginning of a new one are often times when we take stock of where we are and where we want to be. If you’re seeking positive change in your financial health, we welcome you to consider Manage My Money.

Much more than the numbers…

Partnership is the key word. We start with a comprehensive review of your finances and then design a money roadmap to deliver on your goals. That’s the point at the end of the day; helping you achieve your lifestyle goals whether that’s buying a house, investing or taking regular holidays - or all of the above. Here’s how we go about making just that happen…

Step one: We get into the detail - how your accounts, expenses and debts are structured; identifying cost savings with a tweak here and a tweak there. Clarifying exactly what is happening with your money is powerful - you’ll see things you want to change and opportunities for growth very quickly.

Step two: With all the detail to hand and a clear understanding of where you want to be in the future, we design a comprehensive budget and long-term plan. Budget can seem like a restrictive word laden with ideas of sacrifice, but the Manage my Money difference is this: You’re in the driver’s seat - once you have decided how to put your money to work, sticking to the plan becomes not a chore, but the daily act of moving towards your goals.

Step three: We mentioned partnership before and that’s exactly what we do on an ongoing basis. You’re ultimately in control of your money, but as your finance partner, we help you stay on track to achieve your goals and make savvy money decisions as you go.

Registered financial advisers, Manage my Money is a subsidiary of Mortgage People - one of the most established mortgage and insurance brokerages in the country with 25 years’ experience helping New Zealanders reach their financial goals. To arrange a complimentary consultation, please contact Jessica Holzknecht on T: 09 361 0050 or email enquiry@managemymoney.co.nz F PN

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CHANGE AGENT With the new restrictions being introduced in October this year on high loan-to-value-ratio lending (LVR), the first homebuyers market has obviously had an effect on the overall market.

We now need to not only be smarter about how we go about selling our properties, but also be open to different approaches and stop assuming the formulaic approach to selling a property will always work, it’s moved on and we need to move with it.

Things might not be happening as fast as what they were (some of you will notice this more than others), but that doesn’t mean it has to stay like that. The market has changed and just like anything in life; those who adapt the quickest will succeed.

Matt O’Brien of Barfoot Ponsonby says, “I pride myself on approaching things differently and strive to look at every sale on unique terms. Each property has its individual merits that carry appeal to certain potential buyer groups. What works for one buyer will not work for another. I learnt this simple premise working in other industries where you have to be adaptable in order to satisfy your customers needs, it’s actually not that complicated, just not applied by many.”

Matt certainly doesn’t just rely on what worked yesterday to succeed tomorrow. “I love change; I see it as a challenge and a pathway for opportunity to be better at what I do than my peers. And possibly because I’m previously from media and advertising I don’t have the hang-ups or habits of some others in the industry.”

So if you want to find a way to market and sell your property in an environment that has PN changed since 1 October then you should give Matt a call. F MATT OBRIEN, M: 021 687 866 m.obrien2@barfoot.co.nz www.facebook.com/MattOBrienRealEstate

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IT’S CHRISTMAS TIME AGAIN! Are you looking for something distinctive and different to add to your Christmas shopping list? Mary Kelly Kilims has a variety of kilim cushions, old saddlebags, footstools, carpet bags and decorative fragments which all fall into this category.

As well there are a good range of smaller kilim rugs and runners to choose from...

Gift wrap one in festive paper and wait to be applauded! Or perhaps a colourful embroidered Suzani throw from Uzbekistan would be just perfect.

On the other hand, treat yourself to a gorgeous colourful over-dyed vintage rug. These are old pieces which have been given a new lease on life by re-dyeing them in solid blocks of colour. From soft greys and neutral cream, to burnt orange and bright aqua, these rugs both enhance existing decor or add a statement-making pop of colour.

Contact Mary to arrange a time to visit her showroom and browse through her collection at your leisure. Alternatively, her conveniently located showroom will be open every Thursday from now until Christmas between the hours of 10am and 4pm. Parking is not a problem; you can park right outside her house in her driveway. F PN MARY KELLY KILIMS, 53 Wood Street, T: 09 361 6130 M: 021 211 8904 mkelly@xtra.co.nz www.marykellykilims.co.nz

KNOWLEDGE THAT COVERS A LOT OF GROUND At Lovich Floors they are obsessed with flooring. Be it carpet or vinyl, they know what a difference the right flooring can make to a residential home, and a commercial or retail space. They offer high quality brands as standard and no cheap imitations.

They cut their teeth in the commercial world and soon realised that more often than not, the product being sold by retailers suited the salesman's pocket rather than the customer’s space. They wanted to offer something better, something more fair. And 27 years later, they’re still doing just that. Their customers include Les Mills, The Langham Hotel, and Mrs Coldham from number 29.

They don't carry stock however, volume buying from their suppliers enables them to make savings, and those savings are passed on to you. It means they can remain competitive as well as unbiased, giving you advice based solely on what you need for your space.

If you want some expert advice, come and see them. Their new showroom is in the heart of Mt Eden, just around the corner from their commercial building. It showcases their products as well as giving you a more face to face service to discuss your project. It’s also a place where you can get a good coffee too.

So for an expert, unbiased opinion, no obligation measure and quote, and a very fine cup of coffee, why don’t you pop in for a chat? F PN LOVICH FLOORS, 2E Esplanade Road, Mt Eden T: 09 638 4949 www.lovichfloors.co.nz

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ALIVE AND KICKING Contrary to rumours in his old neighbourhood of Ponsonby, Tim Smith is still working hard as a Real Estate licenced salesperson for a privately owned franchise of Bayleys Real Estate based in the North West where they have offices at Westgate and Kumeu.

“I haven’t ‘retired’ to the beach as some may think,” says Tim, “I am only 35 minutes to just about anywhere in the ‘Super City.’ Concentrating on my database of past clients I focus my business on talking to people - the ‘face to face’ method for old and new clients, resulting in referral business.”

Since living out West, Tim has sold residential properties Auckland wide and covers the whole of New Zealand. He has won many marketing awards for agencies, The New Zealand Herald Real Estate Advertising Awards (three times), as well as The National Auctioneers Competition once (for auction marketing).

The North West has traditionally tended to fly under the radar on the Auckland property scene, but that’s about to change as it’s now deemed a key area to cater for future residential growth. Under the Auckland Housing Accord, a proposed 2,000 homes in the Kumeu golden triangle will be fast-tracked to fill a flaring need for more homes. Thought the city was expensive… head west!!

If you are looking for a reliable, experienced salesperson, working in your neighbourhood with the options of informing you of what is happening further afield call Tim anytime for PN a confidential chat. F “I wish you all the best of health and prosperity in 2014.”

