The Hobson September 17

september 2017

restoring Ĺ?kahu bay p goodbye caughey preston local news, views & informed opinions

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The September Issue, No. 41 8

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the editor’s letter

the magpie Stuck for gift ideas for Dad? The Mapgie is here to help

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the columnists

the wheels

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Six decades after it first debuted, the Jaguar XKSS roars back into town

the village Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei seeds new life at Ōkahu Bay, Caughey Preston says ’bye, Dunholme Tennis switches it up, Remuera’s over the dog poo, meet your local board members, and more

46 the handsome Any man can smell better/look better/feel better with something from this selection

26 the councillors News from Councillors for Auckland Mike Lee (Waitematā & Gulf) and Desley Simpson (Ōrākei)

47 the second act Sandy Burgham on her 90-year-old father’s adventurous third act

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the reps And then there were three: MPs Paul Goldsmith, David Seymour and Barry Coates write for us

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the sound Andrew Dickens honours his mother’s life with just the right music

the suburbanist

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Tommy Honey likes light rail too, but warns it’s not the panacea to Auckland's congestion

the foodie

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the investment

the district diary

How does the market react to an election? Warren Couillault reads the signs

What’s happening in September

Recipes to enjoy from Jess Daniell’s My Underground Deli

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the cryptic

the greats

Our puzzle, by Māyā. Hint: some of the answers are local

The usual contributor of The Plan, Hamish Firth this month interviews one of his urban planning heroes, Parnell’s Clinton Bird

38 the portfolio September is Father’s Day, and we meet the fathers of some of our locals

Dinner's on Jess!

Remuera now has a branch of Jess’ Underground Kitchen, the cafe/catering business that takes care of weekday dinner decisions. To celebrate, we have two copies of Jess’ latest cookbook to give away, My Underground Deli, and two $100 vouchers to spend on food at JUK. To win one of these four prizes, email business@thehobson with JESS in the subject line by 5pm, Friday September 22, 2017. Bon appetit!

the hobson 4

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issue 41, september 2017 Editor & Publisher Kirsty Cameron editor@thehobson.co.nz Art Direction & Production Stephen Penny design@thehobson.co.nz Advertising Sales Rex Pearce rex@thevalueexchange.co.nz 021 883 891 News Editor Mary Fitzgerald maryfitzgerald.thehobson@gmail.com Writers This Issue Kirsty Cameron, Linda Donald, Mary Fitzgerald, Graeme Moore, Chantelle Murray, Fiona Wilson Sub-editor Fiona Wilson Columnists & Contributors This Issue Sandy Burgham, Barry Coates, Warren Couillault, Andrew Dickens, Hamish Firth, Paul Goldsmith, Tommy Honey, Mike Lee, Māyā, David Seymour, Desley Simpson Photographers Vanita Andrews, Stephen Penny, Jessica Kate Tweed Cover Flax taura (ropes) — an integral part of a plan to restore the ecology of Ōkahu Bay. Photo by Jessica Kate Tweed.

See The Village, page 22 THE HOBSON is published 10 times a year by The Hobson Limited, PO Box 37490 Parnell, Auckland 1151. www.thehobson.co.nz F: TheHobsonMagazine I: @TheHobson Ideas, suggestions, advertising inquiries welcome. editor@thehobson.co.nz Or via Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheHobsonMagazine

THE HOBSON is Remuera, Parnell and Ōrākei’s community magazine. We deliver into letterboxes in these neighbourhoods, and copies are also at local libraries, cafes, and at businesses including the Vicky Ave and White Heron dairies, and Paper Plus Parnell.

For more about us, follow us on Facebook or Instagram.

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.

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elcome to our September issue. We have a few changes in this edition, which also marks our fourth anniversary of publishing. In the good news, we welcome Mary Fitzgerald to Team Hobson, in the role of News Editor. Mary is a Remuera local and former Fairfax journalist, and we’re delighted to have her energy, and enthusiasm for local community news, in our pages. In not-so-good news, we have a farewell too. Due to the closure of Paper Plus Newmarket, Gail Woodward is no longer contributing her well-read words in our section, The Bookmark. We will be debuting a new book section next month, but we thank Gail for her contributions over 40 issues. (If you want to keep in touch with her, she was snapped up by Paper Plus Sylvia Park). We also have another change with The Cinema page: there’s good news for our reviewer, Caitlin McKenna (see below), and with that section, again, stay tuned for transmission resuming in a new format.

Kirsty Cameron editor@thehobson.co.nz 0275 326 424 Facebook: The Hobson magazine Instagram: TheHobson We have periodic inquiries about why your letterbox-delivered copy of The Hobson is wrapped — short answer, Auckland’s weather. We’re pleased to be able to pass on that our wrap (which is food-grade film) can be deposited in the “soft plastics” recycling bins now at most supermarkets (there’s one at New World Remuera) along with bread bags, fruit bags and the like.

Parnell resident Sir John Graham, known to 20 years of Grammar boys as DJ, died in August and was farewelled at St Mary’s-in-Holy-Trinity by family, friends and the many who knew him through his roles as educator, sportsman and coach.

In addition to his two decades as headmaster of Grammar, he co-founded the innovative Senior College (now part of ACG Education group) with former Diocesan principal, Dawn Jones. We send our sincere condolences to Sir John’s widow, Shiela, Lady Graham, and to his children and grandchildren.

More of the Parnell cliff fronting Hobson Bay was lost in the July deluges. This dramatic slip has forced the closure of the stairs linking Logan Tce to the bay and walkway below.

Council staff, contractors and geotechnical advisors are working on a remediation plan.

Congratulations to our film page contributor, Caitlin McKenna, who has two documentaries in competition at global film festivals. The Recipient, about organ donation in NZ, has been nominated for Best Documentary, Best Director for McKenna, and Best Short at the Scinema science film festival, and will also screen at the World Health Organisation and Red Cross International Film Festival. Ever After (which she researched, directed and produced) follows Australasia’s only female sexton through her work at Waikumete cemetery, and is nominated for Best Documentary at the AM Egypt International Film Festival.

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“At Auckland Obstetric Centre we understand that pregnancy and childbirth is the most important time of your life and that you and baby should have the highest standard of care.”

– Jane Patten, Clinic Manager

Auckland Obstetric Centre is a unique practice in Parnell made up of six leading specialist obstetricians and support staff. Together we have many years of experience and feel privileged to be able to share in the care of women during their pregnancy.

To find out more about how we can care for you and your baby call our team on 09 3671200 or visit our website www.obstetrics.co.nz.

Lynda Batcheler | Astrid Budden | Eva Hochstein | Katherine McKenzie | Kirstie Peake | Martin Sowter

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.playclc.com Precious Clark (The Kaitiaki) is a professional director who sits on several boards, and a young leader of Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei. A law graduate, she lives in Ōrākei and contributes a periodic column.

Remuera resident Warren Couillault (The Investment) is an executive director and the major shareholder of Hobson Wealth Partners, a private wealth advisory group. He is a shareholder and director of Generate Investment Management Ltd; and manager of a registered Kiwisaver scheme.

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. www.mthobsonproperties.co.nz Mary Fitzgerald is The Hobson’s News Editor. A Mainlander who transplanted to Remuera 13 years ago, she is passionate about hearing and telling our stories.

Urban design critic Tommy Honey (The Suburbanist) is a former architect. The Remuera resident is a regular guest on RNZ National, discussing the built environment.

Judi Paape (The Teacher) is a parent, grandparent and highly-experienced teacher and junior school principal.

A Parnell resident, her column appears bi-monthly.

Contributing writer Wayne Thompson is a former The New Zealand Herald journalist, covering Auckland news.

He has been a resident of Parnell for 33 years.

Contributing editor Justine Williams is an interiors stylist, writer and fashion editor. The Remuera resident has been the editor of Simply You and Simply You Living.

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C O L L E C T I O N

Image courtesy of Auckland Transport

the village

Town & Around $20M ŌRĀKEI SHARED PATH ROUTE REVEALED Auckland Transport and the NZ Transport Authority have announced the preferred route for the $20 million fourth and final section of the shared pedestrian and cycle path that runs from Glen Innes to Tamaki Dr. The shared path — with a total cost of $46 million — is a joint project between the local (AT) and national (NZTA) transport bodies to develop a 7km route connecting Auckland’s eastern suburbs to the city centre. The four-stage project started in 2015 and is to be completed next year.

AT and the NZTA have announced their preferred route for the final stage of the 4-metre wide path, following evaluation of eight route options, and ahead of public consultation this month.

The preferred route for stage four starts at Ōrākei Basin near the Orakei Bay Village development (connecting via underpass from the Basin side), crosses the Orakei Rd bridge and follows the eastern edge of Hobson Bay on a purpose-built structure, separate from Ngapipi Rd traffic. The path will join Ngapipi Rd south of the historic boat sheds and continue along the path in front of the boat sheds, connecting to Tamaki Dr at the Ngapipi Rd intersection, which currently undergoing work by AT to install lights.

NZTA’s system design manager, Brett Gliddon, says the preferred route is a significant step towards providing a safe cycleway from the city to the eastern suburbs.

However, boat shed owner Sue Dickson questions the Ngapipi Rd route’s safety compared to one of the other options, which

would follow the rail line across Hobson Bay to Tamaki Dr, much as it does now across Ōrākei Basin.

“Having a shared path passing in front of the boat sheds is dangerous. The boat shed doors open straight onto the current footpath and there is no buffer”, says Dickson. She also believes putting walkways around isolated cliffs, as it will along Ngapipi Rd, is dangerous in particular for women, citing the recent attack on a woman walking her dog along the boundary of the Shore Rd reserve. In a submission to AT, Dickson supports the path along the railway line, which required passing through Outboard Boating Club land (of which she is also a member). Ōrākei Local Board Chair Colin Davis is supportive of the full shared path, believing it will be good for both tourists and commuters. However, board member Troy Churton, a long-time propopent of the shared path project, says while AT and NZTA’s preferred route will have some useful amenity value, he would like them to acknowledge there were other options that could have delivered greater outcomes, and that these were discounted from further investigation mainly due to perceived costs.

“I support an alternative stage four shared path route that would run along the south side of the railway tracks from Ōrākei Bay, to the Judges Bay area,” says Churton.

Bike Auckland Chair, Barbara Cuthbert, supports the preferred route because, “it avoids the prohibitive costs of the Hobson Bay railway crossing option, including the impact on the Outboard Boating Club’s private land”.

“We’re working with NZTA and AT as the preferred link won’t

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work alone - it’s dependent on new clip-on lanes to the Ngapipi Bridge and extending the Tamaki Dr cycleway on the northern side to the bridge,” says Cuthbert.

The $5m first section of the shared path from Glen Innes to St Johns Rd was completed in 2016. Sections two (from St Johns Rd through the Pourewa Valley to Ōrākei Basin), and three (from the Basin boardwalk through to the Orakei Rd rail underpass) are to be completed in 2018.

As to the proposed Parnell cycleway, there is no further update from AT. Based on community concerns, AT agreed earlier this year to revisit the design of the cycleway, which would, as proposed, remove parking from St Stephens Ave and Gladstone Rd, impacting severely on Gladstone Rd retail businesses.

To read more about the Ōrākei route, see at.govt.nz/easternpath.— Mary Fitzgerald p

TILL DEATH DO US PART

Black

RRA VENTS FRUSTRATION TO LOCAL BOARD The Remuera Residents’ Association has aired its frustration and disappointment over a review by Auckland Council’s property arm, Panuku Development Auckland, of community facilities in the area. At the August 3 Ōrākei Local Board meeting, RRA chair Iain Valentine read out a letter to the board, which detailed the RRA’s concerns, and stated it was “dismayed at the lack of leadership” from the local board during the review, which resulted in the “2017 Meadowbank, Remuera and Ōrākei Community Needs Assessment and Facilities Investigation Report”.

The RRA has been championing the retention of community spaces in Remuera, especially the building at 4 Victoria Ave, used by the Citizens Advice Bureau and Plunket nurses, and which was revealed last year as on the list of facilities to be “optimised” by Council for “better performing opportunities . . . elsewhere.”

With local church and school halls at capacity for public use, the RRA wants the OLB to back it on retaining assets like 4 Vicky Ave, and work actively to secure such facilities.

Panuku conducted a community needs survey over the summer, which canvassed opinions from Remuera, Meadowbank and Ōrākei residents. Valentine’s letter detailed the progress of the survey and report, which was tabled at the OLB’s July meeting.

“In our opinion, the officers report and the attached researchers report takes us nowhere,” the RRA letter said in part. “We were very disappointed to learn that the research brief specifically did not include testing the viability of a community centre in Remuera – surely the primary reason for undertaking the survey of community needs in response to our concerns about the proposed future of No.4 Victoria Avenue .

“We are back to the status quo – the Panuku imperative to “optimise the asset” at No. 4 Victoria Avenue remains – and community needs remain unidentified and unsatisfied . . . . . . The survey [result] describes a clear desire for something better for Remuera.

We are dismayed at the lack of leadership of the Board on this matter – the lack of collaboration and partnership with residents’ organisations and the community. The whole process appears adversarial and can only be described as “ticking the boxes” for public consultation.”

