The Hobson Magazine September 2019

september 2019

meet the candidates p gifts for cool dads p a storied house local news, views & informed opinions

our place our place our place The best place to be

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52 3 PA R N E L L R D, N E W M A R K E T - C L I E N T PA R K I N G AT S TO R E O P E N W E E K DAYS 9 A M - 6 P M , S AT & S U N 1 0 A M - 5 P M W W W.WO R K I N G S T Y L E .CO. N Z

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26 — 30 September Online

The September Issue, No. 61 8

34

the editor’s letter

the heritage

10

Meet Ross Newman, owner and passionate restorer of a prominent Remuera house being rebuilt to exacting standards

the columnists

39

12

the suburbanist

the village It’s local body election time — meet the people standing to represent our neighbourhood. Plus, questions over the wrapping of trees in fairy lights, Meccano-inspired artworks, local board updates and more

Tommy Honey knows plastic’s not so fantastic now, but are our grocery bag alternatives any better for the world?

40 the sound When the cover is better than the original — Andrew Dickens finds a mixed bag on a new album released by Prince’s estate

28, 29 the councillors Despatches from the desks of Ōrākei ward councillor Desley Simpson, and the Waitematā ward’s Mike Lee

42 the magpie It’s Father’s Day on Sunday September 1, and the Magpie has made a hot list for daddies cool

30 the politicians MPs David Seymour and Paul Goldsmith share their updates

44 the district diary

31

What’s going on in September

the plan As much as he’d like to think that council practices will change, Hamish Firth fears rhetoric rather than action

46 the cryptic Our puzzle, by Māyā

32 the second act If she can’t be Mrs Keanu Reeves, Sandy Burgham considers the benefits of hers, and other, long-term marriages

33 the investment Warren Couillault finds the Reserve Bank’s most recent interest rate cuts very interesting indeed

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the hobson 6

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issue 61, september 2019 Editor & Publisher Kirsty Cameron editor@thehobson.co.nz Art Direction & Production Stephen Penny design@thehobson.co.nz News Editor Mary Fitzgerald maryfitzgerald.thehobson@gmail.com Writers This Issue Kirsty Cameron, Mary Fitzgerald, Wayne Thompson, Justine Williams Sub-editor Dawn Adams Columnists Sandy Burgham, Warren Couillault, Andrew Dickens, Hamish Firth, Paul Goldsmith, Tommy Honey, Mike Lee, Māyā, David Seymour, Desley Simpson Photographers Becky Nunes, Stephen Penny, Emma Smales, Wayne Thompson Cover ‘Fathers Day’ by Szilvia Basso, Unsplash.

See The Mapgie, page 42, for Fathers Day inspo.

here are signs of spring, if not in the air, then on the slopes of Ōhinerau Mt Hobson and in the renewed activity in our business precincts. Our local shops constantly face a one-step forward, two-back battle: if it’s not AT digging up the road outside their doors, or critical carparks closing indefinitely, then it’s the looming arrival of the behemoth supermalls. Which makes it all the more cheering to see local businesses standing their ground.

In Remuera, Maman boutique has outgrown its Clonbern Rd space and opened in a bigger, more prominent space at 407 Remuera Rd. Kate Boyden and Emma Main have built up an outstanding business and the international brands they stock bring customers from all over Auckland. A few doors along, another new business is under construction. Can’t say too much about that, but it will welcome back a familiar face to Remuera’s hospo scene — there’ll be more in our October issue.

In the Remuera Mall, Marianne Shirley has opened her second Rags & Romance boutique. Marianne sells NZ-designed linen and Koru possum merino, as well as colourful dresses that have earned her a loyal following at her original store, in Onehunga. Across the road, chef Alex Coates has launched Bluejay’s, its covered courtyard a new space to enjoy good food. And at 305 Parnell Rd, there’s now another branch of Jess Daniell’s burgeoning Jess’ Underground Kitchen empire. I worked with Jess in an earlier role, and love to see how far her wings have spread (almost as much as I love her take-home dinners). All good signs, all the best to the new businesses for their ongoing success.

Have you noticed something different about this issue? If your copy is home-delivered, you may have noted/cheered that we are no longer wrapping the magazine in plastic. Even though it was recyclable (albeit limited opportunities for that) film, we are trialling not wrapping, and praying to the weather gods that your copy is readable, not a sodden mush. Auckland’s weather was the reason we started wrapping — that, and lousy letterboxes that let water pour in. In the first months of this year, four out of five of our delivery weekends were wet, but we’re eternal optimists, so here’s hoping for a dry spring and summer and a bit less plastic on the planet.

THE HOBSON is published 10 times a year by The Hobson Limited, PO Box 37490 Parnell, Auckland 1151. www.thehobson.co.nz F: The Hobson Magazine I: @The Hobson Ideas, suggestions, advertising inquiries welcome. editor@thehobson.co.nz

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, see The Hobson Magazine on Facebook.

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.

The Hobson Ltd is a member of the Magazine Publishers Association This publication uses environmentally responsible papers.

*

Kirsty Cameron editor@thehobson.co.nz 0275 326 424 Facebook: The Hobson Magazine Instagram: TheHobson

Think you’ve done some renovating?

Returned local Ross Newman has almost completed a labour of time, money and lots of love with his restoration of a classic Remuera home. Read the story of the rebirth of Barochan, page 34.

ICG Logo CMYK.pdf 1 05/08/2015 6:19:01 AM

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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 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 also a manager of a registered KiwiSaver scheme.

Andrew Dickens (The Sound) is the host of the afternoon show on Newstalk ZB. For 13 years he was the breakfast host on Classic Hits. 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 15 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 34 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.

the hobson 10

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the village

Stepping Up for the Community

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hey’re managers, business owners, creatives. They are ocean swimmers, jigsaw fiends, heritage protectors and singers. They’re concerned about Auckland’s transport and traffic woes, the natural and built environments.

Meet the community champions who are putting their hands up to serve on our local boards, hoping to be voted into a seat at next month’s local body elections.

Candidates for the Ōrākei Local Board TROY CHURTON C&R (standing for a third term) Remuera resident

Ward boundary changes to redress population balance have meant that Parnell, Grafton and Newmarket, formerly part of the Waitematā Local Board, will at this election come under the wing of the councillor for Ōrākei. The incumbent is Desley Simpson, who is standing for re-election. At the time of going to press, Better Auckland’s Mike Padfield was also nominating for council for Ōrākei, as well as for a seat on the local board.

What does not change is representation by local boards. Parnell, Grafton and Newmarket will continue to be in the remit of the Waitematā Local Board, while Remuera, Meadowbank and Ōrākei remain with the Ōrākei Local Board. Each board has seven elected members, who are paid between $55,000 and $90,000 (for the fulltime role of chair) and between $25,000 and $45,000 as part-time members. This election, five sitting members of the Waitematā board are moving on, as are three from Ōrākei, so there will be a majority of new faces at each table after the election.

The Hobson invited all those standing at the time of our deadline (nominations closed on August 16, a day after we went to print) to provide brief answers (not always observed) to illuminating questions. Here’s who responded.

THE QUESTIONS 1. Why should electors vote for you?

2. What experience has prepared you for a seat on the board?

3. What would your top two priorities be if elected?

4. Tell us something about yourself that may surprise people.

5. What’s your personal favourite part of/place in our neighbourhood?

6. What is Auckland's biggest problem and if you were mayor, how would you fix it?

Candidate parties are abbreviated to BA for Better Auckland, C&R for Communities and Residents, CV for City Vision, IND for Independent or nonaligned candidates.

Other contractions have also been used to avoid repetition: AT for Auckland Transport, CCO for Council-controlled organisation, RMA for the Resource Management Act, UP for the Auckland Unitary Plan.

Responses may have been edited for clarity and length.

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1. With a few terms of experience under my belt and a track record of sticking up for local interests, I am prepared to find solutions and make tough governance decisions along with my C&R team.

2. I’m a certified commissioner for RMA matters, past solicitor and I hold a national leadership role for an autonomous Crown agency. I bring strategic acumen for getting things done within the machinery of government.

3. Get secure connections to our Glen Innes to Tamaki Dr walkway to optimise it for all Ōrākei, and to see master plans for prized recreational reserve areas completed: Madills Farm, Colin Maiden, the Okahu Bay Landing, Ngahue Reserve to name a few.

4. I play competitive soccer, skippering the over-40s for Eastern Suburbs. I am a passionate conservator of shorebirds having started a coast care project in Northland many years ago.

5. Mt Hobson summit views across Ōrākei to the harbour, mingling with community at the Remuera New World Christmas party, our residential areas with abundant mature trees. There’s too many to single out.

6. The irony of not having power to govern CCOs, and the loss of environmental protection from changes in the RMA to help stem Unitary Plan developer greed.

CARMEL CLARIDGE BA (standing for a second term) St Johns resident

1. Community, not party politics, is at the heart of everything I do. I will eliminate wasteful spending of your rates. I’ll preserve, restore and enhance our precious green spaces, waterways, parks and reserves and vote ‘no’ to freedom camping in residential neighbourhoods. Tackling traffic congestion head on, I’ll provide solutions to transport issues.

2. For 30-plus years I’ve been involved in local schools, community groups and sporting organisations. I’m a founding member of the Auckland Ratepayers' Alliance. I have strong governance experience, chairing ecological groups Friends of Pourewa Valley and the Tamaki Estuary Environment Forum. I’m the current deputy chair of the local board.

3. Cleaning up our waterways so that our beaches are swimmable 365 days a year. Providing real, community-driven solutions to local transport issues.

4. Completing 1000-piece jigsaw puzzles is my favourite antidote for stress. The more complex the better!

5. At the bottom of Selwyn Bush in the Pourewa Valley there is a soul-restoring spot to sit beside the creek and keep watch for eels, while the native birds flit overhead. Until a train goes past it is easy to forget you are only 7km from the CBD. 6. I would bring forward the work on congestion charging, incentivise schools, business, and industry to stagger operating hours, and improve reliability and frequency of the public transport network.

COLIN DAVIS C&R (standing for a third term) St Heliers resident

1. With a genuine interest in helping and representing our local community, I have commitment and time, and a positive skill-

set to continue to be an effective member of the team. I bring extensive experience in public sector governance, continuity, depth of knowledge of the council, the board’s business and our communities.

2. I’m a present member and former chair of the Ōrākei board; was an Auckland City councillor, former chair of the Eastern Bays Community Board; held senior management roles in councils – city secretary and city valuer. I’m a longstanding local resident, and active in a number of community organisations.

3. Working with the team to draft a robust three-year Local Board Plan with community participation, and to preserve the special character of our suburbs, our natural environment and our heritage.

4. In 2016, I was appointed and invested a Knight of the international Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem (KHS). I have also recently written two books on local heritage.

5. It’s hard to single out any one place. I do enjoy Tamaki Dr with its wonderful and changing views of the harbour and gulf, its heritage features, beaches and villages.

6. Growth and the effects of the UP, and how to manage them. Auckland’s population growth, urban sprawl and traffic congestion, and the required infrastructure to support the growth, are a major Auckland and national challenge. I would need to work closely with the government to invest heavily in infrastructure, which should not just be funded from rates revenue, while still ensuring Auckland’s environment is protected.

TROY ELLIOTT C&R Ellerslie resident

1. I love helping our community out and as a local board member I look forward to achieving positive outcomes for my fellow residents along with my C&R team.

2. As the chair of our local residents’ association I have worked with many of the board and believe that my business background will also add value.

3. I believe we need to push AT and remind them they are a CCO, I also look forward to continuing to work on improving our waterways.

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4. When I was a lifeguard at Sea World, I enjoyed swimming with the sharks and dolphins.

5. We have some of the best waterfronts in Auckland. My wife and I love walking along the beaches.

6. Transport is not only an issue for Ōrākei, it’s an issue that we need to address urgently. I think that AT needs to be held accountable for a large part of this.

ISAAC MERCER IND St Heliers resident

1. I will bring a fresh face to local issues, ensuring everyone can have an input without politics getting in the way. Youth are under-represented when it comes to decision-making in our area despite being those who will live with the consequences of those decisions. It’s vital that youth views are heard constructively.

2. Six months ago I never thought I would put my hand up for a seat on the board.

I recently spoke publicly about an issue of importance to youth. I was dismissed and faced constant obstacles when trying to get my views heard. I persevered and the processes and the experiences I went through to make my views known provided me with the skills needed for the role. I’ve also been working to get a youth council set up in our area and am a founding member of the group.

3. Firstly, to get the youth voice heard in Ōrākei. We’re the last board area to get a youth council so it’s time to actually work with youth and hear what they have to say about issues that matter to them. Secondly, I’d like to see Auckland takes steps into the future with modern initiatives.

Technologies such as e-scooters and bikesharing can provide a great and easy way to address many transport issues, so it’s time to support these initiatives properly with policy and infrastructure that can ensure everyone is kept safe. We need innovative solutions to address congestion.

4. I’m 19 and in my first year at Auckland University, studying engineering and commerce. I’ve always had a passion for both of those areas.

