Times/EastLife - 06 September 2023

Grae Minors and Julia Kellett star in Howick Little Theatre’s Wait Until Dark

Alleged thieves found with machete, axe

Police have recovered objects including a machete and an axe from a group of people charged over thefts at an east Auckland shopping centre.

The incident unfolded at Botany Town Centre on the afternoon of September 4.

Counties Manukau East Police prevention manager, Inspector Rakana Cook, says the five people were caught in the act following a “shoplifting spree”.

He says police received

a report at about 4pm of a group of people allegedly loading trolleys full of goods at various stores at the town centre and walking off without paying.

The suspected thieves were followed by a security guard, who searched their bags and located numerous stolen items, Cook says. “A machete and an axe were also recovered from the bag. The group was escorted off site and police were quickly notified.”

Cook says the group then went to another store

nearby where they proceeded to load up trolleys and leave without paying.

“They exited the store through a back door and made their way down to Chapel Road where our staff quickly took them into custody without incident.”

Cook says the stolen items have been recovered and returned to the stores. “Co-ordinated and clever policing meant we were able to arrest all offenders quickly. That’s an excellent result. “The safety of the people in our

community is of primary importance to police and we’re committed to doing everything we can to hold offenders to account.”

A 26-year-old man and a 24-year-old man were scheduled to appear in Manukau District Court on September 5 charged with shoplifting.

An 18-year-old female will appear in the same court later this week and one other person has been referred to Youth Aid Services.

Meanwhile, police are also investigating a

Kiwis better off under National’s costed tax plan

24 Years

Selling East Auckland

If National is elected to Government on October 14, Kiwi families will finally receive relief from the pain of cost-of-living increases that does not come at the expense of an already-under pressure New Zealand economy.

New Zealand should be a country where, if you work hard, you can get ahead. But after years of economic mismanagement by Labour, topped off by two years of rampant inflation, huge increases in interest rates and a shrinking economy, most Kiwis are going backwards.

The squeezed middle is being left behind. The New Zealanders who work hard, sometimes juggling multiple jobs and family responsibilities, still can’t get ahead because inflation and high tax rates are eating away their incomes.

National’s Back Pocket Boost

will increase after-tax pay in 2024 by shifting income tax brackets to compensate for inflation, expanding tax credits to reach more modest income earners, introducing the FamilyBoost childcare tax credit and increasing Working for Families tax credits for working families.

Under National’s Back Pocket Boost, Kiwi’s from all walks of life will be better off. Whether you have children, are a minimum wage earner, or are a superannuitant, there is something in National’s plan that will leave more of your income in your hands.

Our plan is fully costed and will not require cuts to frontline services. Instead, we will reprioritise wasteful spending in areas like back-office functions and an overabundance of consultants, and return taxes raised on climate polluters to Kiwi families instead of giving

subsidies to large corporates.

We will also introduce targeted revenue measures, including a 15 per cent tax on foreign buyers purchasing homes worth more than $2 million, ending the commercial building depreciation tax break, closing loopholes on offshore gambling operators to ensure they pay tax, and moving our immigration system to a user-pays system, excluding tourist visas.

National will protect health and education spending and ensure that money goes from the back-office to the frontline. We will increase spending in health and education every year in Government and ensure that this spending delivers improvements for all New Zealanders.

Government agencies and Crown entities excluded from the overall spending reductions include the Ministry

reported burglary at a commercial property in Bucklands Beach overnight on September 4-5.

A police spokesperson says offenders entered the store, Books N Bricks Cafe in Hattaway Avenue, between 3.30pm and 6.40am and took a number of items.

“Police are working to identify and locate those involved and hold them to account. Anyone with information is asked to contact police via 105, referencing job number P055918753.”

of Health, the Ministry of Education, the Education Review Office, Oranga Tamariki, Corrections, Police, Defence Force, NZTA and Kainga Ora. These agencies will still be expected to reduce wasteful bureaucracy spending, but any savings will be recycled into the frontline. All other agencies will be required to find savings and reduce spending.

People know they can trust National with the economy. It’s been a tough couple of years for New Zealanders, but National will rebuild our economy and reduce the cost of living so that people can get ahead.

National has put together a tax calculator that you can use to work out exactly how much you will benefit from our tax relief plan. You can find it at www.nationaltaxcalculator. com/2023.

“Let my expertise help you achieve your dreams”

MP for Pakuranga Simeon Brown

92 UNITS PROPOSED FOR 1.4HA SITE NEAR MARINA

„ By CHRIS HARROWELL

Adeveloper is proposing to build almost 100 residential units on a prime piece of east Auckland land in a sign of the community’s increasing housing intensification.

Auckland Council has provided the Times with a resource consent application prepared by Campbell Brown Planning Ltd for the developer, HND HMB Ltd.

The plan proposes the development of 92 terraced units across 26 blocks on a 1.4 hectare corner section at 3 Pigeon Mountain Road in Half Moon Bay.

It’s a short distance from Half Moon Bay Marina and borders Pigeon Mountain Road, Ara Tai and Compass Point Way.

The Times understands rumours relating to the development are circulating in the community, including that it will be used for public housing or become a retirement village.

A Kainga Ora spokesperson

says the agency does not own the site and “we have not considered the land for development”.

Allen Lu, the development’s project manager, confirms it will not include social housing or become a retirement village.

The site is presently occupied by the Stand for Children charity, which provides a wraparound service for at-risk children.

Buildings on the site are allowed to be up to nine metres high, the resource consent application states.

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“The development has been designed in an integrated manner to ensure the most efficient use of the land and minimise any adverse environmental effects, while providing a high quality residential property for future residents.”

All buildings and parking areas presently on the land will be demolished to facilitate the proposed development.

Each residential unit is allocated at least one parking space within or in close proximity to it.

Dwellings in nine of the blocks are allocated two parking spaces “with a variety of uncovered parking spaces, and internally-accessed garages”.

“Each unit without a garage is provided a dedicated bike storage locker, located in close proximity to the entrance of each unit.”

The units are proposed to be served by private waste collection, while an infrastructure report, stormwater management plan, and engineering plans have been prepared to address infrastructure provision and earthworks required for the proposal.

There’s existing public wastewater infrastructure located within the site and the surrounding public road network.

“It is proposed to abandon the existing wastewater connection and extend the public wastewater drainage to service the development.

“A capacity check of the downstream infrastructure confirms

current system has sufficient capacity to cater for proposed development.”

A pre-application meeting held with the council in December last year resulted in a change from the development having two vehicle access points, off Pigeon Mountain Road and Compass Point Way, which the council did not support.

The vehicle access point off Pigeon Mountain Road was subsequently removed from the proposal. Under the header “consultation”, the document states an assessment concludes the development would generate “less than minor adverse effects to surrounding neighbourhood properties”.

“For this reason, consultation with the wider property owners or other parties has not been undertaken.”

A council spokesperson says the resource consent application is on hold while it awaits further information from the applicant.

Almost 100 homes may be built at this 1.4 hectare site. Times photo Wayne Martin

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Luxon lays out campaign message to hundreds

at food banks.”

Luxon said Labour has increased spending by 80 per cent but the country has nothing to show for it. He said the next major challenge is to restore law and order because crime “is

„ By CHRIS HARROWELL

“If you want a guaranteed change of Government, do not muck around, you need to make sure you party vote National.”

That was the clear message from National Party leader and Botany MP Christopher Luxon to an audience of about 250 people in Pakuranga at his final ‘Get NZ Back on Track’ public meeting in the lead-up to this year’s general election on October 14.

Luxon has held numerous public meetings across the country in recent months. He was joined at the Howick Pakuranga Community Sports Centre on August 28 by Pakuranga MP Simeon Brown.

Luxon said he came to politics a little more than two years ago because he cares about New Zealand.

“I want it to realise its potential. I want each and every Kiwi kid to have the opportunities I had to realise my version of the Kiwi dream, and I want them to do the same for themselves.”

He told the audience Labour’s “economic mismanagement” has driven up inflation and interest rates, and put the country into a recession with the risk of rising unemployment.

He said there are three chal-

lenges for the next Government to focus on.

The most important is fixing the economy and rebuilding it to address the cost-of-living crisis.

“One in two Kiwis are now worried about money on a daily basis and 430,000 of us are behind on our debt payments.

“I’ve met parents skipping meals because they can’t afford food and I’ve met families with good jobs and average incomes

totally out of control”.