TIM SMITH, T: 9 831 0399 M: 021 909 149 tim.smith@bayleys.co.nz

Tim Smith with his grand-daughter Bella who has her ticket as a Muriwai Surf Lifesaver

PONSONBY HISTORY… DID YOU KNOW? In 1873 Bishop Croke, the second Catholic Bishop of Auckland, buys back the land with the Bishop’s House on it. In 1874 the wooden house is moved to its present location at 57 St. Mary’s Road.

A LITTLE RAY OF GIVING Two well-known local organisations have joined forces to collect gifts for underprivileged families this coming Christmas season.

From 1 December you can contribute to less fortunate families in our community by wrapping up a gift and popping it under the Christmas tree in the front window of your local Ray White Damerell Earwaker Group office.

All you need to do is purchase a small gift, wrap it and drop it under the tree. Tell the Ray White team if the gift is for a male or female and their age and your gift will be delivered, thanks to the Rotary Club of Westhaven, to a local family who will appreciate the lift to their festive season.

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“It’s a really simple way to make a difference to families who might otherwise go without this Christmas,” says Ray White’s Gower Buchanan.

Ray White ran this initiative across Australia and New Zealand last December and had over 100 offices collecting gifts for disadvantaged families in their respective communities.

RAY WHITE DAMERELL EARWAKER GROUP, 259 Ponsonby Road and 422 Richmond Road, West Lynn, T: 09 376 2186 www.rwponsonby.co.nz F PN

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MY FAVOURITE ROOM

AMBER GARDNER Amber Gardner has had an enviable career in fashion in and around the greater Ponsonby area for nine years now. Starting her career designing menswear with Murray Crane at Little Brother, she moved to Workshop before taking up her current role as designer for Ricochet.

“I love my job, Ricochet is a lovely place to work, and it’s so handy living five minutes away from our office in Newton,” says the designer, who lives in Westmere with her “ace cat” Cash.

“The area has everything I need - work has always been close by, the shopping and night life is just getting better and better and we have some great parks and beaches too,” she says. “What more could anyone want?”

Amber’s house is all open plan with the master bedroom on the mezzanine and a high stud ceiling that gives the lounge an airy feel. “This is the living area and heart of the

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house,” she says. “It opens up onto a deck with awesome evening sun, so I spend a lot of time relaxing there. It’s a little haven, and my favourite place in the house.”

In the room she has some beautiful large scale pinhole prints on the wall by local photographer Robert Hart from Shadowlands Studio, which she adores. “They are the perfect balance of masculine and feminine, and are timeless pieces of art - all things PN I also value in my own work.” F RICOCHET, 59 Mackelvie Street, T: 09 378 8645 www.ricochet.co.nz

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VON STURMERS – AWARD-WINNING APPROACH TO KITCHEN DESIGN THE UPBEAT VIBE AND ECLECTIC STYLE RESONATING THROUGH PONSONBY IS a sought-after look but not always easy to get right in your own home. This prompted leading kitchen designer Leonie von Sturmer to open her new showroom right in the heart of the thriving Ponsonby design scene.

Von Sturmers’ (established 1997) ever-growing client base within the area also meant that a move from Newmarket to Ponsonby was desirable.

MILLY’S FOR FUN SUMMER GIFT GIVING Christmas is nearly here and at Milly’s they always have a few special new pieces together with their range of gorgeous cookware to make selecting that special gift exceptionally easy.

Firstly, they'd like to introduce their Gourmet Trotter, the most luxurious picnic hamper you'll ever see. It's utterly Downton Abbey and the very best of British - we are sure William and Kate have one! The outer leather is in the style of Burberry, and the hamper comprises three compartments containing the very best cutlery, dinnerware, glasses, stainless steel food containers, linen napkins and more - in fact, everything necessary for a picnic for you and three of your BFFs. And, even better, it comes with its own golf trundler for easy transportation to your chosen picnic spot. The design and style of this unique hamper make it a heritage piece - you will definitely stand out at Opera in the Park, or perhaps the polo.

For fun summer gift giving, just arrived are the new RED Milly's tea towels - if you love Milly's, then you must have the tea towel! They also have some cool new drinking glasses with coloured rims in three hot summer colours - perfect for barbeque, alfresco dining or the bach. They just scream summer - cocktails, salads, desserts and oh-so stylish.

With access to inspiration from all over the world our New Zealand clients want a more ‘evolved’ sense of style, von Sturmer says. They are looking to re-invent traditional in a contemporary way - combining old and more permanent elements, often from other countries, within a modern scheme.

Leonie’s award winning approach focuses on bringing exciting textures and materials together in a cohesive and simple way. This look is expressed within the new showroom where a bespoke custom-crafted kitchen combines with carefully selected furniture pieces to create the unique character of the area.

So whether you are looking for a completely new kitchen or a few bespoke pieces to enhance your current space, be inspired by a visit to this showroom located on the corners of MacKelvie and Murdoch Streets and Williamson Avenue. The showroom is endorsed by a number of well respected suppliers like, Hettich (German hardware), Fisher and Paykel, Bestwood, James Hardie, Burns and Ferrall plus many more. There is parking on site.

Showroom hours: December, 10am- 3pm weekdays or by appointment, re-opening 20 January 2014. F PN VON STURMERS, 15 Williamson Avenue T: 09 376 3745 or M: 021 759 019 www.vonsturmers.com info@vonsturmers.com

When you are out and about doing your Christmas shopping, come and visit. There is usually a little taster on the counter and always a warm welcome and sharing about what they are all cooking for Christmas.

“Merry Christmas from all of us at Milly's - we wish you and your families a very happy PN and safe festive season.” F MILLY’S, 273 Ponsonby Road T: 09 376 1550 www.millyskitchen.co.nz

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FIRST CLASS SERVICE IS CLEAR WITH NEAT & SWEET Remembering that every house is someone’s home is paramount to first class window cleaners Neat & Sweet.

“We treat your home with respect, and promise 100% happiness with our service,” says director Linda Geary. “We all want to know we can trust people we have working around our homes, that they will respect our property and be totally reliable. So it’s important to me that our team exceed expectations every time they clean your windows.”

Linda has spent a lot of time on testing equipment and cleaning materials to find the best possible products on the market. Neat & Sweet’s team has had extensive training to ensure a superior service, “Much like when people who wear glasses clean their lenses and are amazed at the difference, customers have been thrilled with our results. Seeing really is believing.”

Neat & Sweet operates in Herne Bay/Ponsonby/Westmere and the surrounding areas, is fully insured and offers a written quote. It promises a 100% happiness guarantee based on attention to detail.