5. Mt Hobson. One of Auckland’s least talked about volcanic cones with a great view over the city and the eastern bays. It’s an amazing place to take a break.

the village

6. Representation of various community groups. It’s no good coming up with solutions to address everything else unless the community is behind it. The council has various advisory panels which should be consulted and used more regularly when it comes to making governance decisions, and not just be a box-ticking exercise.

SCOTT MILNE C&R Ōrākei resident

1. I bring passion, commitment and experience and a determination to see “my hood” become a jewel in Auckland’s crown.

2. I have broad business and governance experience, having owned Wylie’s Pharmacy in Remuera for 25 years before starting the Life Pharmacy chain with colleagues. I was an Auckland City councillor for six years, chairing and sitting on committees. I was deputy chair of Tourism Auckland and the Regional Amenities Funding Board for eight years.

My family and I have lived in this area all my life. I know what it needs and how it should be treated by council.

3. There are relationships that need to be worked on across many, many areas of the things we do. Transport issues are spoiling our area and the pressures on our environment means we need constant, innovative, courageous, cost effective initiatives to get a healthier and more productive use of every dollar.

4. I come from a very close family, when I sailed to Fiji as a 16-year-old my parents had a huge fight about letting me go. They didn’t tell me until years later.

5. I have one foot in the sparkling waters off Mission Bay beach (the re-sanding of which I am proud to say happened on my watch when I was a councillor) and the other foot in the still, cool, bird-filled Kepa Bush in the Pourewa Valley near my home.

6. We are no longer in control of our own destiny. I would take back control of a number of CCOs, change the accountability structures, reduce the backside-covering and time wasting and get Auckland moving again.

MIKE PADFIELD BA Eastern Bays resident

1. Standing to deliver — policies for progress and NOT politics in this area.

For too long we have missed out on real progress due to the focus on politics in this area, instead of listening to our community.

2. Over 20 years involvement in local government, community boards and council committees, and residents’ associations 3. The top priority is to stop council selling off our local parks and reserves in their mad rush to provide urgent housing! Second priority — stop council approving freedom camping in our parks and reserves, and third, stop sewerage overflows onto our beautiful beaches.

4. I’ve worked in my own businesses all my life so I know how important it is to spend money carefully. I am a grandparent of eight, so the future of our parks and reserves is very important.

5. My favourite place is on Bastion Pt behind Savage Memorial looking over the harbour, and being grateful to those who fought to keep this part of our community open for all.

6. The biggest issue is lack of funding from central government to facilitate the efficient growth of Tāmaki Makaurau as the powerhouse of NZ. We pay enough that we should have the best transport, cleanest waterways and beaches, and best facilities for families to grow and thrive for the future.

2. My experience is diverse ranging from owning and managing small business to strategic planning and stakeholder support. My volunteer work has centred on the sailing community, supporting young sailors and helping bring world championships to New Zealand.

3. Economic development and the support of local business to create thriving centres is a priority, I particularly value the contribution of our local Coates Ave shop owners, especially Jay the grocer and Chris the butcher; we benefit from the local knowledge and strong sense of community they bring to the area. I have a keen interest in community projects and activities, the fostering of clubs, services and libraries for community use.

4. Our youngest daughter is a sailing Olympic gold and silver medallist. Our family celebrated her success; learning the lessons about the value of meticulous planning, resilience and perseverance.

5. I love the abundance of reserves, linked pathways and coastal walkways which makes the Ōrākei ward a walker’s paradise and a focus for environmental preservation.

6. Auckland’s biggest problem is the competition for space resulting from high population growth; along with decades of underinvestment on infrastructure.

We need to plan for growth, with a collaborative and consistent vision, strong local leadership and decisive decision making to create a successful and sustainable place to call home.

MARGARET VOYCE C&R Remuera resident

SARAH POWRIE C&R Ōrākei resident

1. As a new, enthusiastic candidate, I will bring my extensive skill-set, time and commitment to the community. My longstanding local knowledge guides my understanding and solutions-based drive to create a successful and sustainable future for our area. the hobson 14

1. I would ensure equality of resources, empowerment and broad-based participation, whenever possible. I want be part of a team that forms a board that is transparent, efficient and accountable.

2. I’m part of a service delivery team, responding to a broad spectrum of stakeholders. I believe that clear, understandable communication is a vital link in that chain. I’m a team player, advocate and active listener. I have been an inaugural secretary of a new resident’s association and have served as an elected official on a community board, which has given me a broard base for service on the local board.

DS_Newspaper_170619_V3.indd 1

3. Get the Clonbern Rd carpark opened pronto. Then ensure existing plans and initiatives are fit for purpose and the best use of the resources available.

4. I’ve independently travelled to 52 countries — I have a passion for travel, happily throwing myself into different cultures, food, language and customs, relishing it all. It has made me more savvy, tolerant and grateful.

5. Without doubt Achilles Pt — the expanse of the Hauraki Gulf directly in front, coupled with the view though the pohutukawa.

6. AT, and transport related issues.

Completely change the governance of this CCO and a change of focus. The apparent ‘car hate’ policies would be ameliorated in favour of a better planned mixture of both public and private transport. I’d also like to see heavy rail to the airport.

8/08/19 12:24 PM

PETE WILLIAMS IND Meadowbank resident

1. I’m standing, whilst sitting — a wheelchair joke — to be the independent voice at the table; a voice free from lobby groups and political party influence. I want to be the community’s voice and have their ideas turned into action. I have a real passion for everything Auckland; especially our beautiful Ōrākei.

2. From a very young age, I’ve always influenced positive change. This continued through high school as the elected student representative, and at AUT, where I was elected to the student association.

I run my own accessibility consulting agency influencing businesses to change access and attitudes. I also sit on the the hobson 15

Parafed Auckland board, which supports Aucklanders with disabilities to participate in sport and recreation.

3. I strongly believe that the community rates should be directed to our area. We live in the gem of Auckland city; where many Aucklanders come to work and play. It’s important that we continue to make the Ōrākei ward safer, cleaner and more accessible with world class facilities that can be enjoyed by everyone.

Challenging the UP to ensure that eightstorey buildings don’t overpower our serene environment; destroying the park, beach and iconic Rangitoto view for many Mission Bay residents. I will advocate for a maximum four-storey limit for Mission Bay beach front.

4. I’m a keen skier and have represented NZ as a Paralympic skier. From 2006 to 2010 I was on the NZ ski team, and competed at the 2010 Paralympics in Vancouver.

5. Mission Bay beach is my happy place; a great place for reflection, handcycling along Tamaki Dr, swimming and enjoying the company of friends and family. The

the village

Tamaki Dr walkway is a perfect place to walk my German shepherd, Barney.

6. Money and time are wasted by review after review, especially with our infrastructure projects. As mayor you need to make decisive long-term decisions to get on and do it to get Auckland moving again.

DAVID WONG C&R Remuera resident

THE QUESTIONS 1. Why should electors vote for you?

2. What experience has prepared you for a seat on the board?

3. What would your top two priorities be if elected?

4. Tell us something about yourself that may surprise people.

5. What’s your personal favourite part of/place in our neighbourhood?

6. What is Auckland's biggest problem and if you were mayor, how would you fix it?

from the CCOs. Over the past term we have seen transport issues (AT) and commercial property issues (Panuku) cause consternation to our constituents.

More governing body representation needs to sit within the executive boards of the CCOs and annual plans and programmes.

The chief executives of each CCO will have defined key performance indicators, which are also agreed by local boards if their programmes of activity affect those areas.

Candidates for the Waitematā Local Board ALEXANDRA BONHAM CV Grey Lynn resident

1. I have completed a full term on the Ōrākei Local Board and have conscientiously listened and acted when constituents have profiled their issues from consents, parks and reserves, environment, youth initiatives through to transport and local business. It has always been a case of pragmatism and rolling up the sleeves.

2. In my first term I held the portfolio of community facilities and services; and support lead to economic development.

My banking and insurance corporate experience adds value to the local board and governance process. I have supported initiatives around youth and been an active trustee on the Barfoot & Thompson sports stadium.

3. Advocate for the completion of the Glen Innes-Tamaki Dr pathway and initiative on the new link to the Selwyn College side of the valley. In generations to

come, the pleasure for the community to experience this key transport-cycle link will be immeasurable. As the population of Auckland grows there is pressure to intensify and stretch the provisions of the UP, which we as the local board are committed to challenge and support our neighbours.

4. In 2012 I led a Rotary study exchange to Kentucky. We were all awarded the status of colonels of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, the same as was given to Elvis Presley and Muhammad Ali. 5. Walking the full circumference of the Ōrākei Basin on a spring evening and taking in the sunset.

6. The accountability of CCOs has become dysfunctional. For council and local boards to operate strategically and cohesively we need transparency and defined agendas

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1. I am standing to deliver, and to help others deliver action on climate change, and open up new economic, cultural and social opportunities.

2. I have a law degree, I am on the board of Richmond Rd School, am an advocate for Women in Urbanism and was on publisher Hodder Headline’s environmental committee. I offer experience of governance and knowledge.

3. Work towards a better provision of community spaces and places (arts and

events) to serve all residents including enhancing parks, libraries and creating a youth hub in Newmarket. I would also want to keep an eye over resource consents to ensure that new developments provide for local needs long term.

4. I love singing and used to sing in a band.

When I was asked to jam with the pros at Café one2one in Ponsonby it was one of the proudest moments of my life.

5. My favourite part of the city is the library. All of them.

6. I would get creative and protect the urban tree canopy by crowd-sourcing information to build a protected tree register, green the city with regenerative gardens, extend public transport, and paint in the cycle network with lanes wide enough for scooters as well as bikes!

GEN BROWN C&R Central city resident

1. I want to really shake things up.

Auckland needs vision and determination to make it a world-class city. We’re not getting this at present.

2. I come to local government with fresh eyes and a willingness to make changes.

I am relying on my deep knowledge of Auckland – from 25 years of living here – and my professional skills as a business studies teacher, executive MBA graduate and secretariat for the NZ UN Women’s Empowerment Principles, to make a practical contribution to Waitematā.

3. We desperately need the sort of facilities that will make people want to live, work, invest in and visit Auckland. We need the waterfront stadium and to open up the waterfront to the people of Auckland.

And we need more reliable and affordable public transport so we can actually move around our beautiful city.

4. I’m a former New Zealand body shaping champion – tougher than you might think!

5. The beautiful parts of it, not the ugly bits – but we can fix those.

6. Auckland’s biggest problem is a double header – poor infrastructure and inadequate, overpriced public transport.

Unless we start to get these fundamentals right, we will miss a golden opportunity to be one of the greatest cities in the world.

ROGER BURTON C&R Parnell resident

AMY CALWAY C&R Freemans Bay resident

1. I bring the right balance of knowledge, skills and experience to add value to the local board and to fix the problems facing Parnell, where I live, and the neighbouring surrounds of Newmarket and Auckland central.

2. I am an experienced board director with extensive international financial services, risk management and performance improvement consulting experience.

3. I will work with the Parnell and Newmarket business associations to support their respective plans for the area.

After nine years it is time for a change, time that we have a council and local board that gets rid of excessive wasteful spending, engages in meaningful consultation and gets on with the things that matter – safe neighbourhoods, clean streets, familyfriendly parks, core council services, reduced road congestion, adequate parking and reliable public transport.

4. At 12, I started my working life as a box boy for my local supermarket. I’ve been a truck driver; house painter; waiter; flying instructor; farmed on Waiheke; banker; run my own businesses; and been fortunate to have worked on the most amazing and interesting projects for clients in Asia/Pacific, UK and the US. It’s now time for me to give back.

5. My wife and I enjoy everything about living in Parnell — the community, restaurants, great shops and galleries; but our favourite part is the parks, the Rose Gardens, and the many wonderful walks around the area.

6. The biggest problem is AT. I would gain back greater control of AT by appointing myself and another suitably qualified councillor to the AT Board, to improve their consultation and decision-making processes, and force AT to work with council’s urban designers to better address Auckland’s congestion problems.

1. I am a young, fresh dynamic person; ready to listen to the public and work for them.

2. I have sat on many sporting, events and residents committees and associations — time management, planning, and accountability are my natural habitat.

3. Transport — reducing cars on the road and events, in particular, the new Headland Park development.

4. I am a single mother who invented a new sport for this country, beach polo.

5. The volcanic view shaft, looking over the water and into the city and across to Rangitoto. We are so lucky here and it humbles me every time.

6. Transport. I would encourage a cultural shift connecting people to their community, people and planet. An example, Uber is supposed to be a ridesharing app — imagine if we were all using this, spending less time in stressful traffic, sharing more time or even making more money. There’d be less congestion and C0² emissions. Win, win, win!

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JOSH DOUBTFIRE C&R Freemans Bay resident

1. I’ve seen the council’s incapability to operate for the ratepayers of Auckland and I’ve become tired of seeing issue after issue affect my family and my community.

2. I’ve sat on the board of trustees of Western Springs College, been a youth MP, as well as lived in my neighbourhood for over 15 years. This has given me extensive knowledge of local issues. But also being young and studying commerce at Auckland University, I have a modern approach for the growth of our city.