“We’ve had a 33 per cent growth in violent crime and we’ve had 100 per cent-plus growth in retail crime.

“We’ve had a 70 cent growth in gang members to the point there are now nine gang members for every 10 police officers in this country.

“We have a ram-raid [burglary] happening now every 11 hours.”

Luxon said National would crack down on gangs, back the police, and enforce stronger sentences for crime.

The third big challenge is health and education, he said.

National would invest in the medical workforce and increase the number of doctors and nurses in New Zealand.

“He said 40 per cent of Kiwi children are not attending school regularly and 75,000 children are chronically absent from school.

“We have to go back to the basics and teach an hour of maths, reading, and writing each and every day at primary and intermediate.”

Luxon ended his talk by telling the audience they needed to give their party vote to National if they want to change the Government.

“You’re not helping us by voting for anyone else with the party vote.

“We want a strong and stable National-led Government. We want to make sure we have a guaranteed change of Government and that’s the only way to do it.”

Hundreds of Happy Customers Love Supremo Autowash ‘Simply the best’

National Party leader Christopher Luxon, left, held a ‘Get NZ Back on Track’ public meeting in Pakuranga alongside Pakuranga MP Simeon Brown on August 28. Photo supplied

You’re not helping us by voting for anyone else with the party vote.”

– CHRISTOPHER LUXON

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Clarke wins the 2023 Estuary Art and Ecology People’s Choice Award

East Auckland artist Tony Clarke has won the People’s Choice Award in this year’s Estuary Art and Ecology Award at Uxbridge Arts and Culture in Howick.

Visitors to the exhibition which was on display in Uxbridge’s Malcolm Smith Gallery from July 1 to August 26 were invited to cast their votes for the People’s Choice Award. Making a strong impression on voters, Clarke’s The Return of The Kuaka (Godwit) joins artworks by judge Benjamin Work’s award winners Lisa Bate, Daisy Nicholas, Brendan Kitto and merit prize winners Kiran McKinnon and Andrew Rankin. Speaking about his work, Clarke commented about the ecological inspiration behind the work. “Every day I

walk the Rotary Tāmaki Estuary walkway,” Clarke said.

“This daily contact with nature is very important to my state of mind and well-being … I hope my work can help to promote the protection of this incredible biodiverse environment which we are lucky enough to have, right at our doorstep.”

Uxbridge director Paul Brobbel said while every work in the exhibition garnered votes from the public, several pieces in particular impressed audiences with Clarke’s entry taking the most. Brobbel also noted Clarke’s connections to Uxbridge where the artist’s expertise is in high demand as he leads several abstract and acrylic painting workshops in addition to operating his

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own Fine Arts School programme of classes. “It’s a pleasure to see Tony’s work taking home accolades, both through the exhibition programme at Uxbridge and through the community’s demand for his talents as an educator.”

Now in its 17th year, the Estuary Art and Ecology Award is the only contemporary art prize in Aotearoa New Zealand with ecology at its core.

Artists are invited to research and respond to the Tāmaki Estuary in their own unique ways, to underscore the ecological value of this vital waterway and encourage action against its pollution.

The team at Uxbridge is already preparing for the 18th edition of the Estuary Art and Ecology Awards in 2024.

The People’s Choice Award is annually sponsored by the Rice Family Partnership with Wally Rice, right, presenting Tony Clarke with the award.

Photo supplied

Rare super blue moon wows

Last Thursday’s rare super blue moon [the last was 14 years ago] was captured by Times photographer Wayne Martin. The moon was about 20,000km closer than normal.

PURC U13s roll up sleeves for big stream clean

„ By BEN PLUMMER

A Pakuranga United Rugby Club (PURC)

U13 team spent a Sunday giving back to the community as they gear up for a rugby tour to Sydney later this month.

As part of their team bonding, the U13s decided to give back to the community on Sunday, August 27 by cleaning up Cascades Stream from behind the Howick Historical Village to the baseball diamonds.

In total, the boys nearly filled a rubbish bin provided by Carters East Tamaki. The day ended with a sausage sizzle.

“The tour is a chance for players, coaches and managers to experience representative rugby, enjoy academy styled selection/training and learn the values of hard work, teamwork, touring, independence and commitment,” says PURC general manager Mike Bongiovanni.

The team will play against four top Sydney U13 rugby teams including the Western Sydney Two Blues, Rooty Hill Junior Rugby Club and Hills Junior Rugby Club as well as being able to take in some of Sydney’s best sights.

Fundraising for the trip has been a mammoth effort to date with sausage sizzle sales, meat pack/crock pot raffles, wine sales and a quiz night which raised more

THEATRE SET TO DELIVER HOME-INVASION THRILLER

An east Auckland theatre is upping the suspense with its next stage production, which centres on a blind woman forced into survival mode during a home invasion.

Carlos Lehmann directs Howick Little Theatre’s production of the stage thriller Wait Until Dark

The story is written by critically acclaimed English playwright Frederick Knott and set in 1944 New York City.

Adapted for the stage by Jeffrey Hatcher, the theatre says it’s a “suspense-filled, high-stakes thriller that thrusts the audience into the middle of an exhilarating and dangerous game of cat and mouse”.

The story centres on the fictional character Susan Hendrix, played by Julia Kellett.

She’s a young blind woman living in Greenwich Village who finds her ordinary life upended through a carefully constructed deception by a team of conmen led by the sinister Harry Roat, played by Cameron Smith.

The cast is completed by Sergeant Carlino, an ex-police officer turned small-time grifter, played by Karl Fleet; Mike Talman, a charming but secretive old family friend, played by Bruno Batistela; Sam Hendrix, the dutiful husband, played by Grae Minors; and Gloria, a young teenager in an upstairs apartment, played by Nicole Johnson.

The theatre says the play delves into themes of vulnerability and personal

courage, as tension between “predator and prey” steadily increase.

Susan is forced to recognise her blindness might be the key to her escape and offer a perfect opportunity to turn the tables on the men who have invaded her home.

Lehmann says he’s excited to present the season as his first main-house production at the theatre.

“The opening scene of the play is what grabbed my attention, and from there I was hooked.

“The suspense and drama that unfold convinced me this would be a brilliant production.

“While Wait Until Dark acts as a sort of time machine to the past, it’s not heavily dependent on its period setting.

“Both the plot and characters could easily fit into today’s world, with a few minor tweaks.”

He says the play features suspense, drama, humour, and betrayal throughout.

“But I’ll leave people with this – watch and listen closely.”

WAIT UNTIL DARK

J Directed by Carlos Lehmann

J Howick Little Theatre, 1 Sir Lloyd Drive, Pakuranga

J Season: September 9-30, with shows at 8pm, and 2pm matinees on September 10 and 17.

J www.hlt.org.nz

than $15,000.

The side leaves during the next school holiday break from September 26 and returns on October 2.

A PURC U-13 side spent one of their recent Sundays giving back to the community by cleaning part of Cascades Stream; the team nearly filled the rubbish bin provided generously by Carters East Tamaki.

Photos Travis Conway

Actor Bruno Batistela is taking on a key role in Howick Little Theatre’s production of the play Wait Until Dark. Photo supplied

Killer given life in jail

„ By NICK KRAUSE

Amurderer who went to primary school in east Auckland was last week sentenced to life imprisonment for shooting and killing another man during a drug deal.

Desmond Lawrence Bourne, 48, had been found guilty by jury on one charge of murder and one charge of wounding with reckless disregard. The maximum penalty for murder is life imprisonment and for wounding with reckless disregard it is seven years’ imprisonment.

Bourne, who is understood to have gone to Mellons Bay Primary School and Bucklands Beach Intermediate, was sentenced by Justice Timothy Brewer in the High Court at Auckland to life imprisonment with a minimum period of imprisonment of 12 years for the murder of Zane Smith in 2020 in Wellsford.

On the charge of wounding “one of your group” Scott Fowles with reckless disregard, Bourne was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment, to be served concurrently with the murder sentence.

“You shot and killed Zane

Smith. As I will come to, my conclusion is that you did that deliberately,” Justice Brewer said.

“You have just heard from victims of your offending who were members of Mr Smith’s family. Their grief and anger are completely understandable. They spoke with great dignity, and I commend them for that. As they said, you have taken from them something that can never be restored: Mr Smith’s life.”

Justice Brewer said the essential elements of the charges he is satisfied were proved reveal that on November 28, 2020, Bourne and others decided to buy methamphetamine for their own use. They pooled money and one of their group, Scott Fowles, arranged the exchange. The supplier of the methamphetamine was to be Zane Smith, the deceased.