The RRA letter said there were many possibilities for community spaces that could be collaboratively designed and developed.

It also noted the foresight of an earlier council purchasing 4 Vicky Ave, and said that “should not be squandered”.

“We say the investment made belongs to the residents of Remuera, not to wider Auckland. Proportionally we pay a significant quantum of the Council’s rates income, but

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see almost nothing in return by way of capital enhancement to the very few Council-owned facilities in the suburb . . .We need leadership, and not the window dressing that is the game that has been played over the last 11 months.”

The board has requested Panuku proceed with a financial feasability assessment for both the Meadowbank Community Centre and 4 Vicky Ave, and that Council’s Community Facilities provides advice on the process if the CAB were to leave Vicky Ave. The full text of the RRA letter can be read on its site, remueraresidents.org.nz — Mary Fitzgerald p

BRIEFLY; DIRTY BUSINESS Complaints about a rising number of dog deposits has forced the Remuera Business Association into posting signs asking dog owners to clean up after their pets. Waste left from dogs on morning walks along the Remuera Rd retail precinct is being walked into shops and cafés. “The signs were produced in an attempt to get people to stop and clean up after their dogs. Shop owners are increasingly tired of having to do this,” says RBA manager Laura Carr. Immediately removing and disposing of dog mess is a dog owner’s obligation under the Dog Management Bylaw 2012, and errant owners may be fined up to $300. “We love dogs in Remuera, and many people bring their dogs to work, but it’s the dog owner’s responsibility to pick up after their pet and keep our streets clean for everyone,” says Carr. p Meanwhile, dirt of a different nature has residents puzzled.

Unusual corrugations have been forming on the cricket ground at Remuera’s Thomas Bloodworth Park, but Ōrākei Local Board member, Kit Parkinson, who is responsible for the parks and reserves portfolio, says that there is no need for concern. “The corrugations are from grass strips that have been taken and transplanted to Keith Hay Park in Mt Roskill, to enable the fields there to be used for active recreation this winter, enabling the wider Auckland community to be more active, more often”, says Parkinson. The transplanting is a one-off, and during spring, the grass will be replanted at Bloodworth Park, in time for the cricket season. — Mary Fitzgerald p

LEGACY PROVIDER OF REMUERA AGED-CARE RETIRES The lives of the elderly residents and staff of Remuera’s Caughey Preston rest home were thrown into turmoil when the trust which operates the facility announced, with nine weeks notice, that it is to close. All residents need to find new care by October 1.

The reasons for closing have not been publicly disclosed. The chair of the Marianne Caughey Smith-Preston Memorial Rest Homes Trust Board, Andrew Caughey, says their sole focus is with staff and residents, and did not want to comment further about either the closure or the Trust’s plans for its substantial landholding. But accounts filed with the Charities Service detailed a widening gap between income and costs in recent years — Caughey Preston ran at a loss of $1.1 million in its last report, and had a $600,000 deficit the previous year.

Marian Caughey Smith-Preston, born in 1881, started the drapery store with her sister that became Smith & Caughey’s department store. Later, she bequeathed her shareholding into a trust for residential care of the elderly, to which the Caughey family has retained strong connections.

Caughey Preston opened in 1950 on a tree-studded 3.17ha (almost eight acres), bounded by Upland and Ventor roads,

accommodating and caring for the elderly. Close to 70 years later, the closure is a tough outcome for residents. Other retirement and care providers in the area have been asked to assist in relocations.

One resident in her nineties, Joan Waygood, has been supported through the change by her family. Her granddaughter, Leigh Melville, says moving her grandmother at this stage of her life is unsettling and unfortunate. Like many family members of residents, Melville says she has nothing disparaging to say about the care her grandmother received. “But it’s so disappointing how it’s all worked out,” says Melville.”It would have been good to have more information about why the closure was necessary.”

One of Caughey Preston’s 200 staff, who did not wish to be named, says the most rewarding years of her working life have been spent there and that to see it close, “is like a small death”.

Auckland Councillor Desley Simpson says Caughey Preston has been the residence of choice for thousands of elderly people, and is respected across the community for the services it has provided. “I don’t doubt the difficulty for the trust in making this decision, and it will be a challenging time for all concerned”, says Simpson.

While a tough time, the trust’s lack of public statement has led to speculation about both the closure, and the intended future for the site. The Hobson understands there is discussion within the trust about continuing to honour the spirit of Marianne Caughey’s intentions, by redirecting its support to people in hardship, such as Auckland’s homeless.

There is also neighbourhood speculation that the land will be sold or leased for housing development. Urban planning consultant Hamish Firth says the 3.17ha site is zoned Mixed Housing Suburban, and would be, in real estate talk, “a fantastic site”.

“The buildings could be demolished and the land redeveloped for a residential purpose or retirement village, or a combination of both”, Firth says.“If this was a vacant site, given its location it may accommodate a range of housing

CAUGHEY PRESTON

• Opened in 1950 at 17 Upland Rd, Remuera, as a non-profit, aged-care provider for approximately 100 residents • Rest home, hospital and secure Alzheimer’s care facilities • Residents to vacate by October 1, facility closes permanently October 31 • 3.17ha site zoned Mixed Housing Suburban • 2014 CV $48,000,000 • 2017/18 rates $38,658 developments. A density of one house per 200m2 of land area, excluding roads, may be possible. Give 20 per cent of the site to roads, then you might, in theory, get around 125 units on the site. You may get more using the existing built form.”

Whatever the future for the land, Caughey Preston has been an important part of the eastern suburbs community, and was once one of Auckland’s finest aged-care facilities. It will be fondly remembered by many locals, and missed, just like the thousands of residents it has accommodated. — Mary Fitzgerald p

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the village

DUNHOLME LIGHTS UP Tucked away in the valley dropping away from Ridings Rd, Remuera’s Dunholme Tennis Club is enjoying a new chapter.

With its origins going back nearly nine decades, Dunholme has recently installed LED court lights, along with resurfacing its three courts with synthetic turf.

Nestled amongst trees, protected from the wind and enjoying full sunshine, it’s not unusual to be on the courts and be visited by wood pigeons, tui and rosellas, say regular players.

Originally just one asphalt court constructed for private family use, the club was started in 1929 by Richard Pearse, on his land — his bungalow is pictured, right, with the first court and prior to that, grazing cattle. The court was so popular with the neighbours, Pearse built another three, followed by a pavilion.

Dunholme became a great place in the 1930s for locals to both play tennis and enjoy club social life. The club became an incorporated society in 1951 and in 1957, members started two years of fundraising to purchase the courts and clubhouse from Pearse, for a cost of about £2500. Over the decades since a new clubhouse has been built, and Astro-grass replaced the old asphalt courts before the most recent resurfacing.

Today, players range from five-year-olds to fit veterans in their 80s. The club offers weekday, weekend and evening tennis, and has interclub teams at all levels in mid-week and weekend competition. Coaching is also available, along with the very popular Tennis Fit. “Dunholme was one of only two clubs in Auckland without lights,” says club president Patrick Brockie. “We are excited to now have these available, along with a great new court surface, for our

members to enjoy.” — Linda Donald For more information, see dunholmetennis.co.nz p

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EST 1980

Top

Photo: Jacob Lucas

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ho better to ask about sweet treats in the neighbourhood than Lauraine Jacobs? The champion of NZ cuisine, author and food editor for the Listener, Jacobs lives in Remuera and while not overly-sweet toothed, shared with Chantelle Murray her top five treats.

A TALE FOR OUR TIMES I love to take coffee and cake to my 94-year-old mother and she declares this is the best carrot cake she’s ever had. It’s moist, not too sweet and a manageable size for Mum. Carrot Cake Cupcake, $5, Note Café at Lewis Eady, 75 Great South Rd These sugary cinnamon yeast buns are irresistible. Reheated briefly in the microwave, the buns from this family bakery are just perfect to have when you’re rushing around and need some sustenance.

Morning Bun, $5, 4&20 Bakery, 3A Clonbern Rd Choose from either the classic pink, or chocolate coconutcovered light sponge. Served with a generous portion of whipped cream, they make a superb morning or afternoon tea.

Lamingtons, $5 each, Browns Eatery & Store, 409 Remuera Rd My personal trainer at Jetts Gym recommended this crunchy, gluten-free slice – “Just occasionally!” It has a chocolatey base, a rich caramel filling and is topped with Krispies, coconut and more chocolate. Yum! The Whanganui Special Slice, $5, Note Café at Lewis Eady, 75 Great South Rd Each day Jess bakes delicious things and, if you’re lucky, you might strike this amazing slice with loads of real berries. It has a custardy, condensed milk filling on a buttery, shortcake base.

Berry Shortcake, $5, Jess’ Underground Kitchen, 158 Remuera Rd

The NZ Opera’s final production for the year opens this month, a lushly cinematic production of Kátya Kabanová by the Czech composer, Leoš Janácek.

The production has been in rehearsal at the NZO’s new Auckland headquarters in St Georges Bay Rd, Parnell. Kátya will have its NZ premiere at the Aotea Centre’s ASB Theatre on September 24, and is the same production that garnered rave reviews at the Seattle Opera earlier this year.

Recast as taking placing in 1950s “white picket fence” America, the NZO’s synopsis describes Kátya's passionate nature as putting her at odds with the conservative, self-righteous society around her. Conducted by Wyn Davies, the mainly Kiwi cast is joined

by Russian-American soprano Dina Kuznetsova as Kátya. “This production is a showcase of singing actors, orchestral colour and heart-breaking emotions with a spectacular design that combines 1950s styling with stunning projections,” says NZO general director, Stuart Maunder.

Book via Ticketek or see nzopera.com for details. p

CHANGES AT THE RBA After seven and a half years, gallerist Scott Dargaville is stepping down as chair of the Remuera Business Association, and at the same time, RBA manager Laura Carr has decided it’s time for a move for her too. Dargaville has relocated his Remuera Gallery across the road to the former Ray White Remuera office, on a popup basis for nine months, before he hangs up his Remuera shingle to live permanently in Cambridge, where he also has an art gallery.

Over their years working together, Dargaville and Carr can tick off a number of achievements, from the upgrading of a rutted service lane to the far more welcoming Clonbern Lane shared pathway, to driving the project of lighting the historic Remuera Library and former post office. They’ve overseen popular community events like the White Night arts celebrations, Bastille Day festivals and Lunar New Year; lobbied for improvements and dealt with hundreds of matters large and small with Auckland Council (which funds business associations via a targeted rate) and Auckland Transport (Remuera Rd is a main transport corridor).

“We decorated all the trees up and down the street with fairy lights and that turned Remuera into something really quite lovely,” says Dargaville of one of their earliest initiatives, which along with decorations each Christmas, add interest to the precinct. “Laura has

the hobson 18

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the village

always been adamant that we make sure we have a good Christmas, or good Christmas decorations.”

“Actually, it’s you Scott, that loves Christmas,” laughs Carr.

Praising Carr’s “dotting the i’s and crossing the t’s” thoroughness and her abililty to bring parties together for the good of a common goal, Dargaville reflects that it’s been a remarkably harmonious experience chairing the RBA through less-than golden times for many retailers.

“It’s easy to chair a group of people that actually get on so well together. And we never had any issues . . . everybody just got on with things. If anybody was stressed about something, we’d sit down and talk about it and we’d resolve it. That in itself is an incredible feat, I think, working it out.” As for retail, “everyone’s in the same boat.

Everyone understands that some weeks are good and some weeks are bad.”

The 2017/18 RBA executive is chaired by New World Remuera owner-operator Adrian Barkla. The other members are Graeme Moore, Mike Pero Real Estate (vice-chair); Chun Chung, Baker’s Delight (treasurer); Deb Chait, 4&20 Bakery; Terry King, Remuera Real Estate Register; Kate Boyden, Maman Boutique; Hayley Tapp, Life Pharmacy; Tara JahnWerner, Poppies Books; and representing the Ōrākei Local Board, Rosalind Rundle. A new person to take up Carr’s role as manager is yet to be appointed. — Kirsty Cameron p Right, Dargaville and Carr in the Village Green, another RBA enhancement project

MEET YOUR REPS

W

ho are the people who serve on our local boards?

Each month, Mary Fitzgerald will profile members of the Ōrākei and Waitematā local boards. This month, Ōrākei Local Boards’s David Wong takes the questions. Wong, a senior consultant in the insurance industry, lives in Ōrākei. A former assistant district governor of Rotary, he holds executive roles with the NZ Chinese Association and the Auckland Chinese Community Centre. He was elected to the board in 2016, and holds the Community portfolio, which entails making sure community spaces meet needs, are well used, and events receive the right funding and support.

Why did you stand for this role?

To stand for the board was a great opportunity and honour to represent community residents, also bringing diversity in terms of ethnicity, cultural and community thinking perspectives. The Asian demographic is over 18 per cent in the Ōrākei ward.

What do you consider the top two things you have achieved in your role so far?

Presenting to the Governing Body’s finance committee, with the other board members, on the draft Local Board plan, and lobbying for a Glenn Innes to Tamaki Dr pathway link from Gowing Dr through Pourewa valley. And committing funding support to local community centres and stadiums — it’s good to see activities like NZ Wheelchair rugby hosted in a venue like ASB Stadium.