3. Waterway and beach quality in our harbour and rivers — we must closely monitor the contamination between sewage and stormwater. I’d strive to make sure we have a practical transport

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network and bring back consultation and accountability to AT. 4. I’m an ocean swimmer and train in the summer mornings with my squad down at Mission Bay and St Heliers. I’ve done the harbour crossing twice which is all the more reason for us to have a clean harbour!

5. I love Westhaven for a quick walk. Going past the fishermen under the harbour bridge is entertaining. The sounds of gulls, the boats and the smell of the sea symbolises Auckland.

6. Aucklanders feel they no longer get represented by council — the growing number of unelected bureaucrats call the shots these days. I would put power back to the councillors and elected members, and have AT directly managed by councillors.

GLENDA FRYER CV St Marys Bay resident

1. Waitematā is the heart of Auckland. It has great opportunities and challenges ahead. I’m a hard working person with the heart, commitment and vision to grasp and tackle the huge population growth, housing, transport, environmental and climate change issues. I’ll work towards creating an inclusive and caring community.

2. I was an Auckland City councillor for nine years including chair of its planning committee, and have been a [Albert-Eden] Local Board member for six years, leading in local economic development. I listen and know how to get things done, and call CCOs to account.

3. Great local parks and excellent community facilities — libraries, swimming pools, community centres — are vital for our families in our intensive urban environment, so local families can be part of our liveable community.

4. My maternal forebears the McQuoids arrived in March 1840 at Mechanics Bay to help set up for Governor Grey’s arrival, and in 1842 my ancestor was one of the first 12 employees of the new NZ government.

5. The Domain with its peaceful gardens, sprawling huge trees, great sporting fields and paths, and the Auckland treasures that are the Wintergarden and museum.

6. Congestion. I believe the mix of the new City Rail Link (CRL), and a more frequent, cheaper and reliable public transport system will assist people to get to their

destination safely. As mayor I’d consider a quick hit fix of free public transport. Better transport choices are the key.

GRAEME GUNTHORP CV Freemans Bay resident

1. I have real solutions for Auckland's issues — transport, housing, environment — and have the business experience to implement them.

2. I’m a senior asset manager overseeing $500 million of shopping centres across NZ, so I understand how to build and deliver successful communities. I lived in London for almost a decade, and saw how good urban design and integrated transport networks can make a positive difference.

3. First, improving the consultation processes, ensuring communities get the first say before any designs are drafted.

Karangahape Rd is a good example of this, while St Heliers was not. Second, enabling more efficient transport networks across Auckland. Our narrow road corridors need to be optimised to convey more people.

4. I’m a keen ocean swimmer, and competed in the transcontinental event from Europe to Asia across the Dardanelles, near Gallipoli.

5. The Parnell Rose Gardens and Judges Bay are some of the best parts of Auckland; my wife’s parents were married in the Rose Gardens many years ago, and it was the first park we took our son to.

6. The lack of cohesion between NZTA, AT and the voters is a huge issue. If I was mayor, I’d push for complete transparency on all processes, so that the public can see how decisions are made, and how projects are progressing.

KERRIN LEONI CV Central city resident

1. I have extensive years of funding and project management experience in the local community, working at grass the hobson 18

roots level and central government organisations. I am passionate about climate change and ensuring families have access to parks, playgrounds and high quality amenities in Waitematā.

2. I am currently a board member of Violence Free Communities, I run my own small business and have years of management experience.

3. Supporting the development of local community initiatives; addressing the homelessness issue in the CBD. 4. I have two-year-old twins who keep me on my toes every day.

5. The Wynyard Quarter and Silo Park is one of my favourite places in the neighbourhood. It has a great vibe, some of the best restaurants in Auckland, and an amazing park for children.

6. Lack of affordable housing and opportunities for home ownership. This has an extensive impact for families in terms of their stability, health and wellbeing. If I was mayor I would develop affordable housing schemes so that more families could work towards buying their own homes. I would also ensure there are improved secure tenancy agreements.

Every Aucklander should be able to live in a dry, warm and secure home with easy access to services.

DENISE L’ESTRANGE-CORBET, DNZM C&R Ponsonby resident

1. I am honest, direct, and will get answers from council. For too long, we have not been consulted on issues that affect us, our livelihoods and our environment, and this needs to be addressed. Traffic disruption due to road upgrades, and the effect of the CRL construction on local businesses.

2. The experience of life has prepared me for a seat on the board. I have also run my business for the past 30 years. I have sat on government and non-government boards.

3. Addressing our transport problem, working very closely with AT, and working for more transparency and accountability from council.

4. I have taught art to five-year-olds, every Friday, at Ponsonby Primary School for a few years. My daughter went there and had the happiest of times. Dr Anne Malcolm is still the principal, and my daughter is 30 this year!

5. That is the hardest question, as there

is so much I love about it, which is why I have lived here for over 32 years.

6. I would run a council that had a big overhaul on its expenditure, and see where we could save and put more where it is really needed to make ratepayers lives better. We need an actual Super City, not just in name. I would listen to people’s concerns.

ALLAN MATSON IND Central city resident

1. I think local boards should be comprised of people with a broad range of skills in order to deal effectively with the broad range of matters before them. I’m standing because I have a skill-set I think is useful, important and doesn’t appear to be otherwise on offer. I have a depth of local knowledge, built up over decades living in the area. My decision-making is independent of any political affiliations.

2. I’ve been involved in a broad range of bureaucratic processes since the inception of Auckland Council. That spans from initial participation in the Royal Commission on Auckland Governance through to submissions on a range of planning documents including the Auckland Plan, the Unitary Plan, various local board plans, resource consents and

other ongoing matters. I have governance experience having been variously appointed or elected to the boards or executive of a range of organisations, including a crown entity, a business association and community groups.

3. I would like to advance the identification of built heritage in the city centre and help facilitate progress on ways to ensure some of its preservation. As far as the readers of The Hobson are concerned, I would ensure that the interests of Newmarket, Grafton and Parnell remain firmly on the Waitematā Local Board agenda.

4. I've managed to get around this city for a decade without owning a car.

5. The Domain is my favourite part of the neighbourhood. There are lots of lovely places to walk, but mostly I ride through it, often pausing in front of the museum to appreciate the lovely view of the city and harbour.

6. I hope the contenders bring intergenerational thinking to their leadership and the vision they promote for Auckland.

KEITH MCCONNELL IND Parnell resident

will allow me to judge each issue on its merits and represent the community in a balanced manner. I have lived in Parnell for the last 20 years and am only one of two candidates who live in the area. I have a proven history of ‘making things work, getting things done’.

2. I have a degree in finance from Otago University and a lengthy career in the commercial sector including as chief executive of a number of companies, and board chair of Industrial Research (Crown entity), Rubbish Direct and a founding director of NZ Windfarms, among others.

3. I’d insist the board and its members adhere to good governance practice — for instance in the current term there have been 36 board meetings but only 11 of these have been fully attended. I’d engage with the board of AT and communicate their organisation’s continuing failure to meaningfully engage and consult with businesses and residents. I would seek their commitment that they will work with their management to address these failures.

4. There are no surprises with me. What you see is what you get.

5. The cafes and restaurants of Parnell.

6. The CCOs such as AT, but not only them, have lost sight that their primary function is to serve the ratepayers. I would ensure that the council had firm control of the governance of these organisations and thereby make them accountable to the community.

1. My independence from either party or from championing any particular issue,

Keith McConnell for Waitemata Local Board When elected Keith will: • Champion local issues and initiatives • Provide a commercial perspective to the Board’s deliberations • Advocate for and liaise with local businesses and community groups

Making things Work, Getting things Done.

• Demand open, transparent and accountable governance

Authorised by Keith McConnell, Balfour Rd Parnell, Auckland

www.keithforwaitemata.com the hobson 19

Authorised by Keith McConnell • 12 Balfour Rd, Parnell, Auckland

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GREG MOYLE C&R (standing for third term) Herne Bay resident

1. I want to ensure that our community is properly represented in its dealings with Auckland Council.

2. I have extensive experience in local government, representing my community as an Auckland City councillor and a Waitematā Local Board member.

3. To protect the special character area of Parnell, Newmarket and Grafton, and to work alongside the Parnell and Newmarket business associations to protect on-street parking.

4. I have hens at home and sell the eggs at Rotary to fund the club’s Gardens at Schools programme. We have built a garden at Parnell District Primary and have another planned at Newmarket Primary.

5. I can often be found in the various Parnell Rd galleries, in particular the Jonathan Grant/Artis Gallery and the International Art Centre.

6. Transport – it’s getting harder to get around our city, and we need to share the space rather than reduce the carriageway by creating more exclusive bus and cycle lanes.

RICHARD NORTHEY CV (standing for second term) Freemans Bay resident

1. I am standing to do what I can to help make transport, community facilities, recreation opportunities and quality of life better for town centre and inner suburb residents, visitors and businesses.

I am part of a great team of City Vision candidates with diverse interests, skills and backgrounds 2. I have chaired major committees of parliament, of the Auckland Council and been chair of community organisations like the Auckland District Council of Social Services, the Auckland Community Housing Trust and the Problem Gambling

Foundation of NZ. I am one of only two sitting Waitematā Local Board members seeking re-election.

3. I was a member of the working party that drew up the Parnell Plan last year and commit myself to working hard to implement its recommendations. I want to make sure that AT, Regional Facilities Auckland and the other Auckland CCOs are answerable and responsive to the people.

4. I lived in Churton St in Parnell when I was a lecturer in political studies at Auckland University.

5. I must admit it is the local dealer galleries, which I have a good excuse to go to as the arts, culture and events spokesperson for the board.

6. I would get the law changed to bring AT under the Council and in a co-ordinated way improve roads, rail and bus services, ferries and safe cycling and walking with better footpaths.

JULIE SANDILANDS CV Central city resident

1. I am a passionate advocate for sustainable solutions that enhance not only our environment, but every aspect of our daily lives.

2. I've owned three businesses, have a background in sustainability and have strong community connections.

3. Inclusive public spaces that optimise our health and connectedness. Vibrant and well-supported local businesses that are integrated with the local economy.

4. I can speak Chinese.

5. The Hobson Bay walkway, in the rain!

6. We've built a city for cars, not people.

We can transform Auckland into a city with faster commutes, more connected communities, less car dependence, more beautiful streets, and healthier, happier people. We're moving in the right direction, but slowly.

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SARAH TROTMAN ONZM C&R Mt Eden resident

1. I have a strong understanding of the diverse range of opportunities and challenges faced by Auckland and its Council. I have lived in Waitematā for 30 years and raised my two children here.

I’m a committed Aucklander with a proven track record of impactful, largescale community, business and economic development initiatives.

2. I’m an experienced governor, able to have robust and professional debate on complex issues. I’m strategically smart and capable of strong leadership across a diverse range of stakeholders. I get things done.

3. I have three — safe, vibrant communities, improving parks and waterways and getting Auckland moving.

4. I’m an ex-territorial soldier, Military Police.

5. I’d be in big trouble with local legend and stylist Raymond Henderson if I didn’t say his salon on Parnell Rd! He thinks I’ve been seeing him for 20 years for the quality of the haircut, actually I go for his humour.

Raymond is the funniest person I know.

6. Where is the vision, belief and commitment, by all who serve our communities and residents, to Auckland being a world-class city? Councillors, CCOs and council staff need strong leadership to address the current environments in which they operate which cause inefficiency and council waste.

Reporting by Mary Fitzgerald.

All photos supplied.

C&R

Communities and Residents

DNZM MNZM

Town & Around TURNED OFF BY THE FAIRY LIGHTS

A protected South Queensland Kauri in Parnell’s Fraser Park has borne fairy lights since 2013 courtesy of the business assocation. Council says the standards for installation and maintenance are met. Photo by Wayne Thompson.

The practice of wrapping fairy lights around the trunks and limbs of oak trees at Holy Trinity Cathedral in Parnell has been challenged by a local resident, who says the resulting light pollution distresses the trees.

Christine Fernyhough CNZM says she was horrified to read in The Hobson about the demolition of two houses on the cathedral’s northern street frontage in order to clear a site for potential lease to a building developer. But what added insult to injury, says the author and philanthropist, was the felling of trees to make the site more attractive to a developer.

“One can do nothing about the felling of a healthy 100-year-old oak tree, but I would like to avoid further distress for the two old oak trees [on the Parnell Rd frontage] which have been swaddled in lights for over six years,” she says.

The trees and other English oaks on the cathedral site are listed as protected in the Auckland Unitary Plan.

The lights were installed by the Parnell Business Association, with the permission of cathedral management, to use the landmark site at the high point of Parnell Rd. Further down Parnell Rd, street trees have also been illuminated. the hobson 21

Fernyhough says the association should reconsider the worth of distressing the trees further through the hosting of fairy lights. In her research, she has found many explanations of how all artificial light harms trees in some way — like many other living organisms, trees need to sleep at night and rest, in order to regenerate and follow a natural cycle. Continuous lighting, as in the case of the cathedral’s oaks, interferes with the trees’ need for dark as well as light, says Fernyhough, who also questions the need to add to the illumination already provided by streetlights.

