SEPTEMBER 2011

+ THE URBAN DESIGN QUARTER - Maidstone, Mackelvie + Pollen Streets PLANNING WEDDINGS + CIVIL UNIONS

16,987 Published 2 September, 2011

SEPTEMBER 2011

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THE INSIDER FOODIE GUIDE TO PONSONBY ponsonbynews.co.nz

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DEADLINE – 20TH OF THE MONTH September 2011 PONSONBY NEWS EST: OCTOBER 1989 – Incorporating the Ponsonby Community Newsletter (PCNL) CELEBRATING 22 YEARS OF PUBLISHING HISTORY!

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

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WHAT’S INSIDE THIS ISSUE 008 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR 009 FROM THE PUBLISHING TEAM 010 DENISE ROCHE – GREEN PARTY 018 DAVID HARTNELL:

046 SHALE CHAMBERS: WAITEMATA LOCAL BOARD

051 SIDELINE WITH GEORGE BERRY 056 PONSONBY NEWS READERS ARE EVERYWHERE

060 FASHION + STYLE

032 068 LETTERS FROM MAUDIE:

114 HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS 122 THE BOYS BOOK CLUB 132 STREET NAMES 142 PONSONBY PEOPLE & THEIR PETS 144 ARTS + CULTURE 154 PONSONBY NEWS OUTLETS

ANGELA LASSIG

070 WEDDINGS + CIVIL UNIONS 077 HELENE RAVLICH: NATURAL BEAUTY 078 LIVING, THINKING + BEING 084 HOROSCOPES: MISS PEARL NECLIS 086 JOHN APPLETON ON HEALTH 090 DENISE L’ESTRANGE-CORBET 092 EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY 099 THE POWER BEHIND THE THRONE 100 THE INSIDER FOODIE GUIDE 104 THE MISS JONES INTERVIEW 108 FUTURE GENERATION 113 DENISE CLEVERLEY:

100 photography: Katherine Lowe www.katherineisawesome.com

photography: martin leach

048 JOHN ELLIOTT: SOAPBOX 020 JACINDA ARDERN 024 PIPPA COOM: GREY LYNN 2030 026 NIKKI KAYE: MP AUCKLAND CENTRAL 032 THE URBAN DESIGN QUARTER 034 JAY PLATT: WE CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT 037 K ROAD BUSINESS ASSOCIATION 042

photography: Jo Barrett

ONE MINUTE INTERVIEW

THE PONSONBY GARDENER

COVER: Annabelle Rennie-Younger - Year 7, Room 15, Ponsonby Intermediate, Age 12

PONSONBY NEWS+ is published monthly, excluding January ry by ALCHEMY A MEDIA LIMITED P.O. BOX 47-282 Ponsonby, y, Auckland T: (09) 378 8553 or (09) 361 3356 www.ponsonbynews.co.nzz

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Editor/Publisher

MARTIN LEACH; M: 021 771 147; E: martinleach@xtra.co.nz or martin@ponsonbynews.co.nz

Associate Publisher

JO BARRETT; M: 021 324 510; E: joannebarrett@xtra.co.nz

Deputy Editor

JAY PLATT; M: 021 771 146; E: jayplatt@xtra.co.nz or jay@ponsonbynews.co.nz

Business Development and Fashion Editor

JULIE ROULSTON; M: 027 211 7169; E: julie@ponsonbynews.co.nz

Contributing Editor

DEIRDRE ROELANTS; M: 021 261 8439; E: deir@orcon.net.nz

Proof Reader

RICHARD GRAVENOR

Layout Designer

ANYA VERYASKINA; E: pn4anya@gmail.com

Designer

MELISSA PAYNTER; E: melissapaynter@orcon.net.nz

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LETTERS + EMAILS

PLEASE SEND LETTERS TO info@ponsonbynews.co.nz

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SUMMER FASHION SHOOT - PONSONBY NEWS I just wanted to congratulate you - The Ponsonby News fashion shoot in the August issue looked amazing! I have received many phone calls regarding the dress! It’s due instore in the next month or so, so we are taking down lots of numbers and we’ll call people when the dress arrives. Thank you! MELISSA NASH, WORLD Ponsonby TRUTH IN MEDICINE Bravo John Appleton for a spirited defence of truth in medicine: in Ponsonby News August issue. Mainstream medicine is by nature deeply conservative and many things we accept as standard practice today took many years and many lives before they were widely adopted.

My own story, documented in Philip Dowling’s: Journeys Back to Health tells how I suffered from asthma for forty years and took daily medication to control it. It was a revelation to discover I could overcome my asthma with breathing exercises. The Buteyko course I attended in the UK in 2000 helped me overcome my asthma in six weeks. I have been asthma and drug free for 11 years and now help others achieve similar results at my clinic in Freemans Bay. John is right in saying that despite eight published Buteyko studies and endorsement of the Buteyko Method by the British medical council, the Asthma Foundation of New Zealand continues to ignore the role of breathing retraining in controlling asthma.

One doesn’t need a PhD to have an enquiring mind. I encourage everyone to read widely, seek knowledge and consider alternative hypotheses.

One thing to avoid is coming ‘to a conclusion’, to an ultimate truth. Consider the possibilities of new ideas, otherwise we would still be using trepanning and bloodletting as ‘common sense’ treatments. GLENN WHITE, Freemans Bay JOHN APPLETON’S ARTICLE ON HRT I read John Appleton’s latest article in the August issue of Ponsonby News with interest.

Good on him for coming back at those who would hold us back. ie the academics in their ivory towers.

As a mortician myself (not a ‘health professional”) I see the direct results of the medical fraternity’s failure to address certain issues every day. A fight with the Doctors at Middlemore Hospital about the size of the bodies being sent to me, started me on my quest for another way to help people. And like John Appleton, I was publicly attacked for that effort.

You may be interested in the article I wrote about the issue of male HRT www.menshealth.co.nz/blog/1007/testosterone-therapy (LLOYD SHAW, Vibra Train, Victoria Park) TRI-DOSHA MASSAGE AT SPA AYURDA I recently had the very pleasurable experience of having a Tri-dosha massage at Spa Ayurda, and I have to say this was truly a lovely way to spend an hour or so on me, myself and I.

PONSONBY ‘ADOPTS’ ENGLAND AS OUR SECOND TEAM To tie in with our adopted team, the Ponsonby Business Association has hired a beautiful vintage Red London Bus to travel a loop from the city centre to Ponsonby Road every Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 4pm – 8pm during the weeks of the Quarter finals, the Semis and the Finals.

FATHER’S DAY BRINGS BACK MEMORIES Martin, I was so touched and moved when I read your article about your dad in last months Ponsonby News. It brought a tear to my eye with memories of my own dad flooding back. Every Fathers Day (and Anzac Day) I take a quiet moment to reflect on what a special man my dad was and like yours he too was my inspiration and my strength.

We all have regrets of not spending enough time together over the years. One such time springs to mind for me when my dad was dying and my boss at the time made me travel back to Auckland from Wellington to attend a Saturday work function – the next day my dad passed away and I had to travel all the way back to Wellington.

I’ve never forgiven myself for not standing my ground with that boss; I never really got to say goodbye to my dad but I know he has forgiven me because that was the sort of man my dad was.

I urge everyone to spend a little extra time with their dads this year not just on Fathers Day but throughout the year. As my mother always used to say, “children are only lent to you they soon leave the nest”. Likewise with our parents, they too are only lent to us as they will likely depart this earth before us.

The 1974 Harry Chapin song ‘Cats in the Cradle’ comes to mind… you’ll find it on Youtube and for those too young to know the song, it’s really worth a listen. PN JANE PARETI, Ponsonby

I’d been following Rebecca Jones’ articles in your magazine, and was so inspired I decided to book myself in.

This was such a different, as in a GOOD different experience to other massages I’d had before, with it being more a therapeutic approach, with a focus on health rather than pampering. Though don’t get me wrong I still came away feeling pampered. I was really impressed by the warm and attentive staff, Jane was fantastic, I felt quite special.

When I got home, I literally melted into the couch, and could still feel the soothing effects of the oils working their way through my body for the rest of the weekend.

Rebecca Jones, it was everything you said it was, and more!

DAWN DAVENPORT, Herne Bay THANKS PONSONBY NEWS! My husband always picks me up one of your mags when he is in Ponsonby! Thanks for a really good read and tips on where to go!

NATALIE HENSLEY, by email

Views and opinions published in Ponsonby News as expressed by their authors are not necessarily those of Alchemy Media Limited.

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FROM THE PUBLISHING TEAM photography: Michael Ng www.ngfoto.com

BACK IN FEBRUARY AND TO CELEBRATE THE UPCOMING RUGBY WORLD CUP and Ponsonby, we called for budding artists or photographers to create a front cover for this month’s issue. We were delighted with entries including a number from Ponsonby Intermediate and we’ve chosen a year 7 student’s, 12-year-old Annabelle Rennie -Younger’s entry.

WITH KICK OFF NEXT FRIDAY 9 SEPTEMBER, IT SEEMED AN APPROPRIATE choice and we are excited by the New Zealand v Tonga match which is to be played moments away from PN-HQ at Eden Park. Altough the team are all All Blacks supporters we are joining in the spirit to welcome Ponsonby’s ‘adopted’ team England and The Barmy Army supporters to the ‘hood.

It’s great to see Auckland looking its best, not only for us locals, but also for the international visitors with the flurry of activity as we finalise the city’s tidy up.

We hope you’ll enjoy the editorials in this issue especially our Waitemata local board chair, Shale Chambers, whose column is spot on this month. As he rightly says, “now is the time to be positive, as Auckland readies itself to host the world for the Rugby World Cup, and to party.”

design stores and art galleries in this very popular part of Ponsonby, which one day could be as busy as Three Lamps once Progressive Enterprises has developed the Soho Square site.

Like Shale, we are chuffed to bits to have new footpaths in Grey Lynn and Arch Hill, shared space streets in the CBD, the new K’Rd overbridge, and bike and walking lanes in Ian McKinnon Drive to name just a few improvements.

SPRING IS A GOOD TIME TO BE PLANNING WEDDINGS AND CIVIL UNIONS. WE make some suggestions in this issue on choosing rings, venues and getting prepared for that special day.

THE NEWEST HAPPENING PLACES AT THE WYNYARD QUARTER, NORTH WHARF are the Events Centre, playground, restaurants, public art, trams and promenade. The area is spectacular and is a real tangible asset.

SEVERAL ISSUES AGO, WE RAN AN A-Z OF LOCAL CAFES AND RESTAURANTS IN our ‘Ponsonby Little Black Book’. This month, to assist any visitors to Ponsonby, during RWC, the team has created a guide to some of the great foodie experiences in and around Greater Ponsonby, all of which we love.

Mike Lee’s quiet visionary planning and funding of the heritage trams three years ago when he was the ARC leader has finally seen trams on Auckland’s streets. Naturally we hope one day, the tram line may be extended to Britomart and hopefully up to Ponsonby.

The ‘Cloud’ and refurbished Shed 10 on Queen’s Wharf will be ‘Party Central’ for rugby visitors and locals who just want to convivially celebrate the teams, the sport and enjoy the atmosphere. The opening night lights and fireworks display on the waterfront on 9 September will be the biggest we have ever seen.

THIS MONTH WE FEATURE SEVERAL OF THE BUSINESSES IN THE URBAN DESIGN quarter – Maidstone, Mackelvie and Pollen Streets. It is always worth checking out the

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

JULIE ROULSTON, MARTIN LEACH, JO BARRETT + JAY PLATT

There are two recently opened restaurants in the ‘hood - Fire & Ice has opened on the strip and down in Drake Street, we now have Atico, specialising in Carribean cuisine.

Conraulations to the two locals have made the ‘Cuisine NZ Restaurant of the Year 2011’ awards. Firstly, to Cocoro for ‘Best Specialist Restaurant’ and Ponsonby Road Bistro, for ‘Best Casual Dining Metropolitan Runner-Up’.

FINAL REMINDER, PLEASE DON’T FORGET IT’S FATHER’S DAY ON SUNDAY! IN case you missed it, Ponsonby Business Association organised a 60 second film which is being shown on Air New Zealand inbound flights which features a number of local businesses. It’s available to view at www.youtube.com/user/concierge1943 PN

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DENISE ROCHE GREEN PARTY CANDIDATE FOR AUCKLAND CENTRAL AND LIST CANDIDATE

RUGBY WORLD CUP LEGACIES IN THE EXCITEMENT LEADING UP TO THE RUGBY WORLD CUP IT MIGHT BE easy to forget the general election on 26 November. The Green party certainly hasn’t forgotten. We started a low-key campaign at local events at the end of last year and, as I’m the Green Party candidate for Auckland central, I’ve recently become a bit more obvious around Grey Lynn and Ponsonby with my ‘look-at-me, look-at-me’ campaign car. I call it Bug: it’s a 22 year old S-Cargo with an astro-turf roof creatively applied by some local supporters to replace the leaking sun roof because I said I’d rather have a garden than a car.

I’ve relied on public transport to get around the city for the last 14 years and I’ve been startled to discover that taking the Bug is just marginally quicker than taking the bus.

It’s one of the reasons that I’m happy we Greens want to fast track the CBD rail link.

Like many folks I’d dearly love to be able to get from Britomart to Ponsonby Road in less than the half an hour it takes by bus or car during the working week.

Hauraki Gulf and improve our beach water quality. Every New Zealand child lives near a beach or a river and they should be able to swim in unpolluted water. It’s what we’ve had as kids and it’s something I want my kids to have too. And aside from that we need to urgently clean up our waterways because our 100% Pure tourism brand is seriously threatened.

I am continually impressed with the number of local businesses and households in Auckland that are working to reduce their impact on the environment. I’m heartened that more and more people are waking up to the fact that our economy depends on us maintaining our environment and the natural resources available to us are finite.

We Greens are focussed on practical and positive solutions that benefit all New Zealanders and more of our policies will be released as we get closer to the elections.

In the meantime it’s great to see our city spruced up for the Rugby World Cup and I hope we all get the chance to see some spectacular rugby. (DENISE ROCHE) PN

Tasteless PR gambits aside I’m really appreciating the Rugby World Cup because it’s been a huge catalyst to improve the city. The Wynyard Quarter has been opened and the fabulous historic trams are now traversing the precinct. Aotea Square is finished and ‘Waharoa o Aotea’, Selwyn Muru’s gateway arch, was re-sited last month. Queens Wharf has been opened to the public with the fascinating Cloud as a temporary building alongside the historic Shed 10. Q Theatre – situated between the Classic and the Town Hall – opens this month too. At the Auckland Zoo “Te Wao Nui” – which combines education and conservation with exhibition of rare New Zealand flora and fauna – has been launched and the long wait for the completion of the glorious renovations of the Auckland Art Gallery is finally over. I’m particularly thrilled to see all these Auckland Council ‘legacies’ completed because I had supported them while I was an Auckland City Councillor in the days before the Super-City kicked in. These are lasting benefits for us all and it is fantastic that they’ve all come together in time for the massive RWC visitor influx that our economy really needs.

Even the buses have had a spruce up. By the time the Ponsonby News goes to print the new bus routes for an Inner Link, City Link and Outer Link bus services which promise buses every 10 minutes on the routes that service the CBD and the central suburbs should be bedded in.

As a Green I’m delighted to see our city become more liveable and accessible. I’m particularly pleased to see walking routes from downtown Auckland to Eden Park being heavily promoted for the Rugby World Cup games. I’m also fully supportive of the Waitemata Local Board’s plans to make the city a better place for families with their plans for more playgrounds for the hundreds of children now living within the urban centre. So with all this focus on improving how we look for our visitors I get alarmed that we seriously let our side down when it comes to our natural environment.

Some central Auckland folk might be surprised to realise that they live next to New Zealand’s biggest marine park. The Hauraki Gulf Marine Park includes all of Auckland – and our local beaches like Cox’s Bay and Meola Reef and Home Bay - and stretches across the Waitemata Harbour to Great Barrier Island and to the other side of Coromandel including everything in between. The Park has its own piece of legislation that requires all the different players in the area from Thames-Coromandel to the Department of Conservation - and iwi besides - to get together regularly to get a handle on what’s happening in the Gulf.

Every three years the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park Forum is required to publish a State of the Environment report. I’ve been a member of the Forum for nearly four years and this third report in the life of the Park is the most damning yet. To summarise: the scientists all agree - what happens on the land affects what happens in the sea.

What happens, for example, in the Firth of Thames is that sedimentation and mussel depletion and increased aquaculture has an impact on the water quality right across the Gulf. Nitrogen washing into the Gulf from the Waihou and Piako rivers deposited by the 410,000 cows on the Hauraki Plains creates exactly the right type of environment for algal bloom. And storm water runoff coming out at Meola Reef contains heavy metals from car tyres that remains in the sediments and is hard to get rid of. Meanwhile sedimentation from earthworks on the land might contribute to creating a more welcoming climate for introduced pests like toxic sea slugs.

At the risk of sounding terribly New Age - it’s all connected.

Recently the Greens launched a series of policies aimed at cleaning up our polluted rivers. By cleaning our rivers we will clean up the aquatic playground that is our

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FREE METAL COLLECTION - SUPPORT TAMAKI SPORTS ACADEMY 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. Call Tricia on 021 808 921 or 09 276 0328

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photography: Jo Barrett

RED LETTER DAY – A NOTEWORTHY NEW STORE In this world of emails, texts and tweets, there’s something special about the permanence of words received in a letter, or memories written in a journal, or treasured thoughts passed between loved ones, written in ink by their own hand on beautiful stationery.

Red Letter Day, a new boutique stationery store in Jervois Road, inspires you to turn meaningful communication into keepsakes once more, with exquisite stationery, writing accessories and unique gifts to renew your appreciation for the art of writing (and receiving) written communication.

Owners Lindy (a letter-writing aficionado) and Graham (a man with a penchant for pens) are “people who, in this fast-paced electronic world, are passionate about genuine personal communication.” They opened their first store in Matakana, and recently opened their second store in Ponsonby – whose vibe suits the store with its mix of tradition and new elegance.

They stock several exclusive brands including Vera Wang stationery, Retro 51, Krone, Omas, Think pens – their newest product in store, and El Casco desk accessories from the Basque region in Spain – “the stapler design hasn’t changed at all since 1935”.

You’ll find various beautiful pieces – notepads, pens, gift cards, journals. And with Italian stationery starting from $15 for 10 sheets through to exclusive limited edition pens like the Chateau Lafite Rothschild by Omas, made from the staves of a barrel filled by the Rothschild cellars in 1797, there are products to convince even diehard electronic communicators to put down their smart-phone, pick up a pen and start writing.

(JULIE ROULSTON) RED LETTER DAY, 14 Jervois Road, T: 09 378 8085 www.redletterday.co.nz EDITOR’S NOTE: Lindy has organised a team of 21 to run the Auckland Half Marathon to raise money for the New Zealand Centre for Conservation Medicine – a vet team linked to Auckland Zoo who also assist other animals back to health. PN

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 LOCAL NEWS DING DING! PREPARE TO KEEP SAFE AROUND AUCKLAND TRAMS WITH THE INSTALLATION OF TRAM TRACKS NOW COMPLETE AND OPERATIONAL testing about to begin within Wynyard Quarter, Waterfront Auckland is encouraging cyclists, pedestrians and motorists working in and visiting the area to be vigilant and keep themselves safe.

One and a half kilometres of parallel 11 cm wide steel tracks have been laid in Halsey Street, Gaunt Street, Daldy Street and Jellicoe Street within Wynyard Quarter. From early last month, the tracks will carry two historic trams running in a clockwise direction on a 15-minute circuit.

“It’s been more than fifty years since the public has encountered tram tracks and trams operating on busy city streets,” says John Dalzell, the Chief Executive of Waterfront Auckland. “In the meantime the gauge of cycle tyres has changed and tram tracks are a potential hazard to cyclists who might not be aware of them in the roadway. Cyclists need to be aware of the double rails, avoid cycling on them if possible, and if they need to cross the rails to do so at right angles. The rails can get very slippery when wet so we should all take care when crossing roads where tram tracks are installed.”

Now Auckland Trams are running on our streets again, cyclists, pedestrians and motorists all need to raise their road safety awareness. “These trams are very quiet and while they move relatively slowly they are obviously extremely heavy and can’t stop quickly to avoid a potential collision. Plus if the rails are wet they require a greater distance to slow down and stop,” says Mr Dalzell.

The 48 feet long W2 tram weighs 17 tonnes, seats 52 people and has a driver and conductor onboard. The smaller X-1 tram is 31 feet long, weighs nine tonnes, seats 32 people and has one driver onboard. Both trams have front and rear indicators and warning gongs that ring when the tram pulls out on to the road as it leaves each stop. www.waterfrontauckland.co.nz

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MR SMITH says the two historic trams, already painted a vibrant carnation red colour, have now received their logos and personal tram numbers which are a continuation of the tram number sequence from the last time trams travelled on Auckland city streets in 1956.

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WHAT’S HOT AT STRAWBERRY SOUND DANIEL JURY

NILES FOR HIGH QUALITY PRODUCTS THAT INTEGRATE AND DISTRIBUTE HOME ENTERTAINMENT WITH THE PROMISE OF SPRING JUST AROUND THE CORNER, SOME OF US have definitely started to let those thoughts of BBQs, outdoor entertaining and dare I say…the beach creep back into our minds. To be fair we have been pretty lucky this year. Winter has seen fit to spare us the 12 day downpours, opting instead for some spectacularly cold days with a few accompanied by snow…actual snow…in Auckland.

The ZR4 and ZR6 systems are two of the most popular and most effective systems for multi room distribution.As the names suggest the ZR4 and ZR6 are 4 and 6 zone systems which consist of a multi channel amplifier, a combination of speakers and either 4 or 6 wall panels which are usually mounted just above your light switches for easy access to radio, CD, iPod and a range of other sources.

I have to admit that while sitting in front of the fire on Monday evening watching Kim Kardashian buy peanuts from the local street vendor, I thought ‘this may not be the most productive way to spend an afternoon’…I soon came to my senses and remembered that it was snowing outside…what else would I be doing?

The ZR6 comes with features such as plug–and–play iPod integration, a built–in AM/FM tuner, one touch automation, weather–resistant keypads with metadata display, and compatible TS–Pro self–configuring colour touch screens. No kitchen sink here but pretty much everything else you can think of. Water resistant keypads even allow you to send your music to the bathroom (in case you’re one of those people that need some extra motivation to get out of the shower in the morning)

Winter is a great time to be unproductive, a time to let the mess pile up in the kitchen, close the curtains and enjoy some quality time with your CD or movie collection. It is also a great time to get your home audio and vision ready for all the friends and family you’re planning to invite around when daylight savings kicks in.

At Strawberry Sound we are noticing a strong desire for systems that aren’t limited to only one room and over the last year there have been quite a few new offerings that address that very issue.

Systems that were once available to only a select few homeowners or for commercial projects are now readily available and affordable to anyone who wants sound or vision in more than one area of their home or business.

A few of the best products come from a company called Niles, a company focused on providing high quality products that integrate and distribute home entertainment for the residential and light commercial markets. Throughout its history, Niles has played a major role in transforming whole house audio/video and home theatre from a hobbyist pastime into a thriving, highly professional industry. Niles has grown by continuously refining its existing products, inventing new ones, and always delivering extraordinary value.

Niles have a huge range of products ranging from in ceiling speakers and fully waterproof speakers shaped like actual garden rocks through to amplifiers, automation devices, controls, and accessories.

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The beauty and simplicity of these systems are in their ability to play different audio sources in each room of your house without the need for a separate remote in each location.

The wall panel in each room controls everything from volume and track selection through to full iPod menu control and more depending on which system you choose.

Both systems include a remote that can be programmed to include other devices. This means that if you’re feeling lazy you can control the system without having to get up and use the touch panel.

Niles multi zone systems are easily installed at the build stage of a project but can also be retrofitted without too much hassle. They are also a fantastic option for restaurants or bars which need control of a range of areas in a space.

If you are building, renovating or simply want to run around your house laughing maniacally at the sound coming from every room, Niles is a great way to go. Come and see us at Strawberry Sound for a demo and a chat about our special Niles offers (DANIEL JURY) PN STRAWBERRY SOUND, 23 Williamson Avenue T: 09 376 0286 www.strawberrysound.co.nz

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 LOCAL NEWS RAIL TOP PRIORITY IN TEN-YEAR PLAN TO TRANSFORM AUCKLAND The Mayor has given his first indication of how the Auckland Plan will be implemented during the next decade with the City Rail Link the top priority. It came at a meeting of the Auckland Council Strategy and Finance Committee this afternoon. Implementation will come through the 2012-22 Long Term Plan. It is an initiative the Mayor has legislative responsibility for leading.

“The one project that stands out above all others in supporting the goals of the Auckland Plan is the City Rail Link,” says Len Brown. “It is central to creating the world class transport system Aucklanders deserve and will open up public transport across the region, spurring economic growth and urban regeneration”.

AUCKLAND VIADUCT RECEIVES ARTISTIC MAKEOVER FOR RWC The Auckland City Council has contracted Auckland based fashion designer, Miranda Brown, to design a 50 piece flag installation which is displayed along the waterfront in the city’s central business district. The viaduct in Auckland City’s harbour received an artistic makeover just in time for this year’s Rugby World Cup. “It is amazing to bring such colour and life in to celebrate the waterfront being opened up to more people,” says creator Miranda Brown. The Council hope that the flags, detailed with colours of the rainbow, will transform the predominately concrete area around the waterfront into an attractive environment for our overseas visitors.

The installation, consisting of 10 sets of five identical flags, was inspired by New Zealand’s unique terrain, people and culture. The Auckland City Council expects an additional 60,000 people will visit the city during the game period. Each flag, reaching three metres tall, will be embossed will a large circular motif to represent the navigation to and from New Zealand. This design was specially chosen for the flags to symbolise the journey people will make to New Zealand to watch the RWC. The flags were installed at the waterfront last month and officially presented to the public during the opening ceremony. The installation titled, ‘Ecology to Cosmology’, “is a vibrant expression of the navigation cycle,’’ says Miranda Brown. PN

Other key projects include the ATEED major events strategy which he describes as a catalyst for Auckland’s attractiveness as a destination and enhancing the quality of life for Aucklanders and council support for the protection of the St James Theatre.

The Mayor reinforced that there is scope to reprioritise existing work programmes and to work within existing fiscal envelopes to achieve many of the priorities of the Auckland Plan.

“My focus is to keep rates reasonable for Auckland families with increases at or around the rate of inflation during the next ten years. However we do face the considerable challenge of bringing together the rates systems of legacy councils.” He has also called for the investigation of new funding tools such as congestion charging or network charging to fund transport projects. The Mayor also believes council land and buildings without strategic significance should be considered for sale to release capital for priority projects.

Len Brown has also confirmed the principle of development contributions to fund new infrastructure, a review of regulatory fees and Local Board funding in the wake of transition and involvement in funding and pricing of Watercare services.

“We must recognise that keeping the status quo is not an option for Auckland - substantial growth will occur. We can bury our heads in the sand and stick with the same old, same old, or we take a proactive approach and shape the new Auckland, meeting the needs of that growth while creating the world’s most liveable city. To do that will take courage and persistence. The key building blocks have to be delivered during the next decade. There is no option.” PN

CAREER COMES FULL CIRCLE FOR TEAM MCMILLAN’S NEW MANAGING DIRECTOR With his appointment as Managing Director at Team McMillan BMW and MINI, Ian Gibson’s career has come full circle since his early days ays in the he sales 1980s as a sales cadet for Team McMillan Ford. Back then, with Bob McMillan at the helm of Team McMillan, Ian quickly moved through the cipal for ranks to management level, before leaving to further his career with various other motor franchises, becoming the youngest Dealer Principal a large motor vehicle group of companies and adding Nissan and Holden dealership management to his experience.

After leaving to run his own successful dealerships in Newmarket, Bob McMillan offered Ian the role of Sales Director for Team McMillan BMW and MINI. A recent restructuring, which sees Bob now focusing on the newly acquired Rolls-Royce brand, has given Ian the opportunity to put his own stamp on the business. oungest Globally, BMW is about to enter into a dramatic growth phase, and with an exciting model line up on its way, BMW will soon have the youngest vehicle line-up in the premium segment throughout the world, something which Ian and his team are very excited about as they look to thee future.

Ian’s promotion has in turn opened up the new car sales manager’s role, to which Team McMillan’s floor sales manager, Gavin Penfold, has just been appointed. PN TEAM MCMILLAN BMW 7-15 Great South Road, Newmarket T: 09 524 3300 www.teambmw.com TEAM MCMILLAN MINI GARAGE 130 Ponsonby Road T: 0800 236 464 www.mini.co.nz

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TEAM MCMILLAN BMW managing director IAN GIBSON PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

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DAVID HARTNELL’S ONE MINUTE INTERVIEW WITH BUFFY & BIMBO Buffy & Bimbo need no introduction at all, except to say they’re one of New Zealand’s best ever double acts.

WHAT ARE YOU GALS DOING FOR THE WORLD CUP? Very busy actually as we have volunteered to supervise the changing rooms and keep the showers clean.

Someone has to do this difficult job!

DO YOU EVER HAVE ARGUMENTS OVER YOUR STAGE COSTUMES? The only argument we have is over the amount of fabric required. Basically, we buy what is needed for Buffy, the girl with the fuller figure, and Bimbo has her outfit made from the leftovers.

WHO’S OLDER BUFFY OR BIMBO? As everyone knows we are identical twins but Bimbo was born six months earlier so Buffy could feed longer in the womb.

BIMBO IF YOU COULD CHANGE SOMETHING ABOUT BUFFY WHAT WOULD IT BE? Buffy is delightful but she needs to spend less time eating chocolate cake.

BUFFY IF YOU COULD CHANGE SOMETHING ABOUT BIMBO WHAT WOULD IT BE? Bimbo is a real honey but needs to eat more.

YOUR FAVOURITE HOLIDAY TO DATE? Buffy and Bimbo have never been on holiday but their managers Kevin and Jonathan are always going overseas. They leave us at home to work so they can live an amazing lifestyle.

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST STAGE APPEARANCE TOGETHER? Mobil Radio Awards at the Sheraton Hotel in 1997. This was our first stage appearance and first paid gig.

Yes, we got paid!

FAVOURITE SONG ON YOUR IPOD? ‘On the floor’ by Jennifer Lopez. Reminds us of how we used to look and dance in our younger years.

MOST STYLISH PRESENT YOU’VE RECEIVED? We have never been given a present.

WHAT KEEPS YOU BOTH MOTIVATED? Each other and our huge fan base.

WHAT WAS IT LIKE DANCING ON STAGE WITH THE PRIME MINISTER? We have danced with John Key many times and it is always a pleasure. He seems to think that it helps lift our profile but actually we all know it is about lifting his image. Must admit that he has a very tight butt!

HAVE EITHER OF YOU CONSIDERED BECOMING AN MP? Not an MP but we did apply to enter the Auckland City Mayoralty race we were declined as it was a joint application.

IF YOUR HOUSE CAUGHT FIRE WHAT WOULD BE THE FIRST THING YOU’D GRAB? Bimbo - false eyelashes. Buffy - lipstick.

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF MEN DRESSING UP AS WOMEN? Very very strange.

TV SERIES WOULD YOU NEVER MISS? Dancing on Ice and Dancing with the Stars - one day we might be asked to compete.

IF YOU COULD DATE A HOT HOLLYWOOD STAR WHO WOULD IT BE AND WHY? We know it is confusing as it isn’t that obvious that we are identical twins but when it comes to dating men we have our own individual tastes. Buffy has the hots for Kyan Douglas from ‘Queer Eye for the Straight Guy’. He is the one and only guy that makes her stop eating which would make her a very cheap date says Bimbo.

Bimbo’s eyes are only on one person at the moment. Darren Chriss who plays the character of Blaine Anderson in Glee. Buffy says that the only time that Bimbo can sit and concentrate and not talk for 30 minutes is when he appears on Glee. Should we tell her that he is a fictional character or let her dream?

WOULD EITHER OF YOU CONSIDER BOTOX? Been there, done it, over rated!

IF YOU HAD A FRAGRANCE LINE, WHAT WOULD IT SMELL OF? Sweet honeydew with a touch of arrogance and a splash of lust.

WHAT FREAKS YOU OUT? Men dressed as women and women dressed as men.

WHO DESIGNS YOUR COSTUMES? We steal designs from top international designers, adapt them for a perfect size 12 and 24 figure and then you have a B & B inspired gown. (DAVID HARTNELL MNZM) PN

WHAT TURNS YOU ON? Our lips are sealed (get the joke).

WHAT TURNS YOU OFF? Hairy legs.

SOMEONE ELSE FOR A DAY WHO WOULD YOU BE? Bette Midler.

GREATEST REGRET? Turning down the female lead role in the film ‘An Officer and a Gentleman’.

THE BEST THING YOU’VE EVER GOT FOR FREE? Our talent.

HOW DO YOU HANDLE FAME? We stay humble, true and grounded. Wait a minute - you mean we are famous?

THE MOST ROCK’N’ROLL THING YOU’VE EVER DONE? Working with Sir Richard Taylor on Project Born in Wellington last year and being asked to return to work with Weta Workshop in October 2011.

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JACINDA ARDERN LABOUR LIST MP AUCKLAND

LOCALLY, THERE IS ONE ISSUE THAT I THINK WILL GET A LITTLE MORE AIR time than others this election - transport. This is not just an issue about getting around, it’s about productivity, the quality of life in the whole city, the state of the environment and just how successful and prosperous whole communities can be.

It’s pretty pointless going on about stats, projects and numbers because ultimately, it doesn’t matter how much a government tells you they spent on public transport options, if you don’t notice the difference, if it hasn’t started transforming our city, and if we still haven’t provided choice for commuters, then it’s all just numbers.

Having said that, I think it’s important we’re really clear- we have made progress.

The use of trains for instance is increasing dramatically, which shows a fantastic possible future for Auckland, but the Government is undermining this growth by strangling vital investment in the network. They have said that they’re spending 1.6 billion in Auckland but this simply isn’t true; around 500 million of this is a loan to the council which we have to pay back and the rest was all voted in by the previous Government and is about to dry up.

Let’s be honest, Labour didn’t do enough to improve public transport and Auckland Central sent us that message. But now it’s time to send the Government a message. We need the CBD rail link so the city can grow well and to provide fast and modern connections without clogging up the streets even more.

There are plenty of projects in Auckland that will be the icing on the cake in an integrated transport network, but focusing for instance on trams before we get the rail link, is a bit like worrying about the capillaries before the heart’s been restarted. Melbourne transport planner Dr Paul Mees who visited Auckland recently was clear - it is the rail link that will be transformative for this city, and for the Government to focus on anything else is simply a distraction and shows a lack of real interest in fixing Auckland.

I’m looking forward to the debate on transport this election - I believe that alongside the economy, it will be a battleground. And the different choices are stark. Labour and the Greens have been clear, in the face of rising oil prices, and environmental costs, it’s time to give Aucklanders more freedom and more choice through a smarter use of the existing transport funds. It’s time to back the CBD rail link. National on the other hand are content to block the biggest public transport project in Auckland while squandering billions on uneconomic motorways. It’s time to send a message. (JACINDA ARDERN) PN Labour List MP based in Auckland Central www.jacinda.co.nz Authorised by Jacinda Ardern, 86 College Hill, Ponsonby

PONSONBY MARKET DAYS are always fun especially if the weather is with us. Pictured the last one which had music, entertainment and great bargains including $30 Gnomes at WORLD!

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LAST FLIGHT Westmere resident, Damon Keen is mad about science fiction.

He looks upon it as a tool for discussing bigger ideas. In his view good science fiction is a different way of looking at the huge changes happening in the world, its underlying morality and what could come about in the future. He cited ‘The Planet of the Apes’ which discusses vivisection, genetic engineering and the way animals are treated as an unintelligent example of the genre with the science component barely above playschool level. The spectacle aspect is still important but with the technology now available he claims anyone should be able to make beautiful and most importantly, plausible science fiction movies.

Damon is currently employed as a Designer at the Auckland City Council and has worked on numerous multimedia projects over the last thirty years. He created his first short film at the tender age of eleven! Three years ago he embarked on what he thought would be an eight month project.

“I’d dreamt up an easy-to-execute scenario: a fifteen minute movie with one actor, a small crew and relatively simple special effects. It turns out that there is nothing easy about making a film, and adding to the challenge, Last Flight is based entirely on Mars”.

The film is a further development on a comic he created for ‘New Ground’ magazine.

The concept of a woman alone on Mars taking charge of her own destiny in the face of seeming hopelessness and isolation remained in his head and he finally decided to turn it into a short film. He had a very small, tight crew shooting as far afield as Tongariro and White Island, and closer to home in Ponsonby, Point Chevalier, Bethells Beach and Western Springs Park.

Funding grants from NZ On Air, the Film Commission, and Creative New Zealand amounted to $17,000 most of which covered the travelling costs. The crew based primarily in Auckland worked for little or no payment. Everything else such as sound effects, music etc he paid out of his own pocket, so it was definitely a labour of love.

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‘Last Flight’ screened in the short film category during the NZ International Film Festival and had two airings at the Academy in July. Damon is now busy raising funds to enter it in film festivals around the world where it will have an audience.

Damon says there isn’t any money in making short films because there’s no market for them anymore. They play at film festivals and that’s about it. TV doesn’t cater for them, which is a pity because it’s how film makers learn their craft.

Nevertheless because of technology and the internet, new possibilities are on the horizon and with a good product in the bag he can go to sponsors with not just an idea, but proof he can do the job. He prefers stories that are not too far in the future and discuss modern perceptions and problems to a large degree.

One of his ideas is a climate change story. Now that would be a curly one! Politicians prevaricating, big business turning a blind eye, whole communities trying to cope with climatic disasters, it would be a blockbuster. Go for it Damon. (DEIRDRE ROELANTS) PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

THE NEW BMW X1 THE PERFECT FIT FOR PONSONBY LIVING Jerry Clayton BMWs Dealer Principal, Steve Hilson, says the feedback he had last month on his BMW Select financing scheme in Ponsonby News was fantastic so he sat down with his team to look at Ponsonby and find the BMW they think is perfectly fitted to suit the area at a great price. The new BMW X1 is available from $58,400* or $937 A MONTH* with BMW Select. Being Auckland’s month of fashion they asked Fashion Woman About Ponsonby and NZFW social media expert, Julie Roulston, to test drive the BMW X1 for a weekend and give us her experience. * BMW terms and conditions apply

“Would you like to test drive a Jerry Clayton BMW X1 this weekend?” the lovely team at JC BMW casually e-mailed. WOULD I?! Through some evil destinyswap I have driven a little white Japanese number whose engine is so small it sounds like a sewing machine for the last 10 years, and I leapt at the opportunity to put things to rights.

the back seats are relatively high it’s easy on your back to get the kids’ car seats into place.

The suspension is nothing less than delicious.

Westmere (where we live) is ridden with judder bars and mine and the kids’ teeth chatter every time we go over them in my day ride - in the Beemer we glided.

The X1 is the smallest member of the BMW xDrive family and ‘mine’ was shiny black befitting my parttime Fashion Editor status. I climbed onto the leather (LEATHER) driver’s seat and felt immediately at home and that feeling remained throughout the weekend’s test - it was more than my delusions of grandeur - the X1 is a comfortable yet slick, easily manageable car.

I yearned to plant my foot on the accelerator. Even driving at 50k you could feel that the car was superresponsive and that the pickup was immediate.