“You and Mr Smith knew each other. You had previously supplied Mr Smith with GBL, a class B controlled drug,” the judge said.

“There was a dispute over the payment for the drug. Mr Smith maintained that the drug was of poor quality and in the end refused to pay the final $1000 of

your price. There was evidence that, at least on the surface, you had accepted that situation. In my view, you harboured a resentment.

“You and Mr Fowles went to meet Mr Smith to buy the methamphetamine. Mr Fowles drove your vehicle with you as passenger. That was because you were very intoxicated. You had consumed the better part of a bottle of whisky and you had also been consuming drugs.”

Fowles had some concern about whether there was still bad blood between Bourne and Smith. He had arranged initially for the drug deal to occur at a public place, Centennial Park, partly because that would lessen the chance of confrontation.

“For some reason, Mr Smith did not come to Centennial Park but instead contacted Mr Fowles and arranged for the drug deal to take place at the intersection of Wayby Station Road and McPherson Way [Wellsford].

“With Mr Fowles continuing to drive, you arrived at that meeting place at about 7.20pm. Mr Smith arrived shortly afterwards at about 7.30pm and parked his vehicle near yours but facing

away at an angle. Mr Fowles told you to stay in your vehicle. He got out and walked to Mr Smith’s vehicle and got into the front passenger seat.”

Shortly afterwards, Bourne got out of the vehicle and got a firearm which he kept under the back seat. It was a high calibre weapon which could fire on a semi-automatic setting.

“You approached Mr Smith’s vehicle from the driver’s side. Both Mr Fowles and Mr Smith were seated in the front and Mr Smith was still wearing his seatbelt. You shouted to Mr Smith, “where the f*** is my money?”

You approached the driver’s side window, where Mr Smith was seated, and yelled again, “where the f*** is my money?” Justice Brewer said.

“You then fired into the front of the vehicle. Your shot went through the driver’s side window, taking fragments of the glass with it. The bullet did not strike either of the men. Fowles received wounds consistent with fragmentation. One fragment lodged in his chest. Momentarily stunned by the event, and bleeding, Fowles quickly scrambled out of the front passenger seat

and ran off down the road.”

As he was running, he heard Bourne fire further shots. “You fired a further four shots after the pause,” Justice Brewer said.

“They were all angled towards the front cab of Mr Smith’s vehicle. The fatal shot was fired from a different angle to the other three. The fatal shot went through the door and struck Mr Smith.

“Your defence was that you were so intoxicated that you have no memory as to how you got to the intersection. In my view, the evidence was overwhelming that you knew it was Mr Smith in the front seat of his vehicle; that having shot once you then paused and fired again four times at Mr Smith intending to kill him.”

PARADICE HOSTS FIGURE SKATING CHAMPS

„ By BEN PLUMMER

Paradice Ice Skating Botany will play host to the 2023 North Island Figure Skating Championships this weekend.

“The North Island Championships is another opportunity for people to qualify for our National Championships which are being held in October in Dunedin,” says North Island Ice Skating Sub Association (NIISSA) president Selina Rae.

Some of the top skaters across the North Island will compete

over the weekend. Competitors range from 6 years old, with the oldest being in their 50s.

“Most of the competitors are from Auckland and from the Howick area and then there are a few from Christchurch and Dunedin who will be coming up,” says Rae.

There will be a range of events on show from solo figure skating to synchronised ice skating, which is a team of between nine and 16 skaters.

The championships get underway on Friday, September 8 at 3.45pm at Paradice Ice

Skating Botany and will take place over three afternoons until its conclusion on Sunday night.

Tickets will be sold at the door throughout the weekend upon entry. Only cash will be accepted with admission costing $5 per person per day or $10 per family per day.

“If anyone wants to give skating a go, they can join up with a skate school class with Paradice Ice Skating or come see us at the door and we can help point them in the right direction,” Rae says.

Desmond Lawrence Bourne, 48, was last week sentenced by Justice Timothy Brewer in the High Court at Auckland to life imprisonment. Photo supplied

East Auckland Synchronised Ice Skating crew Black Ice during the 2018 Ice Figure Skating Championships. Photo supplied

Club promotion earns top award

Pakuranga Tennis Club has been awarded the Tennis Auckland, Club Marketing Promotion & Membership Award 2023 at a special gala dinner held to celebrate 100 years of the Stanley Street Tennis Centre in Auckland.

The recent dinner evening commenced with a powhiri and karakia by a representative from iwi Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei.

Pakuranga Tennis’s award was made in recognition of the club’s participation last year in a national promotion entitled ‘Love Tennis’, an effort that secured 84 new members. The organisers Jane Wilsher and junior convenor Michelle Savusa accepted the award. “It was such an honour to be recognised for all the hard work put into running the event with the invaluable assistance of a large number of volunteers from our club,” Wilsher said.

‘Love Tennis’ is on again at Pakuranga Tennis this year and will feature free coaching on the day for sen-

iors and juniors (racquets provided), fun games, giveaways, raffles, a free sausage sizzle and activities for kids.

A major attraction will be the ability to enter a lucky draw for an all-inclusive tennis package to the Australian Open Grand Slam tennis tournament in Melbourne in January 2024.

New members joining Pakuranga Tennis receive six group tennis lessons free

POIGNANT PLAY TELLS STORY OF POVERTY

„ By CHRIS HARROWELL

The gritty childhood of one of New Zealand’s most enigmatic political figures is being portrayed on stage by east Auckland drama students.

Howick Children’s and Youth Theatre (HCYT) is this month staging a production of writer Mervyn Thompson’s play Children of the Poor Directed by Fiona Bailey, it’s based on the book of the same name and tells the story of the childhood of the late writer, soldier, political activist and Labour Party MP John A Lee.

It’s described as an “emotional tale of poverty and hardship” centred on the formative years of the character Albany Porcello, who was born into destitution in 1900 Dunedin.

The play is being performed by a cast of eight members of HCYT’s Offstage Youth Theatre and is suitable for an audience aged 12 years and older.

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for seniors and free coaching on Saturday mornings in Terms 1 and 4 for juniors. Everyone who joins the club on the ‘Love Tennis’ day will receive a free can of tennis balls and go into the draw for a Babolat tennis racquet and accessories package.

‘Love Tennis’ is free to all at Pakuranga Tennis Club, 101 Pigeon Mountain Road, 10am- to 4pm, Sunday, September 10.

Bailey says the story is about the struggles experienced by the central character’s family and how poverty leads to crime. She says Albany’s family is comprised of his solo mother, his sister Rose and his brother Douglas.

“The family migrated to New Zealand from Scotland and his mother thought it would be the great dawning of a new life, but it didn’t turn out that way. It’s got serious subject matter and it’s a tragic story. It is also really hard-hitting.”

The play’s message is that a person’s circumstances do not dictate where they go in life, Bailey says.

“If you look at John A Lee, this is his life, but he made something of himself. So it’s not a decided thing that poverty has to lead to a terrible future. It shows the great hardships people went through and it’s also got some very light-hearted moments in it.”

Bailey says the theatre is thankful for the ongoing support of the Howick Local Board.

“We are hugely appreciative to have a local board that is listening to its community and continuing to support arts and culture and the children and youth within our area.”

Children of the Poor is staged at 7.30pm from September 21-23 at Harlequin Musial Theatre, 563 Pakuranga Road.

Tickets cost $12. To book, phone 537 4943 or email hcyt@xtra.co.nz.

A big event needs appropriately-sized equipment! Pakuranga Tennis Club members Jamee Savusa (left) and Elise Segedin are two of 30 volunteers who will be helping to run ‘Love Tennis’ on Sunday, September 10. Photo supplied

Among the cast of Howick Children’s and Youth Theatre’s production of the play Children of the Poor are Eden Morris, left, and Alex Livingston. Times photo Wayne Martin

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Marilyn HongMa

TOP SCHOOLS VIE FOR TITLES

Lloyd Elsmore Park played host to two secondary school hockey tournaments last week, the women’s Chica Gilmer Trophy and the men’s Mayhill Cup.

The only local school competing, Macleans College, finished fifth in the Chica Gilmer Trophy and sixth in the Mayhill Cup.

Tauranga’s Bethlehem College took out the Mayhill Cup after a narrow penalty shootout victory over Rosmini College.