“Light pollution affects the life of trees,” she says. “While all artificial light is harmful to trees in some way, there are two kinds that do the most damage, continuous lighting — as in the case of the cathedral oaks — and light rich in red and infrared wavelengths. Plants, shrubs and trees use sunlight for photosynthesis during the daytime but at night they need darkness to regenerate a key compound, phytochrome.

“You can find online many other research notes which help to explain how scientists, through scanning, have found that trees do in fact go to sleep at night. Removing the invasive lights would allow these trees to revert to and enjoy their natural state.”

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It would also, she says, let them look as nature intended. “They are tinselly and resemble fake, out-of-season Christmas trees,” she says. She prefers the natural grandeur of the oaks and the spring delight of a mass display of new leaves, “like little lettuces”.

In late July, after Fernyhough made her views known to the business association and the Dean of Holy Trinity Cathedral, Very Rev Anne Mills, the lighting on only one of the cathedral oaks was activated.

Dean Mills said the cathedral agreed to support the lighting as an initiative of the business association to brighten the village and add to its appeal. The pruning and safety of the cathedral’s trees were under the care of an arborist, who had not indicated that the lights caused any damage to the trees or their longevity. “In fact, their main concern is very dry summers and the age of the trees,” she wrote in response to inquiries from Fernyhough, noting too that the oaks were pruned to remove dead and unsafe branches.

Another protected local tree that has borne lights is now left in the dark. The landmark Norfolk pine outside the motel at 320 Parnell Rd is both too old for lighting, and the amount of dead wood between the branches made it unsafe to climb for lighting maintenance, says Parnell Business Association general manager, Cheryl Adamson.

Adamson, who says there is a “general call” from the public for the lights, adds: “Our contractor only uses qualified arborists to climb the trees, all of whom are tree enthusiasts and enjoy dressing trees with fairy lights as they see it as beautifying and drawing attention to the trees.”

Arborists contacted by The Hobson don’t agree that the light emitted by fairy lights is dangerous to the health of trees — they say there are worse problems, and other lighting can be more damaging. “If putting fairy lights on the stem and branches of a tree increases the appreciation of the value of that tree, then fairy lights are a good thing,” says Tree Council chair Sean Freeman, a qualified arborist.

Auckland Council head of operational management and maintenance Agnes McCormack agrees. “Wrapping trees with fairy lights is not harmful to trees, as long as it is done by a professional who is experienced and the lights themselves are suitable, for example, low power or LED lights that do not give off heat. If the method of attachment is suitable and regularly checked for

tightness, damage is very unlikely.” Council sets the frequency of inspections and the installation method and says the recent standards have been met. A resident can apply to light a tree, too.

A PhD candidate at the University of Auckland, Ellery McNaughton wrote her thesis on the effects of artificial light at night (ALAN) on animals but came across some research showing trees are affected by artificial light. Trees detect light and use it as a cue for the timing of processes such as flowering and leaves falling off. When ALAN alters the natural life cycles, it also alters the natural timing of some processes in the trees. This is why deciduous trees under streetlights will sometimes hold on to their leaves longer than unlit trees in autumn.

McNaughton says the effects of ALAN depend on the intensity and spectrum of the light source and the species of tree. The cathedral trees on the roadside would already be exposed to street lights and car headlights at higher intensities than the fairy lights.

— Wayne Thompson p For further reading, McNaughton suggests a paper published in the May 2016 edition of the British Ecological Society’s Journal of Ecology (available at besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com): “Ecological effects of artificial light at night on wild plants” by J Bennie, T W Davies, D Cruse and K J Gaston.

LOCAL BOARD BITES A new broom is sweeping through Parnell, which is part of council’s Community Facilities department’s Streetscapes project to improve street cleanliness. “A high volume of tourists and visitors to Parnell has seen cleaning and maintenance increase to the highest level of service available under the new project,” says Waitematā Local Board chair Pippa Coom. Upgraded levels of service include removing chewing gum off the pavement, cleaning bins and steam cleaning seats, walkways and bus shelters, as well as weed control.

The Ōrākei Local Board has defended its Tree Protection Grants Programme against criticism that it’s not a good use of ratepayers’ money. The programme allows residential owners of notable trees

Yes, even Mahé needs a navigator.

J U S T N O T O N T H E W AT E R

GUIDING, GROWING, AND P R O T E C T I N G YO U R W E A LT H

H O B S O N W E A LT H .C O. N Z | 0 8 0 0 74 2 7 3 7 Hobson Wealth Partners Limited (FSP29782), is an NZX Advising Firm. The disclosure statement for Hobson Wealth Partners is available upon request, free of charge.

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PARNELL THE DESIGN DESTINATION Enter to WIN $3000

WIN

$3000!

THANKS TO PARNELL THE D E S I G N D E ST I N AT I O N Parnell is the space to be for all things interior design related. Parnell is the ultimate destination when looking for superior, sophisticated products for your interior.

This September, Parnell celebrates great design by giving you the chance to win $3000 to spend at any of the participating design businesses. To enter, just choose one of of the four themes, then pick your favourite item within that theme.

Turn On, Sit On, Rest On, Put On. Ready? Go to parnell.net.nz and click on the Win $3000 icon, and then select the theme you love the most. You can enter as many times as you like! Competition closes at midnight, Monday September 30, 2019, and the winner will be drawn soon after.

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Erica Boyd White

to apply for grants for tree works that support the long-term health of the trees and their retention. The programme works to incentivise property owners to retain mature trees for the benefit of the community and urban biodiversity. Four grants were given in the current funding cycle. Board member Troy Churton says that not all applicants receive funds. “The programme only concerns a small number of trees each year, since there is a very specific set of criteria that needs to be met for a tree to be eligible for a grant.

Since 2016, 15 grants have been issued costing a total of $10,000.

This is a very small amount of money to strategically help keep a significant RMA policy issue at the forefront of local governance.

Almost everyone I meet in Ōrākei says they want the traditional leafy green neighbourhood sense of amenity retained. Keeping mature natives and other trees helps to achieve the objectives of the Eastern Bays Songbird Project of sustaining bird life and this is shown in the increased birdlife evident in the area covered by the project,” says Churton.

Feedback on a proposed walkway running from Shore Rd Reserve to the west end of Wilson’s Beach has been positive, reports Ōrākei Local board chair Kit Parkinson. The walkway will complete the Hobson Bay walkway network to Shore Rd, and improve access to local waterways. “There are to be meetings with affected neighbours re riparian rights which are being finalised now,” says Parkinson.

“Support for the completion of this walkway is very strong from the overall community, outside those with riparian rights, in the high 90 per cent region. We need to have fully consulted with affected parties before we will move to the consenting stage — at that stage affected parties will also get opportunities to submit.”

The Ōrākei Local Board has approved its 2019/20 works programme, which aims to achieve goals outlined in its ThreeYear Plan, adopted in 2017. Much of the $339,990 budget goes towards ecological restoration, a 15 per cent increase on money spent in 2018/19. The 10 projects on the list include the Newmarket Stream community restoration project, $15,000; the Hobson Bay Catchment Care Project (Waiata Reserve), $31,200; Victoria/ Portland Significant Ecological Area restoration, $10,000; and $70,000 to the Eastern Bays Songbird Initiaitive.

— reporting by Mary Fitzgerald p

is a bird’s eye view of a busy harbour, this other a wide panoramic landscape, maybe not! I’m looking forward to meeting people at the show and hearing their interpretations.”

Andrew Cox’s exhibition runs from September 16-22 at shop 4d, Ponsonby Central, 136 Ponsonby Rd. Contact Andrew Cox on 021 132 4481 for further information. p

A NEW CHAPTER

CHILD’S PLAY, UPSCALED Parnell interior designer and artist Andrew Cox has returned to his childhood pleasure of tinkering with Meccano as inspiration for an upcoming exhibition of artworks.

“When I was a boy I played with my father’s old Meccano set, built forts and locomotives, fought battles and won,” says Cox. “A few years ago, reconnecting with my childhood and wanting to do something creative, I started buying vintage Meccano on eBay and Amazon — the idea was to make abstract sculpture with the old rusting metal strips.”

While this proved enjoyable, he realised there was another way he could be creative with the concept of Meccano, that others may appreciate too. “All good creative ideas occur at 2am, which is when I thought of upscaling the pieces and having some of the Meccano made to 6.1 scale.” This early-hours brainwave led to a “rabbit hole of exploration, plenty of dead ends, lots of trials and errors”.

Working with local metalworkers and joiners, guided by maquettes he made at 1:1 scale, Cox has made 12 large works for exhibition, which can be interpreted any number of ways, he says.

“With the works you notice the colours, the shadows that are cast.

Your eyes wander over the art and conjure up ideas of what the pieces illustrate. For me, some are dynamic and shifting, this one

Readers rejoice — Gail Woodward is back in the neighbourhood.

The Meadowbank resident was the popular book buyer at Paper Plus Newmarket until it closed two years ago, and was a regular contributor to The Hobson with reading recommendations. Now she’s part of the new team at Paper Plus Parnell, where she’s encountering familiar faces. “I only give books as family presents and for years she gave never-fail advice,” says local bibliophile Clare Sutton, who contacted The Hobson to alert us to Gail’s return.

“What great news that she’s now at the Parnell branch. My present buying is easy again!” p

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THE STORY BEHIND THE HEADLINES

How low can it go? The OCR is falling like a rock – will that translate into being the fire-starter for the property market? Time will tell.

The bigger question is if it’s a soft/falling market – doesn’t that make it a great time to buy? The bottom line is it’s all about confidence – a sentiment that seems is in short supply according to the Business Confidence Survey https://tradingeconomics.com/ new-zealand/business-confidence This is no doubt the reason why the upper end of the market is a bit sticky. However there’s no doubt, with interest rates as they are, it is a great time to buy. Those who are prepared to buck the current sentiment will no doubt be rewarded in time. The phrase ‘should have bought back then’ comes to mind. Of interest, we note competition for property returning with several multiple offer situations in play.

If you’re wondering what a property is worth please give me a call at any time.

Philip Oldham M 021 921 031 philip.oldham@uprealestate.co.nz

LICENSED AGENT REA 2008

Becky Nunes

the village

NEXT STOP, ART The heritage station house at Parnell Station has opened as an artists’ workshop, Te Tuhi Studios at Cheshire St. Te Tuhi is a leading Auckland educator, gallery space and curatorial practice promoting contemporary art, and the Parnell studio gives them much needed working space for artists, says director Hiraani Himona.

Built as the Newmarket station house, the 1908 wooden structure was relocated to Parnell in 2017 after years in storage, and its exterior restored by KiwiRail. It’s sat empty since the station opened, surplus to AT’s operational requirements.

Auckland Art Fair co-director Stephanie Post saw the potential in the building as an art space, and worked with Himona to bring it to reality, a process that navigated two years of negotiation with

AT. “The studios will contribute to a vibrant arts and cultural community in Auckland, combining principles of collaboration, experimentation and inclusiveness,” says Himona.

Te Tuhi has taken a three-year lease on the building, renovating the interior shell on the smell of a turpentine rag to the required health and safety standards. There’s now running water, power, toilets and four shared studio workshops, as well as the Platform Gallery, a ‘test gallery’ space that will be used for exhibitions and installations or hired for events.

The first artists to work from Cheshire St are the Tangent Photography Collective, the Tardigrade World group, mixed media artist Jana Wood, sculptor Dion Hitchens and painter Bill Riley.

The studios will be open to visitors on Saturday October 19, as part of Auckland’s Artweek. For more about Te Tuhi and the Cheshire St studio, see tetuhi.org.nz p

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the councillors

Desley Simpson

I

know improving water quality and improving our natural environment is important to you. When we asked Aucklanders what they thought of an extra targeted rate to bring forward a 30-year work programme for greater investment in these two areas, a large majority from the Ōrākei ward said yes.

So one year on, what has been done?

Work to improve water quality has happened in Hobson Bay, Judges Bay, the Newmarket Stream, Wilsons Beach, Pourewa Creek and around the Ōrākei Basin. A big focus has been on Okahu Bay where the water quality was graded black — council’s highest warning, indicating a very high risk of illness according to our Safeswim testing. All boats and their moorings have now been removed from Okahu Bay (to align with the Unitary Plan) with most being repositioned opposite the Outdoor Boating Club, on the seaward side of Tamaki Dr. Significant investigation of the suburb of Ōrākei’s properties has found many still with storm water and waste water combined sewer systems. Come October, work will start on the separation of these which will reduce the frequency and quality of any overflows, which are now positioned further out where there are more currents. This will make swimming at Okahu Bay significantly safer in the summer.

Environmentally, we have done a lot of work around trapping of pests. Rats have been particularly bad this season but extra funding has gone towards this, benefitting Okahu Bay, St Heliers, Ōrākei, Mission Bay, Kohimarama and Remuera. Waiatarua Reserve and Waiata Reserve have received increased investment with plant pest eradication too. To all of you who have taken advantage of the free rat traps given out by the Eastern Bays Songbird Project, thank you. Over a thousand have been distributed and this is really helping pest reduction in our area.