What struck me though was that although this is a large car, it didn’t feel much more cumbersome Fashion Woman about Ponsonby and mother, than my customary shopping basket. It has a certain JULIE ROULSTON nimbleness that made me feel I could duck in and out of parking spaces and execute quick U turns Now don’t laugh but it has a really lovely chime when you turn the motor on (never want to miss that bargain) with ease. (wonder if they change the sound for male drivers?) - as a harried working Mum of two I appreciate little sensory pleasures. The steering wheel (also leather covered Although I did not have to refill MY machine before the JC BMW team re took of course - you wouldn’t expect BMW to do clashing accessories!) is small and kind ownership I think the Eco values of driving a diesel are worth a mention for mums of racing car-y. The dash is easy to read and the whole vehicle was intuitive to use. on a budget, I was delivered a full tank and after the workout my husband and I My partner, who somehow managed to commandeer MY luxury vehicle for more gave it over the weekend it would rate half of what my partners car would have than his share of the weekend, commented in a charmingly snag-ish way that as done on the same mileage. PN JERRY CLAYTON BMW, 445 Lake Road Takapuna T: 09 488 2000 www.jcbmw.co.nz

JERRY CLAYTON BMW LOVES EXPERIENCING PONSONBY FASHION Visit the Jerry Clayton Showroom at 445 Lake Rd Takapuna, 5 minutes from Shelley Beach Rd, sit down and talk BMW Select or take a test drive during the month of September and be in to win a BMW shopping experience – A $500 dollar shopping voucher for your favourite stores in Ponsonby and the use of a BMW X1 to help you park easily while you shop in style.

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PIPPA COOM GREY LYNN 2030 NEWS AFTER MONTHS OF PLANNING, DETAILS ARE NOW finalised for the community celebrations happening in Grey Lynn at the end of September. Grey Lynn Shouts for Samoa (Adopt a Second Team) and Grey Lynn Creates are both on the programme of the REAL New Zealand Festival, the nationwide celebration that is running alongside the RWC 2011.

Grey Lynn Shouts for Samoa organised by the Grey Lynn Business Association and the local community for Adopt a Second Team.

THURSDAY 22 SEPTEMBER • Grey Lynn Street Party, Surrey Crescent 4.30pm – 8pm.

A vibrant celebration of Samoan culture, Grey Lynn’s Samoan heritage and Grey Lynn businesses.

Grey Lynn Creates 25 September – 2 October: An eight day festival celebrating creativity and sustainability in our local community. Organised by Grey Lynn 2030 with support from the NZ Lotteries Grants Board.

ON THROUGHOUT THE FESTIVAL • Window galleries, West Lynn shop windows transformed into an art exhibition • Art studio trail and tours. Participating Grey Lynn artists and makers will be opening their studio doors to the public for this special event (bookings required).

SUNDAY 25 SEPTEMBER • Spring Equinox Celebration, St Columba Church 10am • Kraftbomb, Grey Lynn Community Centre 11am – 2pm • Crafternoon tea, Grey Lynn Community Centre (Garden Room) 12.30pm – 3.30pm SATURDAY 1 OCTOBER • ‘Adopt a second team’ Community Festival, St Joseph’s School 12.30pm – 6pm • The Literatti workshop and performance, Grey Lynn Community Centre (Garden Room) 6.30pm – 8.30pm entry by koha SUNDAY 2 OCTOBER • Grey Lynn Farmers’ Market, Grey Lynn Community Centre 9am – 12.30pm • Composting workshop, Wilton St Community Garden 11am – 12pm More details at www.greylynncreates.co.nz

The party will include food and beverage stalls (no alcohol), live music and dance, Samoan craft displays, Samoan language tents and stalls run by community organisations.

SATURDAY 24 SEPTEMBER • Heritage Walk led by local Grey Lynn historian Sofi Pua. The walk will showcase Samoa’s strong history in Grey Lynn. A number of legendary Samoans from Grey Lynn will be invited to attend the walk, creating a once in a lifetime event for Grey Lynners and out of towners alike to discover Grey Lynn’s wonderfully rich Pacific heritage. Meet at St Joseph’s School at midday.

THURSDAY 29 SEPTEMBER • West Lynn Twilight Street Party and Street Market. Live music, performance, community stalls, Samoan craft and late night shopping, West Lynn shops 4pm – 8pm, Richmond Road (also part of Grey Lynn Creates) • The Velociteers perform at the Street Party 6pm and 8pm SUNDAY 1 OCTOBER • Community Festival 12.30pm – 6pm, St Joseph’s School, Great North Road. Food and beverage stalls, craft stalls, live performances, community stalls, and organised activities for the children.

All the above listed events are FREE and family friendly. (PIPPA COOM) PN www.glba.co.nz

UPCOMING FESTIVAL – GREY LYNN CREATES 25 September - 2 October KEY EVENTS IN THE FESTIVAL PROGRAMME INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING: ART STUDIO TRAIL AND TOURS Participating Grey Lynn artists and makers will be opening their studio doors to the public for this special event. The group involved represents a diverse range of interests, with practices spanning visual art and craft, including photography, painting, screen printing, ceramics, glass and weaving.

WHERE: The studios of Ron Andreassend and Karen Chan, Carolin Casey and Gerry Copas, Craig Ellis and Isla Osborne, Jude Graveson, Annette Isbey, Chuck Joseph and Louise Rive, Karl Maughan, Garry Nash, Fiona Rennie, Peter Veisnik and Hanne Vibeke. Download a walking map at greylynncreates.co.nz (Note: some studios are open to tours only) Cost: Free - contact Jan Claire for bookings on T: 09 360 0948 WINDOW GALLERIES During the week of Grey Lynn Creates, the West Lynn shops will be transformed into the site of an art exhibition. The event will see local emerging and established artists presenting new original artworks in the windows of participating businesses. Visit www.greylynncreates.co.nz for full details. PN

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NIKKI KAYE: AUCKLAND CENTRAL MP

IMPROVING THE STATE OF OUR ENVIRONMENT Recently I had the opportunity to be at the launch of the Hauraki Gulf State of the Environment report with Mayor Len Brown.

The Hauraki Gulf Marine Park is unique. It would be difficult to find another city in the world that actually sits virtually inside a massive maritime park surrounded by so many beautiful islands. I believe the new Auckland Council gives us an extraordinary opportunity to better promote the park and the beautiful Hauraki Gulf within Auckland and internationally.

While I believe the achievements of the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park have been significant, they have mainly focused on improved conservation of the islands in the Gulf and the expansion of the public and private land within the Park. I want to acknowledge the many outstanding individuals who have progressed the conservation of the Gulf including successive Conservation Ministers and Councillors Mike Lee and Christine Fletcher.

Council staff have responded to me outlining a number of initiatives to address this issue including the stormwater unit implementation plan.

However, I believe there is a need to do a lot more in the marine environment. The recent report shows some very worrying trends in the marine environment in the Hauraki Gulf.

This report indicates that current fisheries management rules are keeping stocks of fish such as snapper and crayfish well below natural levels. It also indicates that about three quarters of potential fish numbers may be missing from the system, particularly large individuals, and has altered other plant and animal life around the Gulf.

At a central government level I am also really pleased that the Minister for the Environment has proposed a new law which would make the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment responsible for independently reporting on the state of the environment every five years. This will enable a credible and independent report on the whole of New Zealand showing where we need to better manage our environment. We are the only country in the OECD that lacks legislation for regular environment reporting.

We envisage a new Environment Reporting Act is likely to cover issues like water quality, air quality, coast and oceans management, waste, and native plants and animals.

The Hauraki Gulf Marine Park Act 2000 (HGMPA) was passed over 11 years ago and as a result of this recent report I have approached Ministers asking for a review of this legislation. I believe the fundamental principles of the legislation are sound and visionary, but after 11 years of experience and the recent report I believe we need to review the legislation to ensure it is effective.

I have formally written to the Minister of Conservation Kate Wilkinson who has confirmed that she supports the exploration of marine spatial planning as a tool to progress the management of the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park. This collaborative process must continue and it is pleasing to see central and local government agencies expressing support for this process.

In the last year I have also contacted the Mayor of Auckland regarding improving waste management in Auckland. In particular I raised with him the amount of rubbish and plastics polluting the Hauraki Gulf.

I am confident that our Government, Local Government, the Forum and the many community and environmental organisations can work together to strengthen the Park.

We intend to release a discussion document on the proposal, called Measuring Up, so people can have a say on what a national-level environmental monitoring and reporting system should look like. Please contact my office at mp.aucklandcentral@parliament. govt.nz if you would like me to send you a copy of the report.

This week Government representatives, many environmental leaders and organisations will travel to Motutapu Island to celebrate Rangitoto and Motutapu Islands being declared pest free. This is a significant achievement but we still have more work to do. The state of our environment is something that we all must continue to work to progress. Future generations have a right to expect this of us. (NIKKI KAYE) PN www.nikkikaye.co.nz Authorised by Nikki Kaye MP, 82 College Hill, Freemans Bay, Auckland

RIPE SPONSORS GREY LYNN FARMERS’ MARKET AGAIN The Grey Lynn Farmers’ Market has delightedly announced that Ripe Deli have signed up to another year of sponsorship.

Now a Richmond Road institution, Ripe Deli was started six years ago by owner/ operator Angela Redfern. Ripe have made their name on great coffee, excellent pantry items and ready to eat takeaway food They are strong supporters of community initiatives and have supported the Farmers Market from the outset.

Angela says “I’ve seen the growth in the Farmers’ Market in the last year, and all the hard work that’s been put in. I can only see it getting better and better.

I go myself regularly and I think the market it awesome.” Angie recommends the ‘beautiful’ chocolate truffles, the bread and pastries and the honey that are available at the market.

Ripe is also a member of the Conscious Consumers Network and the business has a total of six badges to its name, including composting, recycling and free -range. They are in the process of installing 16 Hungry Bin worm farms that will compost all the organic waste the cafe creates - effectively diverting a huge amount of waste from the landfill.

The Grey Lynn Farmer’s Market says “Our community sponsors make so much possible at the Farmers Market, and help foster our local food economy. Thank you Ripe Deli for your continuing support!” (JULIE ROULSTON) PN

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ENTERTAINMENT VILLA MARIA FESTIVAL IN THE VINEYARD - SUNDAY 25 SEPTEMBER 2011 WHAT BETTER WAY TO ENJOY A RELAXED SUNDAY AFTERNOON THAN with a wine, food and music festival amongst the vines! Head along to Villa Maria Estate on Sunday 25 September for the Villa Maria Festival in the Vineyard featuring New Zealand’s own SOLA ROSA! As part of the 2011 REAL NZ Festival, Villa Maria’s Auckland vineyard will be transformed to host a showcase of award -winning wine, artisan food, music and more.

A day for family and friends with lots of free parking, just minutes from Auckland airport.

WHAT’S ON: • SOLA ROSA with the catch-all sound of soul, funk, jazz • George FM DJ’s - The Sweet Mix Kids • Cultural performances • Award-winning New Zealand wines – meet the winemakers • Artisan food stalls and New Zealand crafts • Children’s entertainment including bouncy castles • New Zealand sculpture and art exhibitions • Scenic helicopter flights Adults only $30, children 12 and under free. Selling fast so get yours at www.ticketmaster.co.nz PN For more information or to purchase tickets visit www.villamaria.co.nz/festival

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PONSONBY’S URBAN DESIGN QUARTER

MAIDSTONE, MACKELVIE + POLLEN STREETS

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KATALOG: QUALITY FURNITURE, LIGHTING AND HARDWARE SOLUTIONS Katalog is located on the corner of Crummer Road and Mackelvie Street, the entrance is on Mackelvie and parking is available next door in front of number 28. The Katalog range is well known for quality furniture, lighting and hardware solutions and is used on projects throughout New Zealand. The Ponsonby News community has the advantage of visiting the showroom and experiencing the Katalog look first hand. Katalog is open 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday and most Saturdays from 10am to 2pm. Take a look next time you are in the neighbourhood. KATALOG 31 Crummer Road T: 09 360 4291 www.katalog.co.nz 2

1. PILKE LIGHTS FROM FINLAND. These new lights have recently arrived from Finland. Made of birch ply they are available in two sizes; 360mm and 600mm diameter.

2. FROST DESIGN FROM DENMARK. Kitchen rail and accessories.

3. BED AND SHELF. Featuring Siebenschlafer bed and FNP shelf from the Nils Holger Moormann collection. The bed is available in standard bed sizes with or without headboard. FNP shelf can be configured to suit many situations including bridging as shown below.

3

EL FRAMO PROVIDES CREATIVE EXCELLENCE AND CRAFTMANSHIP EL FRAMO HAS LONG BEEN PONSONBY’S PREFERRED PICTURE FRAMER. Established in 1998, it forged a niche with the widest range of mouldings in town, unique hand-finished frames and the best range of mirrors available.

Nikki van Oosterum offered artistic and funky solutions to customers for 10 years before recently retiring and passing the mantle to new owner, Michael Turner.

Michael is keen to maintain El Framo’s reputation for creative excellence. He has a background in publishing and print, including a close association with publishing at Auckland Art Gallery in the early 90’s; and previously trained as a framer. “I feel as if my past experience in creative arts, publishing and media has come together at El Framo. It’s about blending the creative with craftsmanship. ” Michael has plans to reshape what he says is an already vibrant and attractive business. “I think we can expand our offer to customers with some new products and ideas. We are working on new finishes for our hand-made frames to refresh our range whilst maintaining our classic range. We have made significant investment in securing beautiful classic shapes that no one else in New Zealand carries. This allows us to offer consumers framing and mirror solutions that are unique”.

“Pollen Street is a great location for us. It doesn’t attract ‘high street’ rent, and this, combined with other efficiencies, has enabled us to be more competitive in the market.

Parking is easy out the front of the shop and we have good neighbours. People often wander in to El Framo after visiting French Country two doors up the hill”. PN EL FRAMO, 16 Pollen Street T: 09 378 6774 www.elframo.co.nz

The new owner of EL FRAMO MICHAEL TURNER brings his creative expertise to an already great business

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PONSONBY’S URBAN DESIGN QUARTER

MAIDSTONE, MACKELVIE + POLLEN STREETS

THE DESIGN FOUNDRY FINDS ITS MARK Since opening a little over two months ago The Design Foundry has become a fixture on the Maidstone Street design scene. Word of mouth and advertising in local media has brought people to the design and concept store. Those visiting have discovered, as one well known Designer put it, “an Aladdin’s cave of truly remarkable items.” The Design Foundry is about bringing together great design ideas, high quality furniture pieces, world class designer products, and a philosophy of standing out from the ordinary.

Over the last few weeks new items have begun to appear as the product range is expanded and new product delivered. “The arrival of the Mamasita chairs has been a real highlight” says Mark. “They are so colourful and appealing. We have placed a couple of these chairs outside most days and people can’t help but try them out.” The Table and Chairs To Dine For Exhibition last month drew many people in looking for a table that makes a statement.

Many of the tables are from the well known Boiler Room collection. Mark Crouch has also designed his own range of tables that offer customers the opportunity for unique customisation.

photography: Jo Barrett

Founder and Managing Director Mark Crouch says that first time visitors are always very complimentary about what they find. “I’ve had so many positive comments from people visiting and seeing what we have here,” says Mark. “I’m starting to recognise both the locals and the wider design community as the word spreads.”

THE DESIGN FOUNDRY : SARAH KIRK, MARK CROUCH and ANNE WILSON

There is something about maps and flags at The Design Foundry as well. Anne Wilson from Annex Design offers her beautiful ‘map dresses’ – full size dresses made from maps of well known cities. Paula Coulthard’s stunning range of New Zealand flags is highly sought after, and to cap it off the Paper Room has installed a large antique wall map mural that has everyone talking.

The Design Foundry will continue to evolve over September as the final pieces of the jigsaw come together with the installation of a stunning showcase kitchen, the exciting range of wooden flooring from Plateau flooring, and the Innovative Interiors wardrobe range that will be sure to impress the most discerning home owners.

The Design Foundry is open Monday to Saturday and with an on-site Espresso Bar that offers the perfect place to relax and view some of Auckland’s most inspiring and quirky design. PN THE DESIGN FOUNDRY, 14 Maidstone Street T: 09 376 4949 www.designfoundry.co.nz www.boilerroom.co.nz

GARRY CURRIN, Smoke and Dreaming, Kaipara 2011 [72”W x 48”H] oil on canvas

SHOWING AT WHITESPACE Until 11 September GARRY CURRIN – SMOKE AND DREAMING Standing in front of Garry Currin’s paintings is an emotional experience.

Currin’s landscapes are not allegories conveying meaning through symbolic representation, nor do they seek to imitate reality. Rather they employ, in the fashion of lyrical abstraction, the emotive and expressive qualities of colour, shape and brushwork to capture first the artist’s feelings, and subsequently the viewer’s. Essay excerpt by Jacqueline Aust.

WHITESPACE, 12 Crummer Road T: 09 361 6331 www.whitespace.co.nz

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FRENCH COUNTRY COLLECTIONS – A LONG STANDING LOCAL BUSINESS Ponsonby has been French Country Collection’s home for 18 years. We love the exciting cosmopolitan feel and all the exquisite boutique style shops, cafes and restaurants. In Pollen Street we love being around our neighbours with their diverse and interesting businesses. There is something for everyone in Ponsonby – you can enjoy your whole day here. PN FRENCH COUNTRY COLLECTIONS 8 Pollen Street T: 09 376 9742 www.frenchcountry.co.nz

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JAY PLATT

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT Elvang Alpaca/Wool throws $260 each @ Design Denmark www.designdenmark.co.nz; ‘Mamasita’ orange chair $490 @ The Design foundry www.designfoundry.co.nz; SitActive – Active Posture cushion $34.95 @ Peace Pillows www.peacepillows.co.nz; ‘Tangent Fjord’ iPhone / iPod player $899 @ Strawberry Sound www.strawberrysound. co.nz; Flowers & Vase $POA @ Nina & Co www.ninaforflowers.co.nz ‘Auckland Ferry Building’ by local Timothy Clarke $POA @ El Framo www.elframo.co.nz; World Cup Havaianas $32 each @ Havaianas, www.havaianasnz.com; Milkbar Stool 680Hx390Wx280D $495 @ Apartmento www.apartmento.co.nz STYLING: Jay Platt; PHOTOGRAPHY: Danilo Santana David, Fisher Santanta

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WE CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT ‘BIMBO’ stool by Peter Brandt 1994 for Blå Station, Station Sweden $360 @ Katalog www.katalog.co.nz; Fornasetti Fo cushion $325 @ Annex Design @ The Design Foundry www.designfoundry.co.nz; Siam antique gold candlesticks 24cm $65, 32cm $80, 40cm $90 @ The look l www.thelook.co.nz; Purple resin ‘Spiral’ vase $157 @ Chan Andreassend www.chanandreassend.co.nz; Top Sketches by Jordi Milà & Stone Wen $95 @ Studio Art Supplies www.studioart.co.nz; ‘da vinci’ brush set of 4 $69.99, Fine Artists Watercolour set $199 @ Studio Art Supplies www.studioart.co.nz; Wooden Victorian Plane $155 @ Bashford Antiques www.bashford.co.nz PN

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K’ ROAD BUS SHELTER GETS A MAKEOVER The opening of the revamped bus shelter on K’Road over-bridge last month is the culmination of a vision first espoused by the newly-formed K’ Road Main-street in the year 2000. The push to have the 40-year-old shelter refurbished was taken up by current Precinct Manager, Barbara Holloway, in 2004, and has been ardently advocated for by the K’ Road Business Association (KBA) ever since.

Especially gratifying, says Barbara, has been the opportunity for the KBA to contribute to design work for the shelter, with elements of the KBA branding decorating the white embossed perspex panels of the shelters’ sides.

The KBA also played a major role in commissioning artwork for the three lit perspex poles which herald the entrances to the over bridge. Tongan artist Filipe Tohi, who has been working with the KBA on its Rugby World Cup 2011 Adopt-A-Second-Team events programme, was approached by the Association to supply artwork for the poles.

Known for his geometrical sculptures in stone, wood and metal, based on the traditional Tongan practice of lashing or lalava, Filipe created patterns with links to the elements of earth and water which take inspiration from the poles’ environmental placing - within sight of Mt Eden to the south and the Waitemata Harbour to the north.

The mostly see-through new structure affords more light to users while still offering shelter from the elements. Designed by Opus Architecture and funded by Auckland Transport, it came at a cost of $2.1million and took six weeks to complete. PN

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photography: Judit Meron

 LOCAL NEWS

From left KRIS HALL,(RSC acting secretary/manager), RICHARD LANCASTER (RSC Secretary/Manager), HELEN MCILRAITH (Charge Nurse) and Nikki Kaye (Auckland Central MP)

GREY LYNN RSC DONATES WHEELCHAIR RICHARD LANCASTER, THE SECRETARY/MANAGER OF THE GREY LYNN RSC has lived for the past 14 years with bone cancer and recently spent four weeks in the Haematology Ward at Auckland Hospital. They only had one wheelchair for the ward, so anyone wanting a change of scenery was a bit stuck.

The RSC purchased and donated a second wheelchair last month, Lion Breweries kindly did the signage to show it had been donated and is now the property of the hospital. As Jane Jackson told Ponsonby News, “Wheelchairs evidently go walkabouts and we appreciated the importance of being able to leave the bed and be wheeled away to get that book or treat for oneself.”

“The RSC has a membership of people of all ages. We also have a Welfare Officer, George, who goes to visit our members, not only in hospital, but in rest homes and at home if they are poorly. A packet of biscuits, maybe some sweets, fruit and cold drinks and more importantly a chat are a welcome respite to many. Grey Lynn RSC are pleased to have contributed something to the hospital for the welfare of those that need it.” PN

THE SEEDLING KIDS CRAFT MARKET THE SEEDLING KIDS CRAFT MARKET WAS HELD LAST MONTH IN THE Freemans Bay Community Centre. This local event allowed children the opportunity to create and sell their wares in a market dedicated to them. This way they were able to learn skills about creating products and economics: something that this generation – growing up with plenty of toys, the Internet and the proximity of $2 shops needs badly.

The market was organised by Seedling, the children’s craft shop in Ponsonby, who provided the cardboard stands that the little vendors were able to decorate prior to the event. They also supplied some colourful aprons, the venue as well as plenty of nice ladies as helpers to make sure that everyone was prepared and ready for business.

St Mary’s Bay mum and founder of Artisan Cakes, Judit Meron told Ponsonby News, “The market was a huge success with many little entrepreneurs turning up with homemade lemonade, gift cards, cupcakes, plants, fairy dust, handmade bijoux, pre-loved toys and more. My girls enjoyed it thoroughly and were very successful with their sweet necklaces - the ultimate bijoux for that age! The money they earned, they want to save and they are hoping there will be another market like this, perhaps prior to Christmas. It was also a very rewarding experience for the parents.” PN

WESTERN SPRINGS COLLEGE ANNUAL QUIZ NIGHT THEY FILED INTO WESTERN SPRINGS COLLEGE’S SCHOOL HALL, SAT DOWN at tables, and spent three hours answering questions. But these weren’t grim-faced senior students taking exams. Instead, a Friday night last month saw almost 300 college parents, family and friends taking part in the world-famous-in-Ponsonby Western Springs College annual Quiz Night.

Armed with a glass of wine (not compulsory), a plate of curry, and plenty of competitive spirit, the 36 teams battled for fame, glory and the chance to reign supreme in the battle of the brains.

In between quiz rounds there were silent – and not-so-silent – auctions, entertainment from Western Springs College student musicians, a Shortland Street impersonation competition and plenty of chat and spot prizes.

But the grand prize? Over $20,000 raised to buy Notebook computers for use in the classroom as part of the school’s information and communications technology programme upgrade.

“It was a fantastic evening,” says Gordon Ikin, Western Springs College Board of Trustees member and representative for the Parent Action Group. “As always at Quiz Night, it was great to see the support from the community and all participants having such a good time. But we couldn’t do it without our sponsors. We want to send a special thank you to our very generous Gold Sponsors: Harcourts Team Ponsonby; Tropex Exports; Styles Project Management; and Vetcare Grey Lynn. Please support these businesses – and those of our Silver and other sponsors.”

Quiz Night Silver Sponsors: B&M Associates; John Butters and Associates; The Specimen Tree Company; Private Parks; Greencane Ecopaper, NZ Hygiene; C G Hudson Consulting; Edwards Builders; Auckland Actors; the Faculty of Science,

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Auckland University; Configure Express Ponsonby; Password PR; AMP Liquid; Ray White Pt Chevalier; SOS Eyewear; Bell Clark Construction; Raw Essentials; Investors in People; and Suzanne Timpson Psychotherapist.

The following business also donated to Quiz Night: Jetts Gym Grey Lynn; Justin McKenzie, World Tennis; Westmere Pilates; Pride of Auckland; Escobar Cafe; Little Grocer; Meola Kitchen; Garnet Station; Agnes Curran; Sliced; Harvest Wholefoods; West Lynn Butcher; New World Victoria Park; Bethalls Store and Cafe; Lee Jeans; PN Hair by Jody; Lisa Shearer; Grey Lynn Ukuladies; Bridgeway Theatre; Civic Video Grey Lynn; South Pacific Pictures; La Madu; Nina for Flowers; Glengarry’s; Goldwater Wines; www.rethinknz.com; Ecostore; John McDermott; Judy Darragh; Michelle Johnson Jewellery; John Pule; and Sally Barclay, Nutrimetics; Front Room Fabrics.

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 LOCAL NEWS IT’S A TWO MONTH MEMBERSHIP KICK- OFF! JOIN THE PONSONBY CRUISING CLUB IN SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER AND PAY just $10 for membership! See what has made this club quintessential to Ponsonby since 1900 and marvel at the stunning views from their clubrooms at Westhaven Marina.

Enjoy the club bar and bar menu, have a go at sailing on a weekday race night, listen to some live music or catch up with fellow members and watch the latest sport on the big screen TV. The choice is yours!

If you want to get involved in sailing it’s easy, cheap, and great fun, regardless of your experience and if you have children or know of any with a keen interest in yachting, then join the Sailing School to learn not only about how to sail but also how to be water-wise.

The Ponsonby Sailing School also caters for adults wanting to up skill to either sail a dinghy or to be a greater contributor on a keel boat.

Now’s the time to visit the friendly clubhouse and introduce yourself to Dianne Telford and she’ll show you around. Members at the PCC are always keen to meet new people and of course rugby supporters are very welcome! For more information on the club, membership and venue facilities see www.pcc.org.nz PN

DIANNE TELFORD of PONSONBY CRUISING CLUB

PUBLIC ART IN WYNYARD QUARTER SOUNDS OF SEA (2011) SCULPTURE BY FINNISH BASED COLLECTIVE company (Aamu Song and Johan Olin) is based on the ventilation funnels and speaking tubes used on ships and are designed for sitting, listening and speaking.

The artists were inspired by the unique site and ‘hollow’ structure of the wharf.

The sculptures are a reminder of the history of the waterfront and its on-going role as an active shipping harbour, transforming the wharf into an old ship deck.

This new public artwork has been realised by the Auckland Council Public Art team with the generous support of Landmark Incorporated. PN Facebook page: www.facebook.com/PublicArtAKL

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photography: Kathrin Simon

 LOCAL NEWS

The High Country in TE WAO NUI

TE WAO NUI AT AUCKLAND ZOO Opens: Sunday 11 September (Midday) Walking through the forest, discovering tuatara on an offshore island, or immersing yourself in the high country with kea flying by are all experiences on offer at Auckland Zoo’s amazing new New Zealand precinct, Te Wao Nui. Opening to the public at midday on Sunday 11 September, Te Wao Nui is the biggest and most significant project in Auckland Zoo’s 88-year history. It takes up 20% of the Zoo’s 17ha footprint and offers us all a truly unique experience of this country’s animals, plants and culture in a way that has never been done before – all in one location!

Funded by Auckland Council ($9.4m) and through funds raised by the Auckland Zoo Charitable Trust, Te Wao Nui takes you on an immersive journey through six distinct ecological habitats that are home to around 60 NZ native animal species and over 100 different NZ plant species. There’ll be many species you will most likely never have seen before – like the ground-dwelling short-tailed bat, Archey’s frog, Otago skink and Campbell Island teal.

The Coast (Takutai), The Islands (Moutere Rahui), The Wetlands (Nga Repo), The Night (Te Po), The Forest (Te Wao Nui a Tane) and The High Country (Whenua Waotu) make up Te Wao Nui’s six environments. With their diversity of landscapes, you really do get that sense of travelling the country.

Large Maori artworks are also an integral part of the Te Wao Nui experience, with over 12 artworks being created by world-renowned artists Lyonel Grant (of Te Arawa), Bernard Makoare (of Te Rarawa and Ngati Whatua) and Manos Nathan (of Te Roroa, Ngati Whatua and Nga Puhi).

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The Forest within TE WAO NUI

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Friends of the Zoo JESSICA FOWLER and her 2-year-old daughter LUELLA PICKERING from Grey Lynn PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

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photography: Kathrin Simon

 LOCAL NEWS

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The Wetlands area within TE WAO NUI - home to lots of birds and also the longfin eel

TE WAO NUI AT AUCKLAND ZOO Auckland Zoo director Jonathan Wilcken says Te Wao Nui is “one hundred percent about celebrating and helping to protect New Zealand’s fauna and flora” and that visitors play a key role in these efforts.

“For decades the Zoo has been working to conserve New Zealand native species, but a lot of this work has gone on behind the scenes. At last, Te Wao Nui is really going to open the door on this work.”

photography: martin leach

“As a visitor to Auckland Zoo you help the Zoo in this work to conserve New Zealand native species. We’re working to return native species to the wild, and are providing the expertise of our staff and our resources to help our conservation partners monitor and manage wild populations. And where we can’t help directly, we help fund the work of those who can. A percentage of your Zoo admission goes to help those working at the frontline, protecting our native species in the wild. And at Te Wao Nui’s conservation centre, you’re invited to suggest which conservation projects you’d like us to support,” says Jonathan Wilcken. PN

Above left: a New Zealand fur seal (KEKENO), enjoys breakfast; above right: Little blue penguins (KORORA) gather around at feeding time

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CHAIR’S WAITEMATA LOCAL BOARD REPORT: SHALE CHAMBERS WHO WOULD HAVE THOUGHT THAT WHEN THE NEW ZEALAND RUGBY wallahs and the then Prime Minister Helen Clark presented their pitch to the Rugby World Cup decision-makers years ago that it would result not only in the flurry of the local tarting up of our city, but also some real infrastructure wins for Auckland.

Sure, a whole packet of money has been ‘invested’ in a new stadium in the wrong place. Sure, it has sucked money from the deserving town centres in suburbs south of the inner city. But this month is the time to be positive, as Auckland readies itself to host the world for Rugby World Cup, and to party. So, money pouring in via the Government and past prioritisation of your Council expenditure has also meant some excellent wins for Auckland and in particular our City Centre and suburbs of the Waitemata Local Board area. New footpaths in Grey Lynn and Arch Hill, shared space streets in the CBD, the new K’Rd overbridge, and bike and walking lanes in Ian McKinnon Drive to name just a few.

A truly great urban waterfront is hard to come by and we are indeed blessed that we have one right in the heart of Waitemata. The newest happening place on the block at the now-open first stage of the Wynyard Quarter at North Wharf… the Events Centre, playground, restaurants, public art, trams and promenades… attracted 40,000 people on the opening day last month. It is spectacular. It is a real tangible asset that would certainly not have occurred so quickly or quite like it has shaped up if the Rugby World Cup wasn’t upon us.

Seeing trams return to the city centre of Auckland for the first time since 1956 is both historic and a matter of great joy to my Board. This was made possible by your local councillor, Mike Lee’s quiet visionary planning and funding of the heritage trams three years ago when ARC leader. Mike clearly took much pride in driving the first tram that day and everyone, including Mike, beamed from ear to ear. I was indeed honoured to be on that first tram, with 4,700 Aucklanders riding them on just that first day. We look forward to the tram line being extended to Britomart.

This month also sees the opening of the refurbished Auckland Art Gallery and the newly commissioned artworks will complement the collections in storage that will be on display again. Then there is the opening of our newest theatre ‘Q’ that has been 12 years in the making and is here because a dedicated bunch of visionaries kept their dream alive over four Councils and nearly lost it at least twice. Then we still have the new ASB theatre at Wynyard Quarter which will be the home to Theatre Corporate in a couple of years.

Finally, let’s not forget the ‘Cloud’ and refurbished Shed 10 on Queen’s Wharf that will be ‘Party Central’ for the large number of rugby visitors and locals who just want to convivially celebrate the teams, the sport and soak up the atmosphere. The opening night lights and fireworks display on the waterfront on 9 September will be the biggest we have ever seen. Don’t miss it. Shoppers will be welcome too at the lovingly restored Britomart buildings and the newly opened Takutai Square Atrium with its green walls and new entrance to the Britomart train station. Central Auckland has never seen so many new or reburbished precincts open up at the one time.

Of course most of us will be at home watching most of the games on telly hoping all the detailed planning will work to plan and our streets won’t be at a standstill and our roads clogged. When you venture out into the September spring air awaiting the November election after the RWC whirlwind, walk down Ponsonby Road to Art Station where you can be warmed up by a new exhibition starting 21 September of Political Poster Art in Aotearoa. Thirty five years of political posters will put the issues of Election 2011 into perspective. Contact me: shale.chambers@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz (SHALE CHAMBERS) PN

Image courtesy of Copeland Associates Architects

Great cities have great public spaces that are not dominated by cars, retailing or commercialisation. Public places that invite us to slow down and walk around. Public art is part of that. Welcoming back the ‘Wind Tree’ to its new site was heart-warming.

Adding ‘Sounds of the Sea’ and ‘The Flooded Mirror and Silt Line’ certainly lifts the spirits. The public spaces at Wynyard Quarter give us that sense of connectedness to our harbour and our historic buildings that has long been missing in Auckland.

SHALE CHAMBERS and MIKE LEE - with the very first tram about to leave the station

ABOVE LEFT: An architect’s impression of the proposed Auckland Harbour Bridge Pathway for cyclists and pedestrians. The pathway would be positioned under the city -bound clip-on; ABOVE RIGHT: Cyclists and pedestrians will share a walkway up to four metres wide in the proposed design for the Auckland Harbour Bridge Pathway.

It will afford spectacular views of the city, the harbour, Auckland’s North Shore and the Hauraki Gulf.

AUCKLAND HARBOUR BRIDGE PATHWAY PROJECT The AHB Pathway project is a proposal to build a cycle and walking path, under the southbound clip-on of the Auckland Harbour Bridge, to link the city and the North Shore. Projected benefits include: it will be a tourist attraction with economic benefits for local business; an estimated saving of 1,800 tonnes in carbon emissions per year if used by 1,000 commuters a day who would otherwise drive; and making Auckland more attractive while acting as a draw card for family activity.

The Pathway project director, Bevan Woodward, first wrote to Transit NZ (now the NZ Transport Agency) in 1999 about walking and cycling on the Bridge. At the time he was living in Pt Chevalier and driving to Takapuna daily and came to see the Bridge as Auckland’s Berlin Wall for pedestrians and cyclists.

Since 2004, advocates have tried to get officials to see the benefits of a pathway. The NZTA advised in 2008 that the northbound clip-on did not have adequate capacity for a

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pathway and refused to look at alternate options. A public demonstration in May 2009 saw NZTA return to the negotiating table.

The Pathway group engaged architects Copeland Associates and structural engineers Airey Consultants to work on the design, with Hopper Developments later joining the team. Last month the Auckland Council’s transport committee officially recognised the pathway as a strategically important project.

The estimated cost is $23.2M with external night lighting and observation decks likely to add $8.1M. It will be funded through a Public Private Partnership with a proposed toll of $2 for users – which compares favourably to a minimum bus fare of $3.40 or ferry ticket of $4.90.

The number of concurrent users will be managed, to approximately 1,000 at any time outside of peak period, for health and safety reasons but it is forecast that the Pathway will be used by over 60,000 people per day. All going well, the pathway could be open

by April 2013. PN PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

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JOHN ELLIOTT: SOAP BOX HERNE BAY SHATTERED BY LANDLORD’S CALLOUSNESS HERNE BAY VILLAGE IS IN SHOCK. POPULAR CHEMIST GERALDINE PHILLIPS and her staff of eight fulltime or part-time people, who have served our community faithfully and well for 20 years, will probably be out on the street by the time you read this article.

Why? Because their landlord, John Sandler, has not only refused to renew their lease, but left it till the last possible moment to tell Geraldine the bad news. “Be out by 31 August”, was his edict. The legalities around this will be handled by lawyers, and it is not for Ponsonby News to discuss whether or not Sandler’s actions were legal or not.

It is the sheer inhumanity of the action that beggars belief.

When I visited on Thursday last, customers were in shock. Shelley, a local woman who has had many recent health problems was devastated. “They look after me so well,” she told us. “They sent me peonys when I had an operation. If I have no money, they put it on account, and they will stay open if I’m running late.”

“It stinks,” said elderly Mrs Vogan, before stamping out of the pharmacy. Local Herne Bay man, Ron, was equally upset. “I’ve never heard a good word about that fellow Sandler,” he told us, before he too left the shop shaking his head. What seems so unfair, is that Ponsonby News understands Sandler will put another Chemist in the premises, and that this pharmacy will be part owned by him.

Up and down the street, which is my local neighbourhood precinct, shopkeepers who I respect, have scurrilous things to say about John Sandler. Sharon Watson, owner of Toi Toi Florists just up the road from Herne Bay Pharmacy, used to be a tenant of Sandlers. She is vitriolic in her criticism of how he treated her before she got out and started again in new premises. It may well be that this man dots the i’s and crosses the t’s legally, but the question is whether he always acts honourably in his business dealings.

Herne Bay is quite a tight little business community. When Video Ezy arrived almost next door to Trans Video, locals rallied around Henry, the Trans Video owner, and it was Video Ezy that soon left. When Andrew at Novel phoned all the kids who had ordered Harry Potter books to tell them Paper Plus and Whitcoulls were going to sell the books for much less than Andrew could buy them for, and that he would understand if we cancelled our order, we as a family did not cancel and neither did most other locals. It was worth $15 to keep a small local bookshop viable.

360 COMMUNICATIONS LIVES UP TO ITS NAME 360 COMMUNICATIONS IS A COMPANY OF EXPERIENCED AND REGISTERED electricians and technicians based out of Grey Lynn/Ponsonby. Living up to its name, it prides itself on being a ‘one-stop-shop’ for its customers for anything and everything electrical. This is backed by competitive prices and over 10 years experience servicing some of New Zealand’s leading commercial and residential clients.

Leading 360’s friendly team, Director Ryan Galloway believes “No job is too big or small, we love a challenge. One day my team might be installing a structured cabling system into a commercial office and the next day we’re mounting a flat-screen TV with a surround sound system into a living room. We provide everything from data and electrical to audio visual and security systems.”

Some top sites Ryan personally supervised commercial solutions for are Vodafone, TV3, G.E Money and Deutsche Bank. G.E Money’s Tautiaga Tiatia says “Ryan managed a complex consolidation of over 900 employees from eight sites into our new location. The trait I most admire in Ryan is his attention to detail and a quality result. He is honest and hard-working and all our moves were completed on time.”

360 Communications currently have some great offers running including 15% discount off the total invoice for first time customers and a 24/7 anytime call-out service.

Check out www.360comms.co.nz for a full list of their services or call Ryan for a friendly chat on T: 0800 360 COMMS. Alternatively drop an email to service@360comms.co.nz and get 360 COMMUNICATIONS to quote on your next project. PN

My guess is that a new chemist shop, with John Sandler’s personal involvement, will struggle for local customers, who know how he treats his tenants.

Of course Geraldine Phillips is distraught, but she is absolutely overwhelmed by the support of customers who are determinded to keep Geraldine and her team in the neighbourhood. And Geraldine is a woman who gives gifts, especially to the elderly, on their birthdays and at Christmas. I was told that one old woman can no longer walk up to the Pharmacy so Geraldine, or one of her staff, not only drop prescriptions to her at home, they take her a hot chocolate too.

