Times - 08 February 2023

FEARS OVER DIRT BIKERS

By CHRIS HARROWELL

Aserious crash involving a dirt bike rider and a car in east Auckland is prompting a concerned local couple to speak out about what they say is a growing threat to public safety in the area.

Police closed off part of Middlefield Drive in Dannemora following the crash, which happened at about 4pm on February 1. A fire truck, police, and St John Ambulance paramedics

responded to the incident.

The injured motorcyclist was taken to hospital for medical treatment.

Police initially said the injured rider was in a critical condition but in an update the following day said he was in a stable condition. Enquiries into the crash are ongoing.

The Times has spoken to a couple who live in Dannemora and who say they frequently hear dirt bike riders travelling around the area as well as motorcycles and

cars spinning their tyres at nearby intersections.

They wish to remain anonymous to protect their safety.

“It’s quad bikes, dirt bikes, they’re on the footpath, and on the wrong side of the road,” the woman says.

“It was a matter of time before something like this happened and we are very grateful an innocent passerby wasn’t severely injured.

“I believe it’s a very difficult problem to combat because they’re not in same area at the same time [as police].

“We hear them at least weekly. It is a significant problem in the area and it’s definitely getting worse.”

Her husband adds: “It’s a free-forall. It’s anywhere and everywhere and they’re doing wheelies into oncoming traffic with no helmets.

“It’s a consistent problem and it’s unsafe. We can’t let our kids go out.

“Imagine if children were on the footpath [at the time of the crash].

“It’s an ongoing issue that’s impacting the safety of residents who are law-abiding.

“We purposefully moved to an

area with reserves and parks so our kids could walk around and go to the park, but they’re homebound now. We don’t let them around [outside]. We just don’t feel safe.”

A group of more than 50 dirt bike riders travelled through east Auckland on New Year’s Eve last year.

Following the incident police said such a situation poses a challenge to deal with due to safety for other road users and the riders themselves.

Times photo Wayne Martin

QUICK CLUES

New Zealand’s top polo tournament almost here

After a long spell due to the pandemic, the NZ Polo Open returns this year with a bang.

The tournament will start on Tuesday, February 14 and 24 teams will compete throughout the week, with the NZ Polo Open final to be held on Sunday, February 19 at Auckland Polo Club’s renowned Fisher Field.

The famous ‘Horsepower versus Horsepower’ will take on a special twist as the Archibald & Shorter, Range Rover Supercharged V8 will race the acclaimed New Zealand thoroughbred, this year with a mystery driver in the Range Rover who may look a little familiar.

On the field as the teams compete will be a showcase of the country’s top polo ponies who have made a name globally for being the best in the world. Finals day will see more 100 thoroughbred horses who have found their second careers with polo, showcasing the unique ability and flexibility of this athletic breed.

PUZZLE NO. 8096

In a special animal welfare and rehoming collaboration with New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing, 2023 will see the introduction of prize money for the bestplaying rehomed thoroughbreds with $9000 up for grabs.

CRYPTIC CLUES ACROSS

1. Stop and have a port (4).

7. Part of the painter’s baby’s layette? (5,4).

8. A part in “Rain”? Yippee! (4).

9. Authorisation for the swimmer (4).

10. The little perisher starts to cry (4).

11. One old, made up, star (4).

14. How steeples go? Not altogether (2,2,1,5).

16. Another husband who goes to sea? (6,4).

19. Young, the silly ass, comes out and makes a statement (4).

22. Mix with, in prison (4).

24. The old man went ahead as directed (4).

25. Wish for a marathon? (4).

26. Convinced, most probably (9).

27. Made to go, having the money and the time (4).

1. My, the soldier is attached to the dog! (5).

2. He takes the bread around (5).

3. Make you laugh and you turn away (6).

4. Isn’t young and a female (6).

5. Put a second animal on the vessel (4).

6. Show to have been a long time in the larder (9).

12. Leaving the transplanted trees, I assume, on the outside (9).

13. With a little luck, before the party game (4).

15. Hasn’t paid, so we go berserk (4).

17. Says slowly that the doctor of law’s out (6).

18. As opposed to a limerick, for instance (6).

20. Only a sub, you say (5).

21. Turn the key in this, see? (5).

23. Miss Stone? (4).

On the style front, the highly anticipated ‘Remix Fashion at the Polo’ is gearing up to be one of the best, with prizes for best dressed lady, best dressed gentleman, best accessory and, new for this year, a people’s choice award. Wilhelmina

Shrimpton, Amber Baker, and NZ Polo Open event ambassador Holly Estelle are the fashion judges this year.

For those wanting to stretch their legs, the 100 metre dashes on the polo field will be one for

the competitive, with the chance for the ladies to win a Jeroboam of Provence’s Whispering Angel Rosé and for the gentlemen a Kim Clifford 10/4 Spiced Rum. Finishing off a great day of the 46th NZ Polo Open will be the George FM after party on the Heineken Lawn.

 For more information: nzpoloopen.com

WIN DOUBLE PASSES TO THE POLO FINAL

If you want a chance to win one of two double pass to the NZ Polo Open on Sunday, February 19 in Clevedon, just visit www.times. co.nz/times-win/. The competition ends at midnight Sunday, February 12. The winners will be advised shortly after.

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THE SUN, THE MOON AND THE TIDES

The NZ Polo Open begins on Tuesday, February 14 with the final on Sunday, February 19 at the Auckland Polo Club grounds in Clevedon.

Photo supplied

Armed group robs Pakuranga petrol station

Police are investigating after a group of armed offenders robbed an east Auckland petrol station.

A police spokesperson says the GAS station on Pakuranga Road, at the Pakuranga Plaza, just after 6.30am on February 3.

“A group of offenders entered the premises and made demands. A firearm has reportedly been presented during the incident, before the offenders fled the scene in a vehicle.