The Domain, one of Auckland’s true jewels, has been a focus with a higher level

of pest plant and animal control than local parks. We have started a significant privet removal programme there — I can hear all those suffering from hayfever cheering now! The Domain will hopefully be privetfree in three to seven years.

One of the exciting new features in the Domain, is a home for council’s biosecurity dogs. Having the biosecurity dog depot here is helping the Domain become pest free, through identifying pest hot spots and direct pest control. Our wonderful dog handlers and dog teams are able to detect for rodents, mustelids, plague skinks and Argentine ants. I visited them recently and saw them in action — the work is fascinating and the dogs are adorably cute too. Thanks to the natural environment targeted rate, council has also been able to

increase its pest protection in the Hauraki Gulf islands, and has invested in increased pest detector dogs and handlers, certified under the Conservation Dog Programme.

By the time you read this, the local government elections will be in full swing.

You will be seeing hoardings, flyers in your letterbox and an increased awareness of who is standing for mayor, councillor and local board in your area. Please take the time to research those who are standing, and above all — VOTE. I am standing the hobson 28

again as the Communities and Residents Councillor for Ōrākei and have published a list of my ‘achievements’ this term on my website: desley.co.nz. It’s been a humbling and challenging three years around the Town Hall table. I’d be deeply honoured to have your continued support, delivering what matters to you.

Desley Simpson is the Councillor for Auckland representing the Ōrākei ward

Mike Lee

W

e in Auckland are fortunate to have such a wonderful legacy of historic buildings and townscapes handed down to us by earlier generations. Despite it being our duty to protect it and in turn, hand it on for future generations, this legacy is under threat. Auckland Council is currently processing a change to the Unitary Plan, ‘Plan Change 26’, which is especially relevant for the historic townscapes (‘heritage zones’) of the older suburbs of Auckland, including Remuera, Epsom and Parnell.

The plan change is needed because of anomalies identified by the Environment Court. These relate to differing requirements of the legacy ‘Residential One - Single House Zones’ and the Unitary Plan’s ‘Character Area Overlays’. Despite council’s assurances that this is essentially a technical matter, the intended priority to be given to ‘Character Overlay’ which rather counter-intuitively, is weaker than the legacy Residential One zoning, is feared to be, in the words of one heritage researcher, a “wolf in sheep’s clothing”.

The council’s Heritage Advisory Panel, which I chair, shares this concern, as do the Ōrākei Local Board and heritage groups across the city, including Remuera Heritage and Parnell Heritage. These are just some of the many community organisations represented in Sally Hughes’ Character Coalition. The Character Coalition has formally submitted to Plan Change 26, raising these concerns.

Knowing how Auckland Council operates and its non-notified, pro-developer, growth-at-all-costs culture, the public disquiet is quite understandable. Whatever the outcome of Plan Change 26, we should be in no doubt that unless there’s a fundamental change in the way council writes and enforces the rules, we will continue to lose our historic buildings and valued trees to development.

I would now like to deal with what I hope is some good news.

Wynyard Quarter’s heritage tramway was a legacy project of the former Auckland Regional Council (ARC), completed by Waterfront Auckland in time for the Rugby World Cup. It was promoted as a ‘place shaper’, popular with Aucklanders and visitors alike. Over 100,000 people rode the trams, despite the limited circular route.

This was planned to be only the first stage of a Wynyard to Britomart link, serving the Maritime Museum, cruise ship and ferry wharves, using both heritage and modern trams. This was a key commitment in Waterfront Auckland’s popular Waterfront Plan (2012), supported by a remarkable 73 per cent of public submissions. But then Waterfront Auckland, despite it being the best performing of the new CCOs, was disbanded — the result of internal council palace politics. Its role was taken over by Panuku and AT. The results — the trashing of the Waterfront Plan, the ongoing debacle on Quay St — are there for all to see.

Another victim of this infighting was the trams. In 2014, AT took over from Waterfront Auckland reconstructing the roads in the Wynyard Quarter. During this time the trams have been able to run only infrequently and then on half the original route. If this wasn’t bad enough, last year Panuku traded away to developers Willis Bond a block of land connecting the tram barn to Daldy St. Predictably, last August Willis Bond demanded this key section of tramline be removed, forcing tram operations to be shut down ‘indefinitely’. In November Panuku executives went to the council and recommended the tramway be terminated permanently.

Here comes the good part. Thanks to the tireless campaigning of heritage tram enthusiasts led by businessman Puneet Dahl, and backed by a petition from hundreds of Aucklanders, the mayor and a majority of councillors for once rejected Panuku’s advice and instructed it to get the trams running again.

The next battle is to persuade Panuku to uphold Waterfront Auckland’s 2012 plans for a tram-capable bridge. Meanwhile, the Wynyard heritage tramway will be back up and running in February. Our past and our future are well worth fighting for.

Thankfully, despite the massive bureaucratic power of the Super City, Aucklanders are still willing to do that.

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

582 Remuera Rd, Remuera Auckland 09 520 3119 | staff@sibuns.co.nz www.sibuns.co.nz

the politicians

Paul Goldsmith

N

ational MPs talk a lot about the economy. Always have, always will. In July, Simon Bridges appointed me finance spokesperson for the party. So, I’ll be talking about it more than ever.

But when I do, I think of my old Nana, who always said, “money isn’t everything”. Of course, it isn’t. As one of the richest men in the world, Warren Buffett, put it, it doesn’t matter how much money you’ve got, if you’re not loved by the people you want to love you, life is a disaster.

It is the same with countries. Good government is just as much about preserving and enhancing what is special about this country. That, to me, is the quality of our environment, our social cohesion, our relatively high trust, low corruption traditions, our commitment to the rule of law, freedom and tolerance of different views, our sense of security – all these things are incredibly important and should never be taken for granted. So the economy is not everything – but it’s important.

Not because we revere the great machine for itself – it’s simply a means to an end. The economy is about people. It’s about you, me, our families, our neighbourhoods. The point of a strong economy is to enable us to do the most basic things in life well. It improves our chances of finding satisfying and good paying work, so that we can look after ourselves and our families.

And work itself, in its countless varieties, brings the opportunity to make a contribution to our world and the people in it – whether we’re providing someone with a new hip, a new app, or a cup of coffee with a smile.

And third, if we do well, we can afford to have some fun in our leisure time, and maybe if we have some energy left, to do something in the neighbourhood, be it on the barbecue for the school committee, or whatever. That, to me, is the good life to which we aspire.

As well as generating work and opportunities, good economic management and a strong economy enables the country to have better public services that improve our lives – a quality education, access to world-class healthcare when we need it, decent transport infrastructure so we can get home on time, the reassurance of superannuation when we’re old.

And at certain times of their lives some people can’t look after themselves and their families; the stronger our economy is, the more we can help. That’s why we’re terribly worried about the sharp slowdown in our economy in the past year. At a time when we should be doing well, with historically high terms of trade, we’re in a funk. Slumping business confidence is a symptom of the confusion and doubt that this government has sown. It’s fallen because this government continues to add costs to business, has created massive uncertainty and has demonstrated incompetence in critical areas – starting with KiwiBuild and transport.

A National government would restore confidence and revive our economy, so that we can lift our aspirations, both in what we can earn and in what social challenges we can overcome. We’ll be unfolding our economic policies over the next few months. I’m always keen to hear from The Hobson readers offering suggestions of how we might do that more effectively.

Paul Goldsmith is a National list MP based in Epsom

David Seymour

A

na-Carolina Bircham is one of the bravest little girls in the world. She has lived almost the entirety of her six years on earth in Starship Hospital, just minutes and yet a world away from her parents’ Parnell home. I wrote in the May 2018 edition of The Hobson about the challenges she faced, and what it told us about the state of healthcare in New Zealand. This month, a happy update. Ana Carolina finally went home! Here is a celebration of all those good people who came together to her aid.

The situation seemed dismal when I last wrote about it. Ana Carolina had lived in hospital for nearly her whole life, and it appeared we’d reached an impasse. I wrote, in part, at the time: “The whole saga is a cautionary tale about how big government really functions . . . With the best will in the world from the Minister of Health, many of the staff involved, a community of staunch supporters, the parents, the law, and one local MP, it has so far been impossible to get a sensible outcome . . . At the end of the day the inertia of a large government organisation has been too great for commonsense to prevail..

All but the last sentence remains true, but if you persevere long enough, good things will happen. The perseverer-in-chief is AnaCarolina. With eye-gaze technology, she has learned to operate computer software. She has gained a slight amount of movement in one finger than can be used to make choices. The second rank of perserverers are her parents, Elane and Peter, who have lost nearly everything. They have not been able to work while caring for their child in turns, 24/7, under the bright lights of Starship’s Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). They can no longer afford to live in their home, which they came within an inch of losing.

The next rank of perserverers are the band of supporters who rallied around them, from all walks of life. Chief among them was Liz from CCS Disability. Ana-Carolina and family will now live in a disability-friendly CCS-owned home in Orewa. Jan Moss from Complex Carer Group was a pillar of strength to the Birchams. Then there was the fundraising, which included an event at Gibbs Farm, donations via Givealittle, and the tradespeople and local businesses who helped remodel the new home.

For all the laments about the quality of modern journalism, watching the NZ Herald’s David Fisher get to the bottom of an issue is awe-inspiring. Lawyers such as Simon Cogan, Hannah Stuart and Grant Illingworth QC gave many hours pro bono. I have to thank my own electorate office staff, who got involved well beyond the parliamentary service contracts. Whatever faults I may have as a politician, I’m lucky to have good people working for me.

Finally, there are the many good healthcare professionals in the iconic Starship. To say that having a family living in an intensive care environment for five years gave rise to some friction doesn’t really capture the difficulties that arose. The fact that a bed in PICU was occupied for five years because the ADHB repeatedly failed to move her home, at much lesser expense to the taxpayer, is a travesty to be told another time. Nevertheless, individual Starship staff were overwhelmingly wonderful.

After five years, Ana-Carolina no longer lives in an intensive care unit. It’s a tribute to perseverance and community, and a reminder that, all things being equal, we live in a wonderful place.

David Seymour is the MP for Epsom

the hobson 30

the plan

The More Things Change . . .

I

t’s local body election time again. How do we know? Well, suddenly the paper-shufflers are on notice that they need to improve their performance. Nothing will actually transpire except for a brief but sharp tightening of rear ends, with a ‘revert to type’ once all the election hoo-ha and chest-beating passes.

I know many of you have expressed anger about the process of getting a consent. Getting a minor variation to your consent can take eight weeks to approve, and then your project goes on hold.

And then you get the council invoice – 1.5 hours for a site visit. And you know that is bullshit. And the pool will not be in by Christmas — even though you started the process in March. Your anger builds. But you have a glimmer of hope as both John Tamihere and Phil Goff grab headlines about doing things better and being transparent.

Alas, this is nothing but puffery. Nothing will change, and I have a feeling it is because we all experience it at an individual level, at different times, so there is no combined loud voice of frustration — rather a continued muttering.

At a higher level, the government, via Housing New Zealand, has worked out there is a problem with the process as it seems to take longer to get consent than to build the actual house. To solve this issue they have gone and set up their own consenting agency. While this is good in theory, the energy should have gone into a review of the Resource Management Act to provide for and promote quality urban intensification, with a corresponding requirement to plan for and provide for transport, schools, parks, infrastructure and liveable communities.

The RMA was ground-breaking legislation, however the reviews have never delivered and now it looks like it needs radical change.

We need to stop and look at whether the reason for the legislation not working as intended is not so much the legislation itself, as the way bureaucrats and successive governments have chosen to implement it. It is little wonder that excessive bureaucracy, decision-making timidity and inconsistency have been the outcome. The RMA is blamed for everything from the housing crisis to climate change. A review is now underway. The minister for the environment, David Parker, at least seems to understand the intention of the RMA, so is unlikely to want to cast aside the principles on which it was enacted in 1991. I think the real focus

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should be to make the act work the way it was intended.

And therein lies the issue. You have an act of Parliament which is well intentioned, but is being applied by our local government — 67 territorial authorities, 13 city councils (including Auckland), 53 district councils and the Chatham Islands Council — all managed by staff steeped in the old British-inspired Town and Country Planning Act, an activity based approach. All of these entities have a plan of some sort, each taking decades to refine, all being internally inconsistent to some degree, none bearing any necessary relationship to the local authority next door.

And, they’re an absolute goldmine for other sectors, such as planning consultants (myself) who navigate the plans for a modest fee. And then there’s the council’s consenters and inspectors.

Multiple events, multiple modest fees. Add to that more fees totted up due to inconsistent rulings which change from one week to the next, or because staff lack experience or a mandate to make decisions. For developers, there’s zero recognition that in their game, time equals money. Required consents are issued piecemeal, at the last possible minute — I could go on with more examples.

It will take more than a legislative magic wand to get local authority staff to act differently — they have already shown their ability to interpret at their discretion. To expect the now great empires to bow to yet another change is laughable.