Their exemplary service includes: • Client text notification of arrival and departure

• • • •

Trained team easily identified in a professional uniform Footwear and covers for indoors Bio-degradable eco-friendly cleaning products Top quality cleaning equipment - including soft covers for the tops of ladders

“I want people to treat my home with respect, and promise to do the same for you. If we overlook anything, give us a call within 48 hours and we will make it right. We are a local PN business you can trust to do a first class service every time.” F For more details, go to www.neatandsweet.co.nz or phone 0508 811 211.

BE TREATED AS A VALUED CUSTOMER EVERY TIME In this busy world, time is precious, savings are vital and to find a tradesperson you can trust is not always as easy as you may think.

Why spend more time than you need waiting for a tradesperson to turn up, or worse still having to work with more than one to cover a multiple of jobs.

Owner Seleme de Andrade

Welcome to Property Renovations and Maintenance Specialists, here you are the boss. PRMS is a one stop shop for all your commercial and residential building requirements. “With us you receive what you deserve,” says PRMS owner Seleme de Andrade.

For all your commercial and residential building and maintenance services, contact PN Seleme and his team; the property maintenance experts. F PROPERTY RENOVATIONS & MAINTENANCE SPECIALISTS, T: 0800 477 675 E: seleme@prms.co.nz www.prms.co.nz

“Our goal is to provide 100% satisfaction, we turn up on time, we ensure a clean and green work ethic, our rates are fair, all work is carried out to a high standard and above all we believe in practicing honesty in everything we do.

PRMS are a reliable team according to the testimonials from their faithful clients, and no wonder, as the team at PRMS pride themselves on offering prompt, professional property maintenance which is always accompanied by courteous and polite customer service.

“We understand the importance of liaising fully with our clients and customers to obtain the best possible conclusion to their particular project, however large or small.”

In October PRMS LTD fully renovated the interior and garden of this Remuera home

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AUCKLAND SLOW IN RECYCLING TVS Aucklanders are being urged to drop off their unwanted TVs for recycling with new figures showing residents have been slow to take part in the TV TakeBack programme.

4,188 TV sets have been collected for recycling in Auckland after the first month of the TV TakeBack, the Ministry for the Environment says.

The latest figures, which coincide with television in upper North Island going digital on December 1, mean Auckland has used only 6% of its allocated quota in in the first 30 days of TV TakeBack, an initiative designed to encourage the public to recycle their unwanted TVs, diverting them from landfill.

With a total of 12,757 TVs collected in the upper North Island so far, a grand total of 155,640 TVs have been collected together with the Lower North Island, where TV TakeBack is also currently underway, and Hawke’s Bay and the South Island where the programme has been completed.

Meanwhile, Enviroschools students in Auckland are also being encouraged to recycle unwanted TVs and get the chance to win great prizes for their school.

The Enviroschools Challenge aims to raise awareness among school students and their communities of the need to recycle unwanted televisions. The Challenge is a joint initiative organised by the Ministry for the Environment and the Enviroschools Foundation, as part of the TV TakeBack programme.

The Government has committed funding from the Waste Minimisation Fund for TV TakeBack to cover investment in recycling infrastructure, subsidies for TV recycling and a public awareness programme. Money for the Waste Minimisation Fund comes from a levy charged on waste disposed of at landfills. F PN For more information on the drop off sites, visit www.tvtakeback.govt.nz

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ARTS + CULTURE WHITESPACE ENDS THE YEAR WITH A FANTASTIC LINE UP OF TALENTED ARTISTS Niki Hastings McFall Niki activates the window with her stunning light boxes and lei installations. Drawing on the traditions of Pacific adornment, Niki has created her own unique art practice that explores what it means to be a New Zealander of Pacific Island descent living in the 21st century. Niki Hastings-McFall has exhibited extensively throughout New Zealand and overseas since 1992 and her work is held in public and private collections nationally and internationally, including the Chartwell Trust, British Museum, GOMA, Museum of Volkekund-Germany, Tjibaou Centre- Noumea, Museum of New Zealand - Te Papa Tongarewa, University of Auckland, Victoria University and many others.

Madeleine Child Madeleine’s new work offers a fresh look at Kiwiana souvenirs with her quirky ceramics birds and trees featuring her signature colourful gloopy glazes. Madeleine's extensive training and travel can be seen technically and conceptually in her work, whether reflecting the distinctive colour and vibrancy of Mexican pottery or the playfulness in faux chocolate Easter bunnies. Her work evokes a sense of sentimentality that is, at times, countered with darker intonations as in Sweet As, a collection of intensely colourful popcorn. Buying her children coloured popcorn she became "fascinated by its fleshy gorgeousness, organic fecundity and forbidden fruitiness," creating hundreds of giant ceramic popcorn pieces sparking with colour to comment on food politics and additives.

Madeleine has received awards in prestigious competitions such as the Norsewear Art Awards, Portage Ceramic Awards, Gold Coast International Ceramics Art Awards, Sidney Myer International Ceramics Awards, and New Zealand Society of Potters Awards.

Her work features in private and public collections internationally including the Frans Hals Museum in the Netherlands, Shepparton Art Gallery in Australia, the Dowse in Lower Hutt, the Otago Museum, and the Auckland War Memorial Museum. Emmanuel Cooper included Child in his 2000 publication “Ten Thousand Years of Pottery” distributed by the British Museum Press.

James Ormsby James Ormsby features a range of small works on paper and wood panels titled He Data a continuation of his earlier Illumination series. Drawing is a passion for James Ormsby, he describes it as his first language and his skill is evident as is his emotional response to the images, motifs and marks in his work. As a contemporary artist he questions what his ancestors, both Tangata Whenua and Scottish, would have used to make their marks and what was the significance of the visual symbols they chose to depict. James Ormsby received a MFA from RMIT and a Bachelor of Education from the University of Melbourne. Upon returning to New Zealand he was commissioned to paint AUT's whare and the ceiling design and artwork for the Royal New Zealand Navy whare, he has work in the permanent collection of Te Papa Tongarewa.

Madeleine Child ceramic souvenirs

Niki Hastings McFall

Selected Treats As if that wasn’t enough Whitespace also presents an exhibition of selected works by all Whitespace artists. Whitespace is open until 24 December, then by appointment until 28 January. F PN WHITESPACE, 12 Crummer Road T: 09 361 6331 www.whitespace.co.nz

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SHOWING AT ALLPRESS GALLERY ‘PRINTS ON PAPER’ 10 - 18 December 9am-3pm Special preview: 10 December 6pm-9pm We are excited to see Prints on Paper is back this year for its second annual show. After a hugely successful opening at Flying Fish last year which saw hundreds of art patrons through the doors of the industrial space, POP decided it would be better to let the show run for a full week.