The Chica Gilmer Trophy was won by Rangitoto College after a 6-1 obliteration of Long Bay College.

Howick Sports Awards: Team, Club, Coach, School of Year nominees

„ By BEN PLUMMER

This week the Times looks at all organisations and individuals nominated for the following five Howick Sports Awards categories; Team/Junior Team of the year, Club of the Year, Primary/ Intermediate of the year and Coach of the year.

Note: The period of achievements to be considered for the nominees falls between April 1, 2022, and March 31, 2023.

TEAM OF THE YEAR: Howick Pakuranga Cricket Club Premier Women

The HPCC premier women (Llamas) were crowned champions of the Pearl Dawson T20 championship in the 2022/23 cricket season after an unbeaten competition.

During the season, which was dominated by wet weather, they also took third place in the Prichard Cup Limited Over Competition.

Ten women who took the field for the Llamas during the 2022/23 season were selected for higher honours, including eight for domestic cricket sides and two for the New Zealand White Ferns.

JUNIOR TEAM OF THE YEAR:

Callum Noyer and Callum Hyde (Yachting)

The team of 13-year-old Maraetai sailors Callum Hyde and Callum Noyer achieved sixth overall at the 2022 RS Feva Nationals and second in the junior category.

At the 2022 AIMS Games, Noyer and Hyde won the first ever yachting medal for Bucklands Beach Intermediate after finishing as the third school team overall.

In March this year, the pair finished second place out of 33

teams at the Inspire Feva Sail GP regatta.

Howick College Premier Netball

The Howick College Premier Netball side took third place in the 2022 Secondary Schools Premier Netball competition.

They also finished fourth place at the NZSS Netball Championships and narrowly missed out on winning the Upper North Island Secondary Schools (UNISS) competition.

On the back of the 2022 season, four premier players were selected for the NZ Secondary Schools Netball team (Rileigh Campbell, Brooklyn Murray, Eseta Waiqaira and Lili Tokaduadua).

Howick College Underwater Hockey

During the 2022 Underwater Hockey season, Howick College won the Junior Open Grade after going through undefeated. They defeated Glendowie College in the final 4-3.

As a result, they were named junior team of the year at the 2022 Howick College sports awards.

Howick/Sunnyhills Junior Girls

Interclub Tennis team

The combined Howick/ Sunnyhills Junior girls interclub tennis side of Samantha Souphanthavong, Ashpreet Kaur and Supreet Kaur were highly successful in the Junior Caro Bowl, finishing as overall champions.

The Junior Caro Bowl is the highest interclub tennis level in Auckland.

CLUB OF THE YEAR:

Bucklands Beach AFC

A true community club, BBAFC is home to around 1400 footballers.

During the 2022 season, Sander Waterland won the Golden Boot award in the NRFL Div2 com-

petition. Furthermore, Dominic Mutti and Danny MacKenzie won first and second Golden Boot for the U23 Reserve NRFL Div2 Competition.

The club also won five NRFL titles coming from its two senior women’s teams and the 17th, 14th and 13th grade mixed youth teams. BBAFC established a Fellowship Fund which strives to help families that are struggling financially to play the game, whether it be by paying registration fees or purchasing kit and boots.

Howick Gymnastics Club

The Howick Gymnastics Club is at its largest numbers ever. It provides gymnastics classes from the age of six months with around 850 current gymnasts, up from 300 during Covid.

The club hosts a school gymnastics competition, with more than 500 kids from local schools. Their own club competition also broke record numbers last year as one of the biggest held in the North Island over Matariki weekend, with almost 650 gymnasts competing.

They had their largest team of athletes qualify for and compete in the New Zealand National Gymnastics Championships in 2022 and produced the best results in their history.

Howick Hornets Rugby League Football Club

In the first undisrupted Rugby League season since Covid, 2022 saw junior numbers soar for the Hornets.

On the field, the Hornets U16 and U18 girls’ sides reached their respective finals and both premier men’s and women’s teams finished in the top four of their grades.

A total of 25 premier women and multiple premier men were selected for representative honours after the club season.

Sunnyhills Tennis Club

The Sunnyhills Tennis Club has seen a 17 per cent increase in membership over the past year, credited to two successful open days held in August last year for juniors and adults.

Sunnyhills’ Junior Interclub players achieved outstanding results in pre and post-Christmas competitions.

The coaching staff, headed by Gabriel Hernandez, was also selected to coach the Southeastern Zonals Junior Tennis teams for competition in the east Auckland area.

The club delivered the Tennis in Schools programme at eight different local primary and intermediate schools.

PRIMARY/ INTERMEDIATE OF THE YEAR:

Bucklands Beach Intermediate

BBI had tremendous success at the 2022 Southeastern Zone and Auckland Championship tournaments in a raft of different codes.

Their most successful sport, gymnastics, won the school 18 medals in 2022 before competing in the AIMS Games.

At the 2022 AIMS Games tournament, BBI walked away with 16 gold, 22 silver, and 23 bronze medals in gymnastics, swimming, tennis, badminton, yachting and hip hop.

COACH OF THE YEAR:

Clive Daniels (Hockey)

A familiar name in Auckland Hockey, Daniels coached the Howick Pakuranga Hockey Club’s premier men to a second-place finish in the 2022 season.

He also had a successful stint coaching the Auckland men’s hockey team at the National Hockey Championship last September, just missing out on a third-place finish.

Daniels was named coach of the year at the 2022 Auckland hockey prize giving.

Flaminio Oliveira (Gymnastics)

Through Oliveira’s guidance and coaching, all Howick Gymnastics Club’s men’s artistic gymnastics competition teams qualified for and competed in the New Zealand National Gymnastics Championships in both 2022 and 2023.

Each gymnast who competed also walked away with at least one podium against more than 60 competitors nationwide. Oliveira was awarded a coaching proficiency medal for the outstanding achievements and results of his gymnasts at Nationals.

Nick Codyre (Athletics)

Nick Codyre coaches some of the most successful junior runners in east Auckland.

His coaching efforts have led to success for many athletes, particularly Pakuranga Athletic Club’s Christian De Vaal and son Ronan Codyre. De Vaal was crowned national champion of the mens U20 5000m category at the NZ track and field championships in March.

Both De Vaal and Ronan Codyre competed at the World Athletics Cross Country Championships in Bathurst, Australia on the back of Nick’s coaching.

Wade Tresadern (Yachting)

Affiliated with the Bucklands Beach Yacht Club, Wade Tresadern develops emerging optimist talent in east Auckland. He played a large role in Maraetai Sailing Club’s Kate Rasmussen and Madi Russell winning the female world title at the RS Feva World Championships in July last year in Weymouth, England.

Tresadern also coached the NZIODA Boys U-12 Development Team in 2022.

View photos online to buy www.times.co.nz

Your opinion matters to us.

Sailing sensations are crowned world champs

„ By BEN PLUMMER

The 13-year-old Maraetai sailing duo of Callum Hyde and Callum Noyer have won the World Junior title at the RS Feva World Championships.

VERA, 95, JUMPS OUT OF PLANE FOR BIRTHDAY

It all began when my son and daughterin-law asked me what I wanted to do for my 95th birthday. I jokingly said, “Jump out of a plane,” laughing away.

Then I thought to myself, ‘I can do this’. My son Nigel said, “Mum, you can do anything.”

I had to get the doctor’s okay to do this. If I had got on the plane and had heart problems, I wouldn’t have been able to jump.

The more I thought about it, the more I wanted to do it. There are loads of people out there that could do it. I would recommend it. If you are afraid, don’t do it.

That was back on August 2. We then began the wait for the perfect weekend weather, which wasn’t until August 26.

We went out to Parakai, due for an 11am start, but there were so many groups of people celebrating things like a stag party, birthday party, anniversary etc, so it ended up being 1pm since I was on my own. It was a lovely atmosphere of celebrations during that wait.

They gave us a briefing about what we had to do. I was told I had to take my teeth out, in front of everybody, which was quite embarrassing! But when you get to 95, you don’t give a damn! I also had to take my hearing aids out. You had a hood and goggles.

The most embarrassing part was getting onto the plane because there were high steps and no bar to hoist myself onto. The chap I was going to be strapped to had to push me from behind – it was most undignified!

He managed to get me on and we got seated. The other crowd of six got onto the plane. I was strapped to the front of the assistant.

