The Hobson - March 2015 by The Hobson

march 2015

BEST And Worst

the good, the great & the annoying: our first readers’ poll • hawaiian escape • school report local news, views & informed opinions

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The March Issue 10

the village Lighting up the night in Remuera and Parnell, a push to increase the Parnell business district, local board updates and more

the independent schools A special feature spotlighting options in education

the reps Views from Epsom MP David Seymour and list MP Paul Goldsmith

the district diary Noteworthy events this March

the plan Planning consultant Hamish Firth looks at upcoming local and regional issues

the investment Is there an ogre in the room? Warren Couillault considers the spectre of deflation

the survey Presenting our inaugural dive into what’s good, and what’s not, about our part of town, as suggested by readers

the psyche Depression is a dark burden, but there’s ways to manage it, writes Dr Amrit Kaur

the second act Sandy Burgham meets Audrey McHardy, a retail dynamo who didn’t get her start in business until her ’60s

the heritage The Parnell Lawn Tennis Club has been at play since the rules of the game were first written

the journey The Hobson hangs loose on a family holiday to Hawaii

the cinema What to see this month, as selected by Caitlin McKenna

the bookmark Reviewer Gail Woodward’s selection of inspiring reads

the arts Leigh Melville finds art to admire on her holiday to the mainland

the pretty Melissa Williams-King likes the look of some deluxe treats

the sound Andrew Dickens salutes the rainbow flag-bearers of true gay pop music

the wellbeing Wellness consultant Lee Parore’s recipe for a fit and healthy longevity

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the anzacs Our continuing series by Remuera Heritage, remembering locals who served in World War I

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issue 16, march 2015 Editor & Publisher Kirsty Cameron editor@thehobson.co.nz Art Direction & Production Stephen Penny design@thehobson.co.nz Advertising Inquiries business@thehobson.co.nz Writers This Issue Kirsty Cameron, Zac Fleming, Melissa Williams-King Proofreader Fiona Wilson Editorial Assistant Josie Desmond Columnists & Contributors This Issue Sandy Burgham (The Journey), Shale Chambers, Sue Cooper (The Anzacs), Warren Couillault (The Investment), Andrew Dickens (The Sound), Hamish Firth (The Plan), Paul Goldsmith (The Reps), Amrit Kaur (The Psyche), Lee Parore (The Wellbeing), Gail Mazur (The Heritage) Caitlin McKenna (The Cinema), Leigh Melville (The Arts), David Seymour (The Reps), Desley Simpson, Melissa Williams-King (The Pretty), Gail Woodward (The Bookmark)

appy March — this is our first issue back after the summer that seems to keep on giving. We had a brilliant pre-Christmas trip to Hawaii (that’s me and Nico in the Sheraton Kona pool, read about our adventure on page 40) before enjoying a classic Kiwi bach-at-the-beach break in January. Thanks to those who contributed ideas and input to our inaugural “Best & Worst” feature, which begins on page 28. It was a fun challenge putting it together, and I should add here that the views expressed are not necessarily shared by me or The Hobson team. There’s some we do agree with though. One of my favourite local gardens was nominated — St Anne’s, on Arney Rd. The dedicated work of Katherine and John Strevens, it was a privilege to meet them and photograph their formal parterre and topiary, which can be enjoyed from Arney Rd and stands out too from the top of Mt Hobson. So many homes in this area face the street with solid fences and high walls that admiring other people’s greenfingery is becoming something of a rarity. But we’re going to do our bit to change that — from next month we will be sharing the story of a garden in each issue. If you’d like us to photograph your patch of earth and tell us how it’s come together, please let us know via editor@thehobson.co.nz. Enjoy this issue,

Kirsty Cameron, Editor

Hamish Firth’s Jan/Feb cover story about The Domain sparked interest, especially for the rarely-seen photos of the Auckland Exhibition, held in The Domain over the summer of 1913-14. Historian Rendell McIntosh got in touch to tell us why the “Wonderland” face was so familiar — elements of the Exhibition did ultimately find their way over the Tasman to establish Sydney’s Luna Park, which opened in 1935. But before that, Auckland had its own Luna Park, which operated between 1927 and 1931 on what is now Tamaki Drive. After it closed, some rides were sent to Australia, according to Te Ara, the encyclopedia of New Zealand (teara.govt.nz). The site has silent footage of that short-lived Auckland fun-fair.

Photographers Vanita Andrews, Stephen Penny Cover The results of our reader survey — see story beginning on page 28. Typography by Stephen Penny The Hobson is published 10 times a year by The Hobson Limited, PO Box 37490 Parnell, Auckland 1151. www.thehobson.co.nz F: TheHobsonMagazine T: @thehobson Ideas, suggestions, advertising inquiries welcome. editor@thehobson.co.nz Or via Facebook: www.facebook.com/ TheHobsonMagazine

The content of The Hobson is copyright. Our words, our pictures. Don’t steal, and don’t borrow without checking with us first. We aim for accuracy but cannot be held liable for any inaccuracies that do occur. The views of our contributors are their own and not necessarily those of The Hobson. We don’t favour unsolicited contributions but do welcome you getting in touch via editor@thehobson.co.nz to discuss ideas.

Congratulations to the winners of our JanuaryFebruary issue giveaway. Stylish pendant lights from Ubercool were won by Blair Wadman and Robyn Leech. Check out the collection at ubercool.co.nz

The Hobson is Remuera and Parnell’s community magazine. We deliver into letterboxes in these neighbourhoods, and copies are also at local libraries, cafes, and at businesses including Vicky Ave and White Heron dairies, and Paper Plus Parnell. For more about us, visit www.thehobson.co.nz or TheHobsonMagazine on Facebook. Distribution by

This publication uses vegetable based inks and environmentally responsible papers.

The Columnists Left to right from top row:

Sandy Burgham (The Second Act) is a brand strategist and an executive coach with a special interest in midlife change and transformational behaviours. She runs a central Auckland practice. www.sandyburgham.com Remuera resident Warren Couillault (The Investment) is a partner in and director of Richmond Investment Management, the manager of a boutique fund of hedge funds. He is a shareholder in and director of Generate Investment Management Ltd; manager of a registered Kiwisaver scheme and an adviser to S.AG Private. www. richmond.co.nz Andrew Dickens (The Sound) is the host of Andrew Dickens’ Sunday Cafe on Sunday morning, from 9am, on Newstalk ZB. He is also the music reviewer on Jack Tame’s Saturday morning show on Newstalk ZB. He grew up in Remuera. Hamish Firth (The Plan) lives and works in Parnell and is principal of the Mt Hobson Group, a specialist urban planning consultancy. mthobsonproperties.co.nz Dr Amrit Kaur (The Psyche) lives in Meadowbank and is a NZ-registered clinical psychologist specialising in helping children, families and young adults. She is part of the multidisciplinary KidzTherapy practice. Caitlin McKenna (The Cinema) of Remuera is passionate about the cinema — she majored in film, sociology and marketing, graduating recently with a conjoint BCom/BA. Leigh Melville (The Arts) is director, art, at ART + OBJECT auction house. She has worked for several Auckland galleries and is co-chair of the Patrons of the Venice Biennale. She lives in Parnell. Lee Parore (The Wellbeing) is an expert in executive health. A qualified naturopath and a personal trainer to elite athletes and executives, his wellness clinic is in Newmarket. www.leeparorehealthlab.com One of New Zealand’s leading lifestyle and beauty editors, Remuera’s Melissa Williams-King (The Pretty) is a former editor of Fashion Quarterly. Gail Woodward (The Bookmark) is the senior book buyer for Paper Plus Newmarket. A “forgiving reader” across genres, she belongs, and advises on selections, to book clubs.

the hobson 8

Remuera

the village

Town & Around

Lighting up the night Remuera and Parnell will dazzle when the contemporary arts festival White Night returns to town on Saturday March 14. Art, light, sound, technology and performance, the free event is a fusion of installations and engaging experiences for the exhibiting artists and public alike. Part of the Auckland Arts Festival, Parnell and Remuera are two of more than 60 venues across the city hosting the biannual outdoor event, which starts at 6PM and runs until midnight. “It’s experimental arts in its essence, a festival where creativity engages people in a way that’s unexpected,” says Jillian de Beer, curator and organiser of White Night in Remuera. “It’s not traditional art. We’ve got design-led food for example – it’s not just food but food where you create poetry or where you might create something with colour and taste and even sound. We’re really talking about all of the disciplines coming together across art, design, science and technology.”

The festival originates from St Petersburg in Russia, which has long, light summer nights – hence White Night. There are now White Night or “Nuit Blanche” events in 120 cities internationally. Jillian de Beer says while some displays across Auckland can be quite traditional, Remuera aims to give viewers something they’ve never experienced. “A lot of people in the area have been exposed to a lot of different festivals and arts experiences internationally, and we really aim to continue to surprise everybody. We don’t replicate anything that we’re aware has happened before. “The artists are very contemporary, very experimental and very borderless in their thinking.” The 35 established and emerging artists exhibiting in Remuera include guest artist Jacquelyn Greenbank, who is referencing the origins and meaning of the name Remuera. Installations will be along Remuera Rd, around the main shopping precinct. “We had to start somewhere and we surpassed our expectations with all the people that came last time,” says de Beer, who also

the hobson 10

Opposite: work by The Neon Collective will be one of the Remuera attractions. This page, top left, recipient of the prestigious 2015 Olivia Spencer Bower Foundation Art Award, Jacquelyn Greenbank’s crafted work will be in the Remuera Library for White Night; Brendon McGorry’s interactive “Call Me I Still Love You” utilises the Parnell Village phone box; historic images will step into the present at Hulme Court, on Parnell Rd

A bid for EXPANSION

curated and directed Remuera’s 2013 display. “We wanted to expand so it reaches more ages, more cultures, more interests, and that it’s interactive and families can come with their children. “This year it will have more of truly what a night festival is about, rather than just focusing on arts. We’ll have lots more music this time as you go down the street. It’s about taking it more to the people.” In Parnell, many of the exhibitions around the village and Parnell Rd will also work with the area’s past, such as a light projection display of historic scenes, and a moving installation by Audrey Boyel that pays homage to young lives lost in the WWI Battle of Messines. “It’s going to be a really engaging event for people to come out and experience,” says Parnell curator Sally Lush. “A lot of the works are interactive, where the audience do something to enhance the artwork.” There is activity including music and performances planned around Heard Park, and the Geyser building will host an ethereal, moving sculpture, Respite, by AUT students. White Night in Remuera has been made possible by the support of Barfoot & Thompson Remuera, Orākei Local Board and Perpetual Guardian Trust. — Zac Fleming p For further information, including the free buses touring the locations, visit aucklandfestival.co.nz/events/white-night-atauckland-wide

The Parnell business district could double its membership if a proposal to expand its boundaries goes ahead. Currently Parnell’s Auckland Council-defined Business Improvement District (BID) sits at around 500 members, representing all businesses along Parnell Rd, from George St at the Newmarket end to Augustus Tce at the city end. The member mix includes retailers, business owners and commercial landlords. Parnell Inc. is the body which spearheads the BID. The proposal looks to expand the BID area to incorporate the St Georges Bay Rd precinct, The Strand, York St area, to Gladstone Rd on one side and Carlaw Park on the other, bringing the number of businesses up to around 1000 and doubling the capital value of the district to nearly $1 billion. “We’ve got to put some slickness into it, reintroduce the pizzaz about Parnell,” says Parnell Inc. chair Paul Spackman. The BID expansion would aim to move away from the “strip mentality” of Parnell Rd. “This is about being able to provide a service for the whole of the Parnell business community,” says Spackman, who lives and works in Parnell. “Bring everyone together, rather than what is at the moment a very narrow focus.” There are more than 40 BIDs across Auckland, representing more than 25,000 businesses. BIDs are funded by a targeted rate collected by Council and 100 per cent of the rate is returned to the BID. Key benefits to businesses intended for the Parnell BID include the creation of an area-wide crime prevention plan, as well as advocacy and representation on complex issues such as the Proposed Auckland Unitary Plan, transport and alcohol policies. “It’s making sure Council do sensible things — not some guy sitting in a city office thinking up what he thinks are good ideas at the time, but won’t work on the ground,” says Spackman. Parnell Inc. has highlighted in documents that it wants to reposition and update the current Parnell brand identity to better represent the varied range of businesses and retailers in the area. “At the moment it’s not entirely clear where Parnell sits,” says Spackman. “We need to reposition Parnell and be much clearer about what it says and what it has to offer.” The expansion will be decided by a vote. All business and landowners in the area will be sent ballot papers in April. If successful, the expansion will come into effect in July. — Zac Fleming p

the hobson 11

the village Exam Success ACG Parnell, St Cuthbert’s College and King’s College are celebrating the global success of students in examinations held at the end of 2014. At ACG Parnell, five students achieved Top in the World status in the three levels of Cambridge International Examinations, as did seven students at King’s. (A note on grades: IGCSE is Year 11, Year 12 students mostly study AS level and Year 13, A Level).

includes exams in six subjects, a 4000-word essay and a community project. Worldwide, 0.3 per cent of students received perfect scores. Catherine and Cerys were two of only four NZ students to achieve this. p TED MANSON ONZM Congratulations to Parnell-headquartered Ted Manson, who was made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) for services to urban redevelopment in the New Year Honours list. Manson, below, heads commercial property developers Mansons TLM, and says the honour recognises the achievements of the Mansons team. “I am a very proud Aucklander, having grown up in a state house in Orakei, and attending Orakei Primary and Selwyn College. It’s great to be a part of preserving Auckland’s heritage by retaining historical

ACG’s global maths whizzes Dana Ye-Lee (left) and Tiffany Chee

ACG Parnell: Top in the World: Duncan Milne, A level physical education; Hamish O’Neill, AS level computing; Timo Van Veenendaal, IGCSE computer studies; Tiffany Chee and Dana Ye-Lee, first equal IGCSE mathematics. Top in New Zealand: Michael Campbell, A level geography; Harsham Choksi and Lara Collier, first equal, AS level mathematics; Raghav Ramachandran, first equal, AS level music; Duncan Milne, first equal, AS level music; Wei Qi Wen, IGCSE first language English; Yasmin Yiou Jiang, first equal, best Total across five IGCSEs. King’s College: Top in the World: Martin Luk, A level Thinking Skills, also AS English, first equal AS French, and best across four AS levels; Madeline Alison, A level Literature in English; Sarah Benfell, A level physical education; Amanda Ngo, AS level French; Jasper Ng, first equal IGCSE mathematics (without coursework). William Wang achieved first equal Top in NZ for IGCSE chemistry and AS music. St Cuthbert’s students Catherine Zheng and Cerys Chau both received perfect scores of 45 in the International Baccalaureate. The two-year course of study over Years 12 and 13 for the IB

elements of its buildings, such as the Northern Roller Mills facade in Fort Street and the Silo Building structure in Emily Place. “However increasingly what I’m enjoying more and more, is my involvement in the community and supporting many great charitable organisations that work to give Kiwis a better life.” The Ted Manson Foundation supports charities including the Campus Link Foundation, Great Potentials and Habitat for Humanity. Other locals honoured were Mike Chunn, CNZM for services to music and mental health awareness, Blair Wingfield, MNZM for services to health and sport, Glenn Mottram JP, QSM for service to the community, Susan Paterson, ONZM for service to corporate governance, Geraldine Glanville, MNZM for service to the blind community. p

waitemata¯ Local Board

arnell is a remarkably busy area and the Waitematā Local Board is a firm supporter of Parnell Inc’s proposal to extend the Parnell Business Improvement District (BID) to encompass all of the Parnell business district. BIDs are funded through a small addition to business rates, which is then passed on to the local business association to invest locally. A supportive business environment such as a BID helps increase the voice and influence of local business. In Parnell’s case it will enable a collective investment in improvements, for example increased security for the town centre, and future benefits that could flow from development of the Parnell train station. Recently the Waitematā Local Board increased funding of the Parnell Inc BID proposal beyond the initial grant of $10,000 by another $9,295 towards marketing costs. The remaining funds are being raised though sponsorship – an indication of the positive sentiment within the Parnell business community. The Board also helps fund local events such as “Art in a Day”, which was held on Saturday February 21. Artists from the neighbouring suburbs of Parnell, Newmarket and Grafton came together to capture the essence of their chosen suburb through drawing, painting or media. Artwork was on display at the Jubilee Building until the beginning of the month.