Luckily, the team at Allpress headquarters suggested their contemporary gallery space in Drake Street would be the perfect venue as it offers the public a chance to view the artworks in a more relaxed environment, and means the artworks can be collected from the space during the course of the exhibition.

Prints on Paper is a an exciting and impressive show featuring 14 of New Zealand's finest artists including Erin Forsyth, FLOX, Hannah Jensen, Weston Frizzell, 326, Josh King, Component, Jayren Dixon, Kennedy Pointer and Mellissa Sharplin.

The Prints on Paper exhibition is a great way of getting high quality, limited edition prints for your home, office space or as Christmas gifts for others. Priced from $100, the 2013 collection is a selection of delights with images ranging from tattoo art, to fine illustration and graphic masterpieces.

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The concept is to have an exhibition every December placing art in an interesting, contemporary and accessible environment, offering a collection of street, graphic, graffiti and tattoo art.

The editions are small runs and each exhibition will be a fresh collection from New Zealand's most talented emerging artists. It is a fantastic way to build your art portfolio. The last show was hugely successful with many editions selling out.

The large selection of images are signed and numbered prints, printed on the highest quality paper. This show gives the artists total freedom and offers the guests access to quality limited edition prints.

You are invited to the special preview 6pm-9pm on December 10 or feel free to call into the exhibition between 9am and 3pm until 18 December.

This is one show not to miss. All enquiries call Josh King on M: 021 300 745 ALLPRESS GALLERY, 8 Drake Street Freemans Bay

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ARTS + CULTURE WHY NEW ZEALANDERS SHOULD SUPPORT SEMI-PERMANENT CREATIVE LABORATORY THE PROTEST AGAINST DEEP SEA OIL OPENS ITS DOORS TO COLLABORATION On one level the Government’s enthusiasm for the economic bounty from deep sea oil is understandable; on two others it’s unacceptable.

Any economic windfall of national significance is welcome, but so far two aspects of the hunt for this one should be rejected. Firstly the Government has failed to publish any assessment of the likely environmental degradation should a spill occur - the chance of a spill is small, the impact of one potentially is major. And secondly, in its haste the Government has shown contempt for public concerns - happy to limit its response to Ministerial assurance on the rigour of the spill containment strategies adopted, and ramming through some pretty dodgy legislation to prevent direct protest action out on the high seas. Its behaviour on both counts - absence of transparency and refusal address concerns - should be a warning that it hasn’t actually done the necessary homework and cannot defend its position.

A low risk event but one with catastrophic consequences is very much relevant to a rigorous assessment of a project such as this. There has been a professional oil spill assessment done and published by Dumpak. The government says it also has had one done that conflicts with the Dumpak report that Greenpeace commissioned. This, despite the Environmental Protection Authority releasing the results of shallow water oil spill modelling by Shell Todd Oil for Taranaki that confirms the Greenpeace-commissioned study used industry standard assumptions. By refusing to publish the workings of its consultants, MetOcean Solutions, the Government assertions cannot and should not be believed.

The supercilious assurances from the Minister of Energy and Resources that the public need not be concerned and that the economic bounty outweighs any worries about environmental destruction, have been derisory and have served only to highlight the Government’s unwillingness to be held accountable on the deep sea oil issue. There has been a trend with the Key Government to push for economic windfalls from resource extraction while winding back environmental protection, and this is just the latest demonstration of that preference. The lengths the Government is prepared to go to facilitate its list of extractive industry Think Bigs is evident in the special legislation Energy Minister Simon Bridges has brought in to contain the role of direct action on the seas within the 200 mile EEZ. It will be an interesting legal challenge to see whether this holds up to legal challenge under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea - particularly if non- New Zealanders are protesting.

Environmental conservation and enhancement is a concern of New Zealanders - we spend millions of dollars and devote hundreds of thousands of volunteer and paid hours each year on this work. To the extent that environmental damage is needlessly inflicted by economic activities whose pollution consequences aren’t properly costed, then the so-called benefits are illusory. Earning from polluting and then spending those earnings on environmental clean-up can of course be futile, a mere transfer from one part of the economy to the other. To evaluate the net value-add of a polluting activity and hence have a basis for deciding the taxpayer should facilitate the activity - requires that the costs of pollution be 100% internalised to the polluter. The Government’s sums involve nowhere near this level of rigour.

For these reasons New Zealanders should oppose the deep sea oil adventures of the Government until it provides an honest and transparent business case. The superficial cheerleading from Simon Bridges wherein the wonderful benefits only are espoused is an intellectual embarrassment, and constitutes a direct, up-your-nose insult to the PN intelligence of New Zealanders. (GARETH MORGAN) F

The Semi-Permanent Research Lab, is open to local artists, creative agencies, digital and fashion designers.

Powered by Chorus, the Semi-Permanent Research Lab is New Zealand’s first creative laboratory. You won’t see test tubes and Bunsen burners in this lab - it is designed to nurture and showcase innovative talent from New Zealand’s burgeoning digital and creative sectors.

Simon Velvin, director of Semi-Permanent’s New Zealand arm and curator of the Research Lab, says the space will be an important resource to help develop the country’s creative economy. “In short, we want those working within the Lab to have access to tools, resources and international experts to encourage New Zealand’s creative entrepreneurs to think globally and create locally,” says Velvin. “This opportunity would not have been possible without Chorus’ support and we are excited to be part of such an inspiring and rewarding collaboration.”

The research lab is set to be powered with a 1Gbps internet connection to support development of creative digital projects. The space will also be used to host a series of events, activities and workshops that draw on the experience and skills of local and international creative leaders. Anyone with a strong creative concept can apply to work in the Semi-Permanent Research Lab, and at the launch event on Friday three existing collaborative projects will be on display.

These projects include collaboration between the Lab and Stolen Girlfriends Club under the module of “Semi-Safe”. “Semi-safe” is the first for five module concepts, and will focus on designing safety products to give back to the community. Its first product is a high -visibility winter coat for Raglan Area School.

Marc Moore, creative director of Stolen Girlfriends Club and former pupil of Raglan Area School says the coats are designed to keep Raglan Area School pupils warm, cosy and safe during the Raglan winter. “The school has no uniforms so this is an opportunity to give them an identity and something to be proud of,” said Moore. “We will be delivering a new winter coat to every child at the school by next April. It’s been an absolute pleasure to create this coat for the kids in collaboration with staff at the school.”

