Upgrade in downtime TV cabinets more than just a stand

Upgrade in down time

TV CABINETS MORE THAN JUST A STAND

Many households use the winter months to renovate or redecorate the house. Now, with winter keeping so many people at home, it makes sense to use idle time to upgrade.

Although a number ofshopping precincts have been offthe grid, online shoppinghas been doing briskbusiness so there may be no need the shelve plans for that new bedroom suite, or in this case, TV cabinet.

These days such consoles are more than just an item on which to perch a TV screen. They can add to the overall décor lookand be practical too so, keep in mind the following:

Viewing height. For the most comfortable television watchingexperience, the screen should be at eye level when you’re sittingdown. The recommended height is 42 inches, but this may vary dependingon how tall you are and the size ofyour sofa and chairs. With many screens now wall mounted, your cabinet will ideally sit low to the floor to ensure any ornaments or photographs sittingatop don’t interfere with viewing.

Width of the stand. For safety reasons, your TV should not be widerthan the stand. Therefore, choose a cabinet which suits your furnishings and which is longer/wider than the screen

especially ifyou want to place decorations on it too.

Style. Ideally, your TV stand should complement the style of the room and other furniture. Glass, metal or white lacquered pieces will lookgreat in a sleek, modern space, while mid brown and darkwood works better for more traditional rooms. Light ash-coloured timber pieces can workwell in both settings dependingon your styling and colour scheme while new pieces which have been given a recycled lookwill suit rustic settings or vintage rooms.

Storage. Drawers and shelves help keep both the floor and the surface ofyour TV console uncluttered. Ifyou plan to keep video games, movies, Sky box, various remotes or anything else near your television, choose a cabinet with ample storage. Ifyou have children or pets, safety should be a priority. Besides choosinga stand that’s wider than the TV, has cupboards/drawers and sits flat to the floor (no legs or casters), make sure its maximum weightbearingcapacity is greater than the TV (sittingatop) or other items you might place there.

LOCAL SHOWHOMES

PUKEKOHE 6 Twomey Dr KARAKA 46 Fort Lincoln Loop OREWA 41 Maurice Kelly Rd *Under Construction PAERATA RISE 1 Winstone House Rd *Coming Soon

BIG CHANGES AHEAD FOR NZ TRUSTS IS YOUR TRUST FIT FOR PURPOSE?

Wynyard Wood Solicitor, PENNY JONES, provides advises on an upcoming Act with changes to trusts in New Zealand

Trusts in New Zealand are facinga bigoverhaul. Anew Act comes into force on January 30, 2021 which will bringwelcome changes to the laws around trusts which haven't seen major reform in 70 years.

The Act has the purpose ofmaking trust laws more ‘user-friendly’. Akey change is settingout clearly trustees’ obligations and beneficiaries’ rights.

Trustees will be required to give all beneficiaries basic trust information. This includes notifying them that they are beneficiaries, givingthem contact details ofthe trustees and advisingthem that they have the right to request further trust information.

This may sound simple but it is a significant shift from the current position where people are often unaware that they are beneficiaries and are sometimes forced to go to court duringa dispute with trustees, in order to fight for the right to access trust information.

The most common trust information beneficiaries are likely to want disclosed are the assets ofa trust and how they are being managed by the trustees. In certain circumstances, trustees can refuse to disclose requested information but overall the Act strengthens the ability ofbeneficiaries to hold trustees to account.

Trustees need to be aware of the new obligations placed on them by the Act. They should review the trust deed to ensure that it complies with all the new requirements set out in the Act. If the trust deed does not comply, then it may be necessary to make changes to the trust deed. These changes should be made before the Act comes into force.

This is an ideal time to review whether your trust still meets your needs. Areview may conclude that you no longer have a need for a trust. It may be appropriate to consider windingup your trust and holdingtrust assets in your own names. Again, the time to act is now so that any changes can be made before next January 2021 when the new Act comes into effect.

DRURY KEY TO REBUILDING ECONOMY

Sixthousand Kiwis can expect to find employment when a major, local ‘shovel-ready’ Drury project, is completed, Stephen Hughes, CEO ofDrury South Crossing, contends.

“We have multinational executives queuingat the country’s door to develop new operations and jobs here [in New Zealand]... There are relatively few sites left in the Auckland region which can accommodate this scale ofoperation and it has been encouragingto see that local and international businesses are lookingto invest at this level –which will be an essential part ofthe region’s economic recovery.”