Off the plane went into the sky. I was fine, no fear, I wasn’t afraid at all. I was last to jump. As I sat on the edge, I was a bit afraid. It was as we jumped and that initial drop, my stomach came up into my mouth! Once the parachute opened and we sailed, it was lovely. With a beautiful landing.

There were two girls with the crowd we met before who helped me to reception. Everyone was waiting for me; they all clapped and cheered. I felt like the

Queen! They all sang Happy Birthday to me. They asked me to do a speech, but I was so overwhelmed. They were all shaking my hand. I was so full up; it was so lovely.

“Mum, I’m so proud of you!” I even had a phone call from two other retirement places, who had heard about it and were wishing me luck. I had so much support from friends in the village.

The highlight was having done the jump. But, I wouldn’t do it again. I don’t feel my age, that’s for sure.

In the future, who knows what I’ll do next?

The World Championships were held over five days in Follonica, Italy last month. The Callums, as they are often referred to, sailed away with the World Junior title and finished fourth overall in a huge fleet. The conditions in Follonica provided a perfect mix of blustery wind to light and shifty, testing the skill and tactics of the sailors in the 209-boat fleet over the five-day regatta.

Sailing in a heat wave of temperatures of up to 40 degrees on some days had its challenges, but the boys managed to stay well-hydrated.

Hyde and Noyer recorded two firstplace finishes in their qualifying races on days one and two, leading them into the race series in the gold fleet.

Out of the total 209 boats sailing in the regatta, the top 70 boats made up the gold fleet. Over the final three days, the boys fought hard and got another first place win, which was one of their highlights of the regatta.

During the final days of the regatta, Hyde and Noyer experienced a range of conditions and eventually finished fourth overall out of all categories (Open- Over 18, Youth- 18 and under and Junior- 13 and under). They also won the Junior World title, finishing 347 points ahead of second place. Noyer says it was an amazing experience to sail against so many other competitors from around the world.

“We worked hard to get good clean starts to help us get off the line with speed, which at times was hard given the amount of boats on the line,” Hyde says.

HRRA MEET THE CANDIDATES

It was busy at the Howick Ratepayers’ and Residents’ Association’s annual meeting on Saturday. There was also an opportunity for a chance to meet and question candidates for General Election in a few weeks’ time.

Standing is Casey Costello, New Zealand First; Kharag Singh, Labour candidate for Botany; [seated, from left] Simeon Brown, National MP Pakuranga; Parmjeet Parmar, ACT candidate Pakuranga and Ted Johnson, party leader New Conservatives.

Absent was Scotty Bright, Waikato candidate, Democracy New Zealand.

Vera Oliver Pakuranga Park Village

Callum Hyde and Callum Noyer are world champions. Photo supplied

ELGAR VIOLIN CONCERTO BRAHMS

SYMPHONY NO.1

UWE GRODD CONDUCTOR

AMALIA HALL VIOLIN

MSO: HOTBED OF MUSICAL TALENT

Celebrating its 30th anniversary with a series of concerts, Shelley Robertson, General Manager Manukau Symphony Orchestra, strikes a note with FARIDA MASTER as she talks about the milestone year and the revival of classical music.

Shelley Robertson compares being a part of the Manukau Symphony Orchestra (MSO) to a game of competitive Football.

“It’s high pressure! There’s synchronicity. You’ve got to work

together, listen to each other, time yourself and enter at the right note. It’s akin to kicking a goal! Once you start playing with other musicians, it takes long hours of practice and dedication,” says Shelley, General Manager of MSO.

She understands the sacrifice

and devotion required to pursue a career in classical music. A collector of old instruments, Shelley played the flute till the age of 16 and is a member of Auckland Choral.

Now she does what she enjoys most.

MANUKAU SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA presents amalia hall plays

7.30pm Saturday 18 nov 2023 due drop eVents Centre, manukau ticketS from eventfinda.co.nz

www.manukauSymphony.org.nz

DY1015

FARIDA MASTER, EDITOR

If music be the food of love, read on… sit back, relax, and enjoy this wellorchestrated issue.

Shelley Robertson

Continued from page 15.

Promote talented musicians and provide a platform to showcase their talent.

For the last three decades, the Manukau Symphony Orchestra has been a part of the cultural fabric, and has played a stellar role in opening the hallowed portals of classical music for the hoi-polloi, youth and professionals, alike.

Circa 1993, Terry Spragg led the foundation of the MSO in South Auckland. She invited a group of musicians and held an ‘all-comers’ weekend workshop. Following the meet-up of musicians, there was a push to form an independent community orchestra. Music enthusiasts from Howick School of Music and the Pakuranga Orchestra harmonised to create beautiful symphonies. Taking it a notch further, the founding committee of MSO got Manukau City councillors on board with the Mayor as the patron.

Based at the Papatoetoe Town Hall, with six flautists and a ragtag group of 22-member ensemble, the full-sized symphony orchestra has now grown to include 80 musicians.

Initially, the orchestra performed free of charge for family and friends. That was the classic beginning of a sustainable model for a community orchestra.

“Mayor Sir Barry Curtis contacted the orchestra and asked the accomplished inaugural music director Uwe Grodd if he could be involved in

A NOURISHING AFTERNOON

There was both, laughter and tears as Bellyful recently celebrated its 10th anniversary at the Bucklands Beach Yacht Club. With pink being the colour of the afternoon tea, there was a lot of love and aroha in the roomful of volunteers and guests.

the dark hole she found herself in.

the design of the Due Drop Events Centre. It was built with us in mind,” says Shelley. “Uwe has now been with MSO for 30 years!”

Sadly, when the Manukau City Council was disestablished to make way for the Auckland City Council, all the funding and support from the council for the art form disappeared. Coffers ran dry, and the MSO has had to depend on donors and volunteers to contribute towards its upkeep.

“We’ve had some devoted members and fantastic volunteers who have been supporting us since 1993,” says Shelley.

She observes there has been a revival of the timeless art form.

From innovative composers to performers pushing the boundaries of traditional forms, modern classical music has seen a renaissance with pop stars promoting it too.

People are realising that classical music has several mental and emotional wellbeing benefits. It is known to improve mood, cognitive function, and memory, she says.

The recent houseful Hamilton and Houstoun concert at the Due Drop Event Centre is testimony to the young and young-at-heart filling up every seat in the auditorium as they witnessed outstanding talent and rousing symphonies. The

standing applause to star performers—Michael Houstoun and David Hamilton— as well as students from Puhinui School choir, Auckland Choral and the orchestra conducted by Uwe Grodd, spoke volumes!

“More students are discovering classical music,” reflects Shelley. Numbers speak, as 2400 students have been booked over two days on September 11 and 12 for four of MSOs entertaining school concerts. The concerts will feature popular, well-known pieces for children alongside stories with music narrated by Suzy Cato.

The idea behind it is to inspire the younger generation that is not exposed to orchestral music.

MSO also offers a Youth Scholarship program that runs parallel to the mentorship program. Shelley reveals with pride that seventeen-year-old Oliver Spalter, a scholarship recipient is now leading the National Youth Orchestra bass section, gets paid employment and will be studying in the USA.

MSO musicians are a merry mix with around 33 per cent professional mentors, 33 per cent community and 33 per cent youth players. Participants in orchestral projects and workshops come from all over Auckland with 45 per cent from east and south Auckland.

The nourishing afternoon kicked off with Maree Chisnell, founding branch coordinator, reflecting on the journey that changed the inner landscape of east Auckland. She acknowledged the community of compassionate volunteers that came together to start Bellyful East Auckland.

Regardless of being rich or poor, Bellyful delivers free meals to families with babies and young children that don’t have any other support.

There was not a single dry eye in the room as a young, mother-of-three who has been a recipient of Bellyful meals, narrated her heartfelt story of hardship as she tried to cope with post-natal depression. Being a mum to newborn twins whose lives depended on her, she struggled hard to get out of

Reiterating how grateful she was for all the support and warm meals she shared with her family, she said it nourished her body and enabled her to spend precious time with her five-year-old son who was feeling replaced by the twins. Ever so grateful, she now gives back by volunteering at Bellyful and helping other mothers on a similar journey.

Branch coordinator Andrea Martin, spoke about delivering around 12000 meals to the local community, while Fiona Purchas CEO Bellyful NZ, elaborated on providing practical support and carrying on the vision of Bellyful’s founder Jackie Richie. Also standing quietly in the sidelines was Pipa Wetzell, television personality and spokesperson for Bellyful for over 12 years.

