Times - 05 April 2023

FIGHTING CANCER WITH GOLF BUCKET LIST

By BEN PLUMMER

Howick’s Greg Holmes is on the journey of a lifetime, attempting to play every 18-hole golf course in New Zealand, despite numerous setbacks.

Holmes, also known by family and friends as Holmer, is a surname known by most in the Howick-Pakuranga community.

His wife Carmen Holmes is a part-owner in some of Howick’s most beloved bars and restaurants including the Apothecary and Daisy Chang.

Holmes’ bucket list to play every 18-hole golf course in Aotearoa is no easy feat, made even harder by the timeline that he has found himself on.

Holmes was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2010, ironically, coming home from a golf trip in New Plymouth.

“Back then I had been having symptoms for a while, but I didn’t even know that bowel cancer was a thing,” he says.

After going to the doctors, Holmes was advised to go and see a specialist where

a 5cm tumour was found that had gone through to his lymph nodes.

Thirteen years after his initial diagnosis, Holmes has been re-diagnosed multiple times for cancer in his lungs and liver and endured several rounds of chemotherapy and 14 surgeries.

“Thirteen years you sit in that waiting room at Auckland Oncology for your meetings and it’s the worst, most stressful situation, just sitting and waiting to hear what your outcome is going to be,” says Holmes.

In January 2021, his world came crashing down when he was told there is no longer a cure for him and the only available treatments are palliative.

“That day really took us by surprise. It definitely took us a few days to get our heads around it and sort life out a bit,” he says.

Holmes says he made a decision that day, as cliché as it may sound, that he wasn’t going to let the horrible news define him.

He would make every goal

a winner until he couldn’t keep going anymore.

Prior to being diagnosed, Holmes had organised a golf trip with friends at least twice a year and became accustomed to not playing at the same courses over and over.

“As I progressed, I realised how many golf courses I was getting through and worked out which I had and hadn’t played, which is where the idea for the bucket list was born,” Holmes says.

Holmer and his friends play a two-man format called Ambrose, which allows all standards of golfers to mix and play together with equal enjoyment irrespective of ability.

“We enjoy it because there’s not as much pressure on what your score is and you can take in the scenery more... but it is still very competitive of course.”

There are 288 courses in the country and with every round taking around four hours, it will take more than 1000 hours to play them all.

Greg Holmes was first diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2010 and has endured 14 surgeries. Photo supplied

Greg’s golf bucket list

 Continued from p1

He has 49 courses left to play in the country and says he isn’t going anywhere until they’re all ticked off the list.

Holmes says he’s never, much to his wife’s dismay, asked how long he has left to live because he doesn’t want to live to a timeline.

“I just want to keep going until I physically can’t keep going anymore,” he says.

After his terminal diagnosis, Holmes started taking publiclyfunded chemotherapy once again, but after it wasn’t working, he was advised to go to a private one to keep him going.

Private chemotherapy isn’t funded in New Zealand as it is in just about every other developed country in the world, which means Holmes is paying around $2500 per week for the treatment.

“Luckily, we aren’t on bones, but it is still a lot of money which is not helping with what I leave behind for my family,” he says.

In order to fund this treatment

Carmen and Holmer work fulltime, after hours and on weekends.

Carmen manages and works at the Apothecary Licensed Eatery and Daisy Chang, while Holmer (or Detective Senior Sergeant Holmes) is the National Clan Lab Manager for the NZ Police.

CRYPTIC

Holmes says after this diagnosis an amazing group of people donated around $50,000 to one of his friends to help contribute towards treatment. “Not one of them has ever told me who they are and never wanted thanks for it,” he says.

“You don’t realise how important friends are until stuff like this happens to you. If I didn’t have the mates that I do then I would be sitting around home and going into dark places, feeling sorry for myself.”

Holmes says he tries to keep his days occupied, despite fortnightly chemotherapy treatment which limits his abilities for the few days following. “If I can play a round where it gives me four hours to focus on how bad at golf I am, I would much rather prefer that than sitting at home and thinking about cancer,” he says.

On December 12 last year, Holmer and his friends took on the ‘longest day’ challenge at Whitford Golf Club, a golfing endurance event which tests skills and stamina over 72 holes in one day to raise funds for the Cancer Society.

Holmes and his team raised more than $21,000 for the foundation and for a long time had raised the most in the country. He refused to ride in a golf cart and walked the 72 holes

1. It’s sunk in that it’s full of jobless (9-4).

8. An actor and more (5).

9. Friends one’s got in high places (7).

10. A lot of gold buried in a bog (6).

11. Read about a certain record making a comeback (6).

12. With which you won’t dig up a diamond? (5).

14. It’s Australia, I do declare! (5).

18. The Inhabitant at the time: one of the workers (6).

20. Shilly-shally about taking one to the doctor (6).

23. Is to order one to be thrown out for being offensive (7).

24. See the chaps about getting something to eat (5).

25. Vent your fury on the floor? (5,4,4).

DOWN

1. Imagines the mothers will provide protection for, again (6).

2. A safe name for a boy (5).

3. Passed Mr. White coming back (7).

4. The sons and father climbed in, the fools! (4).

5. Dig deep down and in the river find fifty-five (5).

6. Tell you about Dracula? (7).

7. The passages are fine: less in need of alteration (6).

13. Writes one on accommodation in France (7).

15. Succeed in going, at three miles an hour, round the bend (7).

16. What the fruit canner did when drunk? (6).

17. About a quarter what it costs to get a title (6).

19. A loop, or ring, through the snout (5).

21. Did Henry master the game? (5).

22. The half back is hemming me in (4).

SUDOKU

from start to finish, totalling more than 30km in less than 12 hours.

“It was probably my highlight of the year to be honest. Towards the end it was very emotional and incredibly humbling, a huge sense of achievement while being around a great group of people,” Holmes says.

He says one of the big positives to come out of his cancer journey is that he has motivated people around him to do things while they can. “It is said so often but you just don’t know what is around the corner and I just try to make the most of it...that’s what life is all about,” he says.

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Holmes says he is beyond grateful for all the support that his friends have provided him with but it is his wife and two boys, Ben and Tom, that keep him going.

“I truly consider myself to be the luckiest man in the world being married for 31 years to the most beautiful, strong and caring person there is. Without her by my side I know my journey would have ended years ago,” he says.

“I’ve been dealt the hand and, as I’ve always said, you have two options; feel sorry for yourself or get on with it and I’ve chosen the latter to the best of my ability,” says Holmes.

35,000 visitors online for Times story

Our news has always been our strength and we know that our stories are well read in print. Now with Times Online, we can measure what stories are well read and how many people read them. This is measured by Google analytics. Two weeks ago, our front page story about the former Howick church minister jailed over the death from neglect of her child, reached more than 35,000 readers online.

Top stories would normally attract around 3000-5000 visits. “We know the paper is well-read but this, for online, is huge,” Times Media managing director Reay Neben said.

New

Every life is special, we understand that. Let us pay tribute to the life of your loved one and celebrate the unique way they have touched you, your family and those around you.

Greg Holmes with friend, Debbie McGregor during the longest day golf challenge in December last year.

Photo supplied

Sod turned on the final stage of Eastern Busway

By CHRIS HARROWELL

Work on the final stage of east

Auckland’s largest public transport project is now under way and it will take about four years to complete.

The Eastern Busway is being delivered by the Eastern Busway Alliance in partnership with mana whenua, Auckland Transport (AT), Auckland Council and Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency.