Have Your Say for the 10-year Plan Every three years Auckland Council reviews the 10-year Budget, a process that seeks wide public feedback on the budgetary priorities. As we know, there is little appetite for large rates increases or more debt, yet we all want to see our city continue to improve, so difficult decisions need to be made. This year’s review focuses specifically on the areas of; transport, rates, housing and investing in Auckland. Pretty important themes and so I encourage you to learn as much as you can, and provide feedback on those areas that you feel most strongly about. Local level priorities are an important element of this consultation. As Local Board we are proposing budgetary priorities for the next year that includes: redeveloping Pioneer Women’s and Ellen Melville Hall as a city centre community hub, supporting local events such as Festival Italiano and Parnell Festival of Roses, and initiating a Newmarket Laneways improvement project. Feedback is being received via social media, online forms, feedback forms and community events. If you would like to make an official submission you will need to first register and then attend a Have Your Say event. For more information: www.shapeauckland.co.nz. — Shale Chambers, chair, Waitematā Local Board p

PGA event tees off in Remuera The first professional golf tournament Auckland has seen in seven years will be held in Remuera early this month, bringing with it a legion of fans and some of the best golfing talent Australasia has to offer. The $125,000 Holden New Zealand PGA Championship — a lead-in to the BMW NZ Open Championship in Queenstown — will run from March 5 to 8 at the Remuera Golf Club. The club will host the event for at least the next three years. It is pipped to bring in around 15,000 people as spectators. More than 100 golfers will descend on the club’s greens, which have undergone extensive changes in preparation. “Remuera hosted the New Zealand Open back in 1994. Today’s course is very different from what the players faced then,” says Remuera Golf Club general manager, Chris Davies. “The major change is about topography… far more undulations and slopes which will present some interesting putting challenges.” Much of the workforce at the championship will be volunteers from around the area, as well as from other golf clubs. Tournament spokesperson Stuart Dwight says clubs can “manage” a hole over the three days, keeping it clean, tidy and managing noise around it. A qualifying tournament for up-and-coming professionals will be held on the Monday before the event begins. The top 10 from that tournament will be invited to play in the PGA. Dwight says focus has been put on making the event spectator-friendly. “There’ll be food and drinks, beanbags, umbrellas — relaxing areas to watch some good golf. — Zac Fleming p

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the village

¯ Local Board Orakei

our Orākei Local Board works hard on your behalf to deliver. Back from holidays and back to work and school has been busy for our community, and busy too for the Orākei Local Board. We have led the upgrade of the Shore Rd Reserve with work underway to realign fields one and two so that they both run north and south, making room for a third field. The fields will be sand-carpeted to allow for better drainage. Two will be done now, and the third will be sand-carpeted at a later stage. Once the physical work is completed the ‘grass grow period’ takes a while, but we expect the fields to be back in use and open in the last quarter of this year. When the fences surrounding the fields during works are removed, the carpark will also be increased to allow more capacity, and bollards added to prevent vandalism from vehicle access to the fields. Over at the Orākei Basin, we are now working on the access road from Orakei Rd down to the basin and carpark. This has had significant erosion and cracking, and repairs were scheduled to begin in late February. During construction, access from Orakei Rd will be closed to vehicles and pedestrians. Access

points at Lucerne, Purewa and Upland roads will remain open. If you want to walk around the basin (which I’m sure you do) please use the alternative route through Orākei Basin West Reserve during this time. East of the basin in Meadowbank, Housing New Zealand (HNZ) want to build 14 houses on four adjoining properties on Puroto and Purewa streets. There are currently four homes there. The site has been designated as a Special Housing Area (SHA). By the time you read this, HNZ will likely have submitted a resource consent application. Based on the application, Council will then decide whether it needs to be notified. There are a range of views on the subject, and our board will keep a close eye on things as they progress and keep our community informed. No doubt you will have noticed that the Benson Rd/Upland Rd intersection has had its safety improvements completed, incorporating some garden design features which make this busy area more appealing. Thanks for all the positive feedback. Many of you may have attended one of our public meetings on the Council’s long term plan. With one in three of our ratepayers set to receive a 10 to 40 per cent rates rise, it’s important for you to feedback your thoughts on rates, the low level of investment into our ward and projects planned both locally and regionally. Feedback closes 4pm Monday March 16. Please go to shapeauckland.co.nz to have your say. Finally, I hope to see you at White Night in Remuera for arts festivities, surprise performances and unexpected encounters on Saturday 14 March, 6pm to midnight. Organised by the Remuera Business Association and supported by the Orākei Local Board, the night is part of the Auckland Arts Festival. — Desley Simpson, chair, Orākei Local Board.

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(T)OP SHOP Dove House, the Eastern Bays hospice, has opened a new retail op shop in Epsom (pictured right) that could well be mistaken for a high-end designer fashion store. The new store, on Queen Mary Ave near Manukau Rd, is Dove House’s sixth retail site and it bears zero resemblance to an op shop. The opening is an attempt at moving away from second-hand stereotypes and towards selling high quality pieces, getting people “the best money for their donated item,” says Dove House executive director Julie McCarthy. “Getting the right product to the right community, the right market.” The hospice, which receives no government funding, offers a program of non-medical care to people with a life-threatening illness, as well as inpatient hospice care and respite care. In 2014 it provided more than 5000 individual treatments and 1000 inpatient days to people across Auckland. “The cost of providing services has risen a lot,” McCarthy says. “Nearly all our funds to provide the services are generated from our hospice shops.” In October, Dove also opened a new retail store in the Remuera shops, which has been busy and well

supported since the doors opened. The hospice originally looked at leasing the shop next door to the Queen Mary Ave store, but the “stars lined up” says McCarthy, and the one they now occupy became available. With high-end shop fittings that the landlord agreed to leave in place — the site had been an upmarket fashion boutique — the shop needed no interior work done, allowing Dove House to save money setting up the store. — Zac Fleming p

high times ahead? Legal highs could be on sale in Remuera, Newmarket and Parnell following the introduction of a new Auckland Council policy. Officially known as psychoactive substances, all previously approved products were banned in May last year, along with all interim retail licences to sell them. But because the Government did not ban legal highs entirely, local councils must now form policies to restrict where they can be sold. The products, however, would first need to be approved by the Ministry of Health before being retailed. The MOH is expected to outline its new testing regime midway through the year. Council’s Local Approved Product Policy (LAPP) aims to “reduce the availability to vulnerable populations such as high deprivation areas, youth and people with mental health concerns”. Almost 1500 people and organisations made submissions to Council on the LAPP, including Parnell Inc’s general manager Cheryl Adamson. “We are not convinced that the aim to reduce demand will be the outcome of the LAPP, ” Adamson told The Hobson. “Council may simply be moving the problem into areas that previously did not experience problems.” The policy is in its draft phase and is expected to be finalised next month. — Zac Fleming

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Council proposes that for Auckland, except the city centre, licences to sell legal highs will not be granted in: a) areas of high deprivation b) neighbourhood centres c) within 500m of a school teaching students Year 7 and above d) within 200m of a school teaching students between Years 1 and 6 e) within 500m of a mental health or addiction treatment centre f) within 500m of an existing psychoactive substances retail licence g) areas identified as restricted areas For the city centre, it is proposed that licences to retail legal psychoactive substances will not be granted in: a) areas of residential deprivation b) within 100m of an existing psychoactive substances retail licence.

OPPORTUNITY

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the independent schools

Roll Call Which School, and Why? photography: vanita andrews text: melissa williams-king

All over the country, children have returned to their classrooms, or started their school journey for the first time. In this special feature, The Hobson invited independent schools popular in our area to tell us what sets them apart. Above: Year 13 students at Kingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s College: from left, Catherine Fu, Tony Shaw, Martin Luk and Amanda Ngo

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the independent schools

ACG Parnell College

chool’s back! There is a happy air about ACG Parnell College as friends catch up and new students join the melée. Just over 870 boys and girls from Years 1 to 13 enjoy purpose-built premises right next to the Auckland Domain. As students settle into classrooms, a sudden hush descends and teaching begins, with students from Year 7 to 13 benefitting from specialist teachers in all their subjects. Results that speak for themselves At senior level the focus is on Cambridge International Examinations, and each year students are awarded Outstanding Cambridge Learner awards. In 2014 students achieved five Top in the World and six Top in New Zealand awards, as well as a Best Across Five IGCSE subjects award and a 100 per cent pass rate at A2 level, so it is not surprising that students gain places at premier universities internationally. All-round enrichment There is plenty of time for diverse co-curricular activities also. The school funds a programme for every student in Years 5 to 8 to learn a musical instrument. In addition, numerous music groups abound and performance opportunities take place throughout the year. Similarly, all students attend drama classes as part of the curriculum, and extra-curricular drama clubs are offered. Then, of course, there is the annual school musical – with a professional director employed and all students encouraged to take part. Extra-curricular sport has an enthusiastic following, and more than 60 per cent of students are involved in a wide range of team sports for the school. Participation is encouraged for all levels of skills, so the aim is to encourage the team

spirit in activities including archery, water polo, cycling, running and the full range of ball sports. A passion for learning The teaching staff are encouraged to know each student well, understand how each child learns and teach accordingly. Homework and assessments are analysed, and under-achievers identified and helped. ACG Parnell’s goal is for each student to leave the school with three things: a love for learning, the skills to continue to learn, and good friends.

Marut Kashyap, Year 8, top. Below, Year 10 student Ana Bogosanovic in class ACG Parnell College is a co-educational Year 1-13 school that offers an international curriculum (at senior level) with a distinct emphasis on scholarship and personal excellence. Its two campuses (primary school and senior school), are adjacent to The Domain. Campus tours are held every Wednesday at 9.30am during term, and open days will be held on March 7, May 2, July 25 and September 12 10.30am to 2.30pm.

Open Day Saturday 7th March 10.30am to 2.30pm

Campus Tours ■

Years 1 to 13

■

Every Wednesday at 9.30am

Co-educational

ACG Parnell College 2 Titoki Street, Parnell Phone 308 1666 www.acgedu.com

King’s College

ing’s Collegians have a long history of outstanding academic achievement and each generation seems to build on the success of the last. In the most recent round of exams, students earned exceptional results in a global context, proving that the combination of a King’s education, hard work and talent, places students among the world’s best. This escalating trend in academic attainment is testament to the unique opportunities the College provides. Nurturing world-class academics The Scholars’ Programme at King’s College ensures that the most ambitious academics have special spaces to work and dedicated support to assist them with their goals. This prestigious programme enhances a broader learning culture within the College. Last year’s President of the King’s College Scholars’ Common Room, Martin Luk, received three “Top in the World” awards at both AS and A Level in the Cambridge International Examinations (CIE), and the “Best Across Four AS Levels” award. Other students at King’s placed top in the world in English, French, Literature in English and physical education, and Top in New Zealand in Latin, chemistry and music. Sport, culture and community The international scholarships won by King’s students require more than just

top-class marks. Ivy League institutions look beyond past academic achievement and consider both potential and all-round involvement in learning. King’s College founding Headmaster, Graham Bruce, began with a vision for a school that provides the best all-round education possible. His guiding philosophy remains central at King’s today, which helps explain the exceptional success of its alumni as they enter the next stage of their lives. Students at King’s are all involved in sport, culture and community service from Year 9. These varied activities help students deal with success and failure, and develop discipline, leadership, resilience and social skills. They also provide an outlet for creativity, spiritual development and help students move outside their comfort zone in a structured environment. The great outdoors The programme of Education Outside the Classroom at King’s is unique and key to the school’s vision of providing an ‘allround’ education. All Year 10 students spend a month away on an Adventure Challenge, including a week at the Ahuroa Venture Camp, a week on the maxi round-the-world yacht Steinlager II and 11 days at the Hillary Outdoors Education Centre in Tongariro National Park. This programme challenges and stimulates each student, helping equip them for life with a range of practical skills.

Honour Roll Annie Huang (Taylor, 2012-13), who earned a scholarship to the prestigious Dartmouth Academy last year, says: “I would not have received my full scholarship to the States without the specialised help of King’s College. The quality of academic teaching and careers counselling at King’s College is top notch because all the staff give 110 per cent.” Joshua Fuge (Marsden, 2009-13), who won a Cambridge Commonwealth Trust Scholarship to Cambridge University, praises the support he received from the Scholars’ Programme and the Careers Department in particular: “It was incredibly useful in ensuring that I could put my best foot forward in the face of heavy competition for the limited places available.”

