Post
Tuesday • december 10 • 2013
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PHONE: 09 235 78 35
WAIUKU CHRISTMAS PARADE
This Saturday! Festive Market and live music from 11am, parade 2pm
VOL 25 • NO.48
99 candles for Elva!
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In the year Glenbrook resident Elva Kempe was born, Charlie Chaplin made his film debut, World War One began, and it was only a year after Henry Ford built the first assembly line for his cars. On Sunday morning, Elva and her family marked 99 years since her birthday with a lunch at the historic Kentish Hotel in Waiuku. Elva was schooled in the township at the former Waiuku High School (now View Road School), played rep netball in the area and later worked for McNamara Transport in the office. After living north of Auckland for many years, she has returned to the region and now lives at Glenbrook Rest Home, which she ‘absolutely loves.’ With Elva on Sunday were four generations of her family; (back row), Kym Cooper, Cherril Thirburn, and Deanne Armiger, while in front are Emily and Charlotte Cooper, Elva herself and Alexandra Cooper.
20 Hall Street, Pukekohe tel: 09 238 3796 free phone : 0800-SEEING Formerly John Kelsey Optometrists
Katie’s flair for fashion
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A goal of a career in fashion is a step closer for a Pukekohe designer after she showcases her first mini collection.
Dedication recognised A Waiuku man who has been involved with his local rugby club for almost half a PAGE century is honoured at the AGM.
Hovercraft from Waiuku part of Franklin’s future?
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The Italian Job
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Two Awhitu men have realised a dream with a classic motorcycle.
Weekdays 9am - 5:30pm Saturday 9am - 1pm 37 Queen Street, Waiuku Phone 235 5180
Franklin Ward Councillor for Auckland, Bill Cashmore, says a hovercraft from Waiuku to Auckland and the creation of a Franklin Institute of Technology are part of what he describes as his vision for Franklin in a few years. In his maiden speech to the new Auckland Council, he says he aimed to show the other Auckland Councillors what Franklin might be like in the year 2025: ‘There are new train stations at Drury and Paerata working to connect the electric service with an integrated working bus network. The new Franklin Institute of Technology is providing students with a diverse range of study opportunities covering the trades, engineering, metallurgy and structure. The graduates from FIT have ready employment in the industrial sectors of Glenbrook, based around the Steel Mill, and the aggregate industries in Drury South. Businesses servicing these industries based in Waiuku and Pukekohe are also thriving on the ongoing growth and economic development. ‘The Awhitu Peninsula is still
the wild beautiful place it always has been. There are increased tourism activities and visitor numbers have created many opportunities for local artists and entrepreneurs. There is the new ferry service from the Glenbrook Vintage Railway terminus to Otahuhu. This is a great success - tourists from the cruise ships visiting Auckland can have a day trip on the GVR from Britomart to Waiuku for lunch, tours up the Peninsula, then back to the city via a ferry or hovercraft. All privately run and growing strongly. ‘Heading east from Pukekohe is the new eastern arterial which provides a fast and seamless
transport option out of the city of Pukekohe, especially for trucks which carry the processed food goods from Pukekohe to New Zealand. The horticulture industry has trebled in size and value for the Franklin area. ‘The hills of the Hunua countryside have remained the same with a myriad of business types and specialised home-based industries.... ‘Clevedon has expanded, with its serviced growth allowing expansion of housing but also specialised design and IT businesses. Brookby and Whitford have changed little, with a few more countryside living areas
but the rural feel and ambience have been retained. Beachlands and Maraetai have grown as the new suburbs to the east. A very much improved transport route to Botany has been an enabler for this growth. ‘Ardmore Airport has developed into a commercial hub based around avionics and especially the restoration of vintage planes. Karaka has evolved into an equestrian centre of world renown. Combined with the Equestrian Education Centre based at the Pukekohe Race Track, this sector is experiencing strong growth and increased opportunity.’ Bill Cashmore says council has the chance to achieve these goals, and more, but will need to prioritise funding for the infrastructure required. Public transport is one of the critical areas, along with area planning for Franklin’s villages, such as Patumahoe, Hunua and all the coastal settlements. With the will, and with improved consenting systems and the creation of employment opportunities, he believes these goals are not as far away as some might think.
gifts for everyone - See page 7 for details! GARY PYES Find us on facebook
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