It’s expected to carry more than 30,000 people daily between east Auckland and the rail network in Panmure once fully operational.

On April 1, a group of officials and elected representatives including Transport and Auckland Minister Michael Wood, Auckland mayor Wayne Brown, Pakuranga MP Simeon Brown, and Howick ward councillors Sharon Stewart and Maurice Williamson helped to turn the first sod for stages two-four of the busway in Pakuranga.

The final stage connects Pakuranga Plaza with Botany Town Centre and includes new paths for walking and cycling, urban renewal initiatives and general traffic improvements.

It’s jointly funded by the Crown, Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency and Auckland Council.

The availability of funding for the full project is yet to be confirmed and options are being explored to enable completion.

Funding has been confirmed for stages two and three of the busway, running between Pakuranga and Burswsood, and with an on-road connection from Burswood along Ti Rakau Drive to Botany. This part includes the Reeves Road Flyover in Pakuranga.

AT interim chief executive Mark Lambert says the project will deliver great benefits for the community.

“One example of this is people will be able travel between Botany and Britomart by bus and train in less than about 40 minutes, which is 20 minutes faster than the current journey times.

“As part of our commitment to sustainability, this project will encourage the use of walking, cycling and public transport.

“The buses that use this infrastructure will be electric, creating a transport future for Auckland that is cleaner, quieter and more comfortable for all.”

The project’s Pakuranga

to Botany stage includes a controversial decision for it to cut through the residential suburb of Burswood, which requires the purchase of dozens of homes in that community.

Pakuranga MP Simeon Brown says it’s good to see construction on the busway’s next stage and the Flyover is finally under way.

“The Flyover has been talked about for decades and it’s great to see it’s finally seeing progress.

“It appears funding for the remaining stage of the busway towards Botany and the Botany bus station has not been confirmed by the Government, meaning further uncertainty for the project.

“Despite Aucklanders being fleeced with the regional fuel tax on the promise this would be used to complete the Eastern Busway, we’re being forced to pay more to get less by a Government which is good at announcements but poor at delivery.”

Dean Kimpton, AT’s incoming chief executive, says the project is generating hundreds of jobs in the short-term and providing work for thousands of people and dozens of businesses in the supply and construction sector.

Special day to celebrate women

By ROBYN FOX

To celebrate International Women’s Day (March 8), the Zonta Club of East Auckland awarded Natasha Astill a floral tribute of yellow roses in recognition of her ongoing commitment to serving her community.

Members were humbled to hear how this amazing young women contributes so much to making the world of the neuro-diverse less challenging and to assist them in having a voice.

Natasha [Tash] is a

young woman in our community who has Fetal Valproate Syndrome which resulted from her mum, Denise, taking Epilim for her Epilepsy during pregnancy. This was at a time when a lot less was known about the effect of anticonvulsant medication on unborn babies.

As a result, Natasha suffers from a number of physical and neurological disabilities.

Tash attended Pakuranga College and works part time for Will and Able. However, her passion is as an advocate

The long-standing successful Panmure business is run by owner Colin, who hails from Howick, and his business partner Mike, both of whom have been in the industry for more than four decades.

Colin and Mike are both highly experienced former carpet layers.

Their business stocks the finest carpets including well known brands such as Godfrey Hirst, Feltex, Jacobsen, and EuroFlor, as well as an extensive range of sheet vinyl at competitive prices.

It also sells Godfrey Hirst Wood, laminate and vinyl planking.

Their well laid-out showroom is situated at a handy location and well worth a visit.

Factory Carpets and Vinyls is a proud member of the Flooring Foundation Network, New Zealand’s largest body of independent carpet retailers and backed by leading brands Godfrey Hirst and Feltex.

Mike, Colin and their team know the right carpet can make a massive difference to a home’s style and ambience.

That’s why they sell a wide range of

high-quality products with numerous ecofriendly, durable and luxurious options to choose from, so there’s something for all styles, budgets, and lifestyles.

Because of that, as well as the business’s experience and expertise, astute property managers are among their regular customers. Property managers need carpet that’s competitively priced, looks and is of very high quality, is durable, and laid in rental homes at the perfect time.

Factory Carpets and Vinyls’ carpet laying team are the recipients of prestigious national certifications and are at the top of their game.

The business is also renowned for its growing varieties of solution-dyed nylons which possess proven quality.

Solution-dyed nylon feels soft and look just like classic woollen carpets.

The man-made fibre doesn’t fade, unlike woollen carpets, and it’s easy to clean and resists rotting caused by sunlight.

Factory Carpets and Vinyls offers a free measure and quotation service, plus full install on all their products.

for disabled youth. She has formed a Disabled Youth Forum and is in conversations with MBIE regarding pathways to employment for young people with disabilities. She has addressed the Parliamentary Select Committee hearing on the Plain Language Bill, made submissions on the Public Accessibility Bill and is currently working on her address to the Auckland Council on the changes to the District Plan with reference to suitable Disabled Parking around public transport hubs.

h Turn to page 5

Dr Jim Han, Dr Ahmad Mustafa, Dr Desmond Cheong

Among the people at the sod turning for the final stage of the Eastern Busway were Transport Minister Michael Wood, fifth from left, and Auckland mayor Wayne Brown, seventh from left. Photo supplied

First-floor apartment extensively damaged

By CHRIS HARROWELL

The cause of a fire that resulted in “extensive damage” to an east Auckland apartment is being investigated but is not believed to be suspicious.

Fire fighters from four fire stations responded when a blaze broke out in a first-floor apartment building in Guys Road, East Tamaki, on March 31.

Otara fire station senior station officer Michael Manning says the call came in from the apartment’s neighbours at 8.06am.

“On arrival we had a firstfloor apartment with the fire developing in the kitchen.

“The neighbours were concerned the occupants were still home so our fire fighters have made entry to the home and carried out a search.

“Nobody was home and they’ve been able to cut off and extinguish the fire.”

Manning says six fire trucks, four pumps and an aerial appliance were used in the response to the fire.

“The aerial appliance we used to get into the roof to

check for fire extension and our hazmat command unit came out to decontaminate our fire fighters as well.

“The fire is being investigated by a fire risk management team, but we don’t

believe it to be suspicious.

“The apartment is interconnecting with several other apartments in the complex.

“This particular apartment has been extensively damaged by fire, however our

A special day to celebrate women

h Continued from page 3

She has also met with Pharmac to discuss the impact of changes of brands of medication without consultation. Although not yet confined to a mobility scooter, she has her bright red “Speedy T” which she uses, and has a social media platform called Wheelie Fun Adventures showcasing her adventures in her cute means of transport.

To further celebrate this special day, members and guests enjoyed an address by Kinaua Bauriri Ewels of Maraetai who was recently awarded a QSM for her services to the Kiribati community. They learned how Kinaua has been supporting Kiribati community since she migrated New Zealand.

She published her first children’s educational book in 2007 to give an opportunity for children to be able to converse in both English and Kiribati. She has continued to contribute to the Kiribati community in a range of ways and was the primary lead and project manager for the New Zealand Kiribati National Council to organise the Kiribati Language events.

In addition, Kinaua was active in her role of community leader to advocate for higher vaccination results in the Pacific Community.

A further recognition of the significance of International Women’s Day was the random distribution of yellow roses to women in Howick Village. A yellow rose is the symbol of Zonta International.

crews have done an excellent job stopping the fire spreading to the neighbouring apartments to the sides and below.”

Manning says there were no pets in the apartment.

While it was a small gesture, the roses were was much appreciated by recipients.