“Police are at the scene and enquiries are still in their early stages.

“No injuries have been reported at this stage.”

The robbery comes amidst an ongoing crime wave sweeping the country that’s seen a large number of incidents including ramraids and smash-and-grab burglaries as well as armed robberies targeting businesses.

The GAS petrol station is a short distance from Pakuranga MP Simeon Brown’s local electorate office.

Of the robbery, Brown says: “This is absolutely horrific and another example of the level of crime which we are unfortunately experiencing more and more of under this soft on crime Labour Government.

“A tougher approach to law and order is desperately needed in New Zealand, something National is committed to doing.

“People shouldn’t feel afraid going to work or walking down the street, but unfortunately too many are.”

h Anyone with information on the robbery at the GAS petrol station at Pakuranga Place just after 6.30am on February 3 is can phone police on 105 quoting the reference number P053519052, or phone the free and anonymous Crimestoppers tip-off line on 0800 555 111.

Speeders put children, pets at risk says group

By JOSIE LU, Journalism intern

Speeding cars are putting children at risk in Bucklands Beach, a Bucklands and Eastern Beach Ratepayers and Residents Association members says.

A public meeting about proposed safety improvements for Bucklands Beach will be held on Thursday.

To address issues of speeding traffic and pedestrian safety, Auckland Transport has proposed changes such as installing raised zebra crossings, speed bumps and traffic islands in the area.

“It’s really about facilitating consultation with the community,” says Peter Seekup, president of the Bucklands and Eastern Beach Ratepayers and Residents Association.

“Instead of Auckland Transport just going ahead and doing what they think would work, it’s involving the local residents that live along that road, that are going to directly have a speed bump put in front of their house and asking whether they’re happy with that or not,” says Jamie Kent, the association’s

secretary.

She says cars have been speeding in the area and many residents have expressed concerns about kids and dogs almost being hit.

“It’s really dangerous around here so we need to get something sorted,” Kent says.

The Bucklands and Eastern Beach Ratepayers and Residents Association was resurrected in August last year and now has 282 members in its Facebook group.

Seekup says the association aims to inform residents about local projects and to try and get community involvement in them.

“We want to bridge the gap between the local board, council and the community; just

really open that communication line,” says Kent.

The association’s committee holds monthly meetings and has identified five projects to focus on, including traffic on The Parade, Macleans Park, Bucklands Beach War Memorial Hall, fishing bylaws and coastal erosion.

These issues will be addressed with the help of the Howick Local Board and Auckland Council.

“They seem, so far, to have been brilliant in helping us,” Kent says.

“They’re very on board and trying their best to help.”

Aside from keeping residents up to date on local issues, the association’s Facebook page also aims to

unite the local community and celebrate its residents.

The page has recently started a ‘Good Sorts of the Peninsula’ initiative which periodically rewards someone who does good for the local community.

Due to the area becoming more multicultural, the association is also working on a multilingual website and WeChat group to promote inclusivity for local residents. Currently people can get involved through the group’s Facebook page.

“If any of the projects that we’re working on resonate with you, then come and get involved,” Seekup says.

“We’re all just really passionate about the peninsula. We love it. We think it’s the best place to live in Auckland so we want to keep it that way,” Kent says.

All are welcome to attend the public meeting where Auckland Transport, Howick Local Board and the Bucklands and Eastern Beach Ratepayers and Residents Association will be presenting, 7:30pm on Thursday [February 9] at Bucklands Beach Bowling Club.

Jamie Kent, left, the Bucklands and Eastern Beach Ratepayers and Residents Association secretary, and Peter Seekup, the president, at Bucklands Beach. Photo Josie Lu

Humble Vauxhall’s Mongolian adventure

By CHRIS HARROWELL

Of the more than 1200 vehicles set to be displayed at this year’s Auckland Brit and Euro Classic Car Show there may only be one with a story as eye-opening as that of Rob Kidd’s Vauxhall.

The show at Lloyd Elsmore Park, Pakuranga, on March 5 will see the members of more than 55 car clubs and associations showcasing their automotive pride and joy.

Among them will be Kidd’s unassuming white 2000 Vauxhall Corsa. It may not look particularly special, but it’s been on several staggering adventures.

In 2015 Kidd was living in the UK and decided to take part with several mates in the infamous Mongol Rally. The event sees teams buy cars with engines smaller than 1000cc and drive them from the UK to Mongolia, a distance of more than 16,000km.

Kidd searched a British car auction website and found the Corsa, with its 973cc engine and a manual transmission, advertised for sale.

“I called the guy and said, ‘will it make it to Mongolia?’ He said, ‘oh yeah, I think so’. I’m sure he

didn’t know where it was.”

Kidd and his mates prepped the car for the hazardous journey and hit the road.

“We drove through all of Europe, Turkey, Georgia, Azerbaijan and had to pay off cops and harbourmasters,” he told the Times

“The journey to Outer Mongolia took six weeks. My two mates flew home from Siberia and one of them said, ‘I reckon it would take you two weeks to get home

Our doors are open

[by driving],’ and I said, ‘You’re on’.”

Kidd then drove the Vauxhall by himself back to the UK on a different route, covering 9000km in just eight days.

“I didn’t get out of the driver’s seat. You’re forever chasing the sun, heading west. It was a bit nuts. Fuel is so cheap. It cost me US$120 to do 6000km. I was filling the car for like US$12 a tank.”

Kidd and his mates saw some amazing sights during their

journey, including a field full of cannabis plants growing openly in Kazakhstan. They travelled along Afghanistan’s border and visited the famous Darvaza gas crater known as the ‘Gates of Hell’ in Turkmenistan.

Kidd says his trusty Corsa has been driven in 36 counties.

He enjoyed doing the Mongol Rally so much that he did it in the Corsa again, but this time with his partner, the following year.