John Sandler may be rich and getting richer, but as it says in the bible, “it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven.” It may be very hot where he is going. (JOHN ELLIOTT) Geraldine Phillips has already been offered new, local premises. Any queries please phone T: 09 376 3339, or 027 332 3550 www.hernebaypharmacy.co.nz PN

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LOCAL NEWS: DEIRDRE ROELANTS

ART FOR ART’S SAKE HAYJAYS SUPERETTE ON RICHMOND ROAD IS A DAIRY WITH A DIFFERENCE. Stepping inside, one is immediately surprised to see a number of paintings displayed on part of the wall space behind the counter. They are the work of the proprietor, Vinod Solanki who upped sticks from Fiji with his family nine years ago. He had worked for the ANZ bank for twenty-five years and was looked after very well, he says. His wife, Kokila, also worked in another bank, but eventually,with their children’s future in mind, they decided to come to New Zealand. Running a dairy is a big change from their earlier careers, but they are happy enough with the business and the nice people in the area who frequent their shop.

Vinod is not formally trained but had a gift of portraying images on canvas from an early age. Now, when there is down time in the dairy he works away on a painting little by little till it reaches his standard of perfection. This can take several weeks before it is ready for display. He has never had a ‘show’ but achieves some sales through word of mouth. The works are very ‘painterly’ with a pleasing depth of colour. Interestingly his youngest son, who is studying Pharmacy in Dunedin, has a similar talent, but does abstracts rather than figurative work, for which his father has a passion.

Vinod is fortunate in being able to pursue his true calling while running a demanding business that operates for long hours seven days a week. He has always believed that his approach to creating art is valid. As an artist he wants people to see the true dimension of what he is painting, not a mental misshaping of an image. He does not favour the deconstructing of an image in the mind then representing it as a collection of say squares, circles, triangles and shades of light and dark. He believes a true artist should get over the fact that apples are red, oranges are orange, the sun is yellow and grass is always green.

In his words, “I have been painting for more than thirty years now and I must say that painting a true image and not a mental distortion, is still a challenge for me and in fact a challenge for a lot of artists I know. Not only does freeing the mind make every brush stroke finer, it also makes every object fuller in its appearance and a painting worth the time and effort. It is this challenge which motivates me to continue with my passion.”

How very refreshing to hear this firm conviction from a practitioner who the so called art cognoscenti might describe as a Sunday Painter. This is of no concern to Vinod who is an Every Day painter and remains a proponent of what he considers a genuine art form. (DEIRDRE ROELANTS) PN FROM THE EDITOR: Vinod’s wife makes delicious samosas!

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LOCAL NEWS: DEIRDRE ROELANTS

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A TEAM OF BRIGHT YOUNG THINGS Unlike Evelyn Waugh’s bright young things in ‘Vile Bodies’, Claudia Wyss and her team are not exemplars of a decadent society. Rather they are part of a hard working vanguard that is grasping the opportunities cyber space has to offer. They have all had to face the harsh realities of a stringent economic climate but not daunted, have set up a company, Entertainme, that was incorporated in April this year. Their goal is to promote nightlife, events and entertainment businesses throughout New Zealand.

It works like this. They negotiate really good prices with businesses they then sell to consumers online. In other words they offer another form of advertising through social media networks and YouTube without the business having to pitch money upfront.

In turn the consumer can go to a one stop shop to find out what’s happening in the entertainment arena and access really good deals. When customers make a purchase on site they receive a coupon or boarding pass with details of their entitlement and only then does Entertainment receive a commission on the sale.

The existing www.entertainme.co.nz is quite simple and anyone who registers now is entered in a draw for an iPad or one of five $100 vouchers to spend at a bar. The full site will be launched on 3 October and will have a You Tube feed that has video footage of, for example, clips from shows or whatever is going on in terms of events.

The team has lots of relationships with theatres, festival organisers, and businesses that do family and children’s events so it’s not just about restaurants and bars. They will be covering the whole spectrum of entertainment. The industry has been very supportive and Entertainme already has a lot of promotions to give away on their facebook site.

and a ‘what’s on’ and restaurant expert. Kevin Biasci hails from France and was formerly in mobile banking and accounting. Matt Robinson is a Visual DJ for most major acts that come to New Zealand. Big Day Out, Phat, Our House are to name just a few.

Olivia Young is currently at Auckland University and is a serious people connector who practically lives on Facebook and Twitter. Nathalie also hails from France and brings a fresh design perspective to New Zealand. She has helped create the amazing Entertainme graphics.

Entertainme is all about making sure everyone wins in this game. Businesses gain promotion through YouTube which replaces costly television advertising. People looking for amusement can get good deals, and Entertainme has a viable enterprise.

So who are these bright young things?

The team also tries to support those who may not have much money but are part of New Zealand culture. They are busy visiting events ranging from gigs, concerts, clubs, shows, cultural events, and kid’s activities to help spread the word about what a great city we live in. They take photographs and conduct interviews then gain permission to promote them through YouTube or Facebook.There is no cost for these activities and the footage may be used on the subjects‘ own site or Facebook pages.

Claudia Wyss has a Harvard MBA, and is a former medical doctor turned entrepreneur.

She organised major events at Harvard. Julia Morris is an award winning sales person

The Entertainme mission statement? To make people’s lives more fun. Well I can’t imagine having a problem with that. (DEIRDRE ROELANTS) PN

IF YOU’RE AN ACTION SPORTS ADDICT OR EVEN IF YOU’RE NOT...

New Zealanders are renowned for being adventure and action sports addicts. Thanks to Hyper, you can get practically everything you need online from www.hyper.co.nz.

Hyper stock everything from designer clothing, to surf, wake, skate and snow products.

Just some of the hundreds of brands online include Huffer, ilabb, Neff, Skull Candy headphones, Hyperlite, Ronix, Riveria, Powell Peralta, Santa Cruz, Dakine, Rip Curl, Billabong and Ride.

In fact there is product for everyone... for kids check out the latest MGP scooters, street surfers, wetsuits, protective gear, shoes and more. And if you are quick you still have time to order dad an old school skateboard or long-board for Fathers Day. They stock many of the great brands to include some like Riveria, Sector 9 and Santa Cruz.

Soon to hit the website is the limited edition Huffer rugby range which is going to be hot. There are replica old school jerseys, ‘I love NZ’ tees and more.

Hyper offer the fastest nationwide delivery in the business. Order it online and you can have it the next day!

Everything you see online can be viewed at the HYPER showroom: 737 Great South Road, Penrose T: 09 580 2401.

Open from 8am-5pm weekdays and 9am-1pm Saturdays.

Hyper.co.nz - Buy anything this month to go in the draw to win a Huffer Limited Edition rugby jersey and get 20% off anything you order*. Use the promo code PNEWS. *excludes hyper drive product and clearance product. Drawn 30 September. PN

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PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

SIDELINE WITH GEORGE BERRY

A NEW FOUND VIEW AND LOVING BEING BACK IN BLACK To steal a saying being used by Steinlarger; “everyone loves a comeback.” This saying best describes the position All Black lock Ali Williams finds himself in.

After suffering not one but two torn Achilles tendons, and nearly two and a half years on the side line, from somewhere off in the international rugby wilderness Williams is well and truly back. He has played all four tests this year as the All Black coaches gave him the opportunity to rediscover the form every rugby lover knows he’s capable of ahead of the World Cup.

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A product of Kings College, Williams was one of those talented individuals that had it all, he towered above his peers, and was skilled at nearly everything he turned his hand to including cricket, tennis, and football.

It wasn’t until the big rangy Ponsonby lock was coaxed into playing rugby that he found he could comfortably hold his own in New Zealand’s national game.

After quickly proving his talents in the Auckland development programme, the now 30 year old was swiftly inducted into the Blues Super Rugby franchise and then into the All Blacks at the age of just 21.

Like a number of talented individuals Williams developed an interesting attitude, whether it was caused by his rapid rise to the top or a product of his deep down shyness, Williams carried himself with a swagger and arrogance off putting to many rugby fans.

But after finally getting back to the level of fitness required to foot it with the best, Williams has discovered a clearer, more down to earth view of life.

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Williams decided to extract himself from the limelight in New Zealand and continue his return to rugby at English second tier club Nottingham. The move proved successful for Williams, if not only to remind him of how fast the game now was, but to give him the required knocks a body takes during a game, and to reaffirm to himself his foot may have been injured, but no longer is.

He then returned home to mixed reviews. On the paddock his early performances would most likely be best described as rusty, even catching the ball from the kick off seemed to provide its own challenges for the first couple of weeks of this year’s super rugby competition.

However, as the season wore on Williams overcame his struggles, and it was evident he was quickly having more ups than downs. It was also clear that the 2010 All Black pairing of Brad Thorn and Sam Whitelock would be re-joined by an experienced veteran for the 2011 Rugby World Cup campaign.

ENJOYING A PINT WITH THE ALL BLACKS AT THE CAVALIER PONSONBY, Tuesday 2 August Steinlager has been an unconditional supporter of the All Blacks for 25 years, and to show some of that love back, selected All Blacks worked behind the bar at The Cavalier Tavern last month working hard, pouring pints for the locals.

1. Jerome Kaino, Ray Wilson and Colin Slade; 2. Ray Wilson, Richie McCaw and Marilyn Wilson. PN

OUT + ABOUT The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

Once back to full fitness for the Blues I met with Williams on a number of occasions to find out his new found appreciation for the game. It turned out that the swagger had either totally disappeared or was now being channelled in a totally different direction. “I want to be an All Black. That’s my main focus, but I now know, for many different reasons people don’t always get there, so to be cocky about it isn’t where I’m at any longer,” explained Williams.

“His head is in an entirely different place now,” said All Black assistant coach Steve Hansen, “it looks as though the level of effort it’s taken to get back in the mix has had a really positive effect on the big guy.”

“A lot of players get injured at some stage in their career, some worse than others, but to his credit he’s back and at this stage he’s looking like he’ll be not only better off the park, but because of those experiences he’s a better rugby player all round,” Hansen’s fellow assistant Wayne Smith reiterated.

So bottoms up to Ali Williams, he totally deserves his position back in the All Blacks. (GEORGE BERRY) PN

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SIDELINE WITH GEORGE BERRY

BIG SHOES TO FILL After nearly a decade in the top job, 55-year-old Ruth Aitken is hanging up her whistle and Netball New Zealand is now on the hunt for someone to lead our National team.

Following the lead of her arch nemesis Norma Plumber (Australian diamonds coach), Aitken has decided it’s time to give someone else a chance to provide the Silver Ferns with fresh direction.

However the shoes being left behind won’t be easily filled. During Aitkens 110 tests (the most by any netball coach in the world) she has maintained a 77 percent winning record, including a world championship title (2003) and two Commonwealth Games gold medals (2006 and 2010).

At the recent World championships in Singapore Aitken equalled her former coach Louis Muir’s record of 107 games in charge, before going on to guide the side to another thrilling extra time finish at the grand final. Unfortunately that game was one that fell the other way for Aitken, so she’s decided to hang about for the remaining five tests this year. Two against England and three against Australia; Aitken seems more determined than ever to go out on a winning note.

Although stepping back from the head coaching role she’ll not be lost from Netball in New Zealand all together, Aitken will take on a new role as Netball New Zealand Coaching Director, where she will coach our coaches, and work with the countries rising stars in a development programme.

Fingers crossed that means the ANZ netball championship title that’s managed to elude the New Zealand franchises in the competition so far is not far away from taking up pride of place on this side of the Tasman.

“I am looking forward to leading the team for the final five tests of the year, the timing of this feels right,” Aitken said. “My entire career has been an unbelievable blessing.

I am fiercely proud of the program we have built. I couldn’t have asked any more from the players, assistant coaches, the great New Zealand fans, Netball New Zealand, and of course, my family.”

Netball New Zealand Chief Executive Raelene Castle says Aitken’s record as the Silver Ferns coach has been outstanding, “she has led the most successful decade in the history of the sport, her contribution to Netball in New Zealand and the Silver Ferns will leave a lasting legacy.”

By the age of 14 Aitken was playing at National Tournaments, representing Thames Valley. When she moved to Auckland, Aitken played for Auckland and North Shore

before being selected for New Zealand to play in the World Championships in Trinidad and Tobago in 1979.

Ruth’s experience in coaching began for North Harbour in 1991, before moving on to lead the Counties-Manukau Cometz in the national league from 1998 to 2000. Aitken then headed down state highway one for three years with the Waikato/Bay of Plenty Magic franchise. She also took Waikato to three consecutive national provincial finals, winning back-to back titles in 1999 and 2000.

Aitkens first taste of international netball as a coach came with the NZA team before taking on the role as Silver Ferns Coach in late 2001.

Whilst most in the know would pick Aitken’s assistant Wai Tamanu to step into the role and would no doubt do a fitting job; Aitken points out that when she was first appointed to the top job people often asked “Ruth who?” So don’t be surprised if you see someone from left field be given a crack at the job. Netball New Zealand have said they hope to announce the appointment of the new Silver Ferns coach by mid -November. (GEORGE BERRY) PN

LOOKING BETTER THAN EVER WHILE MOST SPORTS FANS ARE GEARING UP FOR THIS MONTH’S RUGBY World Cup, a large number of Kiwi athletes are pulling out all the stops in various places around the world in order to qualify for the 2012 London Olympics. And for a number of them, the qualifying process takes them to the very same venues where they will compete at the games. New Zealand’s Olympic Chef de Mission Dave Currie has just arrived back in the country, after attending the one-year-out Chef de Mission seminar having been shown around London, checked out the village and the sites to see how they’re faring less that 12 months out from the event.

Over 200 National Olympic Committees (NOC) took part in the three day seminar.

The event was a final chance for Currie to get updates from the London 2012 Organising Committee from all the separate departments.

After the debacles that plagued New Delhi’s hosting of last year’s Commonwealth Games, Currie has returned with a much more positive impression of London saying, “as a group, we were left confident that a well-organised Olympic Games would be held next year – in fact, I would go so far as to say it was the best Chef de Mission conference I have attended.”

During the visit Currie also got an up close visit to Olympic Park, the Aquatic venue, and the Horse Guard Parade, where the volleyball will be taking place.

The athletes’ village and surrounding venues were given the thumbs up from Currie.

“It’s not often an event can be hosted in such relative proximity to the athletes village. So many key venues are within one kilometre of the village so that will make life easy for athletes,” he said.

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Currie has also attended a number of events during the London site visit. The test events are designed to test venue functionality and give high performance teams a look at how systems and processes will work during the Games.

Whilst in London Currie attended the Junior Rowing World Championships on the Olympic course at Eton Dorney, the ITU World Series Triathlon at Hyde Park, and the Weymouth and Portland International Regatta. “This also gives the athletes a chance to see how things are going to operate so when they arrive to compete here they already have a feel for what’s going on and can get down to the business of trying to win,” explained Currie.

During his visit, London city and its police force were put under immense pressure with the London riots but Currie remains confident that the city can still host a secure Olympic Games. He was warmed to see the community working together to clean up in the aftermath.

Competing at the Summer Games is a massive goal and achievement, and looking at the build up for a large number of sports from Boxing to Kayaking, Rowing to Equestrian, New Zealand appears in a good position to bring home more medals than ever before.

Andrew Nicholson, Clarke Johnstone, and Mark Todd have been in blistering form competing at a number of events in the UK and Europe along with 22 year old Lisa Carrington creating history in her qualifying sprint to victory in the K1 200 m race at the canoe sprint world championships in Szeged, Hungary, becoming the first New Zealand woman to achieve the accolade. (GEORGE BERRY) PN PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

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 LOCAL NEWS LOCALIST ENSURES FREE WI-FI ACROSS AUCKLAND Localist.co.nz, Auckland’s neighbourhood directory and social media service, has announced it will offer free wireless access across the region during the Rugby World Cup.

AN INTERCONNECTED PAID SERVICE WILL ALSO BE AVAILABLE AT: • Esquires and Starbucks Coffee stores • Westfield Malls

Localist has teamed up with Auckland Council and Wi-Fi operator Tomizone to ensure locals and visitors alike will be able to enjoy free high speed internet for eight weeks which started earlier this week.

“It’s a perfect illustration of what Localist does,” Mrs Nichols said. “People can log on for free and find the best café or bar in the area, get information on essential local amenities and services, or even what the weather will be like in Auckland for the next big game.

“Localist is all about getting the most out of Auckland, as recommended by people who live here. We want everyone – locals, visitors and tourists – to enjoy the best of Auckland during the exciting two months we’ve got coming up. That’s why we’ve agreed to sponsor this great initiative,” said Head of Marketing Sheryl Nichols.

“Localist provides not only core contact information through a comprehensive directory, but ratings, review and tips from inside the Localist community of users, so visitors can experience Auckland like a local.”

USERS WILL BE ABLE TO GET FREE ACCESS FOR UP TO THREE 30 MINUTE SESSIONS A DAY PER WI-FI DEVICE IN THE AUCKLAND CBD AND ACROSS THE REGION AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS: • tourism, entertainment and recreation areas • selected main streets • selected public transport • popular transport hubs • RWC training grounds and venues

The Brancott Estate World of WearableArt™ (WOW®) Awards Show WOW Factor Award winner

Green signs saying “Free WiFi Here” will indicate where the free Auckland WiFi service is available. Any Wi-Fi gadget will pick up the signal within the coverage area.

HOW TO CONNECT TO THE NETWORK: 1. Connect the Wi-Fi gadget to the “Auckland Wi-Fi @ Tomizone” signal displayed in the wireless network list.

2. Open the internet browser and visit any site to be redirected to the welcome screen.

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

‘Reflection’ by Erna and Karl van der Wat (Auckland)

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4 1-3: Westmere residents NATT MCDADE, MONIQUE VAN DER KOLK and son, EZEKIEL MCDADE recently returned from holiday and sent these shots infront of the Petronas Towers in KUALA LUMPUR. The second is Natt and Ezekiel in Kuala Lumpur at the Batu Caves. The final one is of Monique (and a monkey!) reading Ponsonby News in Monkey Bay, Phi Phi Island, THAILAND. “We have taken along Ponsonby News on our trip and had a fabulous time overseas.”

4-5: NOELENE CAREY emailed us several shots from ITALY; the first between Porto Badisco and Paradiso on the Adriatic Coast, Puglia. The second is the Tower at the Northern End of Porto Caesareo, on the Ionian Sea.

DEAR READERS Please keep sending us your holiday snaps reading your favourite magazine. We love getting them, however, photos need to be big enough files in high resolution (300dpi). So please email them to info@ponsonbynews.co.nz without reducing the size. PN

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PONSONBY NEWS READERS ARE EVERYWHERE PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

TRAVEL BREAKS: THE NEW THERAPY! 

A JOURNEY TO SAVOUR

by Ann Mellor, World Journeys A highlight, a focus, or the whole raison d’être, food is a huge part of the joy of travel. And where better to revel in delicious cuisine than Italy, where the locals are equally obsessed!

Italy’s Mediterranean coast is a delight in May, with the gorgeous spring weather you find before the holidaying crowds arrive.

I head for the Amalfi Coast, the dolce vita lifestyle, picture perfect villages and the most delicious wines and cuisine, my heart is totally won over by this beautiful region of the Sorrentine Peninsula in the south of Italy.

The family of my dear friend Antonio Cacace, of Wellington’s ‘La Bella Italia’ restaurant, run the most charming little boutique hotel, La Primavera, in Massa Lubrense overlooking the Isle of Capri and the Gulf of Naples. Guests are lavished with warm hospitality there, as Antonio’s Mamma and their chef Gennaro share their local recipes with you in their busy kitchen. You can savour the results around the table on the terrace. Freshly baked bread, pancetta, succulent calamari, prawns and pasta, all accompanied by local wines – the days are filled with taste sensations!

The last time I visited, my room overlooked lemon groves and beyond to Capri, so we ventured there one day aboard a local fishing boat. You can explore the area with the hotel’s guide and get a genuine feel for the simple lifestyle of Southern Italy. Another favourite excursion was a very impulsive spending spree in the chic little boutiques of Positano, where I could happily while away many hours, credit card allowing. Also within easy reach are the fascinating remains of Pompeii, and the small city of Sorrento – famed for its delicious limoncello.

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

About an hour away from Sorrento by train is Naples, a heaving, bustling and vibrant city whose port is the starting point for many Mediterranean cruises, of which I’ve enjoyed a few. The western Med’ offers not only Rome and Portofino further up the coast of Italy, but the glitz of Monte Carlo, the tapas bars of Barcelona, and access to some fascinating North African ports. I always love Tunis with its chaotic medina, and the amazing Roman ruins of Carthage.

The eastern Med’ with its sparkling Greek Isles is also cruising heaven. Santorini at sunset cannot be beaten. And fresh bread, flavoursome tomatoes, olives and tzatziki in a local taverna is my idea of bliss! In Turkey I enjoy sitting down with an apple tea while the shop owner throws rug after beautiful rug at my feet to tempt me into yet another ‘caught up in the moment’ purchase.

I’m looking forward to taking some cooking classes on my next visit. I’ll stroll the streets of the old town, re-visiting favourite local restaurants, falling in love with new ones.

Whatever you do in the Med’, savour it. PN

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9 6. “My name is MELANIE SOULAT and I work in Ponsonby but live in Takapuna.

Following your July issue on FRANCE, we’re sending you a holiday picture in Paris. My partner MARK POVEY and I went on a holiday in my native country for a month and we carried the July issue with us for a month till we reach the famous Tour Eiffel! It was a beautiful day as you can see which made the two hour wait to the top easier.”

7. PETER GORDON is the country’s best known and nicest chef and sent us this great photo taken outside The Providores, LONDON. He’s recently back in the country for a few weeks, so we hope we’ll catch him in Ponsonby.

8-9. LINDA BENNELL was Martin Leach’s Art Editor back in LONDON and wrote, “Disclaimer: Many apologies for these shots, which they are not of the standard you or I would desire, more akin to the type we would of had a hissy fit over back in the day... but hey, we are in the age of mediocre pics, instant messaging and communication!

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PONSONBY NEWS READERS ARE EVERYWHERE

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“The second shot is Wayne Hemmingway’s second annual Vintage Festival hosted at the Festval Hall on LONDON’S SOUTHBANK – site of 1951’s Festival of Britain and the dawn of all things designer lead and cool. These times are drawing some to look back and others to discover something new in something old. A year before the 2012 Olympics on a glorious London summer weekend by the Thames the capitals’ residents and vistors celebrate the good times to take away, if only briefly the current dark clouds on the horizon. No matter ... we will KEEP CALM AND CARRY ON.” 10. ED JENNER (Mr Strawberry) was snapped looking at his own photo on page 128, while visiting Vancouver Island, CANADA. PN PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

DON’T MISS THE OCTOBER DEADLINE PUBLISHED: Friday, 7 October COPY DEADLINE: Tuesday 20 September

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PONSONBY NEWS

(Please be on time, as any advertising material arriving after deadline may incur a 20% surcharge)

SPECIAL FEATURES Three lamps – Ponsonby’s High Street + Gardens and outdoor living + Home renovations + Spring / Summer fashion TO BOOK ADVERTISING: ask about our special positions!

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 The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

New advertisers receive 250 words of editorial when booking a minimum of a quarter page advertisement.

DEADLINE – 20TH OF THE MONTH September 2011 PONSONBY NEWS+

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FRESH FASHION EVERY WEEK AT KILT It’s always exciting when a new season rolls round and brings with it new fashion and a chance to make over your wardrobe.

What makes Kilt – a new addition to Ponsonby’s fashion family – different is that instead of seasonal drops, there’s new stock arriving weekly – so every week is exciting at this store!

Kilt is a New Zealand-made designer women’s clothing label established 11 years ago with stores in Palmerston North, Napier, Wellington, Christchurch, New Plymouth, Tauranga, and a recently opened store here in Ponsonby.

Owner and designer Melissa Williams-Lamb is based in Hawkes Bay but has always loved the Ponsonby area and was so excited to be able to open her first Auckland store here “It is such a cute area with lots to offer those who like something special”.

There are certainly plenty of special items to be discovered in this colourful Ponsonby Road store for those who love reasonably priced, Kiwi-designed fashion, including one of their favourites of the moment – the Luella shirt, “a beautiful shirt-style top that drapes beautifully with two ties at the neck to wear casually loose or tie into a pretty bow for a dressier look”. With Spring on its way, keep an eye out for the Dolcie Dress, a cute, versatile, vintage-inspired dress coming in a range of silks and cotton florals – perfect to take you from picnics to parties.

By having a range that is constantly being updated, Melissa and her team can stay in tune with what their customers want; they love receiving feedback and input towards the development of new creations with ideas received from you, the customer. This personal touch is also evident in the friendly service and honest advice you receive from the Kilt staff, a team who are obviously passionate about this thriving New Zealand-made label and are dedicated to assisting you in finding the best possible style for you. (JULIE ROULSTON) PN KILT, 271a Ponsonby Road, T: 09 376 1222 www.kilt.co.nz

ALI MCINTOSH, INGRID STARNES, HARRIET SANDSTAD and SIMON POUND

TESSUTI AND INGRID STARNES OPENING Herne Bay, 4 August

Much loved homewares business Tessuti and rising fashion star Ingrid Starnes formally opened their new Jervois Road store. In celebration of the event, renowned landscape designer Xanthe White designed a beautiful garden window (Ponsonby News can vouch that it smelt as pretty as it looked). Both brands say they are really excited to be doing a mix of fashion and homeware. PN

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FASHION + STYLE

WESTMERE WOMEN DRESS UP FOR CHRISTCHURCH Close observers of Westmere streets may have noticed some very stylish women around last month. That’s because they’d been taking tips from fashion expert Lisa O’Neill, all in the interests of raising $9,000 for a Christchurch primary school affected by the earthquake and Westmere School’s new hall.

Westmere’s ‘Girls Night Out’, organised by parents from Westmere School was an evening of fashion and fun, hosted by motivational stylist Lisa O’Neill and supported by local fashion retailers. “The aim of the evening was to raise funds to complete our new school hall, as well as to support our ‘buddy school’ in Christchurch, South New Brighton Primary School,” says organiser Miranda Charlesworth.

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

“Three hundred women attended the event, which combined entertainment with shopping, in partnership with local businesses.”

Lisa O’Neill, who has more than 20 years’ experience in the fashion industry as a buyer, stylist and art director, says looking good can change the way we feel. “How we present ourselves can have a huge impact on people’s lives – I’ve seen people’s personalities transformed when wearing the right clothing,” she says.

At the ‘Girls Night Out’ Lisa presented tips on clothing styles, body types, wardrobe dramas, accessories and grooming. Local retailers who supported the event included: Bacchus Cellars (wines), Moa, Chelsea Gale and Harriett Falvey, Minx, Miranda Brown – Conscious Cloth, Pearl, Smashbox (makeup), tk store and Vanilla Ink. PN

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FASHION + STYLE BLACK IN FASHION According to Coco Chanel “the best colour in the world, is the one that looks good on you.”

Well we in New Zealand must think it suits us because we have adopted black as our colour of choice, big time. But what if black is not really a colour? That is the vexed question. A scientist will tell you it is not a colour but a value, like white, that changes the depth of colours in the rainbow spectrum. Well we don’t go along with that. In our hoi polloi perspective it is a colour and the little black dress will never be gainsaid worldwide whether it’s a colour or not!

To celebrate our enthusiasm for the ‘colour’, the New Zealand Fashion Museum is staging a ‘Black in Fashion’ exhibition that opens next week on 9 September and will run in Auckland till 24 October. When the Fashion Museum was set up Ponsonby News was one of 30, who made a donation and became a foundation fan.

The New Zealand Fashion Museum is the brainchild of Grey Lynn resident, Doris de Pont who has been part of the Auckland fashion scene for many a year. Her career path is interesting and diverse commencing in early childhood when her mother taught her to sew. She made her own clothes from an early age and while doing a BA at Auckland University, still maintained her interest in fashion, supplying a shop in Mt Eden with ready made garments. After completing her degree she taught at Richmond Road Primary School for a couple of years before decamping to Holland to explore her heritage.

During her six year stint there she taught at a Rudolph Steiner School, worked in the alternative film industry, and designed clothes as part of a women’s collective, Studio Split. Eventually it was time to return home but only ten days before leaving she met Tejo van Schie who worked with her organising a Studio Split fashion parade. Love was certainly in the air because in spite of knowing one another for only a week, before long Tejo followed her to Auckland and they’ve been together ever since.

In the interim, Doris found Auckland had undergone a huge change. The fashion scene was really rocking with lots of boutiques and people buying and wearing clothes instead of making their own! She sensed business opportunities so instead of going back to teaching she enrolled at AUT for a course in pattern making. By 1985 she was ensconced in a tiny shop in O’Connell Street selling her distinctive Design Doris de Pont label.

With the birth of her second son in 1988 it was time to step back from retail and do private client work from home. Then lo and behold in 1994 Doris was back in the saddle joining forces with Adrienne Foote who was a textile designer. Their combined talents were brought together under the DNA label which was highly successful, selling off shore as well as here, a sure sign you’ve made it in the industry. The partnership ended in 2003 but Doris continued the business under her own name. Having no textile designer she turned to New Zealand artists and had some wonderful collaborations with the likes of John Pule, Tracey Williams, Linga Krishnasamy, Paul Hartigan and Richard Killeen.

THE NEW ZEALAND FASHION MUSEUM is the brain child of Grey Lynn resident, DORIS DE PONT

In 2008 she called it a day and went back to university to do a post graduate degree in New Zealand Studies. Now she has a new passion, curating exhibitions for a museum that has no fixed abode! ‘Black in Fashion’ is the NZ Fashion Museum’s second event and will be much broader than than the 2010 El Jay show honouring Gus Fisher.

Putting a collection together for the exhibition has been a huge job. It has been sourced from all round New Zealand and some amazing garments will be on display. Doris knows there are wonderful things in public collections and private homes that never see the light of day. This has been part of her motivation in setting up the Museum as a vehicle for their display and also as an alternative look at New Zealand history. The exhibition will be set up in a new retail space designed by Cheshire Architects on the corner of Galway and Gore Streets. Look for a black box clad in mesh and illuminated by night. What could be more appropriate?

The concept of a moving museum has a lot going for it. Exhibitions can be set up anywhere without the inflexibility of a fixed space. Motat has seen value in what Doris is doing and has contributed generously, and she has also been able to borrow some wonderful costumes from the film archives. All in all it is an extravaganza not to be missed and in our book, Doris deserves high praise for making it happen.

OPENING HOURS: 10am to 6pm Monday to Saturday and 10am to 4pm Sunday.

Admission is free! www.fashionmuseum.org.nz (DEIRDRE ROELANTS) PN

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JULIE ROULSTON CATCHING UP WITH KAREN WALKER There aren’t many who would argue that Karen Walker is New Zealand’s most internationally successful designer. Her namesake label is stocked in over 350 stores throughout the world, in cities including New York, London, Paris, Los Angeles, Sydney and Tokyo. Karen Walker Jewellery is also stocked at Harrods in London, and Karen Walker Eyewear is stocked at both Harvey Nichols in London and Barney’s in New York. There’s a list – too long to publish here - of celebrities who favour Karen’s work, including really high wattage stars like Jennifer Lopez, Madonna, and Kate Winslet.

Ponsonby News has long regarded the designer as one of Ponsonby’s own, as the Karen Walker business is situated in the ‘hood - and last year the designer, her husband Mikhail and their 3 year old daughter Valentina sold their house out west and moved to Ponsonby to live. The eve of New Zealand Fashion Week and the Rugby World Cup seemed just the right time to find out what’s new with Karen Walker - the business and the woman.

Ponsonby News: You’ve shown in New York Fashion Week for the past 11 seasons and you’re currently preparing to show your ‘The American Girl’ collection there. Can you explain to the layperson, why you choose to launch your new collections there?

Karen Walker: If you want to really connect with the fashion world globally then you have to show in New York, London, Paris or Milan. End of story.

PN: what is the mechanic that gets a label with New Zealand origins, on the New York Fashion Week schedule?

KW: It’s no different for us than for anybody else: you show up with your goods, you cast the girls, you style the looks, you pack the house with as many buyers and media as you can and send out 35 looks.

PN: Last year you held an in-season, offsite show at The Department Store* at the end of New Zealand Fashion Week - is it the timing clash that has lead you not to participate in NZFW this year?

KW: We always like to be part of the local events but with a show in New York on 13 September it’s impossible this season.

PN: Let’s talk about Japan: it’s one of Karen Walker’s top three markets. how does that influence your collections? Is the Japanese woman different from the New Zealand / Australian woman?

KW: Our customer is the same all over the world – interesting people who look for interesting ideas.

PN: We’ve been watching the ‘The Day Before’ series and a lot of the world’s biggest fashion names seem to have something in common: it’s the head of their Ateliers who translate their vision and make the all-import sample ranges happen in time for the shows. Is there someone like this in the Karen Walker organisation?

KW: There’s a team of over 20 people within the sample room who transform designs from drawings on paper to actual garments, so creating a range over the course of five months.

PN: For young designers in contrast to less creative people, it’s a struggle to limit and contain their ideas. With your experience and considerable longevity, do you still find that?

KW: This is true, and being able to edit and see the overall picture clearly is as important as having hundreds of ideas.

PN: Your husband Mikhail is quoted on ‘The Selby’ blog as saying “if they don’t get it in the first five minutes, move on.” Do you subscribe to that too?

KW: People have a lot of choice and this means that your product has to communicate in an immediate way and also in a more ongoing, sustainable way, allowing the love of the product to continue. Good design for me makes you love it instantly and continue to love it ongoingly. If you have to explain the piece initially then it’s not the right connection.

PN: With a big business to sustain, are you still able to design things you yourself would like to wear within your collections? Can you share some current season favourites with us?

KW: Yes. I’m particularly loving all our grey floral pieces this season, especially the dresses that have very full, long skirts to them.

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PN: In a recent interview you described your personal style as “attempting grown up.” As you move through your 30s, has your muse ‘The Outsider’ evolved?

KW: Fashion is always about pushing against what’s already there. It’s always a reaction to what’s in place.

PN: Do you get any time to enjoy living in Ponsonby? if yes, can you share some favourite places/pastimes with us?

KW: Yes, I love living and working in this neighbourhood. Some of my favourite things here: S.P.Q.R., Stephen Marr, Golden Dawn, Queenies, Il Buco, Bhana Brothers, walking through the streets of St Mary’s Bay on a Sunday morning, Dizengoff, Good One Café, Dorothy Butler’s Children’s Bookshop, Milly’s, Cook The Books, Wunderkammer, Sunday Painters, Ripe, and Harvest Wholefoods.

PN: How do you balance business/motherhood/time for yourself?

KW: I don’t know if anyone manages to balance all those aspects of modern life, but I just focus on what my heart tells me is the priority at that moment in time.

PN: What’s next for Karen Walker? A 20th anniversary celebration? A further brand extension?

KW: We had our 20th anniversary a few years back but I don’t find that sort of thing particularly interesting to be honest. Unless a fashion house is 100 years old then it’s not really worth talking about the heritage. What’s next for us is a new homeware line for next summer and continuing the good work on everything else we have going on.

(JULIE ROULSTON) PN *(a retail development Karen Walker shares with Stephen Marr and several other high end, design-driven brands)

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JANE DANIELS - SPRING / SUMMER COLLECTION 2011/12 I HAVE ALWAYS LOVED PAINTING WITH WATERCOLOUR. Whether a quickly produced page or a more considered work, the spontaneity of watercolours, the way colours merge and edges blur has always inspired me. This season I have found a fabulous array of prints from Como in Italy to Barcelona in Spain, where artists have collaborated with the textile mills to have their works reproduced on beautiful silks.

Floral and abstract designs have become simple flowing deconstructed dresses which form the basis of the collection.

Construction is there in origami folding and wrapping in beautiful stretch cottons from Europe dyed to my specifications.

Still revelling from my travels to Iran I have included in this season’s palette a brilliant yellow inspired by the tiles I saw there. I’ve added a deep green with a blue hue I call oasis and a tropical print in orange and persimmon - deep cerise and azure blue all suggestive of summer resort holidays. This evolving palette from one season to the next ensures you can always add interesting pieces to your existing wardrobe.

The summer dress runs central to the theme and I have designed it to be relaxed. but sophisticated and elegant and full of fun, some are reminiscent of Audrey Hepburn’s 50’s. A casual safari story also features and of course the neutrals necessary in any collection.

Our fabrics are selected from the very latest European collections and we are proud that all of our garments are made here in New Zealand. (JANE DANIELS) PN JANE DANIELS, 2 Birdwood Crescent T: 09 358 7556 www.janedaniels.co.nz

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WORLD MADE ME DO IT IN A NEW ZEALAND FIRST, WORLD HAS COLLABORATED WITH NUMBER ONE Shoes to create a range called WORLD MADE ME DO IT, which – as Ponsonby News goes to press – is under strict wraps prior to its launch at the WORLD show at New Zealand Fashion Week on Friday 2 September.

WORLD’s Francis Hooper told us, “We are thrilled to be able to design fabulous shoes for New Zealand women at charming prices. Number One Shoes is an incredible, innovative yet humble machine. We’ve had so much fun and learnt so much!”

There are six styles in the collection, each named after style icons from Annie Lennox to Nancy Sinatra. The Joan Jett, while flat, is “rock and roll sexy” says Francis. Annie Lennox is the consummate colourful ‘80s number. Dusty Springfield is a sexy yet nostalgic, ‘60s influence wedge, and Nancy Sinatra is of course a boot.

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“Fashion doesn’t exist if people don’t buy it, wear it, and love it,” says WORLD codesigner Benny Castles. The collaboration with Number One Shoes will give more women more scope to enjoy what WORLD is doing.”

photography: Norrie Montgomery www.thealist.co.nz

All involved are excited that while the range is only being released on 2 September, the shoes themselves will be available for purchase from selected Number One Shoes stores the next day. What’s more, on Saturday 3 September, both Francis and Denise l’Estrange-Corbet will be signing 100 limited edition WORLD MADE ME DO IT shoes at Number One Shoes, Albany store (12-1pm).

Ponsonby News was allowed to reveal the ‘Grace Jones’ heel (pictured above) – what Francis describes as the show shoe. We think you’ll agree that it meets Benny Castles’ desire that, wearing the new collection, women will “look down at their feet and go, wow, I’m pretty!” (JULIE ROULSTON) PN

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NEW ZEALAND FASHION WEEK MEDIA LAUNCH AT RED HUMMINGBIRD Media and designers’ teams celebrated the buildup to New Zealand Fashion Week with drinks and canapes at Luke Dallows’ new Federal Street bar, Red Hummingbird, on the 16 August.

1. Jaclyn Philpott, Jamie Miller and Robyn Franich; 2. Suzanne Winterflood and Jacqui Ansin; 3. Will Sealand and Ben St George. PN

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photography: martin leach

FASHION + STYLE

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PENCIL BOUTIQUE LAUNCH PONSONBY, Wednesday 3 September 1. Denise L’Estrange-Corbet, Lou and Warwick Flower; 2. Jessica Grubisa and Pebbles Hooper; 3. Benny Castles and Jane Dineen; 4. Francis Hooper and John Reynolds.

OUT + ABOUT

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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.

Dear Alice Boo hoo! Poor old me! I’m lying in bed and feeling very miserable indeed. Tiger is lying on my chest looking very intently at me and wagging his tail madly. He knows that something is not quite right.

But is it me he’s concerned about or is it the fact that it’s high time for walkies? I very much think the latter! Hopefully my good friend Bess will be here soon to take him for a stroll around the block while I sup on whatever she has decided to bring to pique my delicate invalid’s palate.

I have to tell you that I place the blame for my being out of sorts squarely on Mabel’s birthday party held last Saturday afternoon.

It was all pleasant asant enough and there was plenty of cake to eat with our tea. Then en we played some most amusing games, not the least being Chinese se Whispers.