WELCOMING

BOARDING AND DAY STUDENTS Boys Years 9-13 | Girls Years 12-13

VISIT US

TO LEARN MORE Girls Campus Tour: Tuesday, 24 February, 9.30am Open Campus Tour: Thursday, 19 March, 9.30am

PHONE 0508 46 25 46 www.kingscollege.school.nz

the independent schools

Mount Hobson Middle School Why a small school works This boutique co-ed school has a roll of 44 to 48 students across four classes of Years 7, 8, 9 and 10. Small class sizes allow teachers to give individual attention. At many other schools, only gifted and talented students – or those with special needs – receive an Individual Base Plan. But at MHMS every child has an Individual Base Plan, since they all have strengths worth enhancing and weaknesses to overcome. Small class sizes and a culture supporting learning means the school attracts some of the best teachers in the country, says Alwyn Poole. MHMS is a very attractive environment for teachers because they truly get to teach – and don’t get caught up in administrative duties. The smaller student body also means that everyone learns to relate to a range of people, rather than a single clique. They also become more confident relating to adults, speaking eloquently about their work and their passions. The power of transformation The childhood “middle years” of ages 10 to 15 can be a tricky time for young people, but they are also a crucial developmental period. Mt Hobson Middle School, now entering its thirteenth year, is a very special school that offers exceptional education with a different approach to learning. “The science of learning has changed and schools need to catch up,” explains principal and founder Alwyn Poole (pictured above, outside the school). “If you give someone an outstanding opportunity, anyone can achieve anything – we now know that intelligence is not a fixed entity but able to be developed in each child.” He describes the school as an ideal “boost model” for students at any ability level. “It’s inspiring what students achieve during their time with us,” says Poole. “It can be a cynical time for teens, so it’s an opportunity to get them to really love learning again.” “I can’t thank you enough for playing a huge part in helping my son to grow from an impulsive kid who was disillusioned with the value of school, into a lovely young man who actually enjoys learning. [He] has increased his personal confidence level enormously.” — Mt Hobson Middle School parent

An innovative day structure Mornings are focused on academic subjects, with core classes in maths, science, English, social studies and technology. These subjects are treated as a learning base, upon which the integrated curriculum then builds. Students work on major projects during the year, and each topic requires applied learning from across the curriculum. After four hours of morning study, afternoons are for art, music, sports, community work and the outdoors. Auckland is the wider classroom at MHMS, and students enjoy frequent trips to the museum, libraries and galleries. Local sports centres (such as Remuera Rackets, the Olympic Pool) provide great facilities. The school has been an ideal choice for several rising sports stars, as it gave them the flexibility to train in the afternoon, without sacrificing learning. Community service is also a key tenet of the MHMS philosophy. Students provide assistance at the Carlson School for Cerebral Palsy, take part in beach clean-ups and charity fundraising. Mt Hobson Middle School, 131 Remuera Rd, is operated by Villa Education Trust. Visit www.mthobson.school.nz

the reps

DAVID SEYMOUR

PAUL GOLDSMITH

David Seymour is the MP for Epsom. He is parliamentary under-secretary for education and regulatory reform

The Hon Paul Goldsmith is a list MP based in Epsom. He is Minister for Commerce and Consumer Affairs, and Associate Minister for ACC. paul.goldsmith@national.org.nz

he 900-page Resource Management Act is the longest law in the land. It affects the way that land is used and developed from Cape Reinga to the Bluff, and therefore in the Epsom electorate. Reforming it will be parliament’s most important piece of law-making over the next two years. As I will be casting a crucial vote on this issue (National are one short of a majority and all other parties have already pooh-poohed their reforms), I’m seeking your views. Councils must follow the RMA when making local plans. The Act’s inherent complexity makes this difficult, however, and councils tend to pass this complexity on to residents. I know of one older resident who spent six months, and thousands of dollars in arborist’s fees, confirming that a tree next to his house was not native — all for the sake of a largely internal renovation to help him get upstairs more easily. Such stories are common. As an example of the Act’s complexity, consider Section 7(d): “Persons exercising functions and powers under this Act must have particular regard to the intrinsic values of ecosystems”. By definition that is impossible. An intrinsic value is entirely subjective. Only confusions and disputes can arise from such ambiguous laws. On a national level, instances such as that experienced by the man with the tree repeat and accumulate into an unwieldy economic handbrake. The most pronounced effect is that, due to constrained supply, a whole generation of New Zealanders is facing some of the most expensive housing in the English-speaking world. New Zealand is only 0.7 per cent urbanised and yet, under the current RMA, Auckland Council is creating a tenant generation by banning outward growth of the city. However while the current RMA allows, even encourages, this kind of social engineering at a city-wide level, it has little to say on protecting local property rights. I am regularly approached by residents who see the character of their street being changed with little regard for those who live there. Indeed, an independent report released in January by Nick Smith, the Minister for Building and Housing, identified an inherent conflict between the Council’s urban containment policies and the preservation of heritage in existing communities. RMA reforms must strengthen the local rights of property owners and reduce the more abstract planning initiatives that the Council foists upon them. I’ll be pushing a back-tobasics approach to the RMA, managing the direct effects of development on infrastructure, and real physical concerns such as traffic, noise and shading that I hear about from residents. As your local representative, my representation is only as good as the feedback you give. I’d love to hear from you via davidseymour.epsom@parliament.govt.nz

ne of the joys of summer is getting out on a bike. My preference is mountain-biking, but Kiwis of all ages enjoy the freedom of riding. And in any great city it should be one of the options for getting around. Certainly in this part of Auckland, Remuera for example, we would expect cycling to be a good option for hard-up university students making their way to the CBD. Good for them and good for everyone else. But the perils of Khyber Pass and Symonds St can put off even the most bold. So I’m pleased that my colleague, Simon Bridges, Minister for Transport, has put a further $22.5 million investment to accelerate six Auckland cycleways as part of the government’s Urban Cycleways Programme. One of the projects, the Glen Innes to Tamaki Drive cycleway, will be brilliant for our typical Meadowbank or Remuera uni student. They’ll be able to sweep down Orakei Rd then shoot across Hobson Bay alongside the rail line and be in town in no time at all. The Urban Cycleways Programme of safer and user -friendly cycleways is providing $100 million over the next four years so high-quality projects can get underway much sooner than before. Because Auckland is a rapidly-growing and thriving city we need to keep investing to improve the effectiveness of every form of transport. High-quality infrastructure and effective transport networks underpin a strong economy. We are investing more resources than ever before to help build Auckland’s transport network — around a billion dollars a year. These include significant projects like the Waterview Connection, the East-West link, the widening of the North Western Motorway, the electrification of commuter rail, and the acceleration of motorway projects on the Northern and Southern Corridors. The Waterview Connection, a colossal project by New Zealand standards, will impact traffic patterns across the entire city. In Epsom we should find traffic congestion along Manukau Rd and other arterials reduced when airport-toCBD traffic follows the new motorway route. The key is to keep on investing in every form of transport – for cars, public transport, cycles and pedestrians – so that a growing Auckland doesn’t become a victim of its own success. Meantime, as the parliamentary year begins and I focus more energy on my new responsibilities as Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, the door of my office in the Epsom electorate will remain open. I’m always keen to hear feedback on the government’s performance and ideas for improvements.

the district diary - march

monday

tuesday

wednesday

thursday

Got an entry for The District Diary? Community groups, schools, special events welcome. Email details to hobsondiary@gmail.com

Obsessed With Shoes As part of the WOW World of Wearable Art After Hours, 10 Days of Fashion in the City 6pm - 8pm Auckland Museum Visit www.aucklandmuseum.com for more information

St. Peterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s College Open Day 9.30am or 1pm Visit www.st-peters.school.nz for more information

Auckland Arts Festival Begins Visit www.aucklandfestival.co.nz for more information

Holden NZPGA Championship Remuera Golf Club, until March 8, book via Ticketek or see remueragolfclub.com Baradene College Open Evening 6pm, www.baradene.school.nz for more information

Auckland Choral Performs Handel:Israel in Egypt 8pm, Holy Trinity Cathedral, Parnell. Phone 0800BUYTIX for tickets

Waiheke Vintage Festival opens, runs to March 16. 19 vineyards, 40-plus events waihekevintagefestival.co.nz

Croquet Association Silver Tray Open Invitation Tournament From 8.30am every day until March 22nd Epsom Remuera Croquet Club 259 Gillies Ave, Epsom

26 Teen Book Club at Remuera Library 4pm - 5.30pm 429 Remuera Rd, Remuera

Book Club for Adults at Remuera Library 11am - 12 noon 429 Remuera Rd, Remuera

the hobson 22

friday

saturday

sunday

Mike Walker Quartet/Music in Parks 1pm, Band Rotunda, The Domain Lantern Festival final evening, 5-10pm, Albert Park La Cigale French Market Every Saturday and Sunday 69 St Georges Bay Rd Parnell

ACG Parnell College Open Day 10.30am Visit www.acgedu.com/nz/parnell for more information Parnell Farmers’ Market Every Saturday from 8am Jubilee Building, 545 Parnell Road, Parnell

Auckland Grammar Teacher Only Day

White Night Remuera, Parnell and other precincts around the city will light up with art, sound and special events. From 6pm until midnight, visit www.aucklandfestival.co.nz (see story page 10)

Round the Bays Note that road closures will impact transport around the waterfront from 8.30am - 2.30pm Visit www.roundthebays.co.nz for more information

Conscious Music Collective for Auckland Council’s Music in Parks 2pm, Wintergardens, Auckland Domain Volvo Ocean Race Leg Five Commences Yachts depart Waitematā Harbour

St. Cuthbert’s Open Afternoon and College Centenary Visit www.stcuthberts.school.nz for more information

Auckland Arts Festival Ends

Run the Night 5km fun run of lights and music and a party afterwards, ages 16+ 6.30pm - 11pm, The Domain Visit www.runthenight.co.nz for tickets and information

Craft Harvest Market alongside Parnell Farmers’ Market Jubilee Building, 545 Parnell Road, Parnell

The Waiheke Vintage Festival March 12 - 16 A long weekend of wine, fun, food and events to celebrate the annual grape harvest. Nineteen vineyards are taking part, including Poderi Crisci, Te Whau, Cable Bay and Mudbrick. waihekevintagefestival.co.nz Photo: Denis La Touche

the hobson 23

notes

Simply Matching Pe

www.remuerareale

Terry King 021 484 332 terry.king@remueraregister.co.nz

Telephone: 0

Remuera Real Estate Register

eople with Property

estateregister.co.nz

Why we are leading local Estate Agents Remuera’s only “specialists”

We are Remuera’s only specialist real estate company - we KNOW Remuera. More and more people who wish to buy homes in Remuera come to us first. We take a brief of their requirements, and enter them onto our Register. This Register of Remuera buyers, and their needs, means that we can directly match them to properties that we list. The result is quite often an almost immediate sale.

Little need for expensive marketing campaigns

We sell the majority of properties within the first week of listing. This is often the result of having the ‘right’ buyer already on our Register; the majority of sales have been to local buyers; the majority of sales have been for record prices in their respective areas and across the spectrum of price categories. From a three bedroomed duplex in Mahoe Ave for $905,000, to one of Remuera’s biggest sales in recent years - an Orakei Road property that we sold for almost $7m.

We sell by price

We take responsibility for setting a property’s value - we agree values and selling prices with our vendors, and price properties accordingly. This makes it easier for buyers. They know from the beginning whether a house is within their budget. The majority of our sales have been for the agreed asking price, or close to it.

We form real relationships

We form real relationships with our buyers and sellers, and this makes a tremendous difference in understanding needs and negotiating end selling prices. Have a look at the testimonials on our website - they say it all.

Our fees are highly competitive

We own the business. For this reason our fees are remarkably competitive.

Testimonials

“We chose Terry and Diana because of their Remuera Register of buyers, and because they don’t conduct open homes (for tyre-kickers and nosy neighbours!). I had been dreading the inconvenience and uncertainty of selling a house. To make matters worse we put our property on the market three weeks before Christmas which we thought would have been really bad timing. But Terry soon presented us with an attractive offer, and just two weeks, two days and one hour after listing our property, it was sold to someone on the Register. The process was easy, fast and virtually stress free. We highly recommend the Kings of Real Estate to anyone considering selling in Remuera.” - Shelley and Kevin

Diana King 021 613 884 diana.king@remueraregister.co.nz

09 520 6624

Limited licensed REAA 2008

the plan

The 2015 Planning In-Tray

eforming the Resource Management Act (RMA) is back on the agenda for 2015. Environment Minister Nick Smith has announced that reform is overdue, and is required to address housing supply and affordability. The reforms have been designed to reduce the delays, increased costs and uncertainties that the current law seems to cause. The minister has research to show the regulations add $15,000 to the cost of a new home, and $30,000 to an apartment. While the detail behind the proposed amendments is still being worked out, economic growth, and urban development. are proposed to be added to the guiding principles. Other proposals include reducing the number of district plans, prioritising housing affordability and using the internet for simplicity and speed. But what actual difference will it make? Every day we deal with the consent process, the law, district plans and rules and regulations. I call this the “glue”. Add to this the subjective interpretation that each planner, team leader and duty commissioner brings to the process, and you can get a different response depending on who you happen to get processing your work on the day. Bring in the local community board, who seem to back the voice crying the loudest, add a sprinkling of iwi “you must pay us before we will look at anything” consultation, and I doubt things will change at all. What we as planners have noticed, to Auckland Council’s credit, is the team set up to administer the special housing areas are trying to make things happen. They are proactive and determined to reduce the glue. It must be noted that this “attitude” has been legislated. So maybe we need legislation coupled with strong leadership, rather than changes to the overarching act. Maybe the RMA is generally working for most aspects of development, but not for facilitating housing availability in Auckland. On the subject of strong leadership, Heather Harris (an avid reader of The Hobson) recently resigned as Director of Planning at Auckland Council. Her boots will be hard to fill, and she is a great loss to the organisation. Council needs people like Heather, who do their best to make things happen in a challenging environment. Public conflict arising from the Proposed Auckland Unitary Plan (PAUP) is coming to the fore. In Meadowbank, where medium density intensification has been given the go ahead, there has been

vocal public resistance. Housing New Zealand are proposing 14 new homes in Puroto St and Purewa Rd. I expect — provided good design has been incorporated — that any resource consent application will be approved. Many looking at this may cry “NIMBY” (not in my back yard). However, this may be the reality for most suburban neighbourhoods. Aucklanders are being presented with tough choices on the rates and transport front as well. Submissions are being called for the Annual Plan, and the 10 year plan, where budgets and projects are earmarked. In the year ahead, on average, ratepayers are looking at a 5.6 per cent rate increase and a 2.5 per cent increase in Watercare charges. In order to manage rates and debt, the Council is proposing to cut $3.8 billion from transport projects. Or Aucklanders can opt to pay an extra $350 on average a year in motorway tolls or higher rates and fuel taxes to fund a larger transport programme. Under either scenario, the $2.5 billion City Rail Link will proceed as the top transport priority. Now it is my experience that unless the community as a group (with a loud voice) protest over rates rises, then individual submissions to the Annual Plan — which close on March 16 — are a waste of time and effort. However, giving the process thought as to how money is spent, and what the Council is trying to achieve is important. Personally I think that the rates should increase by the $350 a year, but this should be coupled with an increase in the uniform charge (the flat rate that everyone pays irrespective of the value of the property). This way everyone can bear the burden. And parts of Council need to be run more efficiently, like a business, so that costs are managed and analysed. I’ve had a lot of negative feedback on the 16 speed humps that wind up along Domain Drive from Stanley St through to Parnell Rd — mostly from people who are rushing to work and back. I take a different view. The speed limit through our premier park is 30 km per hour. Have a look at your speedo as you traverse through each of the speed humps. You will notice it exceeds 30km. The Domain provides access to the city but it is more importantly a place for leisure, and open space. So as you rush, take a moment to admire the beauty and serenity of my happy place! — Hamish Firth

A Cool New VeNue for remuerA!