Pipa said she’d always come across “outstanding Bellyful volunteers that she would love to have a drink or hang out with. There’s something about this organisation that attracts the most amazing people.”

James Ioelu and Stephen Diaz perform at the Hamilton & Housten concert

A GASTRONOMIC EXTRAVAGANZA

While food is a great navigator for interpersonal relationships, the Auckland Taiwanese Business Association took it to another level with the hosting of the Oceania International Master Chef Challenge followed by the Taste Of Taiwan Gala Dinner at the Ellerslie Event Centre.

It’s not very often that you get to be at a culinary fiesta where the chefs present the dishes with such flair and creativity as they did at the 2023 Auckland Taiwan Food Festival. Held after five years, the organisers of the 2023 International Tour of Taiwan Gourmet Cuisines and the Oceania International Master Chef Challenge outdid themselves with the scale and presentation of the culinary event.

Sixty chefs from Taiwan, Australia, Canada, Germany, Vietnamese, Japan and New Zealand, competed to showcase culinary expertise and cooking techniques using local ingredients, at the master chef challenge. Celebrity chefs were flown into New Zealand to judge the event.

Organised by Taiwanese Business Association of New Zealand, along with the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Auckland, Taiwanese Junior Business Association of New Zealand and co-sponsored by the Changhua Woman’s Association of New Zealand and the Taiwanese Hwa Hsia Society of New Zealand, guests at the two-day event participated in a range of workshops and live demos led by Taiwanese gold medallist chefs. Visitors had a chance to savour authentic Taiwanese cuisine, explore the trade exhibition that showcased innovative food and lifestyle products as well as have a peek at the gourmet food entries for the master chef challenge.

The Taste of Taiwan Galal Dinner was the highlight of the two-day foodie affair as chefs presented the unique dishes with great flourish. It was a sight to behold as all phones were focussed on photographing the mouth-watering dishes — that included Chrysanthemum Tofu Soup wrapped in lotus, Crispy Golden Shrimp pastry, Garlic flavoured Fish Rolls, Charcoal Grilled Pork Ribs served with greens, a Mixed Platter, Eight Treasure Sticky Rice wrapped in Lotus leaf pastry and Scallops with Chinese Cabbage Shrimp Pastry.

Interestingly, two of the judges including Angel Moreton, e-Spain Founder and CEO World Tapas Competition Director and Jasbir Kaur, Associate Vice President Ignite College, also the driving force behind the Australasian Tapas Championships, made a surprise announcement! While it wasn’t a planned decision, they announced that the top four winners of the master chef challenge were short-listed for the World Tapas Competition –which added some more excitement to the wellorchestrated evening.

Top four winning chefs of the Oceania International Master Chef Challenge

Organisers Joanna Cheng (centre left) and Kendra Chen (centre right) with the judges

event marks our first Korean Live Day and we are incredibly proud to create an occasion for the cultural exchange in this cherished village setting.

CULINARY INSPIRATION

As we move from the humble cheese board to awe-inspiring grazing tables/ platters this spring, Grater Goods, founded by Kiwi musician chef and cookbook author Flip Grater together with French hospitality superstar Youssef Iskrane – is an answer to every ethical hedonist’s prayer.

With 42 per cent of New Zealanders either reducing meat consumption (being a flexitarian) vegetarian or a vegan for health and environmental reasons, there’s been an increasing demand for delicious meat alternatives that Grater Goods have been fast catering to.

Recipes with Grater Goods’ 100 per cent plant-based delicatessen meats.

MOROCCAN BAKED AUBERGINE

> 10 cherry tomatoes

> 1/2 cup Amazigh harissa*

> 1 aubergine

> ½ cup tangy yoghurt sauce**

> To garnish 2 tsp toasted pine nuts 1/2 tsp toasted cumin seeds

> bunch fresh coriander

> bunch fresh mint

METHOD: Place cherry tomatoes into an oven preheated to 200°C. Sprinkle with a little salt and olive oil and roast for 25-30 minutes

*The Amazigh harissa could be substituted with store-bought harissa but it’s worth making this epic sauce from the cookbook! **Yoghurt sauce could be substituted by adding some salt and lemon juice to an unsweetened dairy-free yoghurt of your choice.

until soft and taking some colour. Remove tomatoes and set aside. Place chillies into a mortar and pestle or blender and follow

HOTSPOTS

harissa recipe.

Cut aubergine into 2 halves lengthwise. Score diagonally with a sharp knife and spread pesto across each surface, reserving some pesto for serving. Roast aubergine halves (in the lower half of your oven) for 40-45 minutes, until soft. Remove from the oven, spread with a little reserved harissa and drizzle with ‘yoghurt’ sauce and top with toasted pine nuts, cumin seeds and fresh herbs. Serves 2

SMOKY SPANISH BEANS

> ¼ cup olive oil

> 2 onions, roughly chopped

> ½ red pepper, roughly chopped

> 100 g Grater Goods CHCH

Chorizo, chopped (optional)

> 2 tsp smoked paprika

> ½ tsp oregano

> 1 tbsp tomato paste

> 2 cans butter beans (cannellini beans would also work) 1 can of water or vegetable stock

> Fresh chillies to serve

Add oil to a heavy-bottomed pan on a medium heat. Add onions and red pepper, some salt and pepper, and cook until softening and brown. Add chorizo if using. Once everything is starting to stick, add paprika, oregano and tomato paste and cook for a minute until fragrant. Add the beans – one can drained, one can with the liquid. Add one can of water or vegetable stock. Cook

gently for 25 minutes until thick and rich. Serve with crusty bread, fresh chillies, and your favourite steamed greens. Serves 4.

Cooking together... share the experience

THE CAFE ...WITH NO NAME...

Looking for a tummy-satisfying break with a fantastic coffee? All day breakfasts, homemade pies, keto options, daily specials and sweet treats all come with a smile and a welcome chat at the Cafe with No Name in Panmure. The cheerful team ensures all baking is done on-site and prides itself on everything being made from scratch.... some recipes have even been passed down from grandma’s cookbooks – delicious! Call in today and treat yourself, we are open seven days!

55 Queens Rd, Panmure

Phone 09 570 2968

www.cafewithnoname.co.nz

BEAUFORDS IN TOTARA PARK

Specialising in weddings, conferences and private functions, Beaufords is set in the beautiful grounds of Totara Park, adjacent to the Auckland Botanical Gardens, just five minutes off the motorway at Manurewa. A popular venue for weddings and private functions for over 40 years, Beaufords offers the luxury of choice between the Historic Homestead and Garden Marquee. Full catering and bar service with style and elegance at affordable prices.

90R Wairere Rd, Manurewa

The Cafe ...with no name...

Phone 09 267 6979

Email john@beaufords.co.nz

www.beaufords.co.nz

DY0950

Beaufords in Totara Park

DREAM DOORS KITCHENS

The kitchen is your heart of the home, it’s a place where people are welcome, a place where you can be free to express your own personal style. At Dream Doors Kitchens we focus on service and tailor make your kitchen to your requirements. We manage timing during install to ensure minimal disruption. Our consultants are dedicated to helping you create the kitchen where you experience life’s finest moments. Our team will give you all the information needed to make an informed decision.

Ph: 09 533 6956

E: aucklandce@dreamdoors.co.nz

www.dreamdoors.co.nz

Recipes from The Grater Good by Flip Grater, $44.99. Koa Press. Photography Tonia Shuttleworth.

Recipes from The Grater

Sweet as!

Looking for the best sweet treats in town? Look no more. We have compiled a list of the top places in town!

GREENLAND BAKERY AND CAFE

145 Cascades Road, Pakuranga

THE CAKE MIXER

59 Juliet Ave, Howick thecakemixer.co.nz

Cupcakes, mu ns and slices baked fresh daily. Custom cakes made to order.

Hours: Tues - Fri 12pm (approx) till 6pm; Sat 9.30am till 1pm.

MENTION

THIS ADVERT AND RECEIVE 15% OFF THE MENU AND OR CABINET FOOD FOR ONE WEEK ONLY

Drinks excluded. Expires Sept 13

CATERING BY DEBBIE

cateringbydebbie.co.nz

Ph: 021 163 8791

Gather your friends and family, and indulge in an assortment of our homemade High Tea treats, customised to suit your special occasion. Collect a Takeaway Box and host your own, or enquire about our vintage china and sta options. Now taking enquiries for Christmas!