By the time ‘To err is human, to forgive divine’ had made its way around the room to my neighbour, I received a loud sneeze and a ‘Where is my enormous honeypot?’ inelegantly delivered into my ear. Whoever oever she was, she continued to cough and sneeze her way through h numerous games before politely taking her leave early on account ount of her cold. But not soon enough, I fear! ar! I’m sure I’m not the only ied to keep her distance one who tried from this poor creature throughout n. the afternoon.

By Sunday night I too was not feeling at all well and went to bed very early with a hot lemon and whisky toddy and a couple of Aspirin. As I had a lot of hems to hand sew, w, as well as some drawn thread work on the bodice of a spring dress, I decided to spend Monday working by the fire in my warm parlour instead of the work room. By afternoon tea-time I had abandoned my sewing on account ccount of frequent sneezing, which does not allow fine stitching! itching!

At five I wrapped apped up very warm and took Tiger for a short walk along Ponsonby Road where I met my friend nd Bess on her way to fetch the family’s meat for dinner. nner. She promised to drop in on Tuesday morning, which was just as well for I felt simply terrible. ble.

After a foot soak in a warm mustard stard bath, a small rum m and a dose of Woods’ (not so) Great (and scarcely) ly) Peppermint Cure, I toddled dled off to bed.

Bess is so thoughtful! Not only did she bring me some + 13 2011 68 PONSONBY September 1924 PONSONBY PARISH NEWS+NEWS September

cold sliced beef for my lunch, but also a basketful of magazines!

She’s on holiday at present and had treated herself to a couple of expensive magazines which now sit on my bedside table. Knowing how I love to read about fashion, she brought me a Vogue and four moving picture magazines.

Did you know about the gigantic electrical sign that has been constructed in the mountains in the neighbourhood of Hollywood in California? It’s about a quarter of a mile in length and spells out the word ‘Hollywoodland’ in letters forty-five feet high. Can you imagine how pretty it must look lit by four thousand lamps! Perhaps I should write a letter to the Mayor suggesting an electrical sign at the top of City Park* park spelling ‘Ponsonby’! In case anybody gets lost. call ‘Poisoned Paradise’ We must look out for a new film called that should be showing here soon. According to the magazine, Carmel Myer Myers, playing a vamp of course, wears a number of spectacular dresses in scenes set in the Monte Car Carlo Casino. One of the dresses is made entirely of spun silver thread and brilliants! I can’t wait to see it.

Last year I was excited to be asked to make up a gorgeous piece of silver silk tissue embroidered in silver into a special evening gown for a young flapper, but Carm Carmel’s dress sounds much more glorious! I just lov love her fashions and do seei all her movies. so look forward to seeing Bes a purse made up I’ve promised Bess of some of the leftover silk to thank her for the new inspiration from the Spe magazines. Speaking of Bess, I think I hear her (or ra rather Tiger bouncing!) on the porch.

I’m just back from letting Bess in and am tucked up in bed again, awaiting fresh coals for my bed warmer. Bess is popping ou out for half an hour with Tiger who just bounced past my door with his lead in his mouth! I now have my proof that it was the ra walk he was concerned about rather than his poor sick mummy. Oh well. sou which Bess has left I’m looking forward to my soup heating on the range. I think I smell chicken and possibly a waft of chocolate – perhaps she’s made me a pud! I actually feel h hungry for the first time t mend! in days - I must be on the Write soon cousin, With lots of love,

Maudie xx * Now known as Western Park PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

illustration: 99designs

VERMONT STREET, PONSONBY 13 SEPTEMBER 1924

FASHION + STYLE ONE OF NEW ZEALAND’S LEADING FASHION DESIGNERS RELOCATES...

A VERY VISIBLE POSITION AT 196 GREAT North Road is the new fashion and design hub for New Zealand’s leading couturier and ready-to -wear designer, Liz Mitchell. The new premises will enable the Liz Mitchell brand to concentrate on what it does best; that is the creation of beautiful clothing and garments that fit the needs and shape of New Zealand women. The move will enable Liz Mitchell to combine Retail showrooms, and made to measure Atelier with the bonus of ample street parking.

The relocation decision was made following recent business restructuring and the identified need to rationalise all aspects of the business ‘under one roof’ – but with a visible retail presence.

The business focus is back to made-to-measure customers for bespoke, bridal and tailored pieces for women; along with a limited edition seasonal retail range – where Liz Mitchell made her mark in the fashion industry. Liz’s philosophy is to help her customers find their personal and individual style, building a wardrobe of well coordinated pieces that transcend seasonal trends.

Liz will continue to serve her growing list of celebrity and corporate clients with her beautiful timeless clothes all made here in New Zealand. PN LIZ MITCHELL, 196 Great North Road T: 09 360 5047 www.lizmitchell.co.nz

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 WEDDINGS AND CIVIL UNIONS

CHOOSING A DIAMOND FOR A WEDDING OR ENGAGEMENT RING CUT, CLARITY, COLOUR AND CARAT. THESE ARE THE FOUR THINGS YOU HAVE to consider when purchasing a diamond. Ponsonby News gets the low-down from local jewellers as to what matters most and how to get the best value for your money when choosing a diamond for a wedding or engagement ring. Grading diamonds is a highly technical business. But fortunately you do not need to become an expert to choose a great diamond. A basic understanding of the four main criteria for grading diamonds is all you need plus the help of a great jeweller when making this important decision.

“The main cost when buying a ring is the stone so educate yourself and talk through your options with a jeweller,” says Parnell based Zlato Jeweller’s resident jeweller, Matthew Street. Jared Robertson, workshop manager for Ponsonby based Auckland Ring Company thinks people often place too great an emphasis on certain aspects of the four ‘c’s. He considers colour and cut to be the most important.

“The thing I tell people is to buy the best colour you can as you will always see a white diamond sparkling from across the room,” he advises. “With some aspects of the grading criteria people will essentially be throwing money away. For example with the higher grades of clarity most people would never notice that detail unless they look at it with a magnifying glass.” Street agrees cut is vital and thinks some people overlook its importance: “Cut is what gives the diamond its fire and sparkle,” he says.

But both agree that you have to judge a stone with a consideration of all four criteria: “Try to spend your money by achieving the best balance between the four c’s. It is important to have a balance between size and appearance,” says Robertson.

Street says he is hearing that some people are considering buying diamonds online, something he strongly advises against: “There is a lot of variation in the grades. Just seeing the grading results doesn’t tell you the whole story of the stone. You have to see the diamond to know what you are getting.” A diamond ring is something that you will wear every day and have for the rest of your life. So it is worth putting a bit of time into the process to ensure you get something that suits your needs, budget and personal taste. The time you spend now can bring you a lifetime of pleasure.

CLARITY Most diamonds contain very tiny impurities called inclusions. An inclusion can prevent the light passing through the diamond so the fewer inclusions, the more sparkle that the diamond will have.

TIP Robertson advises not to buy lower than SI 1 clarity (‘slightly included’). With clarity lower than this he says inclusions can be seen with the naked eye. He says that although most diamonds have some inclusions they can often be successfully hidden in the way the diamond has been cut or the way that the diamond is positioned in the design of the ring. “Once you see a fault in the diamond it is hard to not see it again,” advises Street.

CARAT The weight of a diamond is measured in carats. One carat is divided into 100 ‘points’ so that a diamond of 75 points weights .75 carats. It is easy to focus just on size but two diamonds can be of equal carat-weight but their value can differ greatly due to their cut, colour and clarity. Diamonds over 0.3 of a carat should have a diamond certificate, says Robertson. He says 0.5 to 1.5 carats are the most popularly sizes that Auckland Ring Company customers buy.

TIP Robertson says that the price jumps at 1 carat, 1.5 carats and 2 carats. This means that if you buy slightly under these sizes (for example 0.9 carats) you can get the most value for your money with little visible difference in the size of the stone. If you are on a budget you can also choose to have a larger centre diamond and position smaller, less expensive diamonds around the outside to give the visual appearance of a larger diamond. PN

CUT The cut of a diamond is due to the skill of the diamond cutter. When the cut is right the diamond sparkles more. The cut allows the diamond to make the best use of light reflected from one facet to another then dispersed through the top of the stone.

Diamonds can be cut into a number of shapes. According to Robertson and Street the most popular shapes are brilliant (round) and princess (square) diamonds. Robertson says asscher cut (a square emerald) is also becoming popular as recently celebrities have chosen this shape for their engagement ring.

COLOUR Diamonds range in colour from faint yellow or brown to very rare pinks, blues and greens. The best colour for a diamond is no colour at all because this allows light to pass through it easily giving the colours of the rainbow. Colours are therefore graded from totally colourless to light yellow. The differences from one grade to the other can be very subtle.

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Marilyn Munro was right. Diamonds are a girl’s best friend!

Available at AUCKLAND RING COMPANY, Three Lamps

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photography: Michael Ng www.ngfoto.com

CRANE BROTHERS on the runway at the New Zealand Weddings Magazine show at New Zealand Fashion Week, 2010

Bridal gown from SERA LILLY, New Zealand Fashion Week 2010; Bridal gown from YVONNE BENNETTI

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 WEDDINGS AND CIVIL UNIONS

BIG DAY BEAUTY COUNTDOWN The day of your wedding or civil union is one where you want to guarantee you’re looking your polished, prettified and preternaturally fabulous best, but like any good thing, this takes time and effort. Having been there myself I’ve created a countdown of sorts to the big day, with skincare, make up and great hair in mind.

12 MONTHS BEFORE: This is the time to begin regular massage and serious water chugging – both are well known for helping aid weight loss (if that’s your concern) and general wellbeing.

Whatever your size, you want to be toned, taut and terrific – and exercise combined with the aforementioned two will get you there faster.

TWO DAYS BEFORE This is the time – post wax – to get a spray tan, but if it’s the first time you definitely want to go at least two times prior to test it out. You want to make sure it doesn’t turn out orange or streaky, and see how the colour develops and fades.

ONE DAY BEFORE Have a manicure/pedicure. When it comes to nails, leave your manicure and pedicure as close as possible to the big day - you wouldn’t want to have any chips or smudges in your polish, especially for those close up shots of your hands/rings. Also wash your hair - the build up of oils overnight makes hair easier to work with the next day.

AND ON THE DAY… Pace yourself… and allow ample time for your hair and makeup. Three hours before is when many brides begin their hair, followed by makeup, with each taking around an hour. Pull on your dress only after hair, makeup, and perfume are set as oils in fragrance can discolour your dress. Lastly, smile. (HELENE RAVLICH) PN

SIX MONTHS BEFORE If you want to look into any IPL or other laser treatments for your face and decollete then now is the time. You may need several monthly sessions, and also want to ensure that if – god forbid – anything goes wrong, you have plenty of time to heal.

THREE MONTHS BEFORE This is the time to start experimenting with hair after you’ve selected your dress and have a better idea of the overall picture. When doing a consultation with a stylist (if you’re having your hair done at a salon), take any hair accessories you may consider wearing on the day of and always, always bring pictures that will inspire the look you want to achieve. During your consultation, make sure that you are comfortable with the hairstylist as well as hairstyle. You don’t want something that is not you.

SIX WEEKS BEFORE This is the time to trim your hair and make sure that all split ends etc. are given the chop. It’s also a great time to start a course of bi-weekly facials in the lead up to the big day, which is the equivalent of giving your skin a really good workout.

ONE MONTH BEFORE If you decide to get Botox or fillers, do it at least a month before your wedding to prevent any bruising or potential bad placement (you wouldn’t want a droopy eyelid in your wedding album). If you bruise easily then allow at least six weeks to make sure everything has settled down and your muscles have had time to respond to the treatment. You want to be able to smile on the big day!

THREE WEEKS BEFORE Now is the time to have your teeth professionally whitened, but if you’re planning to do at-home whitening then make it five weeks to a month before. If you’re not happy with your at-home results, you can still get a pro whitening treatment done a week or two before the big day. Any touch ups should be done a week before the wedding, giving the pores in the teeth enough time to close.

TWO WEEKS BEFORE Get a facial and add an extra exfoliating treatment two weeks before the big day to make skin really glow. And if the worst should happen and you wake up with a gigantic zit a day or two before your big day, swing by your dermatologist’s office for a cortisone injection to reduce the inflammation.

TEN DAYS BEFORE This is the time to colour your hair, as you want it to be freshly coloured yet have enough time left to fix any mistakes.

ONE WEEK BEFORE Get your brows shaped professionally a week before so that you won’t have any residual redness or irritation. A great brow can take years – and pounds – off your face, so find a recommended professional near you.

THREE DAYS BEFORE This is the time to get a bikini wax to ensure that there is no redness or irritation left on your big day or when you leave for your honeymoon. And remember to take a Panadol 30 minutes prior for a pain-free experience!

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CELEBRATE LOVE AND COMMITMENT

WEDDINGS AND CIVIL UNIONS 

THE GRAND WEDDING SHOW 2011 The Grand Wedding Show is Auckland’s most stylish wedding event and is on once again at the SKYCITY Convention Centre on Sunday 11 September from 9am to 4pm. The Grand Wedding Show will be showcasing over 120 of the finest wedding specialists from Auckland and beyond.

will each walk away with a fabulous gift bag full of goodies. So no matter what stage of the planning process you are at, it’s never too early or too late, so join us for this elegant day out, we look forward to seeing you there!

THE GRAND WEDDING SHOW - Tickets $18.00 and are available on-line or at the door. Go to www.weddinghshow.co.nz for further details. PN

Experts from all areas of the wedding planning process will be on hand to give you ideas and inspiration for your wedding including wedding gowns, jewellery, favours, catering companies, venues, celebrants, shoes, hair and make-up, photographers, stationery, honeymoon destinations, videographers, florists, wedding cars, cakes, spa treatments, decoration suppliers and personal stylists.

Pay a visit to the dedicated seminar room where you can hear quick and informative seminars throughout the day on topics such as ‘Top questions to ask your wedding DJ’, ‘What to look for in a wedding photographer’, and the always popular ‘Improvea-groom’ workshop where your man can pick up some great bits of advice on how to make the day even more special for you.

Fashion Shows will be held on the Grand stage at 11am and 2pm with the latest designs and styles for the coming season. Plus the first 500 brides through the doors

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 WEDDINGS AND CIVIL UNIONS

UNUSUAL PLACES TO SAY ‘I DO’ Planning a wedding or civil union and looking for somewhere a bit different to hold your big day? There are a number of unusual and distinctive venues around Auckland that you may not have considered.

AUCKLAND ZOO Auckland Zoo is not just for kids. Increasingly people are choosing it as a wedding and reception venue. According to zoo functions co-ordinator Sara Evans couples can get married in a range of exotic settings from Africa inspired landscapes to a tropical rainforest without having to leave the city. You can even have your wedding photos taken with the animals.

“People love the fact that they can come here and do it all from one place. There are some great locations for wedding photos plus the guests are kept entertained,” says Evans. The zoo holds weddings all year round and people can choose from a wide variety of locations including the Japanese garden, band rotunda, the historic old Elephant House, hippo and lion viewing shelters. Just don’t be surprised if you hear Iwani the Siamang Gibbon call out as he has been known to do in the middle of a ceremony much to the amusement of guests.

SKYTOWER JUMP People have indeed said ‘I do’ then chosen to hurtle themselves 192 metres towards the ground at 83 kilometres per hour. According to a representative from SkyJump it is also a popular place to propose. Just recently a young lady jumped only to see signs held up by her loved one as she plummeted to the ground below asking for her hand in marriage. Winter is a better time to try this option as summertime it may be too busy for a wedding ceremony. SkyJump is open from 10.00am to 5.15pm every day of the year (wind and weather permitting) except Christmas Day. FLOATING PAVILION For water lovers the Floating Pavilion at Viaduct Harbour is a unique wedding venue.

The Floating Pavilion is technically registered as a barge. It is permanently moored at the harbour and is a great venue if you have overseas guests and want to showcase Auckland’s scenery. Couples have been married on a pontoon on the water in front of the Floating Pavilion and adventurous couples have even jet skied up to the venue.

The venue is spread over two levels and can cater for around 280 people for a sit down wedding or reception. It is fully licensed and operates a full kitchen staff and executive chef. It is close to a number of hotels making it a convenient unique location in the city centre.

KELLIHER ESTATE, PUKETUTU ISLAND It’s located just five minutes from the airport and 25 minutes from the city yet many Aucklanders are probably not aware it exists. Kelliher Estate is on Puketutu Island in Manukau Harbour but it is linked to the mainland by a causeway making access easy.

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The historic estate is set on ten acres, amongst sub-tropical and native gardens.

Entering the estate the driveway is lined with grand Phoenix Palms through extensive landscaped and woodland areas with harbour and sea views glimpsed through mature Pohutukawa. Kelliher Estate includes lawns, garden terraces, waterfalls, ponds and an historic falé.

The Kelliher Homestead has been built in the Spanish Mission style and the venue provides a variety of options from intimate dinners and lunches in the dining room to elegant cocktails with guests spilling out onto the terrace and large lawn area. Winter rates are significantly lower than summer rates and there are plenty of options for holding your big day in-doors including the Phoenix Room, which seats up to 250 people. Accommodation is available for the bridal couple as well as an elegant Bridal Room for preparations on the big day.

KELLY TARLTON’S Fancy saying your vows underwater or a sit down dinner while stingrays casually glide past? Kelly Tarlton’s offers the entire venue for hire from 5.30pm until midnight every day of the year. In the past couples have got married underwater while scuba diving amongst sea life. But the most popular area for a reception is stingray bay which can cater for 170 for a sit down dinner or around 250 for a cocktail style reception. And of course guests are free to wander around the entire venue at leisure. Catering is not provided.

TE TOKI RETREAT Located near Palm Beach on gorgeous Waiheke Island the stunning forest and bush setting is what makes this venue truly unique. Owner James Plested has created stunning gardens over the last 10 years on the six acre property with some distinctive tropical rare and exotic plants, palms and trees. As a result the retreat has held some interesting ceremonies including an Alice in Wonderland inspired wedding. The retreat takes care of the catering and accommodation for the couple and/or guests with two houses on the property. And once everyone has gone and the big day is over you can curl up by the giant fire or soak the day’s festivities away in the jacuzzi surrounded by exotic vegetation, dramatic fountains and garden art.

HOPETOUN ALPHA Considering its name and symbol means hope, beginning together and the coming together of male and female, the Hopetoun Alpha is an apt place for couples to start their new life. An iconic Ponsonby building, the Hopetoun Alpha was originally a church which, according to Hopetoun venue manager Maree Rolton, means couples who don’t want to do the religious thing but still want to feel a sense of occasion find the venue the perfect match. She says that because the venue is so beautiful with its elegant Greek Doric architecture little decoration is needed with many couples opting for simple fairy lights and centre table pieces. It is also unique in that it is one of only a handful of venues in Auckland which allows you to self-cater.

“We don’t have contracted caterers so people can tailor make their wedding to their own budget and tastes,” she says. “The venue is large yet intimate. It’s for people who want a truly individual wedding.” (KAREN PHELPS) PN PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

HELENE RAVLICH: NATURAL BEAUTY

THE MAN BEHIND OSMOSIS TOWARDS THE END OF LAST YEAR I HEARD WORD THAT OSMOSIS SKINCARE had arrived in New Zealand at last, and swiftly booked myself for an Osmosis Medi Facial at Lucy & The Powder Room to check out what the fuss was all about. It was a great facial with the promised luminous result, and I left with my own homecare regime. Since then Osmosis has been popping up locally at various well-respected beauty destinations, and is increasing in popularity with good reason.

Osmosis has a different focus than most skincare lines, and creator Dr. Ben Johnson (also of Cosmedix fame) believes in building a “partnership with the skin”. This partnership includes utilizing ingredients that the skin recognizes, maintaining the epidermal barrier while focusing most of the attention on the dermis, virtually eliminating inflammation during repair and feeding the skin through increasing blood flow. The combination of these strategies and the ability of the products to penetrate the skin without harming it make this line one of the best in the world at restoring skin health.

Most skin care goes only about 5 per cent into the deeper layers of the skin, where signs of aging originate. Osmosis’ liposomes are proven to increase penetration by – amazingly - 1000 per cent as well as protect against sun damage and environmental toxins. Rather than the traumatic exfoliation common to many high performance skincare ranges, Osmosis stimulates and feeds the skin from the bottom up to “restore a more youthful appearance” by naturally nourishing and stimulating the skin. And in line with the approach I like to take to skincare, Osmosis products are all natural with no artificial colours, preservatives, fragrances or other artificial irritants, no sodium lauryl sulfate or propylene glycol. They are simply plant-based and are not tested on animals.

Last month I met Dr. Johnson in person during a whirlwind trip that he made to New Zealand. Over coffee and cookies I put a few questions to him about the line and innovations on the way, and came away hugely excited about the possibilities out there on the anti-aging frontier.

DR BEN JOHNSON, the entrepreneur behind OSMOSIS SKINCARE

The first thing we spoke about was the popularity of Retin A as an ingredient, to which he says, “I consider Retin A to be a huge failure, and I’ve met a lot of doctors and aestheticians who agree with me when I say that a lot of people look older after five years on it.” When creating Osmosis he “bought in some pretty remarkable technology that’s given us the tools we need to reverse ageing,” and the results he is getting really do speak for themselves.

He’s gone down the natural route with Osmosis, with lots of organic ingredients in there as well. When I ask him if it was hard to get ‘natural’ and ‘high performance’ right, he is in total agreement, admitting that he tried to make the line totally organic but the wall of regulations was too high. “There are restrictions on how many actives you can use, and I was looking at formulas that were using 40 percent plant actives – when the restriction was five,” he explains, “and that just isn’t high performance enough for me. Natural is achievable though, and the range is incredibly complementary to the skin with the ingredients I’ve used.” An example is the brand’s Retinaldehyde, which is a thousand times stronger than regular Vitamin A but non-irritating.

His favourite product in the line is Catalyst, which he says “could prove to be the single greatest invention in the history of skincare”. Its key ingredient is Skin Repair Growth Factor (SRGF-7), which rejuvenates DNA/RNA and reduces scar tissue build up by improving protein production.

Before I know it our time is up, and I leave with a head full of knowledge and a copy of his book, Transform Your Skin Naturally inscribed with the phrase “let’s make great skin together!”… to which I wholeheartedly agree. (HELENE RAVLICH) PN

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HELENE RAVLICH: NATURAL HEALTH

THE SLOW BREATHING MOVEMENT The first time I paid a visit to nutrition super hero – and now author – Dr. Libby Weaver many years ago, she told me that in many cases, the key to weight loss is as simple as “learning how to breathe properly.” After meeting two specialists in the area I’ve discovered that it’s the key to many things, and essential to having true quality of life.

I first became aware of Dinah Morrison of Breathing Works around twenty years ago; when as a university student I had an ongoing series of seemingly unexplainable ailments. I was finally referred to a physiotherapist, who diagnosed me with a breathing disorder. She handed me a book to read called ‘Hyperventilation Syndrome/Breathing Pattern Disorders’, the author of which was Dinah. After ‘re-learning’ how to breathe over a series of months my symptoms disappeared completely, and I became aware of exactly how much a simple breath in – and out – affects me.

When I meet Dinah many years later it’s at her clinic in re:ab on Selbourne Street. She confesses that she sees bad breathers everywhere, blaming everything from stress to the gym - the cult of clenching in the abs 24/7 – but says that habits are really quite easy to break when you know how.

She asks me to assume ‘beach pose’ – on my back, hands on my head – which isn’t as easy as it sounds when you get as tense as I do. My neck stiffened and I raised my head to meet my hands, which is hardly the approach I would hope to take if I was on a towel in Fiji! With practice though this can improve, and by my third visit I’m quite the dab hand and feeling all the better for it.

Another local breathing expert is Glenn White, a Buteyko Institute certified practitioner and director of the Buteyko breathing clinic in Arthur Street. The Buteyko breathing method is a strategy to retrain dysfunctional breathing based on the postulation that many diseases result from an abnormal breathing pattern. Glenn’s clinic specialises in a wide range of breathing related disorders including snoring, sleep apnoea, asthma, allergies, hay fever, chronic bronchitis, stress-related conditions, anxiety attacks and chronic fatigue.

“We see a lot of people of all ages with asthma,” he says, “but more and more for sleep disordered dysfunctional breathing. We’re also treating more and more children who are getting respiratory infections repeatedly over the winter months, which we realise is a breathing issue.” He says disordered breathing can be due to everything from stress to sugary foods, “and what is considered a normal breathing rate has doubled over the last fifty years. This means we’re taking in twice as many germs and allergens as we should, and something eventually has to give.” Glenn treats patients with a sixweek programme of exercises and appointments, “then we get them back maybe once a twice a year for a check in.”

Breathing is a tool we all have, one of such simplicity that its power is easily overlooked.

This tool doesn’t cost a thing, is simple and available to everyone and can be accessed anytime and anywhere. It is, without a doubt, among the most effective antidotes to stress and a key component to wellbeing that we human beings possess.

Not breathing properly equates to stopping or slowing down the flow of energy through our system. The body no longer receives the oxygen it needs to function properly, to eliminate toxins and mobilise the internal organs. The Chinese Daoist master Yu Wen once said “Energy being like water, stagnation leads to decay.” In other words, if we stop the flow of oxygen through our body, inevitably stagnation and illness ensue.

Lastly, on the beauty side of things, did you know that bad breathing could accelerate the ageing process of your skin? Collagen is a protein of enormous elasticity and strength - and when the body's pH is out of whack from chronic over breathing (CO2 depletion) pH levels become more alkaline affecting all cells in the body. Collagen becomes less elastic, and brittle. This happens with normal ageing, but you certainly don't want to speed up the changes by having hyper breathing patterns!

Now… have you been breathing while you’ve been reading this? No? Then get to it!

(HELENE RAVLICH) PN www.buteykobreathing.co.nz www.breathingworks.com

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PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

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LIVING, THINKING + BEING

ALICE NEWCOMB MEDITATION Vedic meditation teacher Alice Newcomb introduces a practical meditation technique designed to fit in with your lifestyle. It’s not just for monks, but for the average person – hence being called the ‘Householder technique.’ All it takes is 20 minutes, twice a day. You can do it anywhere – in a plane, on a bus, on the couch – no pretzel position required!

Over the past 30 years 600+ published scientific research studies have found the benefits of Vedic meditation include reducing blood pressure, improving sleep, increasing blood circulation and mental function – including memory, creativity and learning ability – and slowing down the aging process. It gives the meditator a level of deep rest that is profound – early clinical studies showed a level of physiological rest five times deeper than sleep.

You will feel benefits from the very first time you meditate. Many people report increased energy, greater clarity and feeling calmer within the first weeks. While dissolving stress and fatigue, practicing Vedic meditation will help you develop your creativity and get in touch with your intuition.

Previously, Alice worked in England and Australia in the financial services sector before returning to Auckland to teach meditation in 2010. While working in corporate Sydney, Alice learned to meditate. Having experienced the profound impact it had on her life, she was drawn to teaching by her desire to help others reach their full potential.

Alice holds free introductory talks every Monday evening at 6pm at the Seven Senses Wellness Centre, 100 West End Road, Westmere. PN ALICE NEWCOMB MEDITATION; M: 021 454 240 www.alicenewcombmeditation.com

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PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

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LIVING, THINKING + BEING

A FEW OF YOUR FAVOURITE THINGS AT MORE THAN SKIN The most important fashion accessory you can have this spring is a healthy, clear, gorgeous complexion. Clichéd though it may be, when your skin looks great you feel great and enjoying that sense of self-confidence is an excellent reason to include a professional line of products into your skin care routine.

Enjoy a Joyce Blok ‘Newbie’ facial (45min) and receive a FREE ‘J B Favourites’ pack for only $75* - a total value of $175!

As New Zealand’s original professional beauty range, Joyce Blok Natural Skin Care offers tailor-made solutions for all skin types and conditions. Developed over the past 35 years, these locally-designed products use only the highest quality natural ingredients available to provide the best possible results in skin care.

The change of season is also an ideal time to review your current beauty routine and make the necessary skin care changes for the warmer months ahead. We recommend that you book a full skin consultation at More Than Skin where our expert therapists can analyse your complexion and recommend the most appropriate products for you.

As a flagship salon for Joyce Blok, More Than Skin Spa & Beauty have a great gift-with-facial offer this month for those of you who have not yet discovered this iconic Kiwi range.

Call Megs today on T: 09 361 2231 for more information. *Our ‘JB Favourites’ promotion is only available while stocks last.

The ‘JB Favourites’ pack includes four of Joyce Blok’s top-performing products and offers the perfect introduction to professional skin care.

NEW LIFESTREAM ADVANCED RESVERATROL WITH TART CHERRY: LONGEVITY FROM THE INSIDE OUT It seems like there are a million anti-ageing products in the market today to help our desperate bid to look younger. But ageing gracefully is more than accepting a couple of crow’s feet – it’s about longevity – feeling great every day.

products in the New Zealand market with 200mg per capsule. It uses Resveratrol sourced from the Japanese Knotweed herb, which has approximately 1000 times the Resveratrol content of grapes. Japanese Knotweed helps protect cells in the body from oxidative damage, and has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for supporting respiratory health and menstrual balance.

Modern lifestyle stressors on the body include smoking, processed food and alcohol, chemical based skin -care and environmental pollutants, which can all contribute to an increase in free radical damage to body cells and tissues.

Tart Cherry is also included to provide additional antioxidant support. Tart Cherry contains high levels of anthocyanins, which along with giving cherries their bright healthy colour, also provides strong free radical protection and free radical scavenging properties.

The new Lifestream Advanced 200mg Resveratrol with Tart Cherry has a unique blend of antioxidant-rich ingredients, which can support the natural potential of your body to support healthy ageing and cellular integrity.

Lifestream Advanced Resveratrol with Tart Cherry RRP $44.50 (60 capsules)

Research suggests that Resveratrol has many benefits including support for metabolic health, weight management and cardiovascular health. It might not stop you ageing – but it will address the scourges and infirmities that come with it!

Lifestream Advanced Resveratrol with Tart Cherry is one of the most potent Resveratrol

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*100% Vegan and free from all artificial additives, colours, binders, synthetics and preservatives. Free from wheat, gluten, milk derivatives, nuts, yeast and added sugar. PN STOCKIST DETAILS: Lifestream Products are available at selected health food stores and pharmacies nationwide. For further information or stockist details visit www.lifestream.co.nz

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

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HOROSCOPES ♎

MISS PEARL NECLIS

Libra (the Scales): 24 September - 23 October

You might be surprised when you learn something about yourself that you didn’t know before. This could open up avenues that were otherwise closed off to you.

♏

Scorpio (the Scorpion): 24 October - 22 November

♈

Aries (the Ram): 21 March - 20 April

You’re finding it difficult to follow through and complete anything that you start this month, you’re being distracted and you don’t know why. Fortunately you have support around you that can take over at short notice.

♉

Taurus (the Bull): 21 April - 21 May

You could be forgiven for wanting to shine at work as you have been working behind the scenes now for quite some time. Go for it and see how it feels you can always return to the quiet life if you choose.

You do find it difficult saying no when someone puts a tempting offer your way. But you must resist as sometimes the offers are not what they seem.

♐

♊ Gemini (the Twins): 22 May - 21 June

Sagittarius (the Archer): 23 November - 22 December

You have your goals in life that are very important to you and it’s crucial that you get support when you need it. However don’t let your ambition take over.

You have lots of opportunities open to you but your expectations are often higher than they should be. Your priorities are important but so are others.

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

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

You feel restless as you’re being pulled from two directions at once. Think about where you want to go and head in that direction.

You have a great ability to provide support and remain positive when there is a lot of mess going on around you. Just remember to do what is necessary to alleviate your stress.

♒

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

♌

Leo (the Lion): 23 July - 21 August

You shouldn’t have to struggle in any relationship especially an easy going person such as you. But there are a lot of unspoken issues bubbling below the surface that you do need to deal with.

Try and let go of the baggage that you carry around, make sure though that you don’t just dump it on someone else. Embrace what you have and life will be so much better.

♓

♍

Pisces (the Fish): 20 February - 20 March

There isn’t anything that you can’t accomplish this month, just as you finish one thing you are ready to start something new. Just don’t be disappointed if there is a wait for any pay off.

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Virgo (the Virgin): 22 August - 23 September

If you’re unsure of making the right decision and you’re being pushed into something that you’re not comfortable with then trust your intuition and back off. You need the whole picture to be sure of the right decision. PN

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

REBECCA JONES: BEING WELL +

PONSONBY NEWS DON’T MISS THE OCTOBER DEADLINE

PUBLISHED: Friday, 7 October COPY DEADLINE: Tuesday 20 September (Please be on time, as any advertising material arriving after deadline may incur a 20% surcharge)

SPECIAL FEATURES Three lamps – Ponsonby’s High Street + Gardens and outdoor living + Home renovations + Spring / Summer fashion

TO BOOK ADVERTISING: ASK ABOUT OUR SPECIAL POSITIONS!

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 New advertisers receive 250 words of editorial when booking a minimum of a quarter page advertisement.

16,987

copies distributed to homes and businesses in ARCH HILL, PONSONBY, COXS BAY, FREEMANS BAY, HERNE BAY, GREY LYNN, ST MARY’S BAY, WEST LYNN and WESTMERE and selected drops in HIGH STREET, CHANCERY, KINGSLAND, MT EDEN, NEWMARKET, NEWTON + PARNELL

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

THE KANAKA FACIAL TREATMENT AT SPA AYURDA WOW, I’M IN LOVE WITH THE KANAKA FACIAL TREATMENT AT SPA AYURDA. Ordinarily, facials don’t rate highly on my list for pampering because they are usually focused on the skin and beauty and as I prefer a more relaxing holistic approach, I usually choose whole body massage. However, this is no ordinary facial – scrub, cleanse, tone, moisturise – this is all out luxury, a one and a half hour massage of face, shoulders, neck, décolletage, ears, feet, legs, hands, arms and finished off with a scalp massage. Boy oh boy, who knew massage of the forehead even existed? I thought I knew a thing or two about massage, but this has blown me away.

Jane has given me all my treatments so far, she speaks gently with a real desire to make me feel good. The room is softly lit, warm and inviting and as my feet are gently washed in a bath of salt and flowers she explains everything she will do during the treatment. We focus for a few moments on breathing, relaxing and balancing energy then she stretches my neck and shoulders. The facial is incorporated into the series of massages, each product, developed by Spa Ayurda to Ayurvedic principles, has a lovely smell and texture, her hands move adeptly around my face taking care of every millimetre, I feel like a precious jewel. While the twenty four carat gold mask is doing its work, my feet, toes and lower legs are massaged with warm oil, then my hands, fingers and arms. Once the mask is removed there is more gentle face, décolletage, shoulder, neck and scalp massage. It’s a mind blowing experience and the next day as I’m writing this my skin feels so soft and moist, my body feels alive, my mind is clear.

This is truly the ultimate in blissful pampering.

For your information, Spa Ayurda has not given me free or discounted treatments to write positive reviews. I write from my own personal experience and pay in full each time with the normal discounts associated with their loyalty program. Spa Ayurda offer an entirely new and positive approach to spa treatments based on Ayurvedic principles practiced in India for millennia – Ayur meaning “longevity” and Veda meaning ‘related to knowledge’ or ‘science’. Ayurveda – ‘the complete knowledge for long life’; I encourage you to try a treatment. (REBECCA JONES) PN SPA AYURDA, 213 Ponsonby Road T: 09 360 0007 www.spaayurda.co.nz

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JOHN APPLETON ON HEALTH

A FEW THOUGHTS ON DIABETES “The most entrenched conflict of interest in medicine is a disinclination to reverse a previous opinion”. These words appeared on the front cover of a recent issue of the ‘Lancet’ (a high profile medical journal) and they are taken from an article

by Drs John S.Yudkin, Bernd Richter and Edwin A. Gale entitled “Intensified glucose control in type 2 diabetes – whose agenda?”

These diabetes researchers criticise the blanket recommendation of aggressive use of oral drugs and insulin to keep blood sugar levels as close to normal as possible in patients with type 2 diabetes. They say that four major clinical trials (involving 27,000 people) evaluating this approach clearly demonstrate that ‘tight’ glucose control has ‘no effect on stroke, cardiovascular mortality, total mortality, blindness or renal failure and that intensified therapy is associated with unwanted consequences such as weight gain and hypoglycaemia. If this is the case, why has there been no change of strategy?

Dr Yudkin and colleagues note that ‘there may be a synergy between the interests of professional societies that represent diabetes specialists and the drug industry and that problems arise when there is corporate sponsorship of guideline committees or when experts have financial ties to relevant companies,’ They note that ‘the rising prevalence of diabetes, stricter treatment targets and proposals for population screening provide fertile areas for the drug industry.”

Professor Russell Scott Clinical Professor of Medicine, Diabetes and Lipid Disorders, Christchurch Clinical School of Medicine says “Diabetes is exploding in the world and will more heavily impact on certain sectors of the New Zealand community. The treatments that are available today are not really different from 40 years ago and will remain little changed in the next 20 years.

The rise in obesity and diabetes has been more rapid than anyone predicted. The toxic environment for obesity and diabetes is well entrenched and will not be easily modifiable. While wide scale community prevention seems a dream, a cure seems further off than ever.”

I was watching an ABC news clip recently about a follow up to ‘SIMPLY RAW’ a documentary which chronicles six Americans with diabetes who switch to a diet consisting entirely of vegan organic, live raw food in order to reverse their diabetes naturally. The participants were challenged (under close medical supervision) to give up meat, dairy, sugar, alcohol, junk foods and even cooked foods for 30 days. The results were amazing with very significant reductions seen in blood sugar. Participants were able to come off insulin and their medications – they lost weight – and noticed considerable improvements in energy and overall wellbeing.

Given that diabetes (type 2) is widely acknowledged as a lifestyle disease it’s not difficult to see how interventions such as those used in SIMPLY RAW could be seen as a ‘cure’ for diabetes. However this would not be very profitable for drug makers and those who promote the foods that establish people on the path to diabetes.

To give ‘balance’ to the ABC news clip they interviewed a diabetes specialist who said “I am very cautious about using the ‘cured’ word for my diabetic patients. I think diet and exercise is a great treatment for diabetes and if they are successfully managing their diabetes with diet I consider that person a diet and exercise controlled diabetic.

The reason for this is that if they stop the diet and gain the weight back very likely the diabetes will return.” Of course it will – because this is why the diabetes manifested in the first place. If I keep hitting my thumb with a hammer it will hurt a lot. The ‘cure’ for the pain is not to take an aspirin (which as with diabetes medications addresses only the symptoms) but to stop hitting my thumb with the hammer. Prevention is the ultimate cure?

Until we are willing to face the facts, the diabetes epidemic will continue to spiral out of control in the western world. Diabetes (type 2) was some years ago known as ‘sugar diabetes’. Perhaps it would be helpful to start using this term again because when it comes to diabetes (type 2) the problem starts and finishes with our addiction to sugar and lifestyles that include little or no exercise. If we stood at the checkout in the supermarket we would find very few trollies that would not be full of items that have sugar as an ingredient in some form or products that metabolise as sugar (grains and starches). Continuing to deny the clear evidence will not solve the problem.

(JOHN APPLETON) PN APPLETON ASSOCIATES T: 09 489 9362 www.johnappleton.co.nz

86 PONSONBY NEWS+ September 2011

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

LIVING, THINKING + BEING

INTRODUCTORY PRICES WITH THE NEW PHYSIO AT RETURN TO FORM Return to Form is delighted to welcome Niamh as a physiotherapist. With a love of sport (she was Irish national junior squash champion for two years) she is passionate about rehabilitation and treatment programmes for all of her clients.

Niamh has a Masters Degree in Physiotherapy and an honours degree in Anatomy, with extensive experience in hospital and private clinic work. Return to Form’s policy of up to 60 minute appointments means that she can diagnose problems and help you make solid progress in the first session. Her goal is to get you back on top form, so if you have a sporting injury, pain, sprains/ strains, training for an event or just want peak fitness for your sport and daily life, why don’t you make an appointment?