We thank Karen of Avenrose Florist for her on-going support of our club in advocating for women and girls.

RobynFoxisthepublicityofficerfortheZonta Club of East Auckland

Fire and Emergency NZ responded to a fire that broke out at an apartment in East Tamaki on March 31. Times photo Wayne Martin

Education top priority for National

MP for Pakuranga Simeon Brown

Sunny days, exciting events for the family

Ihave long believed that a world-class education is the greatest gift we can give to our children for the future of our country.

I know this is true for so many of the people who live in Pakuranga – a community people choose to live in because of the great schools we have here in east Auckland.

Education can help solve many of the challenges we face but, sadly, New Zealand has been falling behind in recent years, letting down the next generations in the process.

A recent NCEA pilot demonstrated just how bad things are getting, with 98 per cent of students failing a basic writing test and two thirds failing to meet standards in reading and maths.

For a so-called first world country, this is appalling and, if we are to ever meet our potential for prosperity, a complete educational revamp is needed.

This is why National announced our “Teaching the Basics Brilliantly” plan which will ensure our children have the basic skills they need to face the modern challenges of the world.

We will require all primary and intermediate

schools to teach an hour each of reading, writing and maths, on average, every school day.

We will also rewrite parts of the curriculum to provide clarity on what should be taught each year to every year group, and ensure parents are kept informed each step of the way as to their child’s progress.

This will be accomplished through proper assessment of student progress in these foundational subjects, giving parents, teachers and the education system as a whole a clearer picture of where we are and what more we need to do.

Finally, we will improve teacher training to ensure new teachers have the skills to teach the basics

and provide them with more tools in the classroom to help.

Here in east Auckland, we are incredibly lucky to have some of the highestachieving schools in the nation, and many parents move mountains to live locally and ensure their children receive a quality education.

It shouldn’t matter where you live or where you come from; every child deserves the best possible education, and to be taught the basics brilliantly.

National’s plan will raise student achievement and ensure future generations of Kiwis are equipped with the knowledge and skills to succeed at whatever they choose to do.

SimeonBrown, MPforPakuranga

After the rain in late January and February, it has been great to finally be able to enjoy some sunshine and the outdoors.

The beauty of Howick Village is certainly enhanced when the weather behaves!

Now that we are into April, whilst the sunny days continue, the temperature has certainly dropped and daylight saving has come to an end. Winter is around the corner.

Meanwhile, there are some exciting events coming up in the Village this month:

 Easter colouring-in competition 5-12 years – closing on April 14 – entry forms available at Howick Village Association office and in the market.

 All completed entries will

be displayed at the market on April 15.

 Easter Hunt competition

– 5-12 years – April 15-22.

Two amazing hampers to be won.

 Sobhnas Indian Spices

– Live cooking demonstration in the market area on Saturday, April 8.

 Anzac Sound and Light

Tribute – Fencible Park

– April 21-23, 7pm-9pm, weather-permitting as it is an outdoor event. This has

grown in popularity since inception and has attracted visitors from various parts of Auckland.

 RSA Howick Poppy sales. Many Howick businesses will have poppies available for purchase from April 17. Please buy a poppy to support our RSA veterans. Let’s hope the settled weather continues for a while yet.

GeraldPatterson,DeputyChair HowickVillageAssociation

By LAURA KVIGSTAD, Auckland council reporter

Funded by New Zealand on Air

The Auckland Council Annual Budget 2023/2024 consultation is expected to triple last year’s consultation numbers and has broken the previous record of online submissions.

Council’s 2023/2024 budget consultation closed with 28,850 online submissions, breaking the previous record of 21,000 from the Emergency Budget 2020/2021 during Covid-19 lockdowns.

Early figures do not include feedback outside of online submissions but the overall submissions are expected to almost triple last year’s Annual Budget 2022/2023 consultation, which received 11,500 submissions.

Chief financial officer

Peter Gudsell said he is pleased with the results

“There are some tough choices ahead and these are important decisions

that will be made on behalf of Aucklanders, so it’s great to see we’ve heard from so many,” Gudsell said.

A week before submissions closed, council flagged that diversity of submitters was a concern.

New Zealand European’s made up a majority of submissions, representing 82 per cent of the total early submitters.

Gudsell noted Pasifika, Asian and Māori communities were underrepresented in early submissions but were engaged.

“We have been out and about and online at Have Your Say events and our

teams on the ground at Pasifika, Polyfest and Te Matatini say these communities are interested and engaged,” he said.

In early submissions, Māori accounted for seven per cent of responses, Pasifika six per cent and Asian 14 per cent.

Council is currently compiling data from hardcopy submissions after which there will be a clear picture of whether council was able to bridge the gap amongst submitters.

The Governing Body will consider the feedback from submissions in workshops throughout May and June.

Controversial budget sees a record number of online submissions

Young actors keen to showcase their performance skill

Howick Children’s and Youth Theatre (HCYT) is gearing up to stage a range of productions this year including some well-known favourites.

The theatre’s senior tutor, Michelle Field, says it’s excited to be able to tread the boards again after a disruptive couple of years with Covid-19 affecting the way it operates and its ability perform to large audiences.

Field says the theatre has a “fantastic” line-up of shows planned for this year which will cater to a wide range of people.

“The children in our first shows for ages eight-18 have been working extremely hard during rehearsals to put them together and are creating some wonderful characters.

“It’s fantastic to see their enthusiasm and creativity bringing these shows to life.

“Alongside rehearsals our behind-the-scenes teams are fitting costumes, sourcing props, and sound and lighting crews are being organised.

“We’re definitely ready to hit the ground running.”

The first three shows the thea-

tre is staging this year are Charles Dickens’ Oliver Twist , as adapted by Jeremy Brock; On the Razzle by Tom Stoppard; and SnowWhite and the Dwarfs of the Black Forest by June Walker Rogers.

They’ll be performed at Harlequin Musical Theatre in Howick from May 25-28.

Field says Oliver Twist is set in early 19th century England.

It tells the story of Oliver, who spends the first nine years of his life in a home for young orphans before being transferred to a workhouse for adults.

“After the other boys bully Oliver into asking for more gruel, he’s apprenticed to a local undertaker,” Field says.

“A desperate Oliver runs away and travels toward London where he’s taken care of by a gang of thieves, but refuses to participate in their thievery.

“An upper-class family take him in, but the thieves and a mysterious character continue to pursue him.”

Field says On the Razzle will be performed by the HCYT’s Offstage Youth Theatre students.

“It’s a hilarious show consisting

of slapstick shenanigans, mistaken identities, and romantic complications.

“This show is a fantastic opportunity for our oldest, most experienced students to practice their comedic timing and fast wit.”

Field says Snow White and the Dwarfs of the Black Forest is being performed by some of the theatre’s younger students, who are excited to showcase their skills on stage.

“It features many fairy tale characters audiences know and love.

“Snow White, the seven funny little men, an absent-minded king and his new wife who is part queen, part witch, as well as many of Snow White’s animal friends.”

In September the theatre will stage a production of Beauty and the Beast by Vera Morris, along with Children of the Poor by Mervyn Thompson, Field says.

“While we’re yet to begin rehearsals for these shows, our classes are busy and the students are honing all their theatrical skills in preparation.”

h For more information, phone 537 4943 or go online to www.hcyt.org.nz.

Students with Howick Children’s and Youth Theatre are preparing for a busy 2023 of rehearsals and stage productions.