With construction set to begin early next year, 30ha ofsites have already been sold for the (expected) 361-hectare, mixed-use Drury South Crossing development. The project will also include housingfor 2000 people by its estimated completion date of2027.

Mr Hughes says, while food suppliers are amongthose most interested to set up shop, interest has come from a diverse range ofsectors, even extending to US film studios lookingto develop sound stages and production facilities.

“The agricultural sector is seeing stronggrowth potential for New Zealand branded products as the pandemic stretches supplies around the world... [we’re] seeing a need from local food producers to store large volumes ofexport ready product,” he adds.

“We need to create new infrastructure and manufacturing opportunities to provide New Zealanders with some control and certainty over their future... our geographic isolation is a clear competitive advantage and we are goingto need more than international students and tourists to restart the economy.”

BIG CHANGES AHEAD FOR NZ TRUSTS

wynyardwood.co.nz/trusts

A new Act comes into force on 30 January 2021 which will bring welcome changes to the laws around trusts that have not had a major reform in 70 years. Aimed at making trust laws more ‘userfriendly’, a key change is setting out clearly trustees’ obligations and beneficiaries’ rights. Are you ready for what’s next? Contact Wynyard Wood today to discuss your Trust.

BILLPOTTER - Personal PowerCoach. ThoughtLeader. Global Speaker. Bill has alreadymade personal presentations in 57 countries... so far. http://www. speakers.co.nz/our-speakers/all-speakers/bill-potter/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ToRhF22nARM

PART 1

Before we move further, we must clarify the definition ofa ‘leader’, n’cest pas? For our purposes, let’s go with this outstanding blog, that defines the very qualities we seekin our leaders @ https://blog.taskque.com/ characteristics-good-leaders/

It is timely to discuss this scenario. Once again, several countries are goingto become embroiled in this part-necessity, part-facade, known jokingly as ‘democracy’, in this very year. As usual, we will face a raft of disruptions, from ‘fake news’ to ‘virtue signalling’ and then some.

We have always had these blemishes, usingterms such as ‘propaganda’ and ‘election promises’. Nuthin’ ever changes, because the world is still controlled by the ‘same old, same old’, ‘no change’ brigade, who fear... paradigm shifts! Now, you may not have noticed... but 2020-2030, ‘The Tumultuous Decade’, is here... NOW! Despite the gazillion ‘leadership’ courses offered in the world, it seems that we have fewer people who deserve the ‘leader’ title, than ever before. Too sad.

Very few ofthe so-called ‘individuals-in-charge’, have any realistic idea where the world is actually heading. Everywhere we look, ‘disagreeingwith everybody else’ is the only ‘game in town’! We have only a few critical years left to ‘grow up and get real’!

What can we, as individuals, do first? Start by becomingyour own Leader. Ignore being‘told’ what to do at every election! Then, have the courage to replace ‘partisan politics’ with ‘intelligent politics’. Partisan politics means, that groups must prioritise, ‘hating’ others! Duh! It doesn’t get dumber than that.

Read on to part 2.

PART 2

I uploaded one ofmy Banners on December 10 last year, alerting my readers to the definite arrival ofthe ‘Tumultuous Decade 2020- 2030’ and askingthem to check ifthey were ready. There was just ‘somethingin the air’... involving climate, poor politics and now... incompetent leadership!

Apparently Covid-19 was well on its way. It could only have been born right under the noses ofthe ‘people-in-charge’. Even worse, despite ‘wellbeing/health’ being ofreasonable importance, n’cest pas?, too many national health structures around the world were inadequate, and found wanting.

Not a problem, really. Just matters oflife and death, really. Thazzall! Unbelievably, as ‘good leaders’ swunginto action when the virus spread, ‘partisan politicians’ (the ‘wastes ofspace’ in any authentic democracy) decided that... criticisingthe first responses, was the best way forward.

NaturallytheirIQs matched their rhetoric! We salute the REAL celebrities in this whole debacle... the firstresponders. Theyrushed towards the epidemic so thatit could be contained and ultimately destroyed, and theysaved lives.

As happened in previous pandemics, some have already sacrificed their lives so we can live. Now I challenge us all to review our societies, and our future behaviours, by developing and activatingour own... Personal Leadership. We don’t require a fancy ‘leader title’ for this... because too many leader-titled individuals failed miserably!