“Eight months out from the next one, I said we should do the Mongol and she said, ‘hell yeah!’. She had a great time.”

The aircraft mechanic says he kept the Corsa running smoothly throughout its epic journeys by being gentle with it.

“You have to have mechanical empathy and keep it cool. It’s still on the same clutch and the only thing that’s broken down in the whole time I’ve had it is a fan switch, which caused a bit of trouble, and an alternator.”

The Auckland Brit and Euro Classic Car Show is sponsored by Times Newspapers, the Howick Local Board, Protecta Insurance, and NZ Classic Driver It’s staged Lloyd Elsmore Park, Pakuranga, on Sunday, March 5, and entry is free.

Couple’s safety fears over dirt bike riders

h Continued from page 1

“It is incredibly frustrating for police and the public, as these riders have absolutely no regard for the safety of others and their behaviour puts lives at risk,” a police spokesperson said.

“It is completely unacceptable. Police also want to see parents and caregivers take responsibility for the actions of these riders, some of whom are youths.

“The last thing we want is to have one of these riders cause a crash and injure or kill a member of the public.”

As the Times has previously reported, Counties Manukau Police charged more than 130 people and impounded almost 100 dirt bikes and vehicles following a 2022 operation targeting illegal street racing activity in areas including east Auckland.

The year-long operation saw 59 dirt bikes and 39 vehicles impounded, with 88 people arrested and charged.

Rob Kidd and his Vauxhall Corsa, seen here during its epic drive from the UK to Mongolia, will be among the cars taking part in the Auckland Brit and Euro Classic Car Show.

Photo supplied

Paramedics were called to a crash involving a dirt bike rider and a car in Dannemora on February 1. Photo supplied

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Former library almost gone

The former Howick Library in Fencible Drive is finally being demolished. It’s sat empty since 2011 and is being torn down to make way for a project by Habib Enterprises Limited, led by East Tamaki-based property developer Aysha Ashraf. Any development at the site must align with the Howick Village Centre Plan and provide a minimum of three storeys with active uses such as commercial or retail on the ground level.

Tomato competition winner crowned

After almost three months of growing, a winner was crowned for the great Apothecary tomato growing competition on Monday.

First place was taken by Steve Lloyd with a controversial green beefsteak tomato, breaking the 250g mark on the scale. Steve took away the top prize of a $150 bar tab to accompany the first ever Apothecary tomato competition trophy.

Second place was won by An Lam, taking away a $75 bar tab and third place, Tania Brunton winning a $25 bar tab.

A great initiative from the Apothecary Licensed Eatery that is sure to bring out the community’s competitive side for years to come.

Times photos Wayne Martin

From Left; Ted Waters, competition winner Steve Lloyd, and Carmen Holmes. Photo supplied

Sunday Programme: 26th March 2023

Holiday Programme: 11th April 2023 Join

Public

Packed with lots of fun

Bucklands Beach Yacht Club is 74 years young being formed back in 1949 by families in those days who were not necessarily financially privileged but rather inspired by creativity supplying themselves with seaworthy craft for family and neighbourhood experience.

This fellowship still flourishes today with a strong family membership base that enjoys a full calendar of boating and social events, including cruising to parts of the Hauraki gulf.

The club has its own marina and Haulout facilities with a hardstand enabling members to perform maintenance on their vessels.

Social activities are prevalent which include Trivia nights, casino nights, Halloween, and Christmas

parties for the kids along with club picnics and the famous brunch on the spit where the top half of dress is formal to go with casual down below.

On the Members night there are raffles and a jackpot members draw of which $1,500 can be won.

We continue to foster and introduce both the young and old to the clubs learn to sail programmes which are conducted on a regular basis through our Sailing Academy using our very experienced coaches. We have a proud tradition of developing young sailors into Olympic medallists and Americas cup sailors.

We are more than just a yacht club; our membership attracts all types of boaties and just as importantly those people who do not own a boat but just want to

enjoy the nearby water and wonderful views in a relaxing way.

Come in and enjoy a refreshing drink and meal in our popular restaurant or if you are planning a function, we offer a range of rooms suitable for weddings to birthday parties and conference and board meetings.

The open day is a chance for the public to check out the club facilities, try out sailing, see what we have to offer one and all.

You will find the staff and members friendly and welcoming, happy to answer any questions you may have about membership.

As a very special offer during the open day a membership of $75 will be available for the period, February through until the end of July.

Public Open Day

Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s gifts to match your partner’s love language

Have you and your partner ever talked about your love languages, the unique ways you each like to receive and express love?

This Valentine’s Day, try giving a gift that resonates with your lover’s personal love language.

QUALITY TIME

If your lover responds to quality time, they appreciate it when you give them your undivided attention. Consider planning a road trip to a destination your partner adores. You could also book a weekend at a hotel or bach at the beach.

ACTS OF KINDNESS

If your sweetheart responds to acts of kindness, focus on selfless gestures to make their life

easier. For example, make a special meal or serve them breakfast in bed. Is there a job your partner’s been meaning to do around the house? Perhaps you can finish it discreetly and then surprise your lover with the big reveal.

WORDS OF AFFIRMATION

Are words of affirmation your partner’s love language? If so, verbal expressions of your love and appreciation are essential. Write a love letter or create a playlist of meaningful songs. If writing long letters isn’t your strong suit, try short notes for each day in February.

PHYSICAL TOUCH

If your other half is the touchy-feely type, chances are their love language

is physical touch. For Valentine’s Day, look for ways to give your partner sensual pleasure. Book a couple’s massage or plan a romantic bubble bath at home. For something more adventurous, take a dance class together.

RECEIVING GIFTS

Does your partner regard physical tokens of affection as the ultimate way to communicate your love for them? This expression of love may seem a no-brainer, but don’t shift into autopilot.