In terms of solutions, the emphasis should be clearly on delivery, outcomes and timeliness. No more letters from council that start with a “sorry for the delay in responding”. That is shorthand for “I don’t care and there is nothing you can do about it”.

We saw that when the government applied pressure, a Unitary Plan was created for Auckland which freed up land supply, which in turn will solve the housing crisis. We again need the government to wield the big stick, apply sustained pressure to mandate for delivery and outcomes, give no wriggle room on timeframes, and fewer requirements for reports in triplicate. This should apply to both the RMA and the Building Act. There needs to be an understanding of time and money and consequences. There needs to be understanding that just turning up for work is not doing your job.

Or else, we need an election every three months to keep the paper-shufflers on their toes. — Hamish Firth

the second act

The Long Game

M

y husband and I are going through a good patch in our marriage. Today he spent a lot of time preparing the wood-fired hot tub at the bach, did the dishes twice, and made elaborate pizzas. This is getting into perfect man territory.

To be honest, that’s all it takes to turn me into a nicer person to live with. I’ve loathed him a lot over the years, but divorce was never a serious option because a) I loved him as a general rule; b) we had two kids and I wasn’t confident I could fake being ok with divorce; c) I’d have no interest in step-parenting someone else’s progeny if I re-partnered; and d), because I couldn’t be bothered.

Indeed a male friend quipped that a good reason not to get divorced after a long marriage is because there’d be “too much paperwork”.

One girlfriend who has been married for over 30 years professes to staying so because she can’t bear the thought of taking her clothes off in front of someone new.

No one really talks about bad patches in marriages, except me because I am deeply curious about why people pretend that marriage is a natural state and being with someone for over 25 years is a constant state of joy and gentle ribbing. We must remember that if we were living in the Middle Ages, I’d be up to husband number four by now, because the previous three would have been conveniently killed off in battle. Then, living with someone for 25 years would have been rare. Modern relationship longevity is thanks to a lack of war and conscription, and of course medical advances promoting longer lives.

Like many married women, there have been times after one of those marital spats that I have imagined a better life should I be partnered with Keanu Reeves. And I’m sure there are times my husband has wished that I would meet Keanu, so he could restore his classic car in peace and find someone more adoring.

Now though, I am glad we have lasted the distance into this Second Act, because we finally get on rather well. Certainly the relief of the kids growing up and almost achieving independence has had a lot to do with our current contentment.

Kids do have a lot to answer for when it comes to marital unhappiness. Professor Paul Dolan, a professor of behavioural science at the London School of Economics, has completed

extensive research into adult happiness. In his book Happy Ever After, he suggests that children are a tad overrated when it comes to bringing happiness. Research found that it’s the existence of children that brings more happiness than their actual presence (those with teenagers and kidults will feel this sentiment acutely).

He also found what many have suspected — the happiest people in the western world tend to be single women with no children. So all this sexist stigma about unmarried childless females being sad and lonely (as opposed to her male counterpart, imagined to be the high-income bachelor playboy) can be blown apart once and for all. My child-free, independent, female mid-lifer mates seem pretty happy to me. One friend who is nearing 60 rang me recently to say that she’d decided to sell one property, put the other on Airbnb and go on an adventure with her trusted companion, a rescue dog.

Like many these days, she can work remotely from pretty much anywhere. So much for the ‘spinster with cats’ trope.

And for those who deny the truth that married life is hard, consider what Dolan found in his research: that married people are indeed happier than other population subgroups — but only when their spouse is in the room when they are asked. “When the spouse is not present when they are asked, the married respondents seem to be “f***ing miserable”, Dolan has said.

I have noticed men often repartner quickly if a relationship ends.

This is clearly about survival. Dolan found that being married is good for men – they take fewer risks, earn more money and tend to live a little longer than bachelors. Married women are at greater risk of physical and mental conditions, and die earlier than their single girlfriends. I can understand why. Aside from working women doing what is commonly known as the double shift (doing more than their share of the physical and emotional load at home) there is more social pressure for women to remain married, and not to have ‘failed’ at what they are supposed to be good at.

I am happy to be married, but over the years have not always been happily married. Yet through it all, there has never been anyone I’d rather go to the movies with or wander through an art gallery with than him. And now in my 50s, that’ll do me.

— Sandy Burgham

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the hobson 32

the investment

Interesting Times

A

s you will have heard, on August 7 the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) reduced the Official Cash Rate to . . . wait for it . . . 1.0 per cent. Unprecedented! Raise your hand if you ever thought you’d see such a low cash rate in New Zealand in your lifetime — not me. Our company’s head of investment noted this as “quite an extraordinary move from the governor” and that it’s quite likely interest rates will continue to drop.

So, maybe even more (amazingly) low interest rates. But why are the floating mortgage and home loan rates in NZ still so high?

Variable (or floating) mortgage rates will come down in the wake of the cut to the OCR, but at last glance, the floating mortgage rates being offered at the major banks range from 5.20 to 5.89 per cent. Seriously? One would have thought that with rates like this that look so high relative to the OCR, and NZ’s level of inflation, it should justifiably be open season on the domestic banks regarding pricing. But all the bank commentary of late has centred on the banking Royal Commission in Australia, and the ongoing saga with the dismissal of the ANZ’s CEO in NZ, David Hisco.

Very recently I saw some coverage of topics, such as the level of interest rates charged on credit cards. Kiwibank has led the charge on this to some degree, dropping its Zero Visa interest rate for purchases to 13.95 per cent per annum, from an eye-watering 22.95 per cent, and its Platinum Visa also to 13.95 per cent, from the equally eye-watering 17.90 per cent. I would most certainly argue that these double-digit interest rates are still unjustifiable considering current interest rate settings, but at least they are trending in the right direction – down.

So, following on from this, can someone then please explain to me the high level of interest rates for our variable rate home loans? If we look across the ditch, the National Australia Bank is offering variable mortgage rates of 3.55 per cent in its home market, in spite of the official cash rates in Australia and NZ now being the same at 1.0 per cent. With interest rates predicted to fall further and very real discussions now being had around the potential for negative interest rates, how long will the banks continue to get away with this over-inflated variable rate here? As an aside, I was recently offered a 30-year fixed rate mortgage in the USA — at an annual interest rate of 4.16 per cent.

The truth of the matter is that bank customers – borrowers — are held captive when they are locked into fixed term mortgage rates. In other words, if you have your mortgage on a floating interest rate, you are free to transfer across to a competitor at any stage without occurring any break fees. The fact that you can access one-year mortgage rates below 4 per cent, but floating rate mortgages at only a touch under 6 per cent, should cause us to question whether this is leading to good customer outcomes, since it potentially exhibits anti-competitive behaviour — the interest rate differential encourages borrowers to lock into a fixed rate, because of the sizeable gap, dissuading them from looking elsewhere.

The banks will likely point to increasing offshore funding costs, or the threat of higher capital requirements to justify these interest rate settings, but you only have to look to Australia to question the validity of that argument when comparing their variable rate levels.

There are many factors in play when making decisions around refinancing mortgage debt. Not least, the rates that banks are offering and the outlook for future interest rates. We have seen recent enquiries into electricity pricing and the price of petrol at the pump. Maybe it’s time we have a closer look at bank pricing.

— Warren Couillault

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the heritage

A Many Storied House

A

fter four years of renovation — and eschewing advice to “tear it down” — a grand Remuera home is recrafted for its next century.

Four years on, Ross Newman is satisfied that reviving his 103-year-old home on the Remuera Rd ridge was better than agreeing to its demolition. Weary but excited to be close to moving in at last, Newman says he didn’t buy the house, once known as ‘Barochan’, in 2015 to get embedded in a restoration project. “We just fell into it,” he says. Practical reasons were foremost. “We needed somewhere to live, somewhere central, and this was available.” A key attraction was a panoramic view towards the Waitematā Harbour and Rangitoto, as nearly as stunning as you’d see from farther up the maunga’s northern slopes.

Although the house at 742m2 was bigger than the Newman’s apartments had been in Zurich and Paris, living without double-glazing or European heating was a shock for the returning family — Ross, wife Daisy and their two children, Nicholas, now 15, and Audrey, 12. “We attempted to live here but not only was there limited insulation, but also any warmth generated was quickly lost through ceiling vents for the gas lamps of pre-electricity home-supply days,” says Newman. “The first year’s utility bills came to $12,000.”

by wayne thompson photography by emma smales

Rather than ditching the hot water bottles and selling up, Newman began to examine the house and found it had many intrinsic values. Designed by John Walker and enlarged in the 1930s by eminent Auckland architects Gummer and Ford (the Dilworth building, the Wintergardens, Remuera Library) the house has elements of both English Arts and Crafts and Californian bungalow styles, with details referencing Art Nouveau and the style of American architect, Frank Lloyd Wright.

Built to the highest standards of its time, the constructors used materials from local and European sources. Clad in solid clay bricks fired in Auckland, abundantly appointed with the best native timbers — heart kauri, old-growth rimu, tōtara and mataī from forests long gone — and adorned with leadlight glass windows, the house’s heritage appeal grew stronger to Newman. “Architects and builders tell you it will be more economical and faster to scrape the site clean and build new,” says Newman ruefully. “It’s on three titles and it would have been easier to take it down, or relocate it and build three contemporary townhouses with a beautiful view over the valley.

“But it would have been of concrete, steel, pine and white gib board. With the right architect they might have been beautiful, but I used to walk by this house as a boy on the way to school and it would have been a shame to knock it

the hobson 34

Ross Newman

Ross Newman and daughter Audrey at their recrafted home. Top: copper ventilation ducts on the new slate roof, Kevin Rutter sorting pebbles for the stucco finish, (see The A-Team, following pages). Above: the ground floor hallway includes restored panelling, and over the doors, leadlights to match original decorative glass.

down. It’s part of the character of the community.” Newman found that especially poignant when he came across footage (available on YouTube) of the demolition of ‘Coolangatta,’ the 1913 Remuera Rd Arts and Crafts house demolished in 2006, ultimately replaced with apartments. “I found it hard to watch.”

When the first resource consent for restoration was granted in 2015, a quantity surveyor estimated the cost would be at least $2.2 million. But, money aside, the standard required

by Newman was, he says, possible only because there are people who have the necessary skills to design and make leadlight windows, do old-school plastering, bricklaying and woodwork — skills rarely called on in modern builds.

“All the crafts and materials needed to revive a house like this are out there. Many trades train to do more than is

usually asked of them, and they are proud to contribute to a project like this. We are showing what can be done besides tearing it down.”

Newman insisted that much of the house’s native and imported timber was reused, or modified for a new purpose.

“Heritage timber is hard or expensive to replace, and I was not having it thrown in the firewood skip. There was Douglas fir from Canada in some of the big posts, and it’s been reused for battens in the roof. Oak from the dining room is now in the library, kauri sarking is reused in joinery.”

While Newman’s professional life has been mostly in the finance and energy sectors, his passion for good design and interest in architecture has run alongside his and investment banker Daisy’s international careers. While living in Zurich, he converted an old turbine factory into offices for a geo-

the hobson 35

the heritage

One of the key floorplan changes made by Newman was to relocate the kitchen from the rear of the house to a more central position.

physics company he was part of. The resulting offices were “pretty cool” he says modestly — cool enough to attract European furniture icon Vitra to share the new space.

A later move to New York saw Newman take architecture papers at Columbia, which might have suggested he bring a contemporary form to Remuera, but he did not think it was required. “This house does not have any great intellectual underpinning to it. It’s just a house that has been crafted to meet the needs of its owners and the particulars of its site, and it works very well.”

Making an old house suit how its new owners want to live is a challenge. One big task was to reconfigure the spaces from the days when the occupiers had servants. Over the decades the kitchen had remained in a back corner, along with a cold storage room and coal range; while a laundry blocked a view to Rangitoto. The servants had a little dining room and had to use a narrow and steep staircase to access the upper floor. “These houses were set up for staff — now I’m the staff to our kids, so we moved the kitchen to a central position, because the kitchen is now a social space like it never was.”

A new basement level for the house was created by digging out two metres of volcanic soil (may as well when you’re under there replacing the foundations). This ground level now houses a laundry, wine cellar, gym and utilities room, and a room to use as an art gallery — another of the Newmans’ passions. Inside, walls were moved to make space for an elevator serving the three levels.

Much of the work on the house, apart from that to renew the structure and services, was reworking changes made by former owners for their practical purposes. At some time, the house ran as a private hotel, Clarence Court (a legacy was handbasins in the bedrooms), while part of the upper floor had been walled off to make a separate flat. A former billiard

room, with long-run kauri boards, will again serve a family for recreation, this time as a library or a music room (an inset disco floor, complete with light machine, has been removed).

Loggias and new terraces, with upcycled kauri floors, face the harbour and link the house to its garden. Originally, Barochan had extensive terraced gardens and a tennis court, until subdivision in the 1960s.

Reconfigured placement of windows and doorways has boosted the amount of available light, improved flow and enhanced the views from inside. “The nice thing about a brick house is it’s so adaptable, and you can change things like you could not do with a reinforced concrete structure.”