One small bonus resultingfrom this global disaster is, that we are finally startingto ‘grow up and get real’ The lessons for those in ‘command and control’ are, that the only intelligent model for a successful future, will require... shared leadership for ALL.

I coach Speakering©. It is my new Course, for leaders who are not good communicators, but should be! You cannot be competent or confident, ifyou cannot present well. You will not become good leaders either! 2020-2030 : The Tumultuous Decade is here so, let’s talk. duitdammit@gmail.com

TIME TO CREATE A home office

Smith &Sons Pukekohe owners, LANE and MELISSAVAN DEN BRINKtalkaboutfinding space fora home office.

We are backand it has been good to start buildingagain and doing what we do best.

For the past couple ofmonths many ofus have been working from home in our diningrooms, on our couches, or in spaces created in a spare bedroom. I bet that had many ofyou thinkingabout home offices and where to start.

First thingyou need to thinkabout is space and do you have it? Do you need to switch up the use of existingspace to create an office?

Askyourself, do I have a storage cupboard that’s no longer used or do I have stairs with an open area underneath which could be utilised? Also, is the home office just for you or do you need to share it?

Secondly, thinkabout functionality –what type ofspace do you need? Are your required just to workat the computer or do you have a lot offiles and need to spread out? Do you need some creative space too?

Consider such elements as the size ofthe desk, storage needs and ease ofworkflow; you don’t want a space that hinders you in anyway.

Lightingand ambience are also important. Ifthe office is tucked

away in a darkunused corner, there are many tricks to help bring more light into that area.

One ofthe advantages ofworking from home and creatingyour own home office is that it can reflect your personality so, make it fun –make it your own. But, what does that mean for you?

If you are thinking of creating an home office space that isn’t just a quick fix but a beautifully finished, workable area then give the team at Smith and Sons Franklin a call (09)9479533 – we can help!

THINKING OF RENOVATING? WE MAKE IT EASY WITH OUR THREE SIMPLE STEPS...

Let’s start the conversation Call Smith & Sons Franklin on 0800 764 846 or visit smithandsons.co.nz 19 Manukau Road, Pukekohe

Best OF THE FLIPBOOK

We’re back…in print! After weeks in lockdown the SOUTH team is ecstatic that with the lightening of Covid-19 restrictions, we can again publish. However, during the past two months we have sent out a combined SOUTH/Rural Living digital flipbook to our database with a range of news and lifestyle articles which highlighted the optimism, innovation and struggles of locals during these trying times. So, this month, in our ‘Best of the Flipbooks’ pages (as sent out during alert level 4) we feature Waikato Ward Councillor, Jacqui Church’s happy lockdown, Paddock to Pantry’s busy lockdown and showcase the arrival of contactless takeout coffee, café style.

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COFFEE TO GO!

As Alert Level 3 came into effect, locals went out in search oftheir favourite caffeine kick, a fast food fixor, in many cases, an upmarket meal. Several venues saw a flurry ofcustomers with the likes ofBlue OxBabe in Manukau Road setting up a tent opposite the restaurant from where meals could be collected. First out were those seekingflat whites, cappuccinos and lattes but drive-thrus were also super busy and restaurant quality meals, demandinga higher price, were in demand too.

1. A happy customer leaves C3 Factory with her caffeine fix. 2. At the Good Grocer in King St another smiling customer makes off with her coffee-to-go also delivered contactless. 3. A local picks up his Blue Ox Babe lunch order via a tent across the road from the Manukau Rd restaurant. 4. Coffee and sweet treats set up outside Town Mouse in Pukekohe. 5. Elton Raitt, co-owner of KAOS Cafe, hands over a coffee to a customer using a pair of tongs to make delivery contactless.

Lockdown Jacqui ‘beaches’

Ifthere was one place where Jacqui Church was happy to be locked down it was at her Port Waikato home, close to nature and just strides from the beach.

Awaroa ki Tuakau Ward Councillor for Waikato District Council, Jacqui says her bubble contained husband, Colin and adult daughter, Gaia with all three havingtheir ‘noses hard to the grindstone’ while they worked remotely just a stone’s throw from the water.

“We couldn’t have been in a more idyllic rural location” Jacqui says, “Port Waikato has only about 350 permanent residents so there’s never much traffic about and everythinghas been exceptionally quiet except for the sounds of nature.