What top four things do you intend to achieve in the time remaining, and why are they important to you?

1. Supporting local parks and open spaces in the board’s area, making sure plans are underway for areas like Liston Park and Ōrākei Domain, ensuring sporting and community needs are satisfied.

2. Developing practical plans for community facilities and upgrades and maintenance. Redevelopment of the Meadowbank Community Centre is top of mind.

3.

4.

To work collaboratively with residents, NZTA and Auckland Transport to connect Meadowbank, St Johns, Kohimarama, and Mission Bay communities to the Glen Innes to Tamaki Dr Shared Path. This way, all generations, from elderly walkers, cyclists to students, can interlink through this vital network.

Support community groups removing weeds, pests and predators in our nature reserves and other areas.

Tell us something about yourself that will surprise your community.

I was bestowed the honorary title of “Colonel” from the Governor of the Commonwealth of Kentucky when I led a Rotary Group Study Exchange to the US state in 2012.

What is your favourite Auckland escape?

South Head Golf Club, where the panoramic view of the Kaipara Harbour from the 14th hole is spectacular — in spite of my 22 handicap.

Tell us a little about your family.

My wife Helen and I are proud of our children – Samantha is a doctor, Declan a software developer and Davina is completing an accountancy degree. They are all alumni from Ōrākei ward schools. david.o.wong@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz p

the hobson 20

the hobson + ryman healthcare

Living With a Touch of Luxury “You just get that extra little bit of service and the whole team do their very best to look after your comfort which is good.”

Jane and her family marvel at how her social calendar has flourished. As well as regular trips in the village van to the shops for grocery essentials, the village has a constantly updated calendar of events and activities to keep residents entertained.

“I’ve got to know a lot more people and I can do all of the things I want to do.

“I play bowls, which is just a short walk away, and I play card games and Scrabble and all sorts. I can do all that here with friends from all over the village.”

Ryman Healthcare is currently building a new village on Campbell Rd (on the site of the former Logan Park hotel) to provide the same service for retirees.

Sales advisors Anna Irvine and Lucy Caldwell say prospective residents typically comment on how much the villages resemble a five-star resort, or even a cruise liner.

However, it’s the peace of mind and lifestyle options available that are often the deciding factors, they say.

“If you’ve never lived on your own before that can be quite daunting or isolating,” says Lucy. “So moving into the village you not only have that feeling of security, but all your needs are catered for.”

Both mention that because it is still your own home, you are encouraged to decorate with all your own furniture and special pieces, you can invite your friends over, and you can treat the village centre as your extended living area.

For more information about the new Ryman Greenlane Retirement Village, contact Anna or Lucy on 636 3883, or call into the sales office at 754 Manukau Rd, Royal Oak – it’s open seven days a week and the kettle is always on!

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For more information on our Greenlane Retirement Village phone Lucy or Anna on 636 3883 Sales office (Open 7 days) 754 Manukau Road, Royal Oak 7034

L

iving in a Ryman serviced apartment has led resident Jane Russell to experience levels of comfort in life that she never anticipated.

“It’s like living in a really nice hotel,” she says.

“I get clean towels every morning, which is a luxury I’ve never had. I get a cooked meal every day and the apartment is cleaned once a week and the bed linen changed.

“I’m grateful for these difficult jobs being done because it’s harder for me to bend these days.”

Jane originally moved into an independent apartment at Ryman’s Edmund Hillary Retirement Village, but when her health situation changed, she knew she had to review her living situation as well.

“I lost the sight in my left eye and I wasn’t comfortable driving.”

Not wanting to depend entirely on her daughter, she says: “I just had to make a decision for myself and I could see my life getting worse if I didn’t.

“My life had changed but I appreciated being able to change within the village.”

Jane swapped her independent apartment for a bright and sunny serviced apartment, with a great view of the village’s gorgeous landscaping and beautiful water fountain, and the added benefit of being closer to all the action.

The resort-style facilities include a 30-degrees C salted indoor swimming pool, café, spa, gym, library, beauty and hairdressing salon. A reflection room, village shop and bar are all under the same roof. The accessibility to these facilities is something Jane really enjoys.

Jane says she was pleased to find the costs associated with living at the village really balanced out. “You don’t have to pay for your water or electricity, so those are big items off your living expenses.

“And there’s always the fact that if you have a blocked drain or something, they will immediately come and clear it for you.

the village

Mauri returns to Okahu

W

eaving together traditional knowledge, science and aquaculture, mussels have been returned to Ōkahu Bay as part of a world-first environmental project by the bay’s kaitiaki, Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei.

Steered by restoration ecologist Richelle Kahui-McConnell (Ngāti Maniapoto), the launch last month of woven flax ropes, or taura, seeded with mussels, into the Ōkahu waters was the latest stage in a project launched three years ago to return the mauri (life force) and improve the health of the bay, which suffered from sediment build-up, run-off and sewage pollution for decades.

Research by Kahui-McConnell had found 500 tuangi (cockles) per m2 in the bay — healthy waters should have around 4500 per m2, and mussel beds once flourished at Ōkahu. Mussels do an excellent job of filtering high quantities of water, says KahuiMcConnell, and mussel reefs provide habitat for fish, all part of a healthy marine environment.

“The challenge was that in aquaculture, mussels hang under buoys, but you can’t have aquaculture in an urban setting. But we realised we had vertical surfaces with the pylons on the wharf.

the hobson 22

“The methodology comes from the voyaging waka from Hawaiki — there’s stories that the waka trailed taura of mussels. This combining of mātauranga, science and aquaculture is the first of its kind in the world, and it shows a dual-world process.”

The taura were created by Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei weavers, using flax gathered from their land. The mussels for the seeding were donated by the Coromandel Mussel Kitchen, and the project was supported by the University of Auckland, the Outboard Boating Club, the Ōrākei Local Board, Ōkahu Landing, and the NZ Underwater Assocation, whose volunteer divers wound the taura around the wharf pylons. The taura will be monitored monthly and it’s hoped that within a year the transplanted mussels will be seeding in the bay.

The mussel taura is one part of a 15-year environmental project by Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, which includes planting 220,000 trees. “Protection of our waters and providing a future for our whanau is paramout for us,” says Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei descendant, Donna Tamaariki. “Our daily connection with our moana recognises our ancestors and their kaitiakitanga.” p Opposite page, the woven taura at Okahu Bay; mussels ready to immerse. This page, clockwise from top left, - - Whatua - Orakei Coromandel mussels ready for the ropes; Bernie Waitere at work crafting the taura; launch day: Ngati head weaver Beronia Scott, with taura programme manager Richelle Kahui-McConnell and Stephen Pihema

Cover image, main image page 22 and weaving photography by Jessica Kate Tweed. Other images courtesy Richelle Kahui-McConnell

the hobson 23

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the councillors

DESLEY SIMPSON

W

hen we think of central government, we don’t always think of the influence they have over Auckland Council and the ratepayers of this city.

They do though — all local government decisions are made in accordance with central powers delegated through their legislative framework. They have direct responsibility for our motorways, fund half of Auckland Transport’s budget, and guide coastal management, to name but a few.

Auckland Council has been working positively with government this term on a number of initiatives. As a result of these discussions, we received two major funding investments for areas currently lacking in urban infrastructure (roads, water pipes, sewerage pipes etc).

The first was a $300 million interest-free loan to enable roads and below the ground infrastructure to be built, supporting the development of over 10,000 new homes. The second was a $600 million investment, which will enable government itself to directly fund Auckland’s infrastructure in greenfields areas.

This will open up the potential for tens of thousands of new homes, with the capacity for housing numbers to be doubled with private investment. With our limited ability to borrow money, Auckland Council is most grateful for this $900 million boost for our infrastructure needs to help us with growth pressures and our housing shortage.

So what is Council doing? We added an extra $200 million to our recent budget for infrastructure, bringing our own investment to just over $2 billion. Transport infrastructure, including public transport, is also vitally important to support new housing development, and we are working hard to get that right. By way of example, the Tamaki redevelopment in Glen Innes has an objective to ensure there is a bus stop no more than 500m from every new home.

The government has helped Auckland Council out with transport infrastructure too. For the past few years, the council and government have worked on an agreed list of transport projects needed for Auckland. Last month, the government announced a $2.6 billion investment for roads, busways and further electrification of rail, fast-tracking many projects on that list to assist us with our rapidly growing population.

Already we are seeing previous benefits to investment, such as the Waterview tunnel, which is tangibly reducing congestion and reducing travel times across many routes for commuters and freight businesses.

From our end, Council has increased our commitment to transport infrastructure too. Rail patronage is well ahead of predictions, and scheduled to hit maximum passenger capacity in 2019 with 21.9 million trips per annum, five years earlier than the 2009 model predicted.

One very big financial concern, which I clearly articulated to Auckland Transport at our last Finance and Performance Committee was “Why, when we had just signed off an annual plan increasing our expenditure for transport by $179 million from $587 million to $766 million, did you come to us three weeks later with a further $200 million ask for more trains?”

I accepted the apology from the AT chair, and his commitment that we will be fully apprised of similar scenarios in the future ahead of time.

Returning to local matters; this month the Remuera Business Association said farewell to two of their stalwarts; Scott Dargaville, who has been the chair for over seven years and Laura Carr, their manager (for about the same length of time).

Their dedication and commitment to promoting Remuera has been outstanding. I want to say publicly how much I, (and I am sure you), have appreciated their investment of time and effort into our community. New World Remuera’s Adrian Barkla has accepted the role of the new chair.

Desley Simpson is the Councillor for Auckland representing the Ōrākei ward

the hobson 26

MIKE LEE

A

fter years of delays, Parnell Station finally opened in March — but for Southern Line services only. Western Line and Onehunga trains don’t stop during weekday working hours, and Auckland Transport (AT) management remains uncommunicative about when they will. Given the length of time — since 2007 — I have been lobbying to get the station built, my misgivings about what I felt to be its premature opening may seem ironic.

But even now, five months on, the station is far from complete.

A walkway proposed and funded by the Waitematā Local Board to connect the station to Stanley St via Nicholls Lane, to serve the University of Auckland, won’t be finished until at least December. AT has also failed to build an underpass to connect the two platforms. More than a passenger-unfriendly inconvenience, the temptation to save a 100 metre-plus walk by just dashing across the track is a safety hazard, especially in such a busy part of the network. Nor is there yet wheelchair or disability access. And signage to the Museum is non-existent.

These defects and others have drawn the ire of bloggers, but instead of criticising AT, the anoraks have turned their politically-motivated bile on me – for having the station built there in the first place. I am more than happy to take all the credit for the station’s location in the historic Waipapa valley, handily placed to Parnell village, the Domain, Auckland War Memorial Museum (it’s a seven-minute walk from the doors), planned residential developments and the university, but that wouldn’t be fair to the Parnell Business Association, Parnell Community Committee, Parnell Heritage, Parnell Trust, Auckland Museum and the Waitematā Local Board.

The station’s real success story thus far is its centrepiece, the splendidly restored 110-year-old heritage station building, designed by renowned railway architect George ‘Gingerbread’

Troup, of iconic Dunedin railway station fame. Thanks to former AT project manager Nick Seymour, and to KiwiRail for fulfilling a commitment made in 2007 to the former Auckland Regional Council, whose members saved the old building from demolition at its original site, Newmarket Station. Under the direction of KiwiRail general manager Brent Lancaster, heritage architect Dave Pearson of DPH Architects and engineers Structural Design Ltd, the KiwiRail project management office and builder Libbet have done a superb job restoring this prime example of railway heritage.

KiwiRail has retiled the roof, reproducing the original Marseilles tiles, replaced the chimney, restored original doors and windows, strengthened and replaced the corroded veranda stanchions, removed inappropriate modifications, and repaired compromised aspects of the structure. Resplendent in its traditional railway station colour scheme of Canterbury Clay, Deep Chocolate, Marino, Ivy Green and Pioneer Red, the kauri building has both the sturdy workmanship and the elegance typical of the Edwardian era – Auckland’s “belle epoque”.

The station building, the Museum, and the Parnell Village evoke a common heritage theme for visitors. The station is the new gateway and the central link for these attractions, only a few minutes by electric train from Queen St. The restoration of the building’s interior is an essential next step in making the most of its full potential. However in order to persuade AT to get on and complete the job, there needs to be a community consensus on its future use. I welcome the leadership of Cheryl Adamson of the Parnell Business Association in organising a community-led approach to achieving this. I personally support a mix of commercial and community use for the building, with promotion of the Museum essential. As a user of the station, the ability to buy coffee-to-go would be great. I am sure the commuters there on dark winter mornings would appreciate a coffee as well.

Mike Lee is the Councillor for Auckland representing the Waitematā and Gulf ward

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the reps

DAVID SEYMOUR

PAUL GOLDSMITH

A

s the election approaches, it’s difficult to write an up-to-date commentary in a magazine with a two-week print deadline. Events are unfolding so quickly, with Opposition leaders coming and going.

However, this doesn’t alter our basic message, which is to say that New Zealand continues to do very well. The most recent official figures show unemployment falling to its lowest level since 2008, at 4.8 per cent and trending downwards. We see the jobs creation boom continuing, with the economy creating 180,000 new jobs in the past two years. We see confidence and investment levels high.