Valentine’s Day is your opportunity to pull out the stops and make an extra effort to choose the perfect gift and present it meaningfully. How will you express your love this Valentine’s Day? Book well in advance if you’re planning to visit a spa, restaurant or hotel.

Exhibition explores universal views

By CHRIS HARROWELL

An art exhibition in east Auckland will feature works exploring subjects as diverse as familial bonds, the rewriting of stories told through photographs, the uprising of artists challenged by Covid-19 and the horror of the Ukraine War.

The exhibition is entitled Perspectives:TeTaiAo Notions of the Universal and opens at Uxbridge Arts and Culture in Howick on February 9.

Uxbridge visual arts programme co-ordinator Ashleigh King says: “The exhibition features the work of the Flowers Art Collective, 11 artists of diverse ethnicity and viewpoints, brought together by a common interest in the challenge of bringing the illusive into tangibility.

“Each has a unique perspective of what the universal might mean and at the same time commonalities are there to be discovered and interpreted by the viewing audience.

“The show is full of media variety in contemporary painting, photography and in illuminations which use internal lighting.”

Among the members of the Flowers Art Collective taking part in the showcase are Agnès Desombiaux Sigley, Marion GordonFlower, Justin Sobion, Jasmine Hope and Penny Otto.

Hope’s work uses acrylic and mixed media and she says it’s her first work on a circular canvas.

“I connected to the concept of the universal and the vision I had for my work was to represent the cyclic nature of the Earth.

“I used vibrant greens and Earth tones in the work to represent the purity of nature and of mother Earth.”

Hope says her aim is for people who view her work to feel connected to “divine energy”.

“I want people to reconnect to nature and the gifts that it gives us, the nurturing quality that Papatuanuku [Earth Mother] has.”

Otto’s contribution is 12 works on paper which she says are explorations of primary colours with some experimental line drawing thrown in.

“They were done blind, meaning I was looking at the subject - the flowersand not at the work.

“Because of that there are obvious breaks in the work as the ink has run out on my knitting needle or my pen and I haven’t seen it happen.”

Desombiaux Sigley is entering five photographic works printed on fine-art textured paper.

Her approach uses intentional movement in the creation of the image.

“The theory is reverie or amusing and my sense of belonging, to finding your sense of place in New Zealand, but also these pieces connect me to where I come from, [being] France.

“The movement is a physical movement but it’s

also emotionally moving.

“Being moved by the land, the landscape, and connecting to my own emotion and needs.”

Gordon-Flower’s works are hexagonal and grew through the Covid-19 pandemic when artists suffered limitations as to the types of materials they could access and work with.

“The four pieces are [representing] Earth, water, air and fire.

“It relates to long ago, to the Egyptians and their sciences, going back to astrology and how they had these personality types worked out.”

One of Sobion’s two paintings in the show depicts well-known Barbadian singer Rihanna.

He describes it as “kind of seductive” and says she’s from the Caribbean, as he is.

“I looked at the theme of the exhibition, of perspective and universality.

“She’s known for her tattoos and one of them is of Egyptian hieroglyphics, so even though she’s from the Caribbean you can be interested in those things.

“When you talk about universality you think about planets and we are part of the universe and the Earth and we have different communities.”

The exhibition is in the Malcolm Smith Gallery at Uxbridge Arts and Culture, 35 Uxbridge Road, Howick. Its opening night is from 6.30pm-9.00pm on Thursday, February 9 and it’s on until March 9.

Little Hearts Day at Botany Commons

Every week, 12 Kiwi families will be told their child has a heart condition. This news can be devastating, and families need to know they are not alone.

For 40 years, Heart Kids New Zealand has been providing crucial, lifelong support, information,

connection and hope so that heart kids and their whānau never face their heart journey alone.

On Tuesday, February 14 we will be celebrating Little Hearts Day at Good Spirits Hospitality.

Book a table for you and your special someone and join us in supporting

Heart Kids by using our tap-to-donate machines - you will find one locally at Botany Commons at 29 Town Centre Drive, Botany Town Centre. h For more information, visit goodspiritshospitality. co.nz/events/littlehearts-day-2023/

Among the Flowers Art Collective members showcasing their work in Howick are, from left, Agnès Desombiaux Sigley, Marion Gordon-Flower, Justin Sobion, Jasmine Hope, and Penny Otto. Times photo Wayne Martin

New leader, just the same old Labour though

Labour might have a new leader, but the same challenges face New Zealand and it will be the same team of people who have failed to deliver for the last five years now trying to say they have changed.

Chris Hipkins has been a key architect of the Government’s failures over the last several years as one of Jacinda’s top Ministers, so the idea that he’ll bring a fresh perspective is difficult to imagine.

Chris Hipkins has been responsible for the merger of our polytechs which has left an almost half billion dollar hole, he has been the Minister responsible for 13,000 more bureaucrats in Wellington while front line services are stretched, and has failed as Minister of Police to get bollards installed for our dairies which are at the forefront of the crime wave we are seeing.

It’s likely in the coming weeks and months that he will seek to win support by

MP for Pakuranga Simeon Brown

dropping proposed policies that were hugely unpopular. But it’s going to take a lot more than that if New Zealand is to get back on the right track. Kiwis are not easily fooled, and they know that when it comes to the things that matter most, like the cost-of-living crisis, this Government has been missing in action.

Chris Hipkins claims his focus will be squarely on the economy and on addressing this crisis, but if words were all it took, his predecessor would have led us into a utopia by now.

If Labour knew how to solve this problem, why haven’t they taken any meaningful steps to address it by now.

The reality is that this Government is out of touch with New Zealanders and lost sight long ago of what’s important.

New Zealand is facing innumerable challenges at present, with falling literacy and numeracy rates, ris-

What’s on

CAN YOU SING?

Pakuranga Choral Society welcomes new members.