“Beingso close to the beach means walks alongthe foreshore have been especially appreciated –they are always so refreshing as my days have been busier than ever with council and local responsibilities.”

Face to face council meetings via Zoom and phone or email communication with other councillors was standard duringlockdown but Jacqui’s workwasn’t only about the paperworkor decision making.

“My day also involved organisingwelfare assistance and even lendinga listening ear from time to time. Some people required an intermediary to help with requests for assistance and they also needed assurances as to where the next weeks would take them.”

While Jacqui kept on top of council duties, daughter Gaia was workingfar from her Wellington office at the Ministry ofForeign Affairs and Trade. Colin, who has only one kidney donated by Jacqui five years ago, is immune compromised so he kept an eye on his coffee and food distribution business from a distance too.

“We were a busy bubble but containment at Port Waikato suited us all,” Jacqui says. “Our small, rural community has been very supportive ofeach other and although everyone understands the seriousness of Covid-19, knowingwe were far from removed from busy urban centres was a relieffor many. Port Waikato offers a special magic.”

Jacqui Church

Although Jacqui says lockdown wasn’t a major difficulty, she was lookingforward to alert level 2 when she could move further afield as workrequired.

“I’m especially keen to recommence workon our Franklin and Waikato North Trails Forum, a community-led initiative in partnership with territorial authorities includingthe NZ WalkingAccess Commission, Waikato District Council, and the Waikato Regional Council, supported by the Franklin Local Board (Auckland Council).”

The project fosters a shared vision and strategy for public accessways across the region and, as Jacqui explains, these will cater for a variety ofpurposes includingrecreation, tourism and commutingvia the likes of walking, cyclingand horse-riding. “We also want to see the Te Awa Cycleways, as an iconic river asset, head northwards to connect into our networks as well as the Auckland commuter and recreational trail networks. This will showcase some ofour beautiful rural scenery, unknown to many people.

“Our vision is that eventually many small townships, such as Pokeno to Tuakau, Tuakau to Pukekohe, will be connected by these accessible trails. I’m excited about the project will take us and keen to see us workingagain on this innovative scheme.”

Ofcourse, there are many other issues to deal with says Jacqui. “Namely our local (and national) economy –there’s a lot ofwork to do and I’m eager to start the rebuildingprocess.”

Best OF THE FLIPBOOK

Keeping ‘Pantry’ stocked and open takes its toll

Most people would say shops able to remain open during the lockdown were the lucky ones. Financially this may well have been true, but HELEN PERRY discovered that the pressure and stress of operating in a locked down world could take an enormous toll.

Wayne and Melanie Kennerley are well known Karaka residents and business people. Their popular seven-day grocery store, Paddock to Pantry, on the cornerofLinwood and Blackridge Roads, remained open throughout the alert level 4 lockdown.

‘Wonderful’, most would say. But five minutes talkingto Melanie and the enormous strain ofkeepingthe store open and runningefficiently, is evident –she breaks down in tears as she recounts the highs and lows, the frustrations, exhaustion and emotional toll oftryingto do their best to serve the local community.

She talks about the long12-hour days –every day –in which she walks at least 10 km daily just within the confines ofthe store, answers the phone every few minutes, tries to coordinate the difficult continuity ofsupplies, takes orders, personally delivers to the vulnerable, deals with further contactless orders picked up from the store and ensures the rules ofoperatingin level 4 (and now level 3) are adhered to. us breathless and we go to great lengths to keep maintainingstrict hygiene standards; it’s hard but the safety ofcustomers and our staffis our priority.”

Then there’s the matter ofstock. Melanie says many items are in short supply.

“Everyone’s heard about the rush for toilet paper, but flour, yeast and bakingpowder are like gold; still so hard to get. Often I’ll order somethingwhich is promised for the followingday but it doesn’t arrive for three days or a week later, or it doesn’t arrive at all.

“We’ve also had to deal with several police visits. Even though Wayne was careful, from the first, to ensure all paperwork was in place, workingthrough their checks, was stressful. It has seemed, at times, as ifthe rules were changingdaily. In fact, it was a moment ofcelebration when MBIE finally established we had the same authority to operate as bigger supermarkets.”

Another demand Melanie cannot avoid are the phone calls. “The phone rings incessantly. People ask, have we this, that or the other thing; the same requests are constant but the calls I have most come to dread are those that ask, “Are you open?’ Yes, we are!”