Photo supplied

Fencible Foundation scholarships honour two young athletes

By BEN PLUMMER

The Fencible Foundation has increased its reach in 2023 with two further scholarships honouring the memory of respected Pakuranga United Rugby Club members.

The Mike Garner and Angus Barrett Memorial Scholarships have been added to the alreadyestablished stable of scholarships awarded to local, promising athletes to support their tertiary endeavours.

While existing scholarships for the Fencible Foundation are open to young athletes partaking in any sport, the two new scholarships are specifically for rugby players, with the inaugural recipients announced in March.

The first recipients of the new scholarships were Riley Harrison and Moses Hafoka.

Harrison, a former Howick College student, had a stand-out year for the Pakuranga United Rugby Club (PURC) in 2022.

He was named the U21 Cannons player of the year and was awarded the Barry Smith Trophy for most points kicked in the senior club and the Charles Piutau Trophy for Senior Player of the Year.

Hafoka was co-captain of the Sacred Heart 1st XV and deputy head boy before graduating in 2021.

He has represented Auckland rugby at both Under 18 and Under 19 age grades.

Fencible Foundation chair Mike Anderson said Harrison and Hafoka were “fantastic young men” and a great fit for the new scholarships.

“We want to award these scholarships to young players who are tenacious, honest and hardworking, both Riley and Moses certainly fit those criteria.

“Mike and Angus were long-serving, and wellrespected members of our local rugby community and we felt it was important to recognise that in a way that ensures their contribution continues to be remembered,” says Anderson.

The Fencible Foundation, originally called the Pakuranga Rugby Development Foundation, was established in 2015 with the aim of supporting

BEACHLANDS

Fun for all ages

talented young athletes who have grown up in the community, to stay in the community to play their chosen sport once finishing secondary school.

The geographical area the foundation considers home is wider southeast Auckland regions of Pakuranga, Bucklands Beach, Eastern Beach, Howick, Botany and surrounding rural areas of Whitford, Brookby, Beachlands and Maraetai.

They support these athletes by assisting in monetary grants to further their education.

Harrison is studying Sport and Recreation at AUT University and Hafoka is studying a Bachelor of Engineering at the University of Auckland.

The pair were presented the Mike Garner and Angus Barrett Memorial Scholarships respectively at the 2023 Pakuranga Premier jersey auction on March 17.

Rotary Club visits local Eco Warrior

When Ellerslie Sunrise Rotary Club was searching for a suitable Vocational visit for its members, they chose Howick Ward’s award-winning pest-free project managed by local stalwart, Karyn Gradon.

Last year the Ellerslie Club awarded Karyn a Paul Harris Fellowship for her efforts to protect precious species for future generations. The environment is one of Rotary International’s seven focus areas, so what better place to see the impact Karyn’s hard work is having on Howick’s environment.

Dressed in suitable attire, members scrambled across streams, up banks and through the beautifully regenerating bush to view an array of various traps and trail cameras along with an abundance of tui, kereru, fantails and other birds, now flourishing in the large bush-clad valleys.

Back at Karyn’s home for coffee and cakes on the lawn, members heard how

trapping and pest plants were dealt with and the staggering number of possums, rats and mustelids that have been eliminated on the property. One of the many highlights was viewing the mounted ferret, stoat and weasel (secure in their Perspex cases) caught in the area, which are now used to educate local schools about the unseen pests that are lurking in the bush and destroying native birds.

Karyn enjoyed the Rotary visit and said she

looks forward to working with the Ellerslie Club. “It is the least I can do after the honour they bestowed on me with the Paul Harris award,” she said.

Ellerslie Sunrise Rotary president Alister Irwin said, “The vocational visit was both an inspiration and an example of the difference dedicated people can make to our environment. We are in awe of what Karyn has achieved and would love her help to us with something similar in our own Ellerslie area.”

Riley Harrison (left) had a standout year for the Pakuranga United Rugby Club in 2022 and fittingly was rewarded with the inaugural Mike Garner Memorial Scholarship; Moses Hafoka, former deputy head boy of Sacred Heart College, is the first recipient of the Angus Barrett Memorial Scholarship. Photos supplied

Karyn Gradon, centre, with Ellerslie Sunrise Rotary Club members.

Photo supplied

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Kainga Ora building new homes out east

By CHRIS HARROWELL

The 300 east Auckland families on the Ministry of Social Development’s social housing register are set to benefit from the construction of 38 new homes in Pakuranga.

John Tubberty, Kainga Ora regional director for central and east Auckland, says the Government agency is replacing older state houses in the suburb with warm and dry homes to “help address the pressing need for more public housing in the area”.

“We want to make more efficient use of some of the land we own in Pakuranga by redeveloping it so we can provide homes for some of those whanau (families),” he says.

“The sites where we are redeveloping are in Carole Crescent, Tiaka Place, Edgewater Drive, Cardiff Road, Opal Avenue and Aurea Avenue.

“We’re planning to replace 13 existing homes with 38 new homes.”

They’re due to be completed in 2024 and will be a mix of small one- and two-bedroom units, including some accessible units, and larger three-,

four-, and five-bedroom homes.

“Some will be stand-alone homes, others duplex units,” Tubberty says.

“We are mindful of the impact this work may have on our customers and neighbours.

“Where a property is earmarked for redevelopment, we prioritise telling our customers about any proposed plans early in the process.”

The development was the subject of recent discussion on community Facebook pages after Kainga Ora delivered flyers inviting local residents to an information session at Edgewater College on March 7.

Some comments were from people expressing concern about new state housing being built in the area.

Others, including from Kainga Ora tenants, said it was a positive development, the majority of such tenants are good neighbours, and it’s unfair to judge them all because of the poor behaviour of a few.

Tubberty says the agency organised the event at Edgewater College because it wanted to share its plans with the local community and give residents a chance to ask questions and learn more about what it’s doing.

“We work hard to be accessible around our redevelopment plans and these types of events help us to achieve this, alongside other tools such as letters to residents and information on our website.”

Kainga Ora has a re-housing

on

COUNSELLING CLINIC

Pakuranga Citizens Advice Bureau hosts a free + 65 Age Concern counselling clinic for older people weekly on Tuesdays funded by five local boards. An experienced counsellor focusses on supporting clients and improves their well-being and to guide changes they desire in their lives. Counselling is provided free for people over 65 who may struggle with issues that arise due to age-related issues such as health, living situations, finances, mobility and relationships with family.

team that works with its tenants to find them another suitable property if theirs is being redeveloped, Tubberty says.

“There are a small number of other sites in Pakuranga where we are considering the feasibility of redeveloping them to further increase the housing stock.”

There were 23,127 people on the social housing register as at December 31 last year, a 9.4 per cent decrease from December 31, 2021. There were 57 families on the register living in the Howick Local Board area in December 2017.

That number grew to 114 a year later, then to 261 in December 2020, and 309 in December last year.

FAMILY COUNSELLING MEDIATION CLINIC

Pakuranga Citizens Advice bureau hosts a free fortnightly counselling service and provides mediation for couples experiencing relationship, custody and divorce issues.

GENERAL COUNSELLING CLINIC

Do you need some extra support? We offer a free confidential, compassionate and non-judgmental counselling service to help you deal with life’s challenges including anxiety, depression, grief and loss, relationships, stress, sexuality and more. All adults (16+) of all genders, cultures and abilities are welcome. Individuals only, sorry no couples. In-person and online sessions available.

To make a booking, phone Citizens Advice Bureau, Pakuranga 09 576 8331, Botany 09 271 5382 or email enquiries.pakuranga@ cab.org.nz.