Announcing the upcoming opening of the lANewAY BAr, our new upmarket watering hole, beneath our premises here at remuerA loCAl and opening out into the soon to be upgraded Clonbern lane. lANewAY BAr promises to bring a fresh new alternative to heading into Newmarket or the city for that night-time rendezvous for a drink and a light snack. our aim is to provide a customer-friendly, beautifullydesigned setting in which to spend an hour — or an evening — sampling a wide range of wines, spirits, cocktails, Champagne and fine food. we’re planning a festive opening mid-march, so please be sure to join us! 371 remuera road info@remueralocal.co.nz

the investment

The Spectre of Deflation “If inflation is the genie, then deflation is the ogre that must be fought decisively.” — International Monetary Fund managing director, Christine Lagarde, January 2015.

s I write this article on deadline at the end of January, my mind is spinning with a whole lot of economic variables that I can’t recall occurring before all at the same time: the oil price has quickly halved to about US$50 per barrel, the NZ$/US$ exchange rate is down 17 per cent in six months to the mid 0.72 level, and the European Central Bank (ECB) has announced it will effectively print one trillion euros of new money following a decline in consumer prices in the euro-zone in the December quarter. And the Reserve Bank of NZ (RBNZ) stated, “Headline annual inflation is expected to be below the target band through 2015, and could become negative for a period …We expect to keep the [Official Cash Rate] on hold for some time. Future adjustments, either up or down, will depend on the emerging flow of economic data.” What? The RBNZ calling for negative inflation in NZ and the prospect of cutting the OCR from 3.5 per cent? Unheard of! I thought there was a housing price problem! I’ve also noticed an economic term creeping its way into the media vocabulary recently which hasn’t been heard for a long time. It’s “deflation”. Deflation is when prices fall: prices of assets, prices of goods and services and sometimes even wages. That there is such broad talk among economic commentators that deflation is a possibility is a little scary. We are not used to such a concept in New Zealand — we’re focussed on, and even scared of, inflation, having spent the past 20 years or more fighting it back from the ’80s. We’ve had relatively high interest rates for a long, long time (and a high NZ dollar war) because of the RBNZ anti-inflation bias. Now we are seeing faltering growth in Europe and the ECB embarking on massive money printing or monetary stimulation. Slow to the party perhaps, as we have seen the Fed in the US undertake an enormous monetary stimulus program over the past

few years (you can get a 30 year fixed-mortgage rate of 3.3 per cent). And, recall Japan last year kicking off the same monetary programme after years, if not decades, of trying to stimulate growth. The Swiss can see where things are going, having uncapped the franc from the euro in mid January, seeing it instantly leap 30 per cent. All of these big central banks have been or are about to print money in a big, big way, trying to reinflate economies and stave off deflation. Even here in New Zealand, we saw the latest Consumer Price Index come in below expectation, and the RBNZ hinting at the possibility it could go negative allowing for or requiring, even lower interest rates. Why should they, and we, be worried about deflation? Deflation causes a horrible downward spiral. Falling prices for goods and services lead to lower cash flow and profits for companies, causing them to cut back. Resulting layoffs and lower spending can lead to increased unemployment, in turn leading to less spending on goods and services, causing their oversupply — which brings us back to lower prices for these goods and services. And the spiral continues. None of this is good for economies at best coming out of recession, or at worst, still in the doldrums. So what do we do about it, and how do we react in a stable price or declining price/deflationary environment? The number one investment strategy in such an environment is capital preservation and income generation. If inflation is no longer eroding the real value of your assets, you don’t need to invest so much in growth assets (e.g. risky shares) to either protect or increase your purchasing power. Cash can start to look quite good if it’s not losing its purchasing power. In deflationary worlds, stock markets usually suffer as company earnings slip and equities can become a difficult place to be. And debt becomes more expensive as the principal amount borrowed stays the same, but both the asset it’s financing and the income servicing the debt costs might decline. So pay down debt, and build solid cash and fixed income reserves and watch out for the ogre. — Warren Couillault

the hobson 27

BEST the survey

How did we conduct the poll? We sent out suggested categories but also asked respondents to come up with their own. Where there were multiple nominations in a category, we have listed them all, and if there was a clear winner, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve noted that too. Some answers have been edited for clarity and Bowdlerised to remove language that may offend, especially in the commentary about the Ayr St traffic changes.

the hobson 28

All photography by Stephen Penny unless otherwise credited

And Worst

What is great about living around here? And not so good? We invited readers and cross-section of our community to nominate the great things and the annoyances about this place we call home. So, here for the very first time â&#x20AC;Ś. your guide to the best and worst of The Hobson neighbourhood.

Thai Friends, Parnell “The pan-fried lemongrass chicken on vermicelli salad” from Hansan in Nuffield Street

EATING, DRINKING, BUYING, SERVICES Best Butcher Kim Wickstead, the Victoria Ave Butcher (multiple nominations) Best Florists Flowers After Hours Vida Flores Nicole at Flowers on Benson “Carole’s flower truck at Shore Rd for bunches on the run”

picked up my drycleaning and there was a note on it saying a free repair was done on a hem on one of the suits. I knew it needed doing, but forgot to ask. How cool is that?”

Best Barista/Best Coffee Amy at Remuera Local Café Bistro (multiple nominations) Prem at Rosie Domain Ayr Shore Road Café Best Restaurant atmosphere/ menu for all Banque

Salutes too to: New World Remuera PaperPlus Newmarket, Remuera The Elephant House, Parnell Superette, Newmarket John Stephens Antiques, Remuera Madder and Rouge, Newmarket Galtons, Parnell Heart of Flavour, Newmarket Trenery, Newmarket St Johns Butcher, St Johns Best Takeaways Catch-A-Fish in the Gladstone Rd shops (several nominations) F&C takeaways, Remuera Rd near Upland Rd Moto Sushi, Parnell Thai Village, Remuera (below)

Best Instant Tan Sun Kissed Tan, Meadowbank. “They spray tan all day and are very good at it ... just $15 and you can book online”

Best Vego/Vegan Treats The vege pide at The Chiller, Parnell, and the vegan fruit loaf at Brighton Road Cafe Best Family Dining La Cigale York St Garage “especially for the Sunday night roast”

Best Facials using Holistic Products Lucy and the Powder Room, Newmarket. “The little shot of green juice is a nice touch too”

Best Brunches La Cigale Alphabet Meadow Brighton Road Cafe

Best Place for a Beer The Villager Remuera Local Cafe Bistro 46 & York Best Winelist Non Solo Pizza Banque Antoines Best Pizza Non Solo Pizza, Parnell (above right) — multiple nominations Loco Pizza, Parnell Hell, Remuera/Quay St Calimero, Remuera

Best Massage “Krista Lee who has a room at Garden on Eve on Remuera Rd is AMAZING!”

Best Lunch Deal The $20 special at The Parnell

Best Long-lasting Blow Dries Nadia at Kensington Hairdressing, Remuera Hamilton Brooks, Nuffield St

Best café for meetings Until recently, Mozaik on Parnell Rd. “Here’s hoping its replacement, Notting Hill, is just as good” Best Fruit & Veg Jack Lum & Co, Clonbern Rd Remuera (Jack, right) Best Range of Organics New World Remuera Ceres, Ellerslie Best Drycleaner Regal in Newmarket. “I just

the hobson 29

Best Farmers’ Markets Parnell, and La Cigale Vanita Andrews

Palmers Garden Centre, Shore Rd “The best staff for professional help”

Best place for date night Rosie Cibo Antoines Remuera Local Café Bistro (below) Vanita Andrews

Best Retail Experiences “The Strawberry Man” at Shore Rd. (Mahmut Cavusoglu, above). Also nominated for “Best Strawberries”. Transactions, IOUs, “all done with a huge smile and with warm wishes for your day”

Best Nails Verdo, Parnell

the survey earned coffee in the Jubilee Building, and finally up to the rear of the Museum. Do a circumnavigation of The Domain back to your starting point, taking in the botanical gardens and duck ponds. Take time to enjoy the many special things to see along the way. Happy feet guaranteed. — Luke Niue, chair, Parnell Community Committee

BEST KEPT SECRETS WORTH SHARING Parnell’s Waipapa Stream “Restoration work is bringing this fascinating stream back to life” Laundry Corp at 158 Beach Rd “A commercial laundry that turned out to be there the whole time we were driving to the Olympic in Grey Lynn”

“Ngahere Steps [Parnell], then up through The Domain bush, and up the slopes past the Valkyrie pool, the band rotunda, and upwards to the War Memorial stairs. Magnificent walk. — Christopher Dempsey, Waitematā Local Board

Sue, Julie, Angela at Prescription Skin Care Pukeko Bakery bread all week at The Little Local, 1 Ayr St

Vanita Andrews

GUILTY PLEASURES

“The best walking route or best run— starting at the bottom on Domain off The Strand, through the cherry walk and Domain sculptures, round the duck pond and playing fields, past the museum, magnolia walk and blind garden. Nature in the heart of the city! — Sonja Hawkins, resident

- Local Board Orakei

The Bruce Maclaren Trust Museum at Remuera Upland Motors, 590 Remuera Rd “A fantastic Kiwiana gem”

BEST RECENT IMPROVEMENTS The Orākei Basin/Hobson Bay boardwalk — many, many nominations (top photo, right) The restoration of the beach at Judges Bay (middle photo) The restoration of Wilsons Beach (bottom photo) Rosie, Parnell (was Rosehip) Biskit cafe, Parnell

“Meadowbank has the best cafe / bar now that Meadow has opened with wonderful friendly service, and it is upmarket, which is awesome for this little suburb” Italia Square, Parnell, for fresh food and groceries, “especially needed since the butcher closed on Parnell Rd a few years ago”

GETTING OUTSIDE Best Walk or Run There were two repeat winners here, one being the Orākei Basin/Hobson Bay loop/ boardwalk, the other being many of trails bisecting The Domain

Parnell’s Big Walk: “Start on the front steps of the Museum — hopefully the harbour is twinkling — head down to the Ho Chi Minh trail very near to the intersection of Domain and Lower Domain Drive. Use the rail underpass at the bottom to go up the historic Ngahere Steps on to Parnell Rd, checking out the beautiful wooden Catholic Church and Village treats. Across to Scarborough Reserve, into Alberon Reserve, down Gladstone Rd to the Rose Gardens, into historic Judges Bay, up to St Stephens Ave via Parnell Baths. Turn left to Awatea Reserve, at bottom turn left onto Hobson Bay walkway, head right to exit at Thomas Bloodworth Park, across into Ayr St Reserve at the roundabout. Exit at top on to Cathedral St, head left on Parnell Rd to have a much

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Best Public Art Reuben Paterson’s Andale Andale (below) at Newmarket train station Kit Lawrence

More than one person nominated the almond and the chocolate croissants from 4&20 bakery, Clonbern Rd, Remuera (above) Sylvia’s Bakery, Remuera Chocolate Boutique, Parnell Formē spa, Parnell Spa Parnell

Meadow, and from the same team, 46 & York. “Finally the right formula, these guys should be around for a while.”

Globgobs by Seung Yul Oh, Newmarket The sculptures in The Domain, with special mention of Fountain of the Valkyries

Best Views From the top of Mt Hobson (right) with multiple nominations; and also from the summit of Mt Eden. Special mention to the respondent whose husband organised dinner, complete with table and chairs, on top of Mt Hobson for Valentine’s Day. “Auckland traffic never looked so beautiful.”

Jeff Thomson’s Bouquet at the Remuera Library Terry Stringers’s Mountain Fountain on the Cathedral forecourt The pou by Katz Maihi (above) on the new boardwalk Best Street St Stephens Ave, Parnell Seaview Rd, Arney Rd, Remuera Tohunga Cres, Parnell “Hidden, narrow, wide at bottom, arrives to water, has some very cool old houses” Best Workouts* *other than walking or running in The Domain Ladies’ midweek tennis at Gladstone Park Tennis Club Rick Wells’ squads at the Olympic Pool, Newmarket X-tend Barre at Studio Three, Newmarket “Training with Jamie at Jetts Fitness in Market Rd” Best Public Pool Parnell Baths (below)“A beautiful modernist building designed by Tibor Donner with that great mural”

From a paddleboard on Hobson Bay — “Beautiful, invigorating, in the middle of the city, yet you’d never know.” Hobson Bay “from any angle” From the Rose Gardens to the gulf and the city … from Burwood Crescent … from the dome at the top of the Musuem “The Parnell Pier – otherwise known as the bridge by the Parnell Baths – with the lovely view along the “Pier” towards the Waitematā, and imagining boats moored off the end or people fishing, like the old days.” “Waitoa St reserve at sunrise with a high tide on Hobson Bay. Stunning”. “The view from half way down the steps to the Parnell Baths from St Stephens Ave — a panorama that includes Parnell Baths, the city sky line, Hobson Bay, the boat sheds and Rangitoto Island as well as the North Shore. If you time it right, yachts will be sailing past, a paddleboarder or two will be meandering in the bay

and a train will rattle by to complete the picture!” Best Sailing Venue Royal Akarana Best Beach Kohimarama “We love to walk, swim, play, picnic” Best Place to Feel Like You’re in the Countryside “Paddleboarding up the Purewa Creek on full tide when the fish are jumping!”

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Best Place to Play/Watch Sport Bloodworth Park/Shore Rd fields (below) Martyn Wilson Reserve The Domain playing fields, “with the Museum in the background” Best Gardens (that we can visit or see from the road) The Rose Gardens (over), particular mention of the white, and Nancy Steen heritage gardens 4

the survey Vanita Andrews

Best Buildings Geyser, 100 Parnell Rd, (right) designed by Pattersons Architects for Samson Corporation (multiple nominations) The Museum The Remuera Library The Parnell Trust/ Foundation/Library Buildings The new StevensLawson house on Arney Rd

BEST THINGS FOR KIDS Playground Little Rangitoto Park on Upland Rd was a winner by a swing, slide and flying fox (with bonus points for being able to get a coffee at BRD nearby) Gladstone Rd (beside the tennis courts)

St Anne’s, 43 Arney Rd, Remuera (top photo) 118 Lucerne Rd, Remuera Remuera New World green wall The Wintergarden

Haircuts “The girls at Remuera Barber Shop are fantastic with kids – we all know what an experience kid’s haircuts can be!”

Best Discoveries The shortcut to La Cigale at the bottom of Avon St Dave McCracken’s sculpture workshop by Mainline Steam, Waipapa valley, Parnell (right) Espresso Workshop, Parnell Charlie & George cafe, Stonefields The walking paths around Bloodworth Park The toilets at the Cathedral The new Grafton Gully cycle track (pictured right)“a picturesque, serene alternative to Symonds St” The Grafton Gully walk during Auckland Heritage Week

- Local Board Orakei

GENERALLY ….

Quick Kids’ Dinner “The mince or chicken and leek pies from Victoria Ave Butchery. Perfect pastry and top quality fillings. Good for adults too!” The family-sized pies at the Gladstone Rd butcher The Deli’s lasagne (Remuera)

WORST THINGS & ANNOYANCES The delapidated historic wooden houses owned by the Anglican Church at the top of Brighton Rd and on St Stephens Ave (below).“They appear to have been left for ruin”. People not picking up after their dogs — several dishonourable mentions for this. “I think there’s more dog poo on the main street in Remuera than in any other place I’ve ever worked,” said one respondent “A council who have gone from bad to worse. Arrogant bullies who are way out of control and will likely bankrupt this city or drown it!” Lack of rubbish bins on the boardwalk between the bottom of Vicky Ave and Palmers Garden Centre “Real estate agents who plant open home signs on grass verges,and leave them.” “Those scrappy billboards hanging off the historic rock wall in front of the Cathedral” “Council’s proposed ban on open fires, a clause without a cause” — David Seymour, MP

Best Atmosphere “The best thing is the friendly atmosphere around Carole and Bob’s respective flower and coffee carts at Shore Rd first thing in the morning.” — David Seymour, MP

The state of the track/path around the Parnell side of Hobson Bay the hobson 32

Ave, Takutai St and Gladstone Rd. Utterly confusing. A close second is the intersection at the bottom of Gladstone Rd and The Strand. Brighton Rd and St Stephens Ave goes in for third”

MISSED OPPORTUNITIES “Len Brown not standing down” “A good casual pizza and wine bar in Remuera” ... “an Italian family restaurant in Remuera” “Auckland Transport readily has these [missed opportunities] — coordinating road works on Orakei Rd, Shore Rd, any road” WORST DRIVING EXPERIENCES This one flushed out a strong response. A winner by a country kilometre was the intersection of Ayr St and Parnell Rd (above, lower pic), reconfigured late last year by Auckland Transport “Used to be average to bad, and now really bad since recently modified to be confusing, dangerous, impractical and dumb!” “The new layout from Domain Drive into Ayr St is a disaster, and to think this was supposed to be an improvement!” Dishonourable mentions also to: The speed humps in The Domain ... “making what was previously a wonderful drive through the park into a fuel wasting and uncomfortable, and far from relaxing, mountain climbing experience …. Those speed bumps are beyond a joke, and [we’re] getting sick of [bureaucracies] wasting time and money and giving us crap solutions.” The Remuera Rd/Victoria Ave

intersection, just awful whether you’re behind the wheel or on foot (top photo). “Pedestrians are always at risk here” Shore Rd roundabout; the Greenlane West/East and Great South Rd intersection Middleton Rd’s “boulevardstyle wide footpaths and a narrow, bottleneck roadway that to work needs driver courtesy, which is not always a given” “Those container truck and trailer drivers that speed around The Strand, intimidating anyone trying to turn in or pull out from the road. They think they own the road.” Turning right from Seaview Rd into Shore Rd “Patience isn’t just a virtue here ...” “The worst intersection and driving is at the top of Brighton Rd, turning right into St Stephens” Driving during school pick ups Parking during school pick ups “Worst intersection has to be the intersection of St Stephens

“To reinstate Queen Victoria School (Glanville Tce, Parnell). A complete school awaits, abandoned, in the middle of Parnell” “Parnell Rd. It’s been completely eclipsed by Britomart, Ponsonby, Newmarket. The only reason to go is NSP.”

BEST PEOPLE/LOCAL HEROES Applause for Desley Simpson who led the nominations — indefatigable leader of the Orākei Local Board, a dynamo in shocking pink calling Council to account “All the people who give up their time and most evenings to be part of local boards” Luke Niue, chair of the Parnell Community Committee “Selfeffacing, he is a quiet, behindthe-scenes presence and always anxious to point out it’s a team effort, not just one man”. “Mark Thomas of the Orākei Local Board. He works tirelessly on behalf of Remuera

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and the Orākei area. We would be lost without him!” — Laura Carr, manager, Remuera Business Association The person who maintains the paving on the muddy section of the track between Tohunga Cres and Bloodworth Park The man who used to live in Parnell and now on regular visits to the Domain, pulls out privet saplings Photographer Marti Friedlander Sue Parkinson, head of Intermediate at Parnell District School Stewart Sinclair, King’s School crossing attendant The police Cameron Brewer Councillor Mike Lee — “not just a councillor, also sets and empties rat traps in Alberon Park” “Martin & Adam -— coaches at Gladstone Tennis Club” And the following, nominated by the Orākei Local Board’s Mark Thomas — Sue Jackson, Remuera Library Sue Cooper, Remuera Heritage Coralie van Camp, Citizen Defender Scott Dargaville, Business Dynamo Laura Carr, Town Centre Champion Adrian Barkla, Generous Grocer And ... the Most Stylish Man Terry King, owner, Remuera Real Estate Register p

the pretty

Top Shelf

Inject some glamour into your beauty routine with these luxe goodies picked by Melissa Williams-King

Perfect arches always upgrade your look, whether you’re dolled up or makeupfree. Billion Dollar Brows Take Back Your Brows Kit, $90 and Brow Powder, $33 per shade, billiondollarbrows.co.nz Avoid garish glitter – highlight your eyes with a sophisticated dewy sheen. Shiseido Shimmering Cream Eye Colour in Mousseline, $49, glides on beautifully. Life Pharmacy 277, Newmarket Gloss fans will love the latest MAC Viva Glam Lipglass, $38. It’s hot pink with sparkling pearl and all proceeds go to MAC’s HIV/ AIDS charity work. Smith & Caughey’s Newmarket

Make the move to a sophisticated matte lipstick. Elizabeth Arden Beautiful Colour Moisturizing Lipstick, $49 (in Coral Crush) has a gorgeous gilded case. Life Pharmacy Remuera (Wylie’s)

Go-To Face Hero, $49.95, combines 10 potent plant oils in a lightweight but ultrahydrating all-natural formula. Gotoskincare.com This sexy, modern scent combines raspberry, pink pepper, jasmine and vanilla in a sculptural silver bottle. DKNY MYNY fragrance, $99. Farmers Newmarket.

I love this fantastic curling and lifting mascara, and the packaging (inspired by a retro hair roller) is super cute. Benefit Roller Lash mascara, $45. Smith & Caughey’s Newmarket

The latest Yves Saint Laurent collector’s palette, Ombres de Jour, $110, has a blinged-out case but the colours inside are chic and subtle. Smith & Caughey’s Newmarket

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Head to Hawaii with the newest OPI collection. All 12 shades are available as regular polish as well as in-salon gels. Left: Is Mai Tai Crooked? and right, Suzi Shops & Island Hops nail polish, $19.95. At most pharmacies

the hobson suggests

Summer Skin Rehab

he downside of our fabulous Kiwi summer? That extra dose of UV exposure means more pigmentation and sun damage on skin, no matter how vigilant you were at applying sunscreen. As autumn rolls in, now’s the best time for a thorough medical skin consultation with the experts at Prescription Skin Care. When it comes to sun damage, there is no one-size-fitsall solution. Every treatment is customised to the individual, depending on concerns, budget and time frame. Prescription Skin Care offers: • Skin peels and relaxing medi-facials to hydrate and clear up mild sun damage • Laser, such as Accutip, to spot-treat darker pigment • Safe and effective IPL (intense pulsed light) to rejuvenate tired looking skin and give a general clear-up • Medical-grade skincare products that are gentle on sensitive, acne-prone and ageing skins, yet give real results • Dermastamp or collagen induction therapy, to stimulate collagen growth to restore youthful-looking, radiant skin. This can also reduce pore size and diminish red veins

Specialist products to help sun-stressed skin: Lytera Skin Brightening System This new range from Skin Medica has yielded impressive results – a six-month trial won 100% patient satisfaction Aspect Dr Complete Pigment Serum This serum decreases the appearance of unwanted discoloration by as much as 25% in just one month Elta MD sunscreen Don’t forget the most important step – a zinc-based sunscreen so you maintain the results of your pigment-free skin!

Dermastamp Promotion Dermastamp is an ‘all year round’ treatment, which you can buy as a course or as a single treatment. It’s suitable for any skin colour and skin type to stimulate collagen, refresh and restore.

Wallenrock/Shutterstock.com

Book a course of three Dermastamp treatments in March, quote The Hobson and receive $250 worth of skincare products free, plus a complimentary skin peel as part of the treatment.

Prescription Skin Care is led by Plastic Surgeon Stephen Gilbert FRCS, FRACS (plastic). 243 Remuera Road, Remuera. Phone 529 5784 to book your appointment.

the wellbeing

Epsom Electorate Office Suite 2.4, Level 2, 27 Gillies Avenue, Newmarket. PO Box 9209, Newmarket 1149. To contact me for an appointment please call 09 522 7464

David Seymour, MP for Epsom davidseymour.epsom@parliament.govt.nz

Promoted by David Seymour, MP for Epsom.

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Live Younger Longer

ifespan can be estimated using two parallels: how long you think you might live, and how well you live, also called ‘quality of life’. Living longer, but suffering because of disease or disability is not enticing, while aiming to ‘die younger at a very old age’ encompasses a more robust vision of living better, and hopefully longer. The essence of both a healthier life and a longer life is lifestyle; the better your choices, the more likely you are to achieve your goal. A healthy lifestyle is the ultimate life preserver because it will empower you to live better today; happier, healthier, stronger, less stressed. It will give you the best chance of staying robust. The critical lifestyle factors, based on medical understanding, are body composition (the size of your belly being the key index), your physical activity level, your nutritional/alcohol consumption and smoking.These in turn affect important clinical measures, such as blood pressure, glucose/insulin metabolism, blood lipids, and inflammation. When these measures worsen, disease results. For example, smoking increases the death rate by two to three times. Stopping smoking is generally considered the most important and powerful step you can take. After smoking, a high level of physical activity offers unparalleled protective effects. Studies confirm how a healthy, fit person — non-smoking, moderating alcohol consumption and eating enough fruit/vegetables — may be 12 to 14 years ‘younger’ than a physically unfit person with bad habits. The fit person’s body has healthy, youthful characteristics such as lower blood pressure, and healthier blood vessels. This is important, as many measures of health risk, such as rising blood pressure and cardiac dysfunction, get worse with age. Having a low fitness level is also more likely to leave you disabled and unable to live independently. A key index to a healthy body is the hip joint, designed to bear 12 to 15 times your bodyweight. I recently met a high-profile nutritional scientist with a hip joint that was bone on bone. Seems they’d missed the importance of doing a regular postural assessment to measure the integrity of the hip joint — it’s the muscles and connective tissue that are responsible for keeping the hip joint in the optimal position for movement power. The simple fact is that fitter people live longer, and are more likely to live independently, than those who are physically unfit. Among adults 65-plus, fitness is the single biggest discriminator between those who die sooner, and those who live longer. In clinical studies, the highly fit have a death rate 60 per cent lower than the unfit. The net effect of pursuing high fitness is that you are much more likely to have a trimmer waist, lower blood pressure, healthier blood lipids, less intravascular inflammation, and, consequently, a lower risk of heart disease and cancer, the top two causes of death. As for what you eat, vegetables are the standouts. Major studies point to how they lower heart disease by as much as 23 per cent. Dark leafy greens are the ones you want the most, as they are rich in dietary compounds that create nitric oxide in the body. Nitric oxide is a ‘signalling molecule’ that works to protect and restore your health, healing as aging kicks in. If you’re over 40, with blood pressure higher than 130/90 mm Hg, it’s a sign of a damaged endothelium (the lining of blood vessels) and nitric oxide deficiency. Erectile dysfunction is an early warning sign, leaving you as much as 80 per cent more likely to develop cardiovascular disease. The good news is that moderate-intensity exercise best improves your ability to make nitric oxide. So, doing what you love for as long as you can, with great health and vitality, is possible with the aid of a little science along the way. — Lee Parore

the psyche

Standing up to Depression “You suck” “You’ll never succeed” “Every decision you make is the wrong one” “Your sister/brother/friend is so much better than you” “You picked the wrong spouse, the wrong job, and you are ugly”

f someone said any of these to you at work or at school, they’d be quickly branded a bully. But what if the person doing the bullying is you? That’s the reality of depression. Depression is a voice in your head, telling you again and again how worthless you are. Depression speaks at 200 miles an hour, going on and on, dumping its piles of garbage on the landscape of your mind. Your brain turns against you, and torture comes in the form of your own thoughts. Psychologist Joseph Carver described the tendency of the depressed mind to reach into your memory and pull out every bad memory it can find — abuse as a child, failed relationships, mistakes you made in your career — anything to make you feel bad, and guilty. Your thoughts spin to the roads not taken. The boyfriend you shouldn’t have broken up with, the job you should have left, the course in university you should have done. Depressed people don’t typically see their minds as the bully, assuming automatically that every thought it produces is true. The result of this is more and more time spent in bed, with the hope that sleep will bring sweet relief from the torture of being alive. But sleep can be hard, and a person whose neurochemistry is upset frequently has trouble sleeping, or awakes early. Interacting with others is also hard when all you can think about is how badly you are coming across, and how all they are doing is tolerating you. Who would willingly want to spend time with someone like you? Not only does the garbage truck fill your mind, the people near and dear may feel dumped upon. Interactions with your spouse become more and more difficult as you are beset with regrets — the house he picked was the wrong one, even if you agreed to

buy it at the time. You go back again, and again, to the fact that he made you apologise to his mother 10 years ago, even if you agreed it was the right thing to do at the time. For some people, the garbage truck becomes so hard to bear, the only escape that can be fathomed is suicide. After all, what else can you do, when your personal bully is you? But more often than not however, depressed people know to put a smile on their face and to carry on in public as if the bully does not exist. But the signs are apparent. Many depressed people can hold it together to drive the kids to school, or to make dinner, and get to work on time. They may not have active thought or plans of ending their life. But what a life it is. The reality remains that depression feels hopeless — “the doctor doesn’t have an appointment open until April, talk therapy takes too long, and nothing has ever worked anyway”. On a lucid day, however rare, when the garbage truck is at bay, the best course of action a depressed person can take is to go to a GP, ask for antidepressant medication or a referral to a psychiatrist. Ask your spouse to ensure you take the meds, even if you don’t want to. Depression arises out of a potent cocktail of life stressors that have an upsetting effect on your neurochemistry, a genetic predisposition, and entrenched patterns of thinking in the mind. It has to be tackled on both the physical and mental fronts. If the garbage truck never takes a break, a friend or loved one may have to take charge of the plan. Quickly put in place a plan for regular cognitive behavioural therapy. Pay in advance if that’s what it will take to make the depressed person go. The therapist will work with you to watch your thoughts, rather than believe them. That’s the equivalent of objectively watching the movie of your mind, instead of jumping right into the screen and believing you’re the protagonist. The therapist will teach you to examine the thoughts, and figure out what is true, and what is more mental torture, and practice disengaging slowly from the automatic thoughts and the pain they bring. It will work well on some days, and terribly on others. The bully won’t back down without a fight. — Amrit Kaur

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the second act

The Next Phase This year, Sandy Burgham’s “The Second Act” column will feature from time to time interviews with people who have reinvented their lives and struck out in new directions. This month, Sandy speaks to Redcurrent founder Audrey McHardy. Her now-family run “lifestyle accessories” business has been a fixture in Morrow St, Newmarket for 10 years and is one of 11 stores nationally. Audrey, now in her seventies, didn’t get her start in business until she was 60. She is, says Sandy, “an elegant demonstration of a true second act”. What is great about being in your seventies? Audrey McHardy: I never even think about getting old; that aspect doesn’t even enter my head. It feels no different than being 60. I can still do what I like. I am not bound by rules. I have a nice husband, five gorgeous children and 15 grandchildren and we have not had too many medical problems in the family. To what degree has your upbringing influenced who you are, and how you live your life? I am one of six kids, and my mother was one of 12. She was an amazing woman and we were brought up simply and humbly. I left New Zealand for the first time at 19 — we never went on holiday as we were so happy at home; we loved simple things like lighting little bonfires and having fun. My parents didn’t have a lot of money, but my father was a politician and was knighted when I was 30. Sir Jack Acland. My mother became Kit, Lady Acland. How did Redcurrant come about? I had turned 60 and my husband was still working in banking. We went to Bali for a holiday and while on a bus trip, I wandered off and found all these wooden animals for sale made by a local craftsman. At that point we were needing cash — interest rates were high and a few things were going wrong for us. I went back to the hotel thinking I could make money out of those animals. So I came back with wooden animals, and I sold them all. I had a secondhand dealer’s license and soon I fossicked around the area and collected things, restored them — old milk cans and so forth — and started selling them. I went back twice to Bali with two of my daughters and brought in containers of furniture, and put them into the shed and sold them. I was very naïve, I had things written in a Croxley notebook and didn’t even know about shipping documents — I had nothing. On the first shipment, when they asked for shipping documents I cried. [Customs] said, “okay, just this once!” My mother was staying and she really encouraged me. She was very intelligent, and loved what I was doing. She was in her 70s and saying that she wished she had done this. Suddenly I thought “this is ridiculous, I could be really good at this”, so I decided one Easter to get a shop in Havelock North. The kids thought it was a dreadful idea. I didn’t really know a lot about how to do it — I kept money in a box! Then I had temporary shops in Auckland, one in Herne Bay ... I can’t believe I did this ... I did one in Kingsland as well as the Herne Bay one. It all went really well. We had a flat in Auckland as my husband was working there at the time, so it all worked in perfectly.

Perfectly? Well I don’t want to go on about it, but I suffered a brain tumour in the middle of all this. I kept passing out and thinking, gosh, what is going on? So I got over that and because I couldn’t drive I had to walk from Herne Bay to Kingsland with a bandaged head. I then closed my shops in Auckland, and this coincided with my daughter Rebecca coming back from Australia and I said, “come and help me”. She became my partner. So we took Tauroa Trading, as it was known, and created something new called Redcurrent, and opened in Ponsonby. You still work actively in the business; what do you love about it? I am a trader. I’m not a gypsy, the girls get furious when I say that. But I like buying the stuff that sells. I do heaps of the buying still, and I like seeing what I bought sell. What do you appreciate the most about your life now? I am a very “home” person but I love having a project, it means you get up in the morning and feel fulfilled. I could play golf and bridge, but I can still do that in my 80s! Every day I like going to work; some women say I look exhausted but I don’t get tired. I have never needed a lot of sleep. What is the secret to your great, enduring marriage? I was married at 23. You both do your own thing, I am looking at all these women who get fed up with their husbands, and complain that they feel like the martyr — you have to have your own interests, because then you have something interesting to talk about at dinner. I’ve had a free rein so I am pretty lucky. What’s your life philosophy or the code by which you live? A lot of women are shocking with money. I can’t believe it, and then they say to me that I am lucky! I’ve always been a saver but I am generous, I am not mean, but I am quite a good little saver. I am always quite happy; it doesn’t take much to make me happy. And I try and do one good thing a day for someone, just little things. I’ve had an interesting life, some people have had boring ones, but they can get out of it — it’s a choice, they can get out of it. Thank you Audrey. Do you have a story of mid-life reinvention to share, or know someone who does? Contact Sandy: sandy@sandyburgham.com

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the heritage

Anyone for Lawn Tennis? The Domain is home to the 142-year-old Parnell Lawn Tennis Club — New Zealand’s oldest. Club secretary Gail Mazur recounts its proud history.

he Parnell Lawn Tennis Club is the oldest tennis club in New Zealand and the second oldest in the world, although Clevedon in the UK boasts that they are, being founded in 1880. Like the All-England Lawn Tennis Club, the Parnell Lawn Tennis Club has the interesting distinction of tracing its origins back to a date prior to the date of the first formulation of the rules of lawn tennis. On August 12 1872, it was proposed that a club, to be called the “Parnell Croquet Club” be formed. In 1898 this was changed to the “Parnell Lawn Tennis Club and Croquet Club”. A provisional committee of eight was set up and over the next four months 114 people became members at a subscription cost of half a guinea. The first AGM was held on January 18 1873 and only 3 rules applied: Visitors were to be admitted only once An afternoon’s action, 1955. The rather challenging grass surface has since been replaced Children under 15 were not allowed with astroturf. Photo courtesy of Parnell Lawn Tennis Club archives All dogs would be hunted off the field or the owner fined one guinea The club survived the war years, even when the ball ration was The game of lawn tennis emerged on seven pairs a fortnight. At war’s end, membership was full and the paddock at the top of Parnell Rd at Cathedral Pl, and the game finances sound. A limited number of United Services personnel had of croquet disappeared early in the twentieth century. At the 43rd been welcomed as honorary members, recalling an earlier custom AGM, held in 1915, rules were amended by the deletion of the word when visiting officers of the Royal Navy were accorded the same “croquet” and the club became the Parnell Lawn Tennis Club. privilege. Again in 1950, officers of HMAS Sydney were similarly During this period the club flourished and WWI only slightly welcomed. In 1944/45 the club, for the first time, won the Caro restricted the club’s activity. At the end of the war, the question of Bowl, given in memory of a Parnell player, Maurice Caro, who was increasing the playing area was raised and a deputation visited the killed in the war. Reserves Committee of the then-Auckland City Council about the With a return to peace there began a period of playing strength not possibility of gaining a lease of the Titoki St site (the present site seen before, and the move to the new courts in Titoki St, which were of the courts). Unfortunately the expense of the move precluded opened in November 1956 by the Auckland mayor, John Luxford. consideration of new courts in The Domain. The move to The In the 1972/73 Benson & Hedges Open Tournament, eight of the 15 Domain was finally to be made 38 years later. New Zealand entrants in the men’s singles were Parnell members. The first 50 years of the club produced a number of tennis Now, 141 years after its founding, the Parnell Lawn Tennis Club personalities; two stand out above all the rest — Miss J. Mowbray goes from strength to strength. With eight astroturf courts, it is and Colonel J.P. Stevenson. Miss Mowbray was secretary and fortunate to be in an idyllic location on the border of The Domain, ladies’ champion from 1892 to 1905. In 1932, at the age of 80, she among the pohutukawa and with the chorus of many native birds served the first ball at the Club’s 50th Jubilee season. Col. Stevenson heard in the trees. With a strong social and tennis focus, the club was club champion from 1892 to 1902, made a life member in 1900 has grown in membership and achieves outstanding results in the and was president from 1917 to 1928. Auckland Tennis interclub competitions. PLTC also hosts a number Following a Special General Meeting in November 1927, the of social and competitive tournaments throughout the year, including club took action to become an incorporated society. At this time the Caro Bowl and the club champs, which attracts an average of also, moves were afoot to choose a club blazer and badge. A blazer 450 entrants and is played over two months. with a maroon stripe, a narrow fold strip and a wide blue strip was Parnell Lawn Tennis Club also boasts the distinction of having selected, and a badge became available soon after. And just as held a Davis Cup tie, when New Zealand played the Philippines in modern, the club installed a telephone in February 1930 — but had 2008. Unfortunately New Zealand was beaten on this occasion but it taken out again over the winter months. the successful hosting of this event was a major feather in the cap Depression times had left the club short of funds, but at the 61st for PLTC. — Gail Mazur AGM the membership was boosted by the admission of 31 members of the closing United Tennis Club. the hobson 39

Blue Hawaii The Hobson takes a family holiday to the Hawaiian islands

Main picture: Nico and Waikiki Beach Services surf tutor Matt on Honoluluâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Waikiki Beach after her surf lesson. Right, in action, caught on camera by the Beach Services photographer. All photos in this feature by Stephen Penny unless otherwise noted.

the journey

hey have us at “aloha”. We are stretched out in our Hawaiian Airlines Extra Comfort seats aboard a showroom-fresh A330 airliner, settled in for the night ride to Honolulu. It couldn’t be simpler — board, eat, watch a movie, sleep, wake up and you’re in Hawaii. It’s a dream ride to the dream destination for a week-long break between deadlines. This is our first trip as a family to Hawaii — me, my huband Stephen, and our 12-year-old daughter, Nico. We leave Auckland on a miserable Saturday night — is there ever a better time to fly to blue skies than when it’s pouring? The Extra Comfort category (seated between economy and business with more legroom, upgraded meals and services) is a good choice for a night flight in particular, as there’s room to stretch out, and a soft pillow and blanket to curl up with. It’s nine hours tarmac-to-tarmac and given most of the flight happens in the dark, it doesn’t mess too much with your body clock. Rested, fed and ready to go, we touch down on the main Hawaiian island of Oahu to postcard (or in Nico’s case, Instagram-worthy) blue skies, swaying palms and a gentle breeze. Customs processing is quick and friendly. We’ve landed in the US but they don’t seem to have read the Homeland Security memo here about hostile alien visitors. You’re welcome, truly welcome. Our first destination is The Modern Honolulu hotel. The Modern’s been recommended by Gerard at Bon Voyage Travel & Cruises in Parnell, and he’s picked well. Stylish, chintz -free with a seriously cool lobby bar, they have us at “aloha” too, even before welcome glasses of homemade lemonade are offered. The Modern, 1775 Ala Moana Boulevard, is at the southern end of the Waikiki Beach stretch, overlooking the Ala Wai marina. It’s removed from the crowds but not so far that you can’t walk along the beach path to the centre of the action, as we do one evening. It’s a quick and cheap cab ride otherwise. The Modern is also happily handy — about a 10 minute walk — to the Ala Moana shopping centre. When I first visited Hawaii 20 years ago, the Ala Moana was billed as the world’s biggest open-air mall, and it still is, new wings helping it retain the title. Given it’s not even noon when we check in, our room isn’t ready but we’re welcome to leave our bags and use any of the hotel facilities. We decide that getting out and walking will be helpful in adjusting to local time and we’ll have pool time later, so we change, stow the luggage and head to the Ala Moana. It’s not exactly dark by the time we come back, but it would be fair to say it was dusk, and we had done a lot of shopping. The Ala Moana Center is home to 290 stores and restaurants, including Macy’s, Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom department stores. You can spend all day there. You could spend all week there. One member of our party would have happily done so. Hawaii’s state tax, which is added at the till, is 4.7 per cent, making it one of the cheaper destinations for shopping — by comparison, LA is up to 9.5 per cent and New York 8.8 per cent on many goods. And further assisting your retail decisions, Hawaiian Airlines helpfully give you a two-checked bags-per-passenger allowance. Many of the US fashion chains are at the Ala Moana — Gap,

Banana Republic, American Apparel, Old Navy (a basement of what feels like 10,000 acres) and global designer stores too like Chanel, Saint Laurent, MiuMiu. It was winter in the US when we visited, which meant even the Hawaiian branches of the US chains were stuffed with tartan onesies, cranberry-scented candles and chunky jumpers with fur trim. Perfect for winter back at home in Minnesota or more importantly for the higher-end retailers, Tokyo or Nagoya. Even “J Crew on the Island” turned out to be few teeshirts and togs, and more plaid and wool. But there’s plenty of other ways to use up the space in your luggage if you can resist the tartan onesies (it wasn’t hard). Neiman Marcus helped with that, Williams-Sonoma is one of my favourite kitchen/cookware stores, and Sephora had great gifts and stocking fillers in its aisles of makeup and skincare. And of course, singing its siren song is Pink, the little sister of the Victoria’s Secret lingerie behemoth. There’s a VS and Pink at both Ala Moana and in Waikiki, and whole days can pass in there if you’re shopping with a tween or teenager. VS bikinis and Pink sweatshirts have social currency at this moment, so it was high on Nico’s short list of Things to Do in Hawaii (surf, buy Pink stuff). By the end of that first day we’d shopped the Christmas list and were weighted down with bags for our return to The Modern. Where our room was ready, the cocktails were cold and delicious, and dinner was a blur as by then, we were feeling a little jet-laggedly. There can be fewer things more pleasant that waking up in Hawaii. After breakfast by the pool — The Modern has two, one reserved for adults — we headed to Waikiki, barely five minutes away by cab. It was here that we noticed the biggest changes since our last visit. The old International Market has been bulldozed, and the main street, Kalakaua Ave, is metre after well-heeled metre of alpha brands such as Tiffany, Gucci, Dior, Prada, Coach. But we’re not shopping today. Well maybe, just a little. I need a swimsuit — we find the best selection at Macy’s Waikiki. Pretty much a floor of them for women, men and kids, and more brands than at the Ala Moana. Macy’s also offers international visitors a 10 per cent discount, which is worth knowing. Then it’s the beach and the first (if you don’t count the shopping) of the highlights of the trip — a surfing lesson for Nico. Waikiki Beach Services operates from the sand-side of the Royal Hawaiian hotel (the pink one) and has been teaching allcomers to surf, standup paddle board and generally have a great time since 1955. Coach Matt gives Nico some land instruction, puts her on a Malibu board and together they paddle out to the surf break where I lose sight of them amongst the crowd out there. There’s no discernible rips, she’s accompanied, she’s a strong swimmer, so I try to relax under an umbrella between swims, while Stephen hires a paddleboard and heads out too. An hour later, Nico’s not just a strong swimmer, she’s a surfer, having caught ride after ride. The later afternoon is spent relaxing poolside at The Modern with a book and a cold beer before we glam up very slightly for dinner out. Nico’s choice: the Hard Rock Café in Waikiki. It’s been a long time between drinks for Stephen and I at a Hard Rock, but it’s her

the hobson 41

the journey

The lobby at The Modern Honolulu features an artwork created from damaged surfboards. One of the hotel’s two pools — daybed cabanas tucked under the trees can be reserved. A short walk away is the Duke Kahanamoku lagoon and a little further, the surf of Waikiki.

first time and the food is palatable, the happy hour extends for two and there’s lots of interesting memorabilia. We’d asked for family eating recommendations before we left Auckland and several people suggested the Hard Rock and its near neighbour, the Cheesecake Factory. Both can have queues and the Cheesecake Factory’s phonebook-like menu is like a Masterchef challenge — how can they do so many styles of cuisine well? But for service and food, we are happy with the Hard Rock and not too over-fed, having worked out that the American tendency to “generous” portions means what we’d call an entrée (appetiser in the US, entrée is main course) dishes up as much food as a main course would here, so we adjust our orders accordingly. The next night is dinner at another Waikiki institution, Duke’s at the Outrigger Waikiki hotel. Named for Duke Kahanamoku, credited with introducing surfing to the world, it’s another relaxed evening, and the Mai Tais are excellent. We only have three days in Honolulu and another day or a full week would have been perfect — in truth, any length of time would be just fine. I’d like to visit the Pearl Harbor museum and memorials, I learn from the locals that there’s interesting local boutiques now in the old Chinatown district, and a trip to the surf of the North Shore is always worth it. But that will all have to wait for next time. Another recommendation before we go: The Modern’s front desk and concierge are unfailingly helpful. We’d like to try a non-hotel breakfast. What would they recommend? “Goofy” is the answer. A short walk to 1381 Ala Moana Blvd, Goofy is a small, rustic cafe owned by a goofy-footed surfer. Perched above a store, it’s one of those places you’d walk past 10 times without noticing. Do go in — it’s the best local cafe we found — organic produce, green smoothies, juices, acai bowls, and palatable espresso too. On Tuesday morning we farewell The Modern and take a 40-minute flight to the Big Island, or more correctly, the island of Hawaii, called the Big Island to avoid confusion. The Modern had offered to store bags for us while we island-hopped, which is worth doing if you’ve got a few days back in Honolulu again — there’s a per-checked-bag charge on inter-island flights so it makes sense to take as little as possible. Kona International Airport on the southwestern side of the Big Island is perfection — open air, breezy, smiling staff; again, no-one seems to the have read the memo about maintaining a poker face.

The Big Island is the group’s youngest and largest island, and offers a panoply of experiences. There’s black sand beaches, rainforest, coffee plantations and world-class stargazing. It’s rich with cultural history, and a vulcanologist’s dream with the Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Last June the Kilauea volcano erupted, sending lava creeping towards the settlement at Pahoa. In late November it was still hissing and spitting, responsible for the “vog” or volcanic fog, a light haze that drifts in later in the afternoon. Our Big Island base for the next three days is the Sheraton Kona Resort and Spa, which sits on volcanic rock across the headland of Keauhou Bay, about 20 minutes from the airport. Imagine a hotel on Rangitoto. Constructed in 1972, it probably wouldn’t get past the first round of resource consent now, sitting as it does with its feet almost in the tide. Its position and architecture —particularly the lobby — make it not impossible to imagine the first words you may hear are, “We’ve been expecting you, Mr Bond”. But they’re not, it’s “aloha” and we’re soon poolside again, contemplating both the activities on offer and the happy hour(s) list. The pool complex is vast, with floating beanbags to relax into, ocean views and a belting waterslide, the longest on the island. The waters around the Big Island are another drawcard. There’s marine conservation zones for snorkelling and diving, local turtles to watch, and there’s the manta rays. The popularity of the manta rays — gentle, balletic, eagle rays with no stinger — in Keauhou Bay is in part due to the construction of the hotel. When it was built, lighting in the grounds cast its glow into the bay. Light draws plankton, and plankton is manta food. What started as an accidental night-time show has developed over the years to the mantas earning protected species status and an estimated value of US$250,000 each in tourist dollars. Despite voiced trepidation from some of our party as to the sanity of snorkelling in unknown waters in the dark, our night tour to see the manta rays is not only safe as houses, it becomes one of the best experiences we have had as a family. The hotel has recommended Eka Canoe Adventures, which starts with our marine biologist guide collecting us in a golf buggy for a five minute ride to the nearby dock. There, we board the Kini Kini sail canoe, a replica of a typical Hawaiian boat. It only seats eight, plus our skipper and guide. We circle around to a mooring that lines up with the hotel’s restaurant-

the hobson 42

“Blaine”, one of the manta rays that frequent the waters near the Sheraton Kona — photo by Bo Pardeaux/Second Wave Ocean Images for Sheraton Kona. One part of the Sheraton’s extensive pool complex, with the ocean beyond. Oceanside are the main pools and waterslide.

in-paradise, Rays on the Bay. We’re each given a wetsuit top, mask, snorkel, flippers and a pool noodle. After a briefing on what to expect, we are over the side, swimming to an adapted surfboard tethered to the stern of the canoe. The surfboard has handles along each side, one of each of us to grasp. Lying on our pool noodles, we’re floating, but anchored. Our guide flips on the light on the underside of the board …. and here come the rays. It’s like a private water ballet performance, conducted by fish with a span of up to four metres. We’ve been instructed to stay horizontal – legs moving in the water can frighten them away. All tour operators have a strict “look don’t touch” policy but the mantas don’t necessarily observe this — Nico receives the gift of a manta ray “kiss” as a wingtip gently brushes her when its owner pirouettes and spins beneath us. At times we have three or four of them at a time weaving and looping, including poor Linda, easily indentifiable by the large, rusty hook in the side of her mouth. (Protected but endangered, the Kona mantas are all identifiable to the marine biologists who study them). The next night, we’ll view the mantas from the hotel’s pier and again from our table at Rays on the Bay, and while you can see them putting on their show, nothing comes close compared to being in the water with the aquatic dancers. Extraordinary, and if you need a single reason to visit Kona, there it is. Kona also gives us a fun morning splashing around on stand up paddleboards in the blue waters adjacent to the hotel, there are bikes to hire and the historic township of Kailea-Kona to explore, with the added bonus of a late lunch at Bubba Gump Shrimp. We had intended to rent a car — John at the Hertz desk at the Sheraton goes out of his way for you — for the three-hour drive to see the Kilauea lava flow, but there’s been steady rain over that side of the island so we flag that in favour of more local sight-seeing. A short distance along the coast from the Sheraton is the Captain Cook memorial at Kealakekua Bay. This is where the explorer first met the Hawaiian people, and on his second visit, met his grisly end. His final landing is marked with an obelisk in the marine reserve. I’m drawn to history, Stephen and Nico are drawn to the pool, so one morning I go solo and they miss what turns out to be another highlight of this leg of the trip. The Sheraton offers free walking tours of its grounds, led by local staff with deep cultural knowledge of the area. Nani Kupihe grew up here and strolling with her is

insightful and rich on detail about the history of the area and its people. Again, highly recommended. It’s with great reluctance we leave the Big Island for the beginning of the trip home. It’s made easier by the Hawaiian Airlines staff at Kona Airport checking us straight through to Auckland, so once we arrive back in Honolulu we have a couple of hours to enjoy Waikiki again before clearing security for the flight home. We settle on the Hula Grill back at the Outrigger Waikiki for lunch. Overlooking the beach, it’s the rattan-and-palm print glamour of Hawaii of the ‘60s, minus Jack Lord. Homeward, we’re again cruising in Extra Comfort seats. This time, I pick The Descendants to rewatch — its locations are a take-me-back call to Kona and Waikiki, and a reminder that next time, I want to see the island of Kauai. A comfortable seat, a bag of chocolate-covered macadamias bought on board (a contender for the world’s best inflight snack), and George Clooney. Not sure a holiday could be much better than this. — Kirsty Cameron p

The Hobson flew to Honolulu and to the Big Island with the assistance of Hawaiian Airlines. Hawaiian Airlines flies nonstop from Auckland to Honolulu three times a week. For further information see hawaiianairlines.com The itinerary for our holiday, including the activities, was organised by the travel experts at Bon Voyage Cruises & Travel, Parnell. Ph 368 6800, bonvoyage.co.nz Special thanks to Darragh Walshe at Tourism Hawaii Oceania, and to Passion Jennison at The Modern Honolulu, and Kathryn Vanes at Sheraton Kona. We warmly recommend both these properties. Visit sheratonkona.com and themodernhonolulu.com for further information.

the hobson 43

the cinema

March at the Movies

THE GUNMAN — director Pierre Morel. Starring Javier Bardem, Idris Elba, Sean Penn, Ray Winston. When former Special Forces soldier Martin Terrier (Penn, above) attempts to reconnect with his former lover, things goes awry as he is betrayed by the organisation he spent his life serving. Forced to go on the run to clear his name, Terrier sets out across Europe to track down his fellow operatives, killing them before they can return the favour. A real mans-man movie, The Gunman pitches Penn, Bardem and Elba against each other. THAT SUGAR FILM — director Damon Gameau. Featuring Gameau, Stephen Fry, Isabel Lucas, Jessica Marais. If you enjoyed Morgan Spurlock’s Super Size Me documentary on McDonalds, or simply have an interest in health, then this is one for you. It follows Australian director/subject Gameau’s journey as he embarks on an experiment to document

the effects of a high sugar diet on a healthy body. Consuming only foods commonly perceived as ‘healthy’, Gameau pushes his body to the limit as he attempts to discover the truths behind the real additives in our food. An informative documentary made for an Australasian audience, it sets to challenge attitudes towards what we consider good for us. (Once you’ve seen it, check out thatsugarfilm.com for recipes).

X+Y — director Morgan Matthews. Starring Asa Butterfield, Sally Hawkins, Rafe Spall. Awkward teenage maths prodigy Nathan (Butterfield, above right) earns a spot on the British squad for the International Mathematics Olympiad, and life becomes more complicated. Forced to address his lack of people skills — and accept his mother’s affection for his favourite teacher — Nathan has to understand there is more to living than the mathematics he values

above all else. The film was nominated for three British Independent Film Awards, including for Butterfield (the star of Hugo), and Hawkins. X + Y opens March 26: this movie about maths has the right formula for the school holidays.

A LITTLE CHAOS — director Alan Rickman. Starring Rickman, Kate Winslet, Helen McCrory, Matthias Schoenaerts, Stanley Tucci. Based on the true story of Sabine De Barra (Kate Winslet), the female landscape gardener awarded the illustrious, yet onerous, assignment of creating the grand gardens at the palace of Versailles. Watching on with great interest is Louis XIV’s landscape architect and designer André Le Nôtre (Schoenaerts) and the king himself (Rickman) — both the most powerful man in Europe and an avid horticulturalist. — Caitlin McKenna All films listed will screen at Rialto Cinemas Newmarket this month

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the bookmark

Inspiring Reading

STUFFOCATION: LIVING MORE WITH LESS — James Wallman (Penguin) In this brilliant and original book, Wallman explains and analyses a pressing problem of our time – and goes in search of its solution. On the way, he visits the halls of the Elysée Palace with Nicolas Sarkozy, goes up in a helicopter above Barbra Streisand’s house, and into the world of the original Mad Men. Through fascinating characters and stories, he introduces the innovators whose lifestyles provide clues to how we will all be living tomorrow, and makes counterintuitive, radical, and world-changing ideas feel inspiring – and possible for us all. TRYING NOT TO TRY: THE ART OF EFFORTLESSNESS & THE POWER OF SPONTANEITY — Edward Slingerland (Allen & Unwin) Why is spontaneity so essential to our wellbeing? Why is it always hard to fall asleep the night before an important meeting? Or

to be charming and relaxed on a first date? What is it about a politician who seems wooden, or an athlete who chokes? In all of these cases, striving seems to backfire. Slingerland blends Eastern thought and cutting-edge science to show us how we can live more fulfilling lives. Mindexpanding and deeply pleasurable, it’s the perfect antidote to our striving culture. QUIET: THE POWER OF INTROVERTS IN A WORLD THAT CAN’T STOP TALKING — Susan Cain (Penguin) At least a third of the people we know are introverts. They are the ones who prefer listening to speaking; who innovate and create but dislike self-promotion; who favour working on their own. It is to introverts — Rosa Parks, Chopin, Dr. Seuss, Steve Wozniak — that we owe many great contributions to society, Quiet has the power to permanently change how we see introverts and, importantly, how they see themselves.

THE LIFE-CHANGING MAGIC OF TIDYING — Marie Kondo (Random House) In Japan, Kondo is the ‘cleanup queen’, author of two million-plus selling decluttering books. In this English language version of her first best seller, the organisational consultant teaches readers to cut through the mess with a radical method, instead of incremental roomby-room quick fixes. Kondo’s approach enables you to make your space more livable — and keep it that way. THE ART OF MEDITATION — Matthieu Ricard (Allen & Unwin) Buddhist monk Ricard combines the talents of a philosopher and scientist — he reminds us that to change individuals is also, ultimately, to change the world. Wherever he goes, Ricard is asked to explain what meditation is, how it is done and what it can achieve. In this elegant, authoritative and entirely accessible book, he sets out to answer these questions. — Gail Woodward

the arts

A Vine View

ummer brings the annual Melville family trip to the South Island and we always enjoy visiting some art outside Auckland. Stopping in Wellington to wait for the Interislander ferry, we paid a call to an old friend at the City Gallery. Our much loved photograph, Valley Candle, is currently on loan as part of the Yvonne Todd show, Creamy Psychology. It is a fantastic exhibition, with the artist’s work filling the whole gallery and includes some of the vintage dresses and other ephemera that Todd uses to create her fascinating work. If you are in Wellington, it is well worth a visit. In North Canterbury, our friends at Black Estate have commissioned local artist Wayne Youle to create a colourful mural at the entrance of the vineyard and winery. Black Estate are great supporters of the arts in New Zealand and are generous wine sponsors of the Christchurch Art Gallery, and New Zealand at the Venice Biennale. Since opening their tasting room and restaurant, Black Estate has become well known in the Waipara district for (among other things) their sleek black building, designed by architect Richard Naish. However, for some time the family had been wondering what to do with the run down old water pump shed located at the bottom of the vineyard, at the entrance to the property. General manager Penelope Naish realised it was an opportunity for art to contribute something to the local environment. Her brief to the artist was simple: to create a mural that provided passersby with a sense of place, and the values of Black Estate. Wayne considered what is important to Black Estate: family; looking after the land as a whole; organic and biodynamic practices; creating something true and real that provides a sense of place. Black Estate hope that the new artwork is something to make people smile, stop and think about. It certainly did that for us as we

came upon it amongst the dry summer landscape. It is playful and unexpected but also creates a direct message about what is important to them – the environment and considering it while they strive to grow beautiful wine. When Wayne was painting the mural on SH1, I am told he met many people over the fence who stopped to chat about the painting, or just gave him a toot. The Black Estate mural by Wayne Youle is a great example of art contributing something new and surprising in the rural landscape. I can also thoroughly recommend the chardonnay! — Leigh Melville

Top: Artist Wayne Youle (with Arthur and Sylvia Brown) and his pumphouse work at the Black Estate vineyard. Photo courtesy of Black Estate. Below: Leigh and daughter Frances in front of Yvonne Todd’s “Valley Candle”, at Wellington’s City Gallery. Photo courtesy of Leigh Melville the hobson 46

the sound

The Summer of Love

t’s been a long hot summer full of banging tunes on the radio. But with the onslaught of upbeat, autotuned plastic pop which makes up most of today’s hit parade, you inevitably end up feeling a bit exhausted by it all. Every now and then a song and artist makes its way out of the soup of perma-pop and drags you in. This summer, that song was Hozier’s “Take Me To Church”. It’s gospel tinged, righteous and angry with a killer hook. and it’s good. So eventually I hunted out the video and I was surprised with what it portrayed. In the video two men kiss, they are chased by a mob and eventually tracked down and beaten. I hadn’t realised that this was a gay anthem. I suppose it was because the lyrics were gender specific, with a man singing “My lover’s got humour/She’s the giggle at a funeral/Knows everybody’s disapproval/I should’ve worshipped her sooner”. It turns out the gay theme was conceived by the director, and created with the intention to raise awareness and support for gay marriage following Russia’s criminalisation of homosexuality. Hozier actually wrote the song after the break-up with his girlfriend. So it joins the short list of recent prohomosexual-rights pop songs such as Macklemore’s “Same Love”. It’s great that these songs exist and proclaim support of the gay community but it made me wonder out of all the socalled gay anthems, which one was the most honest, if you will. The one written, perfomed and embraced as a gay song. A lot of what we call gay anthems are not of themselves gay. Many are just reaffirmation of an outlier identity. Mika’s “Grace Kelly” is an example of that. While Mika was acknowledged as gay, the lyrics were more about being different and being proud. Same with “Tainted Love” by Soft Cell. The love is tainted, but it could be easily sung by heteros. “I Want To Break Free” by Queen was an interesting development in the gay oeuvre. A song more about freedom than an out-and-out love song, it proclaimed its sexuality by having a video with the whole band in drag. A video, by the way, that was banned in the States which makes Hozier’s video with men kissing all the more remarkable. Its universal acceptance on US music channels shows that the States have finally moved on. Frankie Goes to Hollywood’s “Relax” was obviously a gay anthem as it was sung by an openly gay band but the lyrics can cross the gender boundary, and it’s in the lyrics that we’ll find a truly great gay performer. Artists have been playing fast and loose with lyrics forever to suggest that they are about the “forbidden love”, without mentioning it at all. For instance, the Bananarama hit “Na Na Hey Hey, Kiss Him Goodbye” is considered a gay anthem because of its lyric sung by three women – “He’ll never love you the way I love you.” But is that

truly a gay lyric as it was just a replication of the Steam original, without any change to take into account the gender of the singers. Cyndi Lauper’s “True Colours” has been taken to heart by the LBGT crowd again because of the lyrics. “I see your true colours / And that’s why I love you, So don’t be afraid to let them show / Your true colours are beautiful like a rainbow.” But that’s just because she used the word “rainbow”. The rainbow has been associated with gay music ever since Judy Garland sang “Over the Rainbow” in The Wizard of Oz, and gays have used the phrase “Friends of Dorothy” as code ever since the film came out in 1939. But that happened because of the community’s love of the colour and hope of the film, and not because of any overtly homosexual plot. You could imagine that gay music had conquered America when Katy Perry performed “I Kissed A Girl” at the super-masculine Super Bowl. But that song was about something quite different. Verity Johnson recently wrote in the NZ Herald about the phenomenon of “barsexualism” where girls publically kiss girls to get guys. “I Kissed A Girl” is the barsexsualism anthem, and not gay at all. So who are the true flag bearers of honest gay pop? I think the true pioneer was George Michael, who finally put all the rumours to rest with “Freedom 90”. Seven years after Wham, “Freedom 90” shattered all the images the little girls had built up about George, and gained the respect of the boys. From then on his songs became honest. He in the lyrics, not she. Even though he changed sides, the way he did it meant he lost none of his appeal and is arguably more popular because he did. But the gay performer who I think has broken the most barriers is here in Auckland next month. Sam Smith is the breakout artist from the past year. He has exploded in America so much so you know that if Oprah could adopt him she would. Sam is a gay 23-year-old British man with a pure, high, extraordinary voice. His songs ache of unrequited love, and there’s a reason for that, as he told Fader magazine last year. “I’ve never been in a relationship before, I’ve only been in relationships where people haven’t loved me back. I guess I’m a little bit attracted to that in a bad way. [My debut album] In the Lonely Hour is about a guy that I fell in love with last year, and he didn’t love me back.” And the songs are beautiful. “Like I Can” and “Leave Your Lover” are openly and honestly gay. But they still have that emotional heft that all genders and sexualities can relate to. And the fact that America has taken Sam to heart gladdens my heart because at the end of the day, it’s just people loving people, and who can be down on love? — Andrew Dickens.

Above: Sam Smith. Photo courtesy Universal Music. the hobson 47

the anzacs

Hilda Mary Steele As part of World War I centenary commemorations, Remuera Heritage has undertaken a research project on locals commemorated on WWI memorials around the suburb. While her name is not recorded in stone, nurse Hilda Steele’s inclusion in the recent TV drama “Anzac Girls” piqued interest. Story by Remuera Heritage chair, Sue Cooper.

hen WWI began in August 1914, the New Zealand Army Nursing Service had yet to be formed. But by the October of that year, more than 400 New Zealand nurses had volunteered. A deputation of nurses met with the NZ Minister of Defence on New Year’s Eve, and cables were sent to both the British War Office and the Australian Government offering the services of New Zealand nurses. On March 25 1915, a cable was received from Australia asking for 12 nurses to be ready to sail on March 31. Hilda Mary Steele of Remuera was one of these first nurses selected to become part of the Australian Army Nursing Service. The 12 sailed from Wellington to Sydney aboard the Ulimaroa, and then on April 13, on the hospital ship Kyarra to Egypt. Hilda, born in Wairoa in 1887, grew up in Remuera with parents Thomas and Malvina, five brothers — Oliver, Harry, George Peter (Pete), Montague and Robert — and sisters Camilla and Minnie. Their home, Cricklewood, was in Arney Rd. Thomas Steele was described as a gentleman. A lawyer and then farmer of the Cricklewood run at Owhio in Hawkes Bay, he had made money investing in gold mining. The sisters attended Ladies College in Garden Rd, and Queen’s College, passed Royal Academy music exams and won prizes for floral art. In 1912, Hilda trained in nursing at Auckland Hospital. After arriving in Egypt, Hilda volunteered to start working in a new infectious hospital. With an Australian sister in charge, she and others did pioneering work in the Sultan’s Casino overlooking the Heliopolis Sporting Pavilion, and later she was one of the founding staff of a large Infectious Military Hospital at Chloral, on the outskirts of Cairo. The NZ nurses remained there and at the No. 3 Australian General Hospital in Abassia until March 1916, when they embarked for France to join the No. 1 Australian General Hospital. Hilda wrote to her parents from Egypt that New Zealand soldiers were delighted to see fellow Kiwi nurses. “Some of the wounds are terrible,” she wrote, “and yet the poor fellows make so light of them, and their one thought is to get back to the front”. She also called for the soldiers to get more benefits from the Red Cross funds, as they arrived from the front with nothing, having had to discard their kits in the field. In France, Hilda was stationed wherever nurses were needed. She was first posted to the No. 1 Australian General Hospital in Rouen, and then to the 2nd Australian Casualty Clearing Station – these stations were literally in the field, near the front line. It was here that Hilda experienced her first air raid. Shelter was in an open

air slit trench; muddy, cold, uncomfortable, with not all the nurses obeying orders to vacate their ‘safe’ shacks. A group of women lost their lives here with a direct hit on their slit trench. During an air raid at No. 2 Australian General Hospital, Hilda was asked to stay with a sick nurse who could not be moved from her shack. Throughout the raid the two talked about their war experiences, almost oblivious to the screams of the falling bombs. They were alarmed to learn in the morning of the damage done to the hospital, and of the deaths in the South African hospital next door. Their work was dangerous, and mentally and physically very demanding. After the armistice, Hilda went to London, to the Casualty Clearing Station base. She did masseuse training, the forerunner of modern physiotherapy. She developed appendicitis and was admitted to the Royal Free Hospital in Gravesend. She was discharged on medical grounds from the Australian Army Nursing Service, and returned to Australia on the Orsova, disembarking on September 6, 1919 and returning to NZ in November. The following year, Hilda was recalled from the retired list of the Army Nursing Service reserve, and nursed at Narrow Neck Military Hospital until she was discharged in November. It was the end of her military nursing, but not of her occupation. She held various roles, including matron, at Auckland Hospital between 1929 and 1938. In 1940, she opened “Greenacres”, a “guest and convalescent home” in Titirangi. Hilda was not the only Steele sibling to serve with distinction. Her oldest brother, Oliver, was a professional soldier, having fought in the South African War, and in India with the Royal Berkshire Regiment. He was killed in action in France in October 1914. Montague served eight months in Samoa as corporal (Signallers) with the expeditionary force, and later, was a second lieutenant in both Egypt and France. Robert was a sapper with the Field Engineers in Egypt, and Camilla also nursed, spending six months in 1917 on the hospital ship Maheno. In 1924, Hilda married Cyril Mulcock, a farmer 13 years her junior, and they had a daughter, Berys. In 1936 she was granted a divorce on the grounds of desertion. Hilda died in 1972, aged 85. Remuera Heritage acknowledges New Zealand Military Nursing: A History of the the RNZNC, Boer War to Present Day by Sherayl Kendall and David Corbett for research for this story. Visit nzans. org.nz for further information about military nursing.

Remuera nurse Hilda Steele and her brother Montague in Egypt, 1915. Hilda is wearing her NZ nurses registration medal on her cape, and the Australian Forces badge at her collar. Photo and information courtesy of Sherayl (Kendall) McNabb the hobson 48

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