We see the Government’s books well managed and back into surplus, giving us options about where to invest, as we have on a massive scale to upgrade Auckland’s transport infrastructure, which was previously neglected.

We can invest in upgrading our school buildings and the way we teach in a digital age; we can afford better quality healthcare and extend the many efforts underway to help those currently disadvantaged.

None of this should be taken for granted, nor should we underestimate the contribution made to it by competent and stable government these past nine years.

In the past few weeks we’ve seen the likely nature of the alternative – political chaos and dysfunction. The co-leader of the Greens, a lawmaker, advocating that laws should be broken and defiantly revelling in her own breaking of those laws.

Over the next few weeks, Opposition parties will promise the world; our task will be to demonstrate to New Zealanders the real progress we are making as a country – most clearly and simply expressed by the decisions of thousands of Kiwis every year to stay or to return to their home, when a decade ago they were leaving in droves.

I firmly believe New Zealand’s best years are still ahead of us, and I feel privileged to be part of a Cabinet and a government that combines real experience and new blood, and who are determined to do our best for the country that we love. I hope we’ll have the opportunity to carry on the work.

Finally, I wanted to mention Sir John Graham, former headmaster of Auckland Grammar, All Black captain and inspiration to many, who passed away recently. He was headmaster when I was at the school in the 1980s and a great influence on my generation, demanding and insisting on courtesy and effort in everything we did, and encouraging us all to strive for excellence. It was truly moving to stand in the winter sun outside the Cathedral and feel the ground shake as 2500 boys bade him farewell with a rousing haka.

Our young New Zealanders have everything to live for, and John Graham played an outsized role in building that strong community that they inherit.

Paul Goldsmith holds three ministerial portfolios, including Tertiary Education, and Science and Innovation. He is a list MP based in Epsom.

F

or this September issue, the month of the election, I’m reflecting on my first three years as MP for the people of Epsom, Mt Eden, Parnell, and Remuera.

It’s been busy, as I’ve juggled national challenges and local issues, effectively wearing three hats as MP for Epsom, leader of ACT, and Undersecretary for Education and Regulatory Reform.

Locally, my staff and I have handled countless cases, with over 2000 people approaching my electorate office during the parliamentary term. It’s shown me how people care about hyper-local issues just as much, and sometimes more so, than the national issues that dominate election campaigns.

I’ve worked hard to advocate for constituents on issues ranging from a new footpath outside Newmarket Primary and a bus shelter for the Ranfurly Rd shops, to helping families with difficult immigration cases and negotiations with the DHB. Most recently, I’ve been occupied with the planned Gladstone Rd cycleway, ensuring residents’ and shop owners’ views are heard.

I’ve hosted regular public meetings and made myself available at countless community meetings. I’ve worked with business associations and non-profits to ensure the government understands the challenges they face in terms of red tape, tax, immigration, and more.

A common theme of advocating for the Epsom electorate has been navigating changes and the challenges of the future, such as teacher shortages due to high housing costs, pressure on aged care as we live longer, and the need to improve infrastructure as the population grows.

I’ve been working to address these issues as ACT leader, pushing National to improve in areas of underperformance.

We need to do more to reduce housing costs, improve options in education, cut wasteful spending, prevent criminal reoffending, and protect the rights of taxpayers.

That’s why in addition to campaigning for the electorate vote in Epsom, I’ll be touring the rest of the country to increase ACT’s party vote, giving us more MPs and more influence after the election.

However, as Epsom MP, my first obligation is to the people who elect me, which is why I’m working as hard as ever to represent the people of Epsom, Mt Eden, Parnell, and Remuera during the election period.

Simply being part of the community is central to being a good local MP. Since the previous election I haven’t stopped doorknocking and getting to know you all at school fairs, markets, and on the street. I’ll be doing the same for the next three years.

Right now, I’m asking for your electorate vote on the basis of my work so far, and on the basis of my support for stable National-led government.

David Seymour is the MP for Epsom.

BARRY COATES

T

hanks to readers for your great feedback after my profile in the last edition. It is a privilege to be your Green Party candidate for Epsom. Voters are telling me that taking care of our environment is a crucial issue.

We have inherited beautiful beaches, rivers and forests and we hold this natural heritage in trust for future generations.

Each of us care deeply about the environment. We recycle, use fewer plastic bags and save energy. Businesses are also starting to play their part in moving towards sustainability.

But our government is failing.

As a result, our water is polluted. Across our country, we can swim safely in only 40 per cent of our rivers. In Auckland, when it rains heavily, heavy metals and raw sewage flow into creeks and our beautiful harbour, and places like Judges Bay become a health hazard to swimmers. We can do better. The Greens will clean up our rivers, protect our aquifers and wetlands, and restore the health of our precious Hauraki Gulf.

The National government has pursued a ‘growth at any cost’ approach. More coal mines are planned in our old growth forests in the South Island, even though they destroy the environment and add to climate change. Coal is hopelessly uneconomic, and taxpayers are saddled with the clean-up bills. The Greens will stop mining on conservation land, and strengthen the Department of Conservation to protect our biodiversity.

The government has failed to take action on climate change. New Zealand’s emissions are 19 per cent higher than when the government came into office. The Greens will create the right incentives for land use, rewarding tree planting and making dairy farmers pay for emissions and nitrate run-off.

The Greens will also tackle our transport emissions.

Auckland needs a modern connected-up transport system, with fast trains and light rail to the airport and the Shore, connecting with bus routes. We can have less congestion, better quality of life and less pollution. It is affordable. The Greens would switch funding from the current obsession with roads to invest in transport alternatives, and save over $1.2 billion of costs from traffic congestion.

This is not only good environmental policy, it is good economics. Instead of this government’s polluting, speculative, commodity-dependent model, the Greens will support innovation, clean technology and sustainability.

We will lift our productivity and skills, so we can support a higher standard of living without destroying our environment. And we will build a fair economy, to ensure that all kids have enough to eat, a warm, dry home and a decent education.

We face a decisive election. We need your support to get more Green MPs into parliament, so we can be the beating green heart of government. Party vote Green at the election on Saturday September 23.

Barry Coates is a Green Party list MP based in Epsom

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the hobson + remuera live life local

A Salon of Style Caroline Rennie's The Porcelain Lounge offers a modern take on home decoration

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orcelain is enjoying a resurgence as part of modern home décor, and with The Porcelain Lounge, Caroline Rennie offers something to suit all styles.

Caroline, what inspired you to open this store?

I believe objects are core to the interior design of a home.

They should not be seen as just giftware, or collectibles — they have an existential value; they tell our stories and reflect our personalities.

And what’s your concept for this new space?

To literally be a beautiful lounge. We have a series of different looks, and people can come in with their ideas, photos or favourite pieces, and relax in the showroom while we discuss their decoration needs.

So it’s quite different from The Gift Room, which was here previously?

Absolutely. The pieces won’t be presented as if they are in a gallery. Rather, customers will be able to see the pieces within a setting that will give them inspiration.

Is there a particular market you are catering to?

The wonderful thing about accessories is that they aren’t static. Where you go, they go. So at one end of the spectrum we have younger people who could be renting, where our pieces can make all the difference towards making their space their own. At the other end, we have homeowners doing complete renos who are looking for signature pieces.

How do your products reflect this?

Our range covers everything — whether you are a minimalist looking for a critical piece, or wanting an eclectic look, there

will be something for everyone. We don’t like to pigeonhole, as it’s all in the eye of the beholder. We have the classics, like Wedgewood and Lladro; Moorcroft is art nouveau; Rosendale & Kahler is Scandinavian; there’s pop art from Lladro, and Iittala is contemporary. We have one artist who does the most amazing sofa sculptures, as well as one who is a WOW finalist for this year’s awards. Also, we stock items in glass, chrome and steel, and lighting.

What is your background?

I trained in law, economics and accounting, which led to strategic, regulatory and financial roles. I’ve worked for ANZ, Powerco, the Ministry of Business and Innovation.

Wow – so as far away from interior design as you could get!

Yes, my love of beautiful things, my own shopping habits and doing the interiors for my own homes and investment properties is what ignited the interior design desire.

Where did the idea of accessories having their own form of ‘identity’ come from?

Personal experience really. As a child I moved around a lot, so I’ve always been mindful of what makes a home. The Porcelain Lounge is a concept that works with you to make your space your own.

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Caroline Rennie in The Porcelain Lounge, 2/319 Remuera Rd. Photos by Vanita Andrews, interviews by Fiona Wilson the hobson 32

live life local

Blossoming in Remuera Marie Li is in her natural element at Iain Stephens Floral Design

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love of beautiful things, an introduction from a friend, and a suggestion from her husband, were behind Marie Li’s decision to buy her floristry business. The new owner of Iain Stephens Floral Design tells us why flowers are so important to our emotional wellbeing.

So how did you come to own a flower shop?

I’ve always loved having fresh flowers at home, so when a florist friend of mine made me aware that this shop was for sale, I took the opportunity and with the support of my husband, I purchased the shop. Now, instead of buying fresh flowers weekly, I’m surrounded by flowers daily!

You’ve been here about 10 months. Have you made any changes to the shop?

A few small changes – the shop interior has been redecorated to reflect a more fresh and modern style that goes nicely with our great service, and of course, beautiful fresh flowers.

Are you hands-on in the business?

I’m here every day enjoying the buzz of the shop and supporting my amazing team of florists.

What inspires your creativity?

It comes from within, drawn from my experiences of travelling worldwide and my passion for design and fashion.

What’s your favourite part of owning a floristry business?

That I can bring some sunshine into peoples’ lives. I want people to enjoy the different emotions that flowers give — love and happiness is so important.

Do you have many regular clients?

We do, both corporate and private customers. We love our

regular customers popping in for a chat. Actually, that’s one of my favourite things, people just calling in to have a chat.

Is there a downside to floristry?

The hours! I have to be up at 4am in order to make the flower market auctions that start at 5.30am.

You came to New Zealand from China – is floristry different there?

Yes! China has more flower types than here, hundreds more!

But I prefer the New Zealand style of floristry.

What do your future plans for the shop involve?

I would like to expand our wedding and corporate events.

What do you like about working here in Remuera?

Everybody is really friendly and polite, and there’s a sense of a real feeling of elegance to Remuera.

You’re surrounded by lovely blooms all day, but what is your personal favourite?

It would have to be the exotic orchid for their beauty and lasting qualities.

Do you see this becoming a family business?

My son, Aaron, is only four, so it’s a little early to say! But my dream is to be able to design the flowers for my son’s wedding one day.

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Marie Li in her fragrant business, Iain Stephens Floral Design, 326 Remuera Rd. To read more about these local businesses, see www.remuera.org.nz the hobson 33

the suburbanist

Not Given Lightly

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s we near the election, politicians, economists, journalists and hucksters are asking if Auckland is ready for a lighter shade of rail. Who would have thought that the tide of concern about affordable housing would recede so quickly, to be replaced with a tsunami of ideas about transport – apart from the Greater Auckland transport interest group and their Congestion Free Network, of course. And what ideas! Light rail! Heavy rail! Busways!

New roads! More, more! Now, now! Later! Maybe, not so sure . . .

Internationally, it is becoming commonplace that when transport gets tough, the tough get light rail – also referred to as Light Rail Transit or LRT. It is often seen as a panacea and it has many advantages but it comes with its own baggage, as it were. Sometimes known as a fast tram, it operates on tracks in exclusive right-of-ways, with either individual cars or multiple units coupled to form a train.

Because LRT uses existing infrastructure — usually on existing roads — it has significantly lower upfront capital costs than traditional commuter rail, which often requires its own exclusive rail corridor.

However, a rail corridor can also carry freight and is not affected by other modes of transport, which can be an issue for LRT. Proponents of LRT point to a number of benefits including increased capacity, high frequency services and high service reliability. When compared to buses, LRT usually has less frequent stops, can have higher capacity and can go faster. Some opponents of LRT claim that buses might go slower but they are more flexible, and don’t need the additional track-based infrastructure. Some of the differences come down to perception and personal preference.

Some people have an almost ideological preference for certain modes of public transportation and view buses as boring and trains as sexy. This view was supported in research done at the University of Sydney where people overwhelmingly supported LRT over BRT (bus rapid transport). However, when the researchers dug deeper, there was support for buses from people who used them regularly, and even greater support if they had a seat for the entire duration of their last ride. Essentially, what people prefer is good service and if that is on a bus, then that is their preference. The researchers noted that advanced bus systems can perform as well as, or better than, streetcar or light rail systems for less money. And that enthusiasm for LRT has caused many to overlook the potential for more costeffective bus-based systems, and even simpler improvements to bus services that do not require a dedicated right of way.

To their credit, Greater Auckland’s Congestion Free Network proposes an integrated mix of buses, light rail and commuter rail.

What they oppose is more roads and the congestion and pollution that results from more cars on the road.

There have been some epic fails of LRT. The system developed for the Sochi Winter Olympics has severely dwindled its services, and there are reports that LRT systems developed 30 years ago for the US cities of Buffalo, Portland, Sacramento, San Diego and San Jose have neither rescued the economies of their respective regions nor resulted in higher transit use. This would not appear to be an issue for Auckland, where public transport use is going gangbusters even without new options, and the economy is straining under the pressure of current congestion. A recent NZ Institute of Economic Research report calculated this economic loss to be $1.9bn annually.