AMBROSIA

44 Third View Avenue, Beachlands | 09 536 4151

Ambrosia Bar & Restaurant serve heavenly homemade doughnuts, a divine blend of flu y perfection and irresistible flavors. Each bite is a delightful journey into culinary bliss, making every visit a memorable treat.

Renowned for our award-winning pies, our cafe also o ers an array of in-house dining choices, featuring a splendid selection of cabinet cuisine and exquisite co ee. Alternatively, you have the option to indulge in menu selections. Takeout is available. Open Monday to Saturday 5.30am to 4pm.

BUCKLANDS BEACH

BAKERY

224B Bucklands Beach Rd

Ph: 09 534 7780

Tasty quality delights! The bakery o ers homemade delights freshly baked daily. A wide range of delicious, sweet and savoury to tempt your tastebuds. One of the best kept secrets in Bucklands Beach! Pop in and try for yourself, you wont be disappointed. All reasonably priced. Open 7 days – 6am to 4.30pm.

LORDY’S BAKEHOUSE

Pakuranga Mall

FARM

COVE BAKERY

190 Fisher Pde, Farm Cove

Everything at these bakeries is amazingly delicious and baked fresh daily. Whether it’s mu ns or slices, pastries, pies, or fresh bread – Lordon your local baker has got you covered. If you need a quick bite on the run, preparing for entertaining or a BBQ or need some catering organised, call Lordon today on 021 402 596. Open hours: Lordy’s Mon – Sun 7am – 7 pm Farmcove Mon to Sun 7am – 3pm.

Whether it’s a celebration, a thoughtful gift, or a simple craving, our curated list guides you to the best spots to satisfy those desires.

FINDING THE HERO WITHIN

Over 50 talented performers promise to rock the stage with Disney’s Moana Jr, a 60-minute musical adaptation of the Disney animated film, bringing the adventures of Moana to life on stage. EastLife talks to local actors Honiana Moli and Emma Imrutai who star in National Youth Theatre’s production to be held at the Due Drop Events Centre.

HONIANA MOLI: MOANA

Time stops for fourteen-yearold Honiana Moli when she is on stage. Playing the lead role in Moana Jr, Honiana who prefers to be called Nia, says, “Once you get prepared with the people you are performing with, time is frozen. It’s as if no one else is there.”

Passionate about the artform, a lot of preparation goes into getting in the character.

“I listen to the soundtrack of the movies. I like observing how movies get transformed into a play. I watch how the actors interact with other characters, the pace of movement, and read in-between the lines,” says the

Pakuranga College student. Nia, grew up surrounded by music and dance. Performing arts has played a stellar role in her life.

Dancing since she was two, she was part of the Ruske Performing Arts and is currently dancing with Norris Studios. This is Nia’s fourth junior musical and her first lead role.

Some of the other productions include: Childrens Musical Theatre’s Alice in Wonderland Jr , Ruske Performing Arts’ production Honk Jr, Farm Cove Intermediate School’s Shine and Dream, and Manukau Performing Arts, Singin’ in the Rain

EMMA IMRUTAI: GRANDMA TALA

Every cell in her body pulsates with energy and excitement when Emma Imrutai takes to the stage.

“I feel so alive once the spotlight is on….. that even when I pass away on stage and am resuscitated, I am very alive! It’s pure magic!” laughs Emma who plays Grandma Tala in the NYT’s production, that encapsulates the empowering messages of bravery and selflessness. Moana Jr. is scripted to bring out the hero within each of us.

“I’m a storyteller, a keeper of knowledge,” she says about her role of 70-year-old wise Grandma Tala.

The vivacious 16-year-old admits showtime can be nerve-wrecking.

“After practising for so long there is always one thing that can go wrong on

performance day. However, we need to improvise and carry on as if nothing has happened,” says the Flatbush resident who loves to sing and dance.

“Singing plays a big part in my life because it is how I got into performing arts.”

Emma is also part of a St Cecilia Singers choir.

She says her life changed when she got her first lead role of young Nala in Lion King Jr

“Oh my gosh, my 12-yearold self was ecstatic! I was over the moon.”

Since then, Emma has performed in Legally Blonde Jr and Moana Jr.

“This is the second time working on this script, so I knew it by heart! The wonderful thing is I’m working with a whole new cast and community of people in NYT’s Moana Jr.”

See the show

Celebrating the rich history of Oceania and based on the beliefs and culture of the people of Pacific Islands, Moana Jr was developed in collaboration with Oceanic Trust - a group of anthropologists, cultural practitioners, historians, linguists, and choreographers.

Showtime: Friday, September 8, 6.30 pm, Saturday, September 9, 11 am & 1.30 pm at the Due Drop Events Centre.

PREVENTING SCAMS

Scam prevention and awareness session. Join us with Kevin and Callum, experienced professionals in the field of anti-fraud and scam prevention, boasting a collective experience of more than 40 years in risk assessment, fraud detection, analytics and scam prevention. Botany Library, Thursday, September 14, 5.30pm. To register, email botany.library@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz.

Honiana Moli who plays the lead role in Moana Jr. with Emma Imrutai who plays Grandma Tala.

Photo Wayne Martin

PUZZLE TIME

Quick Puzzle NO. 8126

Cryptic Puzzle NO. 8126

ACROSS

1. Gathers one starts stuttering like mad (4).

7. Never mind. Just be a good little puppy (4,5).

8. A tree is blocking the light (4).

9. Fun is something a dog likes to have (4).

10. Vitamin found in dog food! (4).

11. A natter coming back and a yarn (4).

14. Extends, one reads, into the lip (6,3).

16. What the female informer wears? (5,5).

19. Order to keep your word! (4).

22. A big name in space (4).

24. Concludes they’re goals (4).

25. Seize a item of baggage (4).

26. Neither would we take Gina Turner to be a foreigner (9).

27. Say crossly “Only children play it” (4).

DOWN

1. Note the outfits are not paid for (5).

2. Working, or about to (5).

3. Material that gave the doctor a shock (6).

4. She set out to get everybody upset (6).

5. A cat, black, in the graveyard (4).

6. Say “Spring for cover, man!” (9).

12. Love a girl? Not I! That’s silly! (9).

13. Ned has absorbed the page on reptiles (4).

SUDOKU

15. Goes down and posts (4).

17. Said to do away with the vehicle (6).

18. One got in and set free the foreigner (6).

20. I take a spin round the city (5).

21. If it’s Tiltable, the dog will have it upset! (3-2).

23. A woman, you say, from ranks (4).

FINE VEGAN MEATS

This giveaway is perfectly timed as we move on from winter hibernation into spring apéro time. The art of the apéro is to take a short pause at the end of the day and connect with people you enjoy, over a delicious bite to eat. Available online at gratergoods. co.nz or in select supermarkets, the prize pack contains Pastrami, CHCH Chorizo, Chickun Slice, Pepperoni, plus an Ethical Hedonism Tote Bag and the Grater Good Cookbook.

CRISS-CROSS PUZZLE puzzle no. 107 – FILL IN THE BLANKS WITH THE WORDS BELOW

Terry’s

A1 CHINESE

PAINTING & DECORATING

CHURCH COMMUNITY

St Paul’s in the Park Anglican Church 141 Chapel Rd, Botany; Ph: 021-548-407 Sunday, 9:30am Service: Holy Communion incl. Sunday School | stpaulsinthepark.nz

Wayne’sPaintingLtd Wayne’sPaintingLtd

CLASSIFIED BOOKINGS

Close at 9am on Tuesday. Book early to avoid missing

Phone 271-8052

2024 Out of Zone Enrolments

New Entrant students only. Applications close at 3.00pm on Wednesday 11th October 2023

WINDOW CLEANING

Ballot will take place on Wednesday 18th October 2023. Enquiries can be made at the school office. Call: (09) 534 4363 or Email: office@mellonsbay.school.nz

Bucklands Beach Primary School ENROLMENTS 2024

The board invites applications from parents who wish to enrol their children at Bucklands Beach Primary School for next year, 2024.

Enrolment at the school is governed by an enrolment scheme, details of which are available from the school office.

Applications are to be made online at www.bbps.school.nz

The deadline for receipt of applications for out-of-zone places is 3pm Wednesday 20th September 2023.

Parents of students who live within the home zone should also apply by this date to assist the school in planning

www.bbps.school.nz

appropriately for next year.

The board has determined that 20 places will likely be available for out-of-zone students next year. The exact number of places will depend on the number of applications received from students who live within the school’s home zone.