On Monday, February 13 we begin rehearsing Handel’s Messiah for our May concert under conductor David Hamilton. Practices held at East City Wesleyan Church, 219 Burswood Drive, East Tamaki. Phone Ann 021434758, Ron 0274499142 or email annday06@gmail. com.

U3A PAKURANGA

The next meeting of the U3A Pakuranga will be held on Monday, February 13, at St Andrew’s Church Centre, Vincent Street, Howick at 1.45pm. Margaret Gane will be speaking about Trips to Britain. Visitors are welcome and entry is free. For

further information phone Robert 09 576 4715 or 021 149 0069.

PAKURANGA CAB FAMILY GUIDANCE CLINIC

Pakuranga Citizens Advice Bureau will be hosting a fortnightly Wednesday clinic covering all aspects of family matters. A professional adviser will guide and support families and children in matters relating to separation/divorce; care/ custody/guardianship of children; domestic violence/ protection orders; relationships issues/court orders; maintenance/living situations. If you want guidance and resolution in family matters, contact Pakuranga Citizens Advice Bureau,

ing crime, increasing rent, food and fuel costs, roading infrastructure that’s literally coming apart, a health system that doesn’t deliver, and many others that need urgent attention.

It’s clear that only one thing can deliver the change our country needs and it’s not a new Labour Prime Minister, it’s a National Government led by Christopher Luxon.

National has a plan to address these issues and to reduce the cost of living by reducing taxes for hard working Kiwis, making it easier to run a business and by stopping the wasteful spending that we are seeing from this Government.

With the election date now set for October 14, New Zealanders will soon have the opportunity to decide which future they want: same old Labour, or a National Government with a new direction.

Simeon Brown MPforPakuranga

What’s On is a free community noticeboard for non-pro t groups. Send notices to whatson@times.co.nz. While every e ort is made to run the notices, space restrictions may mean notices may not run. Keep notices to less than 50 words.

Phone 576-8331 or email pakuranga@cab.org.nz to arrange an appointment.

ZONTA CLUB OF EAST AUCKLAND

Members are looking forward to meeting again and planning how we may help make the world ‘A better place for women and girls’. If you are interested in our international, national and community projects and would like to join a group of friendly and generous women, consider our club. We meet on the first Tuesday of the month at the Howick Club. For more information, contact Eleanor Moonie or Ruby Govender eastauckland@ zonta.org.nz or Facebook. com/Zonta-East-Auckland

Ayesha Verrall named new Health Minister

Prime Minister Chris Hipkins has reshuffled his Cabinet with Dr Ayesha Verrall being promoted to Health Minister and Nanaia Mahuta losing the Local Government portfolio.

Hipkins announced the changes on January 31, saying his new Cabinet line-up is focused on “bread and butter issues” such as the cost of living, education, health, housing and keeping communities and businesses safe.

But Botany MP and National Party leader Christopher Luxon says the Government has kept the same leadership team that has “failed to deliver for New Zealanders”.

Hipkins says the Government needs a greater focus on what’s in front of Kiwis right now and his new Cabinet line-up strengthens that focus.

“In the reshuffle I have balanced the need for stability with renewal.

“New Zealanders want to see the Government getting on with the job but I also want to demonstrate the depth of our talent and bring some new energy and focus to the task ahead.

“Our top team of myself, [Deputy Prime Minister] Carmel Sepuloni, Kelvin Davis, Grant Robertson and Megan Woods will provide stability, experience, and proven leadership.”

Robertson remains Finance Minister while Michael Wood is promoted to number seven in Cabinet and becomes Minister for Auckland, a new position, and Associate Finance Minister.

Jan Tinetti becomes Education Minister, taking over the role from Hipkins. Stuart Nash is the new Police Minister. Verrall takes over the Health portfolio from Little and moves to the Government’s front bench.

“An infectious diseases expert, she brings almost 20 years of knowledge of how our health system works and how it can be improved,” Hipkins says.

The prime minister has named four new Ministers outside of Cabinet and says his reshuffle is just the first step in the Government’s shift in focus.

“Over the coming days and weeks you will see us put words into action, with policies to support New Zealanders by reprioritising existing programmes to free up resources to help with the cost of living.”

Luxon says the Cabinet reshuffle “proves once and for all the Government has a new leader but it is the same Labour team that will deliver the same poor results for New Zealand”.

“Prime Minister Chris Hipkins has retained all of the top five ministers in the leadership team that presided over the cost-of-living crisis, rising crime and failing educational achievement.

“This is a team that has mismanaged the economy and been addicted to spending.

“It has lost touch with everyday New Zealanders, focusing on Labour’s pet ideological projects, rather than getting things done.”

Luxon says the reshuffle shows what a “low priority” Hipkins places on the economy.

“None of the prime minister’s top three ministers have any experience in business or economic portfolios.

“Retaining the same team shows Labour is out of ideas and will be unable to deliver a new economic strategy to turn New Zealand’s performance around.

“The country needs more than a change of leader, it needs a Government that can get things done and deliver for all New Zealanders.”

Dr Ayesha Verrall takes over as Health Minister from the demoted Andrew Little.

Photo supplied

WATCH WHERE YOU SIT

I went into my local Pakuranga Library on Saturday (January 28) and sat in one of the lovely padded computer chairs only to find it soaking wet with someone’s urine!

Some disgusting person had sat in that seat and urinated.

You can imagine my disgust and distress when I realised what I had sat in, my clothes were soaked.

I had to drive home covered in this disgusting stuff (sitting on a plastic bag so it wouldn’t wet my car seat).

I had to throw my clothes away – they were brown stained and stinking.

I then spent half an hour in the shower trying to get rid of the smell. I don’t know when I have ever felt so upset. I am still upset and feel sick thinking about it.

There was no excuse for this to happen as there is a toilet adjacent to the Library which is quite clearly marked.

Also, if someone has had a genuine accident surely they would have had the common decency to tell a staff member to stop someone else sitting in that chair.