Newman is in awe of the traditional skills of veteran brickies who created curved arches over new windows to match the original brick detailing, and who used the old technique of ‘tumbling in’ on the base for the new cantilevered portecochére. Newman admired another tradesman’s skilful ‘throw’ of stucco concrete render to blend in with the original exterior.

Considered details make the house warmer, and quieter, than ever. New triple-locking windows made in Carterton give both thermal and acoustic protection. Doors are solid wood, and traffic noise from Remuera Rd heard outside is screened by a specially-designed water feature. There’s international touches too — large brass-framed windows on the northern face were made to order in a small town outside Venice. The original roof of Welsh slate has been replaced with an equivalent, this time quarried in Vermont, USA. It is a local house for all that. As Newman says: “Unlike most new construction, the house could not have been built anywhere but in New Zealand, and many of the materials will never be available again.

“The home’s amalgam of local and overseas elements is in a sense, wholly representative of New Zealand.”

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The Barochan Families

the hobson 37

Ross Newman

F

of us the same age played there. At the Westbury Cres end rom its earliest days, Barochan at 226 Remuera Rd we converted one garage to a place where we could meet and was filled with people, books, paintings, music and listen to records, and it became known as The Apartment, pets — the sort of place where a budding scientist could because it was the time of the movie of the same name. Then expand his shell collection, entertain school friends at a Father gets a letter from the council, asking him what was he tennis party, or study a penguin he had found at the beach. doing having an illegal apartment unregistered on his title?”

The lively, curious youngster was Charles Alexander The property was later subdivided and land including the Fleming, later to be knighted for his services to science and terraced gardens and the tennis court was sold to Percy Wills, conservation. The eldest of Winifred and George Fleming’s of Autocrat Radio (Barochan’s second garage and the tennis three children, the family moved into Barochan — named court are still on Westbury Cres). He later sold a further after a Fleming family home in Scotland — in 1916, the year section to his friend Perry Knight, who built a big house on it. of Charles’ birth, thanks to George’s bachelor uncle leaving The certificate of title for a trimmed 226 Remuera Rd states them some of his fortune from iron manufacturing in that in 1968 it was bought by Anthony van Camp, caterer.

Scotland.

Remuera Residents’ Association deputy chair Coralie van Sunny and sheltered by Ōhinerau Mt Hobson, the house Camp recalls her father-in-law was a Paris-trained cordon on its 6000m2 lot had terraced gardens, a tennis court and garaging for three cars. Charles’ daughter, Dr Mary McEwen, wrote in Charles Fleming - Environmental Patriot, that several domestic and garden staff were employed and a girl from a local farm was paid to take baby Charles for a daily outing. Once she pointed out a skylark’s nest, and family legend suggests this may have sparked his interest in birds. Every summer, the Barochan household, including the staff, moved to their other house on Takapuna beach, where Charles collected shell varieties, crabs and sea slugs and learned to sail. In later years, he said his essential influences as a boy were a big garden, a house full of books and parents sympathetic to “useless interests and encouraging a collecting instinct”.

Charles Fleming married Peggy Chambers, who lived at Thorley, a large house in Seaview Rd. The Flemings left Auckland for Wellington, The house's front door and entry, as it was when the Newmans purchased it in 2015. where Sir Charles died in 1987 and Peggy, for whom he named a new bleu cook and he bought the house with a view of moving species of cicada, Kikihia paxillulae (Peg’s Cicada or Little his large family into it, and running a business where private Peg), in 2000. guests would pay to stay and dine. But the venture was A subsequent owner of 226 Remuera Rd was Norman B unprofitable and in 1970 van Camp sold the house to lawyer Spencer, chair of the Auckland Transport Board, and who in and deer farmer John Burrowes. Property developer and 1962 gave the clock to the Remuera Post Office (now the ANZ pub owner Peter Pharo and his wife Colleen owned it from bank). He had owned the ridge site of today’s Eppinghurst 1976 until 1992, when it was sold to Arnaud and Christine apartments, when it was occupied by a homestead employing de Tourrettes. At some stage, the property was also a private three full-time gardeners. At the former Fleming house, hotel, Clarence Court, and in the 80s, a disco floor was Norman Spencer added to the land which ran from Remuera installed.

Rd down to Westbury Cres. He also notably converted the In 1993, Kensington Swan lawyer Ian Haynes and his wife billiard room into a library for the world’s largest collection of Wendy bought the house, where they would stay 23 years.

Masonic rare books.

“It was a wonderful family home for our wide extended His son, Martin Spencer, a Remuera resident, recalls living family and we always had Christmas dinner there, so lots of there from 1953 to 1967. “I had a bedroom in the west wing memories,” says Ian Haynes. The Haynes’ put in a pool and and I had a very nice view — I looked out towards Mt Hobson removed the asbestos from the central heating boiler in the and could see the sheep and daffodils. It was noisy because basement. “It was a very comfortable, warm house.” They of Remuera Rd and people would drive along too quickly and moved to another Remuera home in 2005, still with harbour could not take the corner and would smash into our fence. views, but easier to look after. q The tennis court was important in my teenage years. A group

the heritage

Stephen Penny

The A-Team Ross Newman gives much credit to the team of specialist builders, tradies, craftsmen and designers assembled on the project. As well as the team onsite, he was encouraged by discussions with architect Greg Noble, who does much work in the classical style, and by heritage advocate Peter Macky, an Auckland lawyer currently restoring a Kaiserbahnhof railway station outside Berlin. Macky co-authored Coolangatta: A Homage about the demolition of his greatgrandparents’ landmark Remuera home.

The newest residents of Barochan, Ross, Daisy, Nicholas and Audrey Newman, intend their home to be a place of music and learning — Nicholas plays viola and the family are supporters of the Michael Hill International Violin Competition.

Ross Newman attended King’s School in Remuera before Nelson College, where his family first settled in 1840. After graduating with a BA from the University of Auckland, he headed overseas for what would become a 25-year career in finance, oilfield services and more recently, cooking for chef Alain Ducasse in Paris. Before Newman and Hong Kong-born Daisy returned to NZ, they lived in New York, where Newman completed an MBA at the Columbia Business School.

Architects: Jack McKinney, jackmckinney.co.nz Bryan Windeatt, windeattarchitect.nz Landscape design: Jared Lockhart, jaredlockhart.com Builders: Good Brothers Construction — project managers Matiu Te Kani-McQueen & Burt Smutts; general manager Cameron Cunningham Specialist leadlight windows: Ian Cooke, glassarts.co.nz Specialist plaster finishes: Stefan Coles & Kevin Rutter, nexusexteriors.co.nz Slate and copper roofing, shingles: Ezra Coombes, superiorroofingnz.com Timber doors and wood panelling: Stuart Robinson & Chris Brown, robinsoninteriors.co.nz Brickwork: Steve Reynolds, eastcitybricklaying.co.nz Copperwork: Chris Strong, hibiscussheetmetals.co.nz Timber Joinery: Vic Jacobsen, renallwindows.co.nz

Ross and Audrey Newman in front of the restored, original front doors. Below, a render by landscape designer Jared Lockhart showing the harbour-facing aspect of the house, with the noise-screening water feature at right.

the hobson 38

the suburbanist

Bags of Virtue

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want to say one word to you. Just one word . . . are you listening? Plastics. There's a great future in plastics. Think about it. Will you think about it?” Prophetic words from a minor character, Mr McGuire, to Benjamin, played by Dustin Hoffman in the 1967 film, The Graduate. Benjamin’s thoughts were elsewhere as, perhaps, were ours. He didn’t think about it and neither, it would seem, did the rest of us. In the 60s and for too long afterwards, plastic was viewed only for its convenience, with scant attention to what it was made from and where it would go when we were done with it.

Now, we’re making up for lost time. Plastic is evil and the touchstone is the non-reusable plastic bag. The ban is in; we’re going to save the world! Or are we? The Ministry for the Environment website lists the bags we can’t use but then notes that plastic packaging is not included in the ban. We’re standing at the bottom of the cliff holding our jute bags while plastic packaging rains down upon us.

Perhaps we are putting our efforts at the wrong end of the chain.

Environmentalists will tell you that the ban on plastic bags is a gateway issue – it raises consciousness and encourages people to look at their other uses of plastic in their lives. This is true, good, and perhaps a little too worthy. Plastic bags make up 0.2 per cent of the waste in our landfills – that’s one-500th of everything there.

Building waste accounts for 50 per cent of the contents of the landfills – fully 250 times as much as the plastic bags. If you want to make a difference to the environment, perhaps you could think twice before renovating your house; or, at the least, pay extra to have the builders work on the outside of it without wrapping it in plastic – which contains thousands of times more plastic than the supermarket bags the occupants would use in a lifetime.

We may also be over-estimating the environmental impact of plastic bags compared to the alternatives we can use when shopping. Could plastic bag bans be hurting the environment more than helping it? In a paper published by University of Sydney economist Rebecca Taylor, “Bag leakage: The effect of disposable carryout bag regulations on unregulated bags”, she found that the bans did what they were supposed to do. In the cities with bans,

there were 18,000 fewer tonnes of plastic waste per year. But this was offset by a 5400 tonne increase in the sale of plastic garbage bags – bin liners and other bags. About 30 per cent of the plastic that was eliminated comes back in the form of thicker rubbish bags.

In addition, Taylor estimated that the surge in the use of paper bags resulted in about 36,000 tonnes of extra paper trash per year. And, unfortunately, paper bags are actually worse for the environment. They require cutting down and processing trees, which involves lots of water, toxic chemicals, fuel and heavy machinery. While paper is biodegradable and avoids some of the problems of plastic, the huge increase of paper, together with the increase in plastic rubbish bags, means banning plastic shopping bags increases greenhouse gas emissions.

What, I hear you say, about reusable cloth bags? They can be even worse. A study done by the Environment Agency of the UK government in 2011 found that you would have to reuse a cotton tote bag 131 times before it was better for climate change than using a plastic grocery bag once. The Danish government also did a study that took into account environmental impacts beyond simply greenhouse gas emissions, including water use, damage to ecosystems and air pollution. These factors make cloth bags even worse. They estimate you would have to use an organic cotton bag 20,000 times more than a plastic grocery bag to make using it better for the environment.

The most environment-friendly way to carry groceries is to use the same bag over and over again. According to the Danes, the best reusable ones are made from polyester or plastics like polypropylene. Those still have to be used dozens and dozens of times to be greener than plastic grocery bags, which have the smallest carbon footprint for a single use.

There is a great future in plastic reduction but we need to push back on the manufacturers who continue to use it in the products that hit the supermarket shelves, and stop thinking that the hessian bags we keep in the boot are anything more than virtue signalling.

— Tommy Honey

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the sound

Prince, Covered

I

s it the song or the performance? Good question. Let’s look at Prince.

The Prince estate has decided to raid the vaults for the second posthumous album release. The first was called Piano and a Microphone 1983, which featured Prince, a piano and a microphone, surprisingly enough. A tour de force recording done late one night in 1983 in the Paisley Park Studios, where Prince sat down and riffed his way through half a dozen songs, all by himself.

That album was an insight into his need to perform and adapt and express himself, even if no-one else was watching. It’s that hunger that drove him on to such great heights.

Now we get Originals, a 15-track album featuring 14 previously unreleased recordings that shows the behind-the-scenes role Prince played in other artists’ careers.

The tracks were selected collaboratively by some guys called Troy Carter and Jay-Z. Now I didn’t know who Troy Carter was either. Turns out he’s some manager who went bust and then found this artist called Lady Gaga, and then went on to a big job at Spotify.

But to be honest, curating this album must have been a cinch.

By the mid-80s, Prince was dominating the charts as a writer/producer with songs he’d composed and recorded for others. He had released nine albums himself, but such was his creativity that he kept writing songs and looking for other avenues to get them out.

So songs were dished out to bands and singers and protégés like The Time, Vanity 6, Sheila E, Apollonia 6, Jill Jones, the Family and Mazarati.

He would write the songs and then record a demo, often all by himself, playing every instrument. Because, you know, he can.

Sometimes the lucky artist would use his entire backing track and just re-record the vocal. More confident artists would rerecord the whole thing. They’re the ones that did the best, and that makes them the ones I don’t like on Originals.

Don't get me wrong, most of the album is incredible. The songs are dense with ideas. Many of the tracks were never hits but deep album tracks and Prince is remarkable. Like “Jungle Love”, which he gave to The Time.

Others are just weird. Whoever knew Prince wrote a song for Kenny Rogers? “You're My Love” wasn’t a hit for Kenny, but it’s such a Kenny song. Prince’s version features a bizarre baritone throughout and you realise that Prince is channelling Kenny.

Why he’d want to is anyone’s guess but it’s another sign he’s a genius freak. But it’s not the best moment of his career.

But the weird thing is when the covers beat Prince’s originals.

Like “Manic Monday”, given to The Bangles. The Bangles version aces Prince’s, even though he wrote it. His is clumsy, theirs is triumphant.

Then there’s “Love . . . Thy Will Be Done”, given to Martika.

She also aces it but you realise that Prince gave her a complete road map to get there. But she gave it a lighter touch, which made it soar to greater heights.