If the number of out-of-zone applications exceeds the number of places available, students will be selected by ballot. If a ballot is required, it will be held on Thursday 21st September 2023.

Parents will be informed of the outcome of the ballot on Friday 22nd September 2023.

OBITUARY

MORRIS Kenneth Llewellyn

Passed away peacefully, aged 91

BREAST CARE ESSENTIALS Fitting Service

095337493.

For women after Full/Partial Mastectomy, Lumpectomy and Reconstruction. Breast Care Bras, Prostheses, Swimwear and Lingerie from the Anita, Amoena and Trulife ranges designed with comfort in mind. Our private, boutique fitting rooms are based in Ladies Mile, Ellerslie and Manukau, opposite the Super Clinic. Fittings by appointment. Mobile home fittings on request. Ministry of Health funding available.

Ph Susan Doig 536 4220, ph/txt 0274 519 285 breastcare.essentials@gmail.com www.breastcareessentials.co.nz

BUYING

We

SITUATIONS VACANT

Macleans College Learning Support Assistant

9AM-12.20PM DAILY

5 DAYS PER WEEK (TERM TIME ONLY)

We are looking for an enthusiastic new member of our team to provide support for students with special educational needs. This can involve working in a classroom situation with individuals/small groups or giving additional support with school work to students in our learning support centre. Suitable candidates will enjoy working with students in the 13-18 age range and be committed to supporting students with high needs and those who have alternative ways of learning.

TUITION

MATHS Tuition Y9-11, Algebra help too. Contact 0210629610

PART-TIME ADMIN ASSISTANT

Smaller lots also. Ask about our comprehensive clearout package. 25 years experience.

9204 or 027 479 8942 Transit Traders Ltd CD262877

We are locally owned, contract manufacturer of bar soap and other products, based in Pakuranaga.

We are looking for someone to help our busy Operations Manager with varied computer work.

• Assisting our busy production department getting orders loaded on our system and working directly on customers portals with logistics entries.

• Involvement in our customer compliance work making sure all our records are updated and supporting the team.

• Shipping documentation.

• Company Accreditations – various but includes such things as GMP, organics certification.

Where and when

• The role is based on site in the office at the factory

• We need you for 4 hours per day.

• Eligible to work permanently in New Zealand

• We are flexible with the start and finish times, for example this maybe to suit school hours.

• But these hours must be somewhere between the hours of 8am and 5pm

Who are you?

You enjoy working as part of a team.

You are very computer literate; have used and can demonstrate the use of Microsoft office programs such as excel and ERP data entry systems.

You are accurate, detailed and can stay focused on the task at hand.

Exposure to manufacturing systems and export freight is a bonus, but we can train you, it’s the computers skills and can do attitude we need first and foremost. Email your CV to us at Inquiry@soapfactory.co.nz DE288534

SOLUTIONS

Macleans College

PRINCIPAL’S PA

TERM TIME ONLY

35 hours of work (8.00am to 3.30pm) during term time with some work during holidays as necessary, commencing 24 January 2024.

We require someone who is highly; computer literate • self-motivated flexible and calm under pressure, with a good sense of humour.

QUICK PUZZLE NO. 8126

Across - 1, Arch. 7, Parrakeet.

8, Blub. 9, Stab 10, Path. 11, Rake.

14, Dissension. 16, Forefinger.

19, Yard. 22, Hart. 24, Dirk. 25, Stun.

26, Novelette. 27, Sham.

Down - 1, Amber. 2, Chuck. 3, Cac-

tus. 4, Treble. 5, Skip. 6, Destroyer.

12, Automaton. 13, Edge. 15, Spry

17, Indeed. 18, Gyrate. 20, Aitch.

21, Denim. 23, Teem.

CRYPTIC PUZZLE NO. 8126

Across - 1, Ga-ga(thers). 7, Don’t worry. 8, F-a-ir. 9, Ball. 10, B-one.

11, Sag-a (rev.). 14, Sp-reads out

16, Grass skirt. 19, Stet. 22, Star.

24, Ends. 25, Grip. 26, Nor-we-gian.

27, Snap.

Down - 1, G-ifts. 2, Going. 3, MO-

hair. 4, Ste-lla. 5, Tom-b. 6, P-Ronounce 12, I-Dora-tion. 13, As-p-s. 15, Sets. 17, Sleigh (slay). 18, Indian. 20, Tur-I-n. 21, Ti-p-up

The school has over 2,500 students and just under 300 staff. The applicant must be an organised efficient secretary to manage senior office operations and be proficient in Word, Kamar and GoogleDocs. Skills in Excel and PowerPoint will be advantageous. The position involves significant staff and public contact so an ability to relate to people is essential, and confidentiality is crucial.

Previous school office experience an advantage. This is a challenging and busy role. Terms and conditions are covered under the Support Staff in Schools’ Collective Agreement 2022-2024 and salary is Grade D paid fortnightly.

For the current job description contact linda. roberts@macleans.school.nz .

Send applications, including a CV and names of three referees who may be contacted, to: applications@macleans.school.nz

Closing Date: 22 September 2023

Start date: As soon as possible – to be discussed. Fixed term contract for 2023.

Salary range: $26.72 to $28.09 per hour

A qualification allowance may be applicable. Email CV to applications@macleans.school.nz

Applications close Monday 11 September DE288468

ADMINISTRATION/SALES

I write this advertisement with much sadness. I am in my thirteenth year with Fluid Fittings Limited, a small locally based office in Pakuranga specialising in the supply of hydraulic fittings, precision chrome steel bars and honed tubes to the hydraulic industry, and am soon to retire.

My position is Administration/Sales. The administration side consists of basic bookkeeping with the processing of a daily bank statement, receivables, and processing and paying the accounts, accounts payable.

There are general office duties, such as receipting in of goods, ordering of supplies for the office and lunchroom. As for the sales side of this position, I work with a small team of four people assisting with answering of the phone when busy and taking orders from our customers.

My role has variety. Attention to detail would be advantageous. This is a full time position, Monday to Friday. Hours 8.30am to 5pm. For further information, please give Heather or our General Manager, Mark, a call on 09 576 8597.

MISSION HEIGHTS SCHOOLS

LIBRARY ASSISTANT

Term Time Only

We seek an enthusiastic person to support our Library Manager for 20 hours per week, with general duties and the day to day running of our Library.

Start date: 9th October 2023 (negotiable). Position description available on request. Please send a covering letter with a current CV and names of two referees to:

Carol Norton: cnorton@mhp.school.nz

Position closes: 17th September 2023

ACCOUNTANT CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS OFFICE

We are a well-established and busy Chartered Accounting practice in East Tamaki looking for a person who is able to join our team. We are seeking someone who has had previous experience in a Chartered Accountant’s office to at least an intermediate level dealing with a variety of clients. This would include a range of skills from Xero setup and support, to client interactions and preparation of financial statements and various taxation returns.

Our ideal candidate will:

• Be tertiary qualified.

• Be AT level or higher.

• Have previous experience in a Chartered Accountants office.

• Have a sound knowledge of financial reporting standards.

• Be up to date with taxation laws & practice standards.

• Be experienced in the preparation of financial statements.

• Be able to prepare PAYE, Income tax and GST returns.

• Have strong written and verbal communication skills and be able to interact with clients on a daily basis.

• Have strong general systems and Xero, MYOBAO, MYOB, BankLink and Excel knowledge.

If you would like to join our friendly team and work close to home, with no parking problems, then this is a great opportunity for you to become part of our team and utilise your abilities working with our wide range of clients. For more information about our firm, please visit our website www.harts.co.nz

If you are interested in the position please send your written application or apply by e-mail to:

Erina Webber – erina@harts.co.nz

Harts Chartered Accountants & Business Advisors PO Box 58442, Botany, Auckland 2163

Come and view our ‘just-up-the-road’ apartments.

One of the many things our residents enjoy about HBH Howick Views’ independent apartments is the central Howick location, just a few minutes’ walk or drive from many local amenities – including shops, clubs, a supermarket and a medical centre.

“I love being so central,” says Ken, who moved in last January.“I’ve got the Howick club around the corner, the bowling club close by, I swim at the Howick Leisure centre and there’s even a corner store just up the road. It’s everything I was looking for in a retirement village.”

If you’d like to live in a convenient, boutique retirement village, please call Robyn to view our apartments. For many Howick locals, they’re just up the road.

Greer 538 0800 or 027 494 0344