We need a solution – or a combination of them – and it is great that the issue is getting so much attention as we head to the ballot box. But more than a solution, we need a commitment to starting (how are those bridges in North Auckland coming along?). Changes of this magnitude take time and we won’t reach our destination if we sit in the station squabbling about whose turn it is to drive.

— Tommy Honey

the investment

The Election & The Market

RESORT LIVING 7 Cheverton Place, St Heliers

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very three years, the voters in New Zealand cast their vote for whom they think should lead our country. What specifically determines the election outcome? And what drives the financial markets’ reaction to the election results? It is easy to jump to conclusions regarding the effect on markets and investment portfolios from the outcome of the forthcoming general election: good if the Nats win, and bad if they don’t, right? But really, the market reaction to whichever party wins and whomever is Prime Minister predominantly depends on the economic situation that the incoming party inherits.

Or rather than just the health of the economy, is the election determined by the status and popularity of each party’s leader, their respective manifestos or policy platforms, or the “mood” of the electorate? It’s probably all of these factors and more and, although it might appear obvious, the strength of the economy is likely the single key determinant in deciding which party will come out on top. Not everyone is affected by a party’s education policy because not everyone has children. Not everyone is fully up-to-speed on international issues to fully comprehend a party’s stance on immigration. But most, if not all people, do care about their money and financial assets, the state of the financial markets where they invest their money, the security of their jobs and job prospects. All of these concerns are directly linked to the economy, so perhaps it is indeed the decisive factor in determining election outcomes.

In the USA — which as we all know, last year completed its most recent four-year presidential election cycle — historically if the economy is strong, Americans will usually vote for the same party (or candidate). And if times are relatively tough, they will demand change. I’ve read reports that show that more than 80 per cent of the times where the S&P500 has been strong in the three months leading in to the November election, the incumbent party (or more accurately, its presidential candidate) has won. And the same applies when the markets have been weak over the same time period: over 80 per cent of times the opposition party/candidate has won.

Financial markets typically respond better to elections whose outcomes are more predictable because if there is one thing the markets hate, it is uncertainty and surprises. However, it is important to note that volatility in the markets is a result of emotion driving investing and not the actual election itself.

On the surface, it may seem that the National Party policies and approach are more business-friendly than those parties on the left side of the spectrum. So one would expect the markets to favour a clear National victory. Again though, historic results are mixed, with markets enjoying both gains and losses during periods of both National and Labour-led governments.

For investors, the best way to prepare for any market volatility going into and subsequent to, the election, is to focus on broader economic trends in both NZ and international/US markets. Keeping a long-term perspective will help you make better decisions and alleviate any risks to your portfolio.

Remember that whoever is elected will last only three years (maybe) and more than likely no more than nine years. You, on the other hand, are investing for the long, long term. A great old saying to remember is that the risk to your portfolio is not necessarily the volatility itself of the markets post-election, rather the approach you take to dealing with this volatility.

— Warren Couillault

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the greats

Clinton Bird, Planning Master This month, urban planner Hamish Firth sets aside his usual column, The Plan, to start the first in an occasional series, “Interviewing the Greats”

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linton Bird is a long-time Parnell resident, and one of Auckland’s most well-known and well-respected urban designers. He is really an expert in all things “urban design”. I have known Clinton for more than 12 years, and have tremendous respect for his knowledge and diligence. His attention to detail means he is, in my mind, one of New Zealand’s leading urban designers with his input adding value to projects both from a financial, and more importantly, an aesthetic point of view. I often joke that if I had been in his classes at university he would have failed me for my lack of the qualities he possesses, and would expect from his students.

of a broad range of professionals and non-professionals, from architects, planners, heritage experts, economists, sociologists, health experts, climate change experts, members of local communities and so many more.

Increasingly, urban design needs to acknowledge and address an expansion of the traditional focus on, and intervention in, the public realm, to now include the private realm and the importance of economic and environmental sustainability.

I would say urban design today is a collective enterprise between all public and private sector urban-minded parties involved in city plan making, administration, and development, with the goal to achieving an economically and environmentally responsive and sustainable city form, incorporating a diverse range of residential, institutional, commercial and recreational activities, which is equitably accessible physically, socially and culturally.

Hamish Firth, on left, with Clinton Bird. Bird lauds the Trinity Apartments, right, as an example of good urban design, citing elements including its L-shape and residential green spaces, and its public artwork and accessible seating area

Clinton has had a varied and distinguished career. He has been Associate Professor of Architecture and Urban Design at the University of Auckland, the author of some of the plan changes that brought urban design rules to our city; and also objectives and policies into the district plans at the then-Auckland City Council. He is a founding member of Auckland Council’s Urban Design Panel, and a regular and respected expert witness in front of the Environment Court.

Clinton is now an urban design consultant with a focus on large-scale projects up and down the country.

Hamish Firth: The first and biggest question: What is urban design?

Clinton Bird: This is a difficult question. These days, urban design seems to mean all things to all people. If you had asked me this question in the mid ‘70s, I would have said it was about “the design of public space between buildings, by mediating between city plans and architectural projects”.

However, I no longer believe that urban design is as simple as that.

Since then, I have witnessed the scope of the urban design discipline expand exponentially. It now involves the interests

Why is good urban design important?

Because cities represent the use of increasingly scarce and valuable land, materials and human resources. The time that a development is designed is the optimum time to ensure that those resources are used wisely, and in an economically and environmentally sustainable manner.

You worked at the University of Auckland for 30 years.

How has the perception of urban design in New Zealand changed in that time?

It has changed immensely. It has gone from being something ‘nice to have’ to something which is considered critical to good, liveable and internationally competitive cities. When I started teaching at the University School of Architecture in 1979, there was only one optional or elective undergraduate course in urban design. When I left in 2008, there were two undergraduate courses, one of which was core or compulsory; and a Master’s degree in Urban Design

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that my colleague Professor Diane Brand and I co-launched in 2005.

Local governments up and down the country have now established independent urban design panels to review resource consent applications, and many have incorporated urban design assessment criteria in their District Plans.

Today, urban design tends to be regarded as highly subjective and is often the most focused-upon and hotly debated professional discipline associated with a resource consent application.

At what point do you think good urban design became important? Why do you think it became more important?

It came to the fore because there was dissatisfaction with the quality of a lot of the buildings, and the streetscapes that were resulting from buildings that were poorly designed; low cost and the developers of which often sought to maximize profits at the expense of creating high quality streetscapes. In Auckland City, this started to become apparent from the mid 1990s when apartment living became more prevalent. People felt they weren’t getting the city they wanted.

What cities can you think of that urban design is front a centre and what outcomes make that so?

I consider Melbourne, Wellington and Auckland to be good examples. Although over differing time periods, these cities have undergone urban transformations to become more mixeduse, intensive, vibrant, 24/7 places with legible and coherent patterns of streets and public spaces in which people of all ages and cultures can live, work, shop, dine, play and be entertained, without having to rely on private motorised transport.

In my opinion, a key factor in the success of this process in Melbourne in particular, has been the continuity of senior Council staff, where the collective commitment to and memory of the urban design history and goals articulated for the city become firmly embedded in the culture of the Council planning and urban design departments. High staff turnover tends to undermine the potential benefits of this critical culture.

You were one of the people responsible for Urban Design regulation and standards being incorporated into the Auckland City District Plan. Have you seen a change in our built form as

a result?

Yes, definitely. The introduction into the district plan of urban design objectives, policies, standards and assessment criteria has made Council’s expectations in terms of urban design outcomes more explicit. This clarity has been welcomed by quality-driven developers and has assisted professionals advising some of the more profit-focused developers to ‘lift their game’, and to deliver better quality buildings and streetscapes. In my experience, good development and good urban design go hand in hand and result in a win-win outcome.

You live and work in Parnell, in the Trinity Apartments opposite the Holy Trinity Cathedral. What characteristics of good urban design can be seen in the building?

In my opinion, the Trinity Apartment building has many good urban design characteristics. The building is responsive to, and maintains, the scale, grain, permeability and character of the urban structure of the surrounding area.

This building features as an exemplar of apartment and urban design in the Auckland Council Design Manual for Apartments.

You’re now an urban design consultant. What does an average month look like for you in terms of your work?

As a sole practitioner, it varies. Sometimes I work seven days a week and at other times less. Being able to respond to varying workloads and pressures is something I enjoy.

An average month would involve around 180 hours of work.

This would include site visits, photographing sites and their surroundings, formulating urban design-based building block layouts and street relationships, attending project team meetings, attending pre-lodgement meetings with Council officers, liaising with the project architects, writing and illustrating urban design review reports, preparing urban design evidence for Council Hearings and/or (increasingly rarely) giving expert evidence at Environment Court Hearings.

Clinton, thank you for providing input into making the face and body of Auckland and New Zealand a better place to live. I am very proud to have been able to work with you over the years and to now have a greater understanding and appreciation of the ingredients and processes necessary to achieve good urban design outcomes.

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the hobson 37

the portfolio

Dear

This photo of my dad, David Coates, hangs prominently on my wall. It's a constant source of smiles. I look at his photo and see the kindness and pleasure he took in life, and it helps remind me to be grateful. After more than two decades, I celebrate my Dad and his life whenever I look at that photo. — Barry Coates, Greens MP based in Epsom

Dads

In honour of Father Day on Sunday, September 3, we asked locals to share a special photo of their dad

This shot of my father, Arthur Henry Churton, and I is circa 1968, at Pakatoa Is. Would you believe I still have Dad’s old speedos from this photo? They are classic!

Really well crafted. Whenever I see any old photo of Dad nowadays, I feel incredible gratitude for his loyalty, professional success and the upbringing he gave us. The strong sense of loyalty and legacy I have — and perhaps the fear I don’t do it as well for my own kids — comes from everything he did for me, whether I knew it or not at the time. — Troy Churton, member, Ōrākei Local Board

This is my father, Peter Roselli, who’s now 88, with my daughter, Maddie Hight, two years ago when she graduated from Massey, in Wellington. Dad lives in Westport, and used to fly up to accompany my girls to their Father/Daughter breakfasts at Dio. He’s wearing a Working Style suit he was delighted to win in a raffle at one of those breakfasts! — Cathy Roselli, sales agent, Ray White Parnell

"My dad got me into music. It was always in the house when I was growing up, and through him I got to meet loads of cool musicians from far-flung corners of the world — he used to play bass for visiting musicians. I used to play in his bands when I was very young, along with my younger brother, Joel. Dad was a hard taskmaster! He made us play very difficult music, sometimes in front of thousands of people. However, this prepared me for my life as a musician. One of the coolest things we ever did was a tour and album, Life Time, with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra. We have recorded and played together for over 35 years and we’re not stopping any time soon! — Musician Nathan Haines, with father Kevin Haines

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the portfolio

The special thing about this photo is that Dad’s in it.

He survived a massive heart attack 15 years ago to remain active in our family life. The photo’s in front of a Paula Coulthard artwork depicting Little Huia, a special place for our family for many generations.

— Paul Goldsmith, National list MP based in Epsom, with his father, Lawrence Goldsmith

Going on the ski lift was so exciting (and scary) when I was a kid.

I’m 4 or 5-years-old in this photo with my dad, Ken. When we got to the top, Dad and I would slide down the slopes on a plastic sheet or sometimes I’d go down in my baby brother’s bath tub, which made an awesome sleigh. Once Dad even tried going down in it and he ended up breaking it of course - what was he thinking! The treat after a day out in the snow was always a hot Milo and baked beans and sausages on toast. Sadly, Dad passed away three years ago – I miss him every day and am gutted he never got to meet Bodhi, who would have been his first grandchild, but I’ll make sure we get to have the same kind of fun at the snow someday. My latest cookbook, Let’s Eat! is dedicated to Dad. — Nadia Lim, cookbook author, My Food Bag entrepreneur This picture is special to me because it’s a snapshot of my father, Makoto Tsuruta, coming in to drink the coffee that I made. I remember as young as when I was 5, him drinking coffee before going to work. He was in such a hurry that he couldn’t even finish it off. Now, he’s retired and has time to enjoy drinking my coffee.