And then there is “Nothing Compares 2 U”. The biggest of them all. The song that launched Sinéad O'Connor in 1990, after tears ran down the cheeks of her shaved head and the world went . . . whoa! Sinéad’s version differs entirely from Prince’s — it’s sparse and aching, Prince’s is bombastic and plodding. That's because Sinéad chose the song instead of Prince gifting it.

I’ve loved discovering that Prince and Sinéad did not get on, and the first time they met it came down to fisticuffs. My call is that Prince, for all his genius, was a controlling piece of work and in case you haven’t realised, no-one controls Sinéad O'Connor, and thank goodness for that.

She revived a good song from its own pomposity and breathed life and emotion into it. Sinéad’s cover is all over Prince’s original, hands down.

How often is that true, that the cover version beats the original? Quite often actually. Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah”. Stand up Jeff Buckley, who gave this song such new life that it’s now a talent quest final go-to.

Bruce Springsteen’s “Because The Night” — Patti Smith owns it now. Bob Dylan’s “Along The Watchtower”. The great Jimi Hendrix’s version is the go-to. “I Fought The Law” — I’d go The Clash over the Bobby Fuller Four every day.

It’s hard to pick my favourite cover, but Sinéad O'Connor’s “Nothing Compares 2 U” is in the Top 3. I’d also place Ryan Adams’ version of Oasis’ “Wonderwall” — he pulls such an ache out of the song. The Gallaghers were more used to punching than pining.

Finally, there's “Hurt” by the Nine Inch Nails, performed by Johnny Cash. A dark, mournful, self-loathing song recorded seven months before Johnny's death. Every time I hear it, I have to stop what I’m doing, and more than once I’ve cried. Long story.

Prince’s Originals album is proof that great songs are great songs. Great songwriters are great songwriters. But the great songs still need a vessel to speak through. It reminds you that at the end of the day, the song is only as good as the performance and how the performer takes the song to your heart.

— Andrew Dickens

the hobson 40

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the magpie

Daddy Cool The Magpie is hot with hip ideas for Father’s Day, Sunday September 1 1. Smokey Joe is a miniature version of the famous Weber kettle barbecue. Still with a decent cooking area for two or three people, it’s a gem for smaller yards. $139 from mitre10.co.nz

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2. Working a strong ‘80s vibe but with modern technology, the Adidas Swift Run, $170, are the business when it comes to comfort, a smooth run and a stylish edge.

At adidas.co.nz or theiconic.co.nz 3. The Magpie uses these robust Menu Bottle Grinders in her own nest, which is now free of trailing salt and pepper dust. Available in new colours including green, stainless steel and purples, each duo comes with oak or walnut lid options. $139 a pair, designed by Norm Architects, they’re at simonjamesdesign.com

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4. This compact, zip-around Comme des Garcons wallet packs quite the style punch in bottle green. $149, made in Spain and available from thisisfabric.com 5. Inspired by a classic bomber jacket, the Wouf Bomber Travel Case is an excellent travelling companion. Equipped with internal and external pockets, it’s made of water-resistant nylon, with a smart leather trim. $99 from superette.co.nz 6. The Magpie salutes AS Colour for its perfect take on the basics. These mesh belts are plaited elastic cord with leather detailing and a metal buckle, are the hot price of $20 and available in khaki, black or navy. $20 from ascolour.co.nz 7. Slow is the new go. Bring some zen to the mornings with Stelton’s serves-two Theo Slow Brew Coffee Maker. The matt black stoneware houses a slow-drip filter funnel, so the run-through time is extended. $199 from slowstore.co.nz 3

8. Cooler than cool is our Marlon Williams in these Du Bois Gunmetal sunglasses

by Karen Walker. A refined aviator style, the navy lenses offer up quality UV protection and bucket loads of street cred. They can also be fitted with prescription lenses, ‘cause walking into lampposts isn’t cool. $349 from Playpark, Balm St, or karenwalker.co.nz 9. Monumental is the first men’s fragrance from Karen Walker. A classic oriental spicy eau de parfum with a modern and interesting twist, it has notes of peppers, smokey tones and florals. Divine. $135, 50ml; $179 100ml, from Playpark, Balm St, or karenwalker.co.nz 10. Raise Dad’s hipster rating with this forest green and light beige blanketinspired Toronty Logo Scarf by Acne Studios. $359, from Workshop, Morrow St. workshop.co.nz 11. Spark laundry joy with the Ferm Living Herman Laundry Stand. Cotton canvas over a black powder-coated frame, and generous enough to hold a fair few days of athleisure/gym gear/worky stuff. $239, slowstore.co.nz 12. Ding, ding, ding – it’s the Magpie’s fav combo – style and function!

No need to compromise on either with the Native Union CLIC card case for the iPhone X. Made from fine Italian leather, it has a handy pocket for your contactless payment, travel or access card. $99 from thisisfabric.com 13. Who would have thought the bum bag would be cool again? They are, and more popular then ever with the boys. AS Colour Waist Contrast Bag, $25 from ascolour.co.nz 14. The very definition of street style, Old Skool Vans, $139, are now available in white and navy colourway. Just the thing for Liming.

Available from theiconic.co.nz

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the district diary

September 2019 1 It’s Father’s Day. For ideas better than more socks, see The Mapgie, page 42 NZ Fashion Weekend winds up with the Walk the Line Youth Fashion Show, an opportunity for fashion-focused young designers to experience a taste of the industry. Catch the show from 10am-11am at Aotea Square, free 3 Hear from, and have your questions answered by, two of Auckland’s mayoral candidates for the 2019 Local Elections. Incumbent Phil Goff and challenger John Tamihere will be at the Epsom Bowling Club, 77 The Drive, 7-9pm. Gold coin donation and light supper.

If you’d like to RSVP or submit a question please email epsomrotary@gmail.com or mtedenrotary@gmail.com 4 Every Wednesday this month, the Remuera Bowling Club invites you to learn to bowl and enjoy the new covered, heated green, for free.

10am-midday at the club, 6 Market Rd. Call (09) 520 1051 for more info 7 The second Saturday of each month the Holland House Market has a selection of Dutch groceries and delicacies, breads and cheeses, flowers, coffee and cakes. Free, 10am-12.30pm, 123 Rockfield Rd, Greenlane 8 Slip on your wings or slap on an eye-patch, the Ellerslie Fairy Festival and Pirate Party is back in all its sparkly, buccaneering glory.

Stage shows, face painting, stories, songs and more, as well as the General Collective Kids Market. 10.30am-12.30pm, Main Highway, free 10 & 12 In celebration of Māori Language Week, Ngāti Whātua o Ōrākei are offering two free introductory te reo classes to give an insight of basic te reo Māori, including pepeha and customary culture. Ōrākei Community Centre, 156 Kepa Rd, facebook.com/OrakeiCC to register, 6-7pm 14 The Ride Forever Motorcycle Show 2019 has over 10,000m2 of custom and museum pieces, street bikes and racing machines on display indoors; and with over 1200 bikes expected in the car park, the outside area will be another show all in itself. All profits to charity, 9am5pm, today and Sunday, door sales only 16 Parnell artist Andrew Cox’s exhibition of over-scaled Meccano-inspired works opens today at Ponsonby Central, 136 Ponsonby Rd. Until September 22, free 18 Rhymetime encourages toddlers (18 months to 3 years) to sing, move and practice coordination to songs, rhymes and stories.

Every Wednesday in term time, from 1010.30am, Remuera Library 20 Voting opens today for Auckland’s mayoralty, council seats, local boards, district health

boards and licensing trusts. Postal votes must be mailed by October 9. See aucklandcouncil. govt.nz for key dates and info 21 Meet teachers, parents, students and senior staff at ACG Parnell College’s Open Day, and take a tour of the facilities and classrooms.

The whole family is welcome, 9.30am1.30pm, 2 Titoki St 22 Take the kids along to the New Zealand Maritime Museum’s free Crafty Kids Winter Weekends workshop where they can make and take home their very own captain’s hat!

Cnr Quay and Hobson streets, 10.30am-2pm, no need to book, just turn up 28 The Parnell Farmers’ Market is on every Saturday, rain or shine. The best in greens, deli produce, bakery, fish and meat. From 8am-midday, in the carpark at the Jubilee Building, 545 Parnell Rd Auckland’s ‘mind, body, spirit’ marketplace is held on the last Saturday of each month in the Mt Eden Village centre. Healthy living, natural therapies, eco-friendly products, massage, reflexology. Free, 10am-3pm 28 The Auckland Pet and Animal Expo is back.

Products, services, pet foods, show-only specials and samples, as well as all creatures great, small, furry or slimy on display. Tickets from eventfinda.co.nz, 217 Greenlane West, all weekend, 10am-5pm

Can you help someone be Super Warm this winter?

If you already live in a warm, well-insulated home and can afford to keep the heating on, please consider helping those who can’t.

Until 1 October, NZ superannuitants will receive additional Winter Energy Payments: $450 for a single person, or $700 for a couple.

If you’d like to gift this extra bonus, or want to support this initiative with a donation, Auckland Foundation will direct your generosity to help those who are most vulnerable to the winter cold and damp.

Visit www.aucklandfoundation.org.nz/superwarm to find out more and make an online donation.

the hobson 44

the kiosk

REMUERA GARDENERS DESIGN

Moving on -

PLANTING

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John McKenzie (Dip Hort) Gardening Jo Hazard (DLD) Landscape Designs Business Card.pdf 1 4/02/19

11:10 AM

John: 022 634 9708 www.mckenziegardening.co.nz Jo: 021 562 173 joannahazard@xtra.co.nz

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the cryptic by mĀyĀ

Set by Māyā. (The down answers have a bit of a theme.) Answers will appear in our next issue , October 2019.

Can’t wait, or need help? Visit https://thehobsoncrossword.wordpress.com

ACROSS

DOWN

1 City in Sierra Leone forewent renovation (8) 5 Bird has fruit without fuss, and from France (6) 9 Revolving sieves with which Eliot initially captured a Field Marshal (8) 10 Accumulate some hands, say (6) 11 Weapons avoid Norfolk and Stewart, I hear (8) 12 Was calling mixed about working holiday? (6) 14 Flu miseries cured by soy lecithin, for example (10) 18 Man with Medea in translation, like Agatha Christie’s Miller (6,4) 22 In a mantra in a French drink (2,4) 23 Buried within brick (8) 24 Kevin Laidlaw has made a feature of Boulle Work, perhaps (6) 25 A vessel for irascibility? (4,4) 26 Team find spears and rockets here (6) 27 Part of flipping parrots has merit (8)

1 She’s overweight, and a mother (6) 2 She’s 10, held up by Chris or Barbara (6) 3 She gives thanks to Parisian wrongdoing (6) 4 She’ll nearly lead, having elected one (10) 6 She’s a winner backing sloth (8) 7 She’s almost pink, hanging around food shop (8) 8 She’s an American perfume taking articles (8) 13 She’s comparable to a Summer’s day, perhaps, in the East (10) 15 She’s of novel descent (8) 16 She comes before Paul McCartney’s Mabel, if I heard correctly (8) 17 She’s apt to take me in (8) 19 She’s a-after two men (6) 20 She’s a little bare, they say (6) 21 She’s like a short poem to a swan (6)

JULY/AUGUST CRYPTIC CROSSWORD ANSWERS ACROSS: 7 Six sixty, 8 Semolina, 11 Cancer, 12 Elemi, 13 Recoup, 14 Asks, 15 Topp twins, 17 Surf, 18 Agnate, 20 Gruel, 22 Arbour, 24 Dirndls, 25 Obtrude, 29 Chaser, 30/26 Greta Thunberg, 31 Howick, 32 Unit, 34 Capricorn, 37 Yarn, 38 Deduct, 40 Virgo, 41 Lead-in, 42 Gourmand, 43 Brooklyn. DOWN: 1 Exacts, 2 Tier, 3 Streep, 4 Gemini, 5 Four, 6 Pisces, 7 Star sign, 9 Aquarius, 10 Centaur, 15 Theandric, 16 Sea urchin, 19 Aries, 20 Gulag, 21 Libra, 23 Bedew, 27 Deniers, 28 Scorpion, 33 Taurus, 35 Paving, 36 Odours, 37 Yearly, 39 Tamp, 41 Lion.

the hobson 46

ARCHI CHAIR NEW

TRESTLE DINING TABLE

STUDIO TWO TONE SOFA

NORDIC LOUNGE & OTTOMAN NEW

IBIZA SECTIONAL & CLUB CHAIR

ZIG ZAG SIDE TABLE NEW

WESTCHESTER CHAIR NEW

Supplying luxury outdoor furniture to architects, designers, landscapers, hotels, resorts, and private residences in New Zealand for over 25 years.

Everything has been carefully curated from Italy, Belgium, France, Indonesia, and the Philippines. All products are in stock, fully assembled, and available for nationwide delivery. Sunbrella® cushions with QuickDry® Foam are free with deep seating purchases as shown on our website.

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Luxurious character loft conversion designed by Cheshire Architects.

Only three lofts remain. Now completed and available to occupy. Call for a viewing opportunity.

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