If you have an injury you don’t need a referral; just call us and we’ll get you on the road to recovery in no time.

SPECIAL INTRODUCTORY RATES ARE AVAILABLE UNTIL THE END OF OCTOBER WITH NIAMH FOR ACC AND PRIVATE CLIENTS. PN RETURN TO FORM, Level 1, 334 Ponsonby Road T: 09 551 4460 or 0800 723 676 www.returntoform.com

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

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CLARE CALDWELL

THE ART OF LIVING

How often do we find ourselves rushing through life, heads full of multi-tasking, barely noticing the nuances and subtleties around us? In our fast-paced achiever-orientated lifestyles, we lurch from task to task; at work, within study, at home, ticking things off a “to do” list. Our aim and the expectation of others around us is that we’ll be quick and efficient, with minimum energy outlay, and will achieve our objectives. Because these objectives and achievements are tangible, we become accustomed to being judged, validated and encouraged accordingly.

Working at Mercy Hospice with patients and their families and within my private practice as a Creative Arts Therapist has taught me a whole new way of working; a whole new level of expectation. The yard stick for measuring “success” or “failure” is not about how many people I’ve worked with that day. It’s not about me. By taking my ego out of the equation the emphasis shifts to the person and the process. Achievement in this arena is often as subtle as a barely perceivable shift in energy or willingness to engage, much of which occurs on a subconscious level, sometimes not manifesting for several sessions.

Again, the degree of involvement is up to the individual. As the therapist, I must be mindful to keep an inner position where my subjective need for “success” in inspiring people to engage more deeply is kept to a minimum, and must believe that a deeper engagement will happen as and when necessary. As I navigate my way through the chaos of urban living, I’m grateful for the balance this work brings to my life. Quietly sitting along-side someone, witnessing their process unfold, is such a privilege. It constantly reminds me there are other ways of being and achieving.

It is - a way of working.

CLARE (CLAUDIE) CALDWELL is a Creative Arts Therapist who runs a small private practice from home. She is Voluntary Team Leader of Creative Therapies at Mercy Hospice Auckland, College Hill where she has worked for the last ten years. She is also a Freelance Artist. PN Enquiries: T: 09 836 3618; M: 021 293 3171 clare.e.caldwell@gmail.com

To begin engaging with someone so they feel relaxed and safe, my energy must be sensitive, open and most importantly, fully present.. This gentle, respectful holding of the ground, allows a slow unfolding of trust towards myself and the art therapy process itself. It’s not about efficiency and time-management. This energy operates in a whole different time frame. Being comfortable with working in this area of “not knowing” and allowing it to slowly surface to conscious “knowing” and clarity through the process of art therapy has been a revelation to me. It’s where deep shifts towards healing can occur as the person begins to reveal themselves to themselves.

Some people plunge into deep processes to unburden themselves very quickly. Others are happy experiencing the lighter recreational pleasure of art making rather than art therapy (eg making a gift for someone) which all has its therapeutic value.

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

EATING LIKE YOUR PALAEOLITHIC ANCESTORS COULD RID YOU OF MODERN DAY ILLS Nutritionist Julianne Taylor has just returned from the world’s first ever Ancestral Health Symposium held at UCLA University, Los Angeles. Dubbed the ‘Woodstock of Evolutionary Medicine’, the event had an impressive line-up of international presenters - Scientists, Doctors, Specialists, Professors and health practitioners researching optimal human diet and lifestyle.

They all came to the same conclusion - our modern agricultural diet is far removed from the hunter-gatherer diet that humans evolved to eat and the one which best suits our genes. And that mismatch is making many of us overweight and chronically unwell.

Julianne is a Certified Zone Instructor and has taught Zone diet principles for the last 15 years. Two years ago she started researching ancestral diets, and Paleo eating.

The science made sense, so Julianne tested the diet herself. She changed to eating like a hunter gatherer - vegetables, fruit, meats, eggs, and healthy fats. She was stunned by the improvement in her own health and wellbeing.

Buoyed by her own success, Julianne had a group of guinea pig clients try Paleo eating for six weeks - again the results were impressive; blood pressure reduction, significant weight loss, gut issues resolved, absence of joint pain, improved performance. Foggy brains and sugar cravings disappeared. Now a convinced Paleo advocate, she recommends it to all her clients.

Julianne is a registered nurse and practising nutritionist, she sees clients one on one and uses tools from current nutritional science, the Zone and Paleo diets to design an eating plan to fit your tastes. Call Julianne to discuss on T: 09 378 1573 PN

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DENISE L’ESTRANGE-CORBET THE DUCHESS OF CAMBRIDGE (NEAR HAMILTON!) The Duchess has been very naughty this month, and I think Armin will be growling at me.

I managed to put the left side of my hip out and have been walking with a sort of odd sideways shuffle, a bit like a crab that has lost its way. In fact, so painful has my hip been that I even went online to look at mobility scooters, as when I walked, or turned in bed, I was in agony, and I thought I would ride to Anytime Fitness.

I told Armin I needed a hip replacement, as I feared I had broken it. I am famous for self-diagnoses, I do it all the time and it infuriates my Doctor. I always arrive and tell him what is wrong with me, he tells me I am wrong and sends me home. Fashion Designers are not very good at diagnosing illnesses apparently. So I go off to see Armin and tell him what is wrong with me.

At the gym they have those very large, brightly coloured inflatable balls that people sit on and do things on. Well it wasn’t one of those that was responsible for my ailment, but a half ball with a hard flat underside.

Armin placed this on the floor (imagine it is a large mallowpuff, minus the chocolate unfortunately) and I had to lie on my side, with my hip on the centre of the mallow puff and my hands clutched in front of me, and try desperately to raise my torso up off the floor!

Armin seems to forget I have not come from Cirque de Soleil but from down the road in Freemans Bay. I yelled at Armin “Ï can’t do this, it’s impossible!” But he told me (in his lovely German accent) to “keep trying, you can do it”.

It was taking all my strength to just lift my head up and then I would start laughing, as it was all so funny. I mean, it sounds so easy, but it most definitely was not. Every time I laughed, I rolled off the mallowpuff. So head up, arms clenched, giggle, giggle, roll off, repeat many times.

This was not what was meant to be happening and I think this was part of the reason my hip went on strike.

After waking the next morning in agony, I waited a week and then went back to have it remedied. I had to now lie on my back on the floor with my legs bent and the ball between my knees, and push them together to squeeze the ball, move my legs a bit further down and repeat, over and over until my legs were flat on the ground. And, honestly, it did work!

Then I got lazy and Armin called and said I had to meet him for a coffee as he wanted to discuss my programme (in fact I got a mild telling off for not going enough).

We met at Dizengoff and he offered to buy me lunch, which was so kind! I declined, but instead had a piece of carrot cake with lashings of cream.

I sat happily eating my cake and listening to Armin tell me about a new programme he had for me, which meant I watched what I ate all week, then at weekends I could eat what I wanted but all the time working out. Whilst he was telling me this his eyes were fixed firmly on the large blob of cream on my plate.

I followed his eyes and said, “I love cake” and he said “yes, but you did not need the cream.” When I told a friend, she was horrified I had even had the nerve to eat a cake with cream in front of my gym instructor! Her words went along the lines of “Are you completely mad? What is wrong with you woman? I can’t believe you did that, blah, blah.” OK, yes, I am hearing you!

Armin said I can have cake with cream, but only two days a week and with regular visits to Anytime Fitness.

To be honest I pity any person who is given the job of helping me get fit, I am a terrible student. I always turn up on time, but laugh and moan my way through most exercises.

Armin is very patient with this shuffling crab and I promise to work harder, back off the cake and cream, and get my fitness levels up for summer. Honestly Armin, I promise.

(DENISE L’ESTRANGE-CORBET) PN ANYTIME FITNESS, 100 Ponsonby Road T: 09 360 5488 www.anytimefitness.co.nz

ENHANCE your

photography: martin leach

Lifestyle

Open 24/7 | www.anytimefitness.co.nz 100 Ponsonby Road | T: 09 360 5488

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WHAT’S HOT AT SABATO FAN FARE… Whether you’re a rugby fan or not, it’s likely that over the coming weeks you’ll find yourself hosting some sort of gathering centered around what’s fondly known as our national sport.

Below are a few ideas for “fan fare” – recipes for simple finger food that are perfect for feeding the fans, but would be equally at home at a dinner party.

• Roll slices of goat’s cheese in breadcrumbs, fry in a little olive oil and serve with a drizzle of honey.

• Braise sliced chorizo with a little Mas Portell Merlot vinegar, and serve speared with a clove of Mas Portell sweet white garlic.

• Melt a couple of tablespoons of Corazon quince paste, a teaspoon of chilli, some coriander seeds, chopped garlic and a lug of Romulo sherry vinegar and mix together. Coat pork spare-ribs and bake.

• Toss kumara, pumpkin or potato wedges in olive oil, salt and La Chinata smoked paprika and bake in a hot oven until golden and crisp. Serve with Sabato aioli or tartare mayonnaise.

• Spread your favourite Sabato pasta sauce over a pizza base. Top with slices of Pedrazzoli salami and mozzarella. Bake in a hot oven until the cheese has melted, and then top with a handful of rocket.

Don’t forget we stock a wide range of cheeses, cured meats, olives, crackers, chutneys and condiments. You’ll also find heat-and-eat nibbles like blue cheese tartlets and chorizo mini muffins in our freezers, alongside our range of gourmet pies – because who says fast food can’t be good food? Buon appetito, and buona fortuna! PN SABATO, 57 Normanby Road T: 09 630 8751 www.sabato.co.nz

THE BEST THING SINCE SLICED BREAD Well it would have to be the fillings inside these slices’ thought the Anonymous Foodie as she unpacked a large box of sandwiches and wraps she had just picked up from ‘Sliced’ on Richmond Road.

It’s been previously established that the AF loves to have a few friends around for lunch but isn’t so rapt on actually cooking for them. This occasion was a farewell for a couple who were about to leave for a few months’ stay in London. Normally the AF restricted her little parties to ladies only but this time the lesser half of the couple was included. After all he could always be relied on for a good joke or two.

CRAIG HOME and BARBARA MORGAN, the new owners of SLICED

AF’s antennae are always on the alert for food news and she was aware that Sliced had changed hands recently and was serving excellent ‘healthy food to go’. She sounded out the new proprietors, Barbara Morgan and Craig Horne and learned that Barbara had been in the industry for twenty years, and had worked in some of the best cafés in London as well as supplying corporate lunches back here. AF wasted no more time and asked them to put together a selection of goodies for her party.

The rowdy gang arrived on the spot of noon and eyed the platters of food on the table with great approval. The wraps contained free range chicken, aioli, coleslaw and toasted seeds, or tuna, mayo, artichoke, cheese, and salad. A single sandwich was a lunch in itself. Walnut, mixed grain, sourdough and ciabatta bread slices were filled with a selection of ingredients that included beef, beetroot, onion marmalade, bacon, egg mayo, cucumber, tomato, gherkin, pesto, and mesclun. Bottles of wine were unscrewed [uncorked used to sound more elegant but is fast disappearing from our lexicon] and the guests fell upon the repast.

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After such largesse it seemed unlikely the diners would want ‘afters’, but not a bit of it.

Ginger slices, gluten free orange and almond cake, apple walnut and date tea loaf, and brownies all went down a treat. Fuelled by good food the the reminiscences followed thick and fast. This lunch was a grandparents ‘do’ and nobody is quicker on the draw with photos of their grandchildren. After these were distributed and exclaimed upon, one of the guests expressed surprise at the way her little sweetie had matured. When very young, the little darling loved nothing better than going to the Fairy Shop with Granny and choosing pretty presents. Now, just turned eighteen, she has a pit bull terrier, rides a Harley Davidson, become formally engaged to her girlfriend and celebrated her birthday by buying herself a self-tattooing machine. Oh how the times are a-changing.

Barrington, the token man had the last say. “What are the three stages of man,” he queried. “Tell us,” his audience chorussed. “There’s childhood, middle age and ‘you’re looking well’!” Enough said! (THE ANONYMOUS FOODIE) PN SLICED, 104 Richmond Road T: 09 360 6156 PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

SABATO offers a selection of delicious nibbles - both sweet and savoury - to order

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EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY FIRE & ICE - NEW TO PONSONBY FIRE & ICE IS THE NEWCOMER TO THE PONSONBY STRIP AND IS AN ELEGANT urban bistro with a great bar, warm smiles and sleek modern eclecticism. There’s an amazing function room and balcony upstairs, coupled with its own bar and dining area – perfect for Christmas parties and gatherings. The main dining area on the ground level has a curved bar, a great lounge and walkabout space with leaners and rattan chairs for your comfort. There are Dj’s every Thursday and Saturday with a live band playing on selected Friday nights. With a relaxed attitude and a wealth of experience in hospitality, the Chef, Dev Malik is very excited to be part of Fire & Ice and told Ponsonby News a little bit about this new business.

PLEASE TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND? I have always been curious about food and that curiosity has taken me around the world namely North America, Europe, Asia and now here in New Zealand. That’s the good part about being a chef, we get to travel the world, cook a bit and never on an empty stomach.

Personally, I love food so much that I feel I haven’t worked one day in my life, it’s a passion, profession and hobby all rolled into one. In my previous tenures I have headed kitchens which have been featured in the CONDENAST HOT TABLES and have become institutions in their own right.

DO YOU HAVE A FAVOURITE DISH? I have lots of favorites but once in a while I like to sit down and have a big bowl of linguine with lots of garlic, chilli, broccoli and prawns.

HOW ARE YOU FINDING WORKING IN PONSONBY? It is hugely exciting, everybody is at the top of their game and the atmosphere is almost electric. I absolutely love it.

FIRE & ICE, 43 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 378 1260 www.fireandicebar.co.nz

FIRE & ICE chef, DEV MALIK

TIME IS PRECIOUS KEEPING UP WITH THE JONESES IS A LIFE STYLE MANAGEMENT BUSINESS created by Jane McCulloch to help you get the most out of your day. Having Keeping up with the Joneses help manage your meal time, household, and relaxation, you give yourself more time to do the things you love doing!

After four years of owning and operating a hospitality business, and over 15 years experience in the fast paced food industry, Jane knows how time is precious.

Sometimes there just aren’t enough hours in the day to get the little things done and enjoy the quality of life you deserve.

Combining a passion for food, organisation and relaxation, Keeping up with the Joneses offers a range of services including: coming to your home to cook meals for the freezer, catering for small functions, massage therapy or running errands that you just don’t have the time to do.

It might be that last minute birthday shopping you just haven’t got round to doing, or chores like sorting the winter wardrobe out, or simply booking in that long overdue massage to help you relax and let the cares of the day slip away.

JANE MCCULLOCH, owner of KEEPING UP WITH THE JONESES

With the Rugby world cup upon us, it’s a perfect time to use the services of Keeping up with the Joneses. Pack your freezer full of goodness to fortify the troops while they lose voices supporting the team! Or book a massage for your much travelled guests to help recover from victory dancing…options are aplenty with the services we provide.

For more information check out www.keepingupwiththejoneses.co.nz

THE PONSONBY NEWS TEAM SAY, life is too short… to not eat good food and drink good wine www.ponsonbynews.co.nz

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photography: Jo Barrett

WHAT ARE THE INSPIRATIONS BEHIND YOUR NEW MENU? I believe we are truly blessed here in New Zealand the produce is brilliant, but I usually create dishes which are complete with a healthy dose of foods with curative properties, olive oil, turmeric, fennel…to name a few. More over the season of the year is the biggest inspiration so in winter the menu warms you up; there is an element of comfort whilst being elegant, urban bistro fare. So in winter its big, bold flavours and lots of dairy and cheese which provide warmth and succor. Come summer and the menu will reflect light fare, lots of citrus, emulsions, coulis and natural reductions.

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EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY HUBC4P CAFE’S OLD IMPERIAL TYPEWRITER A VISIT TO HUBC4P CAFÉ AT 130 PONSONBY RD, IS WELL WORTH THE TRIP UP the stairs above the MINI garage to reveal a cosy relaxed atmosphere and an enticing display of divine, home baked goodies that urge one to explore one’s taste buds. On the bureau sits an old typewriter, an Imperial 66, that customers use to jot down their thoughts, their tweets… only there is nothing high tech about this typewriter. There is no ‘delete’ button or an ‘enter’ button and so spelling mistakes are as they happen. Below are the best of the last couple of weeks.

HUBC4P CAFE ….Old School bloggers punch out their thoughts on the Imperial 66..

Hello how are you, this is a great typewriter, I learnt how to typ on a typewriter just like this last centry!

-Once upon atime there was a café that made all of its food from rainbows and happiness this was HUBCAP YAY can I become a hobo and live in this café?????????

U can HIRE this venue.. my party was fabulous, food delicious, staff brilliant happy folks…

Thankuthanku

Omggg this is soo cool… I want one can you still buy these

sun espresso dark and rich smell the haloumi goodness sweet syrup cakes all things fulfilled in life, Saturday bliss

What a lovely busy café, cant wait to come again. The coffee is fantastic and the girls so smiley and sweet The meringue wass soooooo Ponsonby Road starts to ease as the sun peeps through the clouds.

Amy Winehouse is still here for one more song… The smell of fresh baking and the clink of cutlery being cleaned are cues that I need to get a cup of something to trigger the creative juices and kick start the day…

Empire eggs and cream doughnuts are too cute Suite Judy Blue eyes is in my ears and the Matrix is in my mind.

Time for a coffee….and one of those scones HHHmmmmmmm

u have to push quite hard to make the letters dark Yay for hubcap café…..definitely worth another visit . ; )

The sun is joining us for lunch today. How kind and considerate like the staff at this fine establishment…

and then….Thursday the 11th arrived…..

Mmm Try the coddled eggs with parmesan mmmmmmmmmmyummmmmmyyyyyyyyyyy Yay it snowed today… in Auckland

10.08 am Rain falling and squally Zoe making boxer coffee very smooth.. smell brioche fresh out of the oven no 10.56am We are waiting Auckland Four seasons in one day No time to waste Espresso, long or short Just whatever in haste And who knows maybe there will be room for a tart

and

nutmeg

FROM THE EDITOR: The above has not been sub-edited or corrected, therefore, it contains spelling errors etc! PN

Momentous!

What another stunning day out there, spring is on its was Today on the 16th a gurl turns 16 (: HAPPY BIRTHDAY yu da best What better way to celebrate than a coffee in the sun looking Out over Ponsonby, ahhhhhhhhhh The apocalypse was ushered in with a slow motion wipe of his flat white moustache………….

I am the coolest person alive and this is the coolest café mhahhhhh So wats up? nothin much wbu? neither pretty bored actually oh… that’s sad : ) cool typewrita tho how do u delete? snow day………again please I missed it yesterday lovely food I would come here anyday and everyday thanks and free parking a bonus. windy as, warm as here bst way to strt Sunday than a relaxing Brunchnnnn haloumi and tomatoes amazing Feel like we,re at home. Thanks Eeyyummmmmy min ce on toastis Soooo gooood thanks :): ) Thankyou this café is cool. Yum coffee.. ya baking rocks

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COME AND MEET YOUR MAKER I suppose the environs of a convent would be an ideal place to meet your maker but in this case it’s actually a meeting with the maker of the wine you are invited to taste. On Saturday 1 October, between 11.30am - 4.30pm, The PTFA of St Mary’s College is holding a wine tasting fund-raising event to provide heating to the school’s recently upgraded swimming pool. The wineries taking part are all award winners and the wine makers themselves will be there to add fillip to the occasion.

Anthony Ivicevich and James Rowan from West Brook Wines in Waimauku will be in attendance. So will Rob Cameron of Invivio Wines that produces a Sauvignon Blanc with 30% less calories and alcohol. The Invivio labels have been designed by Zambesi. David Evans from Passage Rock on Waiheke Island and Gary Cameron from Lochiel Estate in Matakana will also be dispensing wine knowledge and Greg Day of Kahurangi Estate in Nelson will be flying up for just one day to do his bit for the school.

This is a wine tasting, not a wine festival and it’s an R18 event. The tastings are free and wine will be for sale at very good rates which you can take on the day or have delivered. St Mary’s pupils will provide entertainment throughout the day and refreshments will be offered from a number of gourmet food stalls.

The fund-raiser takes place during the final Rugby World Cup pool game and the PTFA intends placing their flier in hotels and motels etc. This event is bound to interest visitors and in more ways than one, is a refreshing alternative to the more obvious tourist attractions. What could be more convivial than mixing and mingling with the local community while sipping top brand wines on a sunny (we hope) Saturday in the beautiful grounds of an historic institute. (DEIRDRE ROELANTS) There will be no door sales and tickets which cost $25 are available by phoning T: 09 376 6568 or online at www.wineandmore.co.nz

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

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EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY

DULCE AS - IMPORTED SWEETS AND GOODIES FROM ARGENTINA MARIA AND ALEJO RAMIREZ, A YOUNG COUPLE FROM ARGENTINA CAME TO New Zealand in August 2006 to spend 12 months learning English and travelling around the country. They did, but they enjoyed life in this country so much that they decided to stay.

In June this year they started their own company Dulce As Ltd. a family business that imports product from prestigious and well known suppliers in Argentina. These products are available from the Dulce As online shop for all who are curious enough to dive into a world of delicious new flavours.

Alejo’s younger brother Mido has joined the company and with his design expertise he developed the graphics for the Dulce As brand which they launched to the market at this year’s Auckland Food Show.

At Dulce As they aim to exceed their customers’ expectations by offering high quality, fresh and well preserved products that are specially manufactured before exportation.

As soon as they come out of the factory and to ensure they remain fresh, they are shipped from Argentina directly to New Zealand by Air Freight (rather than sea freight).

Once the products are in New Zealand, they are stored at Dulce As’ specially designed storage, where the goods are kept at room temperature.

Alejo says they rely on and trust their delivery company to make sure the product reaches their customers in excellent condition and as fast as possible to home or office every time. PN These delectable products can be ordered from the DULCE AS online shop www.dulceas.co.nz

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THE POWER BEHIND THE THRONE T THIS MONTH I CAUGHT UP WITH CHAND SAHRAWAT, WIFE, ffriend and behind the scenes support person to Sid Sahrawat, Chef and pproprietor of Sidart in Three Lamps. She usually teaches High School English at Rangitoto College but has taken time off this year because there is an addition to the Sahrawat family. Baby Zoya was born five months ago and says Chand, “Zoya means life in Russian and she is an awesome baby, she sleeps so well we get to sleep in!”

Chand also does the accounts, PR and advertising for Sidart but until recently had never worked in the restaurant. She says, “one of the waiters broke her foot and they needed someone to be the food runner, it was my first night ever working in a restaurant and now I realise how hard it is, it’s so intense making sure everything is perfectly timed and presented. I think it’s good for me to know how it works so I can step in if I’m needed and now I have a greater appreciation for people who work it all the time”.

Born in India, Chand came to study at the University of Auckland when she was seventeen and met Sid who had moved here from Oman with his family. There were more opportunities here to cook the kind of food he loves and he spent time at Chapel and The Grove before opening the award winning Sidart. They both have family in New Zealand and Chand says now with the baby she doesn’t know what she would do without her mother.

REBECCA JONES

weekend so we’ll go out to eat or dine out with friends from other restaurants and we often have a curry and Indian movie night. We’re passionate about Indian movies, the language, the culture, they’re packed with action, drama and comedy. There’s every possible genre in one movie, they are so much fun to watch. We have a few favourite places to get Indian food - Little India in Kingsland or Jai Jalaram in Sandringham and Kati Grill on K’Rd do Indian kebabs like on the roadside in India. I miss the street food so it’s great to go there and if we want to eat in a restaurant we go to Oh Calcutta in Parnell for good service and food”.

Chand loves living in Ponsonby being so close to cafes and restaurants and says how easy it is to go for walks with the baby and how welcoming her neighbours have been.

“It’s a nice pace, it’s easy to get around and I can drop into the restaurant with Zoya during the day so Sid gets to spend some time with her too. Our neighbours are friendly and the type that will help you out like when we moved here I was heavily pregnant and our neighbours who we had just met took care of our dog while everything was being moved in. I’ve never had that sort of community before, it’s easy going and friendly and I’m really happy to be living here”. (REBECCA JONES) PN

“Sid lives and breathes the restaurant, the only service he’s ever missed was when the baby was born and even after my sixteen hour labour, he went back to work at 8.00pm!

We manage to spend quite a lot of time together though, when Sid comes home at one or two in the morning he wakes me up and we have dinner together. He needs time to wind down and we discuss what’s been going on, things that need to be done. It’s our catch up time as he goes to work early and although we speak to each other three or four times a day, it’s lovely to just be close and talk,” says Chand. “We’re always talking to each other, we think similar thoughts and never go to bed mad at each other. We believe in the power of positive thinking and if you ask the universe for something you will get it. The day Sid decided he wanted a restaurant everything fell into place within a month. We had a vision for the restaurant together, it’s like an extension of our home and we were both involved with the decoration and design”.

The restaurant is closed on Sunday and Monday, so on one of these they make the effort to have a date night. Says Chand, “as I cook all week it’s Sid’s turn on the

SID, CHAND and ZOYA SAHRAWAT with OSCAR

IT’S GAME TIME AT CHAPEL The crack management team has been devoted to this for the last four years – analysing the opposition, trying new combinations, promoting those with exceptional skills and casting aside those that don’t make the grade, looking at every last detail right down to the composition of the benches.

Sure, the number one ranking has been retained throughout this period, and all the signs coming out of the camp this year have been positive, but now all the country can do is wait with nervous anticipation and bated breath… just how good will Chapel’s seven-week Rugby World Cup party extravaganza be?!

That’s right, Chapel is about to host the mother of all parties, and as you might expect, Chapel owner Luke Dallow is certainly talking a good game. Quizzed about his own intentions for the World Cup, when Telecom was asking us all to give ‘it’ up for the team, he was typically to the point: “Abstain for the game? Screw that,” he said… “I’ll be rooting for the AB’s!”

And while Telecom’s World Cup campaign may have gone down like a last-minute Jonny Wilkinson drop goal in a Walkabout Pub, Luke promises that the Chapel party won’t fizzle out until long after the final’s final whistle. Indeed, as the only official Heineken Rugby World Cup on Ponsonby Road, Chapel will be the place to immerse yourself in cup fever throughout the tournament, whoever you’re supporting, and wherever the game is being played.

To ensure no forward pass or knock-on goes unnoticed, Luke has installed four new giant screens in the bar, on which every single one of the Cup’s 48 games will be shown live. Rumour has it that he has also negotiated a live link from the bar to the video ref’s box for all All Black games, however these claims are as yet unconfirmed. PN CHAPEL BAR & BISTRO, 147 Ponsonby Road T: 09 360 4528 www.chapel.co.nz

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THE INSIDER FOODIE GUIDE TO PONSONBY With Rugby World Cup visitors coming to Ponsonby next week, the team at Ponsonby News are delighted to share some of our favourite dishes at our favourite eateries. Wherever you are in Ponsonby there’s always something fresh and delicious available for breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner or even to satisfy that 3pm sugar craving!

BREAKFAST / MORNING TEA Ponsonby News loves a decent COFFEE - few will contest that as well as being one of New Zealand’s first coffee roasters, they are also one of the best around.

Allpress Coffee, 266 Ponsonby Road T: 09 376 4726 www.allpressespresso.com Thank God for the delicious BREAKFAST SALAD - we don’t all feel like bacon and mega-carbs in the morning!

Bambina, 268 Ponsonby Road T: 09 360 4000 You can’t beat the classics! We always go for the EGGS ON TOAST. They are of course available any style but we like ‘em scrambled, served on 12 grain toast.

Cafe Bliss, 286 Ponsonby Road T: 09 360 6302 www.cafebliss.co.nz If we’re feeling continental, SPANISH EGGS hit the spot – served on ciabatta they come with spinach, feta, olives, chorizo sausage and capsicum. This wonderful dish has been on the menu since they opened.

Dida’s Food Store, 54 Jervois Road T: 09 361 6157 www.glengarry.co.nz/didas We’re still drooling at the idea of the MARC MOORE BREAKFAST, named for one of the Stolen Girlfriends Club designers who is a regular: seasonal fruit, toasted coconut bread and lemon curd aficionado.

Dizengoff, 256 Ponsonby Road T: 09 360 0108 For brunch or a light lunch when we’re in the mood for something a little bit sweet – we order the FRENCH TOAST, served with poached pear and real maple syrup. Yum on a plate at this award-winning local!

Ella Cafe and Lounge, 118 Ponsonby Road T: 09 378 7979 www.ellacafe.co.nz The CINNAMON BRIOCHE remains a firm favourite.

The Garnet Road Food Store, 162 Garnet Road T: 09 376 8227 This tucked away cafe has the best atmosphere - buzzy and retro-cool - and their CHILLI SARDINES with horseradish and lemon are world famous!

Good One-Coffee Supreme, 42 Douglas Street T: 09 360 5040 The EMPIRE EGGS are a fabulously exotic breakfast of cumin spiced lentils with home-made tomato passata, chilli, fresh coriander and a soft egg baked on top.

Hubc4p Mini Garage, 130 Ponsonby Road T: 09 360 2568 Could a sweet-toothed person possibly go past their gingerbread pancakes? Buttermilk pancakes with bacon, pear and anise compote, and golden syrup ice cream. We could almost eat this dish daily!

Landreth & Co, 272 Ponsonby Road T: 09 360 7440 www.landrethandco.co.nz We also love the great coffee, or Chai Latte with TOASTED MUFFINS; bringing a sense of warmth and comfort to any cold winter’s day in Ponsonby.

Marcello’s Cafe, 28 College Hill T: 09 361 2600

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Who can resist EGGS BENEDICT? Not us! especially when they’re teamed with broad bean crush ... yummo!

Richmond Road Cafe, 318 Richmond Road T: 09 360 5559 www.richmondrdcafe.co.nz They have a growing reputation for their delicious GRANOLA for breakfast, served with sliced fruits and berries and perfect washed down with a coffee.

Salta, 285 Ponsonby Road T: 09 360 1295 For a traditional breakfast with a twist, try the Kumara and Rocket BUBBLE AND SQUEAK which includes kumara and veggie roasti topped with poached eggs, hollandaise and rocket. Also ideal for lunch.

The Williamson Cafe, 1 Williamson Avenue T: 09 360 1115

FANCY SOME BRUNCH / LUNCH? Lucky the Cat lives just two doors away! lucky indeed to be so close to the wonderful selection of goodies available here - particularly the good old fashioned CLUB SANDWICH filled with avocado, egg and tomato on white and brown bread. Very Palmerston North!

Cafe Liaison, 2 Pompallier Terrace T: 09 376 2003 For something healthy and tasty try the HALOUMI AND BASIL COUS COUS SALAD served with tomato salsa and toasted almonds. This is highly recommended!

Cafe People, 38 Ponsonby Road T: 09 360 6876 Did somebody say AVOCADO SUSHI ROLL? We can tell you who offers the freshest and tastiest sushi in Ponsonby. They win many awards to prove it!

Cocoro, 56a Brown Street T: 09 360 0927 www.cocoro.co.nz Ponsonby News loves Italian - especially the sumptuous hand made TORTELLONI, which comes stuffed with seasonal, mouthwatering ingredients.

Delicious, 472 Richmond Road T: 09 360 7590 www.delicious.co.nz

When the mood takes us, we like to settle in for Tapas and a good wine. A must have is the QUESO DE CABRA BLANDO or goats cheese on fig and rosemary toast with truffle honeycomb and crunchy mint leaves – the bread is baked fresh on site.

Dida’s Wine Lounge & Tapas, 54 Jervois Road T: 09 376 2813 www.glengarry.co.nz/didas If it’s a takeaway lunch we’re after, then the CAESAR SALAD made with free range bacon and eggs and anchovies, hits the spot for many an ‘on the run’ lunch.

Dida’s Wine Lounge & Foodstore, 118 Wellesley Street T: 09 308 8319 www.glengarry.co.nz/didas What list would be complete without traditional FISH AND CHIPS, served with mushy peas, tartare sauce and homemade chunky cut fries? The fish is Monteiths beer battered. Mouthwatering and fresh!

Herne Bay Local, 170 Jervois Road T: 09 376 5367 www.hernebaylocal.co.nz The BALINESE STICKY BLACK RICE bathed in coconut cream and served with exquisitely prepared fresh fruit drizzled with passionfruit, makes for an unusual but addictive brunch. Very Kuta Beach!

Jafa, 551 Richmond Road T: 09 361 1100 Devour the best Roman pizza by the slice right in the heart of Ponsonby. A favourite is SPINACI E FETA made with mozzarella, spinach, chilli and feta.

Il Buco, 113 Ponsonby Road T: 09 360 4414 www.ilbuco.co.nz We all love PIES that are huge and hearty and bound to satisfy even the biggest appetite. This Victoria Park hideaway offers a selection of gluten free options, with different varieties on a daily basis.

Groucho Cafe, 1/143 Wellesley Street West T: 09 309 3939

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

PONSONBY LITTLE BLACK BOOK As well as their authentic French pastries and sweets, they make awesome CHOCOLATE FLAKES - dark with cornflakes and milk with rice bubbles - that kids (and their Mummies) love. Forget the diet!

Philippe’s Chocolate, 293 Great North Road T: 09 376 1754 www.philippechocolate.co.nz Match your favourite hot drink to SCONES with cream and raspberry jam or CRUMPETS with lemon curd, mascarpone and berries; just some of the goodies on the tantalising menu at this retro inspired cafe.

Queenie’s Lunchroom, 24a Spring Street, Freemans Bay T: 09 378 8977 www.queenieslunchroom.co.nz

WHAT’S FOR DINNER? One of the most popular dishes is the fresh BUFFALO MOZZARELLA with vine tomato, basil, char grilled vegetables and warm ciabatta. We love it!

Andiamo, 194 Jervois Road T: 09 378 7811 www.andiamo.co.nz

Are you in the mood for a delicious yet slightly unusual sandwich combination? While we were huge fans of the prawns on toast they have been replaced by the equally delicious, lightly smoked KINGFISH. Zus & Zo, 228 Jervois Road T: 09 361 5060 www.zusandzo.co.nz

We love the retro decor and goodies available in West Lynn and one of our faves are the ZUCCHINI FRITTERS – served with poached egg, cured salmon and salsa verde. Very Rachel Edilson!

Monterey Coffee Lounge, 432 Richmond Road T: 09 360 0488 We absolutely adore the HIGH TEA available at this wonderfully nostalgic 1920s themed restaurant. The three tiered server comes laden with fresh rolls, sweet and savoury scones and mini desserts!

Prohibition Restaurant, 108 Ponsonby Road T: 09 361 5858 www.prohibition.co.nz The GREEN CHILLI SCRAMBLE with fresh asparagus, capers and pecorino is widely agreed to be this Herne Bay cafe’s piece de resistance.

Rabbit Hole Cafe, 203 Jervois Road T: 09 360 0755 It’s hard to go past the scrumptuous baked goods, but Angie and her team make the best salads - no doubt!

Ripe Deli, 172 Richmond Road T: 09 360 6159 www.ripedeli.co.nz There’s a delicious, healthy and generous BEETROOT AND ROOT VEGETABLE SALAD on their excellent menu - just perfect to accompany your favourite wine or beer.

Sale St Brewery 7 Sale Street T: 09 307 8148 www.salest.co.nz Made to order SANDWICHES especially the ciabatta with pesto, mashed egg, beetroot and rocket is a favourite combination! Don’t forget FISH FINGER FRIDAY - a very popular choice with many!

Sliced Lunch bar, 104 Richmond Road T: 09 360 6156 Growing ever more famous for their pies, they have a great selection including gluten free options – we always opt for the VEGETARIAN PIE with feta.

The Food Room, 250 Ponsonby Road T: 09 360 2425 www.thefoodroom.co.nz The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

photography: Katherine Lowe www.katherineisawesome.com

Fancy a delicious sweet crepe? The CARAMELISED APPLE with cinnamon and maple syrup is simply divine.

The closest you will get to an authentic, French cuisine experience in Ponsonby.

La Cantine du Torchon, 265 Ponsonby Road T: 09 376 2516 www.lacantine.co.nz

For a delicious and lighter alternative we love the BEETNIK. The mushroom, kumara, chickpea and basil pattie comes with beetroot, salad, melted cheese and aioli on a smaller bun. Wash it down with the special beer battered fries when they’re available.

Burger Fuel, 114 Ponsonby Road T: 09 378 6466 www.burgerfuel.com Well known for their innovative menus, the current favourite here is the FIVE SPICED SOFT SHELL CRAB on chilli garlic slaw (red cabbage and red chillies).

Chapel Bar and Bistro, 147 Ponsonby Road T: 09 360 4528 www.chapel.co.nz Plan for a relaxed evening of wining and dining in the elegant opulent surroundings. We love the vegetarian tasting menu - which includes the RICOTTA BRICK with carrot, nasturtium and orange pith.

Clooney, 33 Sale Street T: 09 358 1702 www.clooney.co.nz We often take friends here for dinner and an absolute must have is the TOD MUN KHO POD or fried corn fritters with sweet chilli sauce. Erawan Thai Restaurant & Bar, Corner Lawrence Street and Jervois Road T: 09 361 3261 www.erawanthai.co.nz

THE 3PM SUGAR RUSH At least one of the Ponsonby News team is totally addicted to lamingtons and can vouch that these are the most decadent and luxurious CHOCOLATE LAMINGTONS to be found in this part of town.

Agnes Curran, 181 Ponsonby Road T: 09 360 1551 If we had to limit ourselves to just one cupcake, then it would have to be the delicious raspberry goodness of the RASPBERRY LAMINGTON with vanilla bean frosting. Cone Kings yoghurt is a popular treat, isn’t it – Francis at WORLD? Icing on the Cake, 188 Jervois Road T: 09 360 9797 www.icingonthecake.co.nz This Italian bakery offers a nice selection of handmade breads and their cherry DOUGHNUTS are very popular!

Il Forno, 55 Mackelvie Street T: 09 378 0264 www.ilforno.co.nz Although you will need to start your sugar rush before 3pm at this ‘oh so cool’ cafe, it’s worth it for the best and most delicious CHOCOLATE BROWNIE around.

Oh! So Cafe, 29 Crummer Road T: 09 360 0700

Try the gourmet WOOD FIRED PIZZAS inspired by flavours from Mexico, Greece, India, Italy, Morocco and New Zealand. Perfect for dinner, or lunch of course.

GPK, 260 Ponsonby Road T: 09 360 1113 www.gpk.co.nz For a bit of everything try a vegetarian set menu for two, starting with delicious antipasti such as the SCAMORZA AL FORNO which is Scamorza cheese topped with black truffle pesto and served with garlic bread.

Gusto Italiano, 263 Ponsonby Road T: 09 361 1556 www.gustoitaliano.co.nz While steak is their signature, the menu still caters to all tastes and includes mouth watering dishes like the SMOKED CHINOOK SALMON served with pickled cucumber, horseradish mayo and fried capers.

Jervois Steak House, 70 Jervois Road T: 09 376 2049 www.jervoissteakhouse.co.nz The LONGROOM PLATTER offers a range of tasty morsels, pork belly, spiced lamb and black bean empanadas, handmade meatballs and chilli salt squid – perfect with a wine or beer of your choice.

The Longroom,114 Ponsonby Road T: 09 360 8803 www.longroom.co.nz

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THE INSIDER FOODIE GUIDE TO PONSONBY It’s worth a visit to Westmere for the spicy FISH TACOS with pickled slaw, guacamole and lime coriander creammmmmm... very mouthwatering indeed.

Meola Kitchen, 184 Garnet Road T: 09 360 6184 Our favourite items from the updated and modern Thai menu are the CURRY PUFFS and VEGETARIAN SPRING ROLLS served with chilli or tamarind sauce – crunchy and delicious!

Monarchy, 531 Karangahape Road T: 09 377 2218 For a funky and unusual take on burgers check out the range yourself – we like the FALAFEL BURGER which contains a herbed falafel pattie with relish, a creamy capsicum and mint sauce and salad.