Kainga Ora is replacing 13 existing homes with 38 new ones in several streets in Pakuranga. Times photo Wayne Martin

NZDF uniting with teachers for School to Skies project

By BEN PLUMMER

Two east Auckland teachers have had the opportunity of a lifetime, attending the ‘School to Skies’ camp run by the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) in a bid to get more female youth interested in the armed forces.

Sandy Collier of Pakuranga College and Elisha Hoskin of Howick College were among two of 32 teachers from primary, intermediate and secondary schools across the country to attend the five-day camp at Auckland’s Whenuapai Air Force base.

The ‘School to Skies’ program, which took place at the end of January, allowed teachers to learn the basics of flight and how aircraft work, get hands-on experience fixing a real aircraft and plan a real flight mission to name a few.

“Personally my mind was blown from the experience, I had no idea that any of that stuff existed so to come back to the classroom and telling my students about it was really exciting,” says Hoskin.

The program has been running since 2016 for students and 2021 for teachers.

“They are looking for these talented young ladies to come into the Air Force, and defence force in general,” Collier says.

THE JURY IS STILL OUT

A well-informed letter writer to the Heraldsuggested that slash should be utilised to make wood pellets as a better alternative for making energy than coal and the jury is still out on that one.

The actual burning of wood is assumed by the EU to be zero emissions and Italy, Denmark, Germany, Sweden and France collectively use 11.1 million tons of it to produce energy annually.

Virginia Dale, a research professor – Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Tennessee, said her research showed that the growth of forests in the US absorbs and offsets the carbon emitted during burning of wood pellets when the land is sustainably managed.

The payback time [for] forests to offset that carbon ranges from 44 to 104 years depending on the type of forest and whether it is harvested sustainably or by clear cutting and is able fully to regrow.

On the other hand, according to a study by Professor John Sterman and colleagues of Massachusetts Institute of Technology claim burning wood for energy releases between 15 per cent and 35 per cent more CO2 than coal.

European countries are currently producing more electricity from wood pellets than the combined forces of wind turbines and solar panels which might indicate the professor is wrong.

Gary Hollis, Mellons Bay

By getting teachers involved in the camp, the NZDF are allowing schools to build awareness of the opportunities and work with career advisors to promote Defence Force opportunities to their own students.

“Placing interesting learning problems within the context of typical Air Force activities, e.g. planning search and rescue missions will allow students to hone their planning skills to solve a range of real-world problems,” Collier says.

Collier says Pakuranga College will now teach more lessons in the context of flight, mission planning, aircraft design and more to create a greater awareness around the opportunities in the NZDF.

The NZDF says the country

needs more women in the aviation industry as engineers, technicians, pilots and more.

Around 60 percent of careers in the NZDF are based on STEM (Science, Technology, English and Math) subjects, “whether you want to spend your days in the skies or keep your feet firmly planted on the ground,” says the NZDF.

As a direct result of Collier’s involvement in the School to Skies teacher camp, year 13 Pakuranga College student Andrea Hawke has been selected to attend the next camp for students.

Year 12 Pakuranga College student Depali Lamba has also been selected for the ‘School to Seas’ wahine camp, run by the NZ Navy.

Set to run in the April school holidays, Depali says she applied for more exposure to the possibilities after school and to gain more practical knowledge to compliment her theoretical knowledge in STEM subjects.

Applications are open to year 13 females across the country who are currently studying NCEA Level 3 (or equivalent) Math, English and Science subjects.

More information on the program can be found via the link https://www.nzdf.mil.nz/nzdf/ programmes-and-resources/ school-to-skies/.

IRONY IN RSA SALE

The irony of the closing [sale] of the Howick RSA is that Sir Donald Petrie Simson K.B.E., O.B.E, who was the main force behind the formation and establishment of the New Zealand Returned Solders’ Association, is buried in Howick.

He was elected first president on April 29, 1916. He and the RSA held the first Anzac Day in 1916.

Sir Donald, who served with the New Zealand Engineers at Gallipoli, was buried at Our Lady Star of the Sea following his death in 1961.

Father Terry Montgomery Howick

LET’S TALK ABOUT OXYGEN CONTENT

Climate change has been with us forever – just look at the history records. Nonetheless it affects all of us in different ways. Flooding has hit us hard this year especially on the East Coast and Auckland. It was an earthquake that hit us hard in Christchurch and again in Kaikoura. We can expect more of the same.

To blame CO2 content in the air is misplaced. We each expel about 1kg of CO2 each day. Does this mean we should stop breathing or limit the world population?

What is more, nature is the main contributor to CO2 emissions and is also the best absorber. What interests me more is the 21 per cent oxygen content in our air.

This has to remain constant all around the planet for us big lung creatures – if it does not – we die! Who is showing concern for the oxygen content? Certainly not James Shaw, Chloe Swarbrick or any other politicians, not even Klaus Schwab, King Charles or the UN. Ho hum!

The best we can do in this turbulent time is to strengthen buildings to better resist earthquakes, avoid steep slip zones near habitations, build bridges that don’t block-up with slash and develop a ‘particle board’ from all that ground up slash. Keep resilience and invention forefront.

Ian George Howick

BOATIES HARD STANDS

I strongly object to Cr Loti Fuli’s suggestion that there be a targeted rate to upgrade the haul out facilities at Half Moon Bay (Times, March 22).

If the boaties are causing a problem, let them pay for the hard stand.

Our rates are too high as they are and we have just had another $80 per month added on without any consultation and still can’t get decent footpaths.

Anyway, who would administer it? One in four council employ-

ees receive over $100,000 per year and the council’s salaries bill is now exceeding $1 billion per year and I do not think we get value for money.

Arthur Moore

WHERE ARE OUR LOCAL WOOD PIGEONS/ KERERU?

For several years, our garden has been visited by the wood pigeons who feed on our ripe bungalow palm seeds. Last year we had four feeding and two flew overhead, so six were seen at one time.

This year, they have not come nor have I seen any fly over us. Where have they gone?

I sincerely hope they have not been trapped and eaten as they were fascinating to watch and gorge themselves on the berries.

Last year, one pigeon ate 42 of the berries, (about the size of a pea), in one sitting. His crop was so full he could hardly fly. Perhaps they have seen the error of their ways and abandoned their ‘fast food fix’!

Pakuranga

Pakuranga College Earth and Space Science teacher, Sandy Collier (left) attended the ‘School to Skies’ teachers camp run by the NZDF in January; Howick College teacher Elisha Hoskin (right) says she was blown away at the experience. Photos supplied

THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE ‘THE ROAR’ AND GAME BIRD SEASON

If you’re a firearms licence holder, you’ll need to know about changes to the storage and transport rules for firearms and ammunition, and changes to the seven rules of firearms safety. Regulations were updated in February 2022, and to help Kiwis make sense of those changes, Te Tari Pūreke, the new firearms regulator, published a Secure Storage and Transport Guide. You can download a copy of the Secure Storage and Transport Guide from www.firearmssafetyauthority.govt.nz/firearms-safety

Ammunition

All ammunition must now be stored in a locked container. You can now only store ammunition with firearms in a gun safe that has a separate lockable compartment that has a different key than the key for the gun safe. You must keep these keys separate. And remember to keep those keys in different places, not on the same key ring or hook.

If your safe doesn’t have a separate lockable compartment, you need to store ammunition in its own secure storage container with a key, combination, or padlock, or in a stout locked cupboard.