When I told the staff they didn’t know what to do and seemed unsure if they should remove the chair – I said, “of course you must”

As I was still upset, I went back into the library the next day and spoke to the librarian. She said she was aware there was a chair missing but didn’t know why.

She also said some libraries

have plastic chairs instead of the nice padded ones.

I recommend the libraries (and all public places) change chairs to plastic and the sooner the better. At least plastic chairs can be wiped over.

Quite clearly some members of the public abuse anything decent they are allowed to use.

I will, of course, be taking a cushion to sit on in future as I don’t want to run the risk of having such a terrible experience again.

Name withheld Pakuranga

USE OF RATES MONEY

I am disturbed that the local board (and the Auckland Council) can play Santa Claus with our rates money.

We pay our rates demand with the expectation that the money will be used to provide goods and services to us, not to see that the local board has given out $31,000 (the Auckland Council gives out millions) to local groups while others have to fundraise for their money.

In this time of skyrocketing food prices, every dollar counts and we don’t want to see our rates money misappropriated in this manner.

The $31,000 represents the rates paid by 12 to 15 people and may not proportionally be a great number but it is the principle that counts.

Arthur Moore Pakuranga

SPEAKING FOR THE DEAD

Dennis Horne (“Unequivocal evidence”, Times, January 18) implies that Richard Feynman supported Arrhenius’ theory because “why did he not say so?”.

Quite bold that, claiming to know the mind of the dead.

Two main theories seek to explain the “how” of the so-called “greenhouse effect” – that the Earth is 33°C warmer than it would be without an atmosphere:

1) Maxwell’s 1872 “gravito-thermal” theory. Basically: Atmospheric temperature increases with pressure, as predicted by the laws of thermodynamics.

2) Arrhenius’ 1896 “radiative forcing” theory. Basically: CO2 “traps” energy, “reflecting” it back to the Earth.

Maxwell’s theory is supported by many scientists including Richard Feynman who, in a 1963 lecture, quoted Maxwell while demonstrating how an atmosphere comprised of only Nitrogen and Oxygen would perform as predicted, with no radiative forcing, CO2 or H20.

So while there may not be a record of Feynman directly discrediting AGW, there is a record of him endorsing the competing theory.

Maxwell’s theory also has practical, beneficial applications in the real world – e.g. it has been the basis for the very accurate U.S. and International “Standard

Atmosphere” models for 65 years and is an essential aerospace tool.

As far as I know, Arrhenius’ theory has no practical use (climate alarmism being of no practical benefit to humanity).

Ryan Price

Half Moon Bay

CONSEQUENCES COULD BE CATASTROPHIC

Re: Scientific facts can change, (Lilia Sevillano, Times, February 1).

Lilia Sevillano directs me to a museum at the “University of Berkeley” for a lesson in science. In return I direct her to a professor of physics at the University of California, Berkeley – which I assume is the university she means.

Prof Richard Muller expressed scepticism about climate science so oil billionaires and other deniers funded him to set up a completely new organisation: Berkeley Earth. I suggest readers Google, “Richard Muller: I was wrong on climate change”.

No, I would not have called Galileo a denier for supporting Copernicus. Aristarchus of Samos had proposed Earth revolved around the Sun 2000 years earlier.

I never said science is always settled. In response to the statement “science is never settled,” I gave an example of where it is.

Here’s another. The huge amount of rain we’ve just had in Auckland is explained by “settled” science.

1. Adding CO2 to the atmos-

phere has caused the level where energy is radiated to space to rise, where the air is cooler, so the loss is slower (Stefan-Boltzmann law). Less cooling means the surface and oceans are warmer.

2. Warm water evaporates faster; warm air holds more water – 7 per cent for 1 degree Celcius (ClausiusClapeyron equation). So when it rains there’s more water.

Lila Sevillano recommends a site naming “500 scientists and professionals” who state there is no climate emergency. Eh? Barely a handful were verified climate scientists and many were not scientists either. In any case, there are 3 or 4 million research scientists in the world.

Finally, the climate system is very complex and climate models are very helpful in understanding how it works. So far the projections have been reasonably accurate, and anyone who thinks uncertainty is our friend does not understand the nature of risk –especially when the consequences could be catastrophic.

Do you really want the future of our children and grandchildren to be decided by people who don’t even know they don’t know?

Dennis Horne, Howick

POLLS NOT RELEVANT YET

This far out from the election, election polls are as about useful as electric windows on a submarine.

Gary Hollis, Mellons Bay

Welcome to our Open Days.

Fri 10th & Sat 11th February 10am to 2pm

Once you have made the decision that Pakuranga Park is the right retirement village for you, the only other decision is whether it will be one of our surprisingly affordable luxury apartments or a villa.

Come and see the Ruru Apartments for yourself during our two open days on Friday the 10 th of Feb and Saturday the 11 th of February from 10am to 2pm. This could be your best opportunity to secure one.

We look forward to welcoming you to our village, so give Sylvie a call on 027 314 5767 or 09 576 5990, or we will see you at our Open Days at Fortunes Road, Pakuranga.

*License to occupy

Ruru Apartments:

• Favourable price comparison to Villas.

• Luxury finish and fittings that will impress you.

• Well-positioned close to our restaurant, reception & pool.

• An atrium lounge area where daily morning teas take place.

• A weekly fee that’s excellent value and includes power, fibre and much more.

• Large balconies.

• An extra layer of security.

• An electric car available for Ruru residents’ use.

ruru.realliving.co.nz

Named after NZ’s native owl, featured on a 4 storey Flox mural in the atrium.

Terry’s

SITUATIONS VACANT

HOUSEKEEPING

Cleaning role at our Aged Care Hospital in Pakuranga.

Part time 15hrs/wk: Mon 8-11am, Thu & Sat 8am-2.30pm.