Murder Burger, 128a Ponsonby Road T: 09 550 5500 www.murderburger.co.nz The MURTABAK (hand made Roti with lamb filling) is so good that locals carry it back to Malaysia!

Navas Cafe Malaysian Cuisine, 14 Ponsonby Road T: 09 378 4478 We order the UDON SALAD, packed with fresh crisp vegetables and tasty soft noodles. Wash this down with a LITTLE LOUIS, spicy shredded apple mini spring roll, for an evening treat which won’t break the bank.

Otto Woo, 47 Ponsonby Road T: 09 360 1989 www.otto-woo.com Main ingredient: Passion, this regional Italian style cuisine is exceptionally flavourful. Try RAVIOLI DI ZUCCA – pumpkin, almond and parmesan cheese ravioli served with tomato sauce, fresh chilli and basil.

Pane E Vino, 20 Williamson Avenue T: 09 360 0263 www.paneevino.co.nz We love the stylish and relaxed environment in here and have often enjoyed the SALMON FISHCAKES with pea puree, caper mayonnaise and caper berries.

Ponsonby Road Bistro, 165 Ponsonby Road T: 09 360 1611 www.ponsonbyroadbistro.co.nz

The consistently delicious PANE DI GRANO DURO (fresh home baked bread) and SPAGHETTI AGIOLI with garlic, olive oil, olives, parsley, chilli and feta; make a great team - as always everything is perfect here.

Prego, 226 Ponsonby Road T: 09 376 3095 www.prego.co.nz With a massive selection of vegetarian and Ayurvedic inspired dishes, we’re always drawn straight to the MASALA DOSA – a potato and onion curry wrapped in dosa and served with sambar and coconut chutney.

Satya South Indian Restaurant, 17 Great North Road T: 09 361 3612 www.satya.co.nz Sid Sahrawat has just unveiled a new look menu, including a five course lunch. We can’t go past the ultra decadent and delicious Valrhona CHOCOLATE DESSERT with beautiful lavender.

Sidart, Three Lamps Plaza, Level 1, 283 Ponsonby Road T: 09 360 2122 www.sidart.co.nz If you feel in need of a seafood hit, try the SEAFOOD ‘TOBAN’ – this gratin style dish contains prawns, scallops, oysters, and salmon drizzled with a spicy miso mayo and served with deep fried vegetables.

Soto Japanese Garden Restaurant, 13 St Mary’s Road T: 09 360 0021 www.soto.co.nz

This Ponsonby institution is where you’ll find a lively, friendly atmosphere, award-wining service and the best SAUTEED GARLIC PRAWNS in town.

SPQR, 150 Ponsonby Road T: 09 360 1710 www.spqrnz.co.nz Ponsonby charm meets cosmopolitan Europe in the old Ponsonby Post Office. World famous for their pots of New Zealand green-lip STEAMED MUSSELS and New Zealand’s largest range of Belgian specialty beers.

The Ponsonby Belgian Beer Cafe, 1-3 St Mary’s Road T: 09 376 6092 www.theponsonby.co.nz Faced with the wonderful selection of tasty dishes, we always make sure to start with a SAMOSA – delicious pastry stuffed with spicy potatoes and peas.

Trendy Indian, 204 Jervois Road T: 09 376 2001 www.trendyindian.co.nz Try Geoff Scott’s DEGUSTATION menu, you won’t be disappointed. It offers eight courses and we are drawn particularly to the MARLBOROUGH KING SALMON with watercress, almonds and burnt orange vinaigrette.

Vinnies Restaurant, 166 Jervois Road T: 09 376 5597 www.vinnies.co.nz PN

ALICE LEONARD: ANGEL FOOD BLACK PEARL TRUFFLES Based on the recipe in Hannah Kaminsky’s ‘Vegan Desserts’ book.

The familiar truffle format is spiked with wasabi! You can find black sesame seeds in Asian supermarkets.

INGREDIENTS 250g dairy-free dark chocolate (e.g. Whittakers) 1/3 cup coconut cream 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 1/4teaspoons ground ginger 1 teaspoon wasabi powder (or more, to taste) 1/4 cup black sesame seeds METHOD 1. Make a double boiler by sitting a metal bowl in saucepan containing water a couple of inches deep. (Just make sure the water isn’t touching the bottom of the bowl.)

2. Break the chocolate up into squares and put it in the bowl with the coconut cream.

3. Put the pan on medium heat, stirring regularly, until completely melted.

4. Remove from the heat and stir in the other ingredients.

5. Pour into a wide dish and allow to set (in the fridge if you want to hurry it up).

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6. When the chocolate is set, put the sesame seeds in a small deep bowl.

7. Cut the slab of chocolate into even-sized pieces. Turn each piece into a ball, by rolling it between your hands.

8. Toss one at a time in the sesame seeds, and set aside to firm up. PN www.angelfood.co.nz PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

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THE ‘MISS JONES’ INTERVIEW

The team at PONSONBY ROAD BISTRO including co-owner, MELISSA MORROW, third from left

“I first met the charismatic Melissa, in 1999, when she ran Outpatients, a deli, owned by Damien Hirst at his Notting Hill Gate restaurant, The Pharmacy. Forget sun dried, as a foodie, she introduced me to the delights of sun blushed tomatoes!”

MARTIN LEACH

PONSONBY ROAD BISTRO - COMFORTABLE AND RELAXED WITH WARM, OPEN HOSPITALITY Melissa Morrow owns Ponsonby Road Bistro with her brother-in -law Blair Russell; she has a long history with Blair having met him in London when she worked at Peter Gordon’s Sugar Club.

After eating and working her way around the world she came to New Zealand in 2000 where her sister and Blair had decided to settle and spent some time in Marlborough working and learning about wine; helped open Rocco and Blake Street Cafe with Blair and Mark Wallbank, then the Ponsonby Road Bistro. Mark has since turned Rocco into Moochowchow and Melissa and Blair are moving Ponsonby Road Bistro forward into the future.

“There is a long history of friendship and family in our restaurant and the strong bonds we made in London now mean we have a pool of restaurants internationally like Providores and The Modern Pantry to draw from for staff. We met Sarah Conway, our Chef, in London, we trade staff with these restaurants and the time we spent together there was pivotal to the success of our restaurants here in New Zealand,” she says.

“When we opened Ponsonby Road Bistro, we wanted it to be an extension of our own homes, comfortable and relaxed with warm, open hospitality. Blair and I think and work in the same direction, we give service to make customers happy, it’s a happy room, a happy building, there’s history and unity within our team. What we’ve created here with the restaurant, our customers, our family has a reciprocal nature, it flows with positive energy, I love coming into work, love what we create, giving them beautiful food and wine, giving them the very best in a happy environment with happy staff, it’s a lovely connection,” says Melissa.

It’s a sensory experience you get too, smells of bread just out of the oven, fresh shucked oysters, the sizzle and bang from the kitchen, the fire to greet you, soft leather banquettes, warm wood panelling and the late afternoon sun all appeal to the senses.

Melissa continues, “It’s wonderful to have the building utilised all the time, we’re known now as a great place to socialise, whether it’s coffee in the afternoon, a glass of wine in the evening, lunch or dinner because you don’t want to make it yourself. The strength of our success is in our shared love of great food and quality wine, there is no way we

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could serve something that wasn’t 100%, we never take our foot off the pedal because we’re only as good as the last day worked, so it’s important to offer the best service with the best product”.

With the world cup featuring loudly in Auckland there has been a lot of criticism of our hospitality standards and whether we are up to the mark or not. The infrastructure is here and like the Americas cup it will creep up on us and all of a sudden the nation will unify. Melissa says, “I think excitement is bubbling under the surface and will build to a crescendo, New Zealanders will take to the streets with genuine enthusiasm, it will hit restaurants like Christmas does every year, we’re ready for that, our staff are taking holidays now, we’ll be open for Saturday lunch during September and Sunday in October, I expect more will be needed from our staff, but it will be such fun working with it, to be in the host city, what we have is so incredible and if everyone is proud and confident of what we offer, then it’s time to turn it on, we have a great product to sell with heartfelt passion”.

With people like Melissa in hospitality we can see there is a positive future for restaurants in our country. As more of us come back from our trips overseas we bring with us new ideas, confidence and experience and the bar is raised. She says, “it is such a great career to be in, I hope the profile continues to grow because in the past it hasn’t had the support and recognition it deserves, my tertiary education was eating and working in great restaurants around the world it’s important for tourism to teach young staff our way, passing on our knowledge and encouraging a wider experience.

When I see negative articles in the media, I don’t think it’s great for our industry’s self esteem, we may have a sprinkling of sub-standard restaurants in New Zealand but this is no different to any other country, we have to be confident of our product and really believe in ourselves”.

News Flash - Ponsonby Road Bistro has just been named Runner Up for Best Casual Dining (Metropolitan) in the Cuisine Restaurant of the Year 2011 Awards. This is a well deserved accolade. PN PONSONBY ROAD BISTRO, 165 Ponsonby Road T: 09 360 1611 www.ponsonbyroadbistro.co.nz PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

LIZ WHEADON: WINE, GLORIOUS WINE

EASIER OR A LITTLE RESTRICTED? We recently had an interesting discussion with a couple of New Zealand wine makers about the virtues of making wines from numerous grape varieties, vs. the more singular approach in many French wine regions. Both seemed to agree that they have been spoilt in New Zealand – having had the opportunity to make wines from Chardonnay, Syrah, Cabernet, Merlot and the list goes on.

Compare that to the Chablis region in Northern Burgundy where the sole variety grown to make Chablis is Chardonnay.

Whilst you can grow any variety anywhere in New Zealand, there are off course varieties that during our short wine making history have shown that they are better suited to different parts of New Zealand. This is always a hotly debated topic, but here’s my take on where I think each variety flourishes in New Zealand.

Pinot Noir - this is difficult to pin to one particular region, Pinot Noir is definitely at home in Central Otago, the dramatic changes in temperature suit the variety and are similar to those of Burgundy. In a different style (one that I love) Pinot Noir is also at home in Martinborough and Waipara.

Sauvignon Blanc – Marlborough is the key region here and the one that put New Zealand on the wine map internationally. The other region where Sauvignon Blanc grows well and produces very interesting wines is Hawkes Bay. Riesling – Nelson jumps right to the top of mind when it comes to Riesling; wines from this region produce wonderful aromatics and tend to be long lived. Marlborough and Central Otago also produce excellent Riesling.

Chardonnay – Hawkes Bay stands up for this variety, some of the best Chardonnay in New Zealand come from this wine making region, with other notable examples from Kumeu, Marlborough and Martinborough.

Cabernet based wines have two wonderful homes in New Zealand, Waiheke and Hawkes Bay. Both producing outstanding wines, in very different styles.

Syrah has quickly claimed Hawkes Bay as its home, New Zealand Syrah is making a big splash internationally, unfortunately right now, there’s not a lot of Syrah planted so for the short term at least there will be small volumes available.

Pinot Gris is the one variety that I don’t think has yet found a region where it’s more at home that another, there are good expressions from Marlborough and Martinborough.

During September all Glengarry stores are focusing on New Zealand wine with our promotion of Proudly New Zealand made – just like Glengarry, which started in Ponsonby in the 40’s and is today 100% New Zealand owned. Check out the tastings and events section of the Glengarry website, there’s an impressive line up of New Zealand tastings during September. (LIZ WHEADON) PN JAK JAKICEVICH: Glengarry’s CEO

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www.e-liz.co.nz www.glengarry.co.nz

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EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY

JOIN A PACIFIC CROWD AT THE CLOUD The Pacific is being packed into Auckland’s Cloud, in a free three-day event showcasing the best of the region to Kiwis and international visitors arriving for the Rugby World Cup. The Pacific Showcase is the first opportunity visitors will have to experience the new waterfront venue. The event, which runs from Tuesday 6 September to Thursday 8 September, coincides with the 40th anniversary of the Pacific Islands Forum.

The event will provide an unprecedented opportunity to connect Pacific enterprises with consumers, retailers and potential suppliers in New Zealand – one of the region’s most important trading partners. It will also bring them into contact with visitors from around the world who will be here ahead of the Rugby World Cup. Featuring a vibrant fusion of art, travel, music, dance, food, furniture, beauty, jewellery and fashion from throughout the Pacific Islands, the showcase demonstrates there is plenty more to the Pacific than blue skies and white sand beaches.

“When we think of the Pacific, we imagine palm trees and gorgeous beaches. But the Pacific is also a hub of superb products, arts and culture. The Pacific Showcase is an opportunity for visitors and New Zealanders to experience this side of the Pacific first hand. Many of the products and cultural experiences people will see at the showcase are uniquely Pacific because they reflect the communities, and are inspired by the lands, from which they are sourced. When you step into the Pacific Showcase, you will leave New Zealand and step into Pacific life,” says spokeswoman Meg Poutasi.

THE PACIFIC SHOWCASE INCLUDES: • Celebrated and emerging artists creating artworks over the course of the event, including live tatau (tattoo), tivaevae and lei makers, weavers and painters.

• Performers from the Cook Islands, Samoa, Tahiti, Solomon Islands, and Tokelau will be delighting audiences with dance, drums, singing, storytelling and other musical performances.

• Twenty-four of the Pacific’s most innovative food producers will be sampling and selling gourmet gastronomic treats such as spices, coffee, chutneys and jams, honey, noni juice and tropical fruit.

• Award winning chef, Robert Oliver, will be holding cooking demonstrations to teach contemporary cuisine from across the South Pacific.

• Fashion, jewellery, beauty, furniture and tourism experiences displaying and selling their wares.

• A spotlight on renewable energy, fisheries, business and infrastructure development in the region.

The Pacific Showcase opening dates and times are: Tuesday 6 September from 10am - 5.30pm, Wednesday 7 September from 12noon - 8pm and Thursday 8 September from 10am - 4pm. PN

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A photoshopped image of the CLOUD, evocative of the Pacific

NANA’S SECRET’S OUT AS SALE ST BAGS AWARD – XMAS PUDDING ALE WINS GOLD AT BREWNZ AWARDS Sale St brewery is reeling from its successful outing at the 2011 BrewNZ Awards last month in Wellington with not one, but two, medals for its unique brews.

Officially launched last month, the limited edition brew ‘Nana Bennett’s Xmas Pudding Ale’ won a Gold medal recently in the Festive Brew Category at the annual beer industry awards.

The unique ale is a modern take on master brewer Mike Stimpson’s own Nana’s (Nana Bennett) 100-year-old secret family Christmas pudding recipe.

Mike says the stout-inspired Christmas brew is fermented with ale yeast, conditioned with spiced fruit mince, and finished with a touch of French brandy.

He’s wrapped with winning Gold after having just completed the brew which is on tap at Sale St. “I’m sure Nana would be equally stoked and proud that her Christmas pudding recipe lives on in such a unique way.”

Mike’s other brew, Gargante Quente, which roughly translated from Spanish means ‘hot throat’, was awarded a Silver medal in the Experimental Brew Category last night. The chilli-infused lager heated up the BrewNZ competition with its subtle chilli characteristics and pale lager flavour, literally taking the judges’ breath away.

Sale St operations manager Steve Shute says he’s thrilled with the bar’s success at BrewNZ and looking forward to sharing their efforts with customers over the coming weeks.

“We knew Mike created great tasting brews but it’s a massive compliment for him to have received both a Gold and Silver award for his hard work from his peers. My hat goes off to Mike who had the vision to create these unique and flavoursome beers, especially the Gold award for Nana Bennett’s Xmas Pudding Ale as it was definitely a work of passion for him.

I have told Mike that we are now going to be keeping both the Nana Bennett’s and Gargante Quente recipes a closely guarded secret under lock and key!” www.salest.co.nz

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FUTURE GENERATION A TIKI TOUR FOR PRE-SCHOOLERS Children love animation or in popular parlance, cartoons. They are the ultimate baby entertainer and many parents are happy to plonk a little one in front of TV so they can get on with things that have to be done. Unfortunately much of the stuff screened for tiny tots is more soporific than challenging and many a luddite grandparent believes they hinder brain development. They do give a grudging nod to Little Einsteins as the pick of the bunch and now a New Zealand production screening on TV2 is bound to get the same tick of approval.

Ponsonby based Pickled Productions and Newton Based Flux Animation have combined forces to take pre-schoolers on a daily ‘bus trip’ around the country. Two young presenters, Ngatarawhai Fairhall and Victoria Craig interact with a group of animated little critters, inviting young viewers to climb aboard the Tiki Tour Bus to visit real life locations while learning about maths, science, technology, social sciences, the arts and health. This is done through participation in games, stories, songs, dancing and activities.The live action uses English, Maori and New Zealand sign language.

NZ On Air funded Tiki Tour to the tune of $2.38 million and is delighted with the project.

To stay within the budget, Brent Chambers saw the need for innovative solutions and fortunately he had been pioneering the use of Toon Boom Harmony animation in New Zealand for some time. Using this software brings down the cost of production significantly because it’s done on a computer but still creates the same effects Disney did so wonderfully fifty years ago.

NZ On Air is keen on having production teams spread around the country so co-executive producer, Mary Phillips’ Pickled Possum’s team was based in Christchurch when the earth moved so mightily. The studio and offices are in the red zone and fortunately no one was there when the earthquake struck but they had no access to the building for six weeks. Rehearsals were conducted at the producer’s kitchen table in the meantime and even when access to the studio was finally granted, the team still had to produce 154 half-hour episodes while coping with the trauma of thousands of aftershocks. An impressive case of determination triumphing over adversity.

Brent is very enthusiastic about having our kids exposed to New Zealand animation.

He believes Disney has contributed a lot towards patriotism and self confidence in the American populace and that New Zealand could do with a bit more of the same. He hopes that because the bus is travelling around New Zealand it will inspire a sense of pride in our country.

When they first came up with the idea it was about travelling to far away places but Mary, who is a school teacher as well as an animator thought that would be beyond a

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pre-schooler’s grasp so it’s now about going to familiar places such as the supermarket or the seaside with a three minute section at the end, of the bus going to say Taupo or Rotorua. Children are used to being in cars and seeing things out of a window and that’s how the bus idea evolved.

This series looks to be a winner, and even if the viewing time of 8.30am doesn’t suit everybody, Brent is sure it will get a lot of repeat time over the years and move quite quickly on to TV7. And if the worst comes to the worst, there’s always Mi Sky to fall back on! (DEIRDRE ROELANTS) PN

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FUTURE GENERATION CHILDREN’S BOOK REVIEW IN THE SEA THERE ARE CROCODILES ‘IN THE SEA THERE ARE CROCODILES’ IS WRITTEN FOR YOUNG TEENS AND adults by the Italian novelist Fabio Geda and translated from Italian by Howard Curtis and published by Random House.

The book takes a true story and moulds it into an amazing piece of fiction. It describes the life of a ten year old Afghan boy’s five year journey from Afghanistan, Iran, Turkey, Greece to Italy where he finally obtains political asylum at the age of 15. Abandoned by his mother’s desperate situation he is left alone to fend for himself, enduring physical hardships over the years and finally through the help of an Italian family he meets the author Fabio Geda.

Ultimately this is a story of survival, courage and hope, and his search for a life of security. It’s a story not be missed or forgotten.

BABY WALKER SERIES. Walker Books, $14.99 each.

We do not often review board books but Walker Books have just released a range of books under the title of Baby Walker which are worthy of attention.

Lift the flap, shiny touch, peep through and turn the wheel are the sub headings for this new range which are aimed at starting a lifelong love of books. They feature shiny shapes to touch for sensory development, high contrast illustrations for visual stimulation, flaps to lift and reveal and shaped pages to feel and explore. The engaging and contemporary art work aims to stimulate the imagination of the very young.

Both well-known and young new author/ illustrators have contributed to this series of twenty books, the first eight of which are now available. It is obvious that thought, time and attention has been spent in designing these books for babies and parents to share.

They are a little different, a little quirky and stand out from the vast array of other board books for babies. PN DOROTHY BUTLER CHILDREN’S BOOKSHOP, 1 Jervois Road T: 09 376 7283 www.childrensbookshop.co.nz

MY BABY GOES TO SCHOOL Julie Roulston is Ponsonby News’ fashion editor and mother of Gaby (11) and Noah (5). She writes about farewelling her mother -of-littlies years...

I get a knot in my stomach as I think of my little guy, who is at this moment at After School programme at Westmere Primary - just his third time and in just his second week at school. But the knot is only a little bit of sadness, there’s love of my wee honey, pride and excitement, too.

When Noah’s older sister started school it was impossible to feel any sadness - she was so ready and the whole experience just radiated rightness. This is not quite the same - the cliche is true, there is something different about the love between a mother and her son. I tell my partner with only the tiniest hint of irony “no man has EVER loved me the way Noah does.” Noah’s mostly loving school but not a lot more than he would love to mooch around with me, I suspect.

ST CUTHBERT’S COLLEGE WINNER AND MERIT RECIPIENTS OF THE NZ POETRY SOCIETY’S 2011 INTERNATIONAL POETRY COMPETITION YEAR 12 STUDENT MARIA JI WAS AWARDED FIRST PRIZE IN THE OPEN Junior Section of the New Zealand Poetry Society’s 2011 International Poetry Competition. Maria Ji won $200 for her poem My Friend Nick and automatic publication in the NZPS 2011 Anthology.

Year 13 students, Lucy Diver and Taylor Annabell, received Merit Awards in the Junior section and Stephanie Mayne, St Cuthbert’s College Electronic Services Librarian, received a Merit Award in the Senior section. There were 500 entries in the Junior Open section, making for fierce competition.

Maria Ji’s poem is unable to be published until after the launch of the Anthology on 5 November. Poetry is in good heart at the College, with Year 13 student, Eden Tautali, recently winning the National Schools Poetry Award 2011 for her poem Nan as well. PN

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Having rented here, we looked for 18 long months to find a house to buy in Westmere - specifically so that our kids can go through the education system in this neighbourhood. I believe that for those of us who are lucky enough to be intelligent and articulate, the New Zealand state system is superb. From the moment you leave hospital with your newborn you fall into a nest of care, from the midwife to Plunket, to kindergarten...and now with little Noah, to the waka waewae (walking school bus), a new entrant class with his little mates and a lovely teacher in a fabulous school.

Friends just around the corner, and soon-to-come sporting commitments, just a scooter or bike ride away (with an adult in tow of course)!

I suspect it’ll be a while yet till Noah is ready to say goodbye to me at the corner of the street and catch the waka waewae on his own - but already he’s delighting in leaving me when we arrive at the school gate to go and get his bus ticket clipped - safe of course in the knowledge that I’ll rejoin him at his classroom to settle him in for the day. I’m surprised and delighted to find that, like his sister, he loves order and routine - he’s been very enthusiastic and clear in instructing me in what I need to do for him (named drink bottle, signed permission slips) - and - I still have to coax him out of his Buzz Lightyear dressing gown and away from his Lego and beseech him to get dressed for the day in the clothes I’ve laid out for him. At the end of all this lies a vision of exhilarating freedom for Mumma - whole days where I can get my work done without rushing out to do pickups; less coordinating of complex kids’ calendars; getting some exercise time back - you know the score.

But it is bittersweet. With each little chunk of freedom I claw back, I’ll be saying goodbye to that little towhead who smells like breaddough, my constant, cuddly companion. PN

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

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LOCAL NEWS: DEIRDRE ROELANTS

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FINALLY A LOCAL PLANT CENTRE A GARDEN IS A FRIEND YOU CAN VISIT ANYTIME. NO NEED TO WAIT FOR AN invitation or an appointment. Well the same can be said about plant centres and the nearer one is, the better. Mark and Jude Lewisham have been running Garden Co since 1988 as a landscape and garden maintenance company, servicing an area stretching from St Heliers right through to Ponsonby and Point Chevalier and Mark has noticed a glaring gap in the market on this side of town. Since the demise of Tippetts we no longer have a local garden centre. Well that’s about to change because in Mark’s words, “most guys of my age buy a Harley Davidson, but I’m going to buy a plant centre to keep me occupied”. Well Ponsonby and surrounding suburbs are going to be the fortunate recipients of his undertaking. Come early September we’ll have a nearby garden centre bang slap in the middle of Grey Lynn.

The Lewishams will be looking at catering to the growing trend in the area which is apartment and townhouse living. Even villas in this part of town generally have smaller plots than the traditional quarter acre paradise. Mark will be drawing on his long experience in the field and knows what works well round here. He is an expert on how to set up gardens and what to plant in them or not. Trees that are going to be a problem ten years down the track is just one example. Mark has also noted the shift into what many people imagine is sustainable gardening. This poses problems because a whole new generation that loves the idea have no idea how long it takes to grow plants from seed, when they will be ready, or when it’s time to harvest.

One great idea they have is packaging and presenting plants in salad and herb boxes about the size of a wine box, that will sit conveniently on a kitchen bench or a boat and be ready to pick in a week or two after purchase. Mark is also going to push colour because he is so over structure. In his opinion people have been playing safe for too long choosing form over colour. He will promote deciduous trees because they mark the changing of the seasons and there will be plenty of indoor plants right through from small to large specimens.

The intention is to have the sort of service where a customer might want a Daphne Odora that’s not in stock but will be ready to pick up the following day. Mark buys quality plants that are suitable for our region from growers in the wider Auckland area ranging from Pukekohe up to Warkworth. The Garden Co will be operating from the centre so there will be plenty of good advice on hand as well. He is getting great support from people in the industry and claims his prices will be very competitive.

There will be a limited range of pots but having access to importers, he can procure something in particular if requested. The focus will definitely be on plants that will appeal to as broad a range of people as possible, plus all the basics such as seeds, potting mix, fertilisers etc.

So this spring will see the former car yard on 554 Great North Road transformed into a verdant garden centre. It will be open seven days a week where we’ll be able to buy quality plants at great prices right here in our own locale. (DEIRDRE ROELANTS) PN

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NEW ZEALAND WINE: MAKING PROGRESS IN TOUGH TIMES • Wine exports reach $1.1 billion, up 5% • June year end 2011 NZ wine sales total 221 million litres, up 11% • Rising $NZ seen as a major challenge to exporters • Strategic Review commissioned to plot the path forward for the wine sector The New Zealand wine industry is making progress despite the tough economic times according to the June year end 2011 Annual Report of New Zealand Winegrowers.

‘Three years ago, the New Zealand wine sector was reeling from the combined effects of the 2008 supply shock and the global financial crisis. Today excess inventory has been sold through and we have the confidence to take in a record harvest based on anticipated demand’ said Stuart Smith, Chair of New Zealand Winegrowers.

Mr Smith noted that total New Zealand sales (export and domestic market) rose 11% to 221 million litres for the June year end 2011 while export value rose 5% to $1.1 billion.

‘These achievements represent real progress against a background of increased uncertainty in the global economy.’

Mr Smith is clear, however, that significant challenges still remain for the sector.

‘Profitability is a key concern for wineries and growers, as many still struggle with the legacy effects of the past three years. The wild gyrations of the New Zealand dollar are a major problem for wine exporters, and threaten to de-rail the recovery that we are starting to see. Domestically, annual excise increases impact winery financial returns because those increases cannot be passed onto consumers.’

Mr Smith noted that in a rapidly changing environment there was a need for a clear path forward for the sector and the industry organisation, New Zealand Winegrowers.

‘For this reason we have commissioned a major independent strategic review of the sector and our own activities. Consultants PWC have been appointed to conduct the review which we believe represents an exciting opportunity to build on the progress of the industry to date, and to position New Zealand wine for greater success in the future’ said Mr Smith. PN

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

DENISE CLEVERLEY

THE PONSONBY GARDENER

THOUGHTS OF SUMMER… Sitting here working in an icy-cold villa, during a particularly vicious Polar blast, it’s easy to lose focus and turn to the alluring thoughts of summer. Long days and blue skies, balmy evenings and bbq’s, lying on the beach, most of all warmth…bring it on!

But reality kicks in and I get back on task, reminding myself just how important these cold snaps are to keep nature in balance. Cold temperatures provide cool climate plants with the ‘winter chill’ they require to flower and fruit well. The cold also kills off the majority of pesky bugs, thus delaying their presence until later in spring and hopefully reducing the populace over summer. Sadly, two lots of extreme cold weather will also have annihilated many of our subtropical plants. Some may not recover and most will take a while to bounce back. But, heed my advice…

Don’t cut back cold damaged plants until at least the end of September, or better still, Labour Weekend. The blackened foliage will protect stems and foliage lower down, in the event of a surprise cold snap. Once the weather is more settled, have a good chop back. Prune as far down as is required to reach firm, healthy wood. If the wood (or stems) are soft and mushy, the plant probably won’t recover unless it grows from basal shoots, which should be showing at ground level.

SUMMER FRAGRANCE September is also a great time to be thinking about fragrance for the summer garden.

We’re spoilt for choice with the range of deliciously scented plants we can grow in Auckland. From tree-top to ground level, there are loads to choose from, plus a few that emit such a strong fragrance, they literally hang on the air, like a large invisible cloud, in warm, humid conditions. Port wine magnolia and Angel’s trumpets (Brugmansia) are two I have in my garden – I actually had to move the Brugmansia to the back of my garden, it was so strong!

Fragrant trees include jacaranda, citrus, Australian frangipani and silk tree (Albizia). Check out the new Albizia ‘Summer Chocolate’ with gorgeous chocolate coloured foliage.

FRAGRANT SHRUBS INCLUDE: gardenia, tropical frangipani, English lavender (short -lived in our humid climate), mock orange (Philadelphus), yesterday-today-tomorrow (Brunsfelsia) and roses. Good for hedging and topiary are port wine magnolia, orange jasmine (Murraya) and new Magnolia Fairy Blush – superb.

Vanilla-scented HELIOTROPE is a must for a fragrant garden FRAGRANT CLIMBERS INCLUDE: Azores jasmine, Beaumontia, star jasmine (Trachelo-spermum), Chilean jasmine (Mandevilla suaveolens), roses and the wonderful, but difficult to establish, Madagascar jasmine (Stephanotis).

FRAGRANT ANNUALS AND PERENNIALS INCLUDE: heliotrope (pictured), nicotiana, pinks (Dianthus), stock and sweet peas. Look for the new ‘Heaven Scent’ dianthus – they flower almost year round and really are heavenly scented.

Plant scented plants close to paths and entranceways or in hidden corners as a surprise.

Place them beside seating areas, around decks, French doors and windows. Train climbers up veranda posts and or archways to frame a separate area of the garden or garden gate. Cover trellis screens and pergolas in fragrance and plant creeping thyme between paving stones. Plant fragrance everywhere! Just make sure highly fragrant plants are not too close together, so their aromas don’t clash!

For more inspiration, drop by our new neighbourhood hang-out for the green fingered, GARDENCO PLANT MARKET, 554 Great North Road, Grey Lynn.

(DENISE CLEVERLEY) PN

SEPTEMBER IN THE GARDEN: 1. Trim hedges and feed with controlled release fertiliser pellets; 2. Start feeding roses – little and often until mid-summer; 3. Plant up hanging baskets of flowers and herbs for summer; 4. Plant edible flowers: nasturtiums and Johnny jump –ups (heartsease); 5. Kids: plant a strawberry tower.

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HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS CHORUS AND THE CROWN BEGIN ULTRA FAST BROADBAND ROLLOUT Chorus, New Zealand’s largest telecommunications network operator together with Crown Fibre Holdings, has begun the rollout of ultra-fast broadband (UFB) to more than 800,000 homes, businesses, schools and health premises by laying the first UFB fibre optic cable in Auckland’s Albany industrial area.

Albany, Rosebank, Herne Bay, Grey Lynn, Remuera and East Tamaki is included in Chorus’ first year rollout plans with work scheduled to start before Christmas.

Chorus CEO Mark Ratcliffe said that today marks a major step on Auckland’s ultra fast broadband journey.

“We’re eager to work with partners, local council and community groups to bring our fibre network closer to more Auckland residents than ever before.”

“By July next year, we’ll have run the new UFB network past 17,000 Auckland homes, businesses and medical centres by extending our existing 3,800km fibre optic network,” said Ratcliffe In line with Government policy, fibre will be delivered first to priority customers, which includes schools, health facilities and businesses.

Chorus is working with a range of retail service providers to develop and launch new UFB wholesale services by mid-2012. At the same time it is opening up access to its existing business fibre area at significantly reduced prices and offering a wider range of services.

“With a massive reduction in fibre pricing, retail service providers can connect many Auckland businesses to ultra fast broadband today,” said Ratcliffe. This means many businesses can begin to connect to Chorus’ existing fibre services ahead of the UFB network deployment.

Chorus has launched an online map which outlines its UFB candidate areas, the first year deployment plans for Ashburton, Auckland, Blenheim, Dunedin, Masterton, Napier-Hastings, Palmerston North, Rotorua, Taupo and Wellington and its business fibre area (available on www.chorus.co.nz).

This means Auckland residents can check on the rollout progress and find out if they can connect to the existing business fibre network, so they can talk to their internet service provider about the options available to them.

UFB deployment plans for Feilding, Gisborne, Greymouth, Invercargill, Kapiti, Levin, Nelson, Oamaru, Pukekohe, Queenstown, Timaru, Waiheke Island, Waiuku and Whakatane are still being developed.

In all, Chorus’ new UFB network will run past more than 43,000 homes and businesses throughout the country by July next year, building on its existing 27,700km national fibre optic cable network. Some 200 schools will have the opportunity to connect within this timeframe.

As part of Telecom’s UFB agreement with Crown Fibre Holdings, the deployment of the new fibre network has begun to enable customers to connect to UFB services before a demerger of Chorus from Telecom is voted on by shareholders later this year. PN

NEW ZEALAND’S LARGEST REVALUATION DRAWS TO AN END NEW ZEALAND’S LARGEST-EVER PROPERTY REVALUATION IS COMING TO AN end, with almost all 515,000 properties throughout the Auckland region now valued by Auckland Council, since the process began in February.

For example, the eastern most point of Auckland Council’s boundary is a 1.2 hectare unoccupied island in the Haruaki Gulf.”

“With 515,000 properties spread out over 4,894 square km of land from Wellsford in the north and Pukekohe in the south, it is a massive task,” says the council’s team leader of valuations, Peter McKay.

The smallest piece of land to be valued is a piece of severed road (1m²) in Albany and the largest 12,427 hectares of pine trees in Parakai. “Our team of experienced valuers has been working hard to ensure consistent and fair valuations for all Aucklanders,” says Peter.

Auckland ratepayers will find out their property’s new rateable value in October as part of the Auckland Council general revaluation, which is being undertaken with assistance from Quotable Value.

Property values established by the council are rating valuations. They are used to calculate how much each ratepayer should contribute to the overall rates revenue collected by the council.

“Valuers are now in the last month of valuing and checking. The values will then be analysed and approved by the Valuer-General before valuation notices are sent to ratepayers from 26 October 2011,” says Peter.

Rating valuations are calculated using mass appraisal techniques. They are not individual valuations of every property like those undertaken by private valuers.

Mass appraisal valuations are used for all rating valuations in New Zealand and globally.

Auckland Council is required by law to value all pieces of land in the Auckland region, excluding roads and some waterways. “This has made for some interesting valuations,” says Peter. “

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A property’s capital value will be used to calculate rates from 1 July 2012. PN

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photography: Katherine Lowe www.katherineisawesome.com

MY FAVOURITE ROOM Nikau Gabrielle Hindin Nikau Hindin is currently studying Fine Art at Elam. Her passion is photography and she loves travelling and taking photos of people on the streets. Nikau lives with her mum, who designs for Moa in West Lynn, and they flat with one of the other Moa designers and her son. They live on Grosvenor Street, Grey Lynn, “nice and close to Grey Lynn Park” says Nikau.

“I am a Grey Lynn girl, born and bred. I’ve never lived anywhere else! I was born in a house just three blocks away on Turakina Street. We moved here when I was five and it is such a convenient place to live while studying. I walk everywhere.

My favourite room is my bedroom. I usually sit on my bed to edit my photographs or blog (www.nikaugabrielle.tumblr.com). I also paint in here and sometimes that involves lining the floor with newspaper because it can be quite a messy process.

PONSONBY NEWS READERS ARE EVERYWHERE PONSONBY NEWS graphic designer Melissa Paynter’s partner Kenneth Sands, is just got back from overseas. She sent us a great shot of Team New Zealand’s Catamaran and of course Ponsonby News.

He was filming the America`s Cup World Series Yachting in Cascais, Portugal in which New Zealand swept up the Fleet Race victory.

However, it seems Ponsonby News diverted his attention away from the winning Team New Zealand Catamaran! PN

I love my bedroom because it is quiet and removed from the rest of the house. It’s a big room with plenty of wall space for my thousands of photographs and paintings! It is a place where I can be completely free and expressive in the way I decorate it.

The french doors are wonderful in spring because they open out onto our deck and I can smell the magnolia tree from my desk. I love my huge wardrobe and my bed!

I also like all the art up on the walls. It’s all very busy and colourful but it’s a creative space and I like it.” PN

NEW BORN Ponsonby News would like to congratulate Body Reform’s Sarah Talyancich and her husband Peter Montgomerie on the birth of their first child, daughter Mila, on 25 July, at 3.3kg. “We love her to bits and are getting on with feeding etc”, said a text from Sarah back on 1 August. Body Reform clients will be reassured to know that Sarah has handpicked a pair of physiotherapists to care for them while she is at home with Mila. (JULIE ROULSTON) PN

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PHILLIPA GORDON UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL PHILLIPA HAS BEEN WORKING IN REAL ESTATE IN PONSONBY FOR 17 YEARS. She started in sales at Ponsonby Real Estate then moved to Culmer Realty to manage the Rental Department. When they became Bayleys Ponsonby she bought the rent roll and started Hot Property Management & Rentals Ltd in 2000, moving from an office in the old Joe’s Bargain House, to the current site at the top of Franklin Road (next to Agnes Curran Café) in October 2000. “We are a boutique agency specialising in residential properties in the local areas. We’re a small team of three women - myself and Cath Williams manage our own rental portfolios (meaning our landlords deal with each of us personally) and Christine Bagley holds it all together looking after the accounts side of things,” says Phillipa.

WHERE DO YOU LIVE? I have been in the same house for 22 years, in Cox’s Bay Heights, otherwise known as Grey Lynn / Westmere. I have two beautiful fur children, Bruno (Burmese) and Bella (Siamese) - both aged 5.

HOW DO YOU KEEP FIT? Walking for an hour round Westmere and Cox’s Bay when I can talk myself into putting my shoes on, and gardening.

YOUR BEST FRIEND WOULD SAY OF YOU... “She drinks too much coffee and needs to get out of Ponsonby more.”

YOUR MOTHER WOULD SAY OF YOU... “Is she out having coffee again? I don’t know why she doesn’t just move her desk next door to Agnes Curran”.

WHAT ARE YOUR VIRTUES? A Good sense of humour, optimism, generosity.

WHAT ARE YOUR VICES? I drink too much coffee. Other weaknesses are for Ata Rangi pinot noir and coconut pavlova.

WHERE DO YOU SPEND YOUR HOLIDAYS? I Love to travel overseas but it must include fishing. This year it was Vietnam; I also love Aitutaki (North of Rarotonga) and the Bahamas.

WHAT WERE YOU GOING TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UP? I Wanted to be a vet until I took my cat to have an injection and I fainted, so I crossed that off.

HOW DID YOU COME TO BE A REAL ESTATE AGENT? After having my flower shop for 10 years at Victoria Market I thought it would have to be easier than working seven days a week till 7pm. How wrong I was!

IF YOU WEREN’T A REAL ESTATE AGENT YOU’D BE? Fishing somewhere tropical.

FAVOURITE PONSONBY CAFE? Agnes Curran.

FAVOURITE PONSONBY RESTAURANT? Delicious (West Lynn) FAVOURITE PONSONBY STORE? Love Bhana Brothers for my weekly stock up of flowers.