Transportation

If you’re driving to a hunting location, your firearm needs to be inoperable during your travel and, ideally, concealed from view. This means removing the bolt or an essential part (or if that’s not possible, applying a trigger or cable lock), or transporting the firearm in a locked carry case.

The ammunition needs to be separately and securely stored in a locked glove box

Te Tari Pūreke – Firearms Safety Authority is responsible for managing firearms in New Zealand.

We want to enable the legitimate use of firearms for feeding our whanau, conservation, farming and recreation while keeping our communities safe. This involves making sure firearms licence holders are fit and proper to possess firearms and are meeting the obligations of their licence.

New Zealand will have a firearms registry from 24 June 2023. The Registry is one of the ways Te Tari Pūreke is strengthening how firearms are managed in NZ.

or similar storage area, if practical. And please, whatever you do, once you’ve finished using your firearm, lock it away. Never leave any firearms in your ute, shed, home or vehicle unsecured at any time.

The only exceptions to the firearms and ammunition transport rules are if you’re using the firearm on a farm for farm-related activities, or you’re doing legally-authorised hunting or pest control (such as a regional council employed pest controller) and the licence holder

There will be no charge to registering your firearms.

The new Registry will record how many firearms there are, and who has possession of them. This will allow for more effective firearms regulation, provide better support to licence holders, and support Police in keeping our communities safe.

Te Tari Pūreke will provide more details about the Registry and what it means for licence holders when the Registry Regulations are published. This is expected to be in late April/May 2023.

is in the vehicle or the immediately vicinity of the vehicle with the firearms in it.

Make sure you read or download a free copy of the storage and transport guide to keep up to date with the details of the changes: www.firearmssafetyauthority.govt.nz/ firearms-safety/storage-transportation

Taking a break when you’re travelling with firearms

For those who travel with firearms to hunt locations, your inoperable and secured firearm can be left in your vehicle unattended, for example during a break in a journey, for up to 60 minutes. But you need to lock your vehicle and stay within the immediate area or vicinity of the vehicle and meet other conditions. Read the storage and transport guide for full details: www.firearmssafetyauthority. govt.nz/firearms-safety/storagetransportation.

Under no circumstances can firearms, ammunition or other arms items be left in a vehicle overnight.

The 7 rules of firearm safety

The seven rules of firearm safety have changed

The seven rules of firearm safety have also changed. Get ahead of the changes to firearms safety rules with the Firearms Safety Code.

Purchase the book from www.firearmssafetyauthority.govt. nz/firearms-safety and have it shipped to your door or download a PDF copy for free.

Firearms licences online

Apply for a firearms licence and update your contact details online using MyFirearms: a secure, online portal available at www.firearmssafetyauthority. govt.nz

For more information on Te Tari Pūreke and any legislative or regulation changes that may affect you, go to www.firearmssafetyauthority.govt.nz

Te Tari Pūreke and the firearms registry

Looking for a church home?

From doubt to trust

Thomas, a disciple or follower of Jesus, is an unlikely Easter hero. Doubting Thomas he is often called. But Thomas shows us something that the other disciples do not.

It’s easy to forget that Thomas’ experience was different. The disciples experienced the death of Jesus and what this meant - losing a friend, becoming targets for the authorities, and seeing the hope of Israel disappear. It was three days of great grief and despair for them.

For Thomas it went on for longer than the 3 days endured by the others. He goes another whole week. But it was worse for Thomas. Not only has he lost Jesus, but his friends seem to be losing their grip on reality as well – they think they’ve seen Jesus. Imagine his thoughts – “it must be someone else who just looks like Jesus. Maybe he didn’t die on

HOLY WEEK TIMETABLE 2023

the Cross – maybe it was someone else. Yeah right, I need to see the wounds to be sure. Maybe, they’re hallucinating, talking themselves into it.”

There’s nothing more isolating than being the one sane person in a room full of crazy people.

Thomas’ own community is at risk –not only is the heart of that community gone, but Thomas, alone is left carrying the burden of reality: Jesus is dead. And he loses even the support of his friends in his grief.

It’s worth asking with all the speculation about Thomas’ doubt: Was Thomas a sceptic or was he just deeply affected by the tragedy of the crucifixion? This was a massive let down for Thomas – was his unspoken question: “can I trust again?” His preoccupation with needing to see and touch the wounds of Christ

suggests this, as much as it suggests a man needing cold, hard facts.

A week wrestling with disappointment, tragedy, loss, despair, betrayal. Thomas lost the ability to trust and with it his isolation deepens.

Until he saw Jesus. It changed everything. “My Lord and my God!”, he exclaims. Thomas learns to trust again. Thomas returns from isolation and is embraced by his community. It has become safe to trust again.

Easter is an opportunity for us to walk the journey from despair and loss to trust and hope. It’s an opportunity to see Jesus for ourselves. It’s an opportunity to acknowledge doubt and despair, but also to seek answers and reassurance. Thomas, the doubting disciple, shows us the way.

East Auckland Ministers Association

SITUATIONS VACANT

Development Administrator/ Office Assistant

13 HOURS PER WEEK – TERM TIME ONLY

This is a varied role, one day front desk/reception and one day development administration. We require someone who has initiative, is tech savvy, has good communication skills and a “can do” attitude. Marketing skills / experience would be an advantage. The office is a welcoming environment where a sense of humour is valued. Job description is available on request. Please email your CV with a cover letter and names of two referees to: admin@mellonsbay.school.nz by 3.00pm on Friday 28th April 2023.

Applicants should have NZ Residency or NZ Work Visa.

BAR MANAGER WANTED

We are looking for a bar manager that will take our hospitality to the next level.

Situated in the Stunning Lloyd Elsmore Park, the Howick & Pakuranga Community Sports Centre is one of NZ’s largest community-based sports clubs. We have a thriving Rugby Membership, a growing netball club and a touch rugby module that operates 3 nights a week over summer.

This appointment will head up a hospitality team that will build on traditional “club” offerings and take it to the next level.

You will develop and execute a plan that positions us as a main hospitality provider within the community. We have it all, a fantastic venue, car parks and three fit for purpose bars. All we need is a person with the skills and the will to make it happen!

THE RIGHT APPLICANT WILL:

• Have a currant duty managers certificate.

• Be able to think outside the box on innovative ways to develop our hospitality offering.

• Be comfortable recruiting, training, rostering and managing bar staff.

• Set a high standard for your team.

• Be Accurate with managing and ordering bar stock and supplies.

• A passion for serving customers with a positive attitude.

WE CAN OFFER:

• Pay, that will be commensurate with your experience.

• A supportive management team and infrastructure.

• The opportunity to advance your hospitality career.

• Immediate start

Any interested parties please send CV to Mike Bongiovanni by way of email to gm@purc.co.nz.

We are looking for a Science Technician for 30 hours per week, term time only.

Reporting to the Head of Science, the key responsibilities are:

Assist with the management of the science laboratories and purchase of resources and consumables.

Provide administrative and technical support to the Science Department.

Provide support with setting up equipment and preparation of experiments.

• Be safety conscious.

As one of two Science Technicians, we require this person to have initiative, good communication skills (written and verbal) and a high level of attention to detail. An interest in science, and the ability to work in a positive and motivated manner as part of a busy and dynamic team is expected.

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 (www.bdsc.school.nz/our-college/job-vacancies/) to Yvonne de Graaf (y.degraaf@bdsc.school.nz).

Applications close: Friday 14 April 2023 at 4pm.