The second collaboration with Stolen Girlfriends Club will see a new twist on the ubiquitous road cone. “We were inspired by the road cones used by the Chorus workers,” said Velvin. “We thought, ‘how can we inject some fun into them?’ The end result is a road cone shaped as a shark fin. We don’t expect these to be universally adopted, but we will use them for the creative industry and special events.”

Creative digital maestros from the UK, Hellicar and Lewis, will be in residence at the Lab for the first two weeks after its opening. Their collaboration with AUT digital students will be on show as an interactive night time exhibit. Hellicar and Lewis’ work uses art, technology and design in projects that bring together traditional media, interaction and digital networks to make feedback loops between people, technology and places.

The Semi-Permanent Lab is open at 65 MacKelvie Street from 9am - 5pm.

PN No appointments are necessary. F

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

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HISTORY OF PACIFIC PEOPLE DRIVES BUSY ARTIST Artist Lana Lopesi has a lot on her plate. The 21-year old Henderson resident had an exhibition last month at Artstation, Ponsonby as well as preparing her final year show to complete her Bachelor of Fine Arts (Honours) degree at the University of Auckland. To top it all off, she is also expecting her first child in February.

Lana who is of Samoan/Canadian descent, works in a variety of media including designing publications and making short films. Her Artstation show, Seize the Time, looked at the history of Ponsonby’s Pacific community.

“I’m trying to fill the gaps of my relatives’ history, particularly from the 1950s to the 1980s and to remind young people about that history. Families don’t always pass on their stories as they may have been traumatic. This was the era of dawn raids and the Polynesian Panthers,” she says.

Much of the artist’s work is “social art” existing outside gallery walls, which comments on community issues. She often mass-produces posters and publications as well as hosting discussions, lectures and workshops, and visitors to her Artstation show were asked to bring a box of cereal to donate to KidsCan who provide breakfast to children PN living in poverty. F

ARTS + CULTURE SHOWING AT OREXART RICHARD MCWHANNELL - CROSSING THE LAKE UNTIL 21 DECEMBER Richard McWhannell’s latest series of paintings draws on the clown Pierrot - specifically Watteau’s great painting of Pierrot known as Gilles - for inspiration. The inspiration has a curious origin. McWhannell confesses that, had it not been for a brush cleaner called “Miracle Kumclean” he would probably never have begun the series.

“Miracle Kumclean is a marvellous alloy of carcinogens that will revive the un-cleaned brush or erase the unsuccessful painted dream. When finally I called time on a canvas once held dear (Poseidon and a Resurrection of Surfers), the hand went out for the scraper and the liquid means to rid the world of this once ‘with best intentions’ piece.

No sooner removed, and with head reeling in solvent daze, there appeared in the Rorschach remnant stain a clown and two atop a rock in a cerulean sea.

“While formalising the phantom image, my thoughts turned to Watteau and his great painted Pierrot. Thus the proto-clown set out on a journey across sea, across land and through time. His vocation is to perform, his life is one of adventure, of dreams, musings and the rest. I’ve lost sight of him now; last seen at Pukekawa 1970.”

The original painting Gilles (1718-19) may be read as Watteau’s wry comment on his own mortality. Perhaps McWhannell is alerting us to familiar scenes we should re-examine for clues, re-evaluate for meaning.

Or perhaps the artist is merely casting himself as observer so that we, in turn, may observe. Pierrot and McWhannell end their travels through these paintings by asking PN a question of us… “Who fed the baby?” F Orexart closes on 21 December 2013 (11am - 4pm) and reopens 11 February.

OREXART, 1/15 Putiki Street Arch Hill T: 09 378 0588 www.orexart.co.nz

Appaloosa Night (2013) Oil on canvas on board, 458 x 608 mm

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ARTS + CULTURE BIRD OF THE MONTH

ART GIVES FOREVER

The weka is one of our many flightless birds.

“Gifts come and go but art lasts forever. That’s why there is no better gift than an artwork.”

There are four current species of weka and it is considered vulnerable, with sustainable harvesting remaining an important issue in conservation. They are curious and are known for stealing food, crops and other small objects. The objects are taken to the nearest cover for investigation - it is best not to chase the weka but observe where it goes and retrieve the objects later! Despite this, they are best known for their call and are more often heard than seen. I can only think of a handful of occasions in which I’ve seen a weka - despite going out specifically to see one.

Kieran Smyth, owner of Smyth Galleries, speaks passionately on the subject.

They were a significant resource for some iwi and also for European settlers, among the other large rail species and other flightless birds. They gained the name woodhen from settlers and this relatively apt, as the picture shows. They are large and live off invertebrates and fruit. Interestingly populations of weka are subject to large fluctuations in size based on conditions. They decline sharply when food is scarce as well as being vulnerable to predation from ferrets, cats and dogs. There are conservation projects aimed at restoring weka populations around the country. These projects have come under scrutiny because of the legal protection that is afforded to weka. This prohibits harvesting for food, but many people welcome the projects because it could mean the restoration of harvesting in the future. It is legal to harvest weka on the Chatham Islands and some islands off Stewart Island, so if you have a sudden urge for weka, head offshore.

Smyth Galleries has collected an extensive range of fabulous artworks to choose from this Christmas. This includes a new range of exclusive, genuine French Vintage posters, new works from the wonderful Rob Tucker, Michele Bryant and Leanne Culy, a myriad of other choices plus the popular gift certificates.

“I’d like to think that I’ve covered most tastes and most budgets,” says Kieran. “But whatever you choose, it will be special!”

Because they are a scavenger and feed in numerous different sections of the food chain, they occupy a problematic part of the conservation niche. Moving them to offshore islands and into new habitats can disrupt and invade upon other threatened species - including lizards, seabirds and other ground-nesting birds.

They have always been a part of New Zealand folklore, particularly for stealing shiny items and food. They are considered suspicious, but admired for their curiosity and feistiness by the Maori. Due to their curosity they were relatively easy to catch and being too bold resulted in becoming part of a meal or clothing. Kawau Island has the largest weka population in the Hauraki Gulf but numerous other islands in the Gulf, and the Coromandel is home to weka, so when you’re out at dusk, listen out for a loud repetitive “coo-et” sung as a duet - and keep your shiny objects close.

PN (FINN MCLENNAN-ELLIOTT) F

“That’s the beauty of giving and receiving art as a treasured gift, whatever the size or value.

Artworks tend to stay around for a lifetime and keep on giving.”