Ensuringshe has ‘crossed every t and dotted every i’ means there’s no sittingquietly out back attendingto orders or balancing the books. Melanie’s time is never idle and, business aside, there’s also the no small matter ofschoolingfour children at home includingan international student who the family tookin as lockdown happened and their eldest who was at university but got home at the last minute.

“I often leave the house when it is still darkand that has meant not really knowingwhere the 10-yearold is at with her studies –thank goodness Wayne and the older children can help out but Wayne also has to oversee his main focus which is our Z Service Stations which, likewise, continued to operate duringlevel 4, a logistical challenge in itself.”

Hearingthe exhaustion (and tears) in her voice it is clear that remainingopen duringthe lockdown is not easy but Melanie says the highlights and many positive comments lift her spirits.

“When Totara Hospice told us they were desperate for milkand fruit we were so pleased we could help. We’ve also managed to assist the local food bankand some special welfare requests, too. People feel indebted but we are just happy we can help; there are so many doing it hard out there.”

Customers have also sent messages ofgratitude. Melanie says, “at the till, it’s so nice that people have gone out oftheir way to say, ‘thankyou for beingopen’.

“Many have expressed thanks that they don’t have to battle long supermarket queues and others who are fearful ofexposure to the virus are relieved they don’t have to visit a bigsupermarket.

“They seem so glad they can call in here or have an order filled and delivered by me. It’s become very personal and heart-warming. On the other hand, I will be very grateful when restrictions ease and things return to normal.”

NOTE: Paddock to Pantry is now operating normally with stress levels dissipating.

Melanie Kennerley

Coming up roses

Mother’ Day bouquets for that special woman seemed highly unlikely at alert level 4. But, with the advent of level 3, everything changed.

Wayne and Melanie Kennerley, who also own The Wild Rose in Papakura, agree it was the best possible news for florists and growers.

“We launched this store seven months ago and havingto close down in March was a bigblow,” Wayne says. “I’m especially thankful we could help out local growers who had the chance to make a return for all their hard effort.

“Not only do we deliver to the domestic market, many ofour corporate clients have standingorders for reception areas and board rooms. The lockdown meant those orders came to a halt and, ofcourse, we had to close our doors so we couldn’t deliver anyway.

“Sadly, people wantingbirthday or special occasion flowers, such as for funerals, were disappointed because even contactless deliveries were seen as nonessential until last week.”

But happily florists and growers are now backto business which meant Mother’s Day was backon The Wild Rose calendar.

“I was delighted we could fulfill the call for flowers,” Wayne says. “These have always such a bigpart ofMother’s Day and it just wouldn’t have been the same without them. Now, we hope it will be business as usual.”

Aucklanders from the South side have plenty of options when it comes to entertainment, whether in our region, nearby or online. SOUTH has prepared this quick guide of our picks of what’s to see and do this month.

NZ Art Show

Anytime, artshow.co.nz

Featuring works by more than 150 emerging, contemporary artists, this online show offers the opportunity to view a wide range of art across a variety of media. What’s more, visitors to this website will also be able to purchase works. For more information, visit artshow.co.nz.

Photo Ross Brown

Operatunity – Happiness Half Hours

Dates & times vary, operatunity.co.nz

Due to the recent lockdown, a number of Operatunity’s shows were cancelled. But, until this popular theatre company can get its shows back on the road, fans have been able to view live streamed performances online. All going well, the company’s next show will hit the local stage in early July; until then, we can still enjoy a little dose of happiness. To view these shows, visit operatunity.co.nz.

APO – livestreams

Dates and times vary, apo.co.nz/watch-listen

Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra might not be able to return to performing their popular shows in front of live audiences just yet but, as their live streaming efforts have shown, ‘the band’ is playing on. In fact, recent shows have attracted audiences (in some cases) of more than a million people worldwide – that’s a few more than Auckland Town Hall can accommodate! To watch as music of some the greatest composers in history is performed and broadcast via one of the youngest mediums, visit apo.co.nz/watch-listen for details.

www.southmagazine.co.nz

The Documentary Edge International Film Festival

June 12 - July 5, times vary, docedge.nz

For the first time, this famous film fest’ will be on show... everywhere. Accessible online, more than 70 films will showcase the talents of filmakers from New Zealand and abroad. For more information, including a full programme, visit docedge.nz.

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