PAKURANGA UNITED RUGBY CLUB

SITUATIONS VACANT

DIRECTOR OF INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

Howick College is seeking an experienced Director of International Students to join the International Student Department. You will be responsible for the strategic growth and development of the busy and growing International Student Department to ensure Howick College provides a high quality programme for all International Students.

This role is full time including school holidays. International travel will be required.

Please email your CV, cover letter and application form which can be downloaded from our website: www.howickcollege.school.nz/career-opportunities to email: employment@howick.school.nz

Applications close 21 April 2023 at 4.00pm DE286920

EDUCATOR (Casual)

Job title: Educator

Reports to: Education Manager

Contract: Casual Salary: $23.65/hr

About Howick Historical Village: Howick Historical Village (HHV) is owned and operated by the Howick & Districts Historical Society as a key visitor attraction that tells the story of Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland. The Society is managed as a not-for-profit entity with full charitable status. Please see historicalvillage.org. nz for more about HHV.

Purpose of the role:

This is a casual role, working with a team of educators to provide a memorable learning experience for school groups and visitors using classroom-based teaching. For more information about the role, what to expect, and what the successful candidate will bring to the position, please see the job posting our website: www.historicalvillage.org.nz/jobs.

You must be eligible to work in New Zealand prior to application. The successful candidate will need to return a satisfactory Police Record Check before start of employment.

Please apply via Seek.co.nz with your CV and Cover Letter by 5pm Friday 07 April 2023.

DE286938

COOK/ CHEF

He karanga mōu kia mauri ora ai te ao o ā tātou tamariki me ō rātou whānau.

A call to you to join us and help create a world where children and families are valued and flourish.

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

Stand Tū Māia works to support tamariki and whānau who are vulnerable to cumulative harm and have complex needs. The service aims to break the cycle of toxic stress and remove constraints, to enable tamariki and whānau to flourish.

We strongly believe that healing relationships and social connectedness is at the heart of our mahi. Responsibilities will include working with a variety of cultures including Māori and Pacifica, and all staff are expected to demonstrate cultural humility and a commitment to restoration of whānau as a form of Te Tiriti redress.

Stand Tū Māia are calling for applications from people committed to restoring and preserving tamariki and whānau safety and wellness.

To be successful in this role you will be:

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

A qualified cook/chef

• Experienced in managing Food Safety Requirements/audits and 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.

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

This position is 35 hours/week Sunday to Thursday. Hours are 10:30am-6:00pm.

We offer a strong sense of team, good working conditions, a genuine commitment to wellbeing and significant training and professional development opportunities. We celebrate and seek diversity and inclusivity.

As an employee of Stand Tū Māia you will be a Pou Māia nō Tū Māia. This means we will stand together side by side, shoulder to shoulder in achieving our vision. Together we are resilient, strong and confident pillars of the house of Stand Tū Māia. The position is full time and is based in Half Moon Bay Auckland. When applying you will be asked to address the key competencies of the role and provide a covering letter along with your CV.

For more information check our website www.standforchildren. org.nz – jobs and follow the link.

We welcome informal visits and calls: Helena 021 1319383 helena.dean@standforchildren.org.nz

Applications close on Tuesday 18 April 2023.

SITUATIONS VACANT

Office All-Rounder

We are an established, busy, Kitchen & Interiors design and manufacturing company located in East Tamaki.

A flexible, part time position is available within our business for an office all-rounder with experience in accounts and customer service.

Our ideal candidate will have:

• A friendly and outgoing personality with a great sense of humour

At least 5 years NZ debtors, creditors and payroll experience

Will be numerically accurate

Knowledge of MYOB Account Right and MYOB Ace Payroll

Excellent communication and organisational skills

An interest in interior design and project management

A great support to our sales team and an ability to co-ordinate our subtrades

We are looking for someone who enjoys working in a team, likes a challenge and is able to put their hand to a variety of tasks.

Great remuneration.

If this sounds like you, please email your CV to: admin@kitchencraft.co.nz

We look forward to hearing from you!

DECEASED ESTATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS

SOLUTIONS

QUICK PUZZLE NO. 8104

Across - 1, Nationalistic. 8, Coypu. 9, Thistle. 10, Esteem. 11, Stance. 12, Faith. 14, Stick. 18, Accept. 20, Giggle. 23, Inertia. 24, Obese. 25, International.

Down - 1, Nickel. 2, Tryst. 3, Opulent.

4, Anti. 5, Idiot. 6, Titanic. 7, Clever.

13, Ancient. 15, Tripoli. 16, Tahiti.

17, Repeal. 19, Peter. 21, Green. 22, Saga.

CRYPTIC PUZZLE NO. 8104

Across - 1, Depressed area. 8, Extra.

9, Pal-ace-s. 10, M-or-ass. 11, P-erus-E (rev.). 12, Spade. 14, State. 18, Tenant. 20, D-I-the-r. 23, No-is-OM-e. 24, Me-lo-n. 25, Dance with rage

Down - 1, D-re-ams. 2, Peter. 3, ElapseD (rev.). 4, S-ap-s. 5, De-LV-e. 6, Re-Count. 7, AI-sles. 13, Pens-I-on. 15, Tri-U-mph 16, Stoned. 17, Pri-N-ce. 19, No-O-se. 21, Hal-MA. 22, S-em-i (rev.).

ADVERTISING TERMS

CONDITIONS

DE286896

Any person with a claim against the estate of Susan Soon late of Auckland who died on 10 November 2022 are required to send full details of such claim duly certified as owing at the date of death to ASCO Legal Ltd, PO Box 38173 Howick, info@ascolegal.co.nz, no later than 5 May 2023. Creditors are warned that any claim not lodged by the abovementioned date is liable to exclusion from payment in accordance with the provisions of Section 79 of the Trusts Act 2019. DE286934

Howick Local Board meeting

Meeting will be held Thursday 20 April, 12pm. The venue is the Howick Local Board meeting room, Pakuranga Library Complex, 7 Aylesbury St, Pakuranga.

Find out more: phone 09 301 0101 or visit aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

1.

Edie-May, local touch rugby hero recognised

c. That the advertisement is misleading or deceptive or likely to mislead or deceive or breaches the Fair Trading Act 1986 that is defamatory or indecent or which otherwise offends against generally accepted community standards that infringes a copyright or trademark or otherwise infringes any intellectual or industrial property rights that breaches any provision of any statute, regulation, by law or other rule or law

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 genuine reason as long as we do so using reasonable care.

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

Edie-May Johnson, of the East Tamaki XLR8 module, has been selected as one of this year’s five winners of Bunnings Home Ground Heroes, an initiative that recognises and celebrates the central figures in the Touch Rugby community who make a significant impact to the sport.

For the second year running, the initiative called on the touch community to nominate a Home Ground Hero who goes above and beyond the call of duty in support of the game; those who help on the sidelines, behind-the-scenes or on the field, to make the game better for all involved.

Johnson will receive $5000 to reinvest in the Counties Manukau community by covering the cost of membership fees, uniforms, team travel or other touch gear.

For the last 13 years, Johnson’s XLR8 Sports Touch module has been keeping her community fit and tightly knit. She has worked tirelessly to make XLR8 a costeffective and community focused sports hub, running free events, with no obligation to pay fees for kids and touch

equipment.

She established a whānau grade to get adults involved and is incredibly enthusiastic about getting new people into the sport.

Bunnings New Zealand country manager, Melissa Haines, said, “We are thrilled to be recognising the Home Ground Heroes for 2023 and the positive impact they are having in their local communities. We want to thank them for their incredible contribution to the sport and the Touch whanau.”