Thanks Dad, always, and happy Father’s Day. — Hana Teramoto, co-owner, Catalyst Coffee, Remuera

the hobson 40

My Dad is the best. He’s a cardiologist who works at Auckland Hospital and the Auckland Heart Group. When I’m out with Dad we always seem to run into his patients, and they all say how amazing he is. He even gives up his own time to do charity work in Fiji, seeing people who need cardiac surgery. My Dad always says how lucky we are to live in an amazing community — he’s from Cape Town but loves it here. My dad is busy but always seems to have the time for my sister, Laura, and I. — Sam Gerber, Year 7 student from Remuera, with father Ivor and sister Laura

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the magpie

The Father Lode The Magpie bestows gifts of love (and comfort) for Father’s Day 1

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1. I have my beady eye on you. The Karen Walker Monumental Hemingway is bang on trend for summer shades. $329, from Karen Walker Balm St, Britomart, or karenwalker.com 2. King Living’s Seymour Chair High Back Fixed ($2979) and Seymour Fixed Foot Stool ($1568) was created in collaboration with Australian designer Charles Wilson. Generous in proportion and very inviting, there could be tussles over whose chair it is. Also available as a swivel base, King Living, 535 Parnell Rd 3. Extravagant we know, but The Magpie loves both luxury and a sharp desk accessory. The Louis Vuitton Gaston Pencil Holder in leather with a monogrammed canvas lining is executive style deluxe. $845, Louis Vuitton, Queen St 4. A good scarf elevates any man-outfit and this Barkers Sovereign Stripe number is particularly snazzy. Work it with jeans and a t-shirt, through to a suit. $29.99, from Barkers stores

5. The Magpie is fastidious about her grooming, and likes males of all species to be equally so. Deadly Ponies Astro Washbag, $345, is timeless, stylish and a good size to fit all a man needs in his travel arsenal. From Deadly Ponies stores or deadlyponies.com 6. Former Wall St Journal sports editor Sam Walker set out to discover the greatest sports teams of all time, and importantly, what is it exactly that makes them great. Peppered with plenty of All Blacks references, The Captain Class is a fascinating and compelling read.

Published by Penguin, $38 from Poppies, in the Village Green, 415 Remuera Rd 7,8 Everyone can rock a navy and white stripe — with a jacket while it’s still a bit cool out, sans jacket to let your Dad guns show once the sun comes out. Levis Classic Pocket Tee, $59.90. And they’re back. Levis 501s. Original Fit for Original Dads. Cool. Happy Days. $169.90. Both from Route 66, Broadway

the hobson 42

9. Another timeless style is this red check shirt from TopMan. Wear it buttoned or open over a white t-shirt, or under a winter knit. Check it out: $60 at TopShop/ TopMan, Queen St 10 This khaki marle Cotton On Mash Up Crew helps set the smart casual dial. Give it to him for Father’s Day and he’ll look on point every weekend. $44.95, from Cotton On stores 11. You could think of this Epi leather Christopher backpack as a new heirloom, to be passed from father to son — if your daughter doesn’t acquire it first. Or just think of it as the smartest backpack, ever. $6100, from Louis Vuitton, Queen St 12. Doctor’s Flat Pinot Noir 2014 is acclaimed by Caro’s as being their best discovery from Central Otago. Winemaker Steve Davies made wine for Carrick and Akarua before developing his own vineyard. Enjoy now, or cellar. $47.99 from Caro’s, 114 St Georges Bay Rd or caros.co.nz

13. The e-bike is the must have action toy de jour, and the Focus Aventura2 looks pretty flash even to a winged bird. With a top speed of 32kph and a range of some 200km on a single charge, this has got to be the best way to get around. $4499 from Rush Velo, 52 Remuera Rd, rushvelo.co.nz 7

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the wheels

Sealed with an XKSS You can’t order this car for Father’s Day, but you can have fun just looking, as Graeme Moore discovered

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reated in 1957, the Jaguar XKSS is regarded as the world’s first supercar. A street version of the D-Type, which won the Le Mans race three times, and the fact that Steve McQueen owned one, burnished its byword-for-cool legend even further. There were to be 25 XKSS’s built, but after 16 were completed, a fire at Jaguar’s Midlands factory destroyed the remaining nine chassis.

But as any classic car buff knows, where there was a chassis, there’s a chassis number. And now, six decades later, Jaguar’s Special Operations Division has put the XKSS into production once again, creating nine new vehicles — using up those last nine chassis numbers — to complete the originally intended 25 cars.

One of those nine is now in New Zealand, purchased by Giltrap Group joint managing director, Michael Giltrap. And when you pay a million pounds — about NZ$1.8m — for your bespoke wheels, they are delivered with very great care, in person by the managing director of Jaguar Land Rover’s Special Operations Division. “Special Operations Division” sounds very James Bond and it does produce 007-worthy cars. Special Ops oversees all the Jaguar and Range Rover vehicles with an SV in their name — literally, “special vehicles” — each marque’s best in luxury and performance.

When The Hobson received an invitation to view the hand-built XKSS at the Archibald & Shorter Greenlane showroom, and meet Special Ops MD John Edwards, we deputised Graeme Moore as reporter. Moore, who runs Mike Pero Real Estate Remuera with wife Karen, has deep connections with New Zealand motorsport. Son Richard was a champion V8 SuperTourer series driver, and Moore is the current president of KartSport New Zealand. (Even with that experience, no-one was keen to toss us the keys. Apparently there is a lot of technique in driving an XKSS, and possibly an insurance waiver the size of an Auckland mortgage).

Graeme Moore: So, is this a best job in the world sort of gig?

John Edwards: Well, all my colleagues tease me that I’ve got the best job in the business and we just do all the sexy stuff, and to an extent they’re right. It is a good job. But it’s not all easy you know!

GM: How did this project come about?

JE: This young Irish guy at work came banging on my door and said, “John, you know, I’ve read you’ve got a classic business now, and I've got this great idea to build six E-Types.” I said, “You’re crazy, go away, I’ve got other things to think about.” And he came back the next day, banged on the door, and this went on for three or four days, and eventually, I said, “Okay, tell me a story.”

The story was that the lightweight, 1950s E-Type Jaguar had ‘spare’ chassis numbers due to a shorter production run. There were six numbers available. But would there be a market?

“To cut a long story short, we did the lightweight E-Type and it was a great success. And we were put in the unusual position, for us, that we had more customers than we had cars. We probably had 20 customers we could have sold those cars to. Bear in mind they were sold at in excess of £1 million. Typically in my business, I’m searching for customers and trying to persuade them to buy my cars, rather than customers searching me. And on this occasion, we had say to 14 of them, “I’m really sorry.” the hobson 44

But as Edwards the businessman realised, when you have a waiting list of people for a £1 million car, why not give them one. So the XKSS project came into being, some of the buyers (all nine are presold), people who couldn’t get their hands on the 21st century E-Type.

GM: Talking about your SV vehicles, New Zealand has a reputation for taking an enormous percentage of high-end cars, for the size of our population.

JE: Yes, one of my [business] measures is what proportion of the total sales of the model comes from SV. As an example, globally, about 3 per cent of our sales of Range Rover Sports are the SVR derivative.

In this market, it’s higher than that. So there is a rich mix of our products in this market. It’s clearly quite a small market, but nevertheless there’s quite a rich mix. I think in the New Zealand public there’s a passion for cars, and there’s actually a passion for performance cars.

GM: If you go back to when the D-type was racing, that’s often referred to as a golden era, especially for Kiwi racers. Do you think that era seems to be happening again? We’ve just had some outstanding results at Le Mans with two Kiwis, Brendon Hartley and Earl Bamber, on the podium.

JE: I’ll be honest with you, I’m not sure I was really conscious of that until I arrived here this week, but it is remarkable.

GM: Talking about Formula One, a lot of that technology is going to flow through into your SVs. Can you see a time when an SV, like a $220,000 vehicle in this showroom, will be purely electric?

JE: I can’t, I’m afraid, talk too much about our future product plans, but suffice to say the whole car market will be transformed in terms of battery electric vehicles. My business is a business, [so] my business needs to look at that and understand what the implications are.

GM: It’s moving fast though, isn’t it?

JE: It is moving fast. And at Jaguar, we have announced our battery electric vehicle. It goes into production next year. We’re actually ahead of the competition in many ways. We’re going to be bringing to market a volume electric car in advance of some of the competitors. So we’re feeling pretty good about that.

GM: How do you follow up a project like the XKSS? I mean, this is outstanding!

JE: Actually we’ve just opened a brand new facility in the UK called Classic Works, which is 15,000 sq. metres, so it’s huge. It’s got a 20-car showroom, it’s got 50 work bays, and it’s got a storage facility for 500 classic cars. In terms of the workshop, most of our work in the future will be restoring existing vehicles. So a customer comes to us with his beloved E-Type and says, “Can you restore it?” and we can. Or his XK120. I’m not sure what the next continuation programme will be, even if there will be one. That was a kind of useful and interesting way of launching the business. I’m not ruling it out in the future, but not ruling it in either.”

From top: proud owner Michael Giltrap, left, and Jaguar Land Rover Special Operations MD John Edwards at the unveiling of the XKSS at Archibald & Shorter; Edwards in the driver's seat; Graeme Moore, on left, gets into the finer details with one of the mechanical team responsible for building and delivering the car. The Giltrap XKSS is the second of the nine produced, but the first delivered.

Each vehicle takes around 10,000 meticulous hours to build.

GM: Do you have a classic car of your own?

JE: I don’t. I’ve got 500 I look after at work, so don't have my own. If I had a Jaguar, I’d have an XJC. A really neat coupe of the XJS. I’m very tempted to buy a Range Rover Classic — it’s a favourite of mine. I’m actually a bit of a Triumph man. I like the Triumph TR6, it’s a really good car as well. the hobson 45

the handsome

The Scent of You Justine Williams finds bathroom cabinet upgrades for Dad

Let dad live the luxe life with the BVLGARI Man in Black Father’s Day Set. The fragrance’s woody, smoky tones are captured in an eau de parfum, shampoo, shower gel and aftershave balm, all beautifully boxed up. $119, available from department stores and pharmacies Emporio Armani Stronger With You is a new oriental fragrance for men from Mr Armani. Redolent with crystallised chestnut accord, cedar wood, pink pepper, and sage essence, the sniff test tells you it’s elegant, and unique. $105 for 50ml, it’s available at department stores and pharmacies

For something special, treat a special gentleman to Santa Maria Novella Post Shave Emulsion. A delicious, old-school, post-shave face milk, it has witch hazel to soothe and arnica to heal. The magic is in taking a moment to pause and gently massage it in to complete his ablutions. $125, from World stores

For the dad keen to keep his locks in top shape, I have seen great results with Kérastase Densifique Homme. Applied once daily to reactivate hair follicles, it promotes hair regrowth and improves hair density. It’s not cheap but it’s a blessing for thinning patches if used as directed. $160, from Kérastase salons Nice hair products never go astray and this new L’Oréal Paris Botanicals Coriander Revitalizing Strength range is all about improving hair strength. It’s infused with coriander seed to support a healthy scalp – and a healthy scalp means healthy hair. We also love that it’s free from parabens, silicone and colourants too. $17.99, from L’Oreal Paris stockists Who doesn’t love a good scrub for a really fresh face? This gem from Dermalogica is perfect for Dad — it will slough away dead skin cells and keep ingrown hairs at bay. (And it can be shared with the ladies).

Dermalogica Skin Prep Scrub, $66, from Dermalogica counters or dermalogica.co.nz

Once upon a time, trustafarians did more than Instagram their breakfast and their holidays. In the 1930s, French aristocrat Albert Fouquet dabbled in creating perfumes, with the help of his butler. He initially only shared them with friends, including a passing American student, John Fitzgerald Kennedy.

This fragrance, and the accompanying stories, could be the BEST gift for any sophisticated man. Eight & Bob fragrances, $299, from World stores Joop! Wow! Let’s whoop for a new Joop. This newly released fragrance, $89 for a 60ml eau de toilette, releases top notes of bergamot, cardamom and violet before settling into a woody vetiver heart. From department stores, and pharmacies

You can always rely on Comme des Garçons to create something uber cool and original and Blackpepper is both of those things.

Featuring black pepper (obviously), cedar, patchouli, agarwood (oud), tonka bean and musk, it’s a sophisticate’s spicy scent. $180, at Mecca Cosmetica, meccabeauty.co.nz A clutch of Kiehl’s for his shelf. Age Defender Dual Action Exfoliating Cleanser, $42, works as a classic cleanser and a masque too.

Applied for five minutes, active ingredients break down dead skin cells to smooth the appearance of fine lines and improve skin texture. From designer stubble to the full woodchopper, boys need to take care of their facial hair. Aromatic Nourishing Beard Grooming Oil, $65, smoothes, tames and soothes.

Complete the toilette with Texturizing Clay, $38. A little dab keeps locks perfectly tousled.

All from Kiehl’s counters

the hobson 46

the second act

Adventures with my Father

E

very year, my Dad, now 90-years-old, books several tickets to the NZ International Film Festival, the midwinter Auckland delight that stops some escaping to Fiji. This year, my sisters and I press-ganged him into agreeing with our executive decision that he was no longer allowed to attend the movies alone; we insisted a family member had to accompany him and his wheelchair to each movie for everyone’s peace of mind.

While he can walk with a stick, the wheelchair is a handy accessory. It also makes me look like a caring daughter, even though I really use it with Dad just to speed things up a little.

I’ve always been obsessed with keeping people moving. When my kids were preschoolers, my husband complained about the variety of mobility devices I deemed necessary – jolly jumpers, bouncers, walkers, ride-ons, a battery-operated swing.

Now I have transferred this transport obsession to my ageing dad.

Not only is he also fully equipped with a mobility scooter, but I even move him from A to B by remote control using Uber (or Yooba as he so irritatingly calls it). Actually, I admit to another hidden agenda here. I am trying to keep him off the roads. Some idiot renewed his driver’s license; he’s 90 and is blind in one eye for god’s sake. Think Mr Magoo . . .