YOUR BEST KEPT PONSONBY SECRET? Olympic Laundry – have your duvet covers washed and pressed at a reasonable price.

YOUR DESERT ISLAND DISTRACTIONS: A coffee machine, a fishing rod, the Leonard Cohen Collection, and Paul Henry’s new book to make me laugh.

ONE THING YOU HAVE LEARNED ABOUT LIFE IS? Every day must be filled with laughter, sunshine and good coffee.

YOUR ADVICE TO PONSONBY TENANTS? Present yourself well when coming to open homes. Turn up on time and have the relevant information, eg landlords’ names and phone numbers, on hand. If there is a large group of people looking at the house, try to get some time to talk to the property manager and have a point of difference so that she remembers you - as once we get several applications back it is difficult to remember who each one is from. PN

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QUALITY INN WEST END : English Rugby fans might think they’re back in London with this iconic black cab, which is parked outside their Crummer Road entrance

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

photography: martin leach

YOUR ADVICE TO PONSONBY LANDLORDS? Present your house well as tenants are becoming fussier, especially with villas and bungalows. They used to all expect dishwashers, now they expect insulation and heat pumps. We are often asked “is this house insulated?” and if not “will the landlord insulate it?” With some of the newer places tenants are wanting to know if they have been ‘leakers’. Tenants often do not maintain the grounds and gardens as you would, so if you have a beautiful garden it is advisable for you to have it maintained once a month. Be realistic.

ARE YOU SELLING? ‘you can’t sell a secret... good marketing makes a difference every time’ www.ponsonbynews.co.nz The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

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KITCHEN, BATHROOM AND INTERIOR DESIGN ASK ROB@BUILDSPACE.CO.NZ

Q: A:

We are putting in a new kitchen and are undecided about what sort of splashback we would like. Can you explain what options are available and any advantages/disadvantages.

Glass, Stainless Steel and Tiles are the traditional choices for splashbacks and Metaline is a new aluminium based material from Laminex. Glass splashbacks are available in virtually any colour and there are no shortage of choices when it comes to tiles. Glass is generally more expensive than tiles and one disadvantage with tiles is the grouting which can be more difficult to keep clean.

Stainless Steel is a very durable, easy clean material but can look a little too industrial for some.

Splashbacks are a functional part of the kitchen and also provide opportunity to add a splash of colour and texture to your kitchen. From a practical point of view a non -porous, non combustible splashback should be installed to seal the benchtop against the wall providing a durable, easy clean surface and to ensure water or other liquids cannot penetrate the porous wall. Behind the cooktop, the splasback will usually run to the height (and width) of the rangehood above to protect the wall from heat, steam and oil from pots and pans. If you prefer a subtle functional splashback you may choose to run it up to a height of up to 300mm along the rest of the wall areas, or if you wish to make a feature of the splashback you may choose to run it right through at the height of the rangehood or to the ceiling.

Tiles suit both modern and traditional kitchen design and with such a wide range of colours and patterns on offer you can be as subtle or creative as you like. Simple white brick shape tiles can be a great option and the look can be varied by using different laying patterns, stacked one above the other or laid in a brick pattern and by using contrasting grout colours. Glass or ceramic mosaic tiles can also add colour and texture to what may otherwise be a minimalist, contemporary kitchen design.

They say white is to interior design what black is to fashion and there’s no question white remains a popular choice for cabinets. Glass splashbacks, available in almost any colour are often used to add a feature colour to a white kitchen. But if you prefer something more subtle introducing glass adds a material which reflects light differently and adds interest even without a strong colour. Back painted glass splashbacks are usually made from low iron glass which doesn’t have any green tint which can affect the

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paint colour behind, but the subtle green tint of standard glass looks great alongside white cabinets and walls. Toughened glass panels provide a waterproof, heat resistant surface which looks great and with no grouting, is very easy to keep clean.

Stainless Steel benchtops were traditionally made with integrated upstands which work well but can look a little out of date. Many appliance manufacturers also make stainless steel splashbacks for use behind cooktops only or specialist manufacturers can customise stainless steel splashbacks to create a highly functional, but more commercial look to a kitchen.

Metaline provides a durable, easy clean, high gloss finish available in 12 colours and is stain and heat resistant. Metaline does not require a template, where the exact size can only be measured once the cabinets are in and can be installed by a cabinet maker saving time and money.

Your splashback may be the strongest visual element of your kitchen and it helps that you don’t have to decide on the colour or material immediately. You can enjoy your new kitchen for a few weeks with sample materials and colours on the walls to help decide just how bold you want to be. (ROB HOOK) PN BUILDSPACE KITCHENS AND BATHROOMS – Design Build Install T: 0800 455 556 info@buildspace.co.nz www.buildspace.co.nz

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

DIRTY DECKS ARE DANGEROUS DECKS - BUT THERE IS A SOLUTION EVERY SO OFTEN YOUR DECK SHOULD BE CLEANED AND SEALED FROM THE ELEMENTS AS ALL DECKS AND OUTDOOR wooden furniture will degrade and go silver or black over time. Decks attract dirt from foot traffic, the dog, and from the surrounding foliage.

There is a solution! Revive a Deck will clean your deck (or outdoor furniture), removing all the grey and build up of dirt with the original timber lustre reappearing no matter how old the deck! Revive a Deck do NOT use water-blasters, as the pressure from these can splinter and damage the timber.

After cleaning, your deck will in time degrade again but there is a solution… Revive a Deck can seal your deck, with their exclusive three coat acrylic system. This system gives a natural semi transparent finish to your deck and the bonus is you end up with a hose washable water repellent surface that is durable and more importantly is NON SLIP. Your deck will be the envy of the neighbourhood. So this spring, turn your dull grey deck into a resort, with Revive a Deck. They are in the business of providing you with a peace of mind deck treatment with added value to your property.

Revive a Deck offer a free quote before starting any job any where any time, so beat the rush to get the best looking deck in town. PN REVIVE A DECK T: 09 413 9484, M: 022 601 6610 rafeparks@clesar.net.nz www.reviveadeck.co.nz

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THE BOYS’ BOOK CLUB WHAT WE’RE READING Books us blokes on the Ponsonby News team are reading, or have recently enjoyed. We LOVE reading in the bath, or in bed.

A real stress buster!

MARTIN LEACH ‘PATTI SMITH’S HORSES AND THE REMAKING OF ROCK ‘N’ ROLL’

By Mark Paytress (Piatkus) I always loved the work of Patti Smith and saw her perform in London’s Rainbow Theatre in the mid-1970s. Her band had a raw and revolutionary sound – steeped as much in French symbolist poetry as it was in 1960s garage rock – and an indelible, gender-bending stage persona. With the release of Horses, rock music would simply never be the same. This remarkable book demonstrates the influence Smith and her music continue to exert today in the work of luminaries such as Morrissey, Michael Stipe, and PJ Harvey, and is the unforgettable story of a landmark album, the new rock aesthetic that it brought about, and how Patti Smith became the most influential female rock ’n’ roller of all time.

Drawing on sources in music, literature, and art, as well as all-new interviews with those close to the poet laureate of punk Patti Smith, the story of her debut album, Horses, is put into its full context: from the singer’s early days to her rapid rise on New York’s performance art scene and the key role she played in the emerging art-punk movement.

‘I must Confess’

By Rupert Smith (Cleis Press) A stinging satire of tell-all showbiz memoirs starring a self-deluded gay icon who has managed to ride every pop culture trend of the

last forty years. Marc LeJeune has had a remarkable career in the entertainment business. Despite the carping of critics, cruel twists of fate, and the treachery of former friends who were blind to his exceptional dramatic and musical talents, he has remained true to his unique artistic vision. From his early days as the face of swinging London, to the late 1960s avant-garde theatre scene, through the sexually liberated cinema of the 1970s, to his current status as a much-loved household name and TV favourite, he tells all in this, his own astonishing story.

Through this fabulous parody of the showbiz confession, Rupert Smith has created a witty and scathing satire of popular culture and entertainment over the last forty years. Marc LeJeune is a brilliant comic creation, inspired by Smith’s many years of interviewing celebrities for Time Out and writing about showbiz in The Guardian (U.K.).

JAY PLATT Spartan Gold

by Clive Cussler with Grant Blackwood (Penguin) Thousands of years ago, two superpowers of the ancient world went to war, and a treasure of immeasurable value was lost to the shadows of history.

In 1800, while crossing the Pennine Alps with his Grand Reserve Army, Napoleon Bonaparte stumbles across a startling discovery. Unable to transport it, Napoleon creates an enigmatic map on the labels of twelve bottles of rare wine. When Napoleon dies, the bottles disappear—and the treasure is lost again.

Fast forward to the present day and treasure hunters Sam and Remi Fargo are exploring the Great Pocomoke Swamp in Delaware when they are shocked to discover a WWII German submarine. Inside they find a very old bottle of wine that they realize once belonged to Napoleon Bonaparte. Fascinated, the treasure hunters decide to see what else they can find. But another connoisseur of sorts is hunting his own prize, and the ‘Lost Cellar’ is his key to finding it. That man is Hadeon Bondaruk—a half-Russian, half-Persian millionaire, and at whatever cost the treasure will be his. PN

KIWI DAY OUT PROMISES GREAT CELEBRATION OF ALL THINGS KIWI Free family picnic day and concert in Auckland Domain set down for Labour Day. Organisers are gearing up to host thousands of Kiwis and visitors in the Auckland Domain this coming Labour Day – 24th October for the ‘Kiwi Day Out’ - a six hour festival and concert of Kiwi music greats.

Organisers SMC Events and dairy co-operative Fonterra are promising a Kiwi picnic atmosphere and great way to wind down after six weeks of intense festivities in the city and all around New Zealand.

SMC Events CEO Dave Mee said the free family event would be a fitting celebration at the end of a busy few weeks of culture and entertainment around the country.

The free event’s double bill kicks off with the ‘The Real New Zealand Thank You’ community festival running from midday to 3.30pm. This will feature an ‘international village’ showcasing the foods and cultures of the 20 countries New Zealand is hosting for Rugby World Cup 2011.

The second part of the show will run from 3.30-6.00pm when ‘The Fonterra Shout’ will bring to the stage some of the country’s best loved musicians including Dave Dobbyn, the youthful rocking energy from Feilding heroes, Evermore (now based in Melbourne) – along with former Australian Idol winner Stan Walker and family favourites – the Patea Maori Club, and an array of young Kiwi talents on show under the entertainment direction of Mike Chunn of the Play it Strange Trust.

“Our plan to stage an event for the REAL New Zealand Festival to thank New Zealanders coincided with Fonterra’s long standing plan to thank their customers

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as they mark their 10th anniversary. Combining our efforts in a double bill, means we have been able to provide a fun and iconic line up of entertainment for locals and visitors alike to enjoy,” Mr Mee said.

“This is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate what’s great about living in New Zealand and thank Kiwis for laying out the welcome mat for so many overseas and local visitors through September and October. For the many visitors still in Auckland, it will be a chance to spend a day chilling out with us, the Kiwi way,” REAL New Zealand Festival Director Briony Ellis said.

Auckland based company SMC Events are organisers of the Kiwi Day Out event, delivering the ‘Shout’ for Fonterra, and the ‘Real New Zealand Thank You’ as part of the REAL New Zealand Festival. SMC is known for running events such as ASB Polyfest, Weetbix TRYathlon and Ellerslie International Flower Show. PN PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

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

use in connection with his or her business, trade, employment or profession the title Registered Architect or Architect.

You can check if any Architect is registered on the New Zealand Registered Architects Board Website. www.nzrab.org.nz

Q: A client asked me why should I use a Registered Architect?

We are undertaking a small extension and Council tells us we need to A Registered Architect should bring vision, design skill, and professional Q: install a storm water detention tank. Why? A: expertise and support to every job.

Much of the older parts of the city have both storm water and sewage using the You can be confident he/she has earned this qualification through a combination of A: same pipes, called a ‘combined system’. Newer parts of the city have separate academic qualifications, practical experience and examination. Architects undertake a minimum of five years at university to gain a Bachelor of Architectural Studies (three years) and Master of Architecture Professional (two years). This is followed by approximately three to four years of practical experience in an Architect’s office before they can apply for registration. An applicant for registration presents case studies to the assessing board, which demonstrates his/her competence, knowledge and experience. Registered Architects are required to hold an annual Certificate of Registration.

storm water and sewage pipes. In times of heavy rain fall the combined system cannot cope with the volume of storm water and sewerage spills into the harbour.

While Council has an on going programme of separating the combined systems with separate storm water pipes, in the interim they have decided it is the property owner who needs to address this issue if they are wanting to develop their site.

All Registered Architects need to follow a continuing professional development points allocation. The policy applies to the awarding of CPD points to Architects for their participation in the NZRAB continuing professional development. These points are used as evidence for competence reviews which all architects are required to undertake every five years.

The detention tank is an effort to alleviate the problem by restricting the flow of the storm water into the combined system. Detention tanks are simply tanks that store water. Storm water from the house is discharged into the tank, the tank has a small pipe outlet at the bottom which discharges into the combined system at a slow rate. At the top of the tank is a larger outlet pipe that also connects into the combined system to allow the tank to overflow if the water builds up all the way to the top. Think of it as a leaky dam! Detention tank sizes are calculated on the new roof area of the addition.

The Registered Architects Act 2005 under the clause titled Protection of the Registered Architect and Architect, no person other than a Registered Architect may

One wonders what has happened to all the rate payments for those services, Council has been collecting for years for a storm water system which didn’t exist! PN

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HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS THE SEARCH IS ON FOR LOCAL HEROES Nominations are being sought from around the country for ‘Local Heroes’ as part of the Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Awards 2012. Kiwibank Local Heroes Awards recognise those everyday people doing extraordinary things in their local communities. These awards celebrate the enormous contribution, sacrifice and commitment of those Kiwis who selflessly work to make their local communities a better place.

Local Heroes may be involved in business, leadership, voluntary work, community and environmental groups, education, sporting clubs, working with the disadvantaged, or have displayed courage in overcoming a personal difficulty. Whatever their field of endeavours we need to recognise these unsung heroes and say thank you for their inspiration and contribution.

The 2011 winner was Billy Graham who established the Naenae Boxing Academy which is dramatically transforming the lives of troubled young men.

FREE INTERNET ON AUCKLAND WI-FI Aucklanders and visitors are to have access to free internet on the expanded Wi-Fi network in Auckland.

Auckland Council and supplier Tomizone have entered into an agreement with Localist. co.nz to sponsor free internet in Auckland Wi-Fi from 1 September.

Limited full speed Wi-Fi access will be available free-of-charge on the expanded Auckland Wi-Fi network which was announced in July. Free access will be offered for up to three 30-minute sessions a day per Wi-Fi device.

“Securing sponsorship to provide free Wi-Fi on the expanded Auckland network is great news for both Aucklanders and visitors without putting a financial burden on our ratepayers,” says the Mayor. “It is great that we can offer the expanded service and free access in time for Rugby World Cup.” Head of Marketing for Localist, Sheryl Nichols, says offering free Wi-Fi to locals, visitors and tourists is a natural extension of Localist’s mission to showcase the best of Auckland.

The Local Heroes Awards celebrate one national winner at a Gala Awards Presentation dinner in Auckland on the 16 February 2012. Principal sponsor Kiwibank will provide the national winner with $5,000 and a custom made trophy from a New Zealand artist.

“Our guidebooks, website and mobile apps are about putting you in touch with local information and providing recommendations on what to do, where to go and which businesses are rated best by Localist users.

These awards will also recognise Local Heroes at a regional level by awarding up to 250 Local Heroes medals in 15 regions across New Zealand. These will be presented at ceremonies around New Zealand during March 2012.

All nominees will receive a certificate of achievement or encouragement in recognition of their contribution.

“Offering free Wi-Fi is just one more way Localist can help you find what’s good around here,” she said.

New Zealander of the Year Awards Manager Emma Mcdonald is encouraging all New Zealanders to nominate someone from their community for this prestigious award.

“Sponsored free access in Auckland will be the exemplar of how a metropolitan Wi-Fi network can be sustainably deployed,” says Tomizone Executive Director Steve Simms. “Localist is an entirely appropriate sponsor partner and we can now say we are ready for free Wi-Fi on New Zealands largest city Wi-Fi network .” PN

“There are so many unsung heroes all around New Zealand whose charity, selflessness and contributions are making a profound effect on individuals, families and organizations within their communities.”

A nomination in the Local Heroes Awards is a great way to show appreciation and say thank you to those people who make our local communities a better place to live” says Mcdonald.

Nomination forms are available online at www.nzawards.org.nz or Kiwibank, Countdown and Mitre 10 stores.

For information or assistance in submitting a nomination Text: ‘nominate’ to 244 or call toll free T: 0508 692 927. Nominations close on 14 October 2011.

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HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS SUPPORT FOR CHARITIES WORKING WITH THE TOUGHEST KIDS

KIWI COMPANY KEEPS NEW ZEALAND GREEN AND LEAN

CHARITIES WORKING WITH HIGH NEEDS YOUNG NEW ZEALANDERS CAN apply for a $20,000 grant from The Vodafone New Zealand Foundation from today. These grants, which are open to charities working with New Zealanders aged 12-24 years, are focused on strengthening charities’ capacity.

SAVE YOUR PLANET AND YOUR POWER WITH AQUAFIRE KINGSLAND-BASED Aquafire Industries is manufacturing some of the most energy efficient water heaters in the world, saving consumers thousands of dollars over the life of the heater, and benefiting the environment. “Traditionally, New Zealanders have relied on electric hot water heating systems, which use three times more electricity than a hot water heat pump with a lot more carbon emissions,” says Chris Rankin, Director of Aquafire Industries. “Aside from producing excessive carbon emissions, these systems can be very expensive to run.”

Chair of the Vodafone New Zealand Foundation Michael Stanley says this is the first year the Foundation has offered this type of grant. “The Vodafone New Zealand Foundation is focused on supporting young New Zealanders to be the best they can be. This grants programme is about helping the helpers, by making sure the organisations working with high risk young Kiwis have the right processes in place to ensure their ongoing success.”

The types of initiatives the Foundation will be looking to support through the capacity building grants programme include: training and development; strategic planning; programme evaluation; reviewing structures, processes, and systems; and piloting new projects.

The Vodafone New Zealand Foundation will be offering between 10 and 18 grants of $20,000 each.

Established in November 2002, the Vodafone New Zealand Foundation aims to encourage healthy outcomes for young New Zealanders. It has supported over 150 charitable community projects and donated over $11.5 million to charitable organisations, primarily in New Zealand.

Charities can apply for one of the Vodafone New Zealand Foundation grants online www.foundation.vodafone.co.nz.

Applications close Friday 23 September 2011.

Essentially, an Aquafire hot water heat pump is a solar water heater, except that it extracts thermal energy from the atmosphere instead of direct UV sunlight, so it works just as well in shady areas and wintry conditions.

“Many Kiwi families who are struggling to pay the bills are finding that it is not financially viable to enjoy steady hot water with their current system. Being able to enjoy a hot shower, or wash your dishes or clothes properly, is something that we can take for granted. But for families who struggle, a lack of hot water can have a highly detrimental effect on their lives,” says Rankin. “An Aquafire system can save a household thousands of dollars, and works 24 hours a day in temperatures as low as -15 degrees,” says Rankin. “It is also one of the few systems with a class ‘A’ rating, which means it works well in all climate zones throughout the country.”

In fact, Genesis Energy recently chose the Aquafire system as its heat pump of choice, and Aquafire has now partnered with EECA for the $575 grant, which makes it even more affordable to be energy efficient. “It’s perfect for the small home builder or renovator,” says Rankin, “and even better for bigger institutions, such as one rest home that saves approximately $10,000 per year as a result of switching to Aquafire.”

Aquafire hot water heat pumps can be seen at 48B Bond Street, Kingsland or for more information visit www.aquafire.co.nz.

CREATING GARDENS TO SUIT YOUR LIFESTYLE Not all gardens are created equally and as such The Landscaping Company Director, Andy Wadsley understands that whilst most people want the enjoyment of a garden not everyone has the time to look after one from start to finish.

The Landscaping Company provides a total gardening and landscaping solution, helping you make your dream garden a reality. From consultation, design and construction to the ongoing maintenance that a garden may require, The Landscaping Company can provide the complete service or part there of – depending on your lifestyle and needs, the option is up to you.

With over 15 years of experience in the gardening and landscaping industry Andy has a vast expertise of both plants and design. Andy’s knowledge of flora and fauna means that he is able to tailor plants to suit your space that will not only enhance the overall look of your garden, but thrive in the specific conditions.

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This knowledge of plants plus the uncanny ability to translate a client’s ‘wish list’ into a purpose designed and built garden that suits your needs and lifestyle is a winning combination of skills.

THE LANDSCAPING COMPANY welcomes all enquiries. They have experience with residential, rural and commercial projects.

To view their gallery of past projects, visit: www.thelandscapingco.co.nz and for further information contact them on: landscapingco@xtra.co.nz or M: 021 212 5974 for a no obligation free consultation and quote. PN

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HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS PONSONBY U3A - AUGUST 2011 THE AUGUST MEETING SAW PONSONBY U3A HOLDING ITS 17TH AGM WHICH included the election of new officers. Unfortunately no one was willing to take on the Presidency vacated by Norman Stanhope after two very successful years. However, Alex Lanning who was the inaugural President in 1994 agreed to be acting President in the meantime. Edna Butterworth, also a former President in 2003 is the new Secretary and Winifred Lamb agreed to continue as Treasurer. The annual subscription has been kept at $30 and a number of new members joined on the spot.

As well as the regular monthly meeting which has a guest speaker and a 10 minute speaker from within the meeting, study and interest groups are the nucleus of Ponsonby U3A. These groups meet on different days, and at different times and venues. Groups include: Art History, Current Affairs, Classical studies, Gallery visits, Gourmet Group, Green Fingers, Mah Jong, Music, New Zealand History, Petanque and two Reading Groups. New interest groups often appear.

The August Guest Speaker was Professor Lynette Ferguson who works half time as Head of Discipline of Nutrition at the University of Auckland and half time with the Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre. She outlined her academic background – a Masters in Genetics from Auckland University followed by a Doctorate from Oxford and the career path which lead to her interest in anti cancer drugs and the genetic testing of new drugs. This in turn led her to study the causes of cancer. Her clear and fascinating presentation was entitled ‘Diet and Cancer’. She started with the bad news - food causes cancer, particularly associated with overeating and lack of exercise.

She spoke amusingly of an American eatery ‘Heart Attack Grill’ which had a Triple Bypass Burger on the menu. She named the many cancers particularly associated with diet and gave eight recommendations for cancer prevention.

• Be as lean as possible within the normal range of body weight.

• Be physically active as part of everyday life.

• Limit consumption of energy dense foods and avoid sugary drinks.

• Eat mostly foods of plant origin.

• Limit intake of red meat and avoid processed meat.

• Limit alcoholic drinks.

• Limit consumption of salt. Avoid mouldy cereals and pulses.

• Aim to meet nutritional needs through diet alone.

Although the message about diet is not new people don’t want to hear it. By greatly expanding on each of these recommendations and giving interesting explanations, examples and suggestions, it became clear how important it is to have a range of classes of foods and in the right combinations. Red meat was an interesting example.

Enjoyable and good for you in moderation and eaten with vegetables but not good eaten on its own without the combination of vegetables or blackened by being flame grilled or barbequed. The seared crust on the meat produces cancer causing agents.

There were many questions from members following her talk and lively discussion ensued. (NOELINE CREIGHTON) PN The next meeting will be held on Friday 9 September at the Leys Institute St Mary’s Road at 9.45am. The guest speaker will be John Hudson from TVNZ’s Sunday programme. New members welcome.Contact Alex for further information on T: 09 378 8508

LEAH MIZRAHI sent us this great shot to remember Franklin Road’s VIOLET LEWIS who passed away on 16 June

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SPECIAL FEATURES Three lamps – Ponsonby’s High Street + Gardens and outdoor living + Home renovations + Spring / Summer fashion TO BOOK ADVERTISING: ask about our special positions!

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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HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS RETRO STYLE FIREPLACES AND AFFORDABLE LANDSCAPING ADVICE As with so many small businesses Scapes arose from the personal needs and tastes of its owner. Andrew Brown originally designed sculptures for his own garden in Queenstown and the portable fireplace ‘The Scout’ for his small courtyard.

The Scout is a portable outdoor fireplace intended for use in courtyards, gardens and the New Zealand outdoor lifestyle. Based on the retro designs of the 60’s indoor fires it is designed to take up little space and it can be moved around and positioned in different places to allow for individual requirements. Whilst other options lend themselves to campfire experiences they smoke and you constantly move to avoid it.

The Scout addresses all these issues.

Andrew has developed a product people can rely on to withstand the harshest of environments but still look good and light enough for one or two people to easily move around. He opted for a high grade 100% stainless steel construction coated with high temperature paint that would withstand any heat thrown at it without ever rusting.

With 30 years experience in gardening and landscaping Andrew has included a consultancy arm to the Scapes business. He offers a simple advisory service that allows people to execute their own good ideas and although Andrew has gardeners that can implement these ideas many people are happy to do things themselves.

Improve your outdoor spaces and get good advice on what will grow where for as little as $500. PN For the consultancy service call Andrew Brown on M: 0275 990 388 or go to www.scapes.co.nz

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THE HISTORICAL BOROUGH OF PONSONBY AND GREY LYNN

STREET NAMES: ARGYLE STREET STREETS ARE USUALLY NAMED AFTER HISTORIC PERSONAGES BUT IN THE case of Argyle Street an immigrant ship has the honour. The ‘Duchess of Argyle’ was a 667 ton fully rigged vessel that left the port of Glasgow on 8 June, 1842 carrying 172 men, 171 women and 192 children. Another ship, the ‘Jane Gifford’ left Glasgow on 18 June and they were the first to to bring assisted immigrants to Auckland under a joint Government/ Presbyterian Church scheme. Scotland at the time had high unemployment, poor housing, and low wages due to the Industrial Revolution.

The hope of a better life in the colonies was a powerful draw and the Commissioner of Emigration recruited family groups and tradesmen who would benefit the young New Zealand colony.

How brave those early settlers were. Imagine being cooped up on a sailing vessel only about 120 x 30 feet for four long months. They had to do much of the work normally assigned to stewards, make their own amusements, and many had large families to look after. Measles and dysentery were rife especially amongst the children. They journeyed through hot, steamy tropics and ice-berg ridden seas to a country so different from back home. What pangs they must have suffered leaving the land of their birth, probably never again to see it, or the friends and relatives they left behind. We marvel at the intrepid journeys astronauts undertake but they are insignificant compared to what our early colonists embarked upon. Back in Scotland it would have been a major journey to visit the next village or town and here they were travelling 12,000 miles to a south pacific island inhabited, in their minds, by hostile savages.

Those old-time skippers were formidable to say the least. Captain R.G. Tait was in command of the ‘Duchess of Argyle’ and had undisputed reign over a difficult floating kingdom. He had to practice diplomacy in order to keep his passengers happy, make sure they obeyed immigration regulations, put some of his unruly crew in irons from time to time and be a good enough sailor to bring his ship safely to shore. A young scotsman, Robert Graham, who sailed on the ‘Jane Gifford’ kept a diary on his journey which gives a vivid picture of what life was like on the old immigrant ships.

A bit of a sailing competition took place as the two ships approached Auckland.

The ‘Duchess of Argyle’ arrived in the Waitemata Harbour a few hours ahead of the ‘Jane Gifford’ and because she was the larger of the two, a Senior Pilot came aboard and managed to put her aground in the Rangitoto Channel. Meanwhile a Junior Pilot boarded the ‘Jane Gifford’ and guided her past the ‘Duchess’, still grounded and waiting for the tide to lift her off. Neither boat could disembark on Mechanics Bay at low tide and the long boats carrying the passengers to shore became grounded in the mud. These weary travellers then had to carry children and boxes on their shoulders as they waded through knee deep soft mud before reaching the sandy beach.

Once on terra firma no five star accommodation was on offer. The families were crowded into thirty raupo huts erected on the foreshore. The promised land? It musn’t have seemed so. The tiny settlement that was Auckland back then found it difficult to assimilate such a sudden influx of people. Domestic servants found work immediately but the men, many of them skilled artisans had to work levelling roads for a pittance.

In the words of one immigrant they found “A wee town and worst of all there appeared nothing for us to do.” It surely was a rough entry to a new life!

(DEIRDRE ROELANTS) PN

NEW ZEALAND-SOUTH PACIFIC KIWANIS CLUBS JOIN FORCES WITH UNICEF NZ Partnership aims to Eliminate Killer Diseases Kiwanis Clubs of New Zealand-South Pacific have joined forces with UNICEF NZ (UN Children’s Fund) as part of a global effort to eliminate maternal and neonatal tetanus (MNT), a painful disease that kills one baby every nine minutes. As the world’s largest single donor for MNT elimination, Kiwanis is aiming to raise US$110 million by 2015 for The Eliminate Project - a campaign that will help UNICEF fund a global immunisation of millions of mothers and their future babies.

Maternal and neonatal tetanus is typically contracted through unhygienic childbirth practices and is still rampant in 38 countries. The goal of The Eliminate Project is to eradicate this swift, debilitating but highly preventable disease by vaccinating women of childbearing age, which will not only protect the mothers but also the future of their babies. “This is an opportunity for Kiwanis to once again change the world,” said Bob Reay, District Coordinator of Kiwanis New Zealand-South Pacific. We are in a position to make a difference and with the help of UNICEF we know that we will succeed,” says Reay.

Partnering with UNICEF, Kiwanis successfully completed its first global campaign for children to virtually eliminate iodine deficiency disorders (IDD), the leading cause of preventable mental disability. In 1994, Kiwanis raised and leveraged more than US$100 million, which helped change lives in 103 nations.

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Dennis McKinlay, Executive Director at UNICEF NZ, said he is grateful for organisations like Kiwanis that step up and take action for the children of the world.

“The support we have received from Kiwanis in the past has been invaluable and we are thrilled to be working with them again globally and on a local level. UNICEF has the expertise, experience and partnerships to help every mother protect her unborn baby,” McKinlay said. “The Eliminate Project will do more than protect women and babies from tetanus. It will help to create a path for other services such as clean water, nutrition and other vaccines to reach the world’s most vulnerable people.”

The funding will support UNICEF and its partners, who have already eliminated MNT in 20 countries, implement one of the biggest immunisation campaigns the world has seen. The Eliminate Project will serve those who live in developing countries, where healthcare is limited, and wipe out this cruel disease.

“For NZ$2.20 we can protect a mother and her future babies from this deadly but preventable disease,” said Stan Soderstrom, Executive Director of Kiwanis International. We can only do this with the support from our local clubs and with their participation, we will eliminate MNT.” PN For more information about The Eliminate Project, please visit www.TheEliminateProject.org

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MAJOR SHOW FOR OUTDOOR ENTHUSIASTS (AND MUM AND DAD CAMPERS!) It might still be chilly outside, but that doesn’t mean you can’t start planning for summer.

The Covi Motorhome Caravan & Outdoor SuperShow is the biggest and best event of its kind and is the perfect starting point for those looking for adventure.

From Friday 9 – Sunday 11 September at the ASB Showgrounds, this major event is where you’ll find the best this exciting and growing lifestyle has to offer (in fact, holidaying in the family’s caravan or motorhome has become a rite of passage for many Kiwis!)

There will be lots of free seminars covering a range of topics from freedom camping, travelling overseas, earning a living while living the dream, plus much more.

Visitors will be able to try their hand at driving New Zealand’s only heavy vehicle driving simulator: challenge your friends to a driving contest. Choose from a variety of conditions and put your skills to the test - perfect for motorhoming newbies or those thinking about upgrading to a larger model.

There are great prizes to be won – including the chance to win a luxurious six berth KEA motorhome for a year. The Covi SuperShow will also feature the hugely popular no reserve auctions plus show-exclusive deals.

Find out about the latest industry innovations including new motorhome models, caravan designs and there will be accessories galore. New for 2011 is the Stop & Stay zone featuring many of the best destinations and places to visit in our country. And you won’t have to worry about the weather, as the Covi SuperShow is all under one roof.

Timing couldn’t be better – just ahead of the spring and summer holiday season.

Don’t forget, it’s where your next adventure begins! www.supershow.co.nz or find us on Facebook PN

Something for everyone at the COVI SUPERSHOW. A KEA motorhome will be won by one lucky winner for a year.

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HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS MONEY4JAM: WHAT YOU GOT? GET CREATIVE StarJam is offering one lucky winner the chance to meet Justin Timberlake. Anyone can enter, all you have to do is get creative and you could be winging your way to Las Vegas to meet JT. For the second year running StarJam is proud to launch Money4Jam, an online competition to raise money through creative performance. In 2010 thirty-six teams entered the inaugural event. This year we plan to make it much bigger. The aim is to raise $100,000.

“The real success of the event last year was the online participation, with people viewing the performances and donating money to their favourite individuals or teams“ says StarJam CEO and founder Julie Bartlett. “This year we would like to double the number of teams participating, and in the process raise more money as well”.

The competition is easy and simple to enter. Anyone can register online by providing their contact details and a link to their homemade performance video. By encouraging friends to sponsor them, they are in the running for all the major prizes. There are many other prizes including the chance to meet Stan Walker in Australia and Neil Finn in New Zealand.

The competition closes at noon on Friday 23 September. For all details and to enter people should go to our website www.money4jam.org StarJam is a super-charity which creates performance opportunities for young people with disabilities. Julie Bartlett has often managed to surprise by securing famous celebrities for the StarJam cause. Over 100 celebrities have participated in and performed with the charity. These include Tom Cruise, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Julie Andrews, Danny DeVito, Sir Peter Jackson, Lucy Lawless, Neil Finn, Dave Dobbyn and Sir Richard Taylor. The programmes for the award winning organisation have become so popular that waiting lists are increasing daily. Funds raised will help get kids off the waiting lists into programmes and also to launch StarJam in Christchurch.

“Our motto is ‘we make the impossible possible’ and when we realised we could offer some lucky winner the chance to meet Justin Timberlake we knew this was the sort of prize which would inspire people to perform for our Money4Jam event” says Bartlett.

COMPETITION PRIZE DETAILS

KIWI STUDENTS URGED TO TAKE ACTION FOR CLIMATE CHANGE UNICEF NZ (UN Children’s Fund) is calling on students, parents and teachers to reduce the amount of cars driven to school on Thursday 22 September to support a global action campaign against climate change.

Thousands of students are already set to take part in Take Action for Climate Change Day with UNICEF New Zealand.

Pupils all over New Zealand are seizing the chance to do something different: from taking the bus to school, to dressing up in blue to encourage awareness of the issues UNICEF is promoting. The event will bring more attention to the effects climate change is having on countries across the globe and remind students that small actions now will have long term results.

Jacqui Southey, Education for Development Officer at UNICEF NZ, said climate change is already a huge problem and believes action must be taken for the sake of future generations: “The World Health Organisation estimates that each year 150, 000 lives are lost as a direct result of climate change. If we don’t act now, the impact on our lives and the environment around us could be devastating,” she said.

“Children are the least responsible for climate change, but are the most vulnerable to its effects. All children have basic rights including the right to good quality health care, clean water, nutritious food, and a clean environment so they will stay healthy. Climate change threatens these rights.”

In Kiribati, South Pacific children are already feeling the effects of climate change. Changes in tide levels and a lack of rain are making it harder for children to get clean water. Changes in temperatures and rainfall are causing crops to fail, which is affecting children’s diet through food shortages and rising prices.

PRIZE ONE: Two tickets to jet set to Las Vegas (thanks Air New Zealand!) to meet Justin Timberlake (JT, you rock!) at a VIP meet and greet for you and your friend. Then take your seats at the Justin Timberlake and Friends Concert in Las Vegas on Saturday 1st October. Plus go wild with $US3000 spending money donated by Kiwibank.

UNICEF works in the Pacific to help children adapt to their changing climate by providing health care facilities, equipping schools to collect and store clean water and enabling young people to educate their communities about the effects of climate change.

PRIZE TWO: Two tickets to fly to Australia courtesy Air New Zealand to meet Stan Walker in one of the cities on his 2012 tour and tickets for two to his concert. Kiwibank are donating $2000 (Australian) for your spending money.

Schools that register for Take Action for Climate Change Day will receive a registration pack including flyers and posters to promote the day, stickers, and a certificate for contributing to the fight against climate change.

PRIZE THREE: Meet Neil Finn in Auckland. Better be home soon.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION ON STARJAM: StarJam is a super-charity which creates national and international limelight opportunities for young people with disabilities. Known as ‘Jammers’, StarJam kids gain respect, confidence, empowerment, new friends, new hope and new purpose within a fun and inclusive atmosphere. Our belief is that ‘wildly positive change’ affects not just them and their families but their peer groups and the wider ‘able-bodied’ community in their perception of kids with disabilities. PN

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UNICEF NZ relies greatly on support from local communities. Events like Take Action for Climate Change Day help UNICEF continue to generate awareness around the world’s most pressing problems. PN Schools can join this effort by registering for Take Action for Climate Change at: www.unicef.org.nz/Take-Action

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

NEW ZEALAND LEGALISES LOVE Legalise Love, a movement to support gay marriage and adoption in New Zealand, launched last month.

As well as promoting the acceptance of non-heterosexual New Zealanders, Legalise Love will help Kiwis fight the legislative inequalities they face, which stop us from being an equal nation.

As a nation at the forefront of human rights, it’s hard to accept that in New Zealand we aren’t all equal.

Legalise Love will get New Zealanders talking, both on the streets and online. Through heavy online and offline presence, we aim to make the legal and social inequalities that exist for many New Zealanders an election issue in 2011. In short, we want to get people talking and get Kiwi’s supporting each other to promote equality.

There are two key components of the campaign. An online petition where people can show their support for the movement, and make their voice heard, can be found at the Legalise Love website. And in a coordinated community effort to show public support for the cause, Legalise Love will be holding a peaceful march on parliament on 20 October – a date known in America as Spirit Day. Together, we can make a difference to the lives of all New Zealanders. We can work together to make New Zealand, and the world, a better place to live. PN Visit www.legaliselove.org.nz to get started, and make the first step to Legalise Love.

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HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS SUSTAINABILITY IN MARKETING IS ALL GOOD Last night the Marketing Association of New Zealand showed that ethics and marketing do mix!

All Good Organics were awarded with the Judges’ Choice awards for Sustainability at the TVNZ New Zealand Marketing Awards 2011.

Chosen as the best example of marketing demonstrating a commitment to, and innovation in sustainability, the judges agreed that All Good Bananas showed unwavering commitment to a sustainable business model that resulted in business success.

Says Co-Founder, Simon Coley: “We’re chuffed with the award. We started All Good Organics just over a year ago in order to give Kiwis a choice of food grown in a more ethical manner, from sustainable sources. Bananas seemed the best place to start, as although they are undoubtedly seen as a relatively inexpensive, healthy treat, they come with a hidden cost; namely the health and well-being of third world producers, families and their communities.”

It was this recognition of and continued dedication to a more sustainable approach to business, which qualified All Good Organics as the only finalist in the category. Being the solo finalist didn’t make it an assured win however, with the Marketing Association keen to make clear that All Good would still need to demonstrate they were worthy of the win.

“We didn’t know for sure that we would win until the night, but we’re committed to sustainable business. It’s not only a smart way of doing business it makes good marketing sense. Consumers are now much more aware of the impact their buying decisions can have further down the supply chain. Our success in introducing New Zealand’s first Fairtrade banana to the market opened a lifeline for our growers to work themselves out of poverty. It also means that we now have a model to introduce goods from other producers in desperate need of sustainable trade at a fair price”.

To learn more about All Good Bananas and their growers, visit www.allgoodbananas.co.nz

APPLAUSE FOR PETER URLICH Peter Urlich needs no introduction when it comes to the New Zealand music industry.