Please email your CV to brian@ambridgerose.co.nz DE281574

SITUATIONS VACANT

XERO HERO WANTED

Join our friendly team in the Accounts Payable role in Xero & HubDoc. Part time, permanent role, 3 days a week. Hours can be structured to fit your commitments. Excellent pay for a reliable candidate who knows Xero. Cascade for Mazdaparts is an industry leading car parts company in Pakuranga.

Please email CV to admin@cascadeformazda.co.nz or call Belinda on 022

6778

623

SITUATIONS VACANT

SWIFT CARRIERS

RETIRED CASUAL DRIVERS

Mostly afternoon work. Required in Pakuranga, Howick, Bucklands Beach and Botany areas. P: Don 0274391506 | E: don_bec@hotmail.com

MP285966

BUILDERS WANTED

We require experienced builders to join our small energetic team of passionate tradespeople specialising in higher end renovations/alterations and the occasional new build. You must be experienced, have all your own tools and transport and enjoy the team atmosphere. Be time conscious, polite to clients and willing to go that extra step to impress.

Please call Keith on 021939253 or email your CV to keith@keithhunterbuilders.co.nz

CAREERS ADMINISTRATION ASSISTANT

Part Time, Permanent

Start: During Term 1 2023

We are looking for an organised and enthusiastic person with great administration skills to join our careers department for 8 hours per week (term time only). This person would need to be experienced with Microsoft based products and be confident using technology.

Applicants must have NZ residency and a clean drivers licence. Short listed applicants will be required to undergo a police vet.

Please send your cover letter, CV and BDSC Application Form (https://www.bdsc.school.nz/ our-college/job-vacancies/) to Mrs Yvonne de Graaf (y.degraaf@bdsc.school.nz) by 4pm on Friday 10 February 2023.

TUITION

COOK/ CHEF

Would you enjoy restoring children’s health through nutritious food and joyful meal times? If so, we would like to talk to you.

We are Stand Tu Maia, a charity that provides a nationwide intensive wraparound service which includes our Auckland village for children and their families.

To be successful in this role you will be:

• A creative and practical cook that provides nourishing meals to our tamariki and adult groups

• Able to cook for larger groups – qualifications a plus

• Experienced in managing Food Safety Requirements/ Audits and have high standards of hygiene

• Able to work within a budget.

• Able to manage the day to day operation of the kitchen and servery areas, including ordering of food and supplies.

• A flexible team member.

year olds

Piano  Violin  Guitar

Clarinet  Saxophone Cello  Trumpet  Drums & more music@hsm.co.nz www.hsm.co.nz MP285905

• Enjoy making a difference to children, families and the wider team.

This position is 30 hours/week, Sunday-Thursday 10.30am6pm. We welcome informal visits and calls contact Helena Dean on 09-534-4017 or email your CV to Auckland@standforchildren.org.nz

Applications close: Sunday 12 February 2023.

DE286230

SOLUTIONS

QUICK PUZZLE NO. 8096

Across - 1, Pick. 7, Celestial 8, Near. 9, Lean. 10, Name. 11, Hart. 14, Irresolute. 16, Pickpocket. 19, Hang. 22, Stop. 24, Port. 25, Stir. 26, Acquiesce. 27, Free.

Enrolment at Wakaaranga school is governed by an enrolment scheme, details of which are available from the school office and on the website www.wakaaranga.school.nz. Applications for out-of-zone places are now being invited for those students who will become eligible for enrolment in term 2, during the period from 24 April to 30 June 2023. This applies to new entrant enrolments only.

The deadline for receipt of applications for out-ofzone places is Wednesday 8 March 2023.

GROUNDSPERSON

Down - 1, Pinch. 2, Chair. 3, Veneer. 4,

Somerville Intermediate is looking for a committed and compassionate Teacher Aide to work alongside students with additional needs to suppor t them with their learning. This position requires someone who has a

FULL TIME POSITION (Monday to Friday, 7.30am-4.30pm)

Maintaining an attractive, safe and functional environment for students and staff is an important role within our school. We are seeking a person who: is well organised

• is energetic and fit has a strong work ethic

• is self-motivated and able to work unsupervised has good time management and is responsible

Tennis. 5, Stun. 6, Dalmatian. 12, Armistice. 13, Tick. 15, Loth. 17, Osprey. 18, Kirsch. 20, Alter. 21, Gorge. 23, Plum.

CRYPTIC PUZZLE NO. 8096

Across - 1, Cork. 7, First coat. 8, R-ole.

9, Seal. 10, Wee-p(erisher). 11, I-dol. 14, Up to a point. 16, Second mate. 19, Sa-

Y-s. 22, Stir. 24, (man)Aged. 25, Long.

26, Doubtless . 27, Sen-t. Down - 1, Cor-GI. 2, Roll-O. 3, Divert.

4, Is-old-a. 5, S-cow. 6, P-age-antry.

12, D-esert-I-on. 13, Lu-(ck)-do.

If a ballot for out-of-zone places is required, it will be held in the week beginning 13 March 2023. Parents will be informed of the outcome of the ballot within three school days of the ballot being held.

If you live in the home zone and have not yet signalled your intention to enrol your child later this year, please contact the school immediately to assist us to plan appropriately.

MP286255

an excellent communicator in English (both written and verbal)

● Be an NZ resident, or have a current work visa and is eligible to work in NZ

• has practical skills and knowledge of grounds maintenance enjoys working outdoors and as part of a team Start dates, terms and conditions discussed at interview.

15, Owes (anag.). 17, Dr-awls. 18, Averse. 20, A-lone (a loan). 21, Si-G-ht (rev.). 23, Ruby.