Touch NZ chief executive, Joe Sprangers, said, “We were blown away by the nominations and while it’s never easy choosing just five winners, we are excited to celebrate this year’s Home Ground Heroes. The response from the Touch community to shed light on all the work these heroes do, speaks volumes about the people and game we love.”

Johnson is one of five winners who were selected from 168 nominations from across New Zealand, breaking last year’s record of 120 nominations, demonstrating the huge number of unsung heroes across the country.

Edie-May Johnson, left, and Cath Filipaina.

Photo Warren Chapman Photography

From Howick College’s head girl to Hokkaido

By BEN PLUMMER

Former head girl of Howick College in 2020, Dajian Brown, has secured a contract to play semi-professional rugby in Japan at the completion of the Super Rugby Aupiki season.

The 20-year-old says the prospect of playing rugby in a different country is a surreal feeling.

“Nothing beats playing on home soil, but with the Super Rugby Aupiki season being so short, having opportunities to play overseas is such a blessing, especially being a female athlete,” Brown says.

She says she is most looking forward to the culture of Japan.

“Being in a country that’s first language isn’t English is definitely going to be a challenge, but I’m looking forward to the culture shift in all honesty,” she says.

Brown has racked up quite the impressive rugby CV since completing Howick College in 2020, being selected for the Moana Pasifika women’s sevens and Nib Blues sides to name a couple.

She also featured in the newlyestablished Premier Rugby Sevens competition in the United States where she played for the Headliners.

“To be doing what I love while being able to travel and experience

life outside of New Zealand at such a young age has been unreal. I am so grateful that rugby has provided these opportunities for me,” says Brown.

She had originally planned on being in Japan in February but was offered a contract with the NIB Blues in the Super Rugby Aupiki competition.

“The Hokkaido Barbarians understood that this was also another great opportunity for

myself that I could not turn down and had agreed for me to join them after the completion of the Aupiki season,” says Brown.

She will spend the next four months with the Hokkaido Barbarians, competing in the Taiyo Seimei Women’s series.

Howick College director of sport, Adelita Sotutu, says Dajian always represented her school with pride.

“From the beginning, she fully immersed herself in school life,

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Director Bill Porter B.A. M.Phil (Hons) Auckland University

playing netball, tag and also having a go at rugby,” Sotutu says.

In 2018, Dajian was part of the U15 girls rugby sevens team that won nationals at Sacred Heart College, and then went on to become part of the senior girls sevens side that also won nationals for the first time.

Going to Japan to play rugby won’t be a completely new experience for Brown, representing Howick College in the 2019 Sanic tournament – “an experience enjoyed by everyone,” Sotutu says.

Straight out of school, Brown was given the opportunity to play in the first Moana Pasifika women’s sevens team.

“Honoured would have to be an understatement. I was speechless and pretty shocked that I was even asked to play to be completely honest. It was such a heart-warming feeling to play a part in the beginning of something so special for Pasifika women,” she says.

Brown says she has been fortunate enough to call rugby her job since leaving Howick College, but going to university to study is on the horizon.

“Some of the money I make from this will be going towards my career outside of rugby when I decide studying is right for me, but at the moment I’m just taking

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Dhrov – 91 % for Milestone on Science year 9

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Arika – “has been getting 100% in Maths” – high excellence

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Rachel – excellent for number internal

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in the experience of being a semiprofessional athlete and enjoying every bit of it,” she says.

When asked about the greatest influence in her short, yet successful career, Brown said she owes all her success to her family.

“It takes a village to raise a child and I definitely feel I owe my successes to my ‘village’, but most importantly my parents.

“I cannot put it into words how grateful I am for my parents and all they have sacrificed for me ... as well as my Nana; seeing her after a long day of training is always rewarding,” says Brown.

Howick College girls rugby continues to succeed with former students Isla Norman-Bell currently playing for the England national side and Great Britain rugby sevens tea, and Alysia Lefau-Fakaosilea playing for the Australian women’s sevens team.

Our first goal is to help the students understand what is going on in class so that they can take an interest in it and not feel embarrassed. This usually involves giving them some background in the fundamentals of the topic and setting homework so that they gain confidence and don’t forget how to do it by the next week. If they are ok with what is happening in class we can then cover any other topics which they had trouble with previously. Once all that is done we can start looking at exam papers and learning some exam techniques.

We use the “Socratic” method of teaching wherein we mostly keep asking questions until the light dawns. (We love that moment when a smile slowly spreads across their face and we know that they have got it.) When students feel that they are working something out for themselves it keeps them more involved and they remember it for longer. If we think of the mind as a muscle, it also strengthens that muscle for when it is needed in exams, effectively increasing their IQ. Hence the comment of one of my students that: “Mr Porter explains things well and makes it fun!”

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Cost for holiday courses: One Week Two Weeks

Up to and including Year 11 $350 $650

Years 12 and 13 $400 $750

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Makeup lessons are available on Sundays from 1pm to 3pm if necessary.

Fees must be paid in advance

Former Howick College head girl Dajian Brown has received a contract to play rugby in Hokkaido, Japan; Brown featured in the first ever women’s Moana Pasifika sevens side. Photos supplied

From Howick to Hokkaido Page 19

The Goodman Highbrook Fun Run is an annual event that takes place in the picturesque Highbrook / Pukekiwiriki Park in Highbrook.

D

avid Brown and Ash Mullaly won the men’s and women’s 10km races respectively at the Goodman Highbrook Fun Run last Wednesday.

that take place during the day – a 5km walk, a 5km run and a 10km run.

In addition, there is a special event of 1km for the Healthy Hearts programme, which comes under Middlemore Hospital.

The Goodman Highbrook Fun Run is an annual event that takes place in the picturesque Highbrook / Pukekiwiriki Park in Highbrook. It was first held in 2014, and this year marked the 10th running of the event. The event is staged by Highbrook Rotary, with the major sponsor being Goodman Property Trust.The event is open to people of all ages and abilities, and it’s a great opportunity for people to get together and have fun while raising money for a good cause.

years, the event has raised around $200,000 which has gone to various causes. This year, it was raising funds for resuscitation trolleys for Kidz First Hospital.

The event had a total of 378 entrants, mainly from local businesses who put in work teams. It takes place after work and is a great opportunity for businesses to get their employees together and have some fun.

The 10km run was won by David Brown, who completed the race in a very respectable time of 38 minutes. He only just beat Ash Mullaly, the first woman who finished the race in 40 minutes.

There are three different events

The primary charity for the fundraising efforts is the Middlemore Foundation and the event also donates to Totara Hospice and other charities. Over the past 10

Sausages, drinks and ice cream were all donated by local businesses for the entrants, adding to the festive atmosphere of the event.

Start planning now.

In the 5km run, Charlotte Nankvell was the first woman to cross the finish line, completing the race in 22 minutes. Nicholas Sudmann was the first man to finish the race, completing it in 19.37 minutes.

In addition to the individual events, there were also team events for both the 5km and 10km races. The 10km team event was

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won by Mushashi, while the 5km team event saw ANZ come out on top.

“Overall, the Goodman Highbrook Fun Run is a fantastic event that brings people together to have fun while raising money for a good cause,” a Highbrook Rotary spokesperson said.

“It is a great opportunity for businesses to get their employees together and have some fun outside of work. With the event growing in popularity each year, it is sure to continue to be a highlight of the local community calendar for years to come.”

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Big turnout for Highbrook fun run