Smyth Galleries also specialises in operating wedding registries for soon-to-be-married couples. This works wonderfully well and all the couple has to do is contact them and they set it all up from there. Guests can contribute to an artwork that the newly-married recipients will then choose and treasure forever.

SMYTH GALLERIES, 41 Jervois Road, T: 09 360 6044 www.smythgalleries.co.nz

PONSONBY HISTORY… DID YOU KNOW?

1884

In the first horse tram service from Queen Street to Ponsonby is started. The route is from Three Lamps to Queen Street via K’Road, Pitt Street and Grey Street. The fare is threepence. Trams ran every 15 minutes from 6.30am to 10.30pm at an average speed of 5 miles (8.0 km) an hour.

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ARTS + CULTURE AMUSE BOUCHE, A NEW NON PROFIT, POP UP PHOTOGRAPHY GALLERY IN PONSONBY Pop up shops are already common in Ponsonby, but last month we attended the first exhibition opening at Amuse Bouche, a new non profit, Pop Up photography gallery in Islington Street.

Amuse Bouche is a project by Director Zoe McIntosh, and Photographer Tammy Williams, aiming to showcase more photography in Auckland and providing a space for photographers to curate their own work as well as benefit from 100% of all sales.

They plan to hold an evening opening every two months for a new photographer, which will be accompanied by delicious food and wine. At the moment the space is kindly being provided by Creature, a local post production company. F PN www.creaturepost.co.nz

SHOWING AT TOI ORA BON A` TIRER - RIGHT TO PRINT 4 December - 24 January Opening: 3 December 5pm The printmakers’ exhibition concludes the 2013 exhibition year at Toi Ora Gallery.

It provides an eclectic range of work from professional fine art prints to original handmade cards. Toi Ora Gallery will be closed from the 23 December to 6 January. F PN TOI ORA GALLERY, 6 Putiki Street, T: 09 360 4171 www.toiora.org.nz

L to R: Tammy Williams and Zoe McIntosh

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FINN MCLENNAN-ELLIOTT

Make my video A NEW WEBSITE FROM A PONSONBY LOCAL Make My Video is a new website created by local Ponsonby resident Aidan Dickens. It allows musicians, businesses, advertisers or promoters to find directors to make and produce a video for them.

Basically it works like this: you sign up, write a brief that describes what you want in the video, your ideas, delivery date and budget. Then directors have the option to pitch their ideas to you. You get to choose the one you like and go with it. It’s that simple.

It is the first of its kind in New Zealand and taps into the relatively untouched market of video tendering. It gives filmmakers a chance to pitch to clients and an opportunity to showcase their talent. It is also a perfect platform for bands and musicians trying to publicise their music to find a director who is keen to work with them. Directors ultimately have the choice of who they pitch to, which means the clients choose someone who is eager to work with them.

Aidan Dickens is the brains behind the website. He finished film school last year and wanted to start his own production company. He found it was a difficult industry to get work in and decided to create the site to help filmmakers connect and find work.

He produces and directs, and has nine short films to his name, plus numerous music videos. He is also a musician in a band called Akimba, and is planning more short films, a webseries and a feature film for next year. The website is only just taking off but Aidan has large plans. He wants to take it global, opening it up to directors and producers from overseas. Opening up to other aspects of the industry, including directors looking for musicians and scriptwriters looking for directors is next on his agenda.

Aidan lives in St Mary’s Bay and loves the vibrancy of the Ponsonby area. He plays in the Auckland Samba Band and is excited for the Ponsonby markets this summer.

Make My Video went live in September and the first testing phase catered to music videos for bands, but it is being expanded to incorporate all kinds of videos this means that anyone who wants a video made can use the site. The website is very easy to use and explains exactly what you need to do when signing up. With updates coming soon to include all kinds of videos, Make My Video is sure to take off in a big way. So, if you are a director, producer, filmmaker, musician or just a film enthusiast, check out the website, sign up, pitch some ideas and take advantage of a locally made first for New Zealand.

Summer festivals are coming up; keep an eye out for exciting outdoor concerts and shows. It’s a great few months for music - as it always is. The lineup to the Byron Bay Bluesfest in April over in Australia is looking fantastic and definitely worth a look. You’ll find me in at One2one on Ponsonby Road most Thursday nights over the summer, listening to Chris Priestley and the wonderful musicians he gets in weekly. I’m hosting a new open mic night/jam night at the Dog’s Bollix in Newton on fortnightly Wednesdays. This is open to any musician to play and anyone can come and have a listen and buy a brew or two. Some new things are coming to music at the Ponsonby News in 2014 so watch this space in February. www.makemyvideo.co.nz www.bluesfest.com.zu www.facebook.com/DBJamNight (FINN MCLENNAN-ELLIOTT) F PN Finn McLennan-Elliott is studing for a Bachelor of Science Honours Degree, specialising in human geography at Auckland University. In his spare time, Finn plays the clarinet and guitar.

He has a great appreciation of all types of music. E: finn.huia@gmail.com

Larry Morris: a career of 45 years There are not many musicians that can say they’ve been playing in the industry for over 45 years.

I spoke with one of New Zealand’s longest serving rockers, former Ponsonby resident Larry Morris about his career and what he is currently working on. Larry started fronting rock bands back in 1964 with Larry’s Rebels, and has gone on to create and sing in numerous bands in New Zealand, America and around the world. He refers to Jimmy Page by his first name in conversation thanks to a tour in 1966 with The Yardbirds.

He formed a friendship with the soon-to-be Led Zeppelin guitarist while on the road as Larry’s Rebels. He has gone on to open for numerous other well-known and prestigious musicians in the following decades including David Bowie, The Who, Roy Orbison, The Walker Brothers and Tom Jones.

It is an impressive history which includes many accolades with the coveted Benny Award being awarded to him this year. The Benny acknowledges performers for their endurance and commitment to the entertainment industry. In his early years Larry’s Rebels and his other groups were well known, liked and were easy to tour with. “We didn’t cause any trouble,” he says. Since the early days, he has fronted various incarnations of the Larry Morris Band, had a residence at the Foundry night club in Auckland, spent many years overseas writing and recording music.

Larry has not stopped producing music and if anything he sounds busier than ever, fronting a new group Rebellion and beginning the production and writing of a TV show.

He said that the inspiration for his recent projects came after watching the film The Bucket List. He decided all he wanted to do was get back together with the musicians he had performed with in the early days. “They all said yes,” he says. They rehearse in his lounge in Remuera every week and revisit all the old 60s classics. He’s extremely pleased with having four good voices for harmonies and says it didn’t take them long to sound great.