From his earliest days with legends, Th’ Dudes, through to his latest role as swinging crooner, Peter has filled 40 years with every conceivable musical scenario. Peter Hale, also an accomplished entertainer, has an extensive background in talent management having organised the live entertainment at SkyCity Auckland Casino for five years, along with a history in management consultancy and business.

So it seemed to make perfect sense that these two should combine their creative, logistic and administrative skills to start up an agency that answers a need for a truly professional, premier music consultancy.

Applause is the name of their agency and their singular aim is to fulfill your entertainment requirements - whether that be a high-end budget extravaganza for 2000 guests in a hotel ballroom featuring a harpist and a neophonic orchestra or an intimate affair for 25 in a restaurant with a smokey jazz quartet.

Applause has the experience, knowledge and passion to help make your next event a memorable one. Further information: www.applause.co.nz

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REAL ESTATE EXPERT ASK JOHN.WILLS@CUSTOMRESIDENTIAL.CO.NZ Each month John Wills answers readers’ real estate related issues.

Q:

I’m new to New Zealand and recently came through one of your open homes. I must say, that I felt like the wooden floors were quite wonky and dipping in one corner. Is this normal? What should I do when I see this?

A:

The simple answer to this question is essentially: most homes in this area are between 80 and 110 years old and some unevenness or ‘character’ in the floors is quite normal. I bet when I’m that old, I’ll have a few sags and creaks too (in fact I’ve got a few already).

Anyway, I totally understand that ‘wonky floors’ can cause some concern when you are viewing a home that could easily be selling for $1 million or more. However, house re-piling, reblocking and levelling services are readily available and they can inspect and diagnose most local homes fairly easily. The key thing to look for is access to the crawl space under the house. I’m told that the easier the access and the more room that is available to work in, generally will mean a cheaper quote for any works that need doing. The person doing your standard building inspection of the property should also be able to advise you of the state of the piles and the likelihood of having to re-pile.

Look for piles that are sitting on concrete blocks and an under floor space that presents as nice and dry.

HAWKINS AND SCUFFELL – ANTIQUES WITH OLD FASHIONED ATTITUDE

I’m no expert, but I do know that these houses are old and have stood the test of time. They are generally as solid as a rock and may need lifting in one corner or some individual piles sorted out. But generally speaking – get expert advice and understand that there is always a bit of movement in any home, let alone a grand old beauty, like the ones we see around here.

HAWKINS AND SCUFFELL – WHAT A NAME – JUST TOO ESTABLISHED TO be made up! Well, it’s not. This was an old, very top-end restoration company in Camden Mews, London that co-owner John McClenagh worked in as part of his and Bob’s Gilhooly’s London antiques business.

Hope this helps. Happy house hunting and as always, more up to date market advice can be found at YouTube.com/Customresidential (JOHN WILLS) PN www.customresidential.co.nz

They just couldn’t let the name die!

Primarily Hawkins and Scuffell are antiques dealers, but they have also always dealt in 20th century design as they believe that mixing up the best of each period leads to a much more interesting result. John and Bob chose their Jervois Road shop because they were wanting to portray one of those little finds in Spitalfields London or the Parisian Port de Clignancourt. A beautiful old black gloss shop front and narrow, high ceilings with little stairs to the second floor - this shop had it all.

Hawkins and Scuffell have a much varied price range but they do aim to have the best example of each piece, which does lead to more expensive items. They are anti downlights and when out decorating they mainly go for the classic centre -hanging light, relying on table and floor lamps for low and varied lighting. Needless to say they stock a great selection of period antique lighting (and later) that’s all ready to go. John and Bob like to think of themselves as good old fashioned shopkeepers, matching the right piece to the right person and giving a little advice along the way. Yep, you guessed it - they’re a little anti-Mall, too!

“We’re loving the area and have had great support and feedback from locals and local businesses. It’s a great little hip end of Jervois Road” says Bob. And their special message to Ponsonby News readers? “Because of the size of the shop we’re unable to fit everything in, so please let us know what you are looking for and we may be able to help.” NB: The store is open Tuesday to Friday from 11am to 6pm, and Saturday from 10am to 4pm. PN HAWKINS AND SCUFFELL, 236 Jervois Road, T: 09 361 1006 www.hawkinsandscuffell.com

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ALT GROUP’S DEAN POOLE SELECTED TO JOIN INTERNATIONAL CLUB FOR THE DESIGN ELITE Dean Poole, co-founder and creative director of multi -disciplinary design company Ponsonby based ALT Group, has been selected to join the prestigious Zurich based Alliance Graphique Internationale www.a-g-i.org.

Alliance Graphique Internationale was established in 1952 to encourage common interests and friendships across national and cultural borders in a professional club.

It is elite and its members have been collectively responsible for the identity design of most of the world’s top corporations and most recognisable brands.

Members include Milton Glaser, Stefan Sagmeister; Kenya Hara, who famously asked world famous architects to design pasta; and New York based Paula Scher who has done identity design for Tiffany & Co; as well as Coca Cola and the Metropolitan Opera. To become a member you have to be nominated by two existing members and commit to the mission of the Alliance to promote graphic design around the world.

Poole, who last year received the John Britten Award, one of the major awards for contribution to New Zealand design (Designers Institute of New Zealand) will be the only current New Zealand member of the elite club of 370 of the world’s leading graphic designers and artists. Says Poole: “Design is a visual language that works across cultural differences and spoken languages. To be selected to join the AGI is a real honour for me to represent New Zealand design on a global stage.

AGI includes some of the world’s best designers and I see this as recognition of the quality of New Zealand’s growing design culture. I hope to form new connections and build new alliances raising awareness of what is going on around the world.”

Once a year AGI opens its doors to the public, offering a glimpse into the minds of some of the most influential designers worldwide. This year the AGI Open event is in Barcelona, October 2011. www.agiopen.com PN

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GOT A LEGAL QUESTION? ASK MICHAEL@METROLAW.CO.NZ

PONSONBY PROFESSIONALS

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:

I want to purchase a property and have been looking at a number of properties which are on a cross lease. Is there anything I should be particularly aware of in purchasing a cross lease property?

Yes, lots, when purchasing a cross lease you need to carefully consider both the terms of your lease and the flat plan of your property. Under a cross lease the owners of all of the units together own the underlying title for the property and then each have a lease of their own unit and exclusive use areas. The flat plan of your property sets out which part of the property is for your own exclusive use and which parts are ‘common areas’ for shared use.

You must check that the building drawn on your plan clearly matches the building which is on site. If it does not match the plan it is possible that the other members of your development could insist that any alterations are removed so that your unit matches the flat plan. This could result in the removal of the new kitchen or the destruction of a deck with magnificent views.

If you would like to develop your share of the property on a cross lease you will need to get the consent of the other members of your development, their lenders and your lenders. If you can get their consent the property must be resurveyed and a new title issued. This can be expensive and you should ensure that you get quotes from your solicitor and surveyor before you start on such a project.

Your lease will also set out the restrictions which relate to your use of the land.

Your lease may call for regular meetings of the owners to agree ongoing contributions you need to make to the development. This usually means that a simple majority of owners decide to incur costs for which all of the owners are responsible.

THIS CAN BE FOR SUCH THINGS AS: • Painting the whole building; • Gardening of the common areas;

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• External lighting; • General repairs; or • Contribution to a fund to meet future capital works.

If you are thinking that you may simply chose not to make the contributions levied or to ignore the restrictions in your cross lease you do so at your own peril. The lease usually has provisions for enforcement with the ultimate sanction of cancelling your lease.

Your lease may also restrict how you live in the development.

THESE RESTRICTIONS CAN VARY BUT WILL OFTEN INCLUDE: • A ban on pets; • Limits on the colours used on the exterior of your property; • A ban on external aerials and satellite dishes; • A ban on keeping old vehicles on the property; • Limits on noise; or • A ban on using your property for anything other than residential purposes.

Often these restrictions are designed to assist in communal living but you need to ensure that they do not conflict with your current lifestyle. Most people don’t want to have to get rid of their pets when they move house.

There is a Jewish proverb ‘Ask about your neighbors, then buy the house’ and this sage advice could not be more true for a cross lease situation. Ask the vendor about any problems with the other cross lease owners and then ask the other cross lease owners the same question.

If there is anything that you don’t understand about the terms of your lease then you should get professional advice. (MICHAEL HEMPHILL) PN METROLAW, Level 2, 36 Williamson Avenue T: 09 929 0800 www.metrolaw.co.nz 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 PEOPLE + THEIR PETS ANIMALOSOPHY: DR MEGAN ALDERSON Our countries ‘mana’, or magical force, blankets our beautiful land, settling upon every man, woman, child, farm animal and pet.

We are a small country renowned for our enormous national pride.

For us, the symbol of our strength is represented not by a huge populace and vast economic wealth but by our national rugby team-The All Blacks-our own warriors fighting for the pride and status of our nation.

Even with such strong mana, with little over 4 million people backing our national team the power of positive thought (the collective mental attitude focusing on a favourable result and success) highlights we are up against the odds if the laws of attraction apply.

However…… as New Zealander’s we’ve never walked alone. Over 68% of our homes house New Zealand animal companions making up a nation of pets. As pet owners and as a vet we both know nobody has a more unfathomable positive attitude in life than the cat or dog at our feet. Our collective positive attitude brings strength, energy and initiative and with it the mana, or magic, to support our team across the finish line-as in 1987-to win this rugby tournament.

Behind every All Black there are 4.2 million New Zealander’s, 5 million cats and dogs, 4 million dairy cows and 40 million sheep. The other teams just don’t stand a chance!

Join us on The Strand Vet Facebook page to see our own First XV line-up shot by Fiona Tomlinson of www.petphoto.co.nz (DR MEGAN ALDERSON) PN THE STRAND VETERINARIAN, 114 The Strand T: 09 377 6667 www.thestrandvet.co.nz

PETS AND PATS IN PONSONBY Pets and Pats are Ponsonby and its surrounding area’s premium pet care service.

As owner Jo Leary (pictured) tells us, “We are here to look after your beloved animals. We pride ourselves on providing a professional, fun, loving and caring service. While we look after all sorts of pets and their needs from feeding to house sitting, solo-walks to home visits, one very popular and great value service are the fun group doggie-outings.”

With up to six dogs per session, your dog will be taken out and about in the Pets and Pats van. With a minimum of one hour of exercise, Pets and Pats also provide play, chase, balls, toys, treats, pats, cuddles and fun.

Group dog walks are $30 per dog; they have some spaces available on their regular walks; send an email petsandpats@gmail.com to secure your spot. Group dog walks are a great complement to day care and can add variety to your doggie pals week. www.petsandpats.co.nz

photography: Petra Ludvigson

Swimming is also included on some outings if your pup is that way inclined. Your dog is collected, meets and greets the other doggies [they become great friends] and is taken to an off-lead area. Depending on the number and location of the dogs attending, time away from home could be as much as two to four hours with pick-off and drop-off time factored in.

This is a great service, so much fun and your dog will make new friends, be exercised and calm when you return home from work so you too can relax after your busy day.

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PONSONBY PEOPLE + THEIR PETS ASK ALEX

IS YOUR DOG AS HEALTHY AS YOU? Strauss my Giant Schnauzer has suffered for the past seven years from constant infections, inflamed skin and all kinds of immunity issues after being diagnosed as hypothyroid.

As I had just completed four liver/gallbladder cleanses to rid myself of hundreds of gallstones (that I never realised that I had) and convinced that the liver is the fundamental issue in all health disorders, I felt compelled to apply this incredible health regime to Strauss.

So I pondered on how I would administer five days of apple juice followed by a day of Epsom salts and olive oil to a dog? I decided to contact Andreas Mortiz who wrote the book ‘the Liver and Gallbladder Miracle Cleanse’ for guidance.

I posted a note on his Facebook page and to my amazement he responded!

He said that he could not see how it was feasible, but suggested that I try MMS – a Miracle mineral supplement that detoxifies the body and is also able to rid the body of bacteria and even viruses. Yes it all seems to be ‘miracle’…

So I began the study of sodium chlorite, which when activated with citric acid, becomes chorine dioxide, labelled as MMS by Jim Humble. Jim discovered it as a cure for Malaria, and went on to see how effective it was against virtually all illnesses.

I gingerly tried it first and then put a few drops in Strauss’s water each day.

He excreted days of black tar and went on to gain energy and vitality on a daily basis. Strauss is now like a puppy and thriving on a home cooked diet of Rabbit (which he could never have tolerated before).

The liver is the root of all wellbeing and disorder and we need to apply the same principles of health to our furry family. It is a ‘miracle’ that I finally have Strauss well and on half his previous medication. My goal is that he will be medication free by Christmas. (DEBORAH KELLAND) PN

Each month Dr Alex Melrose answers readers’ pet related issues. e-mail yours to: alex@vetcare.net.nz

Q:

I am really hoping I can get some answers on how to stop my female cat crossing the road. I have tried a few times to talk to you on Newstalk zb, but never make it. I live in Christchurch, so that possibly gives you a clue of where I am headed. After the September earthquake, my two cats were reluctant to go out and with every shake, if they were outside, they flew in and hid for many, many hours.

After the February one, my male was outside but swam through the liquefaction and came in late in the evening of the 22nd. I couldn’t find the female anywhere. The next day, the female emerged from having been hiding in the lining of the couch and promptly shot outside, just as we had another big rattle. She then went missing for three weeks!

While she was away, I left the cat door open and a few days later, woke to find I had an extra two cats and a kitten asleep, covered in mud, on my couch. When my female turned up again, she was petrified of the kitten and hid. As the kitten grew, my cat became pretty aggressive towards her. Every morning I open the cat door and my female is out and gone for the day, this is scaring the heck out of me, as I live on a very busy main road. I have now found a home for the kitten and young male and I am taking them up to Blenheim. Is there any way I can stop my female cat from crossing the road, or do you think once I get the house back to as normal as possible, she will stop. I don’t want to lose her, despite her antisocial aggressive behaviour. GAIL, by email Man it’s such a lot of stress for your pets to be under down there with all the aftershocks, just a terrible crazy pressure on all of you, I wish you all the best for the future. Your cats’ behaviours are totally understandable, given the trying circumstances. The three ‘new’ cats that turned up obviously knew how to pick a loving home and you have gone above and beyond in your care of these guys, you are doing everything you can. I firmly believe as soon as you re-home those two (though difficult it’s certainly the correct decision) and the total cat population pressure inside your place drops, she will stop running off. Even without these disturbing quakes any cat household with three or more cats has a very high incidence of behavioural challenges such as running off, aggression or spraying. On top of that your girl is just programmed (from genetics and early life experience) to be pretty shy, some cats are just put together that way (like some people) and stay that way for life.

(DR ALEX MELROSE, BVSC MRCVS) PN

A:

VETCARE GREY LYNN, 408 Great North Road T: 09 361 3500 www.vetcare.net.nz

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TIM WAKELY SPOTTING LOCAL TALENT

‘THE WINTER OF MY DISCONTENT’ – ISLA OSBORNE ON THE SURFACE, ISLA OSBORNE MAY APPEAR TO THE OUTSIDE WORLD as your typical low key Grey Lynn resident. However, I soon discover that behind the talented glassmakers self-assured grin lays a complex mother of two who finds creative inspiration out of everyday human existence. Instantly, I warm to Isla’s vibrant personality and it doesn’t take me long to get down to the nitty gritty behind this charismatic character. Currently, Isla is riding high as she has been selected as 1 of 500 artists to be featured in the New Zealand Art Show at Wellington’s TSB Arena, where her latest collection will be exhibited. When asked about the nomination Isla’s eyes instantly light up and with a child-like grin she enthusiastically replies, “Yes, it’s great, the organisers of the event emailed me to submit some work, they liked it and offered me a place at the exhibition”.

Isla’s latest offering ‘The Winter of my Discontent’ is inspired by the everyday influenza that her children encountered over the past winter months. Isla explains, “the basic research behind this project came from countless hours of researching images of these diseases, I started to re-create the images of these common bacteria using glass. This project fulfilled my social interest in community and how ideas are spread; as I believe that a Virus is a great metaphor for examining how the communication of ideas are spread through local and global communities”. At the centre of this collection is a highly embellished skull titled ‘Blessed’. Isla uses this distinct found object to explore community and communication in a more historical context. Isla explains that, “the concept behind Blessed is inspired by how in the middle ages the Catholic Church found remnant’s of human bones in an ancient Roman Catacomb to convince ordinary people that saints once existed. The decorative element behind this piece is inspired by the reaction towards these bones; people treated these bones as God like relics as they decorated with them jewels. The funny thing is; is that these bones could of belonged to anybody,” laughs Isla.

The creative skills that Isla has gained over the years have developed from various education programmes and employment opportunities. Originally a computer graphic designer by trade, Isla learnt the craft of glass making throughout various summer schools at Ucol. Also at this time Isla begun to make jewellery on the side to help pay her own way through art school.

After graduating Isla made her way to London where she took up many job and educational opportunities. Today, Isla works from her Grey Lynn home where she balances everyday motherhood with her creative output. “Currently, I do a lot of freelance work, however, the amount of time I can spend on it is determined by our children’s routine. After my children get out of bed at 5am in the morning I tell my partner that they are awake and then head out to the studio for about an hour and a half.”

Isla’s fascination with community is not only reflected in her work, but also in her personal life within the neighbourhood, “I love that one of my neighbours down the road leaves a trampoline in the park at the back of my house for kids to play on. I thought that that sense of community was long gone”. Towards the end of the interview I notice the words honesty, faith, trust and joy repeatedly written across her blackboard in the kitchen. Curiosity about these particular words leads me to ask about the personal meaning. Isla thinks for a moment and then calmly responds. “I use these words to help remind myself to be honest, trust in life, to have integrity and to respect everyone.

All the words on the board serve as important self-reminders. It’s about how I want to live my life; to remind me to have joy in my life and to laugh as well.”

At the New Zealand Art Show Isla managed to sell Blessed. However, a second in the series of Four was displayed last month at the Auckland Grammar Art Show.

SHOWING AT THE WARWICK HENDERSON GALLERY TYRONE LAYNE - ‘PEOPLE’ 27 September – 15 October The Warwick Henderson Gallery has promoted emerging artists for many years, including mid-career and senior artists.Warwick Henderson saw Tyrone Layne’s work when he was a student at UNITEC and followed his work before offering him an inaugural solo show two years ago. The response to Laynes work was extremely positive with the first two shows being all but sold out.

“Apart from buyers recognising the integrity and hours of work in the paintings people really related to his depiction of the vibrant and cosmopolitan nature of urban Auckland” says Warwick Henderson. Laynes upcoming new exhibition follows his unique theme with further depictions of peopled urbanscapes including Mission Bay Beach, the Auckland CBD and Point Chevalier. Layne intends to travel to London after the show, in pursuit of an international audience with an exhibition during the London Olympics.

The Warwick Henderson Gallery has been in Parnell now for almost 25 years in a small street parallel to Parnell Road. Based in an award winning purpose designed building the Gallery has offstreet parking, a real bonus for visitors who don’t have to worry about their vehicles when they are viewing exhibitions. Parnell Road is also on the Link Bus route which is also very handy for those in the CBD or Ponsonby area.

The Gallery recommends that potential buyers come early due to the popularity of the artists work and the limited number of paintings available. Laynes show opens on Tuesday 26 September 2011, 5.30 - 7.30 pm and runs until the 15 of October 2011.

Warwick Henderson Gallery, 32 Bath Street T: 09 309 7513 www.warwickhenderson.co.nz

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ARTS + CULTURE

SHOWING AT LETHAM GALLERY A PUZZLING SCENARIO Group Exhibition - A Puzzled Tame-Tiki 8 September – 25 October Preview: 8 September 5pm

Also featuring are Alex Scott, Dale Gilmore, Greg Page, Fraser Williamson, Rae West and Simone Anderson.

Amidst the chaos that is the tourism fever gripping the country this September, an iconic Ponsonby building will stand strong, holding a gallery filled with some of our lands most talented artists, spilling not so subtle Kiwi references out the door.

Uniquely packaged, each puzzle is signed and numbered by the artist, extremely limited and priced at just $60 each. Each original work will also be available to collect - do not miss this! PN

The puzzling thing is this. How do we present to the world our artists’ vision of what New Zealand means to them? Well, 12 of our finest have created one or more original artworks, each of which we have adapted into a series of limited edition jigsaw puzzles, collectively boxed and exclusive to Letham Gallery.

Enquiries contact: info@lethamgallery.co.nz.

LETHAM GALLERY 35 Jervois Road T: 09 360 5217 www.lethangallery.co.nz

From Anna Crichton, Martin Horspool and Max Thomson comes the Mona Lisa of New Zealand rugby, a no. 8 robot, and the many faces of our nation’s flag. Beatrice Carlson, Sam Broad and Richard Freestone play off one kiwi icon against another in a satirical, playful and ironic combination.

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ARTS + CULTURE PLAYING AT THE BASEMENT THEATRE DEATH BY CHEERLEADER 14 - 17 September @ 8pm This 2011 Rugby World Cup, it’s not just the boys who are performing. The CheerBlacks are here and they’re ready! Okay?

Meet the CheerBlacks! Jessica, Lucy and Dakota are three passionate, patriotic dancers with varying degrees of cheer-ability- but what they lack in skill they make up for with their enthusiasm and dedication. Their hard work pays off when they win the chance to cheer for the All Blacks at the Rugby World Cup, 2015 Dubai!

With their nation’s hopes and dreams held tightly in their manicured hands they embark on the biggest adventure of their lives. But after a night of Dubai debauchery they wake to find All Black golden boy Tane has mysteriously disappeared...

Hair and trust is torn, nails and hearts are broken, spray tans and secrets are revealed as team loyalty disintegrates. How will they prove their innocence and claim their rightfully earned spot backing their boys in the world cup final? Will all their dreams come crashing down?

Death By Cheerleader is a cheeky, ballsy, comedic romp that will leave you with a spring in your step and a large grin smeared across your face. WARNING: Contains offensive language, nudity and a lot of cheer! Directed By Benjamin Henson.

MEET THE TEAM: Jessica aka Amy Waller: (Amazing Extraordinary Friends, Love has no Language, The Road out of Town, The Fall Guys and Gloria). Toi Whakaari Graduate 2006 and SkyCity and NZ Breakers Cheerleader.

Lucy aka Claire van Beek: (The Missing, Bliss: A Katherine Mansfield Story, Rude Awakenings, Little Blonde Hen, Hotel. Runner up NZ Young Playwright of the Year) Toi Whakaari Graduate 2004, Former competitive gymnast ‘till she got a hernia aged nine.

Dakota aka Julia Hyde: (Amazing Extraordinary Friends, Go Girls, The Last Magic Show, Five kinds of Silence). Unitec Graduate 2006. Julia studied ballet at five years old, for a week! PN THE BASEMENT THEATRE, Greys Avenue. BOOKINGS: www.iticket.co.nz www.nz2011.govt.nz/experiencerealnz/events/971-death-by-cheerleader

TEMPO DANCE FESTIVAL IS IN THE HEART OF THE CITY! TEMPO DANCE FESTIVAL HAS BEEN AT THE HEART OF DANCE IN NEW Zealand for nearly a decade now, and it is fitting that this year the festival will be housed in the new arts epicentre of Auckland. The newly completed Q, on Auckland’s iconic Queen Street, will be home for the 2011 season – a nine day tour de force of all forms of dance, 30 September – 8 October.

Featuring ballet to burlesque, hip hop to contemporary, this is a stunning season packed with amazing performances by some of New Zealand’s most acclaimed choreographers and companies. Tempo 2011 features evening-length works by Malia Johnston (body/fight/time), Ann Dewey (Shine Lady), Mary Jane O’Reilly (In Flagrante), Footnote Dance (Hullapolloi), Jennifer Nikolai (Girl With a Movie Camera), Kristian Larsen (Shameless Crowd Pleaser), Alexa Wilson (Weg: A-Way) and a triple bill from Southern Lights (2011), up from Christchurch to share with us their dynamic dance.

Tempo offers an impressive array of shared programmes and showcases: Prime Cuts, Kids&TeensShow, Tertiary Colours, Y Chromozone and Out of the Box feature a dynamic mix of short works by Michael Parmenter, Fleur de Thier, Chung-Fu Chang (Taiwan), Cat Ruka, Mia Mason and Sarah Foster-Sproull, with artists from the Royal New Zealand Ballet, Okareka Dance Company (Taiaroa Royal and Taane Mete), hip hop crew Prestige and the New Zealand School of Dance. Tempo will also be celebrating the life and career of Dorothea Ashbridge at this year’s Honouring a Dancer ceremony.

Tempo will be hosting a pub quiz on 7 September at The Gables Speight’s Ale House (248 Jervois Road) to raise funds for this year’s festival. Test your general knowledge and take your brain for a waltz! Entry is $10 and there will be lots of prizes, surprises and tickets to Tempo shows up for grabs. Bring your friends, some cash and enjoy a night of fun that benefits Tempo Dance Festival 2011. For more information or to book tickets visit www.tempo.co.nz. PN

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ARTS + CULTURE SHOWING AT MASTERWORKS GALLERY Preview: Wednesday 7 September from 5.30pm TOP DRAWER 8 September – 26 October

On display will be a series of brooches that Chan made from found materials – “winding strips of tin, graphic depictions of vegetables, fragments of Arabic script and barcodes were slowly interwoven and allowed to coalesce into new formations.” Also included will be photographs taken by Chan of Ramallah residents wearing her brooches. “They were captivated by these strange objects and fascinated that something mundane could be utterly transformed… It was satisfying to observe people’s faces transformed by these minor encounters.”

JEWELLERY BOX SHOWCASE Becky Bliss – Palimpsest 8 - 28 September

A group exhibition showcasing new work by 20 of Masterwork’s top artists working across the fields of ceramics, glass and sculpture. To coincide with the Rugby World Cup, the exhibition promises to offer an overview of some of the best in innovation and contemporary applied arts that New Zealand has to offer.

Artists include Stephen Bradbourne, Emma Camden, Christine Cathie, Bronwyn Cornish, John Edgar, Luke Jacomb, John Parker, Ann Robinson, John Roy, Kate Rutecki, Katherine Smyth, Christine Thacker, and Ann Verdcourt. Also included will be a selection of work by Australian artists including Jeff Mincham, Nick Mount, Kirsty Rea, and Emma Varga.

THINKSPACE Jacqui Chan - INSITU: Jewellery, the Urban Mileu and Emergence 8 - 28 September

The jewellery box programme this month showcases new work by Becky Bliss, a recent graduate of Whitireia and the winner of Masterworks’ Jewellery Box Showcase award. This body of work is a continuation on the ‘Palimpsest’ theme, a term borrowed from the ancient practice of scraping clean, and re-using manuscript tablets.

Bliss says: “We all leave a trace. We might move on, but there’s always a part of us left behind, whether a memory, a thing, a photograph, a sense... creating a new layer.”

In applying these ideas to her work, Bliss layers materials one on top of another, and intentionally creates an aged look with her materials. On display will be several pieces of jewellery, mostly brooches and rings, made from silver, copper, resin, tin, acrylic paint, and rust. PN MASTERWORKS GALLERY, 77 Ponsonby Road T: 09 378 1256 www.masterworksgallery.com exhibitions@masterworksgallery.com

This month’s THINKspace focuses on jeweller Jacqui Chan and her explorations into jewellery making in Ramallah, Palestine, in 2010. Chan writes that her experience “was marked by ideological conflict, constant military presence and the dominance of religion.”

“Daily life and practice were means of orienting myself within this extreme situation.

Walking, taking photographs, interactions in the market, and foraging for rubbish, were all a means of becoming familiar. In my makeshift studio, I deliberately avoided re-presenting this situation. Instead I worked with a process of ‘feeding off’ and ‘back into’ the urban milieu.”

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ARTS + CULTURE MEMOIRS OF A SERIAL DATER: SYDNEY SIDE – FUNDRAISER LOVE CREATURES 3 September 7.30 – 11.30 Te Karanga Gallery GET SET TO FALL IN LOVE…. Big city style!

Join us for a frenzy of scintillating cabaret style performances from the lips and hips of some of Auckland’s finest and freshest talents, as we journey down the path of truly lusty love, in a Celebratory Fundraising Event for Memoirs of a Serial Dater to head Sydney side! Bring your coins for the Kissing Booth, Live Gaydar, Silent Art Auction, Lollies, Cash Bar…AND MORE! Early Birds $25. Book Now Email: mail@firehorsefilms.co.nz or T: 09 307 3222

PLAYING AT THE MAIDMENT THEATRE BLACK GRACE - VERSE 2 5 – 7 and 10 - 11 October, 7.30pm and 8 - 9 October, 2pm Schools Matinees: 5 - 6 October, 12.30pm Black Grace encompasses true New Zealand culture. The raw energy, physicality and rhythmic nature of Neil Ieremia’s work is the ultimate way to experience what is unique to Aotearoa.

Verse 2 is an exciting collection of the latest short works and excerpts from New Zealand’s leading Pacific contemporary dance company Black Grace.

Choreographed by Founder and Artistic Director Neil Ieremia, Verse 2 is full of rhythm, energy and grace.

Alongside favourite segments from Verses (2010) and Gathering Clouds (2009), debuts a new work titled The Nature of Things. This evocative new work features live music composed and performed by acclaimed Samoan harpist Natalia Mann.

Verse 2 features an eclectic soundscape including traditional Pacific music and body percussion as well as pieces by Jimi Hendrix, Johnny Cash, and Johann Sebastian Bach.

“A polished, pungent, bone-crunchingly physical and perfectly executed alchemy of music, muscle and motion” - New Zealand Herald, 2010 “In a memorable performance, the thrilling and brilliantly executed New Zealand Company Black Grace integrated many aspects of modern dance with Samoan and South Pacific indigenous art forms. The result was no cut-and-paste assemblage, but a new art form” - Broad Street Review, Philadelphia, 2010. PN www.blackgrace.co.nz BOOKINGS: Maidment Theatre T: 09 308 2383 www.maidment.auckland.ac.nz

With Rugby World Cup fever almost upon us, we’re definitely supporting THE ALL BLACKS! The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

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TIM WAKELY SPOTTING LOCAL TALENT

DINNER WITH GRETA GOTLEIB ALTHOUGH WE HAD BEEN IN CONTACT ALL WEEK I HAD NO CLEAR IDEA OF what Greta Gotlieb, the founder of the magazine Presence looked like. Eventually, she discovered me meandering on the street and I was pleasantly surprised to find a very humble, hard-working, down-to-earth tiny dynamo. After initial introductions we went into Nishki a Japanese Restaurant in Freemans Bay. In the restaurant we decided that it would be better if she ordered for both of us since I had never tasted Japanese food before. However, I did make one diva demand that no seafood was to be ordered. After saying this, Greta’s eyes lit up and with a glint in her eye says, “Don’t worry neither do I”.

After an in-depth conversation about our dislike for this hideous culinary taste we both come to the conclusion that it would be best to get on with the interview.

Graphic Designer and Golden Dawn enthusiast Greta Gotleib has always had a creative interest in magazines since she was a little girl. Over time, the subjects that she chose at school and university helped her to develop skills that she would one day use to create Presence. Greta came up with the concept of Presence while on an academic exchange in England. “The idea behind Presence is to promote young and up-coming musicians with exposure and publicity that I believe they deserve; to help give them more of a ‘Presence,’” asserts Greta. Ever since coming up with this editorial concept Greta has worked hard to turn her idea into a printed and web accessible text. A full-time graphic designer, she has clear fond memories of the first edition of Presence; “the first copy featured my friends pretending to be in a band,” laughs Greta. “In that issue I did all the art-work and photography.”

However, in just a short time Greta’s role within the magazine has drastically changed as about 90% of the written and photographic content in Presence is out-sourced to other freelance contributors. This change has allowed Greta to focus more of her precious time pursuing her interest in the creative backbone of the magazine. Greta strongly asserts that, “I see myself as the co-ordinator of Presence. I decide who I want and what I want in the magazine. Presence is an independent magazine. I see it as a fresh start not just for myself but for others as well. I don’t want to owe anybody favours.” Greta’s strong belief in collaboration has worked to her advantage as she receives many emails a day from talented young writers and photographers who just want to be published. I don’t want the magazine to be about me. I want it to be about people and the culture. I am always open to new suggestions. I want to give people a chance to help give them opportunities to grow and gain valid industry experience.”

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‘Five Magazines’ by photographer and owner of Black Asterisk Gallery, STUART BROUGHTON Presence differs itself from other publications on the market in regards to advertising.

Instead of having full-page advertisements dispersed throughout the publication a business can sponsor an article. Greta further explains the sponsorship process in more detail. “What I do is that I pre-mock up the magazine and send a template of the next issue with prices attached to each article. It is way better for me to do it this way as I don’t have time to be constantly ringing advertisers”. Greta does admit that she is not the most business savvy person but throughout the process of creating Presence Greta has become much more business minded. Learning the business side of the industry is an aspect that Greta has had to come to terms with if Presence is to grow and survive well into the foreseeable future. However, the direction of the magazine still remains uncertain. “I would love to turn Presence into a coffee table book that features all of the bands and artistic creations that have inspired me over the years. But, for now I am enjoying the size of the magazine as it is very manageable at the moment.”

After concluding the interview Greta kindly offers me a ride home that I humbly accept.

When we finally arrive at my house located on a very steep street in Arch Hill I decide to tell her how I thought she wouldn’t do the interview. Greta then turns to me and says in a very soft reassuring voice, “I would never want anybody to think I am too cool, I want people to see me as an approachable person, I wouldn’t want to be like that as I wouldn’t want to miss out on a great opportunity.” (TIM WAKELY) PN

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SCREENING AT RIALTO POSITIVELY PARKINSON’S The Women’s Bookshop hosted the launch of a very significant book last month. On a bitterly cold evening on 16 August, a very large crowd crammed into the shop to pay tribute to Anne Andrews, the exceedingly determined and courageous author of Positively Parkinson’s. John Walker had agreed to launch the book but Parkinson’s often puts paid to best laid plans and Dame Cath was seconded at the last minute. Not a bit fazed by the sudden request she responded unquestioningly and in her inimitable fashion, did a great job.

ITALIAN FILM FESTIVAL 2011 THE FIRST BEAUTIFUL THING - LA PRIMA COSA BELLA 2010 Romantic Comedic Drama Italian with English subtitles (118 minutes) 2010 David Di Donatello: Best Actor, Best Actress and Best Screenplay Director: Paolo Virzì. Cast: Valerio Mastandrea, Micaela Ramazzotti, Stefania Sandrelli Rating: M contains violence, sexual references and offensive language

This touching and nostalgic drama from Paolo Virzì, director of the 2009 festival’s opening night smash-hit ‘Her Whole Life Ahead’, tells the story of a misanthropic son returning to his hometown to see his mother.

In 1971, at a popular beach resort near the Tuscan port of Livorno, gorgeous wife and mother, Anna (Micaela Ramazzotti), is roped into a beauty contest. Her jealous husband, Mario (Sergio Albelli), is enraged by the attention from assorted wolfwhistlers, while eight-year-old son Bruno is horrified by the spectacle of it all. His younger sister Valeria is the only one enjoying the scene.

Jump to the present, when Bruno (Valerio Mastandrea) gets an urgent visit from Valeria (Claudia Pandolfi) telling him their mother (Stefania Sandrelli) is sick. Bruno tries to wriggle out of going back to Livorno but finally agrees, the trip triggering an assortment of bittersweet memories. Beautifully shot by Nicola Pecorini , the 1971 scenes are particularly evocative. The film was Italy’s nomination to the 2010 Academy Awards.

OUR LIFE - LA NOSTRA VITA 2010 Drama Italian with English subtitles (99 minutes) 2010 Festival de Cannes Official Selection - In competition; Winner Best Actor; 2011 David Di Donatello: Best Director, Best Actor Director: Daniele Luchetti. Cast: Elio Germano, Raoul Bova, Luca Zingaretti, Isabella Ragonese. Rating: M contains offensive language and sexual references

Daniele Luchetti’s acute snapshot of contemporary Italy, ‘La Nostra Vita’, screened in competition at the 2010 Cannes Film Festival, where Elio Germano collected the coveted Best Actor award for his unvarnished portrayal of an ambitious working-class man who is full of life whilst not entirely honest. This is a must-see festival highlight.

Anne’s address was equally impressive. She emphasised that Positively Parkinson’s is not a medical book, but a personal one and is written for people who have Parkinson’s. She added that it’s also for family, friends and for anyone facing a life changing condition. “Parkinson’s is a testing treadmill and we are all afflicted in different ways and I’m not claiming it’s a book for everybody”. She ended her speech with the words “I love you all” and there was a resounding response from the audience, “and we love you”.

Anne was relatively young when she was diagnosed with the condition. Her first reaction was complete bewilderment when the neurologist simply sent her home with a booklet and a drug prescription. Her career path as television producer, researcher, teacher and crisis councillor stood her in good stead. She wanted to know more about what had happened to her and set about finding answers in a very determined fashion. Most of the reading available was aimed at caregivers of elderly people in an advanced stage of the condition which was very depressing. Anne sought out and talked to scientists, medicos and researchers. She wanted to know what part of the brain started to malfunction when Parkinson’s developed; how the cocktail of medications worked to relieve symptoms; what exercises would improve balance; what was meant by stem cell replacement and gene therapy.

Through talking to others living with Parkinson’s she learned they all had a similar reaction when first diagnosed, which was the impetus to write a self-help book in layman’s language. What she has produced has been highly endorsed

by Parkinson’s New Zealand and the Neurological Foundation of New Zealand.

Neurologist, Dr Barry Snow has written the foreword congratulating Anne for taking on the task and hopes everyone values reading the book as much as he has. High praise indeed from the cognoscenti.

Anne also discovered that Parkinson’s is a complex disease affecting people in different ways. Treatment that works for one may not be suitable for another.

Each chapter in her book includes an account from others like herself and how they deal with their impairment and what medication helps make life more tolerable. Like Anne they all agree her book is what they wish they’d been able to read when first diagnosed. One doesn’t have to be afflicted to find benefit from reading Positively Parkinson’s. It’s a wellness book; informative, practical, inspirational and a wonderful resource for those who support the many who suffer Parkinson’s. Anne is to be applauded for the contribution she has made to the wider Parkinson’s community. (DEIRDRE ROELANTS) PN

Elio Germano (‘Her Whole Life Ahead’) plays Claudio, a construction worker living on the outskirts of Rome with a wife (Isabella Ragonese, ‘Her Whole Life Ahead’) he adores and worships, two small children and a third on the way. When tragedy befalls the family, Claudio leans on his boss, Porcari (Giorgio Colangeli), to give him his own construction site to supervise. In exchange, Claudio will keep a secret that Porcari is determined to cover up.

The star-studded cast also includes Luca Zingaretti as a drug-dealing neighbour and Raoul Bova, one of Italy’s most exportable heart-throbs, perfectly cast as Claudio’s introverted brother, in an unexpectedly moving performance. Luchetti’s thoroughly human drama explores some of Italy’s most topical issues, punctuated by songs from Italian rock great and working-class hero Vasco Rossi. PN RIALTO CINEMAS, 167 – 169 Broadway T: 09 369 2417 www.rialto.co.nz

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POSITIVELY PARKINSON’S LAUNCH The Women’s Bookshop, Tuesday 16 August 1. Anne Andrews and Dame Cath Tizard 2. Sally James and Ken Richardson; 3. Anne Andrews, Linda Castle and Julian Andrews; 4. Gerry Hill and Dame Cath Tizard.

AUCKLAND ART FAIR VERNISSAGE OPENING GALA Viaduct Events Centre, Wednesday 3 September 5. Emile Woodruffe, Louise Creagan, Evan Woodruffe and Jeanne Clayton. PN

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WANT TO ADVERTISE HERE? CALL JO BARRETT: T: 09 361 3356 M: 021 324 510 E: joannebarrett@xtra.co.nz W: www.ponsonbynews.co.nz

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