ADVERTISING TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Applications close Wednesday 29th June 2022

Please email your CV, with two referees and a cover letter outlining your previous experience/suitability for the position to: Lyn Baxter email: lbaxter@somint.school.nz

Pay rates in accordance with the Suppor t Staff in Schools’ Collective Agreement. Please send your CV, including referee details, to Steph Ready sready@somint.school.nz

Applications close Wednesday 15 February 2023

1. In

DE286280

NCEA SUBJECT AND JUNIOR LITERACY/NUMERACY TUTORS REQUIRED

We are seeking a range of tutors to support students from Years 9-13. Tutors would be expected to teach individual students and small groups either at Howick College or online.

Work hours would be flexible depending on the availability of the tutors and students. It may include times before school, within the school day or after school.

Tutors do not require a formal qualification but should be reliable, have suitable content knowledge of NCEA subjects or junior literacy/numeracy, and the ability to develop positive working relationships with students. All applicants will be subject to the

NZ Police vetting process.

The hourly rate is $25-$30 (depending on experience and NCEA level).

Please apply in writing, stating:

• Subject(s) you could offer and to which NCEA level

• Experience in these subjects and/or tutoring

• Number of hours per week you would be available and at what times of the day

• Preference to offer online or in-person tutoring

Please complete the application form on our website (https://www.howickcollege.school.nz/ career-opportunities) and forward with your CV and cover letter to employment@howick.school.nz by

2. Where the advertiser utilises any aspect of our creative/design services in the production of an advertisement (including photographic work) the advertiser acknowledges that we own the copyright in such work and that such work is not work for which a commissioning payment has been made or agreed.

3. The advertiser agrees to indemnify us against all losses or costs arising directly or indirectly from any breach of those warranties by the advertiser and from any costs incurred in our making corrections or amendments in accordance with the terms that follow.

4. We may refuse to publish, or withdraw an advertisement from publications without having to give a reason.

5. We may publish the advertisement on the next available day if there is an error or delay in publication of the advertising as booked.

6. We may correct or amend advertising to conform to style or for other

7. The guarantees contained in the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 are excluded where the advertiser acquires, or holds himself out as acquiring, goods or services from us for the purpose of a business.

8. The advertiser must tell us as soon as possible if there is an error or omission in any advertisement the advertiser has placed. We will not be liable for any indirect or consequential loss from an error (which includes ommission, negligence, system or press failure, mistake, misclassification, early, late or

SPORTS NOTICES

HOWICK CROQUET CLUB HAVE A GO

SATURDAY, 18 FEBRUARY FROM 10–2PM

HOWICK CROQUET CLUB

MILLHOUSE RESERVE, 67 MILLHOUSE DR, HOWICK

Wear soft soled sports shoes

Enjoy a sausage at 12noon

Ph Caroll 021 255 2721 or email Clubcaptain.hcc@gmail.com

MP286101

Fox takes prestigious award to cap banner year

By BEN PLUMMER

Professional golfer Ryan

Fox, of Beachlands, has been awarded the Seve Ballesteros Award after being voted the DP World Tour’s Player of the Year for 2022.

Fox had a banner season in 2022 with wins at the Ras Al Khai classic in Abu Dhabi (-22 overall) and the Alfred Dunhill Links championship at St Andrews (-15 overall) and finished the year as the 28th ranked golfer in the world.

On top of the Seve Ballesteros award, Fox also received an invitation to one of the most prominent tournaments in golf, the annual Masters tournament, held at the Augusta National Golf Club.

The Masters is one of the four major championships in professional golf and will be held in April this year.

“To qualify for it and get the invite has been one of my biggest goals in golf and I’m excited to get a chance to play it. I have family and some mates coming up for the week so that will make it extra

special,” Fox says.

After such a busy schedule last year, Fox was ecstatic to get home for a well-deserved holiday break.

“Mentally and physically, I was very tired at the end of last year and I hadn’t been home since April, so it was great to get home,” he says. In December, Fox headlined the inaugural ‘Chasing the Fox’ challenge at New Zealand’s Royal

Auckland and Grange course in Middlemore, which saw some of New Zealand’s most influential sportspeople and politicians come together and raise money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

“To be able to host an event like that and have so many New Zealand celebs and sportspeople be a part of it was quite humbling. “It was a great proof of concept

event and we did some great stuff for Make-A-Wish so hopefully last year was just a start,” Fox says.

During the event, former caught on camera making his a course. For John to do it in front

During the event, former Prime Minister Sir John Key was caught on camera making his first ever hole-in-one before the crowd of famous Kiwis erupted in celebration.

“It was one of the coolest moments I’ve been a part of on course. For John to do it in front of a decent crowd, plus some All Blacks and it being his first hole in one, it’s certainly something none of us that were there will forget,” Fox says.

Fox says the former Prime Minister abided by the unwritten golf rule of buying everyone in the bar a round of drinks afterwards.

“I know John probably had an expensive bar bill afterwards but that was all part of the fun and fair play to him for shouting everyone,” he says.

Fox’s time off appeared to have done him a world of good, breaking the course record at Mangawhai’s Tara Iti golf club with an 11-underpar 61. As for the new season, Fox

is looking to build on his impressive 2022 and remain one of the most competitive golfers in the world.

“I’m going to get to play on the PGA tour a lot more this year so the biggest thing will be to enjoy the new challenges and try to get a PGA tour card going forward. I’d love to win again and to stay in the top 50 too,” Fox says.

He got his season underway at the Dubai Desert Classic on January 26, where he finished in 20th place.

In fact, a recent survey showed that 90% of apartment owners thought that was important. “I’m thoroughly enjoying getting to know different folks,” enthused Alison Hegley, who moved in recently. “I’m reminded every day of why I chose HBH – and it hasn’t disappointed.”

If you’d like to live in a friendly village in the heart of Howick, come and view our independent apartments at HBH Howick Views. We’d love to welcome you to our community.

“Getting to know the community has been wonderful.”

Ryan Fox’s invitation to the prestigious 2023 Masters Golf Tournament held at Augusta National Golf Club. Photos supplied

Mongolian adventure, p5