They’ve been doing a few live gigs, one or two a month and he’s thrilled to be playing with some of the same musicians that started his career. One of the best things that has come from this is an idea his son had, for Larry to host his own show called Live from Larry’s Lounge. Similar to shows like The Beat Goes On, it will feature on the FACE TV Sky channel from February next year. Larry’s new band Rebellion will be the main focus with numerous musicians invited to guest perform “from his lounge”. He’s very excited about it and it will provide a space for him to invite along lots of old friends from his many years in the industry.

Someone told him recently that it appears his star is on the rise again, and he’s busy in the next few months performing and preparing the new show. Larry thinks it’s important in New Zealand showbiz to reinvent yourself and keep fresh and he doesn’t want to go back to America, despite successfully recording in Nashville. The band heads to Australia in early December to perform, then look out for Rebellion and Larry Morris in Whangarei in the New Year on 10 January and in Napier on PN 8 February at the Sound Show. (FINN MCLENNAN-ELLIOTT) F

PONSONBY HISTORY… DID YOU KNOW? In 1894 the new Bishop’s palace is constructed to the designs of Pugin and Pugin (sons of Augustus Welby Pugin, the gothic enthusiast responsible for much of the decorative work of the Palace of Westminster). The Bishop’s Palace was partly funded by donations from all over the world, including 5,000 schools in Europe and the US, the Lord Mayor of London and an Archduchess of Austria. An imposing dark brick gothic pile, it is believed to be the first house in Auckland built to include electric lighting.

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ARTS + CULTURE

Sweet Burning Soul, by Victoria Cassells. Waxed oil on board. 800 x 800mm.

SHOWING AT BLACK ASTERISK VICTORIA CASSELLS - CULTIVATE 5 - 18 December Artist talk and readings - 7 December 2pm Victoria Cassell’s signature medium of waxed oils is whimsical, soft and sumptuous. Her eagerly awaited next body of work is a collaborative project between herself and writer Justine Eldred.

“Cultivate” crosses boundaries between visual and written art, entwining their imaginations and mediums. Both Justine and Victoria saw similarities in their work.

Victoria explains, “Tuesday became our day. Justine writing and reading parts out loud whilst I painted. I would sense the building of those complex people, feel them forming.

They emerged then hid underneath my brush - I would cajole and coax them to stay. They would in turn nudge the writer and draw her in, have their say in the tale being told.”

A Black Asterisk Christmas Leading up to Christmas, Black Asterisk will be presenting individual and small bodies of new work as well as stockroom favourites - photographs, prints, sculptures, and oils.

Emma Bass, known for her exhibitions “Imperfect” and “Imperfect II”, has developed a series of light boxes. Drawing on the idea of beauty in imperfection, Emma’s photographs are elegant and thoughtful. Rich hues of decaying flowers are made all the more vivid with their illuminated presentation. A selection of her prints are also on view.

Also new is a selection of Chris Moore’s cast bronzes. The works are raw and tactile, the surface interacting with light and shadow. The characters are often introspective and enigmatic, a sort of visual allegory where each work plays out or personifies elements of human existence. F PN BLACK ASTERISK GALLERY, 10 Ponsonby Road T: 09 378 1020 www.blackasterisk.co.nz

PONSONBY HISTORY… DID YOU KNOW?

1879

In a school opens in Beresford Street known as Harrison’s School named after its headmaster.

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ARTS + CULTURE

GETTING PONSONBY ALL FLOXED UP! A fledgling Flox emerged around a decade ago from Auckland’s centre of vice and art, K’ Road. Using the city as her canvas and stencils and spray paint as her tools, Flox quickly made her presence felt, transforming grey walls into oases of ferns and flowers.

In early 2011, all grown up, Flox came to rest in Ponsonby at 13 Great North Road. Eager to create an intimate studio and showroom space, the idea from the beginning was to provide an opportunity for a sneak peak into some of her processes, and a viewing space for both catalogued and private commission pieces.

“The thinking behind the space and artwork here at Haus Of Flox is that it is attainable, and assessable. It is art for the people!”.

Happy in her new home, Flox has been adding to her repertoire by keeping up with corporate and private commission work and stamping her mark on interiors countrywide.

Not to mention art-based projects like the recent work featured in Ponsonby’s Art in the Dark event, collaboration between Flox and post production company Creature.

These entrepreneurial achievements underscore Flox’s philosophy that taking risks and evolving, always opens the door to new opportunities.

Café People at 38 Ponsonby Road are the latest to be all Floxed up. A six-metre, floor to ceiling mural greets you as you enter, injecting a sense of warmth into the space, a perfect complement to the friendly service and the unfalteringly high level of coffee and tasty treats.

Make sure you stop in and enjoy one of Ponsonby’s favourite little locals, you have more reason to now!

Open Fridays and Saturdays 10am - 5pm, otherwise by appointment. F PN HAUS OF FLOX, 13 Great North Road, T: 09 963 4293 www.flox.co.nz

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ARTS + CULTURE Council arts and culture manager Kaye Glamuzina has been overseeing the review; she says the restructuring had to take place to ensure the future of Artstation.

“Artstation has faced financial challenges for a number of years, particularly in relation to meeting the revenue targets for the facility. The new operating model has been introduced to ensure the facility’s future financial sustainability.” Tim Walker conducted research, questioning the community and focus groups about what they thought of Artstation and what they wanted to see in the future.

Some of the tutors feel their answers were ignored. Jarad Bryant, a passionate Artstation tutor of 17 years, was aggrieved he didn’t get consulted in the research process. He feels that the best people to speak to are those that have been with the institution the longest. “I have directly witnessed an appalling lack of insight and an almost blatant disregard of any knowledge gained that does not fit with the review’s predetermined outcomes. With the amount of on the ground real world experience shared by staff and tutors I was surprised that we were not all called on to figure out how to reshape Artstation.”

END OF THE LINE FOR ARTSTATION In 1976 creativity flooded the cells of Newton Police Barracks at 1 Ponsonby Road. Over the last 37 years the institution has grown into Artstation Toi Tu. Toi Tu translates as “to be upstanding in art”. Artstation’s focus has been on providing high-quality visual art programmes for the community. However Artstation, as the community knows it, has come to the end of its line. Due to a large financial deficit, a restructuring has taken place that will irrevocably change the institution.

Some tutors are unhappy with the strategic review. Artstation is very dear to Matthew Browne as he has taught there for 21 years. He is so upset with the restructure he is leaving Artstation to start his own art school. “It’s always been a bastion of Auckland’s art community,” he says. “It’s always been for the community.” The facilities and classes Artstation hosts are not well known. In 2009/10 the Auckland City Council sliced their operational budget by $250,000 and increased its revenue target by $136,000.