It is poignant and regrettable that I am only really appreciating Dad and the impact he has had on my life as we both age.

For years, I credited my mother for my few redeeming qualities such as my hell-bent independence, because she died when I was a teen. I had always painted Dad, the disciplinarian, as the bad cop; the killjoy who imposed socially crippling ideas like a midnight curfew. He also had the audacity to charge me board as soon as I started earning money. He made me pay for my own car — what a cheek — and forced me into slave labour by making me pitch in on household chores. In the early years, my life was so hard I had to get a part-time job! Imagine that! I should have pressed charges.

Both he and my mother took what seemed to be zero interest in my schooling. Rather than sweat over which school to send my sisters and I to, they lazily assumed that the school down the road would be just fine. And we had to walk there and back every day . . . even in the rain . . . carrying our books.

Occasionally, after school, Dad would surprise us by picking us up in the car. But rather than greeting him with gratitude, I’d admonish him for not parking down the road, in heavy disguise, to spare me the embarrassment of, well, just having

him as a father. When I was 15, I remember he made the stupid mistake of coming in to say hello to me in front of my workmates, when picking me up from my Friday night job at Woolworths! “What the hell are you doing in here”, I snarled.

“Go back to the car and wait”. I was sure he was only doing it to annoy me.

As I mature, he seems to be getting younger and our roles are changing. He’s Benjamin Button and I’m Nurse Ratched.

He wants adventure, I want control. He went on yet another cruise recently and as I waved him off from Princes Wharf, I couldn’t help admiring his chutzpah. Who would have thought he’d be travelling more than me? Who would have thought he’d be so entertaining? Who would have thought spirited oldies were so wonderful to have around? A favourite, true, family story of ours is when Aunt Peggy, a Croatian grande dame on my husband’s side, once went to see 101 Dalmatians under the misguided assumption that it was a documentary about the old country. But Dad has even topped that: as an active, Winstonloving (“he got me my Gold Card so he deserves my vote”) Grey Power member, he once took a movie title on face value and found himself at an afternoon session of 50 Shades of Grey. (“That was a strange movie”, he declared). See? That’s why I need control! He can’t be left to his own devices.

At 90, Dad’s field of vision is narrowing, but that is compensated by a mind that is broadening. He laughs at the antics of his grandchildren, the same sort of antics that had me grounded (ok, I know, I’ll get over it). While his body may be shrinking and his memory lapsing, curiously we have noticed no change in his very selective hearing . . .

In my younger years, I never would have dreamed that I would have called my father an inspiration as he aged. He not only watches foreign films and travels, he reads controversial books, loves Ted Talks, plays games and dines out with us.

When I took him to see My Year with Helen at the Film Festival, a documentary about Helen Clark’s bid to be Secretary General of the UN, he declared at the end of it: “Well, well, they were sexist!” “Dad”, I said, “you’re a feminist now? Who knew?!”

So Dad, Happy Father’s Day. In case your selective hearing screened this out, like all of the extended family, I love you.

You’re an inspiration, and thank you for parenting me just the way you did.

— Sandy Burgham

Have stick/wheelchair/scooter, will travel: Bob Burgham on one of his many third act adventures the hobson 47

Step into a Stephen Marr salon and your stylist will deliver an experience built on a commitment to excellence in training, as Stephen Marr explains.

As we move towards spring, the stylists at the Stephen Marr salons in both Newmarket and Ponsonby are not only across directions in colour and style, the team has recently worked with world-leading hair educators, London-based Allilon.

“These guys are the world experts — they are former creative and educational directors of the famed Sassoon empire,” explains Stephen Marr. “For the second year, we have hosted them in our education studio, where they have delivered their expertise to an invited group of New Zealand’s hairdressing heavyweights.

Being connected to the best training the world has to offer shows the importance and commitment we put on training.

“We integrated their training, and in turn our staff collaborated and exchanged ideas with them.

While they were here, the Allilon team did a livestream masterclass demonstration from the Golden Dawn, which involved our people too. It was amazing — it’s been viewed thousands of times by hair professionals globally.

“We genuinely have one of the most advanced and structured training programs in Australasia,” says Stephen. “And it’s just one addition to what we do as part of ongoing training for all our stylists.

We also work with colour houses to ensure we are getting the very best out of the products we select to use in-salon — one of our senior colourists has just arrived back from New York, working with the O&M international colour team.

“So the best possible training, to me, is a fundamental of our business, whether it’s cutting, colouring or styling. I’ve had my own salon now for 20-plus years, and I trained as an apprentice, but I never want to stop learning. Being part of a Allilon masterclass has been one of the highlights of my year.”

16 Morrow St, Newmarket (09) 524 6702 newmarket@stephenmarr.co.nz 37 Ponsonby Rd, Ponsonby (09) 360 0588 ponsonby@stephenmarr.co.nz stephenmarr.co.nz

Stephen Marr

Photo: Harry Were. Hair: Shia & Alex

the sound

A Song for Cathy

M

y mother died last night, in my arms, at 8.20pm, on a Sunday.

My mother. The daughter of a Tuakau chook farmer.

A woman who ironed Frank Sinatra’s underpants — that’s another story — and became a ski instructor in Austria in the late 1950s. A wife who met her English husband in Wimbledon, and returned to New Zealand with a family. Who dedicated her life to teaching new entrants until well into her 70s, at tough old schools like Flatbush and Panmure Bridge. She even taught me for one horrific term at Victoria Avenue Primary.

Mum. Cathy Dickens, née Williamson.

So, this freezing, blue sky morning, I’m waiting for the funeral director to arrive to discuss details. It’s Mark Graham. When we were kids we used to swim together at the Tuakau Centenary Pool, when I stayed summers with my grandmother.

His dad, Bruce, is still alive and used to live on the same street as Mum. The Grahams have buried all my family. They’ll take Mum back to Tuakau, where we'll lay her to rest with her husband — my father — and her parents at the family plot just beside the Tuakau Redoubt, the old fort that looks over the tail of the Waikato River.

Beck’s record Morning Phase is playing. It’s a beautiful album.

Today I’ll call it Mourning Phase. I’m going through old photos, and putting them on a stick for a display that will try to encapsulate 81 years of a life well lived. It’s impossible.

The funeral director will ask us what music we want playing at Mum’s funeral. Choosing that music is either one of the easiest, or most difficult, tasks you can have.

When my partner Helen’s mum died, we were spoiled for choice. We put “Girl from Ipanema” on the playlist first. Billie Holiday’s “God Bless the Child” was quickly added. Edith Piaf’s “Non, je ne regrette rien” also made the cut. It was all perfect.

When Dad died 22 years ago last June, it was also an easy choice.

Dad had his generation’s tastes in music. Our home rang with the sound of Acker Bilk, The Beatles, Val Doonican and Roger Whittaker. It was obvious that “New World in the Morning” wasn’t going to make it, or that whistling boat song thing.

Thankfully Dad was a big Neil Diamond fan, and he particularly loved the book and film of Jonathan Livingston Seagull, for which Neil did the soundtrack. My dad, Richard, was a born-again

runner who ran his first marathon in Rotorua in 1977, at the age of 40. A series of strokes took him, the last the most cruel. It left him paralysed and mute. He loved the freedom of Jonathan Livingston, and the seeking of perfection through movement and effort. The epitaph on his headstone says “Free to Run Again”.

So, it was a no brainer to include the song “Skybird” from the Jonathan Livingston Seagull soundtrack. But at the end of the soundtrack, is the song “Dear Father”, a piano and string beauty combined with a driving full orchestral movement. I’m listening to it now on YouTube while typing this, and there’s chills going up my spine, taking me back to the service as it rang out with gusto.

Not some sad dirge, but a big old three-act play with Neil belting out “Dear Father . . .we dream, while we may . . while we wait”.

Need a moment.

By the way, I interviewed Neil a few years ago and told him that story. He was very touched and told me he has thought about that song for his day.

Which brings me to my day and what I’d like. I have no idea, because my tastes are so broad. Part of me wants Miles Davis’ “So What”, because I know it would sound so damn cool in a church. Another part of me wants “Somewhere over the Rainbow” by Israel Kamakawiwo‘ole, but that was already stolen by a mate for his wedding. Split Enz’s “Stuff and Nonsense” is a runner, but I suggested that one for my friend Chris’ funeral. It sounded great. Another part of me wants The Smiths’ “How Soon is Now”.

But then I come back to my view that funerals are for the living, not the dead, so I’ll leave that decision for my sons.

Good luck boys. Don’t screw it up.

Mark, the funeral director, is due here in two hours, and I need to figure Mum's music out.

I have very little idea because my mother, while musical, had no music of her own. I’ve never seen her own or play a record, or even hum a tune. I’m short of choices.

But every night she would sing me a lullaby. Not a typical lullaby either. Maybe it was her time in Austria teaching people to ski. She would sing me and my brother “Edelweiss” from The Sound of Music.

“Small and white, clean and bright, you look happy to meet me. Blossom of snow may you bloom and grow . . .”

Bless my mother forever. — Andrew Dickens

Vale Cathy and Richard Dickens, much loved, much missed the hobson 49

the foodie

Jess' Underground Kitchen at the corner of Bassett and Remuera Rds, Chicken and Spinach Lasagna, Jamaican Jerk Chicken. Food photography by Lottie Hedly

Dinner with Jess Jess Daniell and her team cook up a storm every day to satisfy appetites with her dinners-to-order and food-to-go. Now open in Remuera (yes!), Jess’ Underground Kitchen is keeping the workers of medical mile happy, and providing a filling solution to locals having a night off kitchen duty, or just after something to mix up the weekday menu. The author of two popular cookbooks, here Jess shares recipes from My Underground Deli so you can create your own JUK feasts at home.

CHICKEN & SPINACH LASAGNE

Bake for 30 minutes, or until the top is brown and bubbling.

Leave to stand for 10 minutes before serving.

This is one of our most popular frozen meals, rivalling my classic beef and mozzarella lasagne for top spot. I often refer to this as a white lasagne, as it doesn’t have a traditional tomato base, which makes it lighter and creamier than its richer beef cousin. A firm family favourite.

JAMAICAN JERK CHICKEN

Serves 6 2 tbsp olive oil 2 onions, diced 3 cloves garlic, crushed 100g butter 100g flour 1 litre milk 1 tsp freshly grated nutmeg 4 chicken breasts, cooked and shredded 1 cup cooked spinach leaves, drained well 1 cup cottage cheese 1 cup Parmesan 2 lemons, zest & juice 1 tsp fennel seeds 1 tsp chilli flakes 1 tsp ground coriander 200g fresh lasagne sheets 2 cups mozzarella, grated salt & pepper

What’s not to love about sticky, juicy, caramelised chicken legs with a touch of spice? Traditional Jerk chicken calls for Scotch bonnet chilli peppers, which can be hard to source fresh in New Zealand. To add a sweet punch of heat in this recipe, I use a small can of chipotle peppers, which can be found readily in supermarkets.

Serves 6

Preheat your oven to 180°C. Heat oil in a large frying pan.

Add onion and a pinch of salt and cook for 3–4 minutes until translucent, stirring occasionally. Add garlic and cook for another 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and allow to cool.

To make the béchamel sauce, melt butter in a heavy-based saucepan. Add flour and stir briskly for 1 minute until a paste has formed and the flour is starting to cook off. Gradually add the milk, stirring thoroughly until you have a thick sauce. Add nutmeg and season with salt and pepper. Remove from the heat.

In a large bowl, combine chicken, spinach, cottage cheese, Parmesan, lemon zest and juice, fennel seeds, chilli and coriander. Add cooked onions and mix well. Mix half of the béchamel sauce through the chicken mixture.

Spread half a cup of reserved béchamel sauce over the base of a baking dish. Cover with a quarter of the pasta, cutting the sheets to fit if necessary. Spread 1 cup of the chicken mixture over the pasta, then cover with another quarter of the pasta. Repeat until the chicken mix and pasta has been used up, finishing with a layer of pasta. Spoon the remaining béchamel sauce over the final layer of pasta, and sprinkle evenly with mozzarella.

1 tsp ground nutmeg 1 tsp ground allspice 1 tsp dried thyme 1 tsp ground cinnamon 1 tbsp coriander seeds 5 spring onions 1 red onion 1 thumb fresh ginger, peeled 12 cloves garlic, peeled 100g chipotle peppers in adobo sauce ½ cup brown sugar ¼ cup lime juice ½ cup soy sauce ½ cup tomato sauce 4 bay leaves 6 chicken legs, bone in coriander leaves, to serve fresh red chilli, sliced, to serve lime wedges salt & pepper Add spices, spring onions, red onion, ginger and garlic to the bowl of a food processor. Blitz until a thick paste forms. Add the chipotle peppers and their sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, soy sauce and tomato sauce. Blitz again until you have a smooth purée. Taste, adjust seasonings and add salt and pepper if needed.

Place bay leaves and chicken legs in a large dish or ziplock bag.

Add the jerk marinade and coat well. Refrigerate for at least six hours, or ideally overnight.