One of the main changes is that current classroom space is being turned into userpays studio space. This means many classes are being discontinued, such as cast glass, photography and screen printing.

Browne believes it is a poor decision to remove some of Artstation’s most popular classes. “They’ve removed the real point of difference in Artstation. We know as tutors it’s not workable. Some of the decisions, like getting rid of cast glass, don’t make any sense.” It is expected that an approximately 2m by 2m cell will rent for $156 per week. Matthew Browne currently rents his 4m by 11m Queen Street studio for $100 per week.

Reade says that the Waitemata Local Board are looking forwards, not backwards.

“I have no idea whether it’s going to work or not. The Waitemata Local Board is optimistic and they absolutely have a huge enthusiasm that we have to change Artstation and shape it to make it work. Because it’s a beautiful building, it has had a beautiful history and we don’t want to denigrate it.”

The restructure enables Artstation to continue to provide arts, creative and cultural activities to the community. However, the tutors that have been instrumental to these classes and the running of Artstation, feel ignored. They are disappointed that the restructure is not in line with community interests as they see it. (SARAH HARRIS) F PN

The next year the new Auckland Council reinstated the operational budget, however the revenue target remained high. Since then they’ve had very little, or no, budget for advertising. All attendance has been brought through word of mouth. As a result Artstation has overspent in recent years, by approximately $300,000 in 2010/11, $251,000 in 2011/12 and $262,000 in 2012/13.

Tricia Reade is a passionate arts enthusiast and an ex-councillor for arts and culture on the Waitemata Local Board. She says that it was absolutely necessary for Artstation to go through a restructure as that level of debt is not sustainable. “If you’re going over budget every year by a greater amount something is seriously wrong.”

Due to the annual overspend, Waitemata Local Board made the decision to hire Tim Walker to restructure Artstation and turn it into a sustainable community venture at the end of 2012.

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Matthew Browne

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ARTS + CULTURE PONSONBY ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY YEARS AGO 1863 - 2013 UPTOWN ART SCENE The last shows of the year are about to go up along the Uptown strip; some already have.

Make sure you get to see the two painters at Michael Lett at 2/285 Great North Road; both are originally from the Bay of Islands yet represent different approaches to contemporary painting. Séraphine Pick, whose established career now spans over 25 years, has her exhibition Wankered Again in the main gallery. These narrative paintings show their subjects at the downward spiral of a long night out: maudlin, comatose, or still staggering off into the darkness. What catches these images before they dissolve into abjection is the almost tender paint-work, delicate colours and marks that show the subjects may be in the gutter, but they’re staring at the stars.

IN 1863 THE AREA KNOWN AS DEDWOOD (RENAMED PONSONBY IN 1873), WAS beyond the City of Auckland boundaries. Allotments towards the coast from Ponsonby Road had recently been carved into residential sections. The intersection of Ponsonby Road, Jervois Road and College Hill is known today as Three Lamps. In the 1860s the land on the western (top) side was called Sheehan’s Paddock.

Carpenter David Sheehan (1818-1876) arrived in Auckland in the early 1840s. He developed an interest in the timber trade and had started acquiring land around the Auckland region.

129 allotments from Sheehan’s paddock were put up for auction in 1863. Selling points for the subdivision were the views of the harbour and the Waitakere Ranges as well as their proximity of the city suggested as being 15 minutes walk away. The 7 July auction realised close to £1,700. The sections on Ponsonby Road fetched from 23 to 60 shillings per foot, while those in the back streets between 7s 6d and 14s 6d per foot.

Imogen Taylor’s narratives are more oblique, referencing early European abstraction and unfolding like Sonia Delaunay fabrics in strong, unusual colour patterns. Taylor has only been exhibiting for five years, but is certainly one to watch. Michael Lett took her on straight from Elam, and she not only paints but curated the very successful Porous Moonlight exhibition at Papakura Art Gallery earlier this year. Her new works are showing in the small gallery.

Most of the streets in the area have been renamed. Prospect Street is now Prosford; King Street is now Redmond; Ponsonby Road is now Jervois; College Street is College Hill. Ponsonby Road originally ran from Karangahape Road along the course of Jervois Road to the seaside settlement at Bella Vista, the western end of suburban Herne Bay. Sheehan Street, between Pompallier Terrace and Prospect Street, is not formalised on the plan but the name has been added in slight pencil marking.

Other shows along the Uptown strip to see before Christmas: Richard McWhannell at OREXART, Dane Mitchell at Hopkinson Mossman, Fiona Pardington and Judy Darragh at Two Rooms, James Ormsby at Whitespace, Victoria Cassells at Black Asterisk, Matt Henry PN at Starkwhite, Yvonne Todd and Richard Killeen at Ivan Anthony. F

The image size is approximately 540 x 460mm and the overall size: 600 x 480mm, printed on Somerset 100% rag paper and hand-coloured to patterns derived from plans PN of the period; limited to 150 numbered copies. F

WILL PAYNT /STUDIO ART SUPPLIES

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THE PONSONBY PINK PAGES PONSONBY NEWS OUTLETS FREEMANS BAY

Glengarry, Corner Sale and Wellesley Streets Kellands Real Estate, 4 Drake Street New World, Victoria Park Sale St, 7 Sale 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 Sliced,104 Richmond Road Tapac, 100 Motions Road Vetcare, 408 Great North Road

HERNE BAY

Herne Bay Post & Stationers, 240 Jervois Road Five Loaves & 2 Fish, 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

NEWMARKET

Studio Italia, 96 Carlton Gore Road Taylor Boutique, 1 Teed Street

NEWTON

Benediction Café, 30 St Benedicts Street Design 55, 55 Upper Queen Street

NORTH SHORE

Rug Direct, Wairau Park Dawson’s Furniture, Mairangi Bay Nose To Tail Dog Wash, Albany

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 Cresent Parnell Community Centre, 545 Parnell Road

PONSONBY

Artstation, 1 Ponsonby Road Barfoot & Thompson, 184 Ponsonby Road Chapel Bar, 147 Ponsonby Road Fitness Trainer, 36 Jervois Road Harcourts, 89 Ponsonby Road Leys Institute, 20 St Mary’s Road The Longroom, 114 Ponsonby Road Mag Nation, 123 Ponsonby Road Ponsonby Community Centre, 20 Ponsonby Terrace Spa Ayurda, 213 Ponsonby Road Whitespace, 12 Crummer Road WORLD, 97 Ponsonby Road

WESTMERE

Glengarry, 164 Garnet Road

Planet Ayurveda, 41 Gillies Avenue

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