Preheat your oven to 180°C. Remove chicken legs from the marinade and place on a heavy oven tray. Bake for 45–50 minutes, basting with marinade every 15 minutes, until dark brown and the juices are running clear.

the hobson 51

the foodie

Middle Eastern Lamb pies, Roasted Mushroom Soup, and Jess Daniell at work behind the counter of JUK Remuera

Serve with a scattering of fresh coriander, fresh chilli and lime wedges for squeezing over top. And plenty of napkins!

Tip: This paste can easily be made gluten-free by using tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce, instead of regular soy sauce. And Jerk marinade isn’t limited to chicken — use it on pork belly, roasted eggplant or even haloumi.

MIDDLE EASTERN LAMB FILO HAND PIES Whether we serve them as bite-sized canapés or larger plated pies, these crispy triangles are always a hit. The filling is slightly sweet, especially with the little pops of dried apricot, and the orange-scented yoghurt sauce helps to cut through the richness of the lamb.

Makes 12 substantial pies

Brush a sheet of filo pastry generously with butter and place another sheet directly on top. Cut in half. Add a tablespoon of mixture to one corner, fold it on a diagonal to cover the mixture, then continue folding the filo pastry in a triangle fashion until the filling is fully encased. Repeat with the second filo rectangle.

Brush tops with butter and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Place pies seam-side down on a baking tray. Repeat until all of the mixture has been used. Bake pies for 15–20 minutes, until golden-brown and crispy.

To make the orange yoghurt, combine all ingredients in a small bowl and mix to combine. Season with salt and pepper. Serve hand pies with a sprinkling of toasted pine nuts and a drizzle of orange yoghurt, plus extra for dipping.

ROASTED MUSHROOM SOUP The beauty of this belly-warming soup is that everything is done in the oven — no stirring required. Roasting intensifies the mushroominess and also gives you the chance to add even more flavours — think garlic, fennel and thyme. You can finish this soup with coconut cream to keep it dairy-free.

For the pies: 2 tbsp olive oil ½ onion, finely diced 2 cloves garlic, crushed 200g lamb mince 2 tbsp tomato paste 1 tbsp brown sugar 1 tsp ground cumin 1 tsp ground coriander ½ tsp ground cinnamon 1 tsp paprika ¼ cup dried apricots, chopped 12 sheets filo pastry 60g butter, melted 2 tbsp sesame seeds 1 tbsp pine nuts, toasted salt & pepper

Makes 4 serves 800g Portobello mushrooms, washed & ends trimmed 10 cloves garlic, unpeeled 1 onion, peeled & roughly cut into wedges 6 sprigs fresh thyme 1–2 sprigs fresh rosemary, leaves only 1 tsp fennel seeds 4 tbsp olive oil 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar 2 cups vegetable stock 1 cup cream 1 lemon, zest & juice Parmesan, to serve Salt & pepper

Orange Yoghurt Sauce: 1 cup natural yoghurt 1 orange, zest & juice small handful mint leaves, finely chopped salt & pepper ½ cup olive oil ¼ cup grated Parmesan ½ teaspoon sea salt

Preheat your oven to 180°C. Line an oven tray with baking paper.

Preheat your oven to 180°C. Line an oven tray with baking paper.

Heat oil in a small frying pan over a medium heat. Add onion and a pinch of salt to the pan and cook for 3–4 minutes until translucent, stirring occasionally. Add garlic and cook for another 2 minutes.

Add lamb, stirring it with a wooden spoon to break up the mince. Cook for 3–4 minutes or until well browned. Season with salt and pepper. Add tomato paste, brown sugar, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, paprika and dried apricots. Cook for 2–3 minutes, until fragrant and golden. Remove from the heat and allow to cool.

Arrange mushrooms, bottom sides facing up, on the tray, along with garlic, onion, thyme, rosemary and fennel seeds. Drizzle with oil and vinegar and season generously with salt and pepper.

Bake for 25–30 minutes, tossing several times during cooking, until mushrooms are tender. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly.

Remove thyme stems and squeeze the roasted garlic out of its skin. Add the entire tray of mushrooms, onions, garlic and herbs to the bowl of your food processor, including all of the juices. Add vegetable stock and blitz until smooth. Add cream, lemon zest and juice and blend until combined. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary.

Serve hot with an extra drizzle of cream, some shaved Parmesan and a drizzle of good-quality, extra-virgin olive oil.

To win vouchers for Jess’ Underground Kitchen and copies of My Underground Deli, see page 6

the hobson 53

the district diary

September 2017

1-3 It’s NZ Fashion Weekend, which wraps up NZ Fashion Week with shows and events for the public, a beauty hub and the always-anticipated designer pop-up sale. At the ANZ Viaduct Events Centre, book via iticket.co.nz 3 Fathers Day 1-9 For a night of family fun head along to the Auckland Central Gang Show – a night of music and comedy presented by the Scouts and Guides of Auckland. Held at Auckland Grammar, for tickets and show times, iticket.co.nz 6 What is it to be Chinese in Auckland today? OTHER (Chinese) by Alice Canton is a contemporary exploration of the NZ Chinese identity (see the Lucky Cats picture, above).

Tickets from $15, Q Theatre, until September 16. qtheatre. co.nz Become familiar with the world your kids/grandkids are living in by signing up for the Tech Toolbox series at The Mind Lab by Unitec, Carlton Gore Rd. Held Wednesday evenings for 10 weeks, it’s

designed to bring adults right up to date with digital and creative technologies. see themindlab.com 8 No two shows the same!

They have wowed audiences around the world – now it’s your turn to see the hilarious Improv Bandits. Michael Park School Auditorium, 55 Amy St, 8pm. Tickets $20 at eventfinda. co.nz 9 Spring is in the air — violinist Lucinda Moon will usher in spring with NZ Barok in a selection of works including Bach’s Violin Concerto in E major and Spring from Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons. St Luke’s Church, 130 Remuera Rd, 7.30pm, iticket.co.nz or at the door. (Also Sunday 10, 2pm) Time to declutter? Recycle and sell your preloved belongings, or grab yourself a bargain.

Parnell’s Community Jumble Sale, 545 Parnell Road. The 2nd Saturday of every month, 8am11.45am 10 Was that the rustle of tiny wings? The Ellerslie Spring Fairy Festival and Pirate Party holds its welcome party today

on Ellerslie’s closed-off Main Highway, 10.30am-12.30pm.

The fairy magic lasts all month, so make sure to check the Ellerslie Spring Fairy Festival’s Facebook page for full programme 14 Shake your sequins, it’s the Auckland Live International Cabaret Season! Dialling up the glitz and glam, performances include Velvet, Starman, an encore of That Bloody Woman, and many more international and local cabaret provocateurs and cultural icons. Auckland Town Hall, Basement Theatre and Q Theatre, see aucklandlive.co.nz for the program 16 Parnell Farmers’ Market, every Saturday from 8am, in the carpark at the Jubilee Building, 545 Parnell Rd The New Zealand Opera debuts a global cast in the cinematic Kátya Kabanová tonight at the ASB Theatre, Aotea Centre. Four performances, to September 23. Book at ticketmaster.co.nz 17 Acclaimed pianist Sarah Watkins will perform A. Ritchie’s Piano Concerto

the hobson 54

No 3 with the St Matthew’s Chamber Orchestra today.

2.30pm, St Matthew’s in the City, Hobson St. Cash door sales or eventfinda.co.nz (kids under 12 free) 19-24 The VoCo (Voice Community) singing festival strikes a note with a diverse range of 20 local and international choirs.

There’s concerts, workshops, masterclasses and special guests, Swedish a capella stars, The Real Group. For the programme, venues and tickets, see vocovoice.co.nz 19 Be enticed by the irresistible aromas and exotic flavours offered by the chocolatiers and coffee roasters at The Chocolate and Coffee Show, 9am-5pm at The Cloud.

For more info, workshop/ display times and tickets visit chocolatecoffeeshow.co.nz 30 Part of WW100: Remembering WW1 – 100 Years On, and inspired by the museum’s collection of war artefacts and letters from Kiwi soldiers, Victoria Kelly’s The Unusual Silence will echo through the Auckland War Memorial Museum from 8pm. Door sales only, $50

PAUL GOLDSMITH

Motivated & Professional

NATIONAL LIST MP BASED IN EPSOM A

107 Great South Road, Greenlane PO Box 26 153 Epsom, Auckland 1344

P

09 524 4930

E

paul.goldsmith@parliament.govt.nz

W

www.paulgoldsmith.co.nz facebook.com/PaulGoldsmithNZ

I offer a fresh approach to selling real estate — an approach that's focused on you and your goals. Call me today!

Iuliia Daji 021 1822 316 i.daji@barfoot.co.nz

Funded by Parliamentary Service and authorised by Paul Goldsmith 107 Great South Rd Auckland

“I was out in the garden and heard a bee buzzing, for the first time in over 25 years.”

barfoot.co.nz | Mission Bay

NZ Barry Coates Green candidate for Epsom

Margaret C

Find out what you’re missing with a FREE* Hearing Check. Call HearingLife Remuera, your local hearing care experts, on 09 522 9999 today!

*Applies to adults over the age of 18 years only.

barry.coates@greens.org.nz www.greens.org.nz Epsom Greens 2017 Authorised by Gwen Shaw, L1, 17 Garrett Street, Wellington

the cryptic by mĀyĀ

ACROSS

DOWN

1 Child prodigy drew unkind caricature (10) 6/26 What is just over half of 9? An assurance, such as 1 across (8) 9 Fast, I move to spot (7) 10 Above granary, bearing letter from abroad (7) 12 Billy Wilder clip to get Oscar (5) 13 Most negligible insult is French (9) 15 A Frenchman deals with repercussions (7) 16 Mexican state concealed most of Beta Persei (7) 17 Male magazine has spectacles for a short-sighted chap (2,5) 20 Puppet risen to fight (5-2) 22 Air Lennon composed to a type of equation (9) 23 Russian capital and region of the countryside (5) 24 Rex and bird take time in Auckland suburb (7) 25 Rummaging, say, as usual (7) 26 See 6 Across 27 Attractive gold chaps enter, birth related (10)

1 Wait where I’m ousted by student giving quarter to killer poet (4,7) 2 Type of surface rarely found on a slide (7) 3 Dire “Yes Minister” emergency no mystery (somehow) to a Sir Humphrey (8,5) 4 Almost be aware of call for help from home of bullish type (7) 5 Fairly dark film, with union leader replacing iodine feed (7) 7 Properly lubricate bore . . . (3,4) 8 . . . a creature of habit, taking every second in turn (3) 11 Can’t get this German 6/26? Tee-hee! (13) 14 Molière plot foiled by a misleading French 6/26 (6,5) 18 Memo Ron distributed around compound (7) 19 Duck to write song for a type of concert (4-3) 20 Uproar I fermented in Wellington (7) 21 Nagging musician? (7) 24 A line of scrap (3)

Set by Māyā. Answers will appear in our next issue (October 2017). Can't wait, or need help? Visit https://thehobsoncrossword.wordpress.com/

JULY/AUGUST CRYPTIC CROSSWORD ANSWERS Across: 1 Balinese, 5 The Snowman, 11 Aardvark, 12 Imprimatur, 14/28/42 Hans Christian Andersen, 15/26 Raymond Briggs, 16 Skye, 19 Acid, 20 Immune response, 22 Existence, 23 Sundry, 31 Anagram Islands, 32 Zeal, 33 Ibis, 34 Pack ice, 35 Onus, 39 Imbroglios, 40 Pipe stem, 41 The in thing Down: 1 Beach Haven, 2 Laryngitis, 3 Nova, 4 Serial monogamy, 6 Humanness, 7 Sark, 8 Ohms, 9 Matakana, 10 Norsemen, 13 Impure, 17 Reintroduction, 18 Oppress, 21 Stir fry, 24 Hibernates, 25 Englishmen, 27 Saskatoon, 29 Satirist, 30 Variable, 36/28 John Clarke, 37 Blah, 38 Gene

the hobson 56

Outdoor Furniture Manufactured with A-Grade Teak, Reclaimed Teak, Wicker, Concrete, 316 Stainless Steel, Sunbrella, Batyline, and Aluminum

Amalfi Aluminum Deep Seating Collection

Raw Trestle Table & Harbour Dining Chairs

Kobii Relaxing Chair

Concrete

Dixon Round & Square

Planters & Pots

SunbrellaÂŽ Umbrellas

Cabo A-Grade Teak Left & Right Daybed

Kobii Sectional Sofa

Copenhague 2-Seater & Puzzle Table

A-Grade Teak Garden Bench

Box Concrete Sectional Sofa

Stunningly curated outdoor furniture from Italy, Belgium, Indonesia, France and the Philippines, available for local and national delivery. Everything arrives fully assembled. SunbrellaÂŽ cushions are free with the purchase of our deep seating pieces as shown. www.designwarehouse.co.nz

09 377 7710

137/147 The Strand, Parnell/Auckland

Toll Free - 0800 111 112

sales@designwarehouse.co.nz

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National Top Performing Licensee 2013 - 2017 Ross Hawkins Unique European Style Two Level Residences 24 York Street, Parnell nzsothebysrealty.com/NZE10735

M +64 27 472 0577 ross.hawkins@sothebysrealty.com nzsothebysrealty.com

Each Office Is Independently Owned And Operated. Browns Real Estate Limited (licensed under the REAA 